WARGAMES FOUNDRY ADDRESS CORRECTION
In a recent review of Wargames Foundry ECW figures we gave an incorrect address. The correct address is 21 Villiers Rd., Woodthorpe, Nottingham, NG5- 4FB, England.
SEVEN YEARS WAR ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
The Third Annual Seven Years' War Association Convention was held on April 12-13, 1986 in Urbana, Illinois at Jumer's Castle Lodge, the perfect setting for such a period meeting with such meeting rooms as the Maria Theresa, etc. Organized by Greg Novak and Walter LeBeque and cosponsored by Bill Protz's Seven Years War Association and the Central Illinois Tabletop Warriors, I would grade this convention as being highly successful for the third year in a row. Arrangements were made for SYWA members to provide seminars related to the SYW period, an excellent idea for future conventions to consider, which proved to be very well attended and received.
A number of SYW period wargames were hosted including Iroquois Terror by Tod Kersner and Dale Wood, which was awarded the "Best Game" award; Tom Harris' 15mm Quebec which featured great terrain of the river, cliffs, plains and fort; Rich Black's large 25mm Prussian-Allied encounter; a huge 30mm "Charge" game featuring thousands of wellpainted figures played to Young and Lawford's "Charge" wargame rules from the late 60s; John Laing's (RAFM) very attractive French-Indian War 25mm game, a well-done siege game; and Greg Novak's French-Indian game with great terrain.
Attendees could pick up period figures from a fine dealer area and were treated to a fine sit-down dinner during which Hal Thinglum, editor of the Midwest Wargamer's Association Newsletter (MWAN), was the Guest of Honor, and Frank Chadwick, President of Game Designer's Workshop (GDW), which has produced several period boarclgames, provided a most entertaining after-dinner speech.
The success of this event over the last three years suggests that perhaps gatherings concerning other periods of military history may well be warranted. It should be added that in a recent letter to THE COURIER, Greg Novak wished to extend his appreciation to all dealers, judges, and attendees. It is only appropriate that Bill Protz, whose dedication and efforts towards the Seven Years War Association over the last four years be congratulated for being the individual who initiated this interesting group.
BOOK CATALOGUES
Two catalogues of books that may be of interest to readers of THE COURIER were recently received by the Dispatch. The first lists a series of books published by the Smithsonian Institute Press on the subject of aviation. The titles offered include "Air Warfare in the Missile Age"; a book on the Golden Age of passenger airships, "Graf Zeppelin and Hindenburg", and "Phantom (F-4) in Combat" amongst many others. Of greatest interest perhaps is a series of books on famous aircraft. These titles deal with different historical airplanes from the Smithsonian's impressive collection. The first section in each book covers the background and history of the aircraft; the second provides illustrations, diagrams and details. There are eight titles in the series so far covering both common (Albatross D. Va) and uncommon (Japanese "Irving" night fighter) aircraft. The catalogue can be obtained from Smithsonian Institute Press, P.O. Box 4866, Hampden Station, Baltimore, MD 21211. Discounts are available for trade and to Smithsonian Associates.
The second catalogue is from Hero Books (Historical Evaluation and Research Organization), who publish books on military matters, strategies studies and topics of international concern. The founder and president of Hero Books is Trevor N. Dupuy, who is perhaps best known amongst wargamers as the author of "Numbers, Predictions and War" in which he proposed a series of formulae using historical data that can (it's claimed) be used to predict the outcome of future battles. The revised edition (1985) of this title is one of the many books by Colonel Dupuy available from Hero Books. I n addition to cloth and paper bound books, Hero also offers copies of various reports produced for the Department of Defense and other government agencies. The complete catalogue can be obtained from Hero Books, 8316 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22031, telephone (703) 560-6426.
AN OPEN LETTER TO WARGAMERS: May 7,1986
Dear Wargamers:
In September, 1985, Pax Britannica was bought out by RSM, Ltd. of Lexington, Kentucky, USA. RSM, Ltd. obtained sole rights to the production and distribution of the miniature figures formerly available from Pax Britannica. Pax Britannica ceased to exist as a supplier of wargaming figures.
Under the purchase agreement, RSM, Ltd. assumed no liability for any orders previously received by Pax Britannica.
At this writing, our figures are only available through a few shops in the USA and directly from RSM, Ltd. These figures are not and will not be available from the former company called Pax Britannica.
With the exception of additional sculptures promised by Pax Britannica at the time of purchase, RSM, Ltd. HAS NO CONNECTION WHATSOEVER WITH PAX BRITANNICA.
We feel that the figures, which we are now producing, are among the finest available today. One of our primary reasons for purchasing Pax Britannica was to make these figures readily available to the wargaming public. It is our policy to ship all orders within one week of their receipt and we generally ship on the day of receipt of an order. You will get figures you order from RSM, Ltd. and you will get them quickly.
