Continuing with the thematic approach established with issue one, the second issue of Time On Target focuses on the actions of the German 2nd Marine Division against the best part of two British Corps during two weeks of April 1945

Although these actions rarely merit little more than a few words in most writings on the last days of the Third Reich, the book No Triumphant Procession gives a detailed account of them, and ToT editor Mark Neukom draws heavily on it to produce twenty scenarios that span the entire two week battle.

The majority of the scenarios are tournament sized, although there is one mini-CG that uses the KGP I maps. Most are straight forward infantry/armour/OBA-type scenarios, although there are a couple of night actions and a river crossing - the latter one of two scenarios featuring Hungarian troops opposing the British! A couple of the scenarios also make use of boards 42 and 43, which gives you a good excuse to go out and buy them. All look interesting to play, an amazing feat considering how many there are.

Design notes and playtester comments are included for all the scenarios, while for those unfamiliar with the actions of the German 2nd Marines, Mark includes a brief overview of the battles, which helps to set the operational picture. Anyone wanting further information on the battles is directed towards No Triumphant Porcession, which is also reviewed.

There are a couple of new rules introduced, covering SS replacement, the German Marines, bayonet charges, hasty roadblocks, and Tree Nurseries, but none of them are too involved.

A sheet of full-colour Railway Embankment overlays are also included, which match those from AH except for their matt finish. For those who dislike overlays, Mark offers some advice on affixing them to help players overcome their phobia.

The 32 (mounted) counters are also as good as anything from AH. I could nit pick, and say that they are a tad thinner than the AH counters, but when they are in action together on a board, there is no telling them apart. Most of the counters are OP tanks or heavy German AA Guns, although the early model RAM Kangaroo and the Puppchen (an AT Gun developed from the Panzerschreck) are included. Full Chapter H notes are also included for the new vehicles and ordnance (the OP tanks tend to have different values to their ASL counter-parts).

The issue is rounded off with an article on the dangers of Desperation penalties when using LATW from within buildings, and an interview with up-and-coming ASL map artist Don Petros. This contains some helpful information for all you prospective mapboard designers out there.

With this issue, Mark Neukom and co. have excelled themselves, and set the standard for all amateur ASL products to aim for. It is more than worth the cost (£15 including postage) and thanks to a bulk buy by Neil Stevens can be obtained direct from him, saving on the hassle of dealing with foreign money orders. Neil also had a limited stock of issue one (the Bulge special) remaining for £9. Contact him at 4 Monkton Down Road, Blandford Camp, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8AE.