Erik Fieldhouse Looks like it's going to be a good year for colonial gaming. I'm a NWF gamer, keep up the good work on the Heliograph. Is Savage & Soldier gone for good? I'm one of those out $19.00. Don't mean to dwell on the past, just curious.

Thanks for the kind words and I hope this is a good year for us. Well, I wish I had any news of S&S but alas I do not. Andy still gets the Heliograph maybe he would like to comment.

Grant Sigsworth Franco-Prussian War? Unbelievable...

Enjoyed the last Heliograph. The check's in the mail (snicker snicker). I actually ordered some figures from Richard Houston for my gunboat. They're pretty good and by far the best deal out there. I even took some pictures of my gunboat for you but alas, my camera is on the fritz and they came out blurry.

Geez, what's wrong with the Franco-Prussian War, it's almost colorful.

Chris Nelson I thought I would drop you a line or two. Brassey's is publishing a number of books that MIGHT be of interest: The Rogue's March: John Riley and the St. Patrick's Battalion 1846-48 by Peter Stevens, 336 pages $27.50 (May 1998). The Spanish American War 1898 by Ron Field, 144 pages, 150 + illustrations, $32.95 (May 1998). World War One: British Army by Stephen Bull, 144 pages, 150 + illustrations, $32.95 (June 1998). Boer War Diaries: The Diaries and Photographs of Malcolm Riall, 192 pages, more than 1,000 personnel never before seen photographs, by Nicholas Riall $29.95 (August 1998).

As always a letter from Chris full of information, Thanks Chris.

Patrick Wilson Thanks for your e-mail and the latest issue. A check for $12 is wending its merry way to you for my re-up.

The new cover looks great! I could wish (as I'm sure you do) it could have been a cardstock front and back type as the size and content of the 'zine merit the best presentation. And, I confess, I rather miss the ancient and honorable logo of the heliograph team. Perhaps it could remain in on the cover, tucked into a comfortable corner? Or perhaps on the first page above the table of contents? Mind you, I like the tommy outfitted for the NWF or Sudan, but we Colonial gamers are nothing if not brain dead traditionalists.

I'm kelly green that you got those Guernsey samples for Central and East Africa! I agree, if those are supposed to be "unfinished" or "imperfect", whatever will the final product look like?

The article on German East military uniforms was a nice additional source, but I don't think the theater will really take off as a viable wargame subject until someone (meaning Guernsey Foundry) produces not only the Huns but also the Masai, ruga-ruga's, and other types to fight them. But even then a set of rules will be needed, however simple, that reflect these people and the kinds of wars/battles they fought. This is definitely not an area of expertise on my part so I can only hope someone will be inspired and get after it.

I certainly share your enthusiasm for Richard Houston's products. No, the majority of his figures are not "state of the art", but they are perfectly useful and, lest we forget, a good paint job is the REAL difference between "good" and "bad" figures on the table. The fact that he has consistently produced items made by no one else is no small point either. I take some personal pride in the fact that it was my own nagging and pleading that got him to make his Nordendeldt and Colt machine guns years ago, as well as several other items. Indeed, since I brought Richard Houston and Chris Ferree together as manufacturer and sculptor, I've been able to get all kinds of good stuff made that I (and others) dreamed about for years.

Richard has also made a number of other 25mm nautical items not yet on his list. These include other ships hatches and doors (not of the steel bulkhead type), a variety of new boat davits which wll accommodate much larger boats, a telegraph and wheel for the bridge, a set of fire fighters, and even a set of survivors in a variety of rowing poses. He also made some 25mm U.S. Marines and German and American sailors. Perhaps a few requests from interested collectors will encourage him to add them all to his next listing.

