From James Casey Here in Hawaii the largest wargame club is the Brothers-In-Arms Association of which I am the Secretary. The club war!aames on an Air Force base but we are not affiliated with the Air Force. Our members are mainly service members from all branches but continually gaining new civilian and student members. We are always looking for new ways and ideas to improve the club. If you have any suggestions/comments, please contact me. From Lt. Charles Clay I've really enjoyed receiving MWAN over the last two years. In fact, I enjoy reading MWAN more than the Professional wargaming magazines I subscribe. My compliments to all the contributing authors. I have recently returned from a tour of duty in West Germany as an Armor Officer. My time was pretty limited for hobby pursuits and I was doing well just to get a few figures painted and have a game every once in awhile. From Greg Hopper Enjoyed Tony Adams' commentary last issue on movement. Pass on my congratulations to him for another well written piece. The last couple of issues of MWAN have been fantastic. It appears as though MWAN needs a few more well written battle reports. Our group is beginning to roll again so I may be able to get you somthing. Was happy to see that the next special issue will be on homebrewed rules. Was also glad to see the second issue on the Alamo as it filled in the gaps in the details required for a group like ours to play the battle at one of our gaming sessions.I do take issue with the article on standardization. If I interpreted the intentions of the author correctly, he was stating that the variations from unit to unit and army to army made rules standardizations impossible. My comment would be that rules standardization is only possible if you insist on exact historical accuracy and are not willing to comproinise enough to create 'generic' classes of units (i.e. Rifles, Militia, Hussars, etc), 'generic' classes of movement (i.e. foot, light horse, heavy horse, etc) and then accept somewhat generic tables of national modifiers to customize the troops from the different countries (i.e. British fire rates, French morale, etc). Keep up the exceleent worktl Thank the rest of the people helping you for me! From Mike Pierce. Received MWAN #34 - Another great issue! HATSOFF issue was very good; enjoyed Dan Grove's suggestions for running a wargame club - if all wargame groups were run in the same manner, there would be a lot more content and active gainers around. My favorite was Sam Gill's Battles Lost and Won. WOW - the whole thing was a superb and articulate and emotional account of what the best in wargaming can be -- something above the positioning of painted toy soldiers according to rules and regulations& a shared camrederie of enjoyment of mutual interests - friendship and good fun. I swear a chill ran up my back when I read the last line of Sam's article. My Hat's off to Sam Gill and HATS OFF!! Rest of the issue was also solid, enjoyable articles written by knowledgeable gamers. From Joe Cairo I'm writing in response to Ned Zuparko's inquiry into Civil War books Specialists. I offer the following: Morning Side Bookshop, 258-260 Oak St., Dayton, OH 45410 or PO Box 1087, Dayton, OH 45401, 513-461-6736. Has an extensive catalogue and in their own words "We believe we have all civil war books by alit publishers in this catalogue." Hope this is of help to you and your readers. From Daniel Groves You ask about the carpet tiles and where I get them. Well, back in the late 60's we came up with the idea for carpet tile and I bought about 300 or so at that time. Over the years I have picked up odd lots from garage sales, and other gamers that had extra or were tearing down their own wargame tables. Even at that, I still wish I could have more. Now, the thing to do is purchase indoor/outdoor carpet and cut the 1"x1" sections myself. Since it is difficult to find exactly the color I want with a backing, these newer tiles are glued to Masonite squares so they are at the same height as the older ones. By the way that is what has to be done on road squares as the glue for the "road material" caused the carpet edge to raise up unless glued down. When I plan to do next for the table is to convert from the foam hills and go to foam contour lines. What I will do is cut a large piece of foam, cut the edging at an angle as I do my present hills, but then cut out the center part in 1 foot squares and half squares in a triangle.(I have carpet tiles cut at a diagonal in the shape of a triangle also) Then when I use the contour line, I will set it so that the cut out portion aligns with the carpet tile beneath only I will remove the tile that is setting on the table top. The result is that the cut out portions, when placed back into the cut contour line shape will drop down the thickness of a carpet tile and I can then place the carpet tiles on top and it will make a smooth fit with the outside of the contour edge. That way I can use all other tiles I have. I will then be able to have farms, fields, towns etc. on a level other than the base level of he table. I can still use my foam hills to place on the contour lines for even more heigth. I hope this makes sense. I have enclosed some old photos of a civil war game is years past that show what the table looks like then. I now have angled roads and streams as well as better appearing buildings. A comment on my terrain. I am of the opinion that no matter how good a terrain system