I can't believe how many items there are to mention within the column this time! Amazing how spoiled we are getting as regards the number of variety of wargames products which are available at the present time.

Long-time MWANers will note that I've resurrected Joseph Matthews' artwork for this column; I've learned how to easily scan line drawings into the text of articles and hope to be doing more of this in the future throughout MWAN. I'd also like to thank Joseph for his Drofessional artwork - verv impressive items!

Let me remind you that I would welcome reviews from MWANers for "What's New In Hal's Mailbox." They don't have to be new products as we always enjoy getting information about products from someone who has some knowledge.

By Hal Thinglum - HISTORICAL MINIATURES PAINTING - Dennis Popek, Jr., 10120-C Chaucer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63114-2338 (314-426-0582) sent four 20mm painted ACW figures for mention. Dennis uses water colors and does a very nice job with what I feel is considerable detail. Belting/straps/buttons/cuffs/collars are well identified re painting as are musket bands (something I never paint in 25mm!). The figures are also painted in a "worn" campaign look, which I want in my ACW armies. One of the figures is a Zouave with nicely done uniform trim in red over blue while another figure is a drummer whose drum strings are each individually finely painted. 20rnm costs are at $1.50/foot; $2.50/mounted; and guns/$1.50. See his ad in this issue for 15mm/25mm prices. Highly recommended!

By Hal Thinglum - DIVISION AFTER DIVISION PRODUCTS - Roger Dospil of Division After Division, 16710 Bradbe Rd., Fisherville, KY 40023 sent several items. First are four full- color 11" X 14" prints by Michael Jarquen; mounted Samurai firing bow; kneeling Samurai firing bow; mounted American Indian with lance and shield; and a mounted Polish Winged Hussar at the charge. These are beautiful works and are priced at $35 each plus $6.00 postage. Roger mentions we offer custom work as follows - $90 for any single figure (mounted or foot) - we reserve the right to make prints (limited) - original with no prints $250." I wouldn't think $90 would be much for a color print of your favorite period figure. Secondly, AIM 10mm figures are available through Division After Division and I continue to be impressed, not to mention "sorely tempted" by the concept of my tabletop covered with 10mm armies! These figures come at $3.00 per pack of 20 infantry 10 cavalry. Roger reports artillery will coming out soon.

Submitted were Napoleonic infantry for the Austrian Hungarians, Austrian Germans, British (no listing), and French (no listing). For the Austrian Hungarians, there are four packs: 1800 Fusilier march attack and advancing and Grenadier advancing and 1809 Fusilier advancing. The Austrian Germans are of the same variety. The French have foot command (NEF3) with of ricer, drummer, and flag bearer with cast on flag; line infantry at march attack (NEFIA); line infantry in full dress at march attack (NEF2A) and advancing (NEF2B).The British have a foot command (NEB3) with officer and standard bearer (again with cast on flag) in Bicornes and drummer in stovepipe shako while the line infantry have stovepipe shakos and are at march attack (NEBIA) and advancing (NEBIB). Detail to me is incredible; even with fifty year old worn out eyes, I can make out shoulder straps, bayonets (which don't seem out of size) and other such uniform details.

Feudal Castings as released a 15mm WWI line, which should make a number of MWANers happy based upon the interest I've seen over the past five years or so in this period/scale. Thus far, they have 12 packs of figures; four British infantry (officer, infantry advancing [2 types] and firing, and eight Germans (picklehaube and steel helmet) consisting of the same pose mix as the British. I am very impressed with these 15mm figures as regards pose, detail, and quality. Prices are 53.00 per pack of eight infantry. Highly recommended!

By Hal Thinglum - SOLDIERS PALETTE PAINTING SERVICE - Paul Trapani, 2298 McNeil Steep Hollow Rd., Poplarville, MS 39470 601-795-8218) offers a quality figure painting service. I recently received four 15mm ECW foot regiments from Paul and was very pleased with the result. Prices are as follows (15mm price/25mm price): foot (1.25/2.50); mounted (2.25/4.50); foot w/flag (1.75/3.50); Cannons early period (1.25/2.50); wagons w/horses (2.50/5.00); limbers w/horses (2.50/5.00). For 20mm, just add .25 to each item. Paul bases and flocks all items and is available to do any model scratch building. Now, the regiments! I told Paul I wanted regimental uniform colors of blue, orange, purple, and red and sent him the Essex 15mm ECW figures with cast on flags. First of all, the flags - simply, but nicely done - just what I requested. Water colors with all necessary 15mm detail included; cuffs/collars/eyes/mustaches/gun metal on the muskets.

Figures within regiments have various hair colors, which I always do myself when I paint. A very fine job at a most reasonable cost! With my ECW foot regiments, some of the pikemen have helmets and cuirass and these were done very nicely! Drummers' drum strings are neatly painted and stand out very well. Highly recommended! Turn-around time for four 27-figure regiments was one month from when I sent them to when I received them and they were safety packaged!

