The Courier Dispatch

Magazines and Newsletters


Wargamer's Digest (Published monthly, $17.95 for 12 issues) McCoy Publishing Enterprises Inc., POB 5526, Madison WI 53705
It has always been a curious fact the THE COURIER readership does not show much interest in articles on armour related subjects. One possible reason is that armour enthusiasts have their needs amply met by Wargamers digest which regularly serves up excellent articles on WWII and modern armor organization and tactics.

The issue to hand (October 1982) is a good case in point. There are long articles on armored tactics for the 1980's and the British armoured reconnaissance regiment in WWII. There are also the regular columns on armor and ordnance and new ordnance and a WWII battle problem scenario. This particular issue also has an article on Napoleonic French Cavalry and a very good article on the Spartan army, as well as a short overview of the Union army during the American Civil War. Altogether this is a very interesting issue.

Breakout! (Published quarterly, A$8 (US$15) for 4 issues) CSA, POB 162 Mooroolbark, Victoria, Australia 3138.
Since it was last reviewed Breakout! has gone from digest to a full size format. It still covers all aspects of gaming; RPG, boardgaming, miniature and computer gaming. With regard to miniatures and historical gaming the highlight of the magazine are the articles of David Morgan. In the July- September issue David has an article on Salamanca that is typical of his style. Tactics, formations and eyewitness accounts are interspaced with detailed examination of how various sets of rules cover (or fail to cover) the given situation.

Also in this issue are articles on computer gaming, technology in SF role playing and a piece of fiction (or fact?) on how Caesar really invaded Britain. There are also various review columns. Although Breakout! is only published quarterly it certainly delivers value for money.

A PLETHORA OF NEWSLETTERS

The Heliograph (Published irregularly, $2.50 for 10 issues or free in the Chicago area hobby stores) Tony Adams, 301 N. Wille St., Mnt. Prospect, IL 60056.
A newsletter devoted to colonial matters, in particular the "Sword and the Flame" rules. Terrific value even if you don't get it free. The newsletter is packed with information on figure releases, uniforms and discussions of the "Sword and the Flame" rules.

Midwest Tactical Wargamers Association Newsletter (Published quarterly) $3 for 4 issues.

A completely new venture this first issue also appears to be good value for money. There is an article on beginning historical gaming, and interview with a minatures gamer, review and news and a long article describing an American war of Independence miniatures campaign. All interesting stuff.

Intermountain West Gamers Review. Joe Roti , 1894 Crandall Circle, Salt Lake City UT 84106.
Another new publication. This newsletter is intended to serve gamers in the intermountain west with news of the gaming industry and gaming in the area. It will cover all aspects of the hobby, and gamers of all persuasions in the area are encouraged to contribute. The newsletter has a review section (in this issue it's a review of the ubiquitous "Sword and the Flame" rules), a free want-ad section, a club news column and, interestingly, an order sheet with a line of figures of the month that can be ordered through the newsletter. This issue covers the Mike's Models colonial range. Gamers in the intermountain west should look out for this newsletter.

For Your Eyes Only (F.Y.E.O.) (Published biweekly) Tiger Publications, POB 3012, Amarillo, TX 79106. A onetime SPI publication, now being published independently outside the TSR umbrella, this newsletter is devoted to worldwide military affairs. Different sections give perspectives on recent world happenings, details of new military developments, weapons systems and arms sales. It's very pricey but extremely informative if you want to keep abreast of military dealings and get some concise analysis of current envents.

The Source Book - Available from hobby stores or from J.M.C., 1025 Industrial Drive, Bensenville, IL 60106. This publication is basically for model railroad enthusiasts who wish to decorate and populate their layouts. However, many of the items have obvious terrain value to wargamers and diorama creators. There's everything from trees and fencing to tombstones in a variety of scales. Well worth a look.

More News Dispatches

Back to Table of Contents -- Courier Vol. IV No. 2
© Copyright 1982 by The Courier Publishing Company.

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