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30 Apr 2017

The Barbary Corsairs: Warfare in the Mediterranean, 1480 - 1580

The Barbary Corsairs: Warfare in the Mediterranean, 1480 - 1580

The Barbary Corsairs first appeared to terrorise shipping in the 16th century. These Muslim pirates sailed out of the ports of North Africa, primarily Sal , Rabat, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli. This area was known in Europe as the Barbary Coast, a term derived from the name of its Berber inhabitants. Acting as officers of the sprawling Ottoman Empire, these pirates plundered the trading routes of the Mediterranean and sowed horror in the hearts of Christians everywhere. The most famous and powerful were the Barbarossa brothers, sons of a renegade Christian. The true founders of the Algiers Regency, they initially preyed on fishing vessels or defenceless merchantmen before growing bolder and embarking upon more brazen expeditions attacking fortified ports and cities; raiding and kidnapping inhabitants of the African coast; and hunting ships from the Christian nations. This translation of Jacques Heers work follows the extraordinary exploits of the brothers, and those of other corsairs and profiteers, set against the turbulent backdrop of trade, commerce and conflict throughout the Mediterranean during the 14th-16th centuries. It is an enthralling adventure, robustly written, and it brings to life an age when travel and trade were perilous enterprises.

28 Apr 2017

New ACW Buildings from Escenografia Epsilon

We are very pleased to announce the launch a new and range of buildings for the ACW and the product is painted and ready-to-play.

REF: ACW10-03 ACW Buildings

REF: ACW10-03 ACW Buildings picture 1

REF: ACW10-03 ACW Buildings picture 2

REF: ACW10-03 ACW Buildings picture 3

REF: ACW10-03 ACW Buildings picture 4

REF: ACW10-03 ACW Buildings picture 5

REF: ACW10-03 ACW Buildings picture 6

Escenografia Epsilon

27 Apr 2017

Ancient History Magazine 10, Jun-Jul 2017

Ancient History Magazine 10, Jun-Jul 2017

Ancient kings were quite different from medieval and modern monarchs. In this issue of Ancient History, we explore the concept of ‘royalty’ in the ancient world.

Theme: Royalty in the ancient world

Josho Brouwers, 'Royalty in the ancient world - Historical introduction'.
Eugenia Russell, 'Greek writers on the ideal of kingship - Basileus'.
Guy D. Middleton, 'Mycenaean kings and kingdoms - A great kingdom?'
Matthew Lloyd, 'Royal tombs in the Iron-Age Mediterranean - A grave fit for a king?'
Andrew Calimach, 'A Greek tale mocking all tyrants - Archias and his two boyfriends'.
Joshua Hall, 'The kings of ancient Rome - Between myth and reality'.
Michael J, Taylor, 'The court of Hellenistic kings, 359-31 BC - Friends and parasites'.
Giuseppe Restaino, 'A "golden house" worthy of a king - Domus Aurea'.
Rebecca Batley, 'Role of the empress in second-century Rome - Whore to goddess'.
Josho Brouwers, 'Recommended books on ancient royalty - Beyond the magazine'.

Features:

Marc G. DeSantis, 'Of J.R.R. Tolkien and the ancient world - History as inspiration'.
Tang Long, 'The Chinese goddess of life - Nu Wa'.
Holger Michiels, 'The first modern anchor - The two-armed anchor'.
Graham Sumner, 'The Roman army on screen, part 7 - King of Kings'.
Fausto Bica & Josho Brouwers, 'Periander of Corinth, tyrant or sage - Periander'.

Ancient History Magazine

New 10mm BTR-60PB & BMP M-1976/2 Available to Order from Timecast

After their successful debut at Salute 2017, our new 10mm BMP M-1976/2 and BTR-60PB are available to order on our shopping cart. Both are priced at £4.00 GBP.

BMP M-1976/2

BMP M-1976/2


BTR-60PB

BTR-60PB

Work is underway on the BRDM-2 and several variants.

We have received the initial pre-production samples of the British infantry. Photos of these will be up on the website, as soon as we can sort them out.

Timecast

26 Apr 2017

New 10mm Fantasy Evil Men Miniatures from Laran Miniatures

New range off 10mm Fantasy figures from Laran Miniatures

Dark Hero on Drake: One Drake and one rider.

