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@knp7765:

However, I must disagree with you on the French WW2 set. I am really wanting to see real French units. I am sick of the blue Soviet units for France.

My philosophy on the French pieces is that they are mostly boring and next to useless. I’d rather see the exciting and useful ones first. They have ugly and outdated technology (and god-awful uniforms) and they play a half important role for less than 1 turn in the game. After that they are not seen ever again.

But… putting out the French in the middle does keep me interested until the others come out. I do realize the French need their own set (badly), they are just not high on my list.

Respect your opinion LHoffman but you need to see the other side of the coin, a lot of the ppl that buy the sets, dont use them only on A&a games(rarely play A&A myself), but in Memoir44, Struggle for Europe and Asia and other miniature games out there. Plus France is the only nation that doesnt have its own units and they are long overdue. On the WW1 set Im not very interested myself, but if it expands the customer base, and helps move sets faster in the future then its fine with me.

@georgemak1:

Respect your opinion LHoffman but you need to see the other side of the coin, a lot of the ppl that buy the sets, dont use them only on A&a games(rarely play A&A myself), but in Memoir44, Struggle for Europe and Asia and other miniature games out there.

I do see the other side of the coin and I tried to make statements to that effect. Those are my feelings and would never expect them to be universal sentiment. As for lots of people using them for things other than A&A… I can assure you that in all the discussion on HBG pieces, I have not seen anyone talk about using them primarily in other games. Of course they can be, but the vast majority are using them as A&A pieces.

@georgemak1:

Plus France is the only nation that doesnt have its own units and they are long overdue. On the WW1 set Im not very interested myself, but if it expands the customer base, and helps move sets faster in the future then its fine with me.

Said that too. But, hey, if it makes HBG money and continues their fine products, then I am in full support. I do intend to buy them, but it probably will not be for some time.

Off topic but LH you might like Memoir’44. It plays like and is designed by Richard Borg the designer of Battle Cry.

I must also tip my hat to you also. I’ve suggested it myself as a reason for custom pieces, but I believe you’ve mentioned it as a primary reason, is the simple esthetics of custom pieces.

Recently I’ve played a few games of Revised and Classic teaching my Dad to play. For me it was so cool using HBG units to play Classic that it really revived the game and made me realize just how fun it is when you have just the basic units but with a visual flavor that can’t be beat.

Hey LHoffman,
You should try out my variant of Global 40 where the French join Germany and Italy as a new Axis partner. For one thing, they don’t get taken out round 1 so you actually get to buy stuff with France. Imagine Dunkurque Battleships and Bearn Carriers roaming the Atlantic and Med. Char B1 tanks lumbering across the battlefield. D.520 fighter streaking through the air.

Toblerone77,
I think Japan has enough HBG pieces now that you can almost totally replace OOB, if you use some of the special pieces as just regular units (I-400 Subs as regular submarines, G-10 Rita bomber as a regular bomber, etc.) I don’t think we have an HBG Transport ship yet.
No set has a regular infantry piece yet either. The “light” infantry piece in the first Axis Minors set I think comes the closest to being a regular infantry unit. All the others I think are specialized units – Paratroopers, Marines, Anti-Tank, Flamethrower, Heavy MG, etc.
Wait, there is the infantry unit in the Russia Early War set. I think they are considered regular infantry. Plus maybe the Dutch Soldiers in the neutral sets. I am hoping for more regular infantry units in the future. It’s my ultimate goal to replace all OOB units with HBG.

@toblerone77:

Off topic but LH you might like Memoir’44. It plays like and is designed by Richard Borg the designer of Battle Cry.

I must also tip my hat to you also. I’ve suggested it myself as a reason for custom pieces, but I believe you’ve mentioned it as a primary reason, is the simple esthetics of custom pieces.

I have never played Memoir '44, though I have looked it over in stores. I would not be opposed to playing it, its just that I do not have the desire to go out and buy it as yet. Is my impression correct that it is more tactical than globally strategic? As in A&A D-Day (or smaller) versus A&A G40?