By Hal Thinglum - FRONTLINE WARGAMING 25MM WVVII "IRON CROSS"; REPLACEMENTS - Frontline Wargaming, Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Gillingham, Kent, UK, ME7 3JJ (01634-832189) has an expanding range of 25mm WWII emplacements which are perfect for the growing range(s) of WWII 25mm figures. All items are in polyester resin and quite durable.

One item was broken in transit (surface mail) and was easily superglued back together again without any difficulty. ICI is a log and sandbag mortar position/bunker (9.95 pounds) with separate camo net roof If you've seen the movie "The Iron Cross", then you would recognize this emplacement. The base measures a little over six inches square and the emplacement is made of logs and reinforced by sandbags. The removable roof reveals a detailed log interior and the top of the base/interior floor of the emplacement has a dirt/sand texture to it. Outstanding piece! IC2 (3.85 pounds) is a heavy machine gun position built upon a fallen log and measures almost 4" X 6". The log is well detailed and the sandbags have been hastily thrown up for a quick defense! As with the first piece, this one features textured ground which l like. lC3 Cottage corner ruin (4.00 pas) is a three-piece kit with two stone walls with windows and a floor piece (with wood planks). Interior walls are not detailed and I was going to state that I wish manufacturers would detail them, but come to think of it, interior walls would not be textured, would they; they'd just be painted/wallpapered. IC4 Pillbox with separate roof (6.95) is 4" X 5" and a six-sided concrete structure with a long narrow firing slit in the front and two smaller slits on the side. The back has a reinforced door with small window and the outside entrance has concrete protective walls with sandbags on top of them. Nice piece! IC5 Shop corner ruin (4.85 pas) again has two corner walls with wooden floor. And is a two storey structure as is the first one mentioned above. IC6 is a LMG sandbagged position for prone figures and includes a separate camo net roof (3.75 pas) and is a little over 3" long and a little under 3" long.

All are very handy items for 25mm WWII gaming and highly recommended! They also offer a 20mm horse and musket range. HMI is a low breastwork of rocks, fence posts and rails 4" long (0.50 pence) which makes a great hasty defense for 20mm ACW! HM2 is a corner piece (.50 pence). HM3 is a log fortification of two rows of logs with earth filling in 4" pieces (1.60 pounds); very well done there are logs on both sides with support posts and earth in between the two sides. HMO is a corner piece (1.60 pas); HM4 (1.60 pas) is the same as HM3 but has a section cut out on top for an artillery piece. HM9 is a revested gun emplacement (4.25) 3 1/2" X 5 1/2" in size with built up dirt sides supported on the inside by rows of logs and gabions in the front with space for an artillery piece. Very nice piece! They also offer 20mm dressed stone walls - FSI straight section (.55 pence) almost 5" long along with a ruined section and others with a small gate (.55p) or arched double gate (.65p) and corner pieces (.30p). These are very nice pieces and would be more appropriate, I think, for European conflicts in 20mmm or perhaps ECW. Also available is a 25rnm Wild West range with houses, tepees, graves, hay bales, grain sacks, mine shaft entrance(!), barns, etc.

Included for mention were stacks of grain sacks (25FW13) at 1.20 pas; stack oftimberbearns (25FW12) at 1.90 pas; and stack of trimmed logs/poles (25FW11 ) at 1.90 pas. I like to pick up items such as these as they look so great on the table! All of these items will be used for my 25mrn WWII Russian Front wargames. Tim of Frontline Wargaming mentions that BA0LE HONOURS has released a 25rnm WWII Russian-German line and Steve Dake informs me they are being carried of 19TH CENTURY MINIATURES, who advertises in MWAN. I'm anxious to see them! They have also added some new items to the 25mm WWII line including sand bagged position, barricade, 2-man pup tent; German Zeltbahn shelter; stack of oil drums; infantry pontoon bridge with pneumatic floats (5 floats, 2 spans, 2 ramps); and extra floats and spans. Send FRONTLINE a $5.00 bill and request a listing; it is quite extensive and I find the quality to be high and the prices are reasonable.

By Hal Thinglum - ROYAL OAK MINIATURES PAINTING SERVICE - Long-time MWAN supporter Fred Bultman provides high quality painting of wargames buildings and I'd long heard of his work. I'd think, from time to time, about sending him some buildings to do, however, I felt I couldn't justify the cost - the same as I felt about having figures painted for me.

However, I've changed my mind in this regard. Working sixty hours a week and spending what spare time I have on MWAN gives me a very minimum of true "hobby" time. The second factor influencing me toward having figures and buildings painted for me is that I want them to look nice! I am truly an "average wargames painter" - I have no talent in art or colors and everything I do is done in a very basic manner. There's nothing wrong with this, but at the age of fifty I think I can now justify spending some money to obtain a quality wargames collection. There - now I feel better! Hey, Fred does a better job than I thought he did! I sent him a total of 16 buildings, two walls, and a gateway, all in I Smm and intended for the ECW[IYW period. These were a combination of Hovels, Village Green (the "Peel" farm set which is the best set I've seen!), and Mainly Military buildings. I have the tendency to purchase buildings from time to time when they strike my fancy. Some of them will never be used as I will never enter that period/scale, but I do love wargames buildings.