is, even if it is of model railroad quality, it still does not really look like the real thing. Just as even 50-60 man battalions do not really look like a real 600 man unit. What I try to achieve is a "cartoon"-effect. Sort of what a cartoon of a wargame would look like. The only difference is that I prefer figures that are anatomically correct etc. You asked once where I get the foam for the hills. There is a retail store in the area that used to be called FOAM CITY and all they sold was foam rubber. Now they have expanded and sell custom made furniture using the foam for sofas and chairs etc. They also sell other furniture. They still sell the foam rubber. It comes in about 3 densities and you can get it in very large sheets.' They will cut same, straight cuts, at a minimal charge per cut. I am not sure of the costs these days, as I have not purchased any for several years. I will let you know as soon as I buy the foam for the contour line hills. We use KRYON brand Avacodo Green which matches the carpet well. From Harold Wones From time to time, I will be thumbing through a friend's copy of MWAN, and will invariably spot an article on how to recruit new blood to the hobby. And I wanted to add my opinion to the heap, because I note all these opinions have one fact in common. They are written from an insider looking out and wondering what's wrong. I think of myself as a gamer, not an historical gamer alone. I started as a little kid, playing monopoly and such, and graduating to games like Chess and Go. Then I started into that dark end of the hobby - Role Playing. And finally, I, became interested enough in the miniatures themselves to become interested in what most people refer to as 'Wargaming'. Now, MWAN caters to the 'Wargaming' crowd, so I will keep my comments to that end of the hobby, but you need to realize that there are actually 3 main branches to GAMING, and I will have to refer to the other two (role-playing and board gaming) for comparision. My first point is that there are a fair number of people who do not like the sound and' connotation surrounding the word War. So many in fact, that our government changed the Dept. of War into the Dept. of Defense., In many eyes, to refer to yourself as a wargamer is to equate yourself with a warmonger, etc. And this is why I prefer to call the hobby Historical Miniatures Gaming. It might be more of a tongue-twister but it sounds much better. My second point is that there is little to no advertizing. No-one is likely to find a copy of MWAN in a doctor's office, and if they did (no insult intended Mr. Thinglum) they are not likely to pick it up - in preference to Time or Us or the like. And fewer still would decide to join the hobby based solely on reading it. And yet, this type of periodical is the only place an historic manufacturer is likely to advertize. This keeps the entire hobby sequestered away from the average person. Conventions are not much better at introducing the hobby, since they also advertize primarily in this type of magazine. Nor do convention fliers explain to the layman what the hobby is like, and the question becomes "Do I want to pay the admittance fee to see something I don't understand, and am not sure I will like; or go to the park, hate a picnic, and fly a kite." And I can use this kite flier as an example for my final point. Miracle of miracles, the fellow has decided to drop the hobby of kite-flying ;and take up gaming. Now, where do you go? Almost all hobby shops now have some role playing games, and often enough board games of a military bend. Even bookstores carry these items. As I know the St. Louis area, let me make my example from what's here. There are approx. 30 places in town where I could find gaming, of one sort or another, but only 3 of those places contain any historical miniatures or rules for them. This makes the odds not so good that the kite flier will link up with Hist. Minis. as his new hobby. However, let us assume he does hit one of the three. Now, think like that kite-flier, you know nothing at all about gaming, but you went to a convention and saw all those neat miniatures parading about the tabletops, and decided to get in. You browse through the store, passing brightly packaged D&D, Battletech, Middle Earth, Star Trek, Avalon Hill games, Victory, and then you find a shelf with a bunch of pamphlets, with lithography style covers. But you can't seem to find the rules for the games you saw. So you ask the clerk, and he shows you that rack of pamphlets. Yuck! Maybe you'd prefer to try some of the other games you've passed. But no, you persevere, and ask for the miniatures. And they also come in the more drab packaging. Yes, I am alluding to the fact that historical rules on the whole just don't compare to the appearance of the other games. More often than not, people DO judge a book by it's cover, ever) when they know what's inside. Some manufacturers realize this, I do in fact understand that the majority of historical manufacturers are small, even one man operations, and they simply cannot compete with the biggies. But even the biggies are guilty of poor packaging, in both rules and miniatures. In fact, many manufacturers do not enjoy dealing with retailers, and restrict themselves to mail-order only, and so are not even represented when that novice walks into that shpp. And that's what it comes down to, getting that new recruit into the shop,, and taking an interest in those historical