7YW Products and Happenings

1. Last June Steve Carpenter, proprietor of Miniature Figurines USA, telephoned to advise of the re-release of their 25mm Marlburian and American War of Independence ranges. Steve feels there are many miniatures in each range that are suitable for service in SYW armies. Consider the AWI range, for example, for the French and Indian War which now seems to be gaining such popularity. Additionally, Steve mentioned that the long awaited 15mm Super Detail Tricorne SYW range would be released very soon. A mailer from Mini Figs was sent out to most of you regarding all of this good news, and Steve was very kind to plug our Association as well. For more of these exciting details write to Miniature Figurines, Box P, Pine Plains, NY 12567.

2. Kurt Donzelli discovered an interesting set of playing cards. One is called France Royal Bridge and the other Rococo manufactured in Vienna, Austria, by the Platnik Playing Cards Co. These are of a very high and colorful. quality. The Rococo deck features court cards of some prominent SYW personalities including Frederick the Great, Maria Theresa, Joseph II, Catherine II, Saxon Count von Bruhl and, of course, Madame de Pompadour. Kurt very kindly presented a set of each deck to me and since then we have used them for our card sequence system when playing Drums Along the Mohawk.

3. Whilst motoring along one day last summer listening to a local classical music radio station, I heard the announcer speak about the "Symphonia in D Major" composed by Frederick the Great. I was intrigued that the Soldier King could have a modern musical following and was pleased to listen to what I felt was a lively and entertaining composition.

In addition to the above, 18th Century music enthusiasts may find the following record albums to be of value:

a) "Barry Lyndon" soundtrack by Warner Brothers.
b) "A Concert of Military Music," "The Fifes and Drums of Williamsburg" anti "Colonial Singing Games & Dances" all by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
c) "Fife & Drum Music of the American Revolution" by the Company of Military Collectors & Historians.
d) "Songs and Music of the Redcoats" by Argo.

4. Larry Gilmore writes, "Greenwood Press (88 Post Road W., Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881) puts out a specialized "Military Studies" book catalog that lists many scholarly studies and reprints of older works of interest to serious military buffs. I have not seen most of the [titles] advertised elsewhere. Titles pertaining to the [SYW] in the May 1984 catalog were William Faucitt's 1757 translation of ... Regulations for the Prussian Cavalry ($22.75) and his 1759 translation of ... Regulations for the Prussian Infantry, to which is added the Prussian Tactick being a detail of the grand manoeuvre as performed by the Prussian armies ($25.75).

5. Cameron Robinson of Frei Korps 15 adds, "Only two [Greenwood & Ball SYW uniform booklets] were published, Prussia and Austria. The last remaining stock was purchased by myself and Athena Books."

6. Jeff Fryer informs us that the late Sir Reginald Savory, author of His Britannic Majesty's Army in Germany During the Seven Years War apparently had been engaged in producing works on the campaigns of Lobositz and Prague.

Editor's Note: This is truly a loss. Hopefully there may be someone, perhaps among us, who could complete the General's work. There is not enough modern literature no, available describing SYW battles in great detail as there are for otter periods and there ought to be. Write to the Editor for details.

7. Ken Bunger, fresh from the National Convention Origins, held last June in Dallas, Texas, reports that Greenfield Hobbies, a wholesale distributor to wargame hobby shops now has a 20mm Vauban-like model fortress plus stockade sections as well. Ken suggests that we contact our favorite retailers to order same. Perhaps one of our advertisers would care to advertise these items in the Newsletter.

Also mentioned by Ken was Iron Brigade Miniatures 2417 Gladstone Terrace, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. Proprietor Larry Robinson produces the complete range for the AWI known as "Continentals." Ken feels there are many miniatures which can cross over to the SYW; the Hessians and Highlanders particularly, the latter apparently garbed in SYW bonnets rather than their normal 1770's headgear, To be released soon will be a complete range of Indians no doubt suitable for the French and Indian War.