First of all, the "Peel" farm set is a five-piece stone building set consisting of a very large main living quarters constructed in the usual English way with timbers on the walls in the middle with a stone tower on one side and a smaller stable on the other. There's another large stable, a smaller one, a hay storage structure and a tiny storage house with ivy on the walls. Beautifillly painted, Fred! The smallest structure with the ivy is great! All buildings are high-lited; they even have grass stains along the bottom of the buildings! The stones really stand out! Secondly, the English enclosed Manor House from Mainly Military - large two-storey house with twin chimneys; smaller storage building; two long walls, and a gateway. Fred did this set in white with red tiled roofs and brown support timbers on the main house.

There were also a number of Hovels European-style town buildings which are beautiful structures unpainted! Fred outdid himself on these - there's a two storey timbered Inn with the name "Thinglurn" on the front; a five-storey "Hotel MWAN"; a five-storey residence (w/green shutters looking great against the white background of the building); and two storey-residence with dormer windows on the roof All of the town buildings were painted to be used as a group and have certain similarities re color usage; the roofs are various shades of the same color, and Fred kept the stone/thatch wood colors consistent so that the village looks '&unified" while the buildings are individualized as well. Lastly there are a number of small country houses/barns. Fred gave each of them, as well as all of the others, their own "character". I must admit to being highly pleased/impressed and can recommend his work very highly! All this for $200.00 makes it a most reasonable, in my opinion, price! You can either send him buildings or purchase painted buildings from him. Drop him an SASE for a listing!

By Hal Thinglum -"EMBATTLED ARKANSAS - The Prairie Grove Campaign of 1862" - MWANer Michael (brother of our Orv) Banasik is a retired army officer who has just authored (and published) his first book Over seven years!). It is available from Broadfoot Publishing Col, 1907 Buena Vista Cycle, Wilmington, N.C. 28405 (price is $30.00 and Michael reports "stock is currently limited"). This is a 580 page "work" and encompasses the situation west of the Mississippi following Pea Ridge leading up to and including the Battle of Prairie Grove. The first two chapters are concerned with the Union and Confederate situation after Pea Ridge; Chapter three covers Confederate recruiting in Missouri in 1862 and the guerrilla war; Chapter four covers the Battle of Newtonia, Missouri and the Union invasion of Arkansas; Chapters five and six discuss the Battle of Cane Hill and Prairie Grove. The appendixes provide detailed information regarding orders of battle. Very interesting work; congratulations, Michael!

By Len Brewer - "SCENIC EFFECTS. INC.. STALINGRAD 1943 RED OCTOBER FACTORY - Scenic Effects, Inc., PO Box 70332, Point Richmond, CA 94807. This company is well known in the hobby for the buildings and different sets they produce. If you are into WWII wargaming, you owe it to yourself to take a serious look at this factory! It can be used for 20mm or 25mm scale wargaming. The model consists of a base that measures 23" X 16" and five wall sections. The model is made of polyurethane resin, which can be carved, drilled, or sanded to fit. They recommend a white glue for glueing the wall sections to the base. I did add some pieces of florist wire to the wall section going into the base for more support. The detail is very good. Included in this model you can see the buried machinery on the factory floor; the rail line going into the factory; offices which have been sandbagged; shell holes; rifle pits; and trenches. This can be a game that sets up with no other terrain. The replay of this scenario is high and it will be a challenge to both the attacker and defender. You can add your own sandbags and other terrain pieces to make this better if you wish. Cost of this beauty is $75.00 and it is a bargain if you are into this period and if you want to fight something different! Highly recommended and congratulations to Scenic Effects for this fine model!

BY David Barnes - "THE WAR OF 1812" - A Wargamer's Guide Part II- the Uniforms of the King's Army by Charles Glenn and Stephen Manley published by Potsdam Flags arid Publications; available from "Geneva", 16 Buckminster Close, Oakwood, Derby, DE21 2E. Also from Hind's Figures, 99, Birchover Way, Derby, or Caliver Books, 816-818, London Road, Leigh on Sea, UK.

This booklet is part of an excellent series, some of which I have reviewed before. Richard Barbuto (member of SWA and editor of "LONE WARRIOR" USA) has written Part I on the US Army of 1812, which is being printed as I write. Part II is not claimed as final and definitive on the military dress in North America 1812-15 but it is offered as an improvement. What was available previously seemed to have been, after 1970, a recycling of what was available then. There is quite an amount of new and original research in this booklet. It is well presented with a plastic ringbound spine and transparent plastic cover to the front cover. The illustrations are excellent being for the most part clear, well executed line drawings in black and white. After the short introduction, a concise background to the war is given and the main classes of figures available to the crown. It is the stated aim of the booklet to offer a description of what the troops actually looked like, "for the benefit particularly of wargamers."

