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#1 Doug Pappert

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Posted 13 August 2018 - 05:35 PM

Hello,

I picked up HBL a while back and we have played a couple of times.  I have played American battlelines for many years and have enjoyed it.  I like the new formations, which is something I asked about some years ago.  I see that the rules are very much like ABL.  Is there a plan to put out period supplements?  I also see that the weapon data is very much like the weapon tables from ABL, except for the extreme range for the small arms.  Was there a reason for this?  The artillery data seems to be just like the ABL info.  Will you be keeping the data the same, or are you going to tweek this in any way?  During our last ACW game, there was quite a heated discussion about the FF of the 12lb Napoleon.  Since there isn't the gun data in the HBL book, I used the stats from ABL.  Will the FF for it stay the same, or will it be different? Could you please explain the game design reasons that the guns have the FF that they have?  Our game group really likes this rules set and we plan on using it in the future.  For the time being, should we use the weapon stats from ABL till any changes come out?

Thanks,

Doug 



#2 Bob Benge

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Posted 18 August 2018 - 01:27 PM

Hi Doug,
Really glad you enjoyed the ABL and HBL! Wow so many great questions! Well let me get started then…
HBL’s heart is ABL. We took all of the information garnered from feedback gathered at convention games, local games, staff games and online discussion forums and made changes, additions and removals that are now in HBL. Some of these removals may show up again in specific time period data books as they are released.
 
There is definitely going to be period data books. We are going to cover all of the time periods that were in ABL, AWI, War of 1812, Texas War of Independence and, Mexican American War. We are also going to cover the Napoleonic War and a few others as we get time and requests. The new Data Books, when released will contain much more info on the time period covered to include a more inclusive list of infantry and cavalry regiments, artillery regiments and/or batteries, additional/optional rules for the time periods (this is where time period skirmishing rules will be specified) and any other time period specific info. Note that each data book may take a little bit of time to get out as the detail involved is rather extensive. This is because ODGW wants to provide players with the most comprehensive data and information coverage of each time period to allow them to game any battle or campaign within that time period. Currently ODGW is working on the ACW Data Book and the status of it is it is … coming along. The weapons, artillery and naval stats are done for both combatants. The Union chapter has been formatted with all of the game stats inserted. Currently work on the Union Army list is in progress which is where the bulk of the time, for both sides, will most likely take getting this book done. The Leaders table will be after that. Bonuses may include significant battle list and a notable Brigade list for each side (think Iron Brigade, The Louisiana Tigers, The Wolverine Brigade, Texas Brigade, etc.) depending upon time and info available.
 
Weapon data, artillery data and army data in the HBL rule book is the same as ABL. We purposely reused this data to expedite getting the book out with the idea that it wouldn’t change. However, when the ACW data book was started it was found that the formulas used in ABL were missing. So the formulas were reverse-engineered and the data was updated.
 
The Extreme Range was removed for two reasons; 1. It was rarely used when the player found out that the actual probability of hitting anything was nil or next to nil, 2. Playability as the rare times it was used it tended to slow the game down a lot as the player(s) were using entire regiment to snipe instead of engaging the enemy.
 
As I mentioned earlier, the artillery data will be changing a little in all of the data books with the revamping of the formula. Here is a teaser example of the change comparing the present 10/15mm 12-pdr Napy to the 10mm ABL version: Attached File  Napy Gun Compare.JPG   17.49KB   1 downloads
       

The new formula for artillery uses gun charge, shell weight and shell type and range and game playability tables to calculate the stats. The stats for all of the guns are relative to each other and should provide good comparability and differentiation between guns. As to how the old FF was calculated, I know that the data I mentioned was used in the older formula, whatever that was, as I used it for the basis of the new formula. Other than that, I cannot honestly say. Suffice it to say, I do like the looks of the data I have generated with the new formula.
 
Finally, yes, do use the ABL stats, army tables etc. from ABL. They will do well until the data books are released.
 
Hope this answers all of your questions and raises your anticipation a little for the coming ACW Data Book. :)


~ Bob Benge ~
ODGW Designer
Product Manager - Mein Panzer

#3 Doug Pappert

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Posted 03 September 2020 - 09:11 PM

Any news on the ACW data book?



#4 Bob Benge

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Posted 04 September 2020 - 02:16 PM

The ACW Databook is a beast to say the least! :)

 

I have been working on it religiously since early April and am closing in on the last piece of the Union chapter; the Leader table which currently has 1500+ leaders. The Army table has virtually every regiment I could find plus some battalion and company level units that I couldn't leave out which totals out to over 2600 units. Included with this is a little Historical Data that will be a free downloadable addition on the units and leaders. I still have the Confederate chapter (which may take a bit) and Optional Rules chapters (which won't take too long). I can't say how long it will take since I am back to working full time and have been working on it in the evening only now. But please be heartened that I am working on it diligently and when I am done I hope you will like the detail I am trying to put into it. I am giving it the same full treatment as I have with the Mein Panzer Databooks.  B)


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~ Bob Benge ~
ODGW Designer
Product Manager - Mein Panzer

#5 Doug Pappert

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Posted 11 April 2021 - 09:33 PM

Hi Bob,

Any news on the ACW Databook?

Thanks,

Doug






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