Here is the new map sample for the week.

Click on the map to see a larger view.

The work on reconstructing the maps is going well and much faster than the original layout. While we are waiting to finish these, we wanted to share more of the map views. We’ll post one or two of these each weekend. The first of these is a look at the Stalingrad area.

Click on the map to see a larger view.

We have software problem(s). GRD and then HMS have used some very old graphic software for a number of years. We knew we were past the lifespan for the version we were using and with the decision to combine the quarter maps into full size, the old Mac we used refused to move beyond a slow crawl. This was solved by upgrading the processor and memory. The upgrade worked well but included a new OS and needed to use a newer (still old) graphics software version.

This appeared to work well and the maps were polished using the new version of the software. Concerned about the color shades for the maps and the combining of the quarter maps, we had a single map proof done locally. The results were not good. It appears as if the use of the old and newer version of the graphics package has corrupted the finished map files. For the past few days, we have consulted with several Adobe graphic artists and a local graphics software engineer. While they may come up with a way to remove the corrupted portions of the files, we started looking at and working on a worst case solution.

Most of the work on the maps is the research and placement of the map features. These are still available in our earlier version. To reenter these will take a approximately four weeks before we turn them over to the printers. That will then start their time needed. We will keep you informed as to whether a faster solution is possible. The counters and boxes are not affected by this problem. We apologize for what is certainly our mistake and will do everything we can to avoid losing any more time. At this point, Christmas is more likely than Thanksgiving for TW.

We received a commitment today from the printers that they will have the Total War boxes, maps and counters printed and on the truck the week of November 15th. All of us had hoped to have these earlier but we are happy to have a firm slot and can begin to organize for the unloading, packing and mailing.

We have held back announcing a print date until we had a confident commitment from the printer. Originally, the counters and boxes would come earlier with the full size maps to follow. We will give you updates on the progress and mail out dates as we can confirm them. Given the large number of orders placed for the game, it will take some time to mail them all. Confirmed addresses go out first so if you have not updated your address, you still have time.

We are pleased to confirm that the price for one set of the flat (unfolded) Total War maps will be $25. This is a special price and will be good only for orders placed by October 31st 2010. The flat map sets ordered by October 31st will be sent at the same point that the games are shipped. The normal cost for map sets will be $12 per map/$72 for set or $8 for map/$48 for set for Europa Association members after the normal 33% discount. This special price at $25 per map set is approximately 50% or more off normal price. A small way of saying thank you for your patience.

Options for unfolded maps are listed below. Note: All prices quoted below are in US dollars.

No Folds Option #1: Already have one or two copies of Total War on order and want to have the map set(s) from that game (or games) sent rolled up (no folds/creases) in a separate triangular tube via US Post Office Priority Mail. Note that this means your maps would ship in one package and the rest of the game (or games) in another package. Additional cost beyond that you have already paid for the game would be—note that the cost is the same regardless of whether this is for one or two sets of maps to be send unfolded:
Sent to an address in the USA: $20 ($0 for already paid for maps + $20 shipping/handling)
Sent to an address in Canada: $30 ($0 for already paid for maps + $30 shipping/handling)
Sent to an address outside of USA/Canada: $40 ($0 for already paid for maps + $40 s/h)

No Folds Option #2: Purchase a set of Total War maps in addition to the folded set in the game and have the unfolded map set sent rolled up (no folds/creases) in a triangular tube via US Post Office Priority Mail.
Sent to an address in the USA: $45 ($25 for one map set + $20 shipping/handling)
Sent to an address in Canada: $55 ($25 for one map set + $30 shipping/handling)
Sent to an address outside of USA/Canada: $65 ($25 for one map set + $40 s/h)

No Folds Option #3: Purchase two sets of Total War maps separate from any game and have both map sets sent rolled up (no folds/creases) in a single triangular tube via US Post Office Priority Mail.
Sent to an address in the USA: $70 ($50 for two map sets + $20 shipping/handling)
Sent to an address in Canada: $80 ($50 for two map sets + $30 shipping/handling)
Sent to an address outside of USA/Canada: $90 ($50 for two map sets + $40 s/h)

Special Note: If you want three or more Total War map sets sent unfolded ask for a quote as this incurs additional costs due to increased weight. Similarly, if you must have delivery in the USA via UPS (United Parcel Service) instead of via US Post Office ask for a quote as the cost for delivery via UPS will often be a lot higher.

Orders for the above may be placed

By phone:
800-236-7442
303-377-6255 (Gar)
303-344-5301 (Arthur)
By e-mail:
garolmsted@earthlink.net
arthurgoodwin@netscape.com
By PayPal:
Our merchant name for PayPal is “Historical Military Services, Inc (HMS/GRD)” and ourassociated e-mail address there is arthurgoodwin@netscape.com.
By regular mail:
HMS/GRD
540 S Forest St #G
Denver, CO 80246
United States of America

Total War is getting much closer. We have signed off (and paid for) the counters and boxes. We have not received proof sheets for the map changes but we are expecting those soon. Once the proofs have been approved, we will receive a production date from the printers and can schedule shipping of the components here to Denver. We will let you know as soon as we know.

We Need Your House . . number that is. We are updating our preorder and TEM subscriber address file in preparation for mailing Total War and TEM 88. Due to new U.S. Postal regulations, bad addresses will be very costly for us and for our customers. We will have to pay full shipping to recover games or magazines sent to a bad address. That will have to be passed back to the customer. Please send us your current address, even if you have not preordered or subscribed. For those who have, we will be mailing preorders first to those who have updated their addresses recently. If we send a game or magazine to your old address and have not received your new location, we will be sending you that charge before we can remail the game or magazine. Please take a minute and e-mail or send your current address to HMS at the addresses below.

For those who are interested in receiving unfolded maps with your preorder, please indicate that when you send us your address. We will let you know by e-mail or post what the additional cost will be to substitute the flat maps for the folded set that comes with the game or to add an unfolded set to the preorder. This is not the only chance to order unfolded maps but it will be the least expensive.

We have asked that the final proofs be done on the same paper the maps will be printed on. This will allow us to accurately [[assess the final weight and thus]] predict the mailing cost and whether the shipping containers we would like to use will cause problems.

For those who wanted to wait until the last minute to order, this is the time. You won’t get the great preorder price but you can still get the bonus 1939 to 1942 Soviet OB and die-cut counters. Call 800 236-7442 to order.

E-mail your address and map interest to:

garolmsted@earthlink.net or ArthurGoodwin@netscape.com

or mail your address and interest in unfolded maps to:

Historical Military Services

c/o Gar Olmsted
540 S. Forest St. #G
Denver, CO 80246

or if your computer is down and stamps won’t stick, call us at: 303 377-6255