Part I deals with British Regular Infantry. Part II British Regular Cavalry. Part III Canadian Fencibles. Part IV Canadian Provincial Infantry. Part V Canadian Provincial Cavalry. Part VI Canadian Militia. Part VII Artillery and services. Appendix I gives examples of extracts of General Orders. Finally "General Notes" including Wargames figures availability (Wargames Foundry's range is unaccountably missed), flags for wargamers, painted/second hand armies, and bibliography. This booklet keeps up the excellent standards set by the previous one. I recommend it to you.

By Hal Thinglum - THE BEST OF LONE WARRIOR VOLUME 1 - Rich Barbuto, Editor of the Solo Wargamers Association's LONE WARRIOR in the US put this together. It is an 8 '/~" X I 1" 42-page publication ($7.00 from Solo Wargamers Association, 1707 Ridge Road, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone 913-651-5009; FAX 913-651-3616). I subscribed to LONE WARRIOR quite early on it's career and always enjoyed it. As a matter of fact, LW is one of the many wargaming publications which I based MWAN upon; specifically, LW's "Letters" column! This work contains "Reflections" by the well known solo wargamer, John Bennett, as well as some excellently done articles on solo wargaming; I especially liked Michael Gray's "Solo Wargaming in the French and Indian War." I was surprised to see my own "Some Solo Wargaming Ideas for the French Foreign Legion" (from LW94); I'd forgotten I'd written it! Nice job, Richard! Recommended reading!

By Hal Thinglum - WARGAMES FOUNDRY 25MM NEW RELEASES - Do you have any idea of what its like to know that at least once a month, sometimes more, I'rn going to receive a package of "toys" from Wargames Foundry? They are the only wargames manufacturer, aside from their now "sister" company, Guernsey Foundry, to consistently send samples of "everything" they release, as well as a detailed list. When I was collecting figures for the Sikh Wars, I'm sure my hands shook as I opened each sample box as I was wondering what new releases they would have for this fascinating period!

Wargames Foundry. 25mm ACW line are extensive (see their ad in this issue for full listing) and fantastic, to say the least. Infantry in slouch hats and shell jackets have 30 poses in their listing; however, of these 30, there are seven poses which have eight head variants each (56 plus 22 = 78 different poses; not up to OLD GLORY "variants" standard, but quite good, none the less!). They have a mounted officer in hat w/walking horse; the lefl side of his hat is up. There are three casualties; an infantryman falling wounded knocked off his feet is by far the most interesting pose I've ever seen - he's just fallen on his back; both feet are up in the air as is his left arm. Further more, he has a separate right arm w/musket attached and his hat is fall off! Great pose! Another casualty is Iying dead, while the third is sitting wounded. As I've mentioned previously, casualty figures make great morale markers for your units!

They offer three officers, two of whom have separate arms (both running; one w/sword while the other has a pistol); two standard bearers; three drummers (including one of the best drummers I've seen; actually one of the best wargames figures as regards character!); two buglers; and 16 infantry including two prone (loading and 'waiting" for a good shot!). Some of the infantry have separate arms. Also released are four infantry in 1 840's peaked caps and shell jackets; four bare headed infantry in shell jackets; and three infantry in Mississippi "tricomes" and shell jackets (never heard of "tricornes used during ACW, have you?). Hey, outstanding casting, quality, detail, range of poses, character; you name it - they've got! Figures at .70 pence; horses at .85 pence. Available in USA from The Foundry Ltd., 1549 Marview Drive, Westlake, Ohio 44145 (216-871-4587) Highly recommended!

By Hal Thinglum - GUERNSEY FOUNDRY'S 28MM GERONIMO'S WARRIOR BAND and PLAINS INDIANS - What? Someone is finally calling their figures by their correct height? What a novel idea! Guernsey Foundry, The Foundry Ltd., Huberts Lane, Off Doyle Rd., St Peter Po Guernsey, Channel Islands, Great Britain, GYI IRG (Phone 01481-714241; FAX 01481-714905 continues their great work with sculptor Mark Copplestone's quality efforts - Geronimo's Warrior Band. The releases follow GF's now familiar approach of offering duplicate figures for foot an horse; there are eight mounted Apaches with their eight counterparts - they even have names! , "Soldado" has a rifle and a Mexican shako, while '~Natchez" has a Hardee hat! They are armed with anything from rifles, war clubs, bows, and lances (supply your own). Two of the mounted figures have separate torsos allowing for more variety. They also offer three "mighty warriors" mounted and one foot: Geronimo, Victorio, and Chato! There are also four Apache horses. Very tempting period, isn't it! Prices are .70 ($ 1.20 in US) for foot and .90 ($ 1.70 in US) for horses. You can get the entire! Warrior set for 22 pounds ($47 in US).

