Overnight, Marc Pavone (who is one of my regular blog readers and commentators) sent me three diagrams of potential Fast Play 3 x 3 Portable Wargame (FP3X3PW) terrain boards which he has no objection to me sharing online.
The first two are similar to designs developed by others and are based around a 3 x 3 square grid with a Reserve Area at each end and a Flank March area on each side.
The third uses hexes, and due to the difference in the way that hexes tessellate with one another, the central row of hexes has four rather than three hexes.
In his accompanying email, he states that, 'I'm thinking those two hexes in the center will give players a little more room to maneuver and make controlling the center a little more tense'. I certainly agree that it adds a dimension that I had not thought about when I tried – somewhat unsuccessfully – to produce a 3 x 3 hexed version of the terrain board.
I'd be interested in any comments that other FP3X3PW users would like to make, especially about the hexed version of the terrain baord. As someone who has invested quite a lot of money in Hexon II hexes, being able to use them for FP3X3PW battles would be great!
Please note that the diagrams featured above are © Marc Pavone.
Bob,
ReplyDeleteMy immediate reaction on seeing the hexed version for FP3x3PW was rather like yours - I can use my Hexon II (but what about all those square drinks mats I bought from the charity shop?).
If I use my half-hex as the unit of measurement for ranges and movement (as I have done with PW, by simply converting ranges and movement by multiplying by 2 in most cases), my troops can still deploy in straight battle lines, rather than having the flanks advanced and the centre refused to follow the alignment of the hexes. I have sent you my coloured version of Mark Pavone's hex grid: Red and Blue shading are the opposing sides' Reserve Areas; Green are Flanking zones. Perhaps you can publish it here for others to see?
Best wishes, Arthur
Arthur1815 (Arthur),
DeleteBeing able to use my Hexon II would be a game changer for me. I have so much that it is almost embarrassing!
I like the idea of using half-hexes as a unit of measurement, especially if I am using my smaller (i.e., 15mm or smaller) figures, and I will want to play around with this when the opportunity arises.
I’ll probably publish your take on the hex version of the 3 x 3 grid as part of tomorrow’s blog post.
All the best,
Bob
The hex grid (same layout as in you post) has been working nicely for me. Mine is a simple 3" hex affair; I've skipped depicting the reserve & flank zones (it an aesthetic thing for me). Long term, I think I'll set the grid in a frame (or shallow box) with reserve & flank zones as a background with slightly different shades for each; the main battle zone will something like an island in this case.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I think I've just designed a new twist on Ross Mac's battlefield in a box concept; enough for now; time to mock up a prototype 3x3 BattleBox...
Mike Taber,
DeleteMy attempt at a hexed 3 x 3 grid had Reserve Areas but no Flank March areas, and was nowhere as neat as Marc Pavone’s design.
I’m looking to build a frame to hold my hexes in place so that I don’t have to use the clips that come with Hexon II. A shallow box might be a good alternative … and will be my nod towards Ross Mac’s ‘Battle in a Box’.
All the same,
Bob
Bob,
ReplyDeleteI have been looking at the hex grid for FP3x3PW to see how best to construct it from Hexon II pieces. To recreate the original grid requires two of the six-hex pieces and twelve single hexes. If one 'loses' the top row of hexes, one can make a slightly smaller area of two six-hex pieces, seven single hexes and four half-hexes to create Reserve Areas which just have a central half-hex to the rear, which could be the site of a camp or baggage train for cavalry to plunder in the ECW, or a chateau headquarters for WWI. If I have time after working on my ECW rules, I may send you some more diagrams later today.
Best wishes,
Arthur
Arthur1815 (Arthur),
DeleteI intend to use your very interesting diagrams in tomorrow’s blog post.
All the best,
Bob