TOY 173

StOoyLDIERThe World’s No. 1 Magazine for Collectors of All Stripeswww.toy-soldier.com MODEL FIGUREPRESCOTTAT BUNKER HILL “Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes!”$8.50/£4.95 in this issue WINHOKAIOCNDWGFSGRXEONM. • Special Section: Musicians in Miniature • Creative Displays With a Musical Note •Collecting Toy Soldier Bands • Painting Your Very First Figure: The Preparation 10 •Crown Military Miniatures Profile •Drums Along the Mohawk • Alexander the Great •WWII German Big Cats • 1/6th-Scale WWI British Tommy • Jacobite Rebellion Plastics 9 771359 742033 NEW CONTEST:OCTOTYOSBOLEDRIER2:O0C1TO2B-ERissue 173

Your one-stop shop. TTooyyssooldldieierrss--nneewwoorrooldld,,pplalasstticicoorrmmeettaal,l,aasssseemmbbleleddoorrkkitit.. RRaarreeffiinnddssffrroommsshhoowwss&&ttrraaddeess. .FFininisishhininggssuupppplileiess,,ddioiorraammaa&&sscceenneerryyaacccceessssoorrieiess,,mmiliiltitaarryybbooookkss&&mmaaggaazzinineess. ..ASKAKSSAKeiuneeitiuusnngttstsggrtt&arr&&aaliCllaiiCCaaonoonnuMuunMMnntarttaacyrr$cchyy$$8h#hi8#n8#9iiAnn99e.AA0eLe..G0L0L00GG00003u33uu2n22nn iCFnCiFiFCionnrgiioosrrngg-stsnnf--ttGeLffGGeLeLedeededgeeetggteeitroyttairiroyoysanatsbsnenttbbe#euI##uunrAIIgnrnrAAfgCgaffCCaaWnWWnnt$0rtt$$50y0rr555,yy9555,,99F.559FFi..r99i5i-rr55-- CWSWSCWSCelaeWeltlaaWsWtt#ssI##IsisII1cIIiiG1c1cGGTeoTTeerooymrryymmSaSSoaanoolnndllMddiMMeiieeereedsrrdsdsiCcii$CCcTca$$1TaTSal11SS1l9lT19197eTT.97e7e.4a.994a54aam55amam “KSK“K“TiSStnTThiiattnnhghaaleigglelneii&Bnn,&&BB,i,CgCiiCChggCCohh3uoou33uu”ruuc”nr”rch-cnnth-h-irRttliylirRrRollylylooo#$o#o#s$$D1essDD1e1ev5Dvev5D5D91eel99t1.1ll0,0tt..00,,06006600 WWWmCmmBCCr.BBrerr..BirerewgBiBirwwggairrta#aidiatt##ddaea2inee22ii7nGns77G0Gssa0B03aatBB3r38lttirir88ltlniiiiittnnsg$iishgs$g$1hhG112NGG2u2NN0auu0n0.aavn0n..vva0&00aa&l&00ll CNWCNWWNCoomooool.mmo1ll...oo1n1..BnniBBariiaairlrtiillMattMaMainiiilnniislltsisiit#taii##aa1D118DDr880$urr0$0$u5u3m5353m0m4040m4.m0m..0e00eer00rr FmHmHFmHFiogeiiooggteaencttaanrncchtr(rhhirtt(k(oirirk#kioos#c#iisEsccksEsETkke3TTGee33t9GG)tt99-H))0--HH007$w7$7$1w7w1/1797//9C9W9CCWW9a9.0aua.p.00uup0prt0f0rruttrffuurarreraraheedhh-dd--CCCohohohfeffeecocckooukkuuroarrofoauawnoffuuwntwndeoortdtdeetbrrothtbtbosoutrthhessiuuurrrteeiiururetl‘tSyRele‘l‘SSyUyRfRauUUoffaarPuunoorerPrPEnnbrreeEHERbbaeHHRRaaeaenlSaiarnlnldSeSAiidrrddeevAAddLR-vavLRL-ER-etaabEEeotettbbslooit-tesesrlli-i-FeeeerercdFFieedcctnddieiddit’ntndeeaoi’i’ddsaoaonlisesstnlnl,iiesescett,,cecetmitmtmosiioosns, n,n,FFFrrereeeeeSSShhhipiipppppiniinnggg!!! AAssttoorree,,aawweebbssiittee,,aattrraavveellliinnggsshhooww!!!ooonnnaaallllllooordrrddeeersrrss$$$111000000ooorrrmmmooorerree(d((ddooommmeeesstsittciicc, ,, MOMMOOUaaUaUlRdllRRddeSeenSSTnn,TTO,,MOORMMRRASEASASEEt:ontt::OononWreOOeWreWrueaeeueuaarrHee’rrrrHH7tr’o’eh7tr7tr,oou0eheh,,eu0ju00reeujjs0rO0ruu0ss:sOO00stsr::MstatrrM1Msqsaan11qoq0.nngoo00.nf.ggmtenfnf-.mtmeteS--..LisSSanLiLiistsananntuioittnnttueouo1treeee1tr1tr0Meeees00MM-isss6-a-niis6s6ana,nllodo,,lllolTodrdooecTThtrrececanhhthtuanahnhtuurCeottsrCreoCeodefssddeufefnBauunnnBtBaoatnentttoottseeir3ttlstsir3ir33oltlt8‘33oo8nT8‘p‘EnTnT’p,pEEmx’’,,(mxomxcs((oc,ochfsus,,hfhSfuaubffSSaauRnbbwuRunRnnogwwnonoggaue1aauyueet112Syy)ett2S2S)e)t-es5rIt-t-sts-e5rI5rIpo9tt--eeepo9po9mp3eetmp3mp3,..tt,..,..uuunnntittliillfuffuurtrrhtthheeer rrnnnoootittciicceee) )) OOOnnnlilPlniiPPhnnehhoee:oon::wnnHewwHHeesowsoswowbawbbaabrwwe.brbryhe.e.yyhhmoBmmooBBbuabbuubaannbbnnnnyknyykbknenebbeeureed,ururdnd,,InfnnkIIrffnnkkecorrececo.rom,..r.rmcm,.,.3cco3393oom9933:mm3E::33EE0x00xxc-6cch--66hh:a3::aan330nng00,gBgeB,,MBBeeBByMMySyyyoySStmooPBrnttmmPBePBrnrnhy-aeeeTFhhy-y-aaoeTeiFTtFrOfoloi,iitrtOrnOfa:f,ll,i,inMna:a:,,PexSSMMPPexSexSSSLe:a:aLeL:ae:A:a:ntaa11lAndAntt111ld1lC-1-ddde7d7C-C1--1-0Ee77ye77n8800EE-yynon8888,1A16--oo,u1A,11A16M6--,Nuu33Mr-M---,N,NS333r3rA22oSSOuA2A222o11oOOurun0R1111dr--rn0n0RRd882d--D--e1882882DD881ee1r12E881881r654r2E2Et-R654564o6558t-tR-R:o5658o6558::

