On this page are samples of the figures and 1:285 scale MICRO ARMOUR made in America by GHQ (2634 Bryant Avenue S , Minneapolis, MN 55405, U.S.A.). U.K. wargamers will be pleased to know that MICRO ARMOUR vehicles and infantry are to be manufactured in this country by NEW HOPE DESIGN of Rothbury, Northumberland, NE65 7QJ, who will be listing the latest available items in forthcoming advertisements. A recent hand-out from GHQ mentions that these vehicles are currently being supplied to various components of the U.S.Military Establishment and that GHQ are gratified by the response received from professional military men who are discovering their products. Their list of available models is rapidly expanding and new additions to the Warsaw Pact line segment include the Soviet T-55 main battle tank with 100mm gun, and two types of Soviet infantry, DESANT and mechanised. The infantry matches the Modern Micro Armour perfectly in scale, and are amazingly detailed for their size. These items now join the main battle tanks, armoured cars, armoured personnel carriers, and self-propelled AA guns already in the Soviet part of the line. The new NATO items include two versions of the U.S. M48 main battle tank, with 90mm and 105mm guns; the massively detailed M551 Sheridan light recon tank; the M114 155mm howitzer (which served in World War 2 as the M1A2); and the 105mm gun version of the M60 main battle tank. This last joins the M60s already in the line, and A1 with 105mm gun, and the Shillelagh missile-firing M60A2. Also new are two versions of the famous British Centurion battle tank: the 20-pounder gun model currently in service with many nations; and the "Ben Gurion", the up-gunned Israeli Centurion with the 105mm gun that has performed so well in the recent Desert wars. One of the major benefits of these additions, for wargamers, is that the GHQ Modern Micro Armour line can now be used to simulate actions of the last two Arab-Israeli conflicts, particularly the massive armoured movements of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The 3 new Soviet/Warsaw Pact additions and the 7 new U.S./NATO miniatures bring the total number of Modern Micro Armour models up to 24. The company has plans for many more vehicles giving wargamers and collectors the widest possible choice.
It was not so long ago that one of the big events of the wargamer's year revolved around the
latest box of Airfix HO/00 wargames figures. The ready-availability of commercial figures coupled with the blase" attitude of wargamers has caused this situation to alter in that there is far less excitement around when a new box appears. Coupled with this is the undoubted fact that there is a "snobbishness" current in the wargaming world which tends to denigrate plastic figures. This is quite incomprehensible to me because in the majority of cases plastic figures have a far better definition than their metal counterparts besides being incomparably cheaper. If it were possible for an organisation to turn out plastic figures with the same rapidity and in the same scales and types as do such firms as Miniature Figurines and Hinchliffe Models, then I am sure that there would be a minor economic revolution in the wargames world!
Anyway, to return to the subject - the latest HO/00 scale models put out by AIRFlX are a box of World War II German paratroops which causes my mind to immediately leap to the fascination of recreating the Battle for Crete in 1941 when the German paratroopers and New Zealand infantry fought one of the fiercest battles of the war. This set contains 46 pieces and has these German airborne troops in a variety of action poses, armed with rifles, light machine-guns, grenades, etc. They are well moulded in grey plastic and suitably based so as to compensate for the lack of weight, they could fill many a responsible role in an epic table-top World War II action.
Still on plastic figures, MODEL FIGURES AND HOBBIES (Lower Balloo Road, Groomsport, Co. Down, BT19 2LU) are offering wargamers a rare opportunity to obtain the very last available 1:72 scale plastic wargames figures designed by Charles Stadden and originally produced by ALMARK. These figures are moulded in hard polystyrene and can be easily converted, match in scale A.F.V's in the HO/00 ranges of Airfix, Hasegawa, Esci, Matchbox and Fujimi. At 30p a set (post free U.K.) are set WD-1 British Infantry 1939-45 12 piece set consisting of Riflemen advancing 3; Riflemen firing 3; N.C.Os with SMG 2; Grenade throwers 3 and Sapper 1, and WD-2 British Infantry Weapons 1939-45 12 piece set consisting of Vickers Machine Guns 2; 3" Mortars 2; Bren Gunners with Bren LMG 3; Bren No 2s prone and Mortar/MG Gunners 3. MODEL FIGURES AND HOBBIES are also offering WD Series 1:72 scale cast metal figures of 1939-45 Germans at 6p each, postage 10p per 10 figures, minimum postage 10p. German Paratroops - N.C.O. standing with MP 38; Lying firing MG 34 machine gun;,Kneeling throwing grenade and Advancing firing MP 38 from hip. Panzer Grenadiers - N.C.O. standing firing MP 38; Standing throwing grenade; Lying firing MG 34 machine gun and Advancing with rifle.
