Instead of trying to build large "armies" of 25mm or 15mm wargames figures, have any of you ever remotely considered collecting something else? Something easier to accumulate and yet far less troublesome to store? Something that we all use but is not too expensive to buy? Something maybe you've never thought of before? Something say.... like collecting old Christmas or Birthday cards perhaps?
No?
Well, if you're like me you'll already have one or two things hanging about the house anyway, so why not start collecting them properly, on a regular basis? Or isn't that your "cup of tea?" OK then, let's consider something else.
How about collecting something a bit more interesting perhaps, something of far more help to a wargamer and considerably more dynamic? And what's more, is bloody cheap into the bargain? How does that sound? A good Idea?
Right then, how about collecting some good old "used matchsticks & matchboxes? Great stuff eh?
But wall a minute. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not trying to talk you into saving a few dirty old "Swan Vestas", those short stubby matches beloved by all smokers with their hacking coughs (thank goodness I gave up 8 years ago.) No, I'm thinking along the lines of amassing huge numbers of proud, "butch" type matches mode from pine softwood and easily "dead headed" with a sharp craft knife ("Captain Webb" or "The Cook's Matches" etc. you know the type). Now, those are the ones we should all be collecting. Don't you agree?
No?
Quite dearly you don't share my enthusiasm for the idea do you?
Well, before going any further let me predict that, after reading this series of articles some of you - although I don't know just how many - will be collecting both cards and matchsticks in large numbers.
No?
Don't believe me eh?
In that case you'd better read on.
Now The Sensible Bit.
(Well, the "little less gory bit" anyway)
OK, now before anyone jumps to the wrong conclusion, all these strange suggestions have a definite rational and sensible explanation - well, I think they have - and perhaps it's about time we were ALL let in on it. Be warned though, it won't suit you ALL, and I'm certain that some of you will dismiss it with total comtempt. On the other hand, it might just save one or two of you some money and perhaps recharge your interest in the wargaming hobby. And maybe, just maybe, it might even save the odd marriage or two (especially if your "better half' sees next month's bank statement).
OK, so how can collecting such strange objects as old Christmas cards and used matchsticks do all this ? ....Well, the answer is quite simple, these objects "don't cost anything!" (Well, not much anyway). And it's simply because "they don't cost....much" that they're just what we need to help produce our own wargame regiments and battalions. More, based and painted in only a fraction of the time it normally takes, and with more than enough models to game any period we wish between say, 1800 & 1870 (or, any period where "linear tactics" were used).
Sounds a little more interesting now?
Yes?
Well, before getting too enthusiastic here's a bit more bad news for you.
Unfortunately, and I'm afraid there's no way around this, it does mean that all the regiments and battalions produced with matchsticks can only be constructed in 6mm scale and as I said before this won't appeal to some of you. Some may even have already turned up their noses at the thought of "matchstick modelling". If this is the case, then quite clearly these 6mm "armies" aren't for you. You'll just have to stick to normal (?) 25/15mm scale wargaming with all the posts in time, effort & your bank balance that entails. However, with the average 25mm metal figure now costing around 60p+ (at the time of writing), I only hope you've got deeper pockets then I have.
But let's move onto the benefits again. 6mm scale wargaming, as I'm sure many of its advocates will assure you, has a great deal already in its favour, especially if you stop to consider just how many "matchstick" regiments or battalions you'll be able to squeeze onto a table that was originally planned to take in 25mm metal figures. And think of the expense you'll be saving in the bargain.
As an example, take my own 6'6" x 6'6" set-up which can easily accommodate over 80+ matchstick regiments (they are American Civil War period) plus, guns, limbers, staff officers, wagons etc. as well. And the whole lot cost me no more than 30! Now that's what I call value for money.
And if you're like me, always dreaming of worgaming those large "bloody" battles rather than fiddling about with puny little skirmishes with no more than a dozen regiments per side (as is the case with most 25mm scale affairs), perhaps now is the chance to try them out.
I'm also including information about 6mm terrain pieces, how to make some, where to buy others (after all, by saving a little cash on your armies you'll be able to spend a bit more on terrain etc.) I will also include info on how to construct some of the "extras" I use on my own table, things like "Cannon-fire", "Splash markers" (usually for sea battles), "Explosions" and "House Fires" all made from you card. Yes, you've guessed it, from Christmas & Birthday Cards.
Back to The Gauntlet No. 1 Table of Contents
Back to The Gauntlet List of Issues
Back to Master Magazine List
© Copyright 1994 by Craig Martelle Publications
This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com