Airfix has put out a kit of 86 parts that makes a fine detailed model of the Leopard Tank, the first all-German armoured vehicle produced since 1945. At 4 pounds-3d. this seems to be a very pleasing kit for modernists. The same firm have a good range of 1/32 scale figures and a few vehicles (Abbot Tank, Bedford Lorry and Field Gun). The infantry are modern and consist of German, U.S., Russian and Commandos.
In connection with these figures, Stan Colby (that master-converter from Tunbridge Wells) writer. "In the September issue you spoke of the Airfix 54mm figures, these are all sold as single figures from their sets, all of World War II. If you want Ancients and Mediaevals in this size you can use the Timpo figures at 6d. each (may have gone up to 7d.). They do ?omans and Mediaeval knights. Also Indians make fine barbarians. They also do cowboys, Mexicans and American Civil War figures, plus an American Civil War Napoleon gun and various wagons. These would make a fine American Civil War set up at a reasonable price. I have thought of using them in the garden but never got round to it - possibly removing the bases and fitting a long thin nail so that they stand up without bases which would make them look most realistic if it ever gets done."
Bellona in their Military Vehicle Prints Series 23 have done a fine booklet with photographs and illustrations covering the Federal German Bundeswehr main battle tank the Leopard and kindred vehicles. It sells at 5s. -d. plus postage and is another most useful item for the man fighting modern wargames.
Bugle and Guidon who advertise in this magazine have sent me an illustrated leaflet in which they say they are in the process of remolding the present figures in the Custer Line with the aim of improving production techniques and maintaining casting quality. These are very fine 30mm figures and provide, in small numbers, an interesting sideline if one is looking for an out-of-the-ordinary type of wargame.
Photo-War Magazine who also are advertising in this issue of the Newsletter tell me they have a series of contemporary engravings of the Franco-Prussian War, reproduced in offset litho and being sold individually and as a set. I have seen one of these and they are very fine, crowded battle prints with a certain dark dignity in their grey black and white finish. They would make a fine decoration when framed for a wargames room. They cost 10s each including postage and there are 10 to the set.
From Arnold J. Hendrick of 10 Cole Road, Wayland, Mass-01778, U.S.A., I have received a very comprehensive letter and leaflet about a new game of World War II naval tactics "SURFACE WARSHIP 1939-1943". Lacking space here to write up this game (which I have not seen) I will endeavour to give it space elsewhere so that its many attractive points may be read by wargamers and evaluated.
Forthcoming items - Almark Publishing Company have listed with a November publication date "FTLENCH NAPOLEONIC ARTILLERY" by Michael Head - a large 18,000 word book describing French First Empire artillery with numerous scale drawings of guns and equipment plus colour drawings of uniforms and badges. I understand it is to sell at 20s. -d. in paperback, 28s. -d. in hardback.
From Casterman of Belgium, publishers of those inimitable books by L. and F. Funcken - yet another book is on its way "L'UNIFORME ET LES ARMES DES SOLDATS DE LA GUERRE 1914-1918", Volume 1 seems to cover infantry and aviation. This one, like all the others will be worth looking out for.
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© Copyright 1970 by Donald Featherstone.
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