Hal Thinglum - THE LONDON WAR ROOM SCRATCH BUILDING

The LONDON WAR ROOM, 41 Beverly Hills Loop, Petal, MS 39465 (601-584-8533) "personed" by Vince and Sharron Clyant, sent a beautifully done 25mm Afghan Hill Fort nearly nine inches tall on a 4" X 7" terrained base. Done with a "weathered" wood effect, it consists of four floors and the roof. A ladder - very well constructed - leads to a "balcony" and doorway to the second floor. One of the four sides is removable in a cleverly done fashion as one can not tell that it is intended to be removed when looking at the model. The base has rocks, bushes, wood debris, and various types of grass/ground cover. Very well done piece, Vince! Vince creates any number of scratch built items - contact him with your needs and obtain a price quote. I think you'll be very pleased with the result! Vince and Sharron would also like me to mention they are going to release a 25mm Indian Mutiny range at HISTORICON `96. I am quite anxious to see this line; they inform us it will consist of 45 figures plus an elephant and horse ready for release!

By Hal Thinglum - ITEMS FROM FREI KORPS 15

Cameron Robinson of FREI KORPS 15,25 Princetown Rd., Bangor, Co Down, BT20, 3TA, Northern Ireland offers more than just 15mm figures. They have a large listing of books, rules, buildings, terrain items, etc., and I have a host of books here to mention. SCOTS ARMIES OF THE 17TH CENTURY 1. The Army of the Covenant 1639-51(82 pages) and 3. The Royalist Armies 1639-46(64 pages), by Stuart Reid; each sell for 5.99 pounds and cover these historical armies in depth including black & white illustrations. From the OSPREY MenAt-Armies series I obtained THE INDIAN MUTINY, QUEEN VICTORIA'S ENEMIES (3) INDIA, NORTHWEST FRONTIER 1837-1947, and THE BRITISH ARMY ON CAMPAIGN 1 1816-1853 because of my interest in the NWF/India. Excellent booklets and I've had a very difficult time obtaining them in the states. It took awhile for Cameron to track them down for me, but he did so. Cameron offers one of the fastest and least expensive mail-order services available to our hobby! Oh, almost forgot! For years, I've been trying to obtain a full set of HOVELS 15mm Russian "Eastern European" buildings consisting of peasants log cabin, house, timber barn, 2-storied merchant's house, regional governors house, and timber Orthodox church (36 pounds) and Cameron found it for me. It has multiple uses - 15mm and 20mm Russian settings. Beautiful buildings, as you would expect from HOVELS. Also picked up a village pack for European 17-19th C. for 18.65 pounds for three town houses, farmhouse, farm building, coach house, guildhall, tavern, and Dutch timber post mill. I hope to use them for my 15mm ECW project. Can't go wrong with HOVELS!

By Hal Thinglum - BROOKHURST HOBBY OFFERINGS

BROOKHURST HOBBIES, 12188 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove, CA 92640 (Phone 714-636-3580; Fax 714-636-9150) continues to support MWAN via product samples.

From B&B MINIATURES growing line of 20mm metal figures comes RFI-1 French Interventionist Infantry for the Russian Civil War range in four poses (two advancing, one standing firing, and officer w/pistol). They are wearing greatcoats and Adrian helmet w/equipment. Very nice indeed. I might add that B&B also has released French cavalry, mounted staff, 75mm gun/crew/limber, and a hotchkiss MG/crew. The infantry are$21.98 for 24 infantry and four officers. This line is really increasing and would be a fascinating period!