Also released are Plains Indians - namely "Voice Like a Thunder's War Party" of 11 beautiful foot and 11 mounted counterparts with five horses, each with: two variants. The set of 22 men and 11 horses sells for 22 pds/$47.00 (including postage). Check Out their ad in this issue for pictures of them! Each is named and my personal favorite has to be: "Voice Like Thunder" himself with hatchet and (I think) "coup" counting stick(with separate`; feathers), though I am probably wrong. Another favorite is "Lean Wolf' who is carrying a spear/lance which is beautifully done (cast on) and probably the best spear/lance I've seen on a wargames figure! Three of the mounted figures are cast in two parts allowing for more variety of poses. I must admit to being terribly impressed with Mark Copplestone's quality work and GF's ingenuity and creativity! Congratulations!

By Hal Thinglum - REDOUBT ENTERPRISES 25MM NAPOLEONIC WAR LINE - I don't have a listing, however, my old friend, Peter Helm, was kind enough to send me 22 samples of his new Napoleonic 25mm line. There are eight French, the majority of whom are in "campaign" dress; my favorite! There's a line infantry marching in greatcoat holding his musket by the barrel with his right hand with the musket over his shoulder that I like a lot! Another French infantryman isle' marching with slung musket and a pokham (is that how you spell it?) in greatcoat. The British feature Sharpe (sword and pistol) and Sgt Harper with his eight-barreled gun advancing (I wouldn't): stand in front of him!) as well as British infantry in stovepipe and Belgic shakos. Figures are well animated; I'm anxious to see a listing for them as I am sure it will be quite extensive if I know Peters Helm at all! Highly recommended items!

By Hal Thinglum - MUSKET MINIATURES 20MM ACW AND WWII SOVIETS ANDY 15MM AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR LINES - Musket Miniatures, owned and operated by long-time MWAN supporter, James McCarron, is a most interesting company to me. I always enjoy looking through their catalog and he has a new one with a color cover featuring their 20mm ACW, 15mm AWI, and some 54mm ACW figures, all in full color. Most attractive (send $5.00 to Jim for the catalog). What I like about the catalog are the listings of terrain items in 15 and 20rnm. Very extensive items! Anyway, here we go - new 15mm American Revolutionary line and you will like these! The listing features 21 packs of Americans (16 infantry; one cavalry; one Generals [3 American/3 British]; and three artillery (6 & 12 pders and howitzers) with crew); 17 of British (8 line infantry, one grenadier, one light, one cavalry, and six artillery (Regular and Royal artillery crewmen); and two of Hessians (musketeers and grenadiers) and French (musketeers and grenadiers). The American packs have either 9 troops/3 command or 12 troops for $3.25 except for the cavalry (6 troops/2 command for $4.75) while the British packs have either 15 troops and 3 command or 18 troops w/o command for $4.75. Artillery packs have two guns and four crew for $3.25. Army packs are available for $22.95 (Americans - six 12-figure regt's; 2 guns/4 crew; I mounted General; British - four 18-figure regt's; two guns/4 crew; and one mounted General). Command for foot includes foot officer, standard bearer with cast-on pole and separate metal flag (though paper flags available), and drummer. Most infantry packs are advancing; each side has two packs of infantry standing and firing. Infantry figures have various types of hats, gaiters, backpacks, shirts, etc., and each side has a pack of infantry advancing in bare and bandaged heads. All in all, a most extensive and well done line as regards figure detail and casting. l should add these figures are pewter, which I now prefer. James reports additional packs will be released including militia and Indians. For my 20mm ACW project, I ordered a number of artillery limbers, horses, and riders as I've always been fascinated by the pictures of the artillery in Jim's catalog! CWH220 artillery limbers features four sets of limbers with ammo chests ($5.50); CWH249 artillery crews has four limber riders and four limber horse riders in kepis and softhats ($3.95); while CWH270 has four valise limber horses and four with saddle ($4.95). The limber riders and horse riders do not have a lot of detail though they, as well as the limber horses may well be the cleanest cast figures (made of pewter) I've seen yet!

However, the limber horses have very good detail, though the detail is not as raised (more than likely, they are more realistic this way) as I've seen on other manufacturers. I like the limber horses very much. The wheels fit very well on the limbers. l also picked up STR01 split rail fence and STR06 split rail staggered fence (each for $4.95); STROI has twelve 2" sections and a gate while STRO6 has eighteen 1 1/4" inch sections. Each has five rails and these are outstanding products! l love ACW fences and these are by far the best on the market- no doubt! They now offer bulk packs of forty-eight 2" sections and a gate for $17.95; I'll have to get some of these! Also new in their catalog is STRO5 Torn-down Fence and STR15 stone/log rail fence. Can't wait to see them. I would like to see some of the "Ragged Rebs" offered by Musket Miniatures.

Check out their catalog; you'll find lots of interesting terrain items! James has also released 20mm (HO) WWII Eastern Front Soviet infantry (designed by James' son, Jeff) and buildings. There are three packs available currently; Soviet SMG assault squad, rifle squad, and infantry in surmner uniforms (ten figures for $4.95). The rifle squad was included for mention in MWAN and contains ten differently posed figures including an NCO. Detail and animation are fair; they should look good painted up. Also listed are five Russian buildings including a log cabin; rural, village, and stone house; and Russian Church (prices range from $8.95 to 17.95); if you do any 20mm Russian Civil Wargarning, I'll bet these buildings are gems if James' past work is any indication! I encourage to check out their catalog!

