A few new toys

Among the things I got at Cold Wars were some of the Old Glory WWI figures and a special pack from Great War Minis.

I had heard that the two lines are not terribly compatible, and I have to say that's so. The Old Glory line, while quite nice based on these Germans and some Americans I acquired, are a good bit smaller, possibly true 25s compared with GWM and Renegade, which are more "heroic" 28s. Nonetheless, I think that of one doesn't mix the two in the same units, they can get by in the same force.

In the image above are two Old Glory pieces, in the top left and bottom right. Top left are a pair of kneeling/seated figures, one operating a radio or field telephone, the other taking notes on a pad. The latter could as well be paired with an officer observing through a filed periscope or some such. His base is not nearly as thick as that of the handset man, so I've added a small base under him, which leaves him slightly elevated over the other figure, but more or less on a level.I'll have to do some creative ground-sculpting.

On the bottom right is a chap holding a pigeon, with a nice wicker basket that presumably held the feathery messenger. The set also included a runner with a satchel, who is not in this shot.

The three other pieces are Great War miniatures, and beautiful work they are, too. In the lower left corner is a Granatenwerfer 16, an Austrian spigot mortar adopted by the German Army. The Soldier's Burden has a nice page on it here. The GWM piece comes with a granatenwerfer in two pieces, an operator, and an additional crewman.

I suppose the latter might as well be a support for the central figure, a gunner with a Mauser Tankgewehr M1918, or 13mm anti-tank rifle. He provided a nice excuse to pick up some of the lozenge-shaped bases that Gale Force Nine includes among its inexpensive MDF bases (for sale, alas, only at conventions). In emulation of my hero, Uncle Sid, I've decided to go with these for my WWI forces.

Speaking of these pill-shaped bases, the third GWM set uses one of these to carry a team using the Kleinflammenwerfer, or small flamethrower. The Soldier's Burden has a page describing the German employment of these devices. While initially effective, they became less so once British and French troops overcame their initial shock at the use of fire, and (as mentioned in this piece on firstworldwar.com), the life of an operator was dangerous and, if captured by the enemy, very short indeed.

I also acquired some Brigade Games German sentries (not pictured), some of which are smoking, the slackers! These will be useful for M&B for sure--I might even get them some special bases for their special role.

In addition, with my pre-Cold Wars purchases (thanks to the chaps who bought my old 15mm Franco-Prussian figures!), I now have enough figures for a half-Zug of early war Germans, another half-Zug of late war Germans, and a platoon of Americans. Now to start painting...

a round-up of makers

We had a Mud and Blood game yesterday in which Mr Sherwood and I introduced a few more of our friends to Mud & Blood. Mr Taylor, who had participated in a previous Winter Sports skirmish, hosted, and Mr Johnson and Mr Myers were given command of a German infantry attack (on which more later). The upshot was that the hook was well seated in at least one of our fresh fish, and I was asked about manufacturers of Great War 25/28mm figures. I complied this list, but it can probably be added to.

Great War Miniatures: The link is to NorthStar, their UK distributor, just because, IMO, it's easier to view the figures on their site, but order from Brigade Games in the US. American, Belgian (EW), French (EW), British (EW/LW), German (EW/LW), artillery, British and German tanks.

Renegade: The bulk of my troops and Mr Sherwood's so far are Renegade. The link is to their site for best viewing, but we think they can be obtained in the US from Legends in Time. British (EW, LW) German (EW, LW), Frenc (EW), Austro-Hungarian (EW).

Brigade Games: They also distribute GWM, Woodbine, and Copplestone. Their own lines include British and French tanks, and armoured train, and French, British, German, and American troops for the Western Front; Austrian and Italian troops for the Italian front; ANZAC, Turkish and German troops for the war in Palestine; Arabs for the Arab Revolt; and British, German, and Belgian troops for the war in Africa.

Old Glory 25s: Extensive, as always with OG. British, French, German, Austro-Hungarian, Russian, Italian, Serbian (!), Montenegrin (!!), American. Also lines for the Pershing Expedition to Mexico (which might be cool to game with M&B) and some Arab figures in their "Sons of the Desert" FFL line that might in a pinch be used as Arabs for the Arab Revolt. Most of the lines include downed pilots, medical teams, scouts/signallers, field guns, and some armoured vehicles. Not many photos, so I can't speak to the quality. The *reputation* they have is that they are much smaller (closer to true 25mm) and less well sculpted than the dominant lines like GWM and Renegde.

Copplestone Castings: Turkish and British for the Middle East and (in their "Back of Beyond" line), Russian Civil War Red and White troops, most of whom would be fine to use as regulars on the Eastern Front.

1st Corps: Nice looking figures, have yet to acquire any myself. British (LW), German (LW), three ACs and a Whippet light tank.

Wargames Foundry: British (EW, LW), French (EW, LW), German (EW, LW). Some very generic packs, and some special characters. As Bryan mentioned, may be a bit small in comparison to the newer lines.

Eureka: Russian MGs, MG carts, and mounted officers. Odd little sideline.

Ebor: Belgian (EW), French (EW)

Woodbine (a subdivision of Gripping Beast): British (including Australians and Indians) for the Mid East campaigns, Turks, and French colonial troops. Available in the US from Brigade Games and from Architects of War, right up the road in Ellicott City, MD.

Scarab: Austro-Hungarian (LW), Italians (LW), French (LW), British (special characters), German (special characters), some vehicles (possibly all other manufacturers) plus resell Woodbine and GWM.

Musketeer Miniatures: Very nice figures but very difficult to get hold of; order in the US from Brigade Games, but the manufacturers appear to be very flaky in producing figures and filling orders. British (EW), Russian

Brigade Models UK: Belgian (EW)

There are a couple of other lines that I know of (Irregular, Reviresco, Alphacast, Tradition) but their figures do not look nice enough that I feel I could recommend them to anyone.