The Individual Skirmish wargamer will probably find another MODEL FIGURES AND HOBBIES offering to be of interest to them - the Almark Centuryy Series "Famous Weapons of the German Army 1939-45". There are two sets available - No.101 5cm I.gr.W36 Light Mortar complete with three man crew - 3 figures; 3 steel helmets; 50mm Mortar; Schmeisser MP38 and ammo pouch; Mauser 98K rifle and Luger pistol in holster. No.103 - MG34 Light Machine Gun complete with three man crew - 3 figures; 3 steel helmets; Spandau MG34 with bipod, ammo box and magazine; Schmeisser MP38 and ammo pouch; Mauser 98k rifle and Luger pistol in holster. The figures are moulded in hard polystyrene with separate arms, weapons and helmets in cast metal. Each kit 60p, postage 10p per kit U.K. Then there is ALMARK No.2 Kit Japanese Infantry 1939-45: 54mm 1:32 scale plastic at £ 1.OOp per kit post free U.K. - 10 different action figures with separate arms and weapons, choice of headgear, steel helmets or forage caps. Moulded in hard polystyrene for easy assembly and ideal for conversions.
Also of value to the Individual Skirmish wargamer are the 54mm metal spare parts such as machine guns, pistols and holsters, rifles, grenades, bugles, etc., etc., also available at varying prices from MODEL FIGURES AND HOBBIES.
From the same firm come lists of extensive ranges of 1:1250 plastic aircraft which supplement their larger range of metal aircraft. There are World War II aircraft of Britain, United States of America, Germany and Japan and post-war and modern aircraft available from Britain, United States, Soviet Union. The same firm can supply the Naval wargamer with all that he requires and their latest lists include a new range of TRIANG MINI Ships in 1:1200 scale in die-cast metal and painted. The range also includes harbour sets, fleet anchorages, quay-sides, etc. Then they can supply some of the original British-made TRIANG models, no longer in production and much sought after by collectors; all are in mint condition and painted. Then there are some SUPERIOR SHIPS available at their old prices. Finally ENSIGN SHIP MODELS have produced a new list of their 1:1200 scale Waterline Ship Models which makes very exciting reading for the Naval wargamer - catalogue and models available from MODEL FIGURES AND HOBBIES.
It only seems the other day that I was sitting here dictating this feature for the previous Newsletter and rather ruefully commenting on the great temptation provided by a new range of HINCHLIFFE MODELS LIMITED Mediaevals. Well, they've done it again and here before me are further figures to whet my appetite and, worse than that, there are some quite superb Renaissance Landsknechts which could quite easily set me off on an entirely new trail! First the Mediaevals, in addition to an attractive Burgundian hand-gunner and the spearman, there is a fine peasant levy 13/1400 who could serve in many roles with his Robin Hood style hat and rough dress. Seeing again for the umpteenth time on T.V., that colourful film "EL CID" my mind was in a most receptive mood for another new HINCHLIFFE figure of a rearing Knight's charger with a selection of ridersp some with lances, others with swords and battleaxes. Mounted on this fine piece of horse-flesh and painted up, this will be a highly colourful piece for the table-top. It is no secret that originally Frank Hinchliffe's speciality was artillery pieces and that he still has a very soft spot for them. Perhaps this is the reason for the excellence of two pieces of 25mm equipment, both of an unusual nature, which have just come on the market. The early Mediaeval siege gun on base (selling at £ 1.00p) is a beautifully made piece of work and the early Mediaeval wheeled bombard is, in a less involved way, an equally fine model. Both have their own crew consisting of Mediaeval artillerymen firing the gun, with rammers and men carrying the gun breech for the siege gun already mentioned. A beautiful little diorama or group could be made up from these men and weapons although obviously their main purpose is to bravely fight on our table-top terrains.
