Here's a very simplistic explanation to the frequently asked question, "Why is it called "Garden Wargaming?"

For more than thirty years, model railroaders have been building and operating large scale trains outside in their gardens. No one knows exactly when they were first actually called "Garden Railways," but the name stuck. Today when someone mentions "Garden Railroads" we usually think of G-scale (1:22.5) popularized by the German model train manufacturer, LGB.

Interestingly, H.G.Wells (the great science fiction writer - "War of the Worlds") proposed "Garden Wargaming" almost one hundred years ago. His large scale figures were made by the British firm, W.Britain. Britain's Toy Soldiers were 54mm (1:32) and made of metal. The Toy Soldiers of William Hocker have kept this great tradition alive with a magnificent offering of beautiful figures and accessories for the discriminate collector.

Today, large scale toy soldiers are made of durable plastic which is much better suited to the wear and tear of the garden. The most popular G-scale manufacturer of toy soldiers is Horst Brandstätter's outstanding German company, Playmobil.

Playmobil makes wonderful firing cannon, dismountable cavalry, wagons and just about everything else needed to recruit and assemble a splendid miniature army. For the Garden Wargamer who wants to customize his or her own army, Playmobil figures also lend themselves well to conversion and original home manufacture.

Yes, Mr.Wells said that Garden Wargaming was also a sport for girls and women of the better sort. So, grab your partner and head for the garden for a different kind of competitive outdoor activity, Garden Wargaming!