Dark Hero on Drake: One Drake and one rider.

Command pack: 17 foot miniatures, one horse cart, two horses, one wolf.

Command pack: 17 foot miniatures, one horse cart, two horses, one wolf.

Infantry: 20 individual miniatures including banner and musician, no base included. 

Infantry: 20 individual miniatures including banner and musician, no base included.

Heavy Cavalry: 12 Horsemen, banner and musician included.

Heavy Cavalry: 12 Horsemen, banner and musician included.

Chariots: 3 chariots, 3 charioteers, 6 barded horses

Chariots: 3 chariots, 3 charioteers, 6 barded horses

Trolls: 4  individual miniatures.

Trolls: 4  individual miniatures.

Armoured Trolls: 4 individual miniatures.

Armoured Trolls: 4 individual miniatures.

Erynies: 20 flying human sized horrors.

Erynies: 20 flying human sized horrors.

Young Drakes: 3 Young wingless drakes, riders included.

Young Drakes: 3 Young wingless drakes, riders included.

Laran Miniatures

25 Apr 2017

20% off ACE, COM, XPL & AEU from Osprey Publishing Ltd

20% off ACE, COM, XPL & AEU from Osprey Publishing Ltd

April Sale - 20% off ACE, COM, XPL & AEU

Our April Sale is now on, offering everyone 20% off our Aircraft of the Aces, Combat Aircraft, X-Planes and Aviation Elite Units books and eBooks.

As always, Gold and Silver members can use their membership discounts alongside the monthly promotion to get an even better deal!

Terms and conditions apply, please see here for further details.

April Sale - 20% off ACE, COM, XPL & AEU

Osprey Publishing Ltd

Miniature Wargames 409, May 2017

Miniature Wargames 409, May 2017

Issue 409 of Miniature Wargames  is on sale today! In this issue, we look at what’s up and coming in historical wargaming.

FORWARD OBSERVER
What’s up and coming in (mostly) historical wargaming.

SEND THREE AND FOURPENCE
Bagging Boris: a scenario for use with Black Ops.

HOSTAGE TO FORTUNE
Robin and Lady Marian run the risk of capture in a medieval skirmish scenario.

ROOTS
Are old rule systems worth a second look? Andy Copestake certainly thinks so...

KUNERSDORF
What do you do after a Seven Years War game finishes a wee bit early? With a full rule set, Arthur Harmen suggests
a bit of period based mano a mano...

(WELL) BEHIND THE LINES

Phil Andrews gives us some ideas gives us some game ideas for the use of support and supply vehicles in tactical gaming

DARKER HORIZONS
This month Fantasy Facts has its usual round up of what’s out in the world(s) of non-historical gaming with a first look at Runewars, amongst other reviews;
there’s also a full set of rules for VSF Sky Galleons with Cloudships of Mars (with extra web content) and a scratch building guide for small scale models.

AFRICAN PRINCESSES
Kevin Dallimore paints some figures for any suitable rule set in the Dark Continent.

WARGAMING MY WAY
Another look at what inspires us to take up the hobby.

RECCE
Books for wargamers - what’s a good read and what to leave on the shelf.

WARGAMES WIDOW
Scratch building a very practical canopy of trees.

CLUB DIRECTORY
Find a club in your vicinity and add your club for free!

Miniature Wargames

Available this month from Osprey Publishing Ltd,

Available this month from Osprey Publishing Ltd

Scrappers

Scrappers

More than 150 years have passed since the apocalypse that nearly destroyed the Earth. Today, the planet is a torn remnant of its former glory, ravaged by nuclear fallout and mutagens. New lifeforms - Mutants and Synthetics - challenge True Humanity for dominance, while warring factions compete for survival and supremacy, and all must carve out their place in this brutal landscape, or else perish as billions before them. Scrappers is skirmish miniatures game set in the wastelands, where players assemble Scrapper Crews and send them out to scavenge scraps of Ancient technology and battle rival factions. Explorers, cultists and raiders clash with mutated creatures, robotic soldiers and embittered True Humans in this wargame of salvage and survival in the ruins of the future.