Now about these Landsknechts - whoever designed them deserves a medal because they breath life from every inch of their highly decorative and most detailed figures. Obviously not going to be the easiest of figures to paint but, when completed, should provide their owner with a degree of satisfaction almost beyond compare! The range includes a pikeman, an officer, an arquebusier, a halbardier, a drummer and a fearsome figure bearing a huge double-handed sword. I sit here looking at them, ruminating sadly on the fact that there was nothing around like this when I built up my wargames armies and, being the man I am, I find it impossible to jettison old friends and just do not have the time to replace them with the far superior models that are now coming on the market. But that is a problem which must be facing many wargamers - and not such old ones at that!
I have not always found myself enamoured with some of Julian Benassi's 75mm range of figures. Never for one moment criticising the artistry, workmanship and detail that they possess, there have been occasions when the choice of subject or the almost satirical style of the model has not been entirely to my liking although, I repeat, I have never doubted their high standard. But his latest models are much to my liking and I consider that the 1914 French infantryman is the most appealing of all figures that this talented Italian designer has turned out. Perhaps more than any other protagonist of the First World War, the French poilu conveys the true spirit of the early days of the war when the French army and its many reservists, incongruously dressed in blue greatcoat and red trousers, suffered enormous casualties as they attempted to fulfil the prevailing military precept of attack-attack. It was not until at least a year later that the familiar horizon blue replaced the red kepi and pantaloons that had been worn by the French army during the Franco-Prussian War of nearly fifty years earlier.
Invariably Julian Benassi manages to capture a characteristic pose for his figures even to the point, in some cases, of giving the impression of "slightly taking the Mickey" This French soldier is perfect in that he exudes that slightly bowed-down but not beaten attitude which we recognise so well from photographs of the period. This is one that I must get painted up because I lack the talent to do it justice! The other figure is equally Gallic yet of a figure far less known than the other French soldier. This one is of an adjutant-Chef Chasseur Alpin 1915 - a famous elite unit of the French Army, being commercial light infantry and mountain troops. Chasseur d'Alpin have always carried themselves proudly in the knowledge that they were first-class troops doing a highly dangerous job in mountain territory amid snow and ice. From their ranks Julian Benassi has chosen a typical N.C.O. clad in a heavy greatcoat and wearing the floppy dark blue beret whilst in his hand he carries the proverbial Alpine walking stick - he is a true "blue devil". These figures sell at £ 2.50p each unpainted and, in this day and age, are not overpriced.
From Greg Stafford (who terms himself "Magister Chaosium") I have received his new fantasy game "WHITE BEAR AND RED MOON". Greg writes - "Even amid a field so newly-flourishing as fantasy games, I believe mine has something new and fresh to offer." I am the last person in the world who can offer a fair judgement on such a game as my experience of fighting board-wargames is most limited and I know nothing of fantasy except what permeates around this house as it oozes from under the door of my son's chaotically untidy bedroom/wargames room. However, feeling that he and his colleagues are far better people than I to play-test this game, I passed it over to them and I can assure Greg Stafford that their opinion (frank and honest as always from teenagers) will be printed in these pages.
Also handed over to my son and the Mythical Earth fans of the Wessex Military and Wargaming Society are a set of new wargames rules for "Tolkien's Middle Earth and the Great War of the Ring" devised by N.M.Faulkner of Engelberg, 57 High Street, Pembury, Kent, and selling at 25P. Mr.Faulkner writes - "These rules have received wide acclaim in our locality and no other Middle Earth rules are now used here. Therefore, we feel justified in aiming at a wider market by asking if Wargamer's Newsletter could review or at least mention them. I hasten to add that the cost is low since we do no intend to make profit on the sale and all money goes into our Club funds to cover costs of production." Very nicely produced and hardly economic for their devisors at this price, my son's first glance through them produced most favourable comments and I have no doubt that an interesting and, I hope, instructive report will follow in our next issue.