minis, and becoming a part of historical gaming. The gamers can try their hardest to interest non-gamers, can usually even get them psyched. But in the end, the game has to sell itself. PP: What you do with this letter, Mr. Thinglum is your own concern. I have said my piece, whether it be just to you or to the world at large, and am content to have said it. I have merely vented my own frustrations of this hobby, and hope to make you, as an editor, aware that there is possibly something none of these articles have taken into account, and so they continuously belabor an issue they do not fully comprehend without actually doing something constructive to correct the problem (except possibly to point out the problem exists). From Stephen Allen This letter has been prompter) by the arrival of MWAN 35 (posted on the 17th August, arrived today;:). I felt that I had to put pen to paper (as it were) to say that it is a first-class issue. The copy of no. 215 of Wargamers' Newsletter brought a little lump into the throat and a huge wave of nostalgia. And this from someone who was never a! regular subscriber and who only discovered it towards the end of its life. Ah, memories! Why aren't wargames magazines like this any more? Could it be that the hobby has passed through its infancy and adolescence and has grown up to become more staid and set in its ways? I suppose that it might well be so, but like many who look back to their Younger days, I might ask: are we any better off, and what have we gained or learned over the intervening years??  Am I getting old? I was 36 last month so perhaps the answer is yes. Nil Desperandum, as we say in Brussels. What are we moaning about when we have MWAN delivered to our doors every couple of months (or so). For what it is worth, I reckon MWAN is set well to take the place of the Newsletter, and it says much for the state of the hobby in both the UK and the 'New World' that its successor should appear over the big water. Why should this be so? From my position offshore, I get the distinct impression that wargaming has become more and more commercialised in the UK to the detriment of individual enthusiasm and to the hobby as a whole. Not that individual enthusiasm no longer exists: it's just that many people have preferred to draw back and do their own thing. Just look at the people who used to write in the old Newsletter ori;a regular basis. Stop being a, bore Allen and write something intelligent. As you will be aware, my great interest over the past few years has been the Crimean War... Whereas this started off as a search for something a little different and unusual (I'm nothing if not a wargames-snob), it has progressed to the point where the Crimea has become an interest in it own right and not simply a reason for pushing toy soldiers around a table. I suppose that this was a spin-off from my repearch when I was trying tq develop my own set of rules for the period, since published, would you believe, under the snappy title: 'The Thin Red Streak'. Anyway, enough of commercial breaks. I now have quite a collection of books on the Crimea, including an 1868 edition of Kinglake, the famous British historian and sycophant (Lord Raglan's nephew, which shows you that it is worthwhile having a relative along to write what really happened). As for the hardware, the figures are almost entirely Peter Laing 15mm for the simple reason that when I started to collect them they were the only ones or the market. Peter Laing figs are attractive too and, for me, have a charm all of their own. Recently, of course, loads of new ranges have appeared, mostly in 15mm although Wargames Foundry have just released the first of their 25mmfigures. 'WF' figures probably need no introduction from me; suffice it to say that I have been sorely tempted to start all over again. Daresay I'll find a good excuse to do so soon enough! In this connection, I was interested to read the article by Joe Gretsky on the possibilities offered by Esci's range of plastic Crimean figures. I have a couple of packs of these, well had would be more accurate as my son (12) has purloined them), which were intended to be used in a mini diorama of the Charge of the Light Brigade. I fully agree with Joe on the quality of the Esci figures, especially the horses, though I'm not so keen on the foot figures which struck me as being more suited to the war of 1878. You remember I wrote about our impending vacation in Canada. Well that was a marvellous experience for us all. We managed to see quite a lot in the three weeks we spent there, but of course it was not long enough. 48 hours in Quebec City was certainly not long enough! I even got to do some wargaming with our host Siman MacDowall and a good friend of his, David Blanchard, both ancient and mediaeval nuts. Both will be attending the forthcoming Society of Ancients conference in UK in Novenber. part of our gaming was taken up with an in-depth discussion of a rules system they had been putting together for Roman versus Barbarian warfare, and before I realised quite what I was about I had rashly voluntered to paint an entire Ancient British/Gallic army to go with my (nearly complete) Romans. Problem was, I didn't even own said army. Nevertheless, I got home and in the first flush of enthusiasm (remember that?) I became the proud possessor of about 150 assorted Celts, chariots and all. The painting is almost finished and I'll be glad when it is 'cuz I'm sick of the little