Size of pieces-newbie

I saw your post sitting so long I registered to give you a few pointers on maps. Most if not all the WotC map packs are themed in some way. Originally they were 2" hexes but were changed some time ago. The map packs you mentioned are themed as follows: North Africa - 3 Desert maps and on reverse side 3 jungle maps. Eastern Front - 3 town/factory maps and on the reverse side 3 Russian steppes maps. There are two starters, the one in the cardboard box is the old one and contains 12mm mini’s and 2" hex maps. the new starter is in a blister pack and has 15mm mini’s and 3" hex maps. The maps in the new starter are mixed forest/hills/clear. The rules and revised cards are downloadable through the WotC site.

Half-Track

Its funny you mentioned kids knocking over the board.  I came up with this solution yesterday:

http://www.custom-magnets.com/39Inch_Magnetic_Rolls.htm
http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/StaplesProductDisplay?&storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&partNumber=490429&cm_mmc=GoogleBase--Shopping--Office_Supplies_%253E_Resume_and_Specialty_Paper_-_-490429-70972&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=490429
http://housewares.hardwarestore.com/37-188-contact-papers/clear-contact-paper-105240.aspx
http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/product/productdetail.aspx?product=22122&es=10190200000

Basicly…I will have a magnetic wall…big magnetic campaign map, and magnetic pieces (im going old school cardboard squares only instead of cardboard I will use magnets)

The sticker paper is to print the graphic representation (map or units).  Then cut and stick on magnet piece.  Then seal with clear contact paper which will give it wipe on wipe off capabilities.

Edit:
After reading more on the units and what not I have to agree with you.  This simply wont work.  At first I thought just using the Mini unit cost = the number of IPCs to purchase but this would mean it would take several turns just to buy a tank.  Not to mention balance issues on the campaign map.

I think what I am going to do is talk my old man into pulling his dusty advanced squad leader boxes out of storage.
I am also looking into World in Flames to satisfy my delusions of grand conquest.
Gonna keep A&A around for casual family games though.

1940 France vs Germany is a very good match.

You’ll need plenty of Char B1-bis (3-4) and 88mm Flak 36 (2-3) becuase it’s the most powerfull unit from that time to stop it.  The German tanks are useless agianst the Char armor 5/5.  Plus the double shot really hurts.  Elite Pnzr IV works but the lighter armor gets it killed quickly.  Mechanized infantry is the only way for the Germans to win in my opinion.

The Germans had total control of the air at that time but the German planes have crap anti-tank attack and no special ability to help with the exception of the Junkers but it’s from 1943.

If the Germans are having a problem to win, try adding a plane or two (free of charge) to the German army to even the game.  The planes can keep the French infrantry pinned down… historically acurate.

Ebay is the best place to get minis cheap one at a time.

Well, as long as you know the rules it really only matters that your opponent agrees with you.  I take liberties with the rules all the time.  I used to deploy in the first two with the old maps, because I like the “movement to fire” part of the game.

If it’s “anything goes” then there’s far too many options. If you want to make balanced armies than try to have it so each army has an answer to the other; ie if one side has an aircraft, the other has AA (either an AA Gun or aircraft). Don’t have a King Tiger on one side and no AT on the other, etc etc.

Thanks fellas! Being new to the game allmost all information is usefull!

@KansasBoyd:

Do you play three wide by two deep

or

three deep by two wide?

We usually play the 3 wide x 2 deep… but we don’t usually have a large enough table for more than that.  I prefer the 3 wide because it spreads out the armies and allows more room for flanking.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to play a game yet. Send me an email at pdel21can@yahoo.com and perhaps we can negotiate a trade and maybe even a game.

Cheers