From CREATIVE WARGAMES WORKSHOP INC., of 330 East 6th Street, IE New York, N.Y. 10003, U.S.A. and particularly from Joseph F. Miceli, I have received "1776 - WARGAMING RULES AND A GUIDE TO THE AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE". The covering letter says - "It is a 56 page book containing all the information needed to wargame in this period. Clearly written, the 20 pages of rules are simple enough for the beginner, yet complex enough for the most advanced wargamer. Also included are organisational and painting guides for all participants, scenarios with maps and diagrams to illustrate how to lay out terrain, troops, etc. There are also correct orders of battle from six Historical Scenarios which are unique to 1776. We've even incorporated period etchings, diagrams and layouts all professionally executed. Normally this much information would be divided into two or more books selling for $9.00 to $12.00! We hope you will be as enthusiastic about "1776" as we are since it is the first set of rules designed with the wargamer in mind. We have even taken his finances into account since this great set of rules retails for just $6.00!
Rules can only be play-tested by extensive use so I cannot pretend to have fought to those contained in this book but, on perusal, they seem very comprehensive and to cover the specific aspects of this period of warfare. I am particularly impressed with the manner in which the book provides detailed information about the formations of both sides, their uniform, arms and equipment. Then there is the innovation for a rule book (although already covered in literature by such volumes as "Battle Notes for Wargamers" and other wargaming books by Donald Featherstone and published by havid and Charles) of providing scenarios for specific battles, complete with maps, order of battle, special rules and victory conditions. Such scenarios enable a specific battle of the campaign to be reproduced on the table-top with a reasonable degree of accuracy making it more than a nominal representation of the action in question. I imagine these rules should be very popular and, although I do not know Joe Miceli, his co-author Jay Facciolo is well known to me as a correspondent and longstanding subscriber to Wargamer's Newsletter.
Rarely a month passes when MINIATURE FIGURINES do not come up with something really praiseworthy - invariably they have turned out something in the intervening period but so frequently their latest output has some singular distinction which makes it noteworthy. This month is no exception - in fact it is a high spot - as they have released the long-awaited Personalities of the French Napoleonic period which lie before me as I write. Even in their pristine silver state as castings fresh from the mould they are obviously exceptional figures, each bearing a quite obvious resemblance to the man they are intended to represent. The full range is Napoleon on horse; Rustan on horse; Officer of Grenadier; Eugene; Nansouty; Ney; Lasalle; Murat; Hautpoul; Poniatowski; Bessieres and A.D.C. Of them I like best the Officer of Grenadiers,Eugene, Nansouty, Murat, Poniatowski and Bessieres. Good as these figures are they are more than ably set off by the quite exceptional horses that accompany them - the rearing mount complete with lion pelt and head advised for Murat is like something from an old painting (as it probably is). All the other horses are well up to the usual MINIATURE FIGURINES style and I bow to nobody in my admiration for them.
Also MINIATURE FIGURINES have turned out another ten strips of 15mm Napoleonic figures - all of them are exceptionally well made for their size and, painted up should look quite something - perhaps-Neville Dickinson is right when lie claims that this scale is that which will be almost exclusively used for future wargames! The range is as follows - British Foot Guards Advancing; British Foot Guards March attack; British Foot Guards Bearskin attack; British Foot Guards Bearskin advancing; British Foot Guards Shako Command; British Foot Guards Bearskin Command; British Foot Guards Lt Coy advancing; British Foot Guards Fusiliers advancing; British Foot Guards Pioneers (Shako) and British Foot Guards Fusiliers march attack.
Recently I wrote to Frank Hinchliffe telling him that my son and his friends in the Wessex Military Society, having discovered the series of paperbacks by Edgar Rice Burroughs on the Msrtians are overcome with an unconquerable desire to wargame in this style and - dare I say it - period. Subsequently HINCHLIFFE FIGURES who have turned out a complete range in this series, sent along a fine selection for the lads to paint up and fight and, as I write, I have my son (who considers himself something of an expert on this subject) standing in front of me with these figures to advise me on their identity and resemblance to the figures mentioned in the books. They seem to come in different scales in that there are two well nigh 40mm figures who are not only singular by reason of scale but also by the fact that they have four arms each brandishing some sort of weapon - I am told that they are Green Martians and I imagine from the look of them they will need a lot of bonus points in the rules!
Then there is the Great John Carter, War Lord of Mars whom I am told is a sort of a Napoleon, awesome Red Martian warriors with their leader (i.e. an officer?) besides a shapely and nubile female Amazon who I am told is a Martian Princess - she probably gets bonus points for sex appeal.