8. Jim Dolan reports that the old Airfix plastic miniatures sets "Washington's Army" and "British Grenadiers" are available again. "These are good for use as [SYW] French and Prussians (so long as the hats of the Grenadiers are trimmed down...),"

9. "You know what the news is and now it's time for The Rest of the Story!" is a radio program syndicated nationally in the USA by well-known broadcaster Paul Harvey. What follows is my paraphrase of Mr. Harvey's July 12, 1984, broadcast,

During the Seven Years War the Italian Farina brothers then residing in a western German city, became known to the French soldiers as retailers of a medicine which could prevent certain illnesses. So noteworthy was the reputed success of this medicine that soldiers from far and wide sought out the Farina family to purchase the marvelous drug and, later, enterprising Frenchmen took the news back to France where its use increased.

No one knows to this date whether the drug in question aided in the prevention of illness but it has remained as a product many use to this very day. For you see, the Farina brothers lived in Cologne and their medicine became known as "Eu de Cologne" which we use today as a perfume. So, now you know, "The Rest of the Story,"

10. Cameron Robinson advises that he has begun work on a new range for his company, Frei Korps 15. It is to be the American War of Independence. He states, "Perhaps there will be suitable cross over miniatures for the SYW but our SYW range is so large, I can't imagine the need [for cross over), yet perhaps there will be."

11. Back on July 14th, I had the pleasure to observe and listen to the "Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drum Corps" from Lafayette, Indiana, performing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for our weekend of "Bastille Day" festivities. Soldiers dressed in SYW Marines of Canada uniforms drilled while musicians decked out in the royal livery of Louis KY played martial music of the 18th Century. This little re-enactment group certainly delighted me. I later had an opportunity to talk with a few of the soldiers and to closely observe uniforms, equipment and their campsite. All appeared very realistic and I was assured that the re-enactors had gone to great lengths in simulating historical accuracy which included numerous letters to the Musee de Armee in Paris and purchasing the exact grade of cloth from a special mill in Belgium. By the way, you painters out there who, like myself, are very careful to paint uniform details such as legging tops and garters in meticulous straight lines, forget it, all sag and droop after a bit of marching in the hot sun,

12. Mike Partridge has sent a catalog from Zeughaus, 71 Hythe House, Swan Road, London SE16 4EG, England, which brings word of a new Prussian uniform book entitled Die Kavallerie-Regimenter Friedrich des Grossen 1756-1763. According to Zeughaus it is, "The companion volume to last year's fabulous release on Frederick's infantry regiments. The same team ,..worked together to produce another winner. This, too, is in a limited edition so be sure of getting your copy. The price is 42.50 pounds postpaid."

"The cavalry volume has 160 large pages-21 x 30cm-including 80 full color plates. The text is in German. It is hardbound. The infantry volume is still available, but only a few copies are left. It costs 47.50 pounds postpaid."

We recommend that you get on the mailing list of Zeughaus since their listing of books in a recent advertisement included ten various works germane to the SYW.

13. Have you ever wondered how to order merchandise from Europe? This is how I do it.

a) Find a bank which works with international currency.

b) Tell the clerk that you want to send a check overseas, say to England, to purchase something which costs 30 pounds.

c) The clerk will then compute how many dollars are needed, charge you a small processing fee and when you pay same, you will get a money order or draft written out to the vendor.

d) On November 30, 1984, the exchange rate of English pounds to US dollars was approximately 1.22. Hence, 30 pounds times 1.22 = $36.60. The bank I use then adds a fee of $5 for their expenses, no matter what the value of the order.

e) The conversion rate changes daily and is, incidentally, at the most favorable rate there has been for 7-8 years. It usually has been in the 1.50s with the high being 1.75 some years ago. So, now is the time to buy.

14. A totally historical miniatures wargame convention called Historicon was held over the weekend of July 27-29, 1984, in New Carrollton, Maryland, just outside Washington D.C. and was well attended by about 21 of our membership. There were SYW wargames a plenty including a Koenig Krieg session hosted by author Barry Gray; a Drums Along the Mohawk battle and a Charge game presided over by your Editor, a Wally Simon Increment Card System affair and a few others. In fact, the July 28th Washington Post newspaper article about. Historicon featured Barry's game and included a photo of him, Dave Ottney and hundreds of SYW troops marching stately across a beautiful geomorphic battlefield. Huzza! Huzza! Huzza!

