Measuring tape/sticks

[fsn]

I find inches a more gentlemanly measure for wargaming. Tends to force one into large distance units. In my rules, the minimum measure is 1". Never use 1/2 inches. 

[Leman]

As the bishop said to the actress.

[DanJ]

Also, 3" .... who uses inches these days?

I'm on a one man crusade to remove the inch from wargaming, our figures are metric, our base sizes are metric so why use the imperial scale for movement?

[d_Guy]

I'm on a one man crusade to remove the inch from wargaming, our figures are metric, our base sizes are metric so why use the imperial scale for movement?

Because some of us live in the States?    Although personally I can go both ways (in measuring units )

[Leman]

I grew up with inches; they work for me and thank god that Chris Pringle went with inches. One man crusade? You're on your own. While I'm at it - FoG, mms, lousy rules; BBB, inches, superb rules.

[Chris Pringle]

I grew up with inches; they work for me and thank god that Chris Pringle went with inches. One man crusade? You're on your own. While I'm at it - FoG, mms, lousy rules; BBB, inches, superb rules.

<blush>

I'm on a one man crusade to remove the inch from wargaming, our figures are metric, our base sizes are metric so why use the imperial scale for movement?

Why inches? By God, Sir, if we can't use Imperial measures for the Imperial Age then when can we use them? I'll remind you that Germany only went metric in 1872, Austria in 1876, and Russia in 1924. Be thankful I used good solid British inches, not Zolle or vershoks.

But more seriously: Unless you're into micron-tolerance tournament games where fiddling those extra millimetres is crucial, centimetres really are just too small, especially for those of the wargaming generation whose eyes aren't what they used to be. The foot is a useful distance for which no convenient metric equivalent exists. In BBB, everything is in 3" increments. Yes, I could have said 75mm or 7.5cm. Actually I sort of did, since I give the 1"=25mm conversion on p2 of BBB for those who prefer metric. But thinking in terms of 3", 6", 9", 12" is quick and easy, whereas 75mm, 150mm, 225mm, 300mm is just a bit clumsier.

Anyway, the 30cm measuring sticks that I use, painted in 75mm sections, make that Imperial vs metric discussion redundant. And unlike tape measures, my clumsy mate can't accidentally hit the release button and fling soldiers off the table when the tape reels itself in.

Hooray for bespoke measuring sticks, say I.

Chris

Bloody Big BATTLES!
https://uk.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/BBB_wargames/info
http://bloodybigbattles.blogspot.co.uk/

[Ithoriel]

I grew up with inches; they work for me and thank god that Chris Pringle went with inches. One man crusade? You're on your own. While I'm at it - FoG, mms, lousy rules; BBB, inches, superb rules.

Can't imagine BBB would be any different for using a sensible unit of measurement ... nor for that matter that FoG would be any better for being in inches.

I grew up with inches too and am glad to be done with them.

Measuring in Base Widths gets round the problem in some ways but introduces other problems instead, for me.

[Duckman]

I don't mind inches or cm, but have a real aversion to "base widths".   I can see it adds regularity but its just another mental calculation you have to do which I feel is needless.

Years ago I made a set of "measuring sticks and firing sticks " for my regular rules. They had all the various moves on for each troop type, but each stick the measurements varied  slightly to all the other sticks   The idea being to pick a measurement stick for that move and used it for the entire move, so you could not know exactly how far your infantry would move  or fire that go, So none of thie " I will move my troops to 7 inches away as my missile range is 8 and yours is 7.

[petercooman]

I game in inches and in cm's. I don't care wich one it is, as long as it's full numbers. no 23 mm or 7/8 of an inch.

[Nosher]

Ah well, since we haven't actually severed ties with the continent, and hopefully never will, I'll stick with proper measurements.

Leman beat me to it..... inches then?

[Westmarcher]

Generally, I use both a tape measure and small rulers (these 1 metre long tape measures sound good, Nobby). I prefer inches to cm (but will use cm e,g., Honours of War). Easier to see! 

My 'collection' is now only in 10mm and 15mm and when using rules written in inches for 28mm figures, I'm never happy with substituting centimetres for inches as often suggested in these rules.  Plus my existing base sizes tend to differ from those recommended by most rules. I've therefore been known to make my own measuring sticks with my own unit of measurements (e.g., 1 unit of measurement = 3/4 inch or 1.5 cm) out of wooden dowelling, strips of wood (available in DIY stores) or mounting board (obtainable in art stores) - the latter two are also useful as you can write in ranges and movement rates. However, I now tend to make up (or crib from others) Quick Reference Sheets written in 3/4, 2/3 or 1/2 scale measurements (e.g., Black Powder, Honours of War, etc.)

Base widths are great - my bases are 1 inch wide!   

[Leman]

I also like the 1" square base for 10mm, although I have been known to settle for 25mm square.

[Norm]

Sword and Shield uses HALF base width as a measurement - not an intuitive measurement.

Of course I could mention the hex, which is neither inch or centimetre. I rather like that my guns can fire out to 6 hexes (etc).

[d_Guy]

Continuing to flog the dead horse. If base widths are standard in a rules set and used as the basis for distance measurement, then sticks are wonderful. I make them with the divisions in alternating colours. Very easy to read at a distance. Like Leman, probably Westie, and certainly others, virtually all my 10mm are on 1" squares. I now use sabots for most games so units can be assembled in a multitude of ways.

Chris, thanks for the apologia of sticks - well done!

Have I said I like sticks?

[Leman]

Sword and Shield uses HALF base width as a measurement - not an intuitive measurement.

Of course I could mention the hex, which is neither inch or centimetre. I rather like that my guns can fire out to 6 hexes (etc).

A hex on that - although it does work rather well for ships.