so-and-so's. Still, it's got me some opposition for my legionaries (my son Michael is pleased) and I'm fixed in 25mm wargaming now. I never really was before---all my armies are 15mm. Tell you what, if Messrs Blanchard and MacDowall have no objection, I'll write and describe the system and the conference game once it's all over and done with. From Paddy Griffith Sorry, I can't help you with 'Terrain', but I'm afraid that's not my 'Scene' - if you will excuse the punt IncAentally, have you ever seriously considered the - quite widespread - view that wargames are really like theatre plays ... or as Lawrence would have it, like Movies'? Not only could you run a complete MWAN 'special issue' on that theme, but it would be getting quite close to the heart of what we need to know about wargames that has not, so far, been said) In order to explain myself, I should say that I believe you have to start off with the assumption that wargames are primarily social events - is events', where the 'host' invites his friends round for an evening (or a day, a weekend) of entertainment.. There is a 'show' or an 'act' being put on, in the form of a battle ba'ween toy soldiers (actually it's a bit like Roman gladiators!), in which everyone is to some extent shangg the roles of sponsors and spectators. Thus if my toy army does something well, it's both because I have egged it on well (as 'sponsor' or 'manager') and because it, In itself, lights well (is this is something I have to watch from the outside, as a 'spectator'). Now, this 'entertainment show' or 'act' will usually consist either of the hoot putting on something that he has preplanned for his guests, or of this guests getting together to put on something improvised of their own, for everyone (I believe that usually it will be the former 'autocratic', rather than the latter 'democratic' model that will apply. Either way, however, this Is consistent with the various formats taken by the theatre - especially in this age of ayperimental theatre). The point is that the game 'impressario' should actually recognise that this is in fact his role. He's not simply opening his house and displaying his models - he has the responsibility of putting his guests at ease, providing for their psychological and physical desires, and giving them a generally delightful time! (I must try to tailor the game so that it comes to a conclusion within the time available, and does not leave anyone without an Important role!, Everyone must be 'involved' and have his imagination tickled). This is actually a much tailor order than at first sight it might appear. From Fred Ellsesser Some of the features I like pest about MWAN are the articles on rules and scenarios, as well as game reports. Although the battle reports do sometimes bog down (depending on the skill of the writer) I find that all of them give me] ideas about games for my group. As the main referee for my group, I often find myself at a floss for ideas, so these articles are very useful. The various rules we sometimes use as is, or modify to suit our' tastes. Again, I view the articles as a service. I'd like to comment on some of the letters I've read in, the past few issues. Black wargames have been beaten to death. If I don't like the content of a movie, I don't go; if I don't like the content of a game, I don't play. Games, like movies, that don't receive support die a natural death, and all the fuss is ultimately futile. I read with interest the letters dealing with WRG and ancients gaming in general',. We play ancients over here pretty often; we use Newbury's fast play rules. I have copies pf both 6th and 7th edition;. WRG; I've never played either of them. 6th edition was just too complicated; 7th seems to be considerably cleaned up. I guess one thing that bothers me is the "WRG attitude". I seem to pick up from reading that WRG is THE rules set, and anyone who plays any other set is, somehow still in the dark ages of gaming. We find that Neebury, for instance, not only gives us exciting, reasonably accurate games, but we can get new players involved quickly without checking their GRE scores first. Some of us here in America seem to be caught up in the riles as a separate entity, almost divorced from the gaming. We game for the competition and the spectacle, but the emphasis should be on the enjoyment of an, evening with friends participating in a shared hobby; this should hold true in our regular groups as well as at conventions, the only difference being that the friends we meet at conventions we haven't Known as long. At least that's how I'd like it to be. On to other things. I like the column on armor gaming, though I'd like to see it expand from just 1/285th scale. We, for instance, game in 15mm scale. I have some of the mmniatiies made by Quality Cast from Alexandria- They have a pretty good line of WW II and modern vehicles, and a quite adequate selection of infantry. The prices are reasonable. We use Tactical Commander rules from TTG. I also have a set from TTG called Combined Arms; these are for the small scale miniatures. I find it interesting that GDW's rules are also called Combined Arms. I can recommend Tactical Commander as a good, fast moving set, especially suited for low level actions. By the way, when I refer to 'we', I'm talking about a group over here and -- depending on our whim -- the Okinawa Wargames Group or the Kadena Gamers Bureau (we military types so love a good acronym). We're made up of members