DREW'S MILITIA has added more 20mm WWII Africa items including DW-I British 8th Army Desert Rats 1940-42 consisting of 10 figures ($8.95) in Khaki drill shorts, tropical shirts, 37 web, and respirators. There are two NCO's along with eight privates, all in different poses. Very well done. IF-2 Royal Italian Forces features two NCO's and three privates advancing ($4.25). I remember looking for Italian figures in this scale some years ago and being unable to locate any. They are not in shorts, so I assume they could be used for the Eastern Front as well! From the

QUALITICAST 20mm Pewter Ancient line comes 4251 - Celtic cavalry ($3.75) which offers two cavalry with "jockey" helmet, javelin and galloping horses. They now offer Romans 2nd C. A.D. and Celtic Cavalry though they mention they will be adding Roman artillery and Barbarian infantry. Figures have separate weapons. From their Napoleonic line comes Prussian line cavalry in campaign dress 2365 two dragoon officers w/covered shako, Litewka, sword, and walking horses ($3.75). Very well done figures - I especially like the horses. 20mm wargames would do well to avail themselves of these figures!

SHQ MINIATURES offers 20mm metal figures for the B.E.F. 1940 period in battledress w/gas mask on chest. Pack BF2 features an NCO and rifle group (five figures all in different poses) for $4.70. Thus far there are 13 packs of B.E.F. figures available w/gunners for the 18 pdr just released!

TWO DRAGONS has 15mm metal "Warriors of the Dark Ages" figures DAP-27 Peasant in woolly hat advancing w/spear and shield (10 figures for $4.39) - please note, there are 20 packs of armed villagers or peasants available! Lastly, my favorites!

1ST CORPS 25mm WWII British paratroopers PBT7 trooper prone firing Bren w/helper ($4.00). WOW; 25mm WWII quality figures - perfect for skirmish gaming. BROOKHURST mentions that the figures work out to 1 /48th scale and "work great with the old BANDAI plastic armor kits currently being reissued by FUMAN." Beautifully done figures - so tempting! I will add that 1 ST CORPS has released Russians (10 packs) for this period as well as "Cross of Iron" Germans consisting of the infamous Cpl. Steiner and squad attacking mortar position and Steiner in smock. I don't think I will be able to keep away from this line! Lastly comes 1ST CORPS 25mm ACW additions ACW1036 New York Fire Zouave infantry (eight for $8.95) advancing and charging in various poses. I really like this line as well. Very well animated figures!

By Hal Thinglum - A&A HUGHES PAINTING SERVICE

A&A HUGHES, 2 Princess Rd., Seaham, Co Durham, SR7 7SP, UK (phone 0191 5812781) sent along painted 10mm ACW samples from his "special offer" of two complete ACW 10mm armies (300 foot, 24 cavalry, 8 guns, 6 generals, plus buildings & terrain features for $250 post free). The samples are mounted on individual stands and terrained. Paint job is very good! Blanket rolls are in multiple colors for some figures and equipment belts are painted - a tough job in this scale, I would think! There are five foot samples and one mounted Union officer - very well done! Orv Banasik has stated that if he had to start all over again in the hobby, he would do it in 10mm, and I have to agree that this scale makes a great deal of sense. The figures, however, are too small for these 49-year old eyes to paint, but A&A can do it for you!

By Hal Thinglum - ELLERBURN ARMIES 25MM NEW RELEASES

Ian Campbell of ELLERBURN ARMIES, Boxtree, Maltongate, Thorn Dale, Nr. Pickering, N. Yorkshire YO18 7SD carries the 25mm HINCHLIFFE line, a fine line which possesses many valuable figures. He has been adding new releases to this extensive line, an unusual occurrence for someone who takes over an already existing line! 25mm Napoleonic wargamers will be familiar with the FOREMOST range, which Peter Gilder did some years ago after doing the HINCHLIFFE Napoleonic line. I purchased literally thousands of the FOREMOST figures as they were high quality figures, and still are! Ian has added five infantry poses (Old Guard infantry and drummer in greatcoat advancing along with another Old Guardsman firing and a French officer in bicorne advancing; and a British Sgt charging. To the cavalry range, he has added two French Hussars charging (officer and trooper) both of which are one piece castings; and four British Heavy Dragoons (officer, trooper, trumpeter, and trooper falling wounded). New Equipment items include stretcher bearers, a French Napoleonic heavy baggage wagon, British Napoleonic heavy baggage wagon, and a British Peninsular Donkey Cart w/load and attendant. These are high quality items and would fit in very well with the FOREMOST line. Ian mentions he is also completing a "mountain footpath suspension bridge" for use with most eras up to the Afghanistan Wars as well as new range of military flags including ACW, AWI, SYW, etc. All items are available in the states from THE COLONIAL CONNECTION, 226 Wareham's Point, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (phone 805-229-4547). Quality items, Ian! 

