All,
More questions from folks at Historicon.
1. Do you need the same turn gages as for GQ?
No. Post Captain (PC) has its own set of Turn Gauges, which are quite different from GQ 3.3 to reflect the specifics of sailing vessels.
2. Do the rules, or free downloads, include battles and ships outside the Napoleonic Wars?
PC is focused on the 1793 -1815 period. It also includes rules and Ship Cards for the War of 1812 as well as the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. The Bonus File also feature downloads for American land units and shore batteries. The system is easily expandable to earlier periods and PC extensions will include the 1775 - 1783 era, often called the American War period. In addition, PC Bonus Files provide the means to build your own Ship Cards for other time periods.
3. How man ships can one player command?
Most gamers can comfortably command two - six ships. Well experienced gamers can handle more. We recommend limiting to two ships per player for the first couple of games until comfortable with the rules.
4. Are small ship actions possible? Are they fun?
Most AoS games are designed around fleet actions, where many of the details must be simplified to be able to handle large numbers of ships. PC is at the other end of the spectrum, designed specifically for single ship duels and squadron actions with a focus on maneuver, sailing and tactical combat. Most gamers find these small actions are the most fun as they provide a wide range of opportunities to exercise their tactical skills. Small fleet actions also make good scenarios, and optional fleet action rules streamline things for sizable fleet engagements. Very large fleet battles, like "Trafalgar" or "Glorious First of June" would be more time-consuming simulations best left to experienced PC gamers. Don't forget PC also covers cutting out expeditions, gunboats and shore raids, providing a whole additional range of interesting challenges ignored or only lightly covered by other rules.
5. What is a reasonable estimate of the maximum number of ships one player should command? Is it similar to GQ or FAI in this regard?
As answered in # 3), above, most gamers can comfortably command two to six ships in a scenario. In this regard, it is similar to GQ andFAI. While the detail systems are quite different - it is a time of very different technologies - the general level and design approach are similar, ensuring PC its place as a member of the GQ family.
6. Most gamers indicated an intent to use either 1/1200 or 1/2400 scale ships. You said the scale didn’t matter – correct?
Hope this helps