Finally, there is a nice solid ten-legged Martian lion - I bet whoever did the original pattern for this had great fun soldering together bits of other figures until he arrived at this lion-like creature! Not exactly my style but I am quite prepared to admit that they are well made and interesting figures which, when painted up, should make for some unusualwargaming. The younger element at the Wessex Military Society are becoming noted for their bizarre wargaming trends - although no doubt 1 shall receive indignant comments from readers for daring to so label Dungeons and Dragons, Mythical Earth and now the Martians!
By the time this issue comes out the wargaming world will probably have their curiosity satisfied by knowing what HINCHLIFFE MODELS LIMITED advertised "4M FOREMOST COMPLETE NEW RANGE OF MINIATURES" are I can hardly wait! I also note that the latest 25mm figures put out by this firm include a fine line of Russian Napoleonics and the long awaited Russian artillery system, inspired by an article on that subject which appeared in Wargamer's Newsletter a few months ago. Although I have not seen these figures I note that there are four crews of Horse Artillery men together with Russian 6pdr cannon, 10pdr licorne (Howitzer) together with limber; Russian Musketeers, Moscow Militia and Russian Uhlan's. Other new offerings are an American War of Independence 3pdr galloper gun with a draught horse, outrider and attendant. For other items in larger scales I suggest you read the Hinchliffe adverts in this magazine and in Military Modelling.
SKYTREX LIMITED is advertising SYM-WAR World War II "a new idea for micro, sea landings, large scale action, paratroops and gliders." Rules sell for 75p and there are full colour large map sheets 12 different interlocking in packs of 4 for £ 2.00p. Also from the same firm can be obtained Fantasy Rules including Middle Earth for £ 1.05p and a whole new range of 1:300 scale Micro Armour for NATO, the Warsaw Pact Countries and France.
SIMULATIONS PUBLICATIONS U.K. are offering four complete World War Il battles in onb package, based on the Borodino-NAW System with separate 17" x 22" maps and counter sheets which is a pre publication special offer known as the NORTH AFRICA QUADRI GAME. Apparently if you purchase before publication you save a pound on the normal retail price.
From PHOENIX MODEL DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED, The Square, Earls Barton, Northampton NN6 ONA, England, can be obtained some superb 30mm "PARADE" series of "modern" figures such as Bands of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force Regiment, The Royal Navy, Bands of the Green Jackets and other Line Regimepts. These are beautifully made figures and, when painted up, make fine show pieces and dioramas.
The Individual Skirmish wargamer will be most interested in the latest 54mm set of ten figures, some battlefield debris and a cart put out by TRADITION, based on Charles Stadden's famous painting depicting Sgt, W. Neuman of the 2nd Battalion 43rd Regiment during the retreat to Corunna. Each figure comes in metal kit form for epoxy assembly and full colour details are supplied with the figures. It is possible to build up an attractive set-piece using only two or three of these excellent castings and the Individual Skirmish wargamer will-be able to take his choice from a selection which includes fine animated figures such as that of a Private of the 92nd Highlanders who is positioned leaning firing over the cart, an Hussar Trooper with sword poised for a downward stroke, a dead infantryman lying over some battle debris and a wounded drummer of the 1st Foot leaning against a shattered cannon. The prices are £ 1.75 per figure if ordered individually but if you order three or more at one time the can be obtained at £ 1.50 each plus 10% for postage and packing.
The Colonial wargamer has long been aware of the very fine selection of 20mm figures of both friend and foe in the JACKLEX range obtainable from HARROW MODELS. Amid the latest offerings are a Colonial supply wagon with a four-horse team. Look at HARROW MODEL SHOP advert for full details of this fine range.
CANNON MINIATURES of 8 Merlewood Avenue, Southport PR9 7NS, are advertising (and illustrating enticingly) their latest 1:300 metal tanks and buildings which include a Russian house and cottage, a French house, a Church and shellcraters. Houses in this scale can also be obtained from MAINLY MILITARY (advertised in this magazine), they include Arab, Tunisian and European buildings and are very attractively designed and made.
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© Copyright 1976 by Donald Featherstone.
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