Thanks for the article on gunboats and that table! Chris Ferree and I have been working on a set of rules (or, two actually) under the working title "The Big Stick" for the last year or so. Inspired by Bob Duncan's work, we have tried to present a more complete system for ship design and detailed rules for damage control and rescue of crews. I've been working on the rules for riverine combat and 25mm boats ("Black Gangs, Brown Water") while Chris has specialized on larger ocean going ships in 15mm scale ("Infernal Machines"). Richard Houston has already begun work on some 15mm ships parts as well as guns and crews. Chris ran a demo game at last year's TwisterCon in OKC and Richard ran an amphibious scenario (inspired by the classic film "The Wind And The Lion") involving Morroccan pirate xebecs and a French and German gunboats and marines. The rules have been on hold for a while as we've been back at work on "John Company" for Guernsey Foundry. We can use anything else you've got in the way of info, especially for historical actions. In return, we might be able to let you print our rules (or at least a working draft) for your readers to playtest. Unfortunately, they are rather longer than an issue of "The Heliograph" and so may not prove practical. I send you a draft as soon as I can get back to finishing the latest version for you to consider.

Since we started this project, Chris, Richard Houston, and I have built far too many vessels in 25mm and 15mm scale. Naturally, the best work is theirs and I wish I had a photo for you of Richard's work especially. His ironclad monitor (post Civil War era) is actually plated with "iron" plates cut from a pop can. He has some Whitehead torpedo launchers that look real enough to be dangerous! He also has some decidedly French looking coastal battleships in 25mm that are masterpieces for the mantel but are serious toys for gaming. Chris also has a French squadron in 15mm, complete with crews, that are a stitch. I have several smaller vessels for river work, but have at least one triple decker Turkish sternwheeler with spaces for guns but rigged as a coastal or riverine passenger/frieghter. Most designs are of comparable size to your plan and many are way too heavily armed, though we've been doing better in that department with our most recent efforts. Again, I'll try to get you some photos when possible.

By way of an update on Richard Houston's SpAm Wars projects, he and Chris already have completed the approximately 4'x6' maps of both the San Juan Heights and the field at El Caney. Richard has also finished his traveling 3-D battlefield of San Juan Heights and it will feature prominently at our TwisterCon VI this March. "A Splendid Little Wargame" is virtually complete for convention play but needs a few additions for general gaming use. Chris has prepared cut-and-fold cardstock models of the Spanish Blockhouses as well as the "fort" at El Caney in scale with the 15mm figures using "selective compression" to more nearly match the ground area. These may be included with the boxed sets or the "full" rules available separately from the RHC. When assembled and based, these look great with lots of detail and are authentically modelled from Spanish designs used in Cuba. Unit flags are now available through the RHC and the rules should be available by the end of March. The true scale battlefield maps have still to be made ready for general sale, but should follow before long.

Richard is also working on new Battle In A Box projects, including a complete 15mm set for (again!) "The Wind And The Lion." Chris already has Mrs. Pedicarris and the children, as well as two Raisuli's in hand. German Infantry, U.S. Marines, and Palace Guards of the Bashaw, a large number of Berber's (mounted and dismounted), as well as machine guns, field artillery, and just about everything else seen in the film will be included and are nearly ready.

Richard is also planning some other Battle In A Box projects that will also benefit from the CAD computer maps, but I'll tell you more only when I am more certain of what he wants to do, but be prepared for some surprises!

Well, that's more than enough for now. As usual, feel free to quote from this mess if you want. I meant to let you know to keep your eyes open for the old Lindberg plastic kit of the "Southern Belle". I believe it is still available, though not commonly on the shelves. She is a 20mm scale stern wheeler with square bow and exposed boilers on the main deck. The model has a single piece flat hull and comes with motor for turning the stern wheel, perfect for the tabletop. The stern wheel is a complete sub assembly that can be used on any other model and the twin boilers (complete with large gauges on top!) could be used to power two more models.

There are a number of accessories and parts that could also be used for scratch building. I think this kit must retail in the $15 range, but I got mine years ago for about $8. I widened her upper deck and added a railing so that she accommodates two TSATF platoons with room for two M1874 "Coffee Grinder" Gatlings (courtesy of Richard Houston). I also had to modify the wheelhouse to take 25mm figs, but this was easy. I cannot recommend this kit too highly for its practical applications!

