Once again it arrived promptly and quickly, and the Classic Wargamer’s Journal is a refreshing read, bringing back a simplicity and fun element of a bygone era. This issue includes a reprint of a Tony Bath Mini-Ancient Campaign & Battle (the forerunner of his famous Hyboria), from the WGD, Book II, Volume 1 dated March 1958. There are several succinct AARs (After Action Reports) of games utilising scenarios from the 3 previous CWJ issues; several discussions of of old-school style gaming and/or imagi-nation projects (The Great Northern War in 40mm Prinz August’s, Indian Mutiny with 45mm Deutsche Homage’s, 1890’s Germany & Russia in the Baltic with 28mm Hinterland’s); and a particularly unusual and relatively extensive (for the CWJ) AAR of a Napoleonic game. Ray Caddy concludes his very interesting 2-part series on the Catalan War of 1713-1714; and there is an especially excellent F&IW (French & Indian War) piece with Scenario & AAR and inspired by Charles Wesencraft’s “Practical Wargaming” (a contemporary of, and under-appreciated author equal to, Grant, Featherstone, Young, Bath, Wise, and co…).
Peter Verduyn continues with part 3 of his discussion of Hyboria and creating Imagi-Nations; while we get the latest episode of the “Tales of the Golden Head” colonial campaign in Darkest Africa; an interview with Aly Morrison – figure sculptor for Games Workshop, Wargames Foundry, Great War Miniatures, & Shiny Toy Soldiers – and the issue is rounded out with several other letters and minor articles. One positive is Phil (the Editor) says he has been inundated with contributions – in fact he’s reduced the font size to fit more on each page – and there has been a steady flow of new subscribers, which all augurs well for the immediate future of the project! Another pleasant and interesting read, and while not a true ‘old school wargamer‘ myself, there are some useful articles and at least scenarios I’m keen to give a crack at, transplanting them to Napoleonics, Colonials, or World War II – so well worth the £2 or so.
Oh, and there’s a pull out sheet with diagrams and instructions for making a “Cardboard Flatpack Fighter” in 3 different versions, for those impromptu beer ‘n’ pretzels air wargames!
Authors, Blogs, & Websites featured in this issue:
- The Old Metal Detector – intended to provide a resource for those interested in vintage 20mm wargames figures and designed as a companion to the author’s Hinton Hunter Blog (see also Harry Pearson’s Vintage 20mil site).
- Phil Olley’s Classic Wargaming Blog.
- Conrad Kinch’s Joy and Forgetfulness (wargaming) blog.
- Chris Greig’s Gallery (Chris is a professional artist who illustrates the CWJ, but he also makes models, paints figures, and definitely plays wargames).
Next Issue due July 2011.