from all branches of service and DoD civilians stationed-on Okinawa. Due to frequent rotations, we're always looking for members. Anyone stationed over here, or about to be stationed here, is welcome to play. Anyone owning miniatures is especially welcome, since I'm about the only one left right now who has any. Owning miniatures is NOT a prerequisite for joining us. We can be contacted by calling me at 622-8375 or calling Jim Mullin at 633-8103. In fact, if you'll run this as an ad, we'd be grateful. Some final comments, and then I'll close. Does anyone out there have a decent set of,rules for Dark Ages naval gaming? I just got a 15mm Norman cog from Greenfield Garrisons, and I'm fired up to do a little water fighting., Also, does any talented programmer have a campaign programj written? I'm locking for a campaign program like Paul Koch's campaign system from his 'On to Richmond' rulebook. I'd like for the computer to take care of the book keeping, and just let us fight the battles on the table. The good part about Mr. Koch's campaign system is that you can use it for just about any period. I'd be willing to pay a few bucks for such a program and I'fn sure there are others out there as well. (I have an Apple Ile with 128k, just in case anyone wants to take me up on this). Keep up the good work, Hal. From Micheal Montemarano After reading MWAN, and the enclosed WNL 215, I must say that in MWAN you have done an outstanding job emulating Don Featherstone's work. I never had read or even seen WILL before, and reading #215 was just like reading MWAN, but for the fact that all the authors and people mentioned are reasonably well known Brats. Even your editorials and comments show his influence, e.g., your oft-noted gommittment to getting figures on the table to be played with, and leaving the collecting and painting con petitions to' others. You and Don both should be proud of your contributions to the hobby, not least of which is the genera ly unassuming attitudd that you both have about the publications, that it is done our, of a love of the hobby, and not as a power trip or on the basis of "I know better." Of course, you both just might. Speaking of Don, what a nice guy! His presence made the show, for me as well as for you. It is of course difficult to overstate the significance and importance of the contributions to the hobby in its nascent stages made by Don, and he certainly was a fitting guest of honor. As important than that, he is a charming, amusing, erudite and enjoyable gentleman, an excellent speaker, knowledgeable, honest about what he didn't know, replete with anecdotes and information that most of us had never encountered, and clearly enjoyed his chance to share what he does so well with oth'.r who have common interests. Best yet, he was positively staggered by the reception lie received, and by the devotion to and interest in the hobby to which he has given so much shown by a.l of us, and particularly to all of his contributions. He clearly found his visit to be something special, and it was heartwarming to see him touched in such a manner. Certainly, it was no less that he deserved. I also notice with his observations concerning your commments, which I found quite touching. I had thought about writing about Don and Origins, but I figured you would be doing so at length. From Daniel Groves Suppose you have heard by now of the death of Jack Scruby and Brigadier Peter Young. What a Loss! Peter Young with his CHARGE rules and of course Jack and his figures will be missed by all of us that have been around awhile in the hobby (I started in 1966 and cut my teeth with Scruby figures and the CHARGE rules). One can only hope that the present day "Giants" in the hobby know the impact they have on the hobby and know that even if it does not seem that they are appreciated that they really are. Talking with Ken Bunger, who was with Donald Featherstone at the recent GENCON/ORIGINS CONVENTION, he was almost moved to tears (Donald, that is) at the accolades that were heaped on him. He did not know he had affected American wargaming as much as he had. I hope Jack and Peter realized their impact and importance to the growth of the hobby. It is a shame that the Scruby issue did not get to press before Jack was taken from us. At least he did know that there was to be a special issue devoted to him and I am sure it made him feel good! Both men led long and fruitful lives. We should all hope we can do the same. From Bob Marshall One or two of your subscribers have asked about a TV program in England concerning wargaming. The magazine article they are referring to was in the old BATTLE FOR WARGAMERS magazine (June, 1978). The program previewed on February 23, 1978 on Tyne Tees Television. Program commentator was Edward Woodward. The producer was Alex Murchie with script by Barbara Sinclair. Technical advice was by Peter Gilder. The name of the six-part series was "Battle-Ground". During the course of these six, half-hour programs, the following battles were shown; Chaons-Iur-Marne, 451 AD, Edgehill 1642, Battle of the Nile 1798, Waterloo 1815 and Gettysburg 1863 and an imaginary WWII skirmish scenario. All figures and terrain were done by Peter Gilder. If any of your subscribers follow up on this info and manages to obtain a copy I'd appreciate it if they let me know. Second, Tony Adams and Greg Novak both have voice an interest in Wayne's Legion that fought against the, woodland Indians in the late 