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Anyone interested in a way to get into WW2 Naval gaming may want to check out Topside Mini's kickstarter for participants in the various Atlantic naval battles.   They have funded and hit their first stretch goal.  The structure of the KS is interesting (to me), you pledge an amount, and you'll decide what to get with that amount, instead of fixed pledge reward packages.   They are offering fleets (by nation), battle sets for some of the more famous battles, or you can order individual ships to fill out your pledge (or a combination of all those choices).

I have their WW1 Coronel/Falklands set from the Fatal Choices KS which recently  ended and like them a lot.   Basically you get sheets of adhesive backed printed ships which you cut out and put on provided wood bases.   The art on the ships is pretty darned good (in my opinion) and storing them is a LOT easier than storing minis.  I know these won't be for everyone, but if naval gaming is a side project (and for me it is) I think this is cool way to field good looking fleets that are nicely priced and easy to store.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1286217471/topside-minis-naval-war-gaming-miniatures-atlantic

The ships look like this (but without the watermark).



Their non-KS website is:  http://topsideminis.com/

They'll send you a free sample ship if you ask, and currently offer Pacific theater as well as the WW1 stuff I have.  

Jake

That's a pretty interesting concept, but I don't really think it's for me.

I can't check the website at the moment, but do they have rules? If so, what are they like?

On their website he gives links to some of the popular rule sets:

Naval Thunder
Victory At Sea
Seekrieg 5
General Quarters III
Battle Stations!

KS rewards are supposed to include

"TSM Basic Rules

Our basic rules set will allow you get playing quickly. No special surface or map is needed, just a wide open table top. Suitable for beginners and younger players.

Scenario Historical Synopsis

This document will provide an history of each of the Atlantic scenarios. Learn the tactics and goals of each side as well as the results. Right now this document will be in the form of a pdf file. However, if this campaign goes well enough we will put it booklet form for you."

But I am not sure what the rule set is based on or how it plays. I've asked John for info on it and will post any info he gives me.

While I already own lots of 3D metal ship models, this is actually an interesting idea that would help more people get into naval wargaming quickly and easily.

Indeed! I'm most excited about their WWI ships; I have a pretty good W@S WWII collection, but not much for WWI.

 Ruckdog wrote:
Indeed! I'm most excited about their WWI ships; I have a pretty good W@S WWII collection, but not much for WWI.

The WW1 ships from the Falkland/Coronel set sold me on this project. What is cool is you can use your pledge to get those ships (you don't need to get the new Atlantic WW2 items).

It reminds me of Avalon Hill's old 'Jutland' game, which was essentially a miniatures game using counters instead of figures - i.e. a lot like this.

It's worth noting that even if you're exclusively interested in the Pacific, and have no real interest in the Atlantic, you can probably still use some of the ships in this set. For instance, the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse should be included in this, as well as other European ships that saw (unfortunately brief) action in the Pacific.

Eumerin wrote:
It reminds me of Avalon Hill's old 'Jutland' game, which was essentially a miniatures game using counters instead of figures - i.e. a lot like this.

It's worth noting that even if you're exclusively interested in the Pacific, and have no real interest in the Atlantic, you can probably still use some of the ships in this set. For instance, the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse should be included in this, as well as other European ships that saw (unfortunately brief) action in the Pacific.

I think these counters are a LOT nicer than those from Jutland (or other games I have seen).

And to piggy back on the quoted comment, you can use your pledge to get ships from the Pacific, there is no need to limit yourself to choosing the new Atlantic set.

Jake

Eumerin wrote:
It reminds me of Avalon Hill's old 'Jutland' game, which was essentially a miniatures game using counters instead of figures - i.e. a lot like this.

Talking with the guys that run the company, a WWI Jutland set is next on their list after the Atlantic WWII sets are done!

If it promotes more Naval Wargaming then I am all for it!