As for the aesthetics of the pieces, I totally agree! That is the main reason I buy them. I have always wanted to have a very technically accurate miniature force to push around the board. For someone who studies WWII vehicle and personnel reference books for fun, OOB pieces are quite droll and pathetically detailed. My intent is to paint all of the pieces I am buying from HBG, something I really love doing, even though it has been some time since I did any painting.

@knp7765:

Hey LHoffman,
You should try out my variant of Global 40 where the French join Germany and Italy as a new Axis partner. For one thing, they don’t get taken out round 1 so you actually get to buy stuff with France. Imagine Dunkurque Battleships and Bearn Carriers roaming the Atlantic and Med. Char B1 tanks lumbering across the battlefield. D.520 fighter streaking through the air.

One reason I like YGs Delta and/or Halifax rules is the changes they bring to G40. I have not actually played either yet, but I am hoping they diversify gameplay from the ruts we sometimes find ourselves in when playing OOB G40/2nd Ed. It may eventually be that people will find the best paths to victory and again get into ruts and paths of doing things, but I think this may be inevitable.

As for your version… it sounds compelling. As much as I really don’t care much for French pieces, I would love to see them used more… especially the ships, I love ships. I would like to see some variant wherein Germany can commandeer French units (esp. ships) or convert them to German units.

One question I have is how your version plays in terms of balance? Theoretically, it might not sway balance issues too much since France is just spending the IPCs that Germany would have or would spend when they conquer France. There could be Axis advantages in having an extra Power in the turn cycle… However, this also weakens Germany in that they have far fewer IPCs to spend against the USSR… plus they forfeit any bonuses they might get from French territories.

It is a very interesting concept. And it does give an excuse to use the French pieces for a change.

Lucas,

––Hello again my friend. I’m not “piling on” or criticising in any way but another big use for some French units, both Free Free and Vichy French (two different colors of Blue) is the IMHO latest and Greatest variant of A&A,…HBG’s Global Warfare-1939. Also, their latest version Global Warfare 1936-39 including a new improved map is due out this Fall (soon). If you ever consider another version of A&A game,…. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GW-39, especially the newest version soon to be released. You might want to “check it out”,….it would be worth you time.

Tall Paul

@knp7765:

Hey LHoffman,
You should try out my variant of Global 40 where the French join Germany and Italy as a new Axis partner. For one thing, they don’t get taken out round 1 so you actually get to buy stuff with France. Imagine Dunkurque Battleships and Bearn Carriers roaming the Atlantic and Med. Char B1 tanks lumbering across the battlefield. D.520 fighter streaking through the air.

Toblerone77,
I think Japan has enough HBG pieces now that you can almost totally replace OOB, if you use some of the special pieces as just regular units (I-400 Subs as regular submarines, G-10 Rita bomber as a regular bomber, etc.) I don’t think we have an HBG Transport ship yet.
No set has a regular infantry piece yet either. The “light” infantry piece in the first Axis Minors set I think comes the closest to being a regular infantry unit. All the others I think are specialized units – Paratroopers, Marines, Anti-Tank, Flamethrower, Heavy MG, etc.
Wait, there is the infantry unit in the Russia Early War set. I think they are considered regular infantry. Plus maybe the Dutch Soldiers in the neutral sets. I am hoping for more regular infantry units in the future. It’s my ultimate goal to replace all OOB units with HBG.

I think you’re right Knp about the Japanese units. Those early war Russians would be great for conscripts IMO. I still like my OOB units but hands down HBG is better for the most part (I don’t particularly like the HBG FW-190).

@toblerone77:

I think you’re right Knp about the Japanese units. Those early war Russians would be great for conscripts IMO. I still like my OOB units but hands down HBG is better for the most part (I don’t particularly like the HBG FW-190).

