Valiant Miniatures, a company with which I have no previous experience, is now producing this line of miniature metal sailing ships. The scale is 1:2000, as compared to the 1:1200 GHQ and Scruby ships. These models are about 1 1/4" long, for ships of the line. There are 12 different models available, from 100 gun ships of the line down through frigates, brigs, cutters, galleys etc. to a pack of 15 ships' boats. From 36-gun frigate on up they come 2 per package. All others (except the ships' boats come 3 to the package.

Each package (a plastic bag, actually) sells for $3.00. A folder comes with each package giving instructions on assembly, rigging and painting, ensigns pennants and jacks and how to use these models with your WOODEN SHIPS & IRON MEN game (ship occupies 3 hexes instead of 2, all distances are doubled, and a base must be fastened under the ship containing. all the information from the counter.

Each model comes in two sections: the hull; and the masts and sails, which must be detached from the sprue and glued to the hull. They also recommend that at least some rigging be added from .005" or .010" brass beading (not supplied) not only to add realism, but to strengthen the masts. Unfortunately, masts glued dowr and rigged are not removable, which makes these ships ill suited for use with TSR's (or Guidon's) DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP. They are, however, very nice models, with good detail, and superior to the GHQ models in that sails (and very realistic ones much better than Scruby's) are provided. And the price is reasonable. "Fighting Sail" ships are available at better hobby shops, such as The Command Post, Ltd, 4688 Convoy St., San Diego, CA 92111, an excellent shop.

Miniature Warfare

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