By Hal Thinglum - KENNINGTON MINIATURES 20MM ACW LINE - Kennington Miniatures, IA Kempsford Road, London, SKI I 4NU,UK (phone 0171-735-7787; FAX 0171- 5871901) has an extensive and high quality 20mrn ACW line. I believe I mentioned them in last issue's column, however, since then I've received a number of infantry and artillery castings and am highly impressed with them! Foot are .35 pence while horses are .50 pence and guns are one pound. They currently offer three guns (12 par, Parrot, and 3" rifle); artillery crew packs of Kepi or hat loading and firing (four crew in each pack with lanyard, sponge, ball, and - geez, have been trying to think of it all day - ah, just came to me - "spike") and artillery officer in kepi or hat. Very detailed figures of high quality. The infantry are simply outstanding - see their ad in this issue for a full listing of the 20mrn ACW range! Jacket/kepi; frockcoat/kepi; jacket/hat; Iron Brigade; Texas Brigade; Zouaves in Fez/Kepi; Louisiana Tigers; and Greatcoat & kept/fur cap. I find the figures very attractive, they may be a bit on the "chunky" side, but I really like this style. I didn't think I would like the infantry in overcoat, as I usually don't, but I found that I liked them! All of the infantry groups come in marching, loading, charging, advancing, at ready and firing, and several of the poses have two variants. I am partial to the at ready, advancing, marching, and several of the loading poses. The charging pose sometimes has left-handed figures which is something different, I guess! What I did was mix figures within the same brigade (I am using Fire & Fury rules) from most of the groups I mentioned above to obtain more pose variety and the brigades look good although I haven't seen any of them painted as of yet. Highly recommended!

By Hal Thinglum - PHARAOH'S ARMS 1/144th SCALE WWII AIRCRAFT - From Pharaoh's Alms, PO Box 579, Merrickville, Ontario, Canada, KOG INO (613-269-2557) comes some very attractive and interesting l/144th scale WWII aircraft made by Tommy Atkins (I kid you not!) and manufactured by Dave Jackson for the MID EASTERN ONTARIO WARGAMERS. These are very well done metal models - unfortunately, I don't have a clue as to what I am looking at, even though the individual packs are labeled, they are in some sort of code which doesn't match the listing I was sent. Let me tell you what the listing says - Currently full range covers fighters and fighter-bombers from the Battle of Britain and has Messerschmitt BE 109E, and BF110C, and a Junkers JU87B "Stuka" as well as a Superrnarine Spitfire Mk1 and Hawker Hurricane Mk1. A pack costs $10.00 US or $13.50 Canadian and includes three single engine fitters or two twin engine fighter-bombers and dive bombers. David mentions they plan to expand the range this summer by 12 or so more aircraft (fighters and fighter-bombers) for the "Late War Over Me Reich" and closer to 1998, they will issue twin engine as well as four engine bombers as well as range of decals/transfers and a set of rules. Five different planes were submitted; four single engine and one twin engine. One has separate landing gear while the others do not have any at all (how did they land?). These are very nice models - I showed them to my next door neighbor, who is very interested in WWII aircraft and he really liked them! Very nice indeed!

By Hal Thinglum - NOTES ON THE MEXICAN ARMY 1900-1925 BY EL DORADO BOOKS - This is booklet No. 5 by the South and Central American Military Historians Society published by El Dorado Books and complied by Terry D. Hooker, whose energy and abilities I very much admire. I would love to put out extra volumes of MWAN devoted special subjects/back issue topics/etc., but never seem to find the energy/consistent interest to do so.

Good work, Terry! This is an MWAN-sized publication of 80 pages and is a "work of love". The first section of 18 pages provides an in-depth look at organization of the Mexican Army of 1900- 1925 with organizations for both "peace" and "war" footing. The next section of some 16 or so pages is a reprint of a "Monograph on Mexico" published by the US War Department (1914) and also provides detailed information as to organization and weapons as well as interesting assumptions as to what might be expected from the Mexican soldier in time of war. The next section (two pages) covers the Mexican Navy (some 1200 officers and men and seven vessels) and types of guns on the vessels.

The last section of ten or so pages deals with the Mexican Revolution which is interesting reading as I have read very little of it. The appendices provide more information on the Mexican Army, Navy and Air Corps as well as an fairly extensive section on uniforms and flags complete with black and white line drawings as well as listing of Mexican units. . Highly recommended for those interested in this period. You could use the Guernsey Foundry figures quite well! Available from Andrew Preziosi, 11017 SW 125th Ave., Miami, FL 33186 (305-274-9745); no information re cost.

By Hal Thinglum - HOW TO MAKE WARGAMES TERRAIN - This is a high quality, color publication from GAMES WORKSHOP (in the US: Games Workshop Ltd., 3431-C Benson Ave., Baltimore, MD 21227-1072) which I was highly impressed with. It is perhaps the best "How To" terrain publication for wargaming I have seen as of yet! Laden with color photos and well written descriptions of how to make quality terrain/buildings/walls/e/c. I would highly recommend this 82 page book to any historical miniatures wargarner without reservation!

