The 1898 line look very nice and very tempting. I have just started out on a small ECW project, probably Perry brothers miniatures but the TYW is pulling hard on me! I haven't really got as far as rules yet so off no help to you whatsoever!
An interesting read and looking forward to seeing your work on this. Steve Barber minis are very nice indeed, have looked at them a number of times but with all my other projects on the go I have put the idea to one side.