By Hal Thinglum - PAINTED FIGURES BY ANDY'S ARMIES: I recently received some painted 25mm Redoubt Miniatures Spanish guerillas for the Peninsular War from Andy Mombourquette (Andy's Armies, PO Box 15296, Portland, OR 97293; phone 503-695-2668). My intention has been to develop a small "skirmish" type collection for the Peninsular War, which has always interested me. I've been mounting the figures individually on metal stands. Andy's pointing quality is very good with prices ranging from $4.00 to $6.00 dependent upon the complexity of the paint job. The Redoubt Miniatures figures are very good and deserve a good paint job! There are a large variety of figures within the Spanish guerillas: a woman holding the Spanish flag (flag cast on) was nicely painted; some of the civilians are wearing very basic clothing and were done in a wide variety of colors, which I always like in irregular forces, with weapons being especially well painted by Andy! Figure sashes were painted in the Spanish National colors. One of the figures has a kerchief over his head which is pulled back at the back of his neck. Andy painted this red with a regular pattern of white dots which looked great! Figures with open mouths are painted to allow the mouth to stand out. My favorites, however, are those guerillas with either full or partial army uniforms. These are particularly well painted and really stand out! I would love to have a full wargames unit - perhaps SYW or Napoleonics where the colors really stand out - painted with this quality! Check Andy out - recommended!
By Hal Thinglum - IRREGULAR MINIATURES 15MM MARLBURIANS - Irregular Miniatures, 3, Apollo Street, Heslington Rd., York YOl 5AP, UK (Phone 01904- 671101) is one of the lesser known manufacturers of historical miniatures yet they produce a wide range of figures and from the ones I've seen, of good quality! I ordered samples of their 15mm Marlburian line (17001720) and was very pleased with the figures! The range consists of 30 codes including a cannon, battalion gun, mortar, and limber with two horses. In addition there are six cavalrymen (32 pence) with musician and flag bearer included, a dismounted dragoon, horseholder with horse, two pikemen, four artillerists, an engineer, and the rest are musketeers and grenadiers (16 pence). They are of a consistent size - roughly l7mm from top of the stand to eye level, thus they mix well with Dixon and the new Essex Marlburian lines. Detail is good and flash is at a minimum with most of the flash on the bottom of the stand already removed. All riders are separate from their horses except for the Hussar and the limber horse rider. I much prefer the one-piece castings over two-piece castings regardless of who makes them. Gun wheels were free of flash and nicely detailed. The limber set (65 pence) is very helpful with two horses (one ahead of the other) and one rider; one of the limber wheels had a considerable amount of flash. Pikemen have separate wire pikes included and the wire fits well into the hand, something that can drive me crazy! Airmail postage to US/Canada is 50% of order under 12 pounds and 45% over with surface running 40%/33%. Payment is accepted via IMO, credit card or pounds sterling. If I were to order more figures, which I will do, I would ask that I be charged only for actual postage; manufacturers are usually pretty amendable to this reasonable, in my mind, request. I would highly suggest that you consider writing to them to obtain a catalog; you'll be very pleased/surprised in that they cover a wide variety of periods and scales (2mm, 6mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm and the catalog is illustrated with photos of many of the figures. Response time was very good with my small order. Highly recommended!
By Hal Thinglum - NEW 25MM RELEASES FROM'THE FOUNDRY'- The Foundry, Mount Street, New Basford, Nottingham, NG7 7HX (0115-979-2002) has made some new releases, however, I don't have a "release sheet", nor do I have prices. However, the latest prices I have is that packs of foot figures are 5.50 pds/$10.00 and I think they are trying to go to the "pack" sale, instead of selling individual figures. First of all, a brand new release, though one talked about for some time - 25mm PIRATES - and the best pirates I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. No "name" for the six figures I'm going to describe: the figures are 28mm high from top of the stand to eye level and there is little flash to remove. Detail, of course, is fantastic. These figures must be intended to represent the range, rather than being from a single pack as is a drummer; a figure blowing a w/long trumpet and holding a pistol; possibly two "crewmen" (one with sword/pistol, the other w/two swords); advancing w/musket' and open-handed figure which would be good for using as an artillery crewmen handling a linstock, or putting a pike in his hands which would allow him to be lunging at an enemy. CUT] Cutthroats "Teach and his Pals" features the same drummer described above, which, by the way, would be great for an irregular type force for a period in which trousers came to just below the knee; and five "Captains" (my own description) which are great figures. My favorites are one holding a musket from the stock pointing away from the right side of his body and wearing a military style coat and pirate boots (you, the ECW type where the tops are folded down at the knee); another aiming and firing one pistol while holding the second one upright; a "SYW" type officer in military type jacket with stockings from the knee holding a pistol and sword upright - he is obviously a bit of a "dandy" as he is wearing a bow at his neck and long hair with a ribbon holding it in back; a fourth is standing with sword in his sheath and pistol in his belt; another is your "standard" pirate Captain (could be "Blackbeard") with sword/pistol and pigtails in his long beard; the last one is a northern Africa type in "eastern" style clothing w/sword/pistol. CUT 13 Pirate Musketmen 11 features eight pirates w/muskets; seven of the eight wear hats while the other one has a stocking-type cap; two are standing firing, three advancing, and three at ready. One is wearing the ECW type individual powder bags(charges) and none of the eight are identical.