There was a great deal of enthusiasm for the SYW at this show which was good to see. In addition, once again our membership showed what a fine friendly group we are. I am not exaggerating when I say that the chance to chat and game was very rewarding; there is not a friendlier group anywhere. So the next chance an opportunity arises to travel to a show or event where other Association members are present, do so--you'll be glad you did. Historicon's other events and the many vendors present were plentiful, If you were unable to attend, consider doing so in the future. There was plenty of variety so as to please any historical miniatures wargamer. This show is highly recommended and will be held again in March 1985. The same folks who bring you Historicon, The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, will also be organizing the historical miniatures events at Origins 85 in Baltimore, Maryland, next summer. Write to Pat Condray, 8234 Kings Arm Drive, Alexandria, 1'A 22308 for details and to volunteer to judge some events.

15. Glenn Grundei took me aside at Historicon last July to tell me about two 25mm Austrian SYW miniatures which Ral Partha produces. Available are a line infantryman and grenadier. So, I naturally visited the Ral Partha booth to look them over. We have come to expect finely-detailed designs from Pal Partha over the years and the two Austrians will meet this expectation. Both are positioned at high port and are posed leaning forward in an appealing walking pose with highly-detailed muskets provided seperately.

The company may introduce headquarters personnel some day and there is no interest to go farther than this. In addition, the Austrians will only be sold at conventions attended by the company. They are priced at $1 apiece. Perhaps if enough of us show an interest the cost can come down. How about writing to Ral Partha, guys? Ral Partha Enterprises, 5938 Carthage Court, Cincinnati, OH 45212.

16. Also, while at Historicon, Bob Potter showed me Das Heer Maria Theresias Faksimilie-Ausgabe der Albertina-Handschrift. This marvelous work has dozens of colorful uniform plates of Austrian Horse and Foot Regiments at the end of the SYW. Bob recalls its cost at about 30 pounds.

17. Harry Jarosak, Box 92, Stormville, NY 12582 wants to hear from SYW members. He plans to continue hosting two SYW wargames per year and encourages us to attend. In case you do not know where Stormville is, it is in the Hudson Valley north of New York City, about a 1-2 hour drive.

18. Peter Wilson writes, "At present I am painting up some French cavalry, but am unable to find details of the standards of the units I wish to represent. I wonder if anyone in the Association can help. The units are the Bercheney Hussars and the Raugrave (Cavallerie Liegeoise) and Nassau Saarbruck (from 1758 called Nassau Ussingen) cavalry regiments. I have the Pengel/Hurt book on French cavalry and dragoons, but this does not give details of the standards of these units." Write to Peter at 79 St. Andrews Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 1PN, England.

19. Mike Schundler tells us about DURO E POX E RIBBON which sells for $1.99 per oz. "I had the opportunity to demonstrate the value of E Pox E ribbon for replacing [broken off] muskets and bayonets recently. Joe Gepfert first told me of this material at the 1983 Origins Convention held in Detroit. He mentioned that the material is used by Ral Partha's casting designers. Everyone who wargames understands the frustrations of broken muskets or bayonets so I recommend this material to the members. However, I have additionally used it to make tricorne hats, scabbards, horse tails and a multitude of other parts.

The material is very tacky and adhers well to metal. One tip in the final shaping is to use wet instruments to avoid the tacky material pulling away from the casting. After 30 minutes it becomes very difficult to shape and should harden in a day."

20. Joe Gepfert of The Reiter helpfully informs us, "In Volume 2, No. 1 (p. 15; item 17) of the SYWA Newsletter some war elephants used by Richard Davidson were mentioned for his SYW battles in India. The aforementioned war elephants are available from: Dragon Tooth Inc., 250 West 39 Street, #14E, New York City, NY 10018. The catalog citation is WE-1, War Elephant and are $15 each. Purists should be aware of the following:

a) The elephant is an African Bull, not an Indian one.

b) It is a fantasy miniature and the crew provided will not be of much use as Moghuls.

In my opinion, these criticisms are minor. The elephant is armored and the physical differences between an African and Indian type that are noticeable can be easily rectified by anyone who can wield a file. As to the usefulness of the crew, I feel this point may be irrelevant. Where else can one find a 35mm war elephant for the paltry sum of $15? Keep in mind, however, that some 25mm war elephants are now priced at the $12 mark."