Later I'll send you a brief article listing cheap and readily available materials that make scratch building these vessels a cinch--and fun to boot! As long as you may be trying to order it through your local hobby shop or from the manufacturer (Craft House Corporation, Toledo, Ohio, 43607), look into getting Lindberg's "Persian Gulf Trader",. "Chinese War Junk", and the "Burma River Pirate". The first two are closer to 15mm scale and are most useful for some parts or for cutting the hulls to waterline and passing them off as very small vessels in 25mm. (The Junk is armed with 20mm Bofors guns, so leave them off--please!) The best of the three is the Burmese. Cut down to waterline, she is just about perfect in 25mm (see the steersman's platform and tiller for scale reference) but is so small it can only take a small swivel gun and maybe ten crew, but when built and painted up, she's a beauty and very much at home on your table top Irrawaddy!

Watch out for Miss Sayer and Mr. Allnut! Their "African Queen" took out my "Koenigen Luise!"

Talk about letters (ok email) full of - ah , oh yeah - information Patrick is so full of - ah - information that it's always a pleasure to read his letters. I stand VERY CORRECTED, Patrick is right on target about the Lindberg "Southern Belle" I used it and not a Revell "Robert E Lee".

Jacques Dextreit I recently found an useful booklet about flags of South Africa (with voertrekker flags and minor Boer Republics...): Sovereign Flags of South Africa by A.P. Burgers, available at the Flag Research Center, Box 580, Winchester, MA 01890-0880 (low price, $10 or $15 I guess).

Jacques, thanks for re-enlisting in the Heliograph army and for the useful information on South African flag, I do not believe I have seen this before. Would you be interested in writing something for the Heliograph about colonial gaming in France. What figures might be available from French or German manufacturers that we just do not hear about.

Jeff Johnson I enjoyed reading your latest issue of The Heliograph, so I immediately noted your reminder that now is the time to "re-up" as they used to say in the Army.

I especially value the detailed information that you provide to us on new figures and equipment releases. The reviews in the Midwest Wargamers Association Newletter and in your newsletter are the most interesting "news" about the hobby.

It is also very helpful when you photocopy or scan in the actual items. It was a treat to find the new African troops and natives coming in the future from Foundry, as well as a full review of Richard Houston's naval crews and related items. This is a real service to the readers. I also appreciate when an author indicates the scale of the figures, that is within the "nominal" 25mm or 20mm catagory.

In addition to the new releases, it would be interesting to see an article once in a while that compared all the figures currently available in a scale in one article. Such as the Mexican troops offered by Pass of the North, Foundry, Frontier, Old Glory, and perhaps others. This would highlight strengths and weaknesses, and could show relative size easily. This could also be a way to remind people of the American manufacturers who don't get coverage in those "glossies" from England.

Thanks a lot for the letter Jeff, and to those who think I paid him to write this I didn't, you got my check right Jeff? I'll look into writing an article about periods and available figures. I could use some help in this, particularly for the FFL. Or any of the smaller 25s.. I am finding that I like the "glossies" less and less, the one glossy that I do like has nothing to do with miniatures - Regiment.

Michael Parker I was delighted to receive my first copy of the Heliograph: I have been meaning to subscribe for some time but never quite made it. I don't think those outside the hobby have any idea what a great bunch of people wargamers are, and how generous - Bill Stewart is a prime example and I shall have to see what I can do to return the favor - perhaps arrange for the Seahawks to win a few games, but miracles are rather beyond me!

I have been an enthusiast for Sword and the Flame for some years and look forward to articles on that subject although I've been converted to Principles of War for larger battles.