Many years ago I painted up several hundred 25mm pirates for a friend and these are just so good! Characters from their Darkest Africa line has some highly interesting and appealing characters: one in fez is holding a towel over his left hand and a tray w/refreshments in his right; there is a bare breasted woman w/musket standing at attention; a trumpeter in fez who, in my opinion, could be used as an Egyptian for the Sudan period; a native w/fuzzy-wuzzy hair holding his musket upright in his right hand with a bandolier across his chest (great figure!); a "Zouave" type in skirt with grounded musket; a "possible porter" w/one heavy musket on his left shoulder and carrying an equally heavy musket in his right; a fearsome baldheaded native with slung musket and holding a machete in his right; and lastly, a European w/beard and musket (would be a great Boer). DA201 Masai Warriors in Feathered Headdress I has seven beautifully done warriors with elaborate headdresses who are nude from the waist down. They have separate shields and weapons and none of the figures are identical. I have wondered why The Foundry chose to release so many figures/packs for an obscure period, however, after viewing the figures, there would be so much applicability to other periods of history! Lastly there is a pack of ten Napoleonic Prussian mounted Generals w/o a list explaining cost and who they are. One is Blucher for sure, there are several ADC's, two Hussars w/separate heads/pelisses, an excellent General looking at a map, several in Bicornes and several are wearing cloaks. One standing horse was included and it is a beautiful animal! Excellent stuff and highly recommended!
By Hal Thinglum - WARHAMMER "ARMIES OF ANTIQUITY" - Warhammer Historical Games Ltd., PO Box 5226, Nottingham, NG7 2WT, UK hasjust released "Armies of Antiquity", their first supplement for the highly attractive "Warhammer Ancient Battles" rules book (7.50 pds plus postage one pound/UK; two pounds/Europe; three pounds/World). This is a 48- page glossy listing of armies from Summerian (300013C) to Samurai/Crusades (1250AD). There are twenty two such armies; each army has two pages devoted to it and includes a short introduction, army composition, special rules, characters, point values, profiles and equipment. In addition, the appendix contains new rules for Warhammer Ancient Battles, rules for the Praetorian Guard, Barbarians, as well as a single page section illustrating which of the 22 armies actually or could have fought each other. Highly recommended for the Ancients player!
By Hal Thinglum - FLINTLOQUE MINIATURES FROM GREAT BEAR ENTERPRISES Great Bear Enterprises, 9452-193A St., Surrey, BC, V4N 4N4, Canada (phone 1-888-516- 8884) sent along some sample figures from the Flintloque line, a "quirky" Fantasy/Napoleonic line of 30mm fantasy figures in Napoleonic uniforms. Sound strange? Yeh, to me too! But it does seem to be quite popular with some gamers. The figures are exceedingly well details with minimal flash and good animation and there is an extensive line of them: 42 packs of elves ranging from a Marshall, militia, line and grenadier troops, cavalry, casualties, lights guerillas, deserters, and artillery. There are 17 packs of Dwarves, four of Goblins, 35 of Orcs, 10 of the undead, seven of "other races" (including "Gordon's Highlanders!), 7 of Ogres, four of Dogmen, three of Halflings, and a character pack. Packs range in price from a standard 3.95 pounds for 4 foot/2 mid to 5.95 pds for a gun and two crew members. In addition, there are boxed sets selling for 19.99 pds which can contain rules, scenarios, and 16 figures orjust boxed miniatures from 10.00 pds to 19.99 pds. Figures included for review were the 105th rifle command from the Orc range consisting of three Orcs in rifleman uniforms, one w/tricorne. Two unnamed figures resemble a French line infantrymen in covered shako and what must be one figure from the "Undead" range wielding a sword overhead. Interesting well done figures for those miniatures gainers who enjoy a bit of the historical with their fantasy!
