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Friday 10 May 2013

The 'new' Miniature Wargames

Today was the first opportunity that I have had to visit a newsagent ... and my first opportunity to look at the newly-revamped and re-launched MINIATURE WARGAMES magazine. I took one look, liked what I saw ... and bought a copy.


The articles included in this issue are:
  • Briefing (i.e. the editorial) by Henry Hyde
  • Forward observer by Neil Shuck
  • Lofy ambitions: The continuing tales of a wargames widow by Diane Sutherland
  • Little Wars for little money in little space by Arthur Harman
  • Send three and four pence by Conrad Kinch
  • The Great Armada: Part 1: the makings of a wargame by Jim Webster
  • Opening Hells' Highway: Wargaming Operation Market Garden by Jon Sutherland
  • Digital photography for wargamers by Henry Hyde
  • Command challenge: An uncivil Roman war scenario by Steve Jones
  • Dux Britanniarum: How one man fell in love with the Dark Ages by Chris Stoesen
  • A Saladin for UNIT by Tony Harwood
  • Zinnkrieg!: The allure of two-dimensional gaming by Harry Pearson
  • Thoughts from an armchair by Mike Siggins
  • Recce
  • The Battlegames Combat Stress Appeal report by Henry Hyde
My first reaction to thorough look through this 'new' magazine was that I liked what I saw. Henry Hyde seems to have melded the best elements of the 'old' MINIATURE WARGAMES with those from BATTLEGAMES ... and in my opinion he has produced a winner. I like the very clean layout, the style of illustrations and photographs that have been used, and the use of category 'tags' (e.g. 'Editorial', 'Feature', 'Modelling') at the top of each page. I was also very impressed with the content, and the team of contributors featured in this issue is diverse, knowledgeable, and thought-provoking.

My second reaction was – to use text-speak – OMG! I and/or my blog get a mention in both Arthur Harman's article (which, by the way, is written in the style that is very reminiscent of that used by H G Wells in LITTLE WARS) and in Conrad Kinch's column. In addition, Joseph Morschauser's book HOW TO PLAY WAR GAMES IN MINIATURE – which I worked hard to get republished – is also mentioned in articles by Arthur Harman and Harry Pearson. My cup runneth over ... and if I had not already decided to subscribe to the magazine, this would have clinched it for me!

12 comments:

  1. Yes, a good magazine, certainly worth keeping a very close eye on!

    Good that your hobby 'fame' is being reflected by others. Something must be right.

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  2. Sounds like a fine beginning for the magazine. As for getting one's blogspot mentioned ... that's gold.

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  3. Thanks, Bob. "Zinnkrieg !" sounds right up my alley.

    Steve

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  4. I got it recently and I was very impressed.I felt the same sort of excitement I felt when I bought the first issue having just come out of an exam in Chambers street Edinburgh many moons ago.I still have the magazine's first two volumes in binders. I will definitely be continuing to buy.

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  5. Hi Bob,

    I think you have got it spot on with the magazine having the best of both worlds. I actually read the magazine from cover to cover, despite certain articles not being my particular interest(s), and that is something I have not done for a long time.

    All the best,

    DC

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  6. Jim Duncan,

    I had seen the basic layout when I went to CAVALIER earlier in the year. Henry Hyde had it on his tablet computer and I was most impressed then. Now I have seen the finished article I am even more impressed.

    As to hobby 'fame' ... well I was once referred to as having 'hobby weight' (which I think might be something similar) ... and I have been trying to diet ever since!

    All the best,

    Bob

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  7. Archduke Piccolo,

    I think that this will be 'the' wargames magazine to buy in the future.

    As to my newly-acquired 'fame' ... well I will try not to let it go to my head!

    All the best,

    Bob

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  8. Corporal_Trim,

    I would say that it up your alley, round the back of your house, and across your garden as well!

    Read and enjoy!

    All the best,

    Bob

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  9. Tradgardmastare,

    I also bought the first issue, and at the time it was truly ground-breaking. I suspect that in its 'new' format it will return to its pre-eminent position. I certainly hope so.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  10. David Crook,

    The 'cover-to-cover' test is always a good one.

    I intended just to have a quick thumb through when I got the magazine home ... but in the end I also read the whole thing, including articles that are not about topics that interest me.

    If a magazine can have that effect on me, then I am going to think that I have had my money's worth when I buy it.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  11. I've subscribed via my iPad, spotted your various name checks. Bob, you are now, officially,wargames royalty!

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  12. Ken H,

    I may be many things ... but I'll never be royal (even wargames royalty) in any shape or form!

    Thanks for the compliment, anyway.

    All the best,

    Bob

    ReplyDelete

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