We are sorry for any confusion that has arisen from our purchase of Pax Britannica and the subsequent transferral of the production of these figures tothe USA. Unfortunately, wewere unableto do more in theway of notices and advertisements in the past few months. We hope that you will continue to want our figures and that you will write us directly about obtaining them.
Again, THESE FIGURES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE DIRECTLY FROM RSM, Ltd., 513 E. Maxwell St., Lexington, KY 40502. (606) 255-3514.
Sincerely,
William S. Biles, Marketing
MISSOURI HOBBY STORE OFFERS INTRODUCTORY GAMING CLASSES
Kevin Fitzpatrick, owner of Games, Crafts, Hobbies, & Stuff, 9220 Lackland Road, Overland, MO 63114, has been providing "Rookie Gaming Classes" to newcomers to the hobby of historical miniatures wargaming and reports that the effort has been quite successful in attracting new blood to the hobby. The classes meet at his hobby store where he has a gaming area once a week for a ten week period. They begin with simple tank vs. tank combat and progress over the weeks with Kevin adding new elements (i.e., infantry, artillery, etc.) each week until the tenth week when the "rookies" face experienced gamers in the "rookie" vs. "pro" game. Kevin states, "I firmly believe that a gaming education program is workable and worthwhile, no matter what level it exists on, individual or group. it does dig into our individual gaming time to teach new players in the short run, but the long term benefits to both individuals, groups, and the historical miniature hobby as a whole, appear to outweigh the short term investment." This would appear a valuable approach for other hobby stores, as well as historical miniatures wargaming clubs, to utilize.
HELIOGRAPH CONSIDERING SUSPENSION OF PUBLICATION
Tony Adams, editor and publisher of THE HELIOGRAPH, an amateur historical miniatures wargaming publication for the last five years, reported in issue #34 that he is planning on suspending publication following issue #40 unless a replacement editor can be found. Although THE HELIOGRAPH initially was concerned with THE SWORD AND THE FLAME colonial rules set, it had been expanding its scope in the last year or so and had earned a high reputation for producing an entertaining and informative publication. It is hoped that someone with the necessary qualifications will step forward and take over f rom Tony as it would be a shame to see this publication disappear. Whatever the outcome, Tony is to be thanked for his valuable contribution to the hobby.
ANGLO-ZULU WAR BATTLEFIELD TOUR
Edward (Ted) Brown and Ian Knight, noted authorities on the Zulu War of 1879 and names known to every colonial wargamer, will be leading a 15 day coach tour of all the battlefields of this interesting conflict in October/November 1986. Sites to be visited include Isandhlwana, Rorke's Drift, Ulundi, Kambula, Hlobane, Intombi Drift, Inyezane River, Gingidlovu, Sihaoy's Kraantz, Majuba (1881),Talana Hill (1899), Lancashire Hill (1901), Mome Gorge (1906), Blood River (1838), Gqokli Hill (1818), the site of the Prince Imperial's death, King Cetshwayo's grave, and a number of forts and museums. The tour will leave from London Airport and will cost approximately 1,000 pounds. This price does not include airfare from the U.S. Those interested should contact Edward Brown,4A, Linden Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, P021 2AN, Great Britain.
GAME NEWS/GAME TRADE NEWS CEASES PUBLICATION
GAME NEWS/GAME TRADE NEWS has suspended publication of its monthly publication devoted to role-playing and boardgames. The publication was unique in its approach in that it attempted to reach both the retailer and the individual gamer at the same time. It provided quality reviews of new role- playing and boardgame releases and also included some information regarding releases in the historical miniatures area. It is always regrettable when a publication fails when they have made an honest effort to provide a quality product.
METAL CRAFT MINIATURES & MORE PAINTING CONTEST HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL
The Third Annual Miniature Figure Painting Contest, sponsored by Metal Craft Miniatures & More, a hobby store owned by Bill Hargrave of 1000 North 9th Street, Elmore, IN 46036, was held on February 22, 1986 and attracted nearly 1500 miniatures in 18 different categories. Julie Guthrie, sculptor, and Chuck Crain, art director of Ral Partha Enterprises, judged the event held at the hobby store. one of the more interesting categories allowed individuals to purchase a mounted 25mm knight for $1.00, paint it, and submit it for the contest.
WARGAMES ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE
Tom Ostrander, 3414 Jen, Park City, IL 60085 (312-244-5745) has announced that he is available to construct hand-made wargaming models of buildings, forts and scenery. He made his debut at LITTLE WARS convention, held in May in Chicago, Illinois, and had a French-Indian War log fort and stone fort on display as well as a number of cabins, houses, mills, and assorted other accessories of high quality.
More News
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