By Hal Thinglum - ODGW's WWII RULES "MEIN PANZER" - Old Dominion Game Works (ODGW), PO Box 1456, Winchester, VA 22604-7956 has released a very attractive WWII rules set of 57 pages in an 8" X 11" format w/color cover ($25.00 plus $3.00 P&P). Ground scale is 1" = 50 yards for weapons/movement; unit size is 1:1 with one vehicle equaling one vehicle; infantry is based on V2" square stands which represents a half-squad and they recommend five figures/stand though report it doesn't really matter. A game turn consists of ten phases. ODGW reports that the rules are accomplished via the "Drop-In" game system which allows the player "to decide how advanced your games become by including those modules you want, while leaving the others out." The rules cover 44 pages and there is one scenario included. Enclosed with the rules is a smaller 45 page booklet covering nationalities for WWII (France, Germany, Italy,. Japan, Soviet Union, UK, and USA) which covers TO&E's, troop quality, equipment (very detailed), aircraft and infantry as well as special rules. The game also comes with a cardstock sheet with orders and game aids, a template, and two sets of "cheat" sheets. The rules appear well-written and contain historical references, something I always enjoy in a set of rules. WWII gamers will enjoy taking a look at this set!
By Hal Thinglum - FORWARD THE COLORS! ACW SCENARIOS FROM POTOMAC PUBLICATIONS - The Last Square, 5944 Odana Rd., Madison, WI 53719 (608-278-4401) has released yet another ACW scenario book by Ryan Toews and George Anderson, this one containing 12 regimental level scenarios (Bull Run, McDowell, Oak Grove, Deserted House, Big Black River Bridge, Stephenson Depot, Mossy Creek, Chester Station, Yellow Bayou, Brice's Crossroad, Second Kemstown, and Sutherland Station. Each scenario contains historical background, deployment, terrain info, victory conditions, order of battle, and map. I really like scenario booklets and have been consistently impressed with this series which now has eight booklets. Highly recommended!
By Hal Thinglum - PAINTED SUNSET: HISTORICAL MINIATURES SCENARIOS OF ARMY-INDIAN CONFLICT - Stenhouse Game Productions, PO Box 92, McLean, VA 2210 1 0092 (stenhousegames@hotmail.com) has released Painted Sunset was created by MWANer Robert Haworth (congratulations, Robert!). Robert reports Painted Sunset is compatible with Yellow Ribbon: Rules for Indian Wars 1850-1890 and states that the scenarios play best with l5mm figures Figure ratios vary by scenario from 10: 1 to 2:1 and the eight scenarios take about three hours to play and table size ranges from 6'X5'to 8'X10'. Each scenario provides a map, historical background, terrain notes, OOB's, setup/entry info, special rules, objectives and historical outcomes. There is a section providing firing modifications for Yellow Ribbon and a four-page section with suggestions on deployment and tactics for each individual scenario. Overall, a very good approach, well written, interesting, and well presented. If you are into Wild West gaming, you'll really benefit from this publication! I don't know the cost. Highly recommended!
By Hal Thinglum - C&Q EQUIPMENT COMPANY 20MM WWI FIGURES - C&Q Equipment Co., H 521 S.W. 60th Ter., Miami, FL 33173 (305-598-1007; scq@ix.netcom.com) has an interesting line of 20mm WWII figures covering the British, South Africa, Australians, Germans, Turkey, Indian', and Kings African Rifles/Nigerians. Samples were received which fairly well represented the entire linc of 36 figures. Infantry are .70 cents/. 3 8pence; MG teams are $1.90/ 1.00 pds; and cavalry are $1.90/ 1.00 pds. The figures measure 20mm from top of stand to eye level with the bases being a bit on the thick side. I thought all figures submitted were quite good, however, the Indian advancing figure stands only about l7mm and although he is 'crouching', seems considerably smaller than the other figures. Cavalry are two-piece castings and the horse included was standing and well done. I didn't find any flash, except for tiny amounts under the stand. MG teams are nicely done with all in firing position; weapons look good! Available in the UK from Alan Hughes, 2 Princess Rd., Seaham, Co Durham, SR7 7SP. They also offer five resin vehicles: Mark IV F&M, Rolls Royce AC, Austin AC, Model T Truck, and Renau It F 17. Interesting period and difficult to find 20mm figures for it; WWI gamers will welcome these additions - recommended!
