Darkest Africa, Pirates, what could be next? The Foundry seems to lead the way into new historical gaming periods, while other manufacturers piggyback on their efforts by introducing similar lines. Dixon has done this with their renditions of Pirates and the Dahomey Expedition figures. I suspect that Vikings will be the NBT in late 2000 or 2001. Rumor has it that the Foundry is going to redesign their existing Viking range. So I expect to see a big marketing push for dragoon ships and Norsemen. Jacobites are also in the works for some future date and wouldn't it be neat to see a marketing push for the Jacobite Rebellions done in the manner of the Darkest Africa line?
I am still holding my breath waiting for Foundry to release the rest of their SYW Russians. However, I am getting a bit anxious to actually play with my Foundry figures, so I placed an order with Front Rank for six artillery pieces and accompanying crew. The Foundry and Front Rank foot figures are very compatible so this may prove to be a short-term solution. Having seen the Foundry samples of Russian cavalry, I will probably wait a little while longer for the horse arm. As long as I am going to daydream, wouldn't it be nice if Dixon would produce a line of Austrians to go along with their Army of Frederick the Great range?
His Royal Nibs takes issue with that statement, reminding me of two facts: (1) that there are already plenty of white coats roaming around Central Europe these days, and (2) there's an empty cell next to Monsieur Voltaire's awaiting me if I persist in such nonsense. Not wishing to experience an extended stay at the Alte Fritz Gasthaus underneath Sans Souci, I will not broach this topic again [at least not until the next issue].
For those readers who are not under such royal restraints and care to voice their opinions, may I suggest that they take pen to paper and write a short note to Brian Ansell, at The Foundry Ltd., Huberts Lane, Off Doyle Road, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, Great Britain GY1 1RG, or send a fax from the US at 011-44-1481-714905 and ask him when he intends to release the SYW Russian cavalry and artillery. Do make your request in a polite manner; in fact a little bit of sincere groveling should do quite nicely. After all, you can catch more flies with honey, than you can with vinegar.
More From The Veranda of Sans Souci
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© Copyright 1999 by James J. Mitchell
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