I totally agree with the comments on Foundry figures - they should carry a public health warning as likely to cause serious damage to the bank balance. I have rather too many Plains Wars figures awaiting painting, plus ACW, but WWI in East Africa (and SW Afrcia) is a fascinating campaign although my main interest at the moment is the Wargfare in Mesopotamia, with the idea of using PoW and Irregular Miniatures 6mm figures: still on the drawing board (and painting) board.

I thought you might like the enclosed Fair catalogue from last Saturday (21 March): a very pleasant day mixing militaria, books, figures from Old Glory and Redoubt plus some modellers figures (Mountford Metal Miniatures especially had a superb range) and some nice demonstration wargames - modesty apart, the Society's own game of NW Frontier Storming the Heights was spectacular - excellent scenary and well painted Foundry miniatures. I'm not just saying you missed a lot, but thought you might like the illustrations. If anyone wants a copy of the programme, I have a few spares if they send me a couple of dollar bills to cover postage. I also enclose a leaflet for the Melik Society which ties in with your gunboat article. There hasn't been much progress so far, but all support would be welcomed, I am sure. Again, I have a few spare copies.

Thank you for the letter and programme, the pictures are very nice. As you can see I have included a copy of the Melik Society flyer, I hope my readers respond to this chance to help with preserving a part of history we are very interested in. I hope that I will eventually get to see the annual meeting.

John Hollyoak As the co-editor of From the Redoubt Ray Boyles passed me issue 103 of the Heliograph which I have just finished reading. Congratulations on another excellent issue. With my editorial hat on I think it would have been fairer to split the Russian article over two issues but personally I found it fascinating reading (I must get hold of the book) and I am already iching to get working on building the farms which were so well described. It has always been a favorite period of mine. I can't see why it has taken so long for figure manufacturers to produce figures for the Russians (and only Gladiator in 15mm, nothing in 25mm) - after all they fought various actions against different tribes and against the Afghans and almost against the British.

I enclose copies of another magazine I produce which goes with the Principles of War rules. I believe I have either sent you an earlier copy or mentioned when I wrote last. Please feel free to use any article which may be of interest.

The main reason for writing is that I am hoping you or your readers, may be able to help with 15mm figure availablity in the US. In issue 2 I listed the manufacturers of the various armies in our colonial army lists and you will see that there are large holes. I wonder if there are any American figures not available in the UK which would fill the gaps. I am especially interested in WWI Colonial Germans and I understood that they were covered by a company called Falcon although when I saw an old advert for them they seemed to be 25mm. I was assured by someone who worked for PHA Leisure (who import the figures into the UK) that they did a nice range of 15mm Franco-Prussians and also Colonial Germans. The armies are small enough that the extra cost would not be material. Perhaps there is someone who could help or be willing to exchange for UK figures which are not available in the US.

Thank you for the kind words. I have no 15mm, except for Napoleonic and ACW Old Glory, so I am not really much help. However, I do know that lots of readers have 15mm armies, I know John would appreciate any help you can give him. Several readers have asked about an article that lists manufacturers and figure scales. John's article from issue 2 of PoW The Magazine is included to help you with the 15mm figures. it is included on the next two pages. I found it to be quite useful, I am sure you readers will find it that way also. John's address is listed in the Rules Review section.

Bob Burke Life has been exttremely hectic lately. I just found out that my wife and I are going to have another baby (this one makes three).

Have you heard anything more about Savage & Soldier? The last time I spoke with Andy he was going to contact Joseph Boeke, but that was a while ago And I haven't heard anything more. The disappearance of Savage & Soldier has certainly hurt my back issues business.

I was wondering if anyone has reviewed the Fenwick Travers books? I believe that there are three of them out now. If not, I would be willing to write a short review. Fenwick is sort of an American version of Harry Flashman. They don't come with the same historical notation that the Flashman books do, but they are good light reading.

Congratulations on the soon to be number three. Andy, how about an answer? Almost anything would be some help, please. As to the Travers books, no they have not been reviewed here. Please feel free to review them for us. I don't believe that I have seen these books.

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