By Hal Thinglum - REDOUBT ENTERPRISES 25MM RELEASES - Redoubt Enterprises, 49 Channel View Rd., Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 7LN, UK continues to add to their excellent 25mm ACW and Napoleonic lines! For Napoleonics, they added dismounted British Hussars (wouldn't they be great for skirmish gaming!) at 60 pence each. There is an officer waving sword, trumpeter, and three troopers (running, kneeling firing, and kneeling observing). The trumpeter and running figure were enclosed and are very good; I don't know why they would make a kneeling figure observing with hand over eyes as we wouldn't need many of these - I would prefer another advancing or standing figure myself. From their great ACW line come a large number of releases! ACX28 Confederate Command and ACX 29 Union Command each have two mounted officers with one on foot at 3.60 pds per pack; all have separate heads. Also added were infantry skirmishers: ACW81 (in shirt), 82 (shell jacket), 83 (sack coat), and 84 (in frock coat) and again, they come with separate heads (extra head packs at .50 pence/six heads). These are unbelievable figures! Detail and animation is just fantastic! Makes me think about redoing the ACW in 25mm - GEEZ! Each pack features different poses with standing firing, kneeling firing, kneeling loading, kneeling at ready, advancing and charging. Excellent stuff but no better than we have come to expect from Redoubt! Also available in the US from Miniature Service Center, 1525 Bridge St., 4163, Yuba City, CA 95993 (530-673-5169).
By Hal Thinglum - FOREIGN RELEASES FROM BROOKHURST HOBBIES - Brookhurst Hobbies, 12188 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove, CA 92840 (714-636-3585) carries a great many UK products and I am impressed by their ability to keep the prices reasonable compared to some UK importers.
TWO DRAGONS 15MM - Two packs of figures were enclosed; MIX PACK 10 Saxons and MIX PACK 16 Madhist Ansar Swordsmen from the Sudan. Each has twenty figures at $12.99 per pack and they are selected from the figure line to represent a broad mixture of poses. I've always been impressed with Two Dragons figures; these are "true" 15mm figures from top of base to eye level and the animation, detail, crispness are just great. No flash was noted. My one negative comment is that they cost $4.95 cents each and I find this quite high for 15mm figures; I don't think I would pay this much for l5mm figures, no matter how good they were. I wonder if this was an error. No matter what, they are beautifully done figures and the variety of poses within each pack is outstanding! I plan on using the Sudan figures for my l5mm Sudan project - they are good!
B&B MINIATURES 20MM RESIN BUILDINGS - B&B Miniatures has released an excellent line of 20mm resin buildings; we all love our little buildings, don't we! Included for review were BI Tobruk Pit (2'X3 '/2" and 1 1/2" high); D9 Large Arab house and courtyard (outstanding! Contains three buildings, stairs, and "L" shaped wall section); F5 Ruined building corner w/street (3"X3" base with quite small comer wall section); F12 Ruined building, large (much better done at 5"X5" with perfect area for 20mm figures!); and S5 sandbag MG/Mortar emplacement, round (with sandbagged entrance). These are very well done buildings though no prices were included. Highly recommended!
B&B MINIATURES 20MM FRANCO-PRUSSIAN/RUSSIAN CIVIL WAR - I love these two ranges! From the FPW comes a ton of artillery: French line 4 horse limber & 3 crew; Prussian 4 horse limber & crew; Saxon 2 horse limber & crew; Bavarian 4 horse limber/crew; Baden 6pdr foot gun/crew as well as 4 pdr gun/3 crew and a 2 horse limber/crew; and Wurtemburg 2 horse limber/crew. The four horse limber/crew sets are $14.98 and all other packs are $11.75. 1 love the guns, limbers, horses, and crew members; they are outstanding! Detail is very good and I love the "Stocky" characterization of the figures! This figure line will push me into 20mm FPW gaming! Highly recommended! From their Russian Civil War in 20mm comes RJ5 Japanese Interventionist mounted staff ($8.75) consisting Of three mounted officers in cloaks w/galloping horses). Very good stuff, as usual from B&B in this expanding line!
TUMBLING DICE 1/72ND SCALE ENGLISH CIVIL WAR/1250 ROBIN HOOD RANGES I've been exceedingly anxious to view these figures as I have a great interest in the ECW! These are pewter figures, which I prefer (gasp!); the ECW figures are samples from the Royalists and New Model Army (12 figures/$9.98) and measure 20mm from top of stand to eye level. I was pleased to see that they match well with KENNINGTON MINIATURES fine ECW 20mm line! There were two pikemen w/separate pikes (pikes are cast in metai with spearhead) and five musketeers. I like these figures; detai I is good with good animation and no flash. Highly recommended - the 20mm enthusiast will be well served with this line! Four figures were included from the Robin Hood line: Little John, Robin (I assume) and two open-handed figures with separate weapons. I imagine there must be someone out there who wants to game this period!
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