m i l i ta ry y m i n i at u r e s

inside this edition 12 FIGURE OF THE MONTH..................................................5 60 READERS: FIRE BACK! .......................................................6 OPENING VOLLEY..............................................................8 toy soldier showcase CROWN MILITARY MINIATURES..................................12 NEW METAL SHOWCASE...........40 SPECIAL SECTION: Musicians in Miniature CREATIVE DISPLAYS WITH  Editor Stuart A. Hessney’s reviews cut A MUSICAL NOTE........................................................ 20 a wide swath through history, from the PAINTING YOUR VERY FIRST ancient conquests of Alexander the Great FIGURE:THE PREPARATION................................... 26 to the medieval Crusades, the American COLLECTING TOY SOLDIER BANDS..................... 32 Revolutionary War, the Napoleonic Wars, CENTERFOLD......................................................... 38-39 World War I and World War II. KIT KORNER.......................................................................58 PLASTIC PARADE........................52 DRUMS ALONG THE MOHAWK....................................60 BOOK REVIEWS.................................................................66 Len Cooksey covers Jacobite Rebellion PRIZE EXERCISE................................................................70 personality figures and combatants from the Win a figure of Confederate Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood 19th-century Mahdist Wars. made by King & Country Ltd. exclusively for its Kings X Toy Soldiers shop in San Antonio, Texas, USA. 1/6TH ARMY..................................54 CALENDAR..........................................................................74 Scott J. Dummitt lines up a British40 infantryman of the Great War for inspection 26 54 along with complementary accessories. 20bringing you this issueStuart A. Hessney Alison Smith Kelly Rud Sara Vix EDITOR DESIGN DIRECTOR Sales & Marketing4 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

from the editorPUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Welcome to TS&MF, the world’s No. 1Ashdown Ltd. magazine for collectors of all stripes!Unit 5EPark Farm This month it’s time to strike up the band for a special section with aChichester Road “Musicians in Miniature”theme. Much as I would’ve liked to, I couldn’tArundel, West Sussex incorporate an actual soundtrack into this edition. Instead I suggestEngland, U.K. BN18 9EY playing your favorite military music CD, jazz, big band sounds orTel: 01903 884988 perhaps the Beatles to get in the mood for some great reading.Fax: 01903 885514US OFFICE: Kicking things off is an article titled “Creative Displays WithAshdown Inc. a Musical Note” by James H. Hillestad. English poet William68132 250th Ave. Cowper once wrote, “Variety is the spice of life.” Jim applies that dictum to enhancing displaysKasson, MN 55944 with musicians at his Toy Soldier Museum in Cresco, Pa., USA. He concentrates on showingToll-Free: 1-866-606-6587 how civilian musical groupings can bring unexpected visual interest to a collection.Fax: (507) 634-7691 I can personally sing the praises of my fellow collector and friend Keith Nairn-Munro’swww.toy-soldier.com talent for figure painting because he has graciously tackled various castings for me through the years and produced stunning results. Now the Scotsman is