21. Check out "The Courier's" Issue #4 of Volume 5. Ken Burger reviewed RAFM's new 25mm "Flint & Feather" line and Gallia's 15mm range. In fact, why not subscribe? Editor Dick Bryant and friends present much of value for all periods of historical wargaming. Write Box 1878, Brockton, MA 02403.

22. Newbury Rules, 48 Gloucester Road, Newbury, Berkshire, in the UK puts out a nicely presented set of SYW rules entitled, "18th Century Warfare." The author is T.J. Halsall and the second edition is at hand.

23. Many of you by now may have seen Hal Thinglum's "Midwest Wargamers Association Newsletter" mentioned in various fine periodicals like "The Courier" and "The P.W. Review." Now, halfway through its third year of publication, the MWAN is that kind of grass-roots production which deserves your attention. A $5 annual subscription fee entitles subscribers to six issues of approximately 30 pages of wargame and historical articles. There is a wonderful news section called "Bits 8 Pieces" overflowing with all kinds of interesting tidbits; plus all is tied together by the folksy, friendly and sometimes humorous style of the editor. We 18th Century buffs will usually find at least three to four articles per year from the period of the Ancien Regime.

Incidentally, do not be bothered by the use of the word "Midwest" in the name of the newsletter. To be sure, it started out as a purely midwestern periodical, but it has developed a national following. Give it a try and write Hal at 3533 West 218 Street, Matteson, IL 60443.

24. Another great regional/national newsletter is Wally Simon's "P.W. Review" where PW stands for the Potomac Wargamers of the Washington D.C. area. I have had the pleasure of subscribing for over two years and have found each issue loaded with lots of avant garde thinking about rules plus a generous and welcome portion of Wally's humor, style and wit. Incidentally, when I say humor, it is usually at Wally's expense about his alter ego, "The Lion." I usually get a good chuckle with every issue.

Wally and his friends are getting underway with some SYW gaming and will feature some of their original thinking in upcoming issues. Of particular interest in each issue are skirmish-level wargame rules and battle reports. Skirmishing is taking on a new popularity so if this is something you want to look into you should write to Wally at 12328 Middle Road, Wheaton, MD 20906.

25. Another truly useful newsletter is "The Heliograph" edited by Tony Adams. This newsletter was originally created as a medium for wargamers interested in the tremendously popular Colonial (that is Colonial in the African 1870-1900 context) rules, "The Sword and the Flame" by Larry Brom. This unique concept is a really good one because it offers readers an opportunity to continually be up to date on rule changes, modifications and expansions that have come out since the publication of the rules. There are also historical articles, wargame battle reports and a news section.

Tony is obviously an avid fan of TSATF and has the idea that the rules can carry over to practically any period, including the SYW. Your Editor has had a number of extremely enjoyable wargames over the years using TSATF and is of a similar opinion as well. So, if you have an interest say in skirmishing the French and Indian War, then "The Heliograph" should be on your list of must periodicals. It is published irregularly at a cost of $5 for ten issues. Write to Tony at 301 North Willie Street, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056.

26. Have you heard of "Cut & Assemble, An Early New England Village" by Edmund V. Gillon Jr.? Well, for $3.95 purchasers receive a neat 8 1/2" x 11" booklet containing "12 Authentic Full-Color Buildings in HO Scale." These very appealing structures are reproduced on heavy stock paper and are extremely attractive. If mounted to balsa wood, I think they would last a long time. My feeling is that same are suitable for the more civilized areas of New England in the last half of the 18th Century. Ask your favorite bookdealer to order one for you.

27. Greg Novak always keeps me up to date on the doings at Frei Korps 15. This time Greg has sent samples of the new SYW 15mm range for the French and Indian Wars. Many 15mm wargamers are familiar with the superb detail of Frei Korps 15 castings. These deserve the same credit. The range includes settlers, rangers, personalities, Indians and Lt. Infantry. When combined with regulars from the main SYW range which Frei Korps offers, our would-be Montcalms and Wolfes will have many pleasurable hours indeed.

