From Jeff Johnson:

In issue 92 you began a series on the German colonies in Africa and I was interested in the discussion of available figures. (I will get back to this series soon). I was surprised not to see the very complete 25mm line by Falcon Miniatures (617-391-9944).

(It is not surprising to me, I have on several occasion sent them letters asking for catalogs, listings, anything and I have not received an answer. In response to Jeff's enquiry I sent another letter to Falcon.)

Falcon began with 25mm colonial troops, and still has a wide range available, including British, Dervish, French, Arab, Turkish, and a variety of troops for Peking in 1900. A supply wagon and team, artillery and a 1914 Rolls Royce armored car are also offered. Packs are 6 infantry or 3 cavalry for $6.95. (According to the letter there are 17 German/Herero figures available.)

These figures are true 25mm size and feature the correct German uniform details such as small turn backs on the jackets and the cuffs with German buttons. The sun helmet is not the same as the British model, and the Askari do not look like Egyptians. (The mounted Askari is a very useful figure for Italian colonial armies, for which Falcon also makes two types of Italian troops in sun helmet.

I can recommend these simple, easy to paint figures. They are not quite as large or as detailed as newer lines, but they are accurate models and sturdy enough for lots of gaming.

From Brent Oman:

Historicon was fun as always. The attendance seemed to be down - this seemed to be a common perception. The number of games with really great looking terrain seemed to be limited this year. Bryan Ansell of Guernsey Foundry commented on the poor quality of the majority of the games terrain. He said that in England, gamers would be embarrassed to be using a felt cloth and tape roads at a convention game. I would applaud that attitude here in the States.

The one game that really stood out was a gigantic ACW game recreating the 2nd day at Gettysburg (Wheatfield, Round Tops, Devils Den, etc...) in 25mm. It took up two large tables and was magnificent looking. The 2000+ figures almost disappeared on the table since it was so large. There did not appear to be as much colonial gaming as before. Sword and Flame games were not very numerous. The big winner seemed to be Napoleonics using Napoleon's Battles.

We played a "Hallowed Ground" ACW demo game (Piquet) on Saturday. Saturday night an independent gamer put on a LARGE 6mm Napoleonics game (over 75 units on the table) using Piquet (Grognards) and his own modifications. The game played to a conclusion with 8 gamers (4 per side) in under 4 hours. The SYW/AWI/Marlborough version "Cartouche" was released at the convention. Ancients is next, to be followed by Medieval, then ECW.

I really like the way you have improved The Heliograph. I don't think you have to worry about circulation - once the word starts to get out about the new version of The Heliograph, subscriptions should take care of themselves. Have you had any feedback on the periods to be covered? Any likes/dislikes from the readers? What periods would you rule out for inclusion?

(Thanks for the Historicon report and the words of encouragement. As to hearing from the readership I have heard only that you all like the new direction. And no further comment. So I would hope that those who do write letters let me know what periods you would not like to see covered. Right now I am open to anything colonial. I hope to get back to the Germans in Africa soon, but with the articles I have now and the new stuff that continues to arrive it may be awhile.)

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