Bob O'Brien (Worthing Wargames Club)
BATTLES WITH MODEL SOLDIERS by Donald Featherstone. (8 3/4, x 5 3/4" 215 pages: 16 full-page photographs: 19 drawings by wargamer W.R.F.Jenkiason. David &Lad Charles 55s. -d.).
Having written chiefly for the converted is Advanced Wargames and Wargames Campaigns, in his latest book Don Featherstone returns primarily to the task of introducing the novice or beginner to our hobby, so successfully performed by his original 'War Games', which must surely share with Airfix figures the major credit for beginning the amazing growth of wargaming in recent years.
This is not to say that there is nothing here to interest the more experienced player, particularly in the sections on running a club, solo wargaming, &ad the survey of periods (from which I intend to borrow an idea or two myself), but first and foremost this is an introduction, and, as such, far the best and most comprehensive to appear so far.
On the one hand, it includes the sort of basic information outside the actual game that the newcomer needs - where to got figures, how to find out about conversions, making terrain and so on, with a good reading list including sources of information on uniforms, and a list of current clubs. On the other, the main 'seat' of the book - how to play, how to make rules, and even how to win - is most effectively arranged, in a step-by-step manner which might almost be called 'programmed learning'.
Having introduced the basic ideas of the hobby, and covered such practical needs as troops and terrain, the author takes his readers through three successive versions of a simple game, each introducing new factors - infantry alone, then with cavalry, and finally artillery - showing not only how the rules will cater for each type, but how they will affect tactics, and simultaneously introducing both increasingly sophisticated rules and basic tactical principles.
The second half of the book does a similar step-by-step job, but this time with the main historical periods of warfare, showing the troops and tactics of each most clearly and concisely, and simultaneously suggesting ways in which these factors may be incorporated in wargame rules.
Perhaps 'suggesting' is the keyword here; the great virtue of this book is that it is a starting-point, not a straight-jacket; the reader will acquire, not sets of rigid rules, but ideas and principles upon which he can build in his own. way, and if he is a potential wargamer 'Battles with Model Soldiers' will surely stimulate him to do just this. This is something which as a professional teacher I very much appreciate - pity there are not more introductions to other subjects which do this job as well.
As this is a book which should do much to augmest the flow of recruits to wargaming, it is perhaps a pity that the price is relatively high, but it is coneiderable longer and more comprehensive than its predecessor in this field, as well as very fully illustrated and by present day standards certainly not unreasonably expensive. It is certainly the book I would recommend to any would-be wargamer as his introduction to the hobby.
JAPANESE ARMY UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT 1939-1945 by Roy Dilley. (8 3/4" x 5 1/2" .48 pages: 7 colour plates: 76 pictures and drawings. Almark Publishing Co. Paperback 178.6d. Hardback 25s. -d.).
This most useful little book is a guide to the uniforms, ranks, badges, organisations, small arms and infantry equipment of the Japanese Army in World War II.
With both Japanese, U.S. and British (8th Army dress) Airfix figures plus Bellona terrain- pieces available, that part of World War II between the Allies and the Japanese is oddly, and sadly, neglected. It has much to recommend it and this book will play a vital part in any such operations. Well put together by a knowledgeable writer and highly informative.
INFANTRY UNIFORMS Book Two - Including artillery and other supporting Corps of Britain and the Commonwealth 1855-1939 by Robert and Christopher Wilkinson-Latham. Illustrated by Jack Cassin-Scott. (7J11 x 511. 227 pages; 96 full-page coloured plates. Blandford Press. 308. -d.).
This is a companion volume to "Infantry Uniforms of Britain and the Commonwealth 1742-1855" and very fine stable mates they makel No one painting 19th and early 20th century figures has ANY excuse for inaccuracy with this inexpensive volume at hand. Of particular interest are the 'off-beat' Colonial units that are illustrated, such as.the Royal Niger Haussas 1891, Royal Malta Artillery 1895 and New South Wales Field Artillery 1896 plus a number of 19th century Volunteer Regiments. In addition, there are plates of weapons, medals, badges, etc. A very well conceived and valuable acquisition for the shelves of the wargamer.
MILITARY MODELLING by Donald Featherstone. (Kaye and Ward. 38s. -d.).
Within 160 pages Don Featherstoze has successfully brought together articles, instructions and information on their specialised interests from a great number of experts in this field. This, together with his own personal and as always enthusiastic contributions is cemented together with commentary and narrative in his own well known style and also includes a host of information on sources of supply of models and figures, materials, plans and publications.
There are chapters on making and converting both collectors and wargames figures, painting model soldiers, and making artillery, vehicles, buildings and the construction of dioramas and display cabinets.
Let there be no misunderstanding therefore when I say that 'Military Modelling' is a valuable introductory book on the subject. This modelling business covers such a vast field that it in impossible within a book of this size to go into high detail on any aspect of the subject without badly unbalancing the whole creation. The author has nobly resisted any such over emphasis on any particular facet, so that I can thoroughly recommend it to all those who feel the urge to start DIY on military models, terrain and allied subjects. Once having started they will find enough references in the book to keep the most ardent plastic chopper or soldier fiend busy for years.
One criticism I have - there are a number of good photographs of models, etc., an some line drawings and sketches showing modelling methods. There could with advantage be many more of the latter. I am a great believer in the visual approach in any work of this kind, but no doubt this can be considered when a second print is necessary, I'm sure it will be.
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© Copyright 1970 by Donald Featherstone.
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