Top of the pile is a clump of goodies from Langton Miniatures. I myself am a sort of part-time sailor when it comes to Wargaming. That is until now. It's not that I don't find it interesting. After all I am English! It's just that I'm a naff sailor. No longer. The very helpful Rod Langton sent me a cracking kit of the Victory (we won, you know), cleared for action - the works. Having been used to the older 1/1200th boats on the market, I was a bit taken aback to see just how good this model is. The detail is first class. I particularly like the idea that you can buy hulls and sail sets separately, to customise the look you want.

The topsail and jib set coming with the review sample would only make the total price £ 4.10, which I think is very good value for money; a 74 would work out at about £ 3.20 for a similar rig. There are currently 20 British hulls, along with French, Spanish and Danish. Rod also provides unrated vessels (brigs, schooners, etc.) as well as shore and floating batteries and enough terrain to rebuild Portsmouth. Starting at about £ 35 Langton's also offer a painting and rigging service which is well-worth looking into.

Rod has also sent me a copy of Clear For Action, the computer assisted naval rules, written by the clearly talented Malcolm Smalley. My discovering a rare bug in the system precludes a full review this time around, so watch out for one next issue. Suffice to say that the bug I did come across was very minor, and it did not stop me enjoying a two rigate test game.

This game really is stunning, even on my knackered old 286 PC. It is arms and legs ahead of its rivals, and I cannot recommend it strongly enough. Malcolm has really made full use of the PC's facilities, producing what I think are the most complete, yet easiest naval rules there have ever been. None of the fun has been taken away, just the hardship. If you buy one game this year, and you own a PC, then make it this. With ten nationalities in the database, practically none of you need feel a foreigner.

CLEAR FOR ACTION is available from Langton Miniatures, North Trendeal, Ladock, Truro, Cornwall TR2 4QQ, priced £ 37.50 plus P&P. Or phone Rod on 0726 882805 for more information about his products.

Wargames Foundry

I have also been sent some French Old Guard Chasseurs a Cheval and Bavarian artillery crew from Wargames Foundry's evergrowing range of Napoleonics. Unfortunately the figures are uncoded, so I can't refer to them correctly. Taking the cavalry first, I received eight figures, each with a horse. Four are in full dress, four in campaign dress, and the consistency is such that I do not need to refer to each figure individually. Everything down to the bayonet sheath is accurately modelled, the casting is very clean and painting them is a joy.

I know that Foundry are easily the most expensive historical 25mm figures about, but the standard is certainly high enough to make them a consideration. My personal favourite is modelled on the famous portrait of Prince Eugene dressed as a colonel of the Chasseurs, turned at the waist on a rearing house. This figure looks just like a 3-d version of the painting. Expect to see him on a lot of battlefields. All the figures have what I would describe as 'middle animation'; that is, they are not as wooden as old Minifigs, nor are they as gaily abandoned as say Connoisseur.

I know both have their admirers, but I think the middle ground is best. The Bavarian artillery are a casual lot, sloppily dressed and apparently more concerned about what sort of racket their gun is going to make, than with what the enemy are doing.

In other words, they are beautifully animated in campaign dress. My favourite is the fellow with the rammer, with one had over an ear, and apparently edging as far away as possible! Very nice. Detail is again very good, with the seams at the rear of the jackets being particularly nicely defined. Again, very easy to paint. I always like figures that non-Special Forces artists can attempt. Contact Wargames Foundry, Mount Street, New Basford, Nottingham, NG7 7HX (phone 0602 792002)

Prize for the bravest reply goes to Warrior Miniatures' John Holt, who openly admits that his figures are at the Reliant Robin end of the market! Retailing at 25p for foot and 60p for mounted, it's a bit like being in a time warp. They aren't really compatible with anything I've seen, but they do fit into the niche between plastics and metal figures.

If you want metal figures but can't afford prices like Foundry and others charge, then you could do a lot worse than give Warrior a look. The range is certainly pretty comprehensive. The figures are a bit on the thin side, although surprisingly boldly animated - the advancing figures look more like they are thrusting with the bayonet! The horses I received are a bit wooden, but again are far cheaper than one would normally pay. The 15mm figures are best described as being very similar in style to Jacobite. For those younger readers who may not be able to picture this - get out more!

£ l.50 sent to Warrior Miniatures, 14 Tiverton Avenue, Glasgow, G32 9NX Scotland, will get you the full catalogue and price list.

Discounts

Yes, calm yourselves. Proof of Napoleonic Association membership will get you a 10% discount with Langton Miniatures and PMC (Painted Miniatures Company) of 61 Harecroft Road, Wisbech, Cambs. PE13 IRL. These firms deserve your support.

Waterloo Challenge

Finally this issue, Philip Fear has written to me about the charity competition he has devised based on the Battle of Waterloo. Philip has created a board-game based on a draught board, using numbered counters. Phil hopes to have the co-operation of the Waterloo Museum in this venture, and anybody interested in further information should contact him at 63 St Helens Way, Coventry CV5 9DX (tel:01203 403468)