Sevastopol’s Wars

Sevastopol’s Wars

Founded by Catherine the Great, the maritime city of Sevastopol has been fought over for centuries. Crucial battles of the Crimean War were fought on the hills surrounding the city, and the memory of this stalwart defence inspired those who fruitlessly battled the Germans during World War II. Twice the city has faced complete obliteration yet twice it has risen, phoenix-like, from the ashes.
In this groundbreaking volume, award-winning author Mungo Melvin explores how Sevastopol became the crucible of conflict over three major engagements - the Crimean War, the Russian Civil War and World War II - witnessing the death and destruction of countless armies yet creating the indomitable 'spirit of Sevastopol'. By weaving together first-hand interviews, detailed operational reports and battle analysis, Melvin creates a rich tapestry of history.

Contents

List of Maps
List of Illustrations
List of Tables
Author's Note
Prologue
PART ONE - EARLY SEVASTOPOL
Chapter 1 Crucible of Conflict
Chapter 2 The Founding of Sevastopol
Chapter 3 Bastion of Maritime Power
PART TWO - THE CRIMEAN WAR
Chapter 4 The Eastern War
Chapter 5 The First Defence of Sevastopol
Chapter 6 Inkerman and the Spirit of Sevastopol
Chapter 7 Defeat and Defiance
PART THREE - CITY OF REVOLUTION
Chapter 8 Ruin, Peace and Recovery
Chapter 9 The 1905 Revolution
Chapter 10 World War to Civil War
Chapter 11 Allied Intervention and the Russian Civil War
PART FOUR - MODERN WAR
Chapter 12 Red Terror to Patriotic War
Chapter 13 City of Courage: the Second Defence of Sevastopol
Chapter 14 The End of the Second Defence and Axis Occupation
Chapter 15 Liberation and Reconstruction
Chapter 16 Fraternal Conflict
Epilogue
Chronology
Endnotes
Bibliography
Acknowledgements


Lancaster

Lancaster

Developed from the underperforming twin-engined Manchester, the Avro Lancaster was the RAF's most successful heavy bomber of World War II, forming the backbone of Bomber Command during the large-scale night bombing campaign against occupied Europe. While Britain was unable to hit back on the ground, the Lancaster enabled Britain to take the fight to Germany. Its success meant that it was produced in massive numbers with more than 7,300 built up to VE-Day.

This complete illustrated guide to one of Britain's most iconic aircraft explores its history, strengths, weaknesses and combat performance in the war that would make it legendary. Drawing on a wealth of research, stunning illustrations and contemporary photographs, this book reveals how the Lancaster became a symbol of British resistance, before going on the offensive against Germany in bombing attacks such as the famous Dambusters raid.

Contents

Introduction
Chronology
Design and Development
Technical Specifications
Combat Use
Appendices
Index


The Long Range Desert Group in World War II

The Long Range Desert Group in World War II

Established in June 1940, as the brainchild of scientist and soldier Major Ralph Bagnold, a contemporary of Lawrence of Arabia, the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) allowed the British Army to gain a crucial advantage in the North African Front of World War II.

Traversing great swathes of the desert that had never before been explored by Europeans, the LRDG was able to launch hit-and-run raids against remote enemy targets such as the fort and airfield at Murzuk. From December 1941 until the end of the Desert War in May 1943, the LRDG carried out numerous missions in tandem with the Special Air Service, using their unparalleled knowledge of the desert to navigate the SAS to enemy airfields on which attacks would be launched. As well as in Africa, the LRDG also fought in the Aegean, undertaking numerous dangerous missions in Yugoslavia, Albania, Italy and Greece, displaying their extraordinary versatility by operating in boats, on foot and by parachute.

Using never-before-published photographs and archival material, interviews with surviving veterans who have never before gone on record regarding their wartime exploits, and special access to the SAS archives, Gavin Mortimer tells the story of the origins and dramatic operations of Britain's first ever special forces unit.


World War II German Motorized Infantry & Panzergrenadiers

World War II German Motorized Infantry & Panzergrenadiers

In World War II Germany's doctrine of mobile warfare dominated the battlefield. By trial and error, the Germans were the first to correctly combine the strength in tanks and in mobile infantry and artillery. This integration of mobile units, equipment and tactics underpinned Germany's successes in the first half of the war. As the war dragged on, the Allies sought to copy German tactics but German armies remained supreme in this type of warfare until their losses had seriously degraded their capabilities.