28. Some weeks later John Laing of RAFM, 19 Concession Street, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada NIR 2G6, very kindly sent me a profusion of the brand-new releases to the latter's "Flint & Feather" range. Many of you will know that these are 25mm scale figures suitable for service in the French & Indian Wars. There are a variety of personalities, two types of rangers, militia, settlers and my favorite, a French Missionary Priest, plus white men paddling for use with the canoe which came out with the first release of this range. RAFM hopes to design European Regulars in unique North American garb, but only if we substantiate our interest by purchasing the range already produced. To see what I am talking about, take a look at some photos sent along by John below.

29. G.A. Savatsky of Planametrics, East 407 27th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99203, has sent details pertaining to his map service. His letter states, in part, "Now, for the first time, you will be able to order large scale maps covering any portion of the world or any (imaginary) situation that may come to mind. These maps are ideal for campaigning in any period of time, past, present or future ...originals are 3' x 6' or larger...available as black line on a white background or blue line on a light blue background."

30. Greg Novak and friends are enjoying their own SYW campaign using GDW's mapgame "Soldier King." The map depicts an imaginary continent upon which the antagonists of the SYW march and counter-march in pursuit of their aims. Movement is via roads only moving from city to city as I recall.

31. While on the subject of maps, take a look at the Avalon Hill Game Company maps in their boardgames "The Struggle of Nations" and "Bonaparte in Italy." Both are Napoleonic but are useful for campaigning in the environs north of Bohemia and in Northern Italy, respectively, for the SYW and War of Austrian Succession, respectively. Each has lots of topographical detail and roads.

32. Dan Schorr asks for assistance concerning, "Spanish uniforms, colors and standards of 1740-48 and also any information on Neopolitan (Kingdom of the Two Sicilies) colors and standards of the same time frame." Dan is trying to raise a corps from each of the states which fought in Italy during The War of the Austrian Succession; French, Austrian, Spanish, Neopolitan and Piedmontese. He also advises that he will share data he now has on the Army of Piedmont-Sardinia 1740-48. Write to Dan at 6206 Blue Ridge Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17112.

33. Has anyone read "On Artillery and Its Application To Wargamers, Part III, On The Effect of Gun Barrel Length-The 1764 Strassbourg Trials" which appeared in that great Napoleonic wargame journal "Empires, Eagles & Lions," the September 84 issue? Editor Jean Lochet presents a very well done article of much value to SYW buffs since it discusses problems of the SYW and Gribeauval. Write to RAFM for subscription information (see address in Item 28). SYW articles appear occasionally.

34. Wally Simon reminds us that Fusiliers, 12905 Layhill Road, Silver Springs, MD 20906 has a few 30mm SYW musketeer types available at $.50 apiece. Fusiliers specializes in 30mm and produces the old Mini-Fig Napoleonic miniatures which went out of production long ago. I saw a couple of the SYW musketeers at Historicon and can recommend that you give them your serious consideration. As I recall, they are generic musketeers rather than a specific nationality. These would be very suitable for the Charge Project.

35. Jack Scruby Miniatures has been sold to Chris Munro. The new company is known as Munro Miniatures, Box 1512, Cambria, CA 93428.

36. Do any of you play naval wargames? Our Milwaukee group has for years and particularly enjoys the rules by Juggernaut called "Ship of the Line." It is an easily-learned set of rules and can be used for multi-squadron actions. We have not tried it for the SYW and wonder if any of you have. The rules do not suggest rules changes for the SYW but it would seem that there would be more 50 Gun Ships of the Line and the like and the tactics would he a lot less Nelsonian. I understand the rules are very close to the play of the Avalon Hill boardgame "Wooden Ships & Iron Men." Juggernaut's address is Post Office Box 17638, Philadelphia, PA 19135.

37. Barry Gray reports that our SYW Association Campaign is underway and there was such a good response that he decided to run two rather than one. Barry reports in part that “What's really fascinating about this campaign is how cautious everyone becomes when they don't know what they're facing, or even where nameless forces will be by the time their own army finishes its move. Everyone [started] out truly 'in the dark,' and only slowly, through cavalry reconnaisance, battles or sieges do they find out the identity of enemy commanders and the composition of their forces...."