By Hal Thinglum - 15mm JACOBITE ECW RANGE FROM SIMTAC

While paging through SIMTAC's catalog sometime ago, I noted JACOBITE'S 15mm ECW line and dropped SIMTAC a line asking for samples. The line is fairly extensive consisting of 17 foot and artillery crew packs, 7 Scots, eight horse, five personalities, and nine equipment items. Prices are 12 foot's horse for $4.00; 6 foot/3 cavalry command or personality and aide for $2.50, while equipment packs are $5.00. The figures themselves are quite well detailed and attractive, however they are cast in a dark metal which I have really not seen before. Drop SIMTAC, 15G Colton Rd., East Lyme, CT 06333 (new address) a line if you are interested.

By Mike Adams - 25MM OLD GLORY RELEASES

OLD GLORY has released new 25mm packs for their CAESAR'S GALLIC WARS with 30 foot or 10 cavalry for $21.00/bag. CWG23- Germans attacking w/swords. This bag contains 10 different poses; all measure about 27mm from foot to eyebrow. Flash free and all figures come w/shield. Excellent looking figures and highly recommended! CWG24 Germans attacking w/spears. Nine different poses, separate shields but no spears included. CWG25 German cavalry - five different poses w/separate shields; again you need to supply your own spears. Please note that all figures in these bags can be used for Gauls, Saxons and Vikings with very little work. These figures some of the best ancients OLD GLORY had done so far!

Also, British Chariots are out! CWG29 - three different chariots with three different drivers/6 different horses per bag at $21/bag! Drivers are seated, kneeling and standing. Also, there are three warriors, two of which are throwing javelins, one with helmet and the other without. The other warrior with helmet has arms raised in victory. A great addition to this line and everyone's Celtic and British armies. Also, a great price and shields are included. From the Byzantine Range: Russians DAR] Russians w/axes; 26mm high w/separate shield.

Also from OLD GLORY comes ASIATIC HORSE PEOPLES, a new line! AHPI Mounted Command with Tribal Standards ($21/bag). Each bag has 10 mounted figures; they are great as they can be used as Huns, Parthians, Mongols, Sarmatians, Armenians, Sassanids, Persians, and a host of others. My favorite figure is a bareheaded casting with braided hair. Great looking figures from OLD GLORY. Another great job, Russ!

By Hal Thinglum - MUSKET MINIATURES 15MM MEXICAN WAR RANGE

MUSKET MINIATURES, PO Box 1976, Dept MW, Broomfield, CO 80038 (phone/fax 303-439-9336) has released an extensive line of 15mm Mexican War figures (see listing on page 25). American packs consist of 7 infantry, four artillery, one cavalry, one officers/generals, and a supply wagon while Mexican packs feature seven infantry, three artillery, three cavalry, one officer/generals, and one supply carts (24 foot/12 horse/4 guns & 8 crew at $5.95). Included for mention within this column were MAW09 US Troops firing and MAW 103 Mexican troops attacking. Each has 21 enlisted men in backpacks, an officer, drummer, flagbearer, and a metal and colored paper flag. The flags are very well done and instead of being straight, as most flags are, these are angled so they really appear to be "flying" in the wind! Very nice figures and a great looking line! They also offer a 15mm Mexican village. Figures are finely detailed and have very little flash. Highly recommended!

