FROM THE EDITOR
This month we commemorate one hundred years since the end of World War One, perhaps the most poignant time for those alive now to reflect on the loss of life during a previous generation. This November also hosts another commemoration or more correctly celebration in the form of one hundred years of Polish independence.
When casting our net in 2017 for theme ideas for this month several of our regular contribuotrs suggested marking this occasion with a magazine theme based on wargaming the Poles at war, fighting in their own national struggles and those of other nations. So, our Poland at War theme was born.
It wasn’t difficult to draw on the martial prowess of the Polish warrior to create six articles (we could have had more!) featuring: Winged Hussars, The Polish Legion, Pilots of the 303 Squadron and the Wojska Lądowe of World War Two. We have also included an interview with Wargamer Studios of Warsaw, for an insight into the Polish gaming scene.
Outside of our theme content we have got a super-sized Observation Post for you, with a focus on ‘new stuff’ we spotted at the Colours wargames show and the Warlord Games Open Day.
By popular demand we have cajoled Gary Faulkner to return to our pages, following on from his series of articles on getting the most out of your MDF buildings, with further tricks and tips.
We also continue our irregular ‘Wargaming Spaces’ series this month, with a move away from the grandiose to the more bijou – a converted modest garage. We are looking for this series to keep running (featuring the grand to the compact and everything in-between), so if you have a wargames room, space, area, closet, mansion you would like to share with us and your fellow gamers – please do get in touch.
OBSERVATION POST
A special look at what we ‘Spotted At’…the Colours show in Newbury, UK, plus a close up on what was in the cabinets at the last Warlord Open Day!
THEME: POLISH THUNDER
Colonel (Retd.) Bill Gray looks at the impact of the Husaria on the tabletop battlefield.
BLACK POWDER SECOND EDITION: A FANBOY’S EYE VIEW
Steve Wood, ardent fan of the Black Powder rules, takes a critical look at what’s new and worth noting in the new edition.
DIFFERENT SCALE, SAME PASSION
Some hardened campaigners discuss the relative merits of bringing their experience as re-enactors to the tabletop and vice versa.
THEME: THE POLISH LEGION 1795 – 1815
Military historian Vincent Rospond charts the rise of the Polish Legion during the period of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
MODELLING: DISTRESSING YOUR MDF BUILDINGS
Following the success of his recent three part series on painting and modelling with MDF buildings, we asked Gary Faulkner to “give us more!” and he has obliged….
THEME: COMPANY PROFILE WARGAMER STUDIOS
The team behind the popular By Fire and Sword rules tell us about their plans and provide an insight into their company.
REIMAGINING THE CRUSADES – PART 4 – THE TROOP TYPES
The latest installment in author Steve Tibble’s quest to bring a more accurate Crusade to the world of wargaming.
THEME: THE POLISH LEGION 1914 – 1920
Vincent Rospond continues the story of the Polish Legion, focusing on their service during WWI and its aftermatch.
DESIGNER’S NOTES +: SONS OF MARS
A close look at the ideas behind the creation of this gladiatorial combat game, plus some exclusive new rules content.
THEME: 303 SQUADRON
In this article Dom Sore discusses the contribution made by this unit of Polish exiles in the defence of Britain and their efforts to hit back at Germany.
WARGAMES AT THE EDGE OF APOCALYPSE
Paul Leach takes us to the edge of Apocalypse and beyond.
THEME: THE POLES AT MONTE CASSINO
Dom Sore looks at the contribution made by Polish troops during the bloody assaults at Cassino during WWII.
PAINTING A IROQUOIS WARRIOR
Bob Murch of the marvellous Pulp Figures provides some guidelines for getting the best from these new figures that support the Flint and Feather ruleset.
DESIGNER’S NOTES: LAST DAYS
Ash Baker takes us through his motivations and the design ideas of his recently released Osprey zombie game.
MODEL SOLDIERS, MODERN OPERA & TRENCH WARFARE
Dicky Boyd discusses an educational project for children which used wargaming and operatic music to convey the realities of World War One.
WARGAMERS’ SPACES
David Bickley shows us his small but beautifully formed converted garage come wargames room.