"What's gratifying to me is the obvious amount of time and study all the players have put into this, even though the rules were not in finished form. They've pointed out several flaws and made helpful suggestions for improvement.... In one game, I even have a war of words going on between the North French and Hanoverian players, in the form of the most outrageous 'press releases' I've ever seen! I'd like to encourage more of this sort of thing--it really adds a lot of character to the game."

38. When visiting The Reiter, proprietor Joe Gepfert always does his best to tempt me with his marvelous inventory of goodies. My most recent visit was no exception because Joe showed me a catalog listing examples of Gallia Reproduction's 25mm buildings. Of particular interest was a package of two stockade wall sections measuring 5 3/4" x I 7/8" for $4. The range also features gateways, towers and corner sections. Send inquiries to Joe at 3440 South Monterey, New Berlin, WI 53151.

39. Do not forget to attend the Second Annual SYW Association Midwest Meet on March 30, 1985, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Please see enclosed flyer.

40. Bill Stewart of 3825 44 S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 writes, "The Northwest Historical Miniatures Gaming Society held its second gaming weekend on November 10-11, 1984. Association members from both Canada and the U.S. were present. Two SYW games were played; a French & Indian War skirmish using Frei Korps 15mm figures and modified Featherstone skirmish rules ... and a continental game involving a Franco-Spanish force vs a Saxon-Austrian Army, using 15mm Mini-Figs and Mike's Models and modified WRG horse and musket rules. The next weekend should take place in March 1985 and it is hoped that more period events will be staged and additional association members will be on hand."

41. This past November I ordered miniatures for the Charge Project and Drums Along the Mohawk (my troops do double duty in both projects) for the third or fourth time from Tradition Scandinavia, P.O. Box 31, Stockholm, Sweden, (producers of Tradition 30mm SYW Prussians and British plus AWI subjects and a fabulous Prussian 12 Pounder Cannon and Limber) and was extremely pleased that my order was received in Brown Deer precisely 14 days from the day my order was mailed. Let me tell you, too, that the Swedish folks running this operation, so Joe Gepfert tells, do it part time. I must add further that in all previous orders delivery occurred in about. three weeks each time. I say this only because we in the USA are sometimes fearful of ordering from overseas vendors; your Editor has heard all sorts of stories in proof of same and can add stories of his own so its nice to report exceptional overseas service when it occurs.

42. I mention Item 41 not to discredit our other overseas vendors. In fact, I have always been very fortunate indeed with Frei Korps 15 and Athena Books who have continuously provided very good service.

43. This past autumn I ordered some 30mm British 18th Century miniatures from Clydecast Products, 10 Midlothian Drive, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3RA, Scotland. In less than a month my order arrived with a very nice letter from Tom Park saying he may redesign the range to a higher standard. Well, I replied to same saying that my only criticism is to redesign the musket which is ton short and needs a little more detail. I was therefore very happy to receive a second letter from him in mid-December saying he hopes to redesign the musket in January 1985. Incidentally, at the current exchange rate a single miniature sent via air mail will cost a USA purchaser approximately $.50 which is less than lots of 25mms. So, all you folks who want quality British SYW 30mms for The Charge Project, 30mm gaming in general or for whatever reason, you will not be doing yourself harm by trying out Clydecast. My next step is to continue to go after Tom to design some French!

44. Please support our advertisers! They are a great group and are willing to help you out with your needs. They also provide a significant portion of the revenue to produce this Newsletter and help keep the cost low. Don't forget them!

45. John Butler of The Legionary, 823 Central Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, recently forwarded his "1985 Military History Catalog." John specializes in providing military history readers with quite a variety of new and recent books going back to the Ancients. He is no stranger to buffs in the USA, I am particularly appreciative of his fast and courteous service. The catalog at hand has a variety of books concerning the 18th Century.

46. Also appearing in my mail recently was the latest military book listing from Athena Books--now at a new location, 34 Imperial Crescent, Town Moor, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN2 SBU, England. Proprietor Terry Wise has compiled quite a large array of new and used military history titles in his List #19. You can get Terry's list free if you are patient enough to wait for seamail. Otherwise, send him 1 IRC if you live on mainland Europe and 2 elsewhere. Terry's service is superb and his courtesy is of the highest order.