This study traces the development of the different types of unit that came together in the Panzergrenadier branch from the inter-war years through World War II. Using colour plates to display the changes in uniform, equipment and insignia in all theatres of operations throughout the conflict, this is a complete account of Hitler's elite armoured infantry.


Luzon 1945

Luzon 1945

Driven from the Philippines in 1942, General Douglas MacArthur returned three years later to force the Japanese off of its main island of Luzon. Containing the capital of Manila, vital natural resources as well as thousands of Allied prisoners of war, the triumph at Luzon would be a vital step on the road to victory as the Americans continued to island-hop their way towards the Japanese home islands. This new study details one of the hardest-fought campaigns of the Pacific War with Japanese fatalities alone on Luzon topping 200,000. Emphasizing the differences in Japanese and American strategy, and detailing the combat operations of the campaign, this volume tells the story of how MacArthur kept his promise to return and liberate the Philippines.


British Destroyers 1939–45

British Destroyers 1939–45

The Royal Navy entered World War II with a large but eclectic fleet of destroyers. Some of these were veterans of World War I, fit only for escort duties. Most though, had been built during the inter-war period, and were regarded as both reliable and versatile. Danger though lurked across the seas as new destroyers being built in Germany, Italy and Japan were larger and better armoured. So, until the new, larger Tribal-class destroyers could enter service, these vessels would have to hold the line. Used mainly to hunt submarines, protect convoys from aerial attack, and take out other destroyers, these ships served across the globe during the war. This fully illustrated study is the first in a two-part series on the real workhorses of the wartime Royal Navy, focusing on how these ageing ships took on the formidable navies of the Axis powers.


Bloodstained Sands

Bloodstained Sands

For the men who served in America's Amphibious Forces during World War II, the conflict was an unceasing series of D-Days. They were responsible for putting men ashore in more than 200 landings throughout the conflict, most against well-entrenched enemy positions. Bloodstained Sands: US Amphibious Operations in World War II tells the story of these forgotten men for the first time, tracing their operational history from Guadalcanal to Casablanca, Sicily, Normandy, Iwo Jima and finally Okinawa. The men's stories are told in their own voices, with fascinating accounts from Underwater Demolition Teams, Attack Transport crews and many other unsung heroes of World War II.

First-hand interviews, entries from personal diaries and Action Reports create a unique history, perfectly complemented by historic illustrations and detailed maps. These are timeless tales of determination, sacrifice, and triumph of the human spirit - tales of US Amphibious Forces that for too long have gone forgotten and untold.

Contents

Acknowledgements
Maps
Author's Note
Briefing
1. Sowing the Wind
2. First Strike
3. Lighting the Torch
4. Up the Slot
5. Isolating Rabaul
6. Hell on Ice
7. The Soft Underbelly
8. Breaching the Barrier
9. To the Far Shore
10. Reaping the Whirlwind
Epilogue
Abbreviations
Bibliography
Notes
Index


Airborne

Airborne

With an incredible World War II combat record that includes parachuting into Normandy on D-Day, service during Operation Market-Garden, at Bastogne and in Germany itself, Ed Shames was involved in some of the most important battles of the war. A member of the legendary 'Band of Brothers', Shames' own words and recollections fuel a searing account that gives a soldier's glimpse into the ferocity of the fighting on the ground and the close fellowship that developed between the men in Easy Company. The first member of the 101st to enter Dachau concentration camp just days after its liberation, Shames ended the war in the bombed out shell of Hitler's Eagles Nest, surrounded by his comrades in arms.

In this paperback edition by the author of Tonight We Die As Men, this is the phenomenal story of a remarkable young lieutenant during World War II, following him from the gruelling training at Toccoa right through to the eventual collapse of the Third Reich.


Dutch Armies of the 80 Years’ War 1568–1648 (1)

Dutch Armies of the 80 Years’ War 1568–1648 (1)

The 80 Years' War (also known as the Dutch War of Independence) was the foundation of Dutch nationhood, and during the course of the conflict one of its main leaders - Maurice of Orange-Nassau - created an army and a tactical system that became a model throughout Europe.