Yes, I was not crazy about the FW 190. In fact, my one complaint with HBG units is that the fighter planes are too small. They should be a little bigger, closer in size to the OOB planes. However, since we already have several different fighters at this size I guess we should “stay the course”.
OOB Infantry sculpts are really good. They are even equivalent to HBG units. I imagine I will always keep them around. The only ones I didn’t like were the Australians from Pacific 1940 2nd edition. You know, those big giant guys that were a good head taller than all the other OOB infantry.

Lol yeah the guy or gal that designed that ANZAC must either be an Aussie or a Kiwi. As much as I don’t care for the FW-190 in weight or size it works great on the escort CV. Same thing with the old OOB
JU-87.

Personally I like the mix of the new big Aussie and the grey Brits from first edition it gives that “Commonwealth” variety. I use 1914 Brits, celery green UK from revised and HBG for Canada. Although I haven’t played them with any special new rules or mods as such.

@Tall:

Lucas,

––Hello again my friend. I’m not “piling on” or criticising in any way but another big use for some French units, both Free Free and Vichy French (two different colors of Blue) is the IMHO latest and Greatest variant of A&A,…HBG’s Global Warfare-1939. Also, their latest version Global Warfare 1936-39 including a new improved map is due out this Fall (soon). If you ever consider another version of A&A game,…. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GW-39, especially the newest version soon to be released. You might want to “check it out”,….it would be worth you time.

Tall Paul

Hi Paul, good to hear from you sir.

It isn’t criticism, just a difference in opinion. I certainly see the obvious  and varied uses for French pieces, my point is only that I find them to be the least interesting of all Power sets thus far (and perhaps out of all of them).

As for Global War 39… I have always been intrigued by it, though I have not had the opportunity to play it. It seems a good deal more complicated than standard G40… but that is not necessarily bad. Just that it would take some getting used to. At some point I do want to look closer and see if it fits what I would like to pursue. I have this dream in mind (which some here have already realized) of a room devoted to playing games, specifically A&A. This would include all the proper decorations, painted pieces and an enlarged, custom board. The board part may involve GW 39.

UK Pre-Orders HAVE started shipping today!
All Pre-orders have 2 SP Artillery (Sexton) included in each Pack.
We will ship all pre-orders before taking new orders. Put your name on the waiting list and starting October 1st, we will be stocked for new orders.
Thank you for the wait.

Hi and thanks for the news.
Could you tell me when Germany will start shipping preorders please?
As an adopted Englishman, loving the exciting new sculpts, I am as anxious to receive them as my Colonial cousins.

Guys,

––I hereby nominate General Doug, Commanding General of the Big Green H Division for another Distinguished Service Medal for bringing the United Kingdom Set to a succesful conclusion.

“Hip, Hip, Hoorah”

Tall Paul

@wittmann:

Hi and thanks for the news.
Could you tell me when Germany will start shipping preorders please?
As an adopted Englishman, loving the exciting new sculpts, I am as anxious to receive them as my Colonial cousins.

We are getting out the UK pre-Orders First, then finalizing the US pre-orders to get them in….then we will do the German piece.
I believe we will add the “Komet” to the set (Raider)

Coach, how long will the preorder last for the US set?

Through the end of October to get the 2 FREE Hellcats per pack. After that just the free Extras. then no Extras.
We have not announced it yet but will soon.

I believe we will add the “Komet” to the set (Raider)
–--------------------------------------------------------------
The Komet…oh yeah!!!
Cool, I add an house rule for german raider now I might get the piece!!

@coachofmany:

Through the end of October to get the 2 FREE Hellcats per pack. After that just the free Extras. then no Extras.
We have not announced it yet but will soon.

Thanks Coach, I went ahead an ordered so I could get the extra hellcats. :-)

The Komet. So that is one of those merchant ship/raiders? Like the Penguin?

I didn’t know about getting 2 Hellcats per US Expansion set. Does this include those of us that already placed a pre-order a little while back?