Battlefields Vol. 1 Issue 5 (Sept 1996)

"THE BATTLE FOR MADRID 1936 part one 7 - 23 NOVEMBER By Charles Esdaille contained within. Available from Partizan Press/Caliver Books, 816-818 London Rd, Leigh on Sea, SS9 3NH United Kingdom £ 2.50 UK, 80 pts Spain, $6 USA

This is a 6-page article dedicated to the battles on the outskirts of Madrid, however it is a pure narrative with one very general map of the west of the city. For what it is, it is a good summary, as the author gives plenty of statistics in terms of equipment used and numbers of men involved, but makes several errors. For exmaple, he quotes the use of 155mm Schneider M1817 field guns, but the model should of course be M1917. He also refers to the use of the Italian 65mm support gun "as intended for use in the anti-tank role", a role extremely unlikely due to the short barrel of the this weapon making it ineffective against armour, especially as the nationalists were aware of the governments new deliveries of T26B's.

The article does not give us the analysis of the battle or detail for wargamers as other articles in the same magazine, an article on Dien Bien Phu earlier in the same publication is superb in its detail. So we must hope that part two or even part three we give us the detail we are looking for in this high quality magazine.

Aviation Modeller International (April 1997 Issue)

£ 2.25

This edition focuses on the POLIKARPOV I-16 (Rata). There is a 9-page article on the fighter plane in general, with a subsequent 3-page feature on Spanish versions and modelling them in 1/48th scale.

The main value of the magazine is in its full colour schemes of 4 Republican planes and of 4 nationalist versions.

Dekno

Many readers will be aware of this Spanish company producing specialist resin kits of SCW aircraft in 1/72nd scale. Their releases for 1997 are the Koolhoven FK 51, Caproni 310, Gil Pazo GP1, Macchi m18, Bellanca 28/90.

At the end of 1996, they released 2 conversion kits. First is the Hispano Nieuport 52, converting the re-released Heller NiD622, where you a get a 1-piece wing section and a 13 option transfer sheet. The other set is to convert the Matchbox Hawker Fury to the Spanish version. You get a new nose piece, radiator, and undercarriage legs as well as a 3 option decal sheet. Both retail at around £ 5.00 and are good quality items, recommended for perfectionists among you. Aircraft Model Releases in 1/72nd

The Russian company is releasing an I-153 Chaka, Accura-Euromodel lists a I-153, and MPM lists 2 versions of the SB 2. Also good news is that the Novo range appears to be back in the UK, those readers needing Tupolev SB 2 light bombers get them while you can a good source is the Shrewsbury Model Centre who are listing them at £ 4.99 tel 01743 245539.

Peter Pig 15mm Figures

Have 2 new releeases to their growing range: pack 28 Beret command and pack 29 Beret gun crew with Pack 30 Mounted officers to follow soon .

SDD 15mm Vehicles

SDD has released some good items in 15mm scale designed to complement the ranges made by Peter Pig. The initial releases are in resin with white metal wheels etc. There are 9 initial releases all retailing at £ 3.50 each (send sae to SDD at 16 Denzil Avenue, Netley Abbey, Southampton,SO31 5BA.

Now follows an independent review of these by reader N. Patterson.

Those of us who wargame the SCW in 15 mm, having almost inevitably fallen in love with the Peter Pig range (I know of 5 gamers who succumbed after seeing the figures) whilst being fairly well served for the basics, have (compared to our 20mm cousins) been poorly served in some areas.

One area in which the 15mm gamer had little choice except to scratch build or do without was in that of "Los Tiznaos" the improvised armoured lorries that give the SCW its unique flavour.

SDD has solved this by releasing a range of resin models, which come cleanly cast in grey or cream resin, consisting of a one piece solid resin body with wheels, tracks and turret fittings in white metal. All wheels/tracks are flat topped half castings designed to be attached to the flat underside of the resin body. Turrets, where appropriate, are cast with a peg to enable them to turn although the bodies will require drilling.

Quality is good with raised detail, including hatches, armour plates, and rivets. All scale in well with Peter Pig figures. In conclusion this is an excellent range worthy of support with future releases planned.

'No Pasaran' Wargames Rules

'No Pasaran' Reader D . Thomas has developed his own set of SCW rules designed for 1/300th scale figures and aimed at brigade level actions. Called 'No Pasaran,' they received a favourable reception at the 1996 conference of wargamers and given a write up in the Wargames Developments Journal.

At 20 pages of A4 they are very comprehensive and use many original ideas and mechanisms. Well recommended - maybe a reader would like to do an in depth review for us.

Mr Thomas has very kindly offered readers a special deal - He will send readers a copy in return for a large (A4) envelope and 60p in stamps, other European readers send 4 IRCs.

Tom's Tins

The above company is producing a range of 20mm models covering the 1940 period there initial releases include several items essential for the SCW gamer and provide a quality alternative to items already available. The models are of a very good quality which piece and fit together very well and are cast in pewter instead of the useful white metal. Items ready are:

French 75mm m1897 spoked wheels £ 6.00
Caisson for above £ 5.00
French m1913 105 mm £ 7.00
French Schneider 155mm m1917c £ 7.00

The company is well worth supporting , please send a sae for a full list to 202 WOLLATON ROAD,BEESTON,NOTTS, NG9 2PH.

Nafziger Press

You may remember I mentioned the Series of army lists the above company produces in an earlier issue . The whole catalogue has now collected into one book costing around £ 29.50, which represents a saving of around £ 15 - 20 if the lists are purchased individually. Contact (send an sae) Awesome Enterprises , 70 Harcourt St, Newark, NG24 1RF. Tel 01636 701439.

Leading Edge Miniatures 1/300th scale aircraft

I mentioned this company in an earlier issue, who produce top of the ran white metal aircraft from the early World War II period. These models are collectors items in their own right, as well as being quality wargames pieces at a very reasonable price. I believe that they have some new releases available - send sae for a catalogue to: 169 Ivy Road, Smithills, Bolton BL1 6EE.

More Reviews

Italian Artillery (book)
Uniformes Militares [SCW] (book)
Libertarias (video)