This issue is late because my 10 year old Mac managed to die just before I finalized the issue, and I lost a few review items. I will have to try and figure out what and report next time.

I have four articles from Larry Brom that I will begin running next issue, but I could still use more. Several of you , Roger Deal and Jeff Johnson have sent along material for which I am grateful. Thank you.

Several new subscribers have joined on and are interested in Force Publique, German Colonial Actions, American Ops in the Philippines, Gunboats (more to come from me latter issues), and 54mm figures. I resently went to a toy soldiers show in Columbia, SC. Well, it was quite nice, loads of figures, not all 54mm, I did buy some of the new wood laser cut figures (a review next issue), but I did not buy any 54s, except a Britains firing cannon to add to my collection (now at seven). The 54s are very expensive, even the new ones. For a box of 10 to 16 foot or may be 6 to 8 mounted I could buy nearly seven bags of Old Glory or 15 or more Foundry packs. So buying 54s are not high on my agenda. I did like them and plan on saving for next years show to buy sufficient Colonials for a skirmish. But with a son going to an expensive art school (Savannah College of Art and Design) I can't buy much. I hope he gets a good job in computer animation that he's majoring in to help pay back some of the loans. Well, I know, at least I can hope.

Of all the places I have lived in, except Columbia, SC I would never have figured that Saluda, SC (population about 3,000) would have other gamers, but there are two others (I have only met one). I see more game reports and scenarios in my future, finally. We are trying to organize a military history round table, there never seems to be time to discuss military history no matter whom I'm with the cows and pigs just grunt unknowingly. But Saluda is looking good. We're still trying to find the right time to game and discuss.

DON'T FORGET, PLEASE, IF THE NUMBER ON YOUR MAILING LABEL IS 120 IT IS TIME TO REENLIST IN THE HELIOGRAPH FOR ANOTHER YEAR.

Guide to German Colonial Military Uniforms: Africa with 5 color plates illustrating 14 uniforms and 25+ b&w illustrations. Available from me for $16 or £ 15.

PLEASE NOTE IF YOU EMAIL ME I HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: brooks1@emeraldis.com