Recieved from ATAK some 15mm WWII German and Russian Infantry and HMGs by Crusader out of New Zealand. Chaplain Grant Johnson promised me he would do a review of the Russians in exchange for them but his article did not reach up in time for inclusion. These are either packaged in an O.D. box and labled Military Miniatures or a green camo box labled Battle Front (They had some 80k of these which they decided to use up).
The German infantry pack contains 20 figs. 13 rifle (4 poses.2 w/Panzerfaust, 2 w/LMG ammo), 2 advancing MG34 LMG s. 5 SMG It NCO/ Officer) while the HMG teams contain 5 MG34 HMG s mounted on tripod. 5 gunners, 5 loaders and five variously posed NCO's directing fire. They appear to be wearing mid to late war uniforms which are great for DAK troops, Shorts are O.K. for REMF's and staged 8th Army movie clips, but if I were a combat type I'd want something to protect my legs from cuts. &c. from crawling around on gravel rocky sand. Also it gets cold in the desert at night, so a wool greatcoat is quite welcome. The figures are animated well and are priced in the same range as Old Glory at about 0.26 per (OG's are 0.24) for WWII figures.
Off Email from Tom Dye, the new owner of MiniFigs:
Thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement' We will be working hard in the upcoming month to get Minifigs into a store near you! We are working on a retailer support package that will be inviting for all game and hobby stores to begin to stock Minifigs (read: historicals!).
While writing this upon returning from Cincinnati (and suffering from aching muscles that I forgot I even had!), the following info I'd like to share with you:
1. We have the full support from Mr. Dave Higgs (owner of Minifigs. UK) and his right hand men (Neil and Eugene), that we will be shortly (and forever) receiving all new masters so we can get them into production here in the US, ASAP!
2. We will be using a lead-free pewter that will reproduce the finest quality AND be economical for you to buy.
3. If the molds in the old lines are "shot", we won't be making them available until they are, remolded. If we know about Dave resculpting a line, we will wait for it to appear'. NOT reissuing the old figs. In short, we are committed to quality. Like Chris put it. If WE would not want to use it on our gaming tables, why would you?
4. The packaging will definitely change. No more blister packs! In their place. we will be using recyclable (sp?) (it's late!) plastic "clamshell" style of packs. We will be offering packs of 50 15mm figs (that's 6 command and 44 grunts) for most of the lines. Price point to be determined once we can get set up and do some cost analysis. We don't want to raise prices shortly after we get started! Cost per figure WILL decrease! Cost per pack will be higher, but you will be getting more. We already know that this will make some of you unhappy, but we feel that it will make more of you even happier! The facts are that it's the 1990's. not the 1970's and the economic situation has changed greatly. In order to provide the best we can, we must be cost efficient. I'm confident that most of you understand this.
5. Now. for some things just around the corner, 12mm (works well with 10's) WWII (see ads in the last 3 months worth of Miniature Wargames). These little guys and vehicles are worth looking at! Russians and more US, German and British are being completed as we speak! (I'm trying to get Dave to do more periods in 10mm, as well as next year, we will be seeing new sculpting for 15mm Ancients. (Boy, these are great looking as well.) Sorry. am not able to elaborate more at this time! For ABSOLUTE sure. an entire new line of Tricorn in 15mm! (Including all the Marlburians!)( Wait till you see the guy drinking from his canteen!)
Please bear with us as we literally sort things out! Minifigs USA had over 4,000 molds! As we all know, many were past their retirement date! Finding out which ones those are will be monumental task! The old owners did redo many of them, but we must do a good inventory. Thanks in advance for your understanding!
Once again, thanks to all for the words of encouragement.
"Santa Anna Rules!"
Warfare In Mexico 1820-1870 by Buck Surdu and Pete Panzeri. "Santa Anna Rules!" features two volumes. complete systems for both tactical and skirmish battles of the Mexican and Texan Wars of Independence. Mexcan-American War, and "Maximillian Adventure." "Santa Anna Rules!" VOLUME I - TACTICAL SYSTEM Send check or money Order for $18.46 (P&H free!) to:
Jodie-Press International, PO BOX 372 Oceanport, NJ 07757
Santa Anna Tactical (SAT) Volume 1:
Buck Surdu's Tactical System for larger battles. Volume I also contains orders of battle and background information on the Mexican - American War and the Maximillian Adventure. In addition, this volume includes scenarios for Buena Vista, Churubusco. Puebla, and San Jacinto. Volume I includes several special mechanics to bring out the peculiarities of this locality and era. It is designed to accurately portray the feel of battle in the "Santa Anna era" with each player controlling a brigade. While warfare of this period is Napoleonic-like. the Mexican-American War. and the War of Texas Independence are neither Napoleonic Wars nor like the American Civil War. Santa Anna Tactical Rules captures the aspects of- these wars that are unique.
Game Scales for Santa Anna Tactical (SAT). 1 infantry or cavalry figure = 30 men: 1 cannon casting = 2 guns, 1 artillerist figure = 10 men.
Santa Anna Skirmish (SAS) - Volume II, Pete Panzeri's system for skirmish wargames SAS is a very versatile, popular system representative of combat during Santa Anna's era. And has been featured internationally in Old Glory convention demonstrations of the Alamo (1,500 individually mounted figures).
Volume II focuses on the Alamo, with numerous scenarios and data for both the Texan and Mexican Wars of Independence, as well as the American and French conflicts. SAS is based on Pete's convention - proven Rules of Engagement System, with simplicity and tactical speed of play as key game factors. While inexperienced gamers can quickly grasp SAS combat nuances give it excellent depth, and make it quite challenging for experienced gamer as well. Game Scales for Santa Anna Skirmish (SAS): 1 infantry or Cav figure = 1 to 5 men; cannon casting = 1 gun-, 1 inch =1 to 5 yards',1 turn =1 to 5 minutes
Planned SAR Supplements include campaign and scenario booklets for several Mexican- American War Campaigns, the Wars of Texan and Mexican Independence, and the French Intervention in Mexico. We also plan supplements for some of the Latin-American Wars. SAIR Artwork is from the US National Archives except where indicated as artwork used with the gracious permission of Stephen L. Hardin from his highly recommended - TEXAN ILIAD A MILITARY HISTORY OF THE TEXAS REVOLUTION. 1836 - 1836. University of Texas Press, Austin. TX, 1994, "Santa Anna Rules!" VOLUME I - TACTICAL SYSTEM Send check or money Order for $18.46 (P&H free!) to Jodie-Press International PO BOX 372 Oceanport, NJ 07757
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