sharing his expertise with theEDITOR: world in “Painting Your Very First Figure: The Preparation.” In keeping with the musicalStuart A. Hessney theme, Keith uses a British Foot Guards saxophonist casting from Dorset Soldiers as [email protected] example to help encourage novices to get started. He’ll be back in the future with more DIYSALES & MARKETING: advice on painting steps in a follow-up article.Sara [email protected] In “Collecting Toy Soldier Bands,” former British Army pipe major John Allan outlinesDESIGN: how he became captivated with collecting miniature musicians. He graciously shares a peek atAlison Smith his impressive collection.CONTRIBUTORS:John Allan, Clyde Cocke, Len Even this month’s Centerfold gets into the musical special section act thanks to a photo ofCooksey, Scott J. Dummitt, Bill an Irish Guards pipe band provided by U.S. collector Clyde Cocke and photographer EileneEbensperger, Hayden Hammersmith, Harkless Moore.  Eilene Harkless Moore, James H.Hillestad, Keith Nairn-Munro and But wait, there’s even more! Sally J. Needle Hayden Hammersmith profiles Crown Military Miniatures proprietor Nicholas Cameron and the American dealer’s yeoman efforts to showcase military miniatures with dioramasSUBSCRIPTION MANAGERS: and scenic items. Nicholas has even started producing his own line of buildings starting withU.S.: Kelly Rud/ barracks and hangars. [email protected] In “Drums Along the Mohawk,” yours truly chronicles how the little-known Battle ofU.K.: [email protected] Johnstown climaxed the American Revolutionary War while marking the end of dramatic,ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES: divisive and destructive local strife with the death of Tory Rangers leader Walter N. Butler.U.K.: £69 On a sad note, this is the last month at the helm of Kit Korner for Bill Ebensperger, whoU.S.: $110 wants to devote more time to painting all the figures he has amassed. I suppose (kind ofCanada: $121 jealously) who can blame him. But he has done fantastic work and will be truly missed!Europe: $114 As I write this overture to this musician-themed edition, Great Britain as a whole andRest of World: $119 London in particular is still basking in the glow of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and(U.S. funds only) getting ready to open the Olympic Games July 27, 2012. Let’s hope the television spotlightoctober 2012 shining so brightly on Britain’s history, traditions and attractions, not to mention the boost to U.K. tourism, pulls the trigger on some new recruits discovering the wonders and joys of thePostmaster: Send address corrections toy soldier and model figure hobby.to Toy Soldier & Model Figure, In the meantime, there’s lots more in store in this issue as usual, so please start turning theAshdown Inc., 68132 250th Ave. pages, enjoy and, as always, happy collecting! Kasson, MN 55944 2nd Class PostagePaid. Canada Post International Stuart A. Hessney, editorPublications Mail - Sales AgreementNo. 546038. All rights reserved. figure of the monthReproduction in whole or partwithout the written permission of the The honors go to W. Britain’s new figure of Americanpublisher is prohibited. All editorial Revolutionary War Col. William Prescott. As British regularscontributions in the form of articles, prepared to launch an assault during the Battle of Bunker Hill,letters and photographs (b/w or Prescott reportedly advised his Colonial militiamen to makecolour print or transparencies) are every shot count by saying, “Do not fire until you see the whiteswelcomed by Toy Soldier but cannot of their eyes!”Well shoot, this figure was an immediate hit in thebe returned unless accompanied by whites of my eyes, and it has a unique link to the manufacturer.a stamped addressed envelope. All Please read my review elsewhere in this edition to find out why.material submitted to the magazine isaccepted on the basis that copyrightin the work will be vested in thePublisher who assumes all rightsworld-wide, in all forms and media.In any event the publisher canaccept no responsibility for lossor damage to contributions.© TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 5