1700's. How over as Tony points out, there are no figures available for this period of the legion. Enclosed I have placed several figures (Editor's Notes I found one painted figure which appears to be an enlisted man from Wayne's Legion and is very well done in my opinion however, it is painted so unpainted it may disclose some of the short comings which Bob seems to think it possesses) that I designed, sculpted and tasted myself. As you can tell they are not what I'd call a 'state of the art' figure, but at least it is recognizable. If you could, possibly you could forward a sample to these gentlemen. A light infantryman could be done with the week (same pose) and if there is an interest, an officer could be done within a month (march-attack pose). I imagine (I have to imagine because I'm not in the figure business) that a fair price would be $.70 per figure, plus shipping. I hope that these two items will help some out in the hobby. (Editor's Notes If anyone is interested, please contact Bob. I have already placed an order with him). From Ron Schuble I am including this letter along with my subscription to let you know that there are those of us who appreciate what you do to put MWAN together. There are hundreds of us who look forward to that brown envelope arriving every other month, but we're not very vocal. lalso feel that the people you do hear from are full-'of criticism for the way things are done, but usually they are never around to help get anything done. You are probably wondering who is this guy and the answer Is just one of the (usually) quiet majority that enjoy your magazine. I hope these few words of encouragement to you let you know that there are those who are grateful]. (Editor's Notes First of all, Ron, thanks very much for your kind and thoughtful words! They are, of course, appreciated. Actually, I have no complaints about a lack of appreciation from the readership for my efforts. I can count on one hand the number of letters I've received who were negative,about MWAN/myself without offering constructive criticism over the seven years it has been published. On the other hand, it is rare that I do:not receive at least several letters daily with positive encouragement/words of appreciation. This is not meant to diminish your kind words, Ron, but to let you know that MWAN'ers frequently voice their opinions re MWAN. There have been negative letters/articles in MWAN at times and it is very hard, at times, to pass judgement on them as being entirely negative in nature. The majority of them were written with suggestions for change although in many cases it seems possible that had the writer and subject of his letter gotten together beforetime, they would not have a disagreement between the two of them. I usually try to include anything submitted, unless it attacks someone personally, as we are all entitled to our opinions and each of us pays our $15.00 to receive MWAN and share our thoughts with others. Exchange of ideas is healthy - even when it may start out as 'negative' in nature because frequently as the subject develops and others write in, we all learn something we didn't know about previously concerning the subject and why things operate in a certain manner. I do appreciate your kind words regarding what I do to put out MWAN, however, this is the third issue in which I have had major assistance with typing and several of the columns and gentlemen, it is much easier to do, thanks to their efforts.) From Federico Sensi We are using ON TO RICHMOND rules and they work well for Franco-Prussian and Italian mid-18th C. wars too. I'm manning ACW stands with ESCI plastic figures along the Gettysburg battle order in MWAN #21 with each stand having three figures. MWAN is super! P.S. Your #34 issue arrived over two months - damned surface mail! I'm thinking about writing something' regarding the Italian Independence Wars 1848-1870. (Editor's Notes$ Thanks for your letter, Federico - surface mail does seem to take a very long time as several other foreign subscribers have informed me of. The postage increase resulted in each foreign copy costing,$3.U0 in postage - one can easily see that the postage eats up the entire subscription in such a manner. Would enjoy hearing from you regarding the wars of 1848-1870. Please let me know if there is anything I can provide you with.) From Warren Burros Sorry to hear about Jack Scruby and Peter Young. Mr. Young had some influence on my wargaming through Don Featherstone but Jack Scruby had a great influence on my wargaming life. For many years Scruby Miniatures were the only ones I had. I loved Jack's old illustrated catalogs and wide selection of figures. Many magazines & newsletters that Jack published still have some influence on my gaming. After reading Donald Featherstone's comments on Jack, I agree with Bill Protz that Jack was our hobby's Man On Horseback. We should all be grateful to God for sharing Jack with us and using him to plant the seed$ for a growing hobby that expands one's knowledge and concept of the world; not to forget the fellowship and education of being friends with people from varied backgrounds. This hobby causes us to seriously examine history and learn from the past. Jack's key part in oeyeloping this hobby and hanging in there would have made Mr. Wells' proud. From Adam Bishop I'd like to ask for information on good wargaming hobby stores in Indianapolis and in Denver and Dallas. Itm also looking for enlarged print