By Hal Thinglum - 25MM WARGAMES FOUNDRY RELEASES

WARGAMES FOUNDRY, The Foundry, Mount St., New Basford, Nottingham, NG7 7HX, UK, continues to release lots of new 25mm figures. First of all - my favorites - additional Sikh War items! Sikh civilians(70 pence for foot; 85p for horses) - SKI 58 village elder; SKI 59 female villager w/baby and pot on head; SKI 60 Water Carrier, SKEI native wife supporting irregular wounded infantryman w/child carrying infantryman's scabbarded sword and shield (2.40 pds). Outstanding figures! SKI 68-173 British 60th Rifles and SKI 61-167 Sikh Gurkhas. I'd been waiting for the British rifles to be released and I wasn't disappointed. There is an advancing officer drawing sword, bugler w/slung musket, and four rifleman marching, advancing at trail, drawing cartridge, and standing firing. They are wearing a covered shako /curtain and are fine figures! A surprise was the Sikh Gurkhas who were raised by the Sikhs - apparently there were two battalions of them. Included were a Gurkha officer advancing w/sword, standard bearer, bugler, and four infantrymen advancing at high porte, marching, advancing at trail, and standing firing, all in shako. From the Biblical Wars range comes BC 192-195 Hittites 1600BCI000BC (2 standard bearers and 2 trumpeters); BC 196-200 Canaanite/Syrian/Mitannian or Early Hebrew of the same period (2 standard bearers, 2 homists, and a lyre player); BC201-212 Libyans 3000BC-1000BC (3 chiefs, 4 bowmen, 3 swordsmen, and 2 javelin men). As usual, the standard of quality and poses is fantastic! Also available is a very helpful painting guide (3.50 pds) for the Sikh Army 1845-1849 consisting of two large pages with a total of 27 figures along with standards. There is an accompanying four page handout with painting details as well as information on the Army of the Sikhs. Very good information! WARGAMES FOUNDRY also has a painting guide for the Afghan Army of the Second Afghan War along the same lines, though without the written handout, which is also good, but I don't know the price. All highly recommended items!

By Hal Thinglum - OUTLAND GAMES' KOENIG KRIEG

OUTLAND GAMES, 1061 Bertram Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45406 has rereleased (is that a word?) One of my favorite sets of rules KOENIG KRIEG for the SYW period. This is an 83 page professionally printed effort in 8 1/2" X 11" format which includes not only the wargames rules, but Festung Krieg (Siege rules), La Guerre Du Roi (rules for the War of Spanish Succession 1702-1713), and Der Grosse Koenig (campaign rules), all in one package. All of these items have been reviewed within MWAN recently independent of each other, but I would like to add that this is an excellent effort and Chris of OUTLAND GAMES deserves credit for doing so. I don't have access to the price, but I know it is under $20.00. Highly recommended; well written/presented rules!

By Hal Thinglum - VIKING FORGE 16TIV17TH CENTURY 15MM FIGURE RELEASES

VIKING FORGE, 1727 Theresa Lane, Powhatan, VA 23139 has released a line of 15mm 16th/17th Century figures. Loren Schwendeman reports they "were once produced by ASGARD but are now reintroduced with all new molds." Additionally, "there are 70 figures offered, but new figures will be added." I don't have a listing or price list; however, samples were sent of (1) early 17th C Swedes; (2) Early 16th C. Gun/crew; and Early 16th Century Italians, Generic Command (horse and foot), and Landsknechts and Mercenary Reiters. These are finely cast figures w/o flash, that I can discern(!) - beautiful figures! I especially liked the Early 17th C Swedes - pikemen advancing, musketeer firing, and lobstertail cavalryman with well done horse. I must admit to being highly impressed with the quality/detail of the figures - detail of the clothing is outstanding! Most highly recommended! Like to see a list of this line. VIKING FORGE also offers a rules set MIGHT OF ARMS (see ad on page 7) for Ancient, Dark Age & Medieval battles.

By Hal Thinglum - GAMER'S GUIDE TO WWII SMALL UNIT ORGANIZATIONS AND TO&E's

Bill Rutherford, 5436 Lomax Way, Woodbridge, VA 22193, is a well known WWII gamer who has written extensively in the hobby press about the subject. He has released this 34 page little gem ($7.00 from QUALITY CAST, PO Box 11714, Alexandria, VA 22312) and it is very well presented consisting of organizational charts for Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Poland, Soviet Union, UK, and the USA at the platoon and company level. I really like this publication and think it is of great value for the WWII wargamer. Highly recommended!