Quite some time ago, I obtained some 54mm molds of British Guard infantry (the kind with the bearskin hats), some Highlanders and some other Napoleonic infantry. I used to cast these full round figures, paint them up in a glossy paint job and sell them to small local toy and gift stores. I would take the profits and use them to buy more molds, and I built up quite a collection.
I can't be sure when it first started but it happened when I would mow the lawn. I would think how wonderful it would be to have a wargame outside with these figures-- somewhat reminiscent of H. G. Wells' Little Wars. I could have a red army and blue army using the same type of figures.
When I mentioned this rather ambitious project to a few friends, the reactions were unexpected. It seemed rather negative in that. Well, we don't want to be seen crawling about like children playing at toy soldiers. We are adults. .I mean...think of the indignity, I prefer to keep MY wargaming inside. The real reason is we don't wish to be seen in public pursuing this kind of activity.
I remember as a boy of 13 or 14 in my front yard. I had my Marx Revolutionary War figures arrayed in battle when a car drove by slowly; the occupants intently observing us. The friend who was with me immediately got off his hands and knees and wandered about pretending he had nothing to do with the display before them. I (sad to report) did the same. After they had satisfied their curiosity, they left, my friend and I resumed our previous activity complete with sound effects.
When I think about that incident I realize that many of us are still that way about our hobby, I also realized that those people in the car although they may not have understood us, were genuinely fascinated by what we were up to, had we understood that, we would have had nothing to fear. Through this project, I am hoping to sponsor a coming-out-of-the-closet feeling for those who choose to participate.
Commitment
I finally made the mental commitment when the Rebel Toy company introduced its mold set for a new 12. Napoleonic cannon complete with limber horses and outriders. I had a mounted figure mold that could pass for cavalry so I had all three elements.
A scrap metal yard proved to have a great deal of linotype metal they would sell at 50 cents per pound. I stocked up with about 100 pounds. After casting the figures, I mounted them on large fender washers and used magnetic vinyl sheeting to cover 2" x 4" x 1/2-inch boards. Each board mounts 3 infantry or 1 cavalry. The 1/2" thickness gives them a boost so they can be seen more realistically marching through the grass. Over the last couple of years I have been in the process of building up these two armies of from 200-250 figures each. If casting figures bothers you, there is a plethora of plastic figures in 54mm available on the market today that can retain a reasonable paint job. Check out Stone Castle Imports, PO Box 141, Bardstown, KY 40004.
Rules
The next step is to come up with some rules. Not to have our toy soldiers act on simulated terrain but in the actual terrain at hand. Not a scenario representing some historical battle, but. a real battle for your own backyard. Movement rates need to be established. H. G. Wells. LITTLE WARS would be an excellent place to start. From there establish rates for moving through mown grass 2" high vs unmown grass 4" high. Rules for moving across sidewalks or gravel areas. through leaf piles over sticks and twigs, must all be based on how difficult it would be for you if you were only 54mm tall.
John Ruddel's backyard would be great, but I'll bet your very own backyard has possibilities. Then there is the public park with that meandering brook waiting for a forced river crossing. The possibilities are endless! No table edge flanks. For that matter you could conduct a battle or even a campaign out in the woods. You wouldn't need a sand table at the beach and trenches would be easy to dig.
When I see those backyard train sets that are being sold in hobby stores today, in guess what...the appropriate scale. You could have reinforcements arriving by trains that really work. I have been eyeing some selected locations in my backyard for permanent model fortresses out of cement and stone. If I make them so they double as a flower garden, then I'm sure the wife won't mind. I go bonkers when I think of the possibilities. If only Robert Louis Stevenson were only alive today!
Now that I've either intrigued you or convinced you that I'm nearly totally mad, I'll tell gou what I know of those companies who make the 54mm molds. The Rebel Toy Company, PO Box 3482, Longwood, FL 32750, 305-869-6565 makes a variety of mold sets besides the ones mentioned above from the American Civil War to the Wild West, knights in armor and a very complete line of Napoleonic figures I didn't have a current catalogue, but check with them to see what else is available.
Another company is The Dunken Company, PO Box 95, Calvert, TX 77837 with Seven Years War figures, British Guards, some nice cavalry figures of the late 10th century, and line of 54mm Civil War molds. This company also has a number of 25mm ancient and Napoleonic molds. Both Dunken and Rebel carry the old zinc toy soldier molds that were sold through Sears and other places when we were kids.
Maybe we can start a movement in the wargaming world. Picture seeing gamers fearlessly going to some public park and establishing a game area for the day. Perhaps we can at least get the same level of acceptance that lawn bowling or croquette has achieved. If you got enough people to do it with you, the interest you would create in your community would go far to further the future of our hobby. Think of the recruits we could get. Think about it.
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© Copyright 1991 Hal Thinglum
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