versions of MWAN as I am nearsighted and print in earlier issues is too small to read. If not available, I am seeking photocopies of indexes or tables of contents of beck issues so I can have an edge on what is in them before I buy them. I would like more articles on basics for beginners, tactics, etc. I would also pay more for the same magazine with larger printing. I have no knowledge of wargamers in Indianapolis and would therefore be interested in information on solo wargames as well as information on other wargamers in this area. I would pay extra to have my MWAN enlarged on a photocopier to make it easier to read. (Editor's Note: Gee, Adam, I'm very sorry re your nearsightedness but I really don't think it is possible to obtain MWAN in larger print - it just wouldn't be financially possible as we are only talking about an amateur publication with a small readership. As regards contents of past issues so that you know what you are buying; for a number of years in MWAN there was no table of contents and I don't really feel as if I have the time to go back and figure out what articles are in each issue. If anyone ever purchases an issue of MWAN and is not pleased with it, I would be glad to reimburse them for their purchase. Maybe some gamers in the Indianapolis area can help Adam find some opponents). From Ken Skinner: My wife and I just returned from a two week driving tour of the southeast. We went to Savannah, Atlanta, Chattanoga and various other spots including about ten battlefields. The reason I'm telling you this is because while in Atlanta we had a nice visit with Howard Whitehouse. I really hadn't intended to see him, but while driving around we accidently found his apartment complex and I figured since I knew he was only about 10-15 minutes away from our hotel, I should at least call him which I did. We talked for an hour on the phone and he invited us over on his day off and we visited for three more hours; talked wargaming, looked at figures and stuff and had a nice time. I thought you might like to know some of the extra benefits that come from MWAN and that Howard, whose work I know you admire, was very nice in person also (Another MWAN 'pen-pal' who I've met in person at HMGS is Bob Marshall, a real good guy). By the way there is a rumour that this is the last year of MWAN - if so, it is understandable but regretable. (Editor's Note: Glad you enjoyed Howard's company; we roomed together at Little Wars last year and are still friends following three days in close contact with each other. Re MWAN folding up shop, not true.) From Barry Wallac I tried the 15-minute palm tree idea from Mike Pierce and it really makes a good 25mm scale tree. For 15mm though, I found that the branches needed were too small to accept the twist wires without splitting. I found the following adaptation useful. I cut a base from some wall panelling, and drive and countersink a panelling nail wherever I want a palm tree on Lhe base. Drive the nail through from the back so that the sharp end protrudes on the good side. Then I take a leftover piece of three strand household wire like you use for running a new circuit, and remove the outer sheath, leaving two coated wires and one bare copper wire. I cut the plastic coated wire to the length of trunk I want and pull the copper wire out of the middle, leaving the coat intact. This gives me a somewhat curved tube which is then fitted over the protruding panelling nail and glued, in place. Then I use Mike's method for leaves, the twisted together ends fitting into the tube easily. Paint the trunk, terrain the base, and there you are. For elephant grass, I had an old broom around the house of a type called a 'magnetic' broom (you know, green bristles with little fuzzy ends that hold onto the dust and stuff so that you have to remote it by hand). I had often looked at this broom And thought it looked like grass, so one day I split the wooden head up and found that each clump of bristles was held together by a brass wire at the bottom and could be pulled out of the wood while still staying in clumps. I glued these into holes drilled into sure panelling off cuts, trimmed to height, terrained the base, and it didn't look too bad. So there's two ideas for you, neither very ground breaking but pretty damn clever for met From Ronald Teleucky Nice to have met you at CENCON. One of the highlights for me was in meeting and attending several of Donald Featherstone's seminars. A very entertaining and informative speaker. Again, friendly would be another adverb to link to Mr. Featherstone's image. To extend that further, friendly would have to apply to just about everyone at the convention. To list several more prominent gamers, who in their own way made GENCON/ORIGINS an event to remember, I would have to start off with Duke Seifried. His Fire and Sword in the Sudan game is a sight to behold, His handmade structures of Khartoum and the spirit and energy he puts into his games certainly confirms the fine reputation he has. Another gamut that I met at the Duke's table was Tony Adams. For a number of years I had Informally known Tony through the pages of THE HELIOGRAPH. It was a pleasure to meet and speak with him. Since I am a Colonial gamer at heart, it was a pleasure to say hi to Lynn Bodin again. Michael Montemarano was most helpful to me in giving me information on HMGS structure and formation. Todd Fisher and the other members of HMGS-Midwest who I can't. seem to remember