By Hal Thinglum - AMERICAN REVOLUTION JOURNAL - Jim Purkey (3127 Park Place, Evanston, IL 60201 ) of the SYWA newsletter is now putting out the "American Revolution Journal" and it is very well done! Modeled after the SYWA format, it has 56 pages and costs $6.50 (cover price) or $25US/$30 for Canadians for First Class Mail for four issues over a two year period. Jim reports "The purpose of the American Revolution Journal is to provide a forum to make information available of an historical, living history and wargarne nature" and "to act as an unstructured association promoting individual and group activities germane to the period of American colonial history from 1766 to 1795." The first issue has articles on Jim's interest in this period and his plans for gaming it; re-enacting; the Hesse-Cassel Field Jaeger Corps; Battle of Brandywine; a set of Wargame Rules for the AWI, an informational section; and the AWI on the Internet. I'm always pleased to see "speciality" period publications as they serve a real purpose. Good work, as usual, James!

By Hal Thinglum - CALIVER BOOKS - From Caliver Books, 816-818 London Road, Leigh on Sea, Essex, SS9 3NH, UK (phone/FAX 01702-73986) sent two beautiful books; both covering periods I am highly interested in! "The Frontier Ablaze - The Northwest Frontier Rising 1897- 98" by Michael Barthorp with color plates by Douglas Anderson (35.00 pas) and Brassey's History of Uniforms series' "English Civil War" (14.99 pas) by Phillipp J.C. Elliot-Wright! Both are 9" X 13" hardcover books and are excellently done! The NWF book is 128 pages with many photos, maps, and line drawings. The maps can be very well used by the wargamer for campaigning! The photos and line drawings lend themselves to terrain making and building construction. There are eight pages of color drawings of uniforms. The text is very well done; I love books like this as they provide a very useful overview of the subject/period and in this case, the matter is covered quite in-depth. I have long enjoyed/appreciated Mr. Barthorp's writing style and I think you will as well. Highly recommended for the Colonial wargamer! The ECW book is another beauty - 144 pages with many full color photos of ECW re-enactors; two full color plates; many period line drawings; and photos of weapons/ar~nor/equipment. I don't usually enjoy photos of re-enactors being used as substitutes for color plates, but these are very good! The text includes The Military Revolution 1600-42; Equipment & Arms, Soldiers' Clothing; Bishops' Wars and Ireland 163942; Parliamentarian Army 1642-46; Royal Army 1642-46; and New Styles of Warfare 1646-1660. In addition, there is an interesting section "ECW Directory" providing information on museums/collections; re- enackment/societies/suppliers/bookshops; ECW Art; Wargarnes Figures; and books/agazines. I really enjoyed the text, Within this series are the following books: Mexican-American War, Roman Army, Barbarian Warriors, Confederate Army, Union Army, Napoleon's Army, Wellington's Army, and 63 from THE LONDON WAR Beverly Hills Loop, Petal, MS 39465 (601-584-8533) have ventured into the figure manufacturing business with a 22-figure selection for the Spanish Bourbons 1733-63 in 25mm, a most unusual offering' It must be very difficult to select a period when you are thinking about starting a figure line; you could select a highly popular period for which everyone and their brother makes figures, or you could do what Vince and Sharron did - go in the other direction! There are 21 poses in this line thus far. mounted/dismounted lancers; officers, drummers; ensigns; and line infantry. I liked them well enough to purchase four 36-figure battalions of line infantry with two infantry advancing poses musket held at 60 and 80 degrees - as well as two different drummers (drum on back and advancing tightening drum skin; I really like the drum on back figure' excellently done!); three or four standard bearers including a very interesting one standing "at ready" w/o hat (all are open-handed which I refer in 25mm), and five different of ricers. l think these are cleanly sculpted/detailed/cast figures and they are quite attractive. They fit very well with Front Rank, Guernsey Foundry, and Old Glory so will fit very well in my SYW 25mm collection! Single foot are 51.25 while horses are $1.50. A bag ($14) contains 18 infantry or 6 cavalry end es such, are very good value. I've always found Vince and Sharron to be very nice to deal with and I can recorornend these figures highly for the Age of Reason enthusiast who requires Spanish armies. lam looking forward to more releases from THE LONDON WAR ROOM! Congratulations to Vince and Sharron on a nice start!

From Hal Thinglum - OFFENSIVE PATROL RULES - Goblintooth Enterpnses, 46 Highland St., Reading, MA 01867 (phone/FAX 617-944-5883) has released Offensive Patrol: Game Supplement for HOSTILE AIRCRAFT: Miniature Wargaming Rules for Aerial Combat,1915- 1920 ($20.00) by MWANer Brian Reddington-Wilde. This is a 95-page 8" X 11" nicely done effort which I am highly impressed by, and I'll tell you why later. There are chapters on balloons, anti-aircraft, special mission rules, optional rules and basic Nles addendum, and, are you ready for this - 101(!) scenarios! I'll let Brian describe the scenarios - "Each historical scenario recounts the experience of at least one known pilot. These scenarios are all culled from pilot biographies, flight reports, and other historical accounts. Scenarios cover the rise and fall of famous aces from each nation as well as rank and file pilots." The book also comes with two copies of the rules sheets. Highly recommended!

