Torpedoes and Tides - Making a Beginning

I wouldn't have found out about these rules if it hadn't been for Cardboard Standees by Thomas Branstetter that pricked my interest.

A Cardboard Standee represent a MGB BPB Type 70'

1/1250th scale

After minimal research (I was sold really on the basis that they used the Galleys and Galleons mechanics) I purchased, downloaded and printed, made up some markers and other play aids and with a few Standees I was ready to play.  

It seems to be an exceedingly rich ruleset, but for a first game went with the first historical scenario, the aptly named: Making a Beginning.  I took command of two German S-Boots returning after a minelaying operation off the coast of Norwich 17 April 1941.  Mark B intercepted using three British boats from the 6th MGB flotilla.

The British boats, represented by blinds, have spotted one of the German boats.

The boats quickly close distance becoming visible to all.

It immediately became a confusing night action,

with lots of collisions, in part because I had misunderstood the minimum move requirements

(I was using S length instead of base length)

I made up these aids to keep track of damage (red dice) rather than clutter the table.

The Germans have sunk one British boat, but have taken plenty of damage.

The turning circles are not that tight (especially until we resolved the minimum move distance).

The damaged German ships have had repeated rolls on the All At Sea table

and one has decided to flee.

The second German boat has also lost its nerve and is fleeing now as well.

(I mistakenly had any fail on a damage dice result in an All At Sea roll)

Game over.

We didn't pay attention to the VPs, but the Germans got 3 for the wrecked British boat while their two fleeing vessels gave the British one VP each. At least one of the German ships was probably battered (3 damage dice) and that would be an extra VP so a draw or marginal win for the British.

Most importantly I am keen to play again, perhaps going to 1/600th scale (or maybe 1/700th if you are reading this James or the scale Simon has with his ships).  The Cardboard Standees are remarkably effective, but it would be nice to have some proper models.

I am still working on my Dreadnought rules and hope these rules will spur me on.