Just received an air mail from the Old Master - Jack Scruby himself (the first man to commercially manufacture wargames figures). Jack tells me that he has moved to a new part of California - the latest address being Jack Scruby, The Soldier Fa ctory, P.O.Box 1658, Cambria, California 93428, U.S.A. It all sounds great "I have an unbelievable set up at my new Soldier Factory, which combines a retail store, museum, wargame room and working plant all in one in a beautiful little seacoast town in central California just 11000 yards from the Pacific Ocean. We've already had hundreds of people visit our place, as we are located in a "hot" tourist area just about five miles away from the world famous "Hearst Castle" - the magnificent home owned by Wm. Randolph Hearst of newspaper fame. It attracts around a million people a year, so we get quite a "spin-off" from it. Also, it is a great place to live. Meantime, as per my predictions, my N-gauge soldiers are really becoming popular, and we have a hard time keeping up with the demand."
If you want to refresh your memory about Scruby's N-gauge (9mm figures) see the "Must List" in the March and June 1973 editions of Wargamer's Newsletter.
While on the subject of letters from old friends - Peter Kemplay of Framlinghem, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 9RH (Northern Office and Showroom the Northern Garrison, Knoresborough, Yorkshire) and the principal agent for Tradition figures,writes:
- "I am trying to steer the policy of my business towards encouraging the development of
the hobby along the lines established in the 'good old days' when soldiers were soldiers end looked like them. We are giving full support to the really specialist shops who concentrate on the true model soldier and back their wares with enthusiasm for the hobby and sensible business practice. I somehow feel that there are now far too many shops trying to sell model soldiers and that, within a year or two, the trade will be left with a nucleus of good specialist shops. I may well be wrong -- strange things happen with our present economic atmosphere - but we shall go on trying to develop a really good service for the genuine model soldier collectors and wargamers. I say "trying" because I don't like making unrealistic claims. We still have a few customers suffering from long delays when we have trouble getting extra supplies, but on the whole I think we are winning!"
Wargamers in East London will be familiar with the shop WALL MODELS LIMITED which has now been taken over by wargamer Eric Knowles who tells me that it is his future intention for the shop to become a specialist organization for wargamers and military figure collectors. The very active Newham Wargamers Club have a club room in the shop and meet every Saturday where all day is spent wargaming. They are always glad to see any new members from the East London area looking opponents or a suitable venue. Wall Models Limited carry a very full stock of figures by most of the principal makers and I notice that this month they have a special offer of the original Los Higgins 20mm Marlburian Grenadiers at only 5p each - they are available in eight different positions.
Attending the Convention in Leicester gave me the opportunity of making the acquaintance of a number of "names" in the Trade with whom I had corresponded and who had supported this magazine without us ever meeting. Without exception they were all talented, articulate friendly fellows with one big thing in common - a genuine enthusiasm for the hobby and an unremitting energy in turning out their personal products. It is to be hoped that wargamers will multiply in sufficient numbers to give all those manufacturers the returns they deserve.
One impressive character was Ray Seton of Warrior Metal Miniatures who have burst on to the scene with a rush so that in a very short time they have a full catalogue of Ancients which includes Gauls; Greeks; Romans; Ancient Indians; Goths; Normins; Saxons and warriors of the Middle Ages including Turks; then 16th and 17th century Spaniards; English Civil War infantry and cavalry plus an immense line of Napoleoaic 25mm figures of every country that took part in those were - with both infantry in numerous positions and including officers, standard bearers and musicians and cavalry also with officers etc. Whilst standing at this stall I noted with some interest a group of very pleasant little figures who were not veering hats although they were in action positions.
As I was brought up under some very stern regimental sergeant-majors who simply hated people who didn't wear hats, I wondered about t I characters and was pleasantly surprised when Ray pressed a selection of them on me! I have them in front of me as I write -- they are Spanish Irregular infantry but could well be painted up and used for Irregulars in almost other Napoleonic period. They include infantry in various firing positions, an officer and a drummer with a tatty old cocked hat on and a brave led carrying a musket in one hand and a standard in the other (I wonder which he drops when the pressure is on?). Of course all the faces were not unfamiliar -- there was Neville Dickinson and Ron Miles on a Miniature Figurines stand; Peter Gilder entrenched behind masses of Hinchliffe figures and Peter Kemplay aided by Bill Lamming were much in evidence. They all seemed to be doing some very good business with the Tolkien range attracting considerable interest on the Miniature Figurines stand but if you are not interested in Orcs, Hobbits, Trolls or Ringwraith then perhaps the fine range of 25mm Indians in varying positions and including a Chief and medicine man (with the appropriate U.S. cavalrymen to oppose them) brought back wargaming sanity.
I was tremendously impressed with the new Hinchliffe 25mm range of English Ci il War figures and was pleased when my confidence was backed by Bruce Quarrie (Editor: of Airfix Magazine) who bought them in large quantities. I should imagine that these figures are probably as good as anything that Peter Gilder has turned out an I heard one envious character say "I Wish I hadn't got an English Civil War army then I could start over again with these!" The range includes infantry, cavalry, Personality Figures and equipment such as guns, mortars and artillery equipment groups.
On the Peter Kemplay stand, Bill Lamming was justifiably proud of his now range of Ancient chariots which I believe sold out early in the proceedings. The now Tradition 25mm range was much in evidence on this stand, siding all the other fine figures of various makes to boggle the mind of the wargamer trying hard to spend his money wisely!
Another "name" that I was pleased to meet was Peter Kirk of Kirk Miniature Figures (3 Wynfield Road, Western Park, Leicester) who is a genuine "small" maker who utilises every moment of his spare time from his normal daily labours to turn out the very creditable vehicles and figures that adorned his stand. Like a number of other makers, Kirk Miniature Figures have an ever expanding range of 1/300 scale metal-cast World War II armour, vehicles and aircraft both in World War II and post 1945 items. In addition there were 54mm collectors figures; 30mm. wargames figures and a range of 25mm figures for table-top battles.
I am frequently asked by vergamers too busy to paint, if I know of any source of supply of second-hand painted wargames figures. Up to now I have only had occasional news for them but at Leicester MAGPIE-MODELS of 146 Harrogate Road, Leeds 7, Yorkshire, had a vast display of these figures at incredibly low prices. If you are looking round for regiments to increase your Napoleonic or Ancient armies then drop them a line because they seem to have something of everything and I an told there was far more that was not on show.
I was very impressed with some of the unusual items displayed on the SKYTREX Ltd stand (26 Church Street, Wymeswold, Leicestershire, England who claim that they sell equipment that allows you to emulate Alexander or Caesar; command a battlegroup of spaceships; rem an opponent with a 500 BC warship or dive bomb him to destruction with airgroups from a 1945 aircraft carrier. I have already made one mistake in crediting Skytrex with manufacturing something that was made by Laicester Micro Models but so vast is their range that it is difficult to know which is which although I am told that Skytrex produce 1/3000 World War I ships in plastic; 1/200 metal tanks and a range of plastic and metal spaceships. Their catalogue is a treasure chest of off-beat wargames items end I strongly recommend it at 5P. From Skytrex comes something rather different for wargamers in the shape of "Rules for Galactic Warfare" by Dave Rotor. Space and inter- planetary wargaming seems to be on the increase these days so these very workable rules should go down well. They include damage record charts; use of power, movement, docking, undocking, refuelling and repairs and there is a Galactic Warfare Campaign provided with three blank charts and five blank record damage charts. Galactic Warfare Rules are available now price 50p.
It was almost at the last moment before my departure that I managed to get together with Malcolm Watson of SIMULATIONS PUBLICATIONS U.K. (P.O.Dox 46, Altrinchant, Cheshiret WA15 6PE). I think this was because he had been too busy coping with the great rush of customers and I was rather daunted by the incredible stacks of board games that seem to cover every conceivable historical (and imaginary) military situation from the very beginnings of Time up to way into the future! Malcolm is the English Agent for that very impressive American magazine STRATEGY AND TACTICS and he is also Agent for Avalon Hill and other American boardgames. More popular in America than wargaming with miniatures, boardgames are steadily ploughing ahead in this country almost entirely due to the efforts of enthusiasts such as Malcolm Watson of Simulations Publications U.K.
I have talked a lot about new faces -- now here is some news of an old one. It is really delightful to be able to announce that Ronald Spencer-Smith of 66 Longmeadow, Frimley, Camberley 21618, Surrey, is back in business with his 30mm plastic wargames figures and accessories. I have related on numerous occasions how the discovery of these figures probably saved me from abandoning the hobby for the lack of available soldiers back in 1957. Regrettably Ronald went off the market for some years but has now come back and has available the range of figures indicated in his advert on another page at the ridiculous price of 24 cavalry or 80 infantry for £ 1.20p and four guns for £ 1.00p. Ronald Spencer-Smith tells me that, at considerable expense, he has had some more moulds made and will be turning out additional figures in the near future - the first are to be American War of Independence. These figures are cheap, reasonably sized for painting and are the converters dream - I should know because I have about 4,000 of them and many are far removed from their original style when they came out of Ronald's plastic injection moulding machine!
Back to Leicester, Bob Battie and Keith Robinson were very much in evidence behind ramparts of every conceivable tank in 1:300 scale; Mediaeval groups of figures in the same scale; and warships in two scales for both World Wars I and II. They also supply rules to fight battles with their tanks, ships and for gladiators - and you could not wish to patronise a more pleasant pair of blokes!
These Conventions, being held in large halls, invariably mean that you parade up and down talking to old friends, making new friends and casting repetitious eyes over the various stands in case you miss something on the last lap round. Well I nearly did miss something because I saw at Leicester (and have since received samples) of three very nice Christmas cards which ere designed by Stephen Macphail Dip.AD., M.A. (R.C.A.) which are sold by Warrior Metal Miniatures at lOp each. They are both military and seasonal, consisting of a half-frozen Hoplite charging through the snow (his outfit may be colourful but is no substitute for a sheepskin lined outfit!); two English Civil War figures prowling about in the snow in search of something or other and the back view of a rather despondent looking Napoleon who, if his hands were not elapsed behind him, might have been accused of performing some feat of nature on a snow drift. If I have been light hearted about this, do not let it detract from the fact that these are unusual cards drawn by an extremely pleasant and talented young artist of whom we will hear much more - I have had the greatest of pleasure in recommending his manuscript on the Wars of the Roses to one of the publishers who put out my own books.
A month or so ago I referred to the pirating of Hinton Hunt figures by an American manufacturer and in that connection I have a letter from Ken Bunger of Omaha who writes "Your comments on the pirating of Hinton Hunt figures are welcome. The U.S. firm even charges more for these pirated figures than do their originators! I have never purchased anything from them but have many times have observed them at conventions and in shops. With the news of Mini Figs new U.S. factory and the continuing availability of Scruby and Command Post figur4s I hope American wargamers will continue to purchase these originals rather than any product which is such a blatant piracy of another man's work."
From Model Figures and Hobbies of Belfast I have received the latest ships in their Ensign range - a German 1915m class sweeper; Vosper Flushdeck M.T.B. and B.P.B.; Anti- submarine boat. Naval wargamers who are not familiar with this range of 111200 scale, metal cast, waterline detail model ships that are assembled should send for the list which also includes details of the CASADIO Mini-Ships series 1/1200 scale Waterline plastic kits at 61p each - U.S. Aircraft carriers and battleships; Japanese battleships and aircraft carriers and Italian battleships. Then there is the H-R 1/1200 scale ships, parts and spares which are very suitable for the modeller who wishes to make his own vessels and can also be used for modifying existing vessels this range includes gun turrets, launches, aircraft and even minute vehicles. Another interesting thing about Model Figures and Hobbies is that they are probably the last people who can supply the 1/1200 scale die-cast metal waterline ship models by Triang at very reasonable prices - they have a few naval vessels, some Merchant ships and harbour installations.