all their names but none the less made me feel welcome and tried to answer my numerous questions, I can only say thank you. I only wish there was time to have met more gamers and played in some of the outstanding game layouts that were presented. I would have liked to have seen more miuiaturb companies selling their products this year. I am sure I could go on and on about the fine time I had. HMGS really made a difference. I hope they continue to do so. A big hats off to all those concerned with this years ORIGINS! (Editor's Note: It was nice to have met you, Ronald, at the convention; I have to agree with you that it'was a really good time with lots of great fellowship! I'm glad you mentioned the work of HMGS-Midwest in relation to this convention because they sure do deserveithe credit!) From David Corbett Thought you may want to publish the lyrics to MEN OF HARLECH so we could all sing along during the Rorke's Drift wargames or everytime we watch ZULU. It's in the public domain so no legal hassles. Hark I hear the foe advancing Barbed steeds are proudly prancing Helmets in the sunbeams glancing Glitter thro' the trees Men of Harlech lie ye dreaming See ye not their falchions gleaming While their pennons gaily streaming Flutter in the breeze From the rocks rebounding Let the war cry sounding Summon all at Cambria's call The haughty for surrounding Men of Harlech onto glory See your banner famed in story Waves the burning words before ye Britain scorns to yield Mid the fray see dead and dying Friend and foe together lying All around the arrows flying Scatter sudden death Frightn'd steads are wildly neighing Brazen trumpets loudly braying Wounded men for mercy praying With their parting breath  See they're in disorder Comrades keep close order Ever shall they rue the day They ventured o'er the border Now the Saxon run before us Vict'ry's banner floateth o'er us Raise the loud exulting chorus Britain wins the field Britain wins the field Britain wins the field. (Editor's Note: Thanks, Dave for the poem. Dave was present for the first playing of Rorke's Drift some years ago and led the Brits in song for inspiration at that time. I've recently had the chance to do same gaming with David again while playtesLing my Sudan rules and its been nice to be around him again. When we get together one on one we are always in for several hours of enjoyable discussion about this great hobby and the toy soldiers!) From Tan Gibbons Just received MWAN P37 and as usual found it full of interesting items. I was also very pleased to find my Lundy's Lane scenario included. I found a few mistakes in the order of battle and set up information that should be correrted, so if you could publish these corrections, it would be appreciated: US OB Corrections US 3rd Brigade should read: Canadian Volunteers - 100 men - regular New York Volunteers - 150 men - green Pennsylvania Volunteers - 250 men - green The four US artillery companies are independent (otherwise as printed). The US Light Dragoons - 150 men - regular are independent. Set-Up Corrections Add: Royal Artillery (all) to those British units on board at start. Add; British Provisional Dragoons, arrive at 7:30 entry area 3. From Bill Koff As you are probably aware, I am primarily a boardgamer, but really enjoy miniatures. Most of the miniatures gaming I've done at home has been adapting tactical boardgames (such as Ironclads/shot & shell, Wings, etc) for use with miniatures. Now I'm doing the same for a strategic level game: GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, a fantastic new game of the entire Civil War put out by Task Force Games. The hybrid version uses 1/300 scale army figures and 1/2400 ships in place of the game's unit counters, along with an expanded mapboard. We'll be playing it at the HMGS Cold Wars in February as well as at the Retreat in May. Eventually I hope to put together a fully-featured topographical terrain layout to replace the eapboard. (Editor's Note: Sounds very interesting, Bill. Bill is the very able able of VOLUNTEERS - The Newsletter of Civil War Gaming which won the 1987 Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Amateur Wargaming Magazine at ORIGINS/GENCON in August, 1988. Congratulations, Bill{ $12.00 fur four issues.) Ftom George Johnson The gaming and fishing fraternity (of which I belong to also) have much in common as to the comraderie and friendships that develop amongst participants. Many of us have assimilated you as a friend through your writings in MWAN. Like fishing, wargaming is based on fond memories of past battles, even though a lot of our time is spent just 'shooting the breeze'. Within the hobby, a few manufacturers get little credit for the great job they do in promoting display games at conventions. Two companies that have been an encouragement to me are RAL PARTHA with their fun British Colonial games (Sward and FLAME) and RSM with SYW games that were not only great sport but a sight to behold with the beautiful painted troops. It's a credit to the hobby that the bulk of distributors have gotten into the business as an offshoot of their love for the pastime. From the retailer's point of view the stocking of wargaming supplies has to he frustrating as the cost to maintain a complete cross section of inventory far exceeds the profit potential. Back to MWAN # 38 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1989 Hal Thinglum This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com