Gleanings: Magazines

Courier Dispatch: News of the Hobby

by Nick Nascati

Military Modelling (Available from most hobby stores; monthly): December '86 issue on hand for review. Good issue for wargamers as there are several articles on tanks (T34/85 in Egyptian service and Panzers) as well as one on basic painting techniques; banners for wargames figures; using modeling clay to make wargames figures; the Roman Auxilia, and Stirling Bridge (1297). All interesting stuff as well as great ads which keep you up on new releases and Stuart Asquith's fine column on new items. All good value!

The Heliograph (Tony Adams, 301 N. Willie St., Mount Prospect, IL 60056; $10 for ten issues): There may be good news coming for subscribers of The Heliograph as Tony Adams has announced that he may have located several individuals who may be interested in assuming the editorialship from him although this is not a certainty at present. #37 (November, 1986) featured articles concerned with auxiliary forces for The Sword and The Flame; Colonial Wargaming Alternatives to Native Bashing; an Alternative Card System for The Sword and The Flame, as well as several book reviews. Always interesting articles for those interested inTheSwordand The Flame, as well as others who do not use this rules set. I hope this publication will continue in the future.

The Nugget (Bob Cordery, 50 Booth Close, Thameshead, London, SE28, England; price unknown): This is the publication of the Wargames Development group out of England and their journal is primarily concerned with game which do not utilize figures. However, before you cross them off as not being something you'd be interested in, they do have some ideas/games for figures, and many of the ideas presented within their pages can be used in figure games. Number 35 had an interesting set of rules for the Pike& Shot period as well as the usual type of articles mentioned above which do not feature figures. Worth reading, especially if you are into rules writing.

SAGA (Terry Gore, 890 Janes Road, Rochester, N.Y. 14612; $10.00/6 issues): November, 1986 issue on hand which features a number of good articles concerning the Norma n/Saxon/Vi king period, including a set of rules, "Warfare in the Age of Arthur", which seems well done; battle reports, book reviews, and news of new figure releases. This amateur publication is worth supporting and bears further watching as it continues to improve with each issue.

Lone Warrior (Ron Moore, 32 Buce Hayes Close, Highcliffe on Sea, Dorset, BH23 5H), England; 10.75 pounds/6 issues): The journal of the Solo Wargamer's Association which is devoted to battle reports/wargame scenarios/solo wargaming techniques/solo campaigning with a section on play- by-mail (PBM) wargaming, an aspect which appears to be growing in popularity. I always enjoy the "letters" section of this publication which usually is several pages in length. Lone Warrior has been running a series on "wargame basics" which seems to be quite helpful to the beginner as well as the more advanced wargamer. I particularly enjoyed an article in this issue concerning painting 1/300th figures and one on building a model of a castle for wargames use.

Le Moniteur (IMB, 76 Priestfield Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 4RF, England; $23.00 (surface) or $28.50 (airmail) for six issues): Published by The Napoleonic Association and devoted to furthering interest and knowledge in the Napoleonic period. Number 6 had articles on the 15th Light Dragoons; the Russian War in Finland; the 3rd Demi-Brigade; and other shorter features. Appears rather costly for the American subscriber although those interested in the Napoleonic period would certainly find it of value.

Empires, Eagles and Lions (RAFM, 19 Concession St., Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, N1 R, 2G6; $18.00/6 issues): "The" publication for devotees of the Napoleonic era! Quality writing, presented well visually, and always of interest. Number 95 (July-August, 1986) presented articles on the War of 1812; War of 1809 against Austria; campaign of 1812-13; and an interesting column by Ned Zuparko on artillery in which General B.P. Hughes, author of "Firepower" and "Open Fire" responded to some of Ned's questions concerning artillery. Many other features make this a valuable magazine to wargamers.

Gorget & Sash (5218 Landgrave Lane, Springfield, VA 22151; $10.00/ quarterly): The journal of the Early Modern Warfare Society and judging from the quality of Volume 111, Number 1, it appears to be improving greatly as regards quality. This issue had articles on Weitzel's Mill (1781); a scenario for Auberoche from the Hundred Years' War; and the Georgia Brigade in the American Revolution as well as numerous other features.

Plastic Warrior (Mr. Ross Perry, Secretary. Send an IRC for details to 164 King Harold's Way, Bexleyheath, Kent DA7 5RA): Issue No. 5 in hand. The Plastic Warrior Club are a group of Englishmen who game exclusively with figures 40mm and larger. For those of like me with leanings in this direction, you will find the newsletter full of all sorts of interesting information and support, for those who like to play with Toy Soldiers

MWAN Review

by Dick Bryant

Hal Thinglum writes this column and edits, types, writes much of, addresses and mails the subject newsletter. In his dual capacity he is reluctant to review his own publication in these pages so I am going to do it for him.

MWAN is a labor of love and shows it. it has much of the flavor of The "old" Courier and is full of ideas for gaming and anecdotes from the readers about their games. It is one of the best publications available for news of what new material is available in the hobby (which is why I asked Hal to do this column for us). A feature that is always interesting is Hal's interviews of wargaming personalities.

It has at least 60 pages/issue with specials reaching 100+ and comes out 6 times a year. Highly recommended.

$10/year from Hal Thinglum, 22553 Pleasant Drive, Richton Park, IL 60471

Platoon Fire: Magazine for Complete Brigadier Players

Seth Owen of 6 Whelden Lane, Acushnet, MA 02743, is launching a new amateur magazine entitled PLATOON FIRE. It will be a quarterly devoted to play, battle reports, scenarios, optional rule ideas, rule modifications for particular armies, painting guides, playing tips, etc. for The Complete Brigadier.

Cost has not been set as of this date, but Seth solicits correspondence from gamers interested in the concept, especially those interested in writing articles forthe new magazine. Good Luck, Seth! - DICK BRYANT

Courier Cartoonist Has Exhibit

Brian Lum, who has been contributing many great cartoons to The Courier of late had his work exhibited at The College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California.

Examples of his work for both the Dennis the Menace and Garfield cartoon strips as well as other material were exhibited.

Wargames Imports Miniature Wargames Magazine

Johnson Hood of Wargames (and Ancient Tournament fame) has announced that his company, WARGAMES, has been appointed sole IMPORTING distributor of the popular Miniature Wargarnes Magazine from England. Wargames will be handling subscriptions as well. Retail establishments should continue to get their stock from their usual distributor.

More Courier Dispatch: News

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