Hal Thinglum - DAY OF BATTLE RULES - MWANer Chris Parker (of The Toy Soldier 3.0), has published DAY OF BATTLE - Historical Miniatures Rules (available from All About Games Publishing, 6b Ledge Rd., Windham, NH 03087 for $10 retail) which cover the period 1100-1310AD This is a glossy, professionally printed, impressive 28 page effort in an 8 1/2" X 11" format. I found it extremely well-written and interesting to look through - WELL worth the $10.00! DoB utilizes two decks of 52 regular playing cards with each side having its own; players command an army of 50-100 figures, leaders play a prominent role in the tabletop action; figures are based 24 on a single stand, and each figure represents 25 men. l very much admire the manner in which this rules set is written - easily understandable with lots of explanations for period terms and types of soldiers - an ideal book for the beginner, but valuable for the experienced wargamer as well! Most highly recommended and my congratulations to Chris for an excellently done effort! This is the rare as it does not cover a period I am interested in. I will enjoy reading & oganizations for company -level.

Conliffe has been quite prolific over the last few years and seems to be smitten by WWII. CROSSFIRE is his latest effort and available from WARGAMES, Box 278, Rt. 40 East, Triadelphia, WV 26059-0278 ($19.95). Published by Quantum Printing, whose quality we all know, it is an 8 1/2" x 11" 44 page (the center 4 pages are the play sheets) booklet. Arty states "CROSSFIRE is company-level, infantry operations by stressing three interrelated features: movement, firepower terrain. It assumes the tabletop action is occurring well within the effective ranges of WWII arms. By stressing these fundamentals, player commanders in CROSSFIRE are encouraged to use covered terrain routes for troop movements, and establish fire bases that both support their own movements and interdict those of the enemy. Variable troop quality and national command and control differences modify these fundamentals." There is no fixed ground or time scale, a single stand of infantry represents 9-12 men/single MG represents a section; single vehicle or gun represents one actual weapon; and Arty reports the rules work with any scale of castings. Stand sizes are given for 15-20mm and 1/285 or 1/300. The basic unit is the squad and each model heavy weapon represents 2-3 actual pieces. I like Arty's use of figures/terrain to represent squad status as I always find this interesting (I dislike seeing non-figure/non-terrain items used to denote morale status on the tabletop): prone figure = ground-hugging squad; wounded figure = pinned squad, dead figure = suppressed squad; and shell crater/rubble - no fire squad. We know Arty writes well and there are many explanations and illustrations within the rules. There are chapters on organization m~t~at~ve & squad actions; movement/command control; spotting; direct/indirect fire, close combat rallying; engineers/obstacles; vehicles/guns/bunkers; scenario generator; data sheets; a scenario for Stalmgrad; and advance rules. A nice job by Arty and highly recormnended for the WWII gamer

By Hal Thinglum - LYZARD'S GRIN SIKH WAR ITEMS - While in Oklahoma City, I stayed with long-time friend, Richard Houston, owner of THE LYZARD'S GRIN, and had a great time but more about this at another time. While in his "factory", l picked up some Sikh War items which I'd wanted for some time. Set #1 Ik Light swivel guns on camels is neat - each set contains a walking camel with swivel gun and mounted camel and a kneeling camel with the same. The Sikhs used quite a few of these during the Sikh War and they match up well with Wargames Foundry's Zamberek camel gunner. Cost is only $4.00 which is very reasonable. "Reasonable" is the correct term to use In describing Richard's prices, by the way, not to mention he has the fastest mail order business in the hobby! I also got Set l lk - Sikh "Fish" gun 1856 which is a small 1-pound cannon with the barrel shaped like a fish ($3)! Picked up some British guns including #20, a 12-pounder ($3.50) and #21 6 pounder ($3.50), which are very well done! Richard always does an outstanding job on his artillery! Seeing as how I have approximately 40 to 50 guns between the Sikhs and the British, I needed lots of limbers and Richard came to my rescue (another outstanding feature about Richard is his willingness to be of assistance to gamers) with Sikh and British limbers for this period. They normally come in sets with limber horses and riders.

However, I had a large number of extra limber horses and had previously picked up a number of his Sikh War limber horse riders (British with different heads than Sikhs) so I only needed limbers. I can't give you the price of just the limbers, but for example, a #23 British limber w/4 limber horses & 2 riders is only $6.00; can you beat that in today's market? The limbers are very good. Richard also gave me several British limbers for the 1880's period but doesn't have them listed in his catalog as of yet. Highly recommended items! Drop Richard $2 or so for a full listing of his products.