FIRE BACK! n Win a prize by sending in aYOUR LETTERS letter on anything concerning the Sound off about the hobby or magazine toy soldier and model figure hobby. Each month a special surprise gift will be awarded to the Star Letter writer!CROQUET ARTICLE WAS NOT A ‘CROCK’   the mundane to the truly spectacular and officers’ club in British India to boot.Dear Editor: eclectic, would I? Croquet sets certainly aren’t my cup ofLaughing to myself right now, I wishsomehow I could get away with saying it I enjoyed the article by James H. tea. But who knew anyone ever even madewas a “crock!” Instead what I really think Hillestad because he managed to concisely them? That’s why I got such a big kick outis that the “Croquet Anyone?” article in cover the history of croquet and relate it of Mr. Hillestad’s article. It’s also why ITS&MF issue 171 was delightful. to our hobby with examples from his own look forward to seeing what pops up from collection. I am simply amazed at how fellow collectors in TS&MF every month. Frankly, I have absolutely zero he came up with four different 54-mminterest in the actual lawn game. But I vignettes featuring painted metal figures One of these days I must find a way towouldn’t be reading TS&MF if I wasn’t playing croquet, with scenes from an make the pilgrimage to visit the U.S. writer’sfascinated with toy figures ranging from Toy Soldier Museum in Pennsylvania. If Mr. Hillestad has so many different offbeatBEING SQUEAMISH WHEN COLLECTING croquet sets, what an amazing Aladdin’s Cave his museum must be!Dear Editor: 20076) and “Mahdist Wounded No. 1”How times change! (ref. 27026). Bruno Perry Detroit I have always enjoyed the World Thank goodness there’s no limbsWar II D-Day film “The Longest missing on any of them nor any sign Mich., USADay” with good old John Wayne and of blood. Am I being squeamish in my  company. It’s what I call entertainment. collecting hobby?    But the years go by and out Please W. Britain don’t go thecomes “Saving Private Ryan.” Oh my way of the filmmakers by giving us ROMAN SHIELDSgoodness! I couldn’t watch it after the all the blood and gore. Please keep it ARTICLE LAUDEDfirst 20 minutes. Arms and legs get entertaining. Those collectors who areblown off and there’s a man lying on into that sort of thing can always use a  the beach with his insides hanging out. junior hacksaw and some red paint. Dear Editor: I’m not much for words, but I feel I know, what’s this got to do with Happy collecting! compelled to write a letter of praise abouttoy soldier collecting? Chris Boswell Thor Johnson’s well-written and beautifully illustrated “How to Spot a Roman Legion” Well, I’m into the Anglo-Zulu War Oxford, England, U.K. article in TS&MF issue 171.and the “War Along the Nile Series”  by W. Britain. My latest purchases P.S.: As for First Legion’s ancient I have been interested in ancientwere “British Zulu War 24th Foot “German Warrior With Severed history since childhood thanks to a steadyCasualty No. 1” (ref. 20046), “Zulu Head” (ref. ROM037), yuck! I will give diet of Hollywood movies about theuVe Regiment Wounded No. 1” (ref. it a miss. Trojan Horse, Hercules, the 300 Spartans, Alexander the Great, Spartacus and theright: “Zