This is primarily a wargaming magazine, yet I make no apologies for commencing our latest products columns with details of a non-wargaming figure. I defer to no one in my admiration 1'or Charles Stadden, both as a designer and a man, sharing his admiration of the British Army and his true respect for the British man-in-the-ranks throughout our Island's history. Now Charlie has produced a model of one of my truly favourite soldiers - a 95th Rifleman from the Peninsular 1809 and I hope it will not be long before the painted model graces my mantlepiece. This is "he first figure to be produced by Charles Stadden for HINCHLIFFE MODELS LIMITED and, in 75mm scale, retails at £2.75p.
Depicted here, it shows a tattered Rifleman in a characteristic position and is detailed with all that incomparable and quite inimitable skill and style for which Charles Stadden is noted.
This model arrived along with a fine selection of the other latest releases from HINCHLIFFE MODELS LIMITED and, if I do not want to lose subscribers, I had better go straight into their new wargames figures.
With the exception of three Ancient Egyptians (this must be a really fascinating period in which to.wargame if one could afford all the necessary chariots) the entire output is Napoleonic and consists of some fine cavalry figures which will be most welcome to round-off table-top squadrons and add realism to their ranks - they are British Napoleonic Cavalry - Household cavalry standard Bearer; Heavy Dragoon standard bearer and Hussar guidon bearer; French Napoleonic Cavalry - Grenadier a Cheval of the Guard standard bearer, Cuirassier standard bearer and Carabinier standard bearer.
In addition there is a British Hussar guidon bearer together with Hussar trooper and officer - all beautiful figures. Perhaps because of the fairly recent T.V. production of WAR AND PEACE, there seems to be an upsurge of interest in the Russian armies of the Napoleonic period - indeed my son is industriously painting up just a force. He and other enthusiasts will no doubt eagerly seize upon two finely animated Musketeers - an officer and private both in a charging position which are among Hinchliffe's latest releases. I have never fought a Napoleonic wargame where Prussians were involved, except for public demonstrations of the Battle of Waterloo and I only know one wargamer who has such an army, in 15mm scale. This means that lie will. not be able to avail himself of four very pleasing new Prussian cavalry that have just come out - Guard Hussar trooper and fficer, and a Landwehr trooper and officer - all of which will look very well painted up even in the drab Prussian uniform of the period.
Hinchliffe's package of goodies also included the latest 75mm figure by Julian Benassi - a German infantryman of the 1915 period. Of course, all artists and designers have their own style and I find it most interesting to compare this figure with the Rifleman mentioned earlier - both Stadden and Benassi are among the world's leading figure designers and here display their ability to realistically capture the main characteristics of their subjects in a manner which I understand and admire. The Stadden Rifleman is a lean and daunt figure as befits a man who has suffered the _.privations of the retreat to Corunna with little to eat and amid foul weather, whilst Julian Benassi's German infantryman is a stout and stocky figure with a baggy uniform, the face beneath the forage cap being, to me, typically Germanic. Indeed, the whole style of this Benassi figure makes me wonder whether Julian Benassi has innately or with cynical purpose, almost caricatured his subject so as to produce a German infantrymanthat'we, his British enemies at the time, were led to believed lie looked like! In any event, it is an impressive model which has completely caught the authentic style of the soldier and his period.
Finally, there are 1:32nd scale 54mm British 18 pdr gun and heavy limber of the Waterloo/Crimea period. This kit of super-fine white metal castings selling at £4.17p and £ 3.18p respectively, exemplify what was originally (and well may still be the strongest feature of all Hinchliffe models - brilliantly engineered artillery pieces at a low price which make up into models so realistic as to be indistinguishable from the real thing when adequately photographed. To see a model gun in an antique shop always causes a sharp intake of breath find A--.hasty retreat-when I am told its price! It seems to me that there might well be a very respectable financial income available to a competent model maker who can turn out these kits in such a manner as to give them an antique appearance and sell them through shops both here and abroad most likely to be frequented by monjed tourists!
I began to think it was my birthday this month when I also received a large package of the latest releases from MINIATURE FIGURINES whose prolific output almost borders on the supernatural. They too are turning out those "extra" cavalrymen such as standard bearers and trumpeters, who nicely round-off our squadrons - typical examples are the Carabinier standard bearer, the Light Dragoon trumpeter and the Nassau mounted bugler. Another speciality of MINIATURE FIGURINES are their "Personality" figures and this month we are offered the Prince of Orange (second-in-command of the Allied Army at Waterloo with a mounted staff officer holding a map.
The full range of 25mm Napoleonics produced this month by MINIATURE FIGURINES is as follows - Dutch Belgian Cavalry - Carabinier on horse, Carabinier Standard bearer on horse, Light Dragoon officer on horse, Light Dragoon trumpeter on horse, Field officer on horse and limber horse rider; Dutch Belgian Infantry - Belgian centre company standard bearer, Belgian centre company drummer, Dutch line drummer, Dutch line standard bearer, Dutch line chasseur advancing and Dutch line chasseur officer; Nassau Cavalry - Chasseur on horse, chasseur officer on horse, chasseur bugler on horse, Prince of Orange on Horse, staff officer with map on horse; Wurtemburg Infantry - Line drummer, line standard bearer, chasseur officer, chasseur bugler, Light Infantry officer, Light infantry standard bearer and Foot Artillery officer. Of these, I particularly like the Dutch Line drummer and Chasseur officer and private soldier in a fine advancing position. The Wurtemburg figures are also very nice with an immensely stern Foot Artillery officer standing supervising proceedings, and a Chasseur bugler who is so realistic you almost hear the notes! Drummers are well done too, particularly the Wurtemburg Line drummer and the Belgian Centre Company drummer.
I have previously expressed my admiration for Minifigs 25mm horses and the collection that accompanies the cavalry mentioned above are well up to standard. I have heard criticisms that they are a bit broad in the beam but any such fault is more than compensated for by their beautiful clean lines and detailed furnishings - I do not know who designs Minifigs horses these days but he certainly seems to have got the knack! Also in the package were two other beasts of burden - a camel which did not impress me greatly, being rather thin and gaunt but the elephant I really felt to be superb, quite out of Disney and it will undoubtedly look wonderful when it becomes part of my son's army as he has already started guerilla tactics to wheedle it out of me!
No MINIATURE FIGURINES list of new products would be complete without additions to their rapidly growing 15mm ranges and this one is no exception. Peter Manning has undoubtedly been working hard as the latest offerings include Prussian Guard Uhlans with a command strip; some French Fusiliers and also a selection of accessories which gladden the hearts of all wargamers - they include a pontoon wagon with a boat and timbers to form the bridge, a Prussian limber and a 61b cannon and a 2 wheeled wagon. Finally, there is a Persian chariot with horses together with King Darius and his driver. Certainly among the wargamers of the Wessex Military Society, the 15mm range seems to be very much the thing and no one can complain that they are not well catered for!
I cannot ever recall going to a convention without seeing Ray Seaton and his WARRIOR sales stand - Southern Militaire '76 was no exception and it was very pleasing to talk to this likeable enthusiast who quietly goes his own way, designing figures without any of the large-scale back-up enjoyed by the larger makers. His figures have a quite unique appearance and pleasing style of their own which causes some to be most pleasingly unique while others perhaps are not quite of the same standard. Nevertheless when painted they look most attractive and his new range of Persians should urge many wargamers to either build-up or begin armies in this most colourful Ancient period. The range includes the following - Immortal spearsman, spear, horizontal, Immortal, firing bow from behind shield, Immortal, standing, full equipment, Persian nobleman, spear and shield, Median noble, spear and shield, Iranian spearman, standing, full equipment, Caspian archer firing, Sakae infantryman with segaris and bowman with spear. Paphlagion, standing with spear and javelins, Moschi spearsman with shield, Standard bearer, Persian cavalryman - full equipment, Bactrian cavalryman, bow and spear, Sakae cavalryman bowman, Persian heavy cavalryman - scale tunic, Persian extra heavy cavalryman, crested helmet and Persian light cavalryman.
Last month I mentioned the 1:35 scale Japanese historical figures that were very suitable for Individual Skirmish wargaming. I have now discovered that they can be purchased from B.M.W. Models, 327-329 Haydons Road, Wimbledon, London S.W.19, at bop each - which seems to me to be quite a good buy. The range includes a number of individual generals and lords together with cavalry, bowmen, spearmen and men bearing muskets.
I note that AIRFIX are putting out a brand new range of 00/110 scale train sets, locomotives and rolling stock and while this might not be to the taste of wargamers, I do not think we should overlook the "Wild West Adventure Set" which is composed of a "Jupiter"'i-'1-0 Central Pacific loco with a passenger car and a baggage car which "explodes" to reveal a safe and strongbox; the kit also includes a gantry, a log cabin and six bandit figures - the latter might well amuse the Individual Skirmish boys and the whole set-up could provide a background for a very interesting small-scale operation. Also, I hear that AIRFIX are putting out in the not-too-distant, future an interesting diorama/wargames kit in 1:76 scale - a forward command post comprising a ruined cottage, corrugated iron shed, a section of road, with ammunition boxes, sand bags, a sign post, barbed-wire supports, pickaxes, shovels, guns and a British despatch rider and radjo operator. In the same scale are four new World War II figure sets - German Alpine troops; German paratroops; Luftwaffe personnel and Gurkhas. Most of these figures are going to be featured in the 1:52 scale also. In the AIRFIX 54mm Collectors Series of military figures there is to be a British Lifeguard 1815 and a Bengal Lancer.
Reverting to the promised four new sets of AIRFIX 00/H0 scale figures, the day seems far removed when the announcement of a new box of Airfix figures was received with the greatest excitement and proved to be a highlight for wargamers who immediately besan thinking up ways of converting these figures to something far removed from their original type and position. The multiplicity of new wargames figures on the market has tended to detract from the excellent design and low price of these Airfix figures which is a great pity because they really are good. In fact, if it were possible for Airfix to turn out a fuller range at more frequent intervals then I believe the manufacturers of metal figures would find themselves with real competition on their hands. I find it an interesting reflection on the time in which we live, !, with wargamers invariably being short of money, that they should tend to neglect these cheap and easily convertable figures (and also economic and well detailed 30mm Spencer-Smith plastics) in favour of far higher priced metal figures. Undoubtedly there is a greater range of metal figures and they do not need converting - but conversion used to be one of the great interests of the wargamer. Time does not always improve things!
Another small maker for whom I have the greatest regard is Peter Laing who regularly supports this Newsletter with his advert. From his Shangri-la hideout in Hereford Peter, who has retired from being a schoolmaster, ploughs happily on making his 15mm metal wargames figures, the range now extended to over 450 individual types. I note his latest list includes new Ancients, a range of Norman foot and cavalry, an extension of his American War of Independence range, more Crimean figures and some World War I British infantry and gun and artillery men. If you are one of those who has gone into the 15mm range then do not neglect Peter Laing - in fact all wargamers should patronise the majority of figure makers because each of them have something interesting to offer and wargames armies made up of a mixture of different makers are always more interesting than those specifically filled with just one make and style of figure.
ROSE MINIATURES of 15 Llanover Road, Plumstead, London SE18 3ST, regularly send out illustrated sheets to add to their list - their Spring Supplement includes some very nice figures of the Coldstream Guards for Marlborough's Wars 1701-12; some American Revolution figures (including two female warriors) and a fine collection of French infantry, for the campaign in Egypt 1798-1801 - I have never fought a wargame in this particular campaign but feel that there are fascinating possibilities in it. Reverting to ROSE MINIATURES - this is another relatively small outfit who press on in their own quiet way, invariably turning out fine high-class 54mm figures and with a small range of 30 and 25mm wargames figures which deserve the attention of readers of this magazine.
Last month I mentioned a pamphlet illustrating Flags of the Seven Years War by R.Pengel and G.R.Hurt (unfortunately typed as Pringle for which I offer sincere apologies). Mr. Pengel, who is highly authoritive on this period, has kindly offered to write articles. for the Newsletter and the first one has just arrived - if it is not in this issue then look for it in the not too distant future. Mr. Pengel tells me that they hope to have their Russian booklet out very soon and I agree completely with him when he says "I feel this can really supply a need as I do not know of anybody covering this highly complex flag system. We are very pleased with it and feel it is even an improvement on the second booklet. We will let the readers by the judges of this." At the price of 40p including postage you cannot go wrong with these booklets of flags of the Seven Years War.
One of the nice things about editing WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTER is the manner in which subscribers keep me informed of what is going on in case I have missed anything. D.K.Tarbox of Rugby has sent me along a set of action transfers put out by Letraset. This particular booklet is in Swedish but seem to have been purchased in an English shop. Mr. Tarbox says - "I would also like to draw your attention to the enclosed Letraset figures. I know that you have mentioned some of the book type figure-sets such as Waterloo and Zulu wars before, but I am not sure whether you are aware of the full ranges available. I bought the enclosed for the princely sum of 10p in a toy store. I know that they are flat and one-sided, but at 101) for nearly 23 fully-coloured blood-thirsty looking Vikings, how can you go wrong!! If transferred onto plastic squares and stuck into stands one can have an enjoyable solo skirmish with these figures without the bind of spending hours preparing armies, etc. I would imagine that they would also he useful to decorate scenic backgrounds around normal wargame tables. I have seen similar sets of mediaeval knights, cowboys/Indians, pirates, aeroplanes, W.W.2 and I am fairly sure that there is something for everybody sometimes!"
From TABLETOP GAMES (11 The Green, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6HJ) I have received samples of their latest products - one of their MICRO-WARFARE SERIES "MICRO-ANCIENT WARGAMING" and a set of Gladiatorial Combat Rules "RUDIS". Micro-Ancients recreates a battle during the Punic Wars between the Carthaginian and Roman Republican armies with the Roman army counters representing a force of two legions totalling approximately 22,000 men and the Carthaginian army a typically mercenary force with counters representing some 501000 men. Using the simple but comprehensive rules, tip to six players are able to recreate a complete battle on any flat surface on a battlefield that can be varied to suit any type of terrain. This is truly "miniature wargaming" and ideally suitable for taking on holiday or long distant journeys. The Micro-Ancient game also includes extra army cards at 35p per card for Persians, Indians, Gauls, Macedonians and Ancient Britons which enable a completely different game to be played but using the basic set. Incidentally, each game costs £1.00p post free in the U.K., plus 30p postage and packing outside the U.K. - there is also a Club discount of 10% for orders over £3.00p which are also post free in U.K. Probably available when you read this will be a MICRO-COLONIAL game British and Zulus for £l.001) - there is no holding these lads now they have got into their stride! The Gladiatorial rules written by Ian Beck, cost ;Op and would seem to be a very comprehensive and well thought. out set of rules including all the different aspects of Gladiatorial movement, combat attacks, defence, etc., discussing different types of Gladiators and their weapons and also involving fights with animals and rules for chariot racing - what, more can you expect for 70p? Both strongly recommended.
George Erik of MINIATURE WARFARE (mentioned elsewhere in this magazine in connection with the Steve Curtis Memorial Trophy) is a regular supporter of WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTER with his regular advertisement. George, who is a keen friend and one time-associate of Charles Stadden, is a most likeable and highly knowledgeable model maker. Until recently lie was connected with the Subuteo Table-top Football game and has a vast experience in designing wargames figures, having done a lot of work in Spain and elsewhere. If you live in the Tunbridge Wells area or if there is anything a little off the beaten track that you want and cannot, find it in other places, I suggest you contact George Erik at Miniature Warfare.
Have you seen tile centre page spread in this issue, depicting the latest TRADITION 54mm set of figures by Alan Caton? The legendary stand of Danjou's Foreign Legionaires and Camerone is one of -the epic small-scale engagements of military history and absolutely made-to-measure for the wargamer interested in Individual Skirmishing. Any or all of these beautiful figures fit admirably into this increasingly popular field of wargaming and you will find full details of how to fight it out in my book SKIRMISH WARGAMING (published by Patrick Stephens and obtainable through this magazine).
In America Lou Zocchi is extremely well known as a most energetic designer and purveyor of innumeral board wargames and accessories. In a recent letter he wrote: "I am so busy filling orders and designing that there is no longer any time left for playing - the closest I get to playing is twice a month when I am paid to go' to Keesler AFB and run a miniature battle of some sort. Here I have been play testing several new games I want to publish, the fellows helped me work the bugs out of Basic Fighter combat and now we are play testing the Advanced Fighter combat game." Lou sent me a copy of his catalogue which is crammed with details of games covering every conceivable combat - both historical and mythical. Lou also sent a sample of his new plastic STAR FLEET ships which are assembled by using gentle pressure to snap the parts into place without the use of glue.
He says - " ... this ship is the first of many more to follow and next to be produced are scouts, destroyers, tugs, Dreadnaughts, Klingons, Romulans and so on. Each of these ships is a playing piece in the STAR FLEET game which will come later - I can sell ships without rules, but not rules without ships! Each ship has been produced in precise details according to the Star Trek Blue Prints. I was told that Star Trek is being shown on television in England. If this is so, I am completely puzzled by the lack of interest shown by my British associates. Malcolm Watson of Simulations Publications Inc., U.K., and the chaps at the London Wargames Section were not the least impressed with these models. Nevertheless, we sold 1,000 of these ships in three days on two different occasions at Star Trek conventions so we know there is a market for them in the U.S.A. I have had people write from Germany and other countries to buy them and a few in England so how is it that the very people who are gaming cannot visualise the market that these ships will enjoy? I would greatly appreciate information on this as I cannot fathom what has happened." Lou also sent me a set of his 20 sided dice and mentioned that he is shortly producing dice with various numbers of sides - 4; 8 and 12.
If you are a boardgame enthusiast and you want to get in touch with the Crown Prince of enthusiasts in this field then write to Lou Zocchi and Associates Inc., 7604 Newton Drive, Biloxi, Miss. 39532, U.S.A.
B.M.W. Models (mentioned earlier in this column) are selling FORMASHAPE, a new range of original vacuformed building kits at 56p each plus VAT. In HO/00 scale at the moment you can obtain a village hall and a typical London pub; 3 outbuildings (a garden shed, a stable and an office for coal or a goods yard) and a pair of terraced houses. Promised in the near future are a farmhouse; a factory office front; a damaged cottage and walls; a church; a detached house and barn and military accessories.
From Richard Kohnstan Limited, 13-15 High Street, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, can be obtained imported 1:72nd scale series of armoured fighting vehicles made by the "Italian Masters of Miniaturisation ESCI Armor". At 60p each, at present it is possible to obtain the U.S. 155mm gun motor carriage M12; German tank PzKpfw III; a German Opel ambulance; a German 3-ton half-track SdKfz II; a German half-track Hanomag SdKfz 251/1 rocket launcher. Shortly available will be the Matilda tank Mark II; a Russian tank Kvl; U.S. Armoured half-track M3A1; U.S. 4-ton truck (4X4) weapons carrier; British quad gun tractor; British 25pdr field gun and crew. Also of interest to wargamers are the sets of U.S. Marine Corps figures and British 8th Army soldiers in this scale. The ESCI catalogue, all in colour, can be obtained at 60p post free from Richard Kohnstan Limited.
From MATCHBOX comes news of a new series of 1:76 scale figures designed to complement their range of Armoured Fighting Vehicles. Moulded in soft polythene the figures are crisp and finely detailed although tending to be rather flat. The British set includes rifled armed men in kneeling, standing and running posses; Sten and Bren gunners; 2 Vickers machine gunners; mortar with two crew; 2 flamethrowers and 2 piats; walkie-talkie operators; 4 men throwing grenades and 4 officers. The American set is similarly composed plus a .50 cal machine-gun. The German set have much the same range of figures but it is reported that the mouldings lack imagination in comparison with the other pair of kits. Each box contains 50 figures and includes painting instructions - retail price is 30p.
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© Copyright 1976 by Donald Featherstone.
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