Gone To See The Elephant: Miniatures War Game Rules for the Mexican-American War, 1846-48

A fully dedicated set of rules for one of the most remarkable conflicts of the 19th Century, and one with consequences still felt to this day. GTSTE is a 1:20 scale set of rules that will allow players to experience the tactics and weapons of this war as no other rules set has. Using the basic game system of John Company , the game emphasizes Leadership, Resolve, Physical and Psychological condition of the troops, and even reflects political influences as well.

Now in development, we hope to be ready sometime by late this Summer. Look for progress and play testing reports o be posted here at TVAG, and/or on the Yahoo! Mexican War Group.

Projected Release: Summer, 2013

Little Campaigns

The long in development "sequel" to Padre Paul Wright's Funny Little Wars , this will be the full campaign rules. While primarily covering the same fin de siecle era of FLW, the new book will also have ideas and systems that will support a wide range of periods and preferred figure scales.

It will come with printed sheets of map counters representing the many different troop types and support units, as well as a full color Campaign Map, blank map forms, special record sheets, and more to allow players quickly to create their own campaigns with a minimum of record keeping.

New rules for new weapons will be included, plus more information about the era in which the hobby's spiritual founder, Mr. HG Wells, lived and created.

Written by the Padre with the same wit and love for toy soldiers and yard games as the original volume, Little Campaigns will be another of those books you will read again and again as your own collections and ambitions grow.

Projected Release: Spring, 2013

19th Century Chinese Flags Collection!

The newest additions now available are the first of the Boxer Rebellion Flags. With the same attention to artistry and historical accuracy, these represent the finest of their kind ever provided for war gaming.

The Tai-P'ing Rebellion Sets were the first of the line be released, and now there are five new Sets of Dragon Flags and Banners for Wangs and Generals. Taken together with the flags of the "Imitation Foreign Devils," this part of the Collection is complete--for now!

The next additions will be the huge Imperial collection for the Manchu's as they fought throughout the century.

Watch for them!

Next Projected Release: Manchu/Qing Flags, PENDING!

A total now of 18 Sets have already been released and many more are in development. Among those in the works are the Egyptian Tomb, Mad Scientist's Lab, Haunted House, The Crypt, Evil Mastermind's Submarine, and more.

"Mean Sets" will eventually provide a great many other "traditional" Sets associated with Pulp Adventure and Horror.

Next Projected Release: Whenever I get the chance to add more!

Funny Little Warriors
Specifically designed by Chris Ferree, an entire line of "true" 54mm sculpts in support of Padre Paul Wright's Funny Little Wars and the coming Little Campaigns. The first castings are already available, but many more are in the pipe.

Most notably, perhaps, are the 54mm Japanese Infantry for the period of the Russo-Japanese War. The infantry will be first with three poses and their Command figures (Officer, Bugler, Color Bearer). Next will be their Cavalry, in mounted and dismounted poses with command, Artillery Crew, Naval Infantry and Officers, and mounted Senior Officers and Staff. These will be professionally cast and will be the first such figures for 54mm Collectors and Gamers ever.

More products are in the wings as well, including more card stock buildings for Funny Little Homes more additions to Funny Little Flags , and accessories of several kinds for what must be called "Funny Little... STUFF" since there is such a variety. Card stock Crates for rifles and ammunition, artillery shells, hospital supplies, and soon rolling stock in the way of wagons, carts, field kitchens, and other items impossible to find--or ludicrously expensive if you do!

In the past "cops and robbers" games attempted to treat the subject like a war game. The true nature of these conflicts is that there were very few battles and very poor "generals" and a highly inefficient leadership. Engagements were at the whim of fortune, and panic more often ruled the day than planning and operational expertise.

Characters are highly individualized, their actions and reactions equally dictated by blind luck and personal "rep" as much--or more--than intent. Play is simple, deadly and effected by psychology and personality. Rules include not just gunplay, but detailed (but playable) car chases, the moral effects of such things as police sirens, mob panic, and character "presence," as well as unforeseen circumstance. Further, Civilians play a crucial--if unwitting and involuntary--part as well! Heaven help the Gangster--or Cop!--who "drills" a citizen instead!

Play is also linked to Mean Streets (already available from TVAG), the highly detailed 28mm scale card stock City project, to provide the crucial and heretofore ignored geography of urban violence.

So, grab your "gat!" It's time for a torpedo like you to take goons what don't know how to cooperate for a one way ride. Just put 'em on ice before somebody yells, "Cheezit, the Cops!"

Projected release: PENDING!

Further, models will now be duplicated in both 25mm and 15mm scales. At least three basic Hull types will be provided (Wooden, "Protected," and Armored), as well as in Screw Driven, Side-wheeler, and Sternwheeler configurations. To see the first releases, visit the Send A Gunboat Page for existing models and details.

Side Wheelers and Screw Driven designs, plus a new Junk and and four Prahu's have been completed and will go up as soon as their photos are ready!

Projected Next Release: Pending!

FAVORITE LINKS
to war gaming and history sites on the web