A couple of days ago, Nick Huband (who I have know for many years) sent me some photographs of the latest additions to his 1914-era World War 1 collection. The figures were all made by Peter Laing, the originator of the 15mm wargames figure, and although the figures may appear crude by modern standards, they were ideal wargames figures ... and at one stage owned several hundreds of them.
As can be seen from the following photographs, Nick seems to have a knack of painting his figures with just enough detail to make them look very effective without having to go overboard.
In addition to his photographs, Nick sent me his proposed trench layout for a FP3x3PW set during the Great War:
It seems to me that this sort of battle is ideally suited to the FP3x3PW concept, and I look forward to seeing Nick's battle report.
Please note that the images featured above are © Nick Huband.
I must admit that they do look good and as I'm getting older I find I'm being drawn to the simpler aesthetic of some of the earlier figure ranges from yesteryear. There's something in the simplicity to them that I love:)
ReplyDeleteSteve J.,
DeleteI just wish that it was possible to encourage whoever owns the moulds to get them back into production.
We can hope …
All the best,
Bob
I recall a fine article by Stuart Asquith in some magazine or other (Mil Mod, Battle or Practical Wargamer) that featured Peter Laing figures. I think this was about 40 years ago. The article and the photos were engaging enough to tempt me! But certain constraints at the time supervened. Probably just as well, because what I had in mind was something pretty sizeable!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Ion.
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteI think that I have a copy of that article somewhere. It was that article that inspired me to buy my first Peter Laing figures.
All the best,
Bob
It was by Stuart Asquith in ‘Battle’ Magazine and titled ‘Wargaming WW1’ - I still have it
DeleteIan Dury,
DeleteSo it was!
All the best,
Bob
The best of Peter's ranges really did paint up well and easily. I'm not sure that highly detailed 10mm figures are anything like an improvement.
ReplyDeleteRoss Mac,
DeleteI always felt that they looked rather like scaled down Spencer Smith figures, with just enough detail to make it easy to recognise what they represented. In my opinion, the over-detailed 10mm figures that are now on sale are often oversized as well, and frequently look anatomically odd.
All the best,
Bob
What a lovely collection of WW1 figures.
ReplyDeleteI’m busy slowly cataloguing what I have at home of Laing figure examples (and have photos from the other collectors on MeWe Peter Laing collectors group set up by Ian Dury) as Peter never had an illustrated catalogue.
We are counting down to the 50th anniversary this autumn of these first 15mm Figures when Peter Laing launched them in October / November 1972.
https://collectingpeterlaing15mmfigures.wordpress.com
Mark, Man of TIN,
DeleteI understand that Nick Huband has a lot morePeter Laing figures in his collection.
Good luck with your cataloguing. I also belong to the MeWe group, and enjoy seeing other people’s Peter Laing figures.
I had not realised that the 50th anniversary was later this year. That news has made me feel quite old!
All the best,
Bob
WWI trench warfare and FP3x3PW; a match made in heaven! Nick is a genius!
ReplyDeleteJust what I need, another nifty idea to pursue. Adding this idea to my list; in my case; figures will be Greenwood & Ball (20mm) with Scruby trench sections and if I go completely nuts one might envision a Morschauser tank...
Mike Taber,
DeleteFP3x3PW does lend itself to recreating set piece battles like a trench attacks, as I discovered in my recent BATTLE OF PORTAGRAD. Nick just took the whole idea one stage further and to its logical conclusion.
I look forward to seeing if this idea for a project comes to fruition.
All the best,
Bob
Excellent additions to a fascinating collection.
ReplyDeleteTradgardmastare,
DeleteI particularly like the conversions of the bus and the nurse. The latter started life as a civilian woman and was converted by Nick.
All the best,
Bob
Lovely figures and vehicles - lots of inspiration here!
ReplyDeleteMaudlin Jack Tar,
DeleteThere certainly is!
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeletenice to see a WWI game. I'm preparing to run my WWI convention game using 10mm figures and Great War Spearhead Rules. I'll use the First Day of the Somme scenario from the rule book. I built my own model trenches from balsa wood and air dry stone clay.
Scott,
DeleteGood luck with your convention game. I’ve not used the Great War Spearhead rules, but I’ve heard good things about them.
All the best,
Bob