SOLDIER FACTORY NEWS - P.O. Box 408 Goshen, CA. 93227. 32pp offset printed, 3 issues/year, free ($1.00 for postage and handling), Jack Scruby, publisher and editor.

SOLDIER FACTORY NEWS marks Jack Scruby's return to the publishing field and former readers of WAR GAME DIGEST, TABLE TOP TALK, and MINIATURE PARADE, as well as countless newcomers are sure to welcome him back. In his editorial Mr. Scruby states that the purpose of SFN is to "Spread the news about our wonderful hobby" and to "Bring pleasure to people".

Since SFN will be house magazine it will avoid the arguments and philosophical debates which often creep into other magazines and end up dominating them.

An article entitled "Wargaming In N-Gauge" describes the design and development of Scruby Miniatures' new N-gauge figures. N-gauge renewed Jack's enthusiasm for warqaming after a three year lay off, so it's fitting that the little fellows dominate the first issue. In fact, N-gauge is primarily responsible for Scruby's decision to re-enter the magazine field.

For those who have never gotten into miniatures due to the time and expense involved, the nine mm. figures are just the thing. They're not as expensive as the larger scales and are very easy and quick to paint. Yet they are still big enough to have great visual appeal when massed on the table top. See Gary Gygax's column in this issue for more infromation on N-gauge troops.

In "Battle of Palma", Jack Scruby reports on a battle fought at Scruby Miniatures between himself and Mike Frank. Nobody writes a better or more interesting battle report than Jack Scruby. His breezy, amusing style and soldier's eye view of the action keeps you hooked all the way.

The N-gauge rules used for Palma are also included. They provide a fast, playable game allowing the commanders to handle large numbers of troops without getting bogged down. The opposing generals can concentrate on strategy and tactics rather than spending the whole afternoon trying to remember and interpret the rules.

Mike Frank follows with the first instalment of a fine article on the organization, uniforms and wargame rules of the Seven Years War. The initial segment contains much hard to find organizational information on the main armies of the period.

Other features include a bulletin board of wargaming news and information on new Scruby releases, bargains, etc.

SOLDIER FACTORY NEWS is admittedly a house organ, but in this case, that's an asset. Jack Scruby is a long-time wargamer and figure designer and has always produced top quality material both in figures and magazines. SFN is no exception. I can think of no better way for a wargamer to spend a dollar.