Take a tour through the Vault and read some classic Wi articles. The feeling of pollen agitation in my hay fever-prone nostrils tells me that Spring is springing today. I may not appreciate the sneeze-inducing evils this new season brings, but I do like the extra daylight the longer days bring so I can paint for longer. Sure, I have a daylight lamp, but it’s not quite the same as natural light beaming through an open window! I’ve got a few hobby projects on the go right now, and these will feature in future issues of Wi … but From the Vault is not about looking ahead, it’s about reminiscing about older issues. Wargames Illustrated 116 - May 1997 Let’s go back 26 years to when Wargames Illustrated was approaching the ripe old age of 120 issues. Why 26 years and not 25? Well, dear reader, it’s been a busy week and my maths momentarily failed me here - I thought 1997 was 25 years ago … but this issue does have some interesting articles, so how about we pretend I picked it out intentionally and peek inside. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about the article by sculpting supremo Mark Copplestone - Painting the Plains Again - is that it is a mini painting guide that shows no minis. There are illustrations and good advice but not a single photo of the figures is present. You couldn’t get away with that these days! In another interesting piece, John Laing asks if there are too many UK wargames shows. This is a time capsule look at the show scene from a quarter of a century ago and comes from a man who knows his stuff. There’s some advice here that will be useful to anyone who is considering putting on a show today so if you want to add a new event of your own to the UK’s current roster look no further. The gamers’ guide to the Internationalist War (Afghanistan 1979-94) is another article with painting guidance but no miniatures to show for it. Stranger and stranger! The third time’s the charm though; Tim Cockrell’s advice on painting Hoplite shield devices actually shows some figures. Phew! Wargames Illustrated 247 – May 2008 My brain can count again; this issue is definitely 15 years young! Before an article is even reached there’s a moment of interest with the Perry Miniatures advert on page eight. Their exciting new American Civil War Infantry set has gone on to become a huge seller for them and in this, its first appearance, the appeal is obvious. Who can remember getting excited by this one? Regular contributor Barry Hilton opens the articles proper with his look
