It is with the very greatest regret that I mention the death of the well known model soldier maker Les Higgins whose great talent has been sadly cut short at an early age. A most likeable person of the greatest integrity and sincerity, Les Higgins designed model soldiers that were even admired by his rivals. The wargames world and indeed the world of model soldier collecting has lost a great artist and, although their difficulties will be obvious, it is sincerely hoped that his partner B.L. Marlow will be able to carry on the firm so that these wonderful figures are not lost to us.
Last month I mentioned that Peter Gilder had not only broken records but also his back in turning out a complete range of American Civil War figures in the remarkably short period of about three weeks. At the time I was under the impression that they were 30mm figures whereas, in reality, they are the well known "large" 25mm scale that we now expect from Hinchliffe figures. I have seen the majority of these soldiers and can only say that if anything they are better than most of the figures turned out by talented Peter Gilder. I was particularly entranced by the four cavalry figures, particularly ACW3. Accompanying this new range of figures are four beautiful little guns made by that master-gunner Frank Hinchliffe himself. At one time extremely popular, the American Civil -Jar now seems to be a bit neglected - this is a pity because it is a conflict that holds great fascination in its tactics, battles and armaments.
I am amazed that so little attention seems to have been given to the new mini Minifigs 5mm figures turned out by Miniature Figurines. This is an immense boon to the hard-up wargamer who can now buy a battalion of 48 men for 20pi At present there are Napoleonic British and French infantry, cavalry and guns and, in case you have not cottoned on to the fact that their scale is 5mm equals 6 feet, then you must realise that, using these -,roups of figures, it is possible to re-fight any of the Peninsular or Napoleonic War battles, almost in their entirety on a normal wargames table! in addition to Napoleonic figures Miniature Figurines have very cleverly turned out a complete range of tanks, guns, lorries, anti-tank guns, machine-gun crews, etc., etc., for the Western Desert campaign of 1940-42. A much neglected but fascinating period of modern warfare, these tiny vehicles, you can put two Sherman tanks on your thumbnail, make the lucky wargamer with a fitted sand-coloured carpet a candidate for fighting a most realistic Alamein, Bardia, el Agheila, etc., etc. These figures up a completely new facet of wargaming and I eagerly await the opportunity to print in these pages the first articles that deal with wargames that are truly life-like through being fought to a realistic scale. Miniature Figurines are to be congratulated on their foresight in turning out such an interesting range of figures.
I cannot end without once again mentioning those wonderful bargains, the 30mm Stadden-made figures in World War I; British Colonial; Napoleonic; Franco-Prussian War; Marlburian period, etc., etc., that are now obtainable at the stupid price of 10p each from Tradition, 188 Piccadilly, London, W1. To own one figure designed by Charlie Stadden is a privilege - to fight with regiments of them is awe-inspiring!
Bellona Publications have put out Series 29 and 30 of their Military Vehicle Prints at 25p each, containing detailed plan views in 1:76 and 1:48 scale. Series 29 features Char Somua S.35; Sturmegeschuetz IV (L/48) and Three on Special Tractor (Ford) whilst Series 30 covers the new Sturmgeschuetz and Panzerjaeger Vomag; Jagdpanzer IV and Panzer IV/70. By the same publisher is Part 2 of '39-145 German Army Semi-Tracked Vehicles Handbook - this one dealing with light armoured personnel carriers. By P.Chamberlain and H.L.Doyle, whose reputation enhances the fantastic photographs and descriptions contained in this little booklet. Military Vehicle Data Number Nine contains detailed descriptions, photographs, drawings and plans of British, Canadian and American vehicles of World War II.
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© Copyright 1972 by Donald Featherstone.
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