47. Alister Sharman of U-8000 Munchen 40, Werneckstrasse 27, West Germany writes, "The Bavarian Army Museum is well worth visiting, containing among other things a large diorama depicting the battle of Leuthen [with] some 17,000 [flats]. On my last visit, the museum shop was offering some superb 30mm scale 3 dimensional artillery models, in particular a Prussian SYW 3 Pdr, the quality of which I have yet to see elsewhere. I will try to obtain [details] on my next visit."

"Anyone visiting Munich who asks for directions to the museum will probably end up in front of a ruin. This was the museum site until it was bombed during the war, a shell of which has been left as a monument/war reminder. What most people don't know is that the contents of the museum were moved to the new museum at Ingolstadt - some 70 kms north of Munich. This fact is not even mentioned in the Munich guide books."

"If any member should be passing through the area (beer fest?), I would be delighted to show him around and perhaps play a game together .., and can arrange a very reasonable guest house."

48. In October, I was very pleased to receive the Summer 1984 edition of "The Bulletin of the Fort Ticonderoga Museum" and a wonderful engineers sketch of the fort. from Ms. Jane M. Lape in her capacity as Curator-General Manager of Fort Ticonderoga,

The Bulletin at hand is of Volume XIV and its 60-some pages are a testimony to the sincere interest that many individuals have for Fort Ticonderoga and the Champlain Valley. It is a professional, historical journal and well worth your consideration should you share an enthusiasm for the history of the fort and the ongoing work of preservation and restoration there. Contents in the issue received include "Samuel de Champlain and the Discovery of the Lake," "Troop Life at the Champlain Valley Forts During the American Revolution," "The British Invasion of 1780 and a Character , Lebased Be, rind Description," "British Ordnance at Fort Ticonderoga" "Reviews" and "Museum Notes." The editor is Mr. John W. Krueger who may be contacted by writing to Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga, NY 12883.

49. Also received were three different issues of F & I WAR, a Journal of the 18th Century Society for French and Indian War Associators for Re-enactments. Each issue is filled with schedules of events, advertisements for clothing and equipment and many historical articles. I do not know who to thank for the receipt of these issues so I want to express my appreciation now for same. I had wondered about this publication and am pleased to have made its acquaintance; maybe I can finally get a decent Tricorne hat? Though primarily geared to the re-enactment enthusiast (those who take joy and well deserved pride in recreating the past in dress, manners, speech and deed at regional meets where others of a similar mind do so as well), I think there is much of worth for those without an interest to join re-enactment groups.

The historical articles are good and it is really nice to see lots of photographs of folks outfitted in 18th Century attire. Write to: The 18th Century Society, Box 264, RD 1, New Alexandria, PA 15670. Dues are: $10/USA, $12/CANADA and $13/Elsewhere.

50. Dan Weisman of 6233 Riverview Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46260, writes that he wants to establish "...a compendium of orders of battle and battlefield maps of all the actions that occurred during the [SYW] in Europe ...[thinking it] would be nice to have [same] available for us miniatures hackers who want to paint and push little tin soldiers but don't care to become amateur historians when we want (to simulate an] historical battle .... What I propose to do is this. I will compile, collate and produce the compendium ...and would like all the members ...who would like to, to send me...information [listed below] on any and all actions [for which they have data]. [Please send]...1. Name of the Action; 2. Date(s) of the Action; 3. Battle Map with (a) initial troop locations with battalion, regiment and artillery [data] if available, (b) general terrain contours, (c) major landmarks [consisting of] towns, roads, rivers, woods, swamps etc.; 4. [As detailed an order of battle as possible]; 5. Brief description of the Action; 6. [Detailed description of] sources of ... information and 7. The contributors name and address." Editors _Note: Thanks a lot, Dan. This is a great idea so let's help him out and send what we can whether or not it is as complete as desired. Perhaps someone else will have the data others do not have.

51. Greg Novak has established Vedette, a newsletter devoted to promoting wargaming in central Illinois. Write to Greg at 618 West Union, Champaign, IL 61820 to find out what is happening in your area.

52. Pass of the North miniatures has changed its name to Frontier Miniatures.

53. It is now time to close this edition of "News." Please keep sending in data of the type you have just read so we can all stay on top of what is new or of value to us. Let me again thank all who have contributed. Without you, this section would be very brief indeed!

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