I would like to mention the passing of a great hobby shop. At midnight, March 31, 1998, the Tin Soldier closed its doors for good.

The Tin Soldier goes way back, to the early 70's, if not earlier. It has been a landmark in its various locations in Dayton and finally in Centerville, Ohio. The Greater Dayton Wargamers Club (GDWC), has called it home for many years. It was at the Tin Soldier that I bought my first miniatures (15mm Heritage Napoleonics) way back in 1978 and where I continued to game for many years since.

In fact, I have been organizing the Great Lakes game days at the Tin Soldier from early 1997 up until they closed shop. From April 14,1996, through March 27, 1998, HMGS Great Lakes sponsored 54 games. Starting out one Sunday per month, it expanded into one Sunday, one Tuesday and one Friday per month. Turnout was great, with an average of seven players on Sundays and Tuesdays, and 10 players on Fridays.

My thanks to all who ran events, showed up to play, and especially to the management who provided us with such a fine place to play. Not all historical miniature gamers are so fortunate. As I said, the Tin Soldier was a landmark in the Dayton area and will be greatly missed.

Work is progressing nicely on Advance the Colors '98. It will, I am quite certain, be our best yet. Capcon has concluded for this year, and despite some snafus with scheduling, was better attended by historical miniature gamers than in recent years. Thanks to all those that ran events. I chose not to run an event this year. Just for the record, the program was wrong. Jack Shaw ran the Coffeeville Desperado game -- not me. That's it until next time.