This study, the first of a two-part series, focuses on the Dutch infantry. It examines how Maurice of Orange-Nassau attracted volunteers and students from across Europe, introduced innovative new training methods such as common drill movements, and standardised the organisation and payment system of the army to make it more than a match for the occupying Spanish. His successes inspired officers and generals across the continent to copy his methods, including many English officers who went on to fight in the English Civil Wars. Featuring full-colour artwork and rare period illustrations, this book examines how the Dutch infantry was transformed into a fighting force able to defeat the might of Imperial Spain.


'40s Chevy REA Truck from GHQ Models

A few months ago we highlighted one of our 1/160th (N-Scale) REA Trucks, and some people have asked if we have any earlier ones available. Yes, we have them from several decades. This is our 1/160th (N-Scale) 1940's REA Truck.

How much do you know about the history of the REA? Are you a model railroader? A truck builder/collector? Diorama builder? How do you like the way that this model is detailed?

GHQ Stock # 56015 '40s Chevy REA Truck

GHQ Stock # 56015 '40s Chevy REA Truck

GHQ Models

Preview Of Some New ACW Buildings from Pendraken Miniatures

Here's a quick preview of some new ACW buildings we'll be releasing after Salute, including a fantastic new Antietam church! We should have these available before the end of the month.

Preview Of Some New ACW Buildings from Pendraken Miniatures

24 Apr 2017

Troup Hurt House from Good Ground LLC


Coming soon to our Between the Lines range of models from Good Ground Miniatures. More 10mm goodness from Mike Randles. I am pleased to present the Troup Hurt Home, which was in the middle for the fighting, literally Between the Lines, during this vicious battle. As always, this model will work well in 10mm or 15mm, as it is a rather large building. More to come on release dates for this great piece.

Good Ground LLC

10mm ECW Artillery from Lancer Miniatures

An update from Lancer Miniatures Kickstarter the Artillery piece, as you can see it's a biggie.

10mm ECW Artillery from Lancer Miniatures

Kickstarter
Lancer Miniatures

European Terrace Ruin from Battlescale Wargame Buildings

Another addition to our European buildings range, this piece is ideal for most 20th Century European conflicts.

European Terrace Ruin

European Terrace Ruin

Dimensions:

Length: 90mm

Width: 40mm

Height: 60mm (to roof apex)

Supplied unpainted.

Battlescale Wargame Buildings

19 Apr 2017

New Napoleonic Flags from Pendraken Miniatures

In between packaging stock, prepping orders, and cramming it all in the van, we've managed to get some last minute releases ready for Salute!

With our expanding Napoleonic ranges we've been wanting to add some new flag sheets for some time, so we turned to the talented Tony Hughes to help us out!  This first lot covers the Austrians, Brits, French, Prussians and Russians, with some other nations planned for the future.

Napoleonic Flags

PNFL501   1792 Austrian

PNFL501   1792 Austrian

PNFL502   1806 Austrian

PNFL502   1806 Austrian

PNFL503   1815 British, type 1

PNFL503   1815 British, type 1

PNFL504   1815 British, type 2

PNFL504   1815 British, type 2

PNFL505   1815 British, type 3

PNFL505   1815 British, type 3

PNFL506   1804 French

PNFL506   1804 French

PNFL507   1815 French

PNFL507   1815 French

PNFL508   1808 Prussian, type 1

PNFL508   1808 Prussian, type 1

PNFL509   1808 Prussian, type 1

PNFL509   1808 Prussian, type 1

PNFL510   Prussian Landwehr

PNFL510   Prussian Landwehr

PNFL511   1803 Russian, type 1

PNFL511   1803 Russian, type 1

PNFL512   1803 Russian, type 2

PNFL512   1803 Russian, type 2

PNFL513   1803 Russian, type 3

PNFL513   1803 Russian, type 3

All priced at £2.50 per sheet

We hope you like them!

Forum Discussion
Pendraken Miniatures

Scorpion Warstrider for Salute 2017

With only a few days until Salute 2017, we wanted to show a few of the exciting new things that we will have at this year’s show, including the new Show-Only model for Dropzone Commander and our first official Show-Only model for Dropfleet Commander.

For Dropzone Commander, we have the Scorpion Warstrider, which is a model variant on the Jaguar Warstrider for the Shaltari, the rules for which can be found in the Core Dropzone Commander Rulebook. This variant has 4 legs making it very different in looks from its Jaguar relative.

Scorpion Warstrider for Salute 2017