For American subscribers -- you will no doubt be delighted to hear (if you do not know already) that the famous British model soldier manufacturers MINIATURE FIGURINES have just made arrangements to have their figures manufactured in America. There will be some 3,000 figures in 5, 15, 25 and 30mm scale and already the entire 25mm range of Napoleonics are available. Wholesale and retail facilities are available and a catalogue can be obtained for $1.25 from Docks P., Pine Station, New York 12567, U.S.A. A.C.Charles and Son of 3213 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburg, Pa. 152169 U.S.A. have brought over the superb 25mm TRADITION range of wargames figures and are to be sold at British prices plus post - 25 cents a foot figure and 30 cents for Personality figures.
Back to ships but still in America. I have now received samples of all the
SANTOS MINIATURES Ancient series 1:600 scale ship models. These kits include high quality
metal hull casting; pre-soldered mast and yard assemblies; printed paper sails; assembly
instructions and painting suggestions. These drawings are actual size of the ship models.
Recently I have mentioned the water based paints available from Model Products Limited, Long Street, Essingwold, York, and now I have received from them samples of their 54mm diorama accessories which sell at 25p each. Stamped out in strong plastic appropriately coloured to indicate roofs, walls, etc.9 these dioramas include a timbered cottage; a wall with windows; a ruined gateway and a room interior. I have not made them up but I imagine that they would make very reasonable backgrounds for small dioramas or groups of figures.
The industrious Peter Laing has sent me sample figures from his new Colonial "600 series" which include British infantry and cavalry; tribesmen; Boers; Gatling and mountain guns and a 13 pdr R.M.L. gun and limber. Peter's future plans include a Maxim gun cart, Camel Corps, Indian Army and tribesmen, etc. Peter Laing's industry is to be admired because these small figures must take a fair amount of modelling and his range increases amazingly by the week. The latest issues includes nice little heliograph team plus additions to his Marlburien range in the shape of a three part howitzer kit together with mounted and dismounted Normans and a Turkish horse archer to add to his Feudal range.
Steve Curtis, who never misses a 54mm Western figure tells me that Valiant Miniatures, P.O.Box 394 Skoki, Illinois 60076, U.S.A., have just produced two beautiful 54mm collector figures in metal, one of Wyatt Earp, the famous peace officer, complete in frock coat, holstered buntline and long double-barrelled shotgun; the other is Doe Holliday, the deadly gun-fighting dentist, with frock-coat and sawed off shot-gun slung from a cord around his neck. They sell at F1.40P each and I am told they can be obtained from a British dealer but I do not know which one.
I also notice that SKIRMISH WARGAMES (The Lazy 'B', 13 St. Decuman's Road, Watchet, Somerset, TA23 OHR, are now selling a set of cut-out sheets - Wanted Posters and Sign-Boards which bring 54mm Wild West towns to life. Available in February 1974 and sell at 50P (93-00). The some group have in preparation the Ancient Skirmish Wargame Rules with emphasis on hand- to-hand fighting - Roman Legionary against Ancient Briton; g1adiatorial Skirmishes; Fantasy; Vikings; Mounted and Foot Actions. Then there is the Mediaeval Skirmish Wargame Rules covering the days of chivalry with Crusader against Saracen; Norman against Saxon - refight Crecy and Agincourt; jousting and trial by combat. Also the Modern Skirmish Wargame Rules jungle ambushes; Commando raids; ;uerilla warfare and street fighting. I notice a rather cryptic but fascinating remark at the foot Steve Curtis's list "BUILDINGS - Scale buildings in vacuum formed plastic - western series, colonial series.
"SPECIALIST FIGURES - Designed to fill gaps in commercial ranges - easily animted." Are they going into a different field of busiatess? Watch these pages for further details!
Micro-Mold of 1-2 Unifax, Woods Way, Goring-by-Ses, Sussex BN12 4QT, tell as that the C-in-C range of 15mm artillery manufacture* in America is expanding very rapidly and that samples of all the most recent additions in this range will shortly be in Britain while the 1/285 scale armour will be progressing with the addition of one now piece every week. The some American group are probably producing &motors for Micro-Mold in 25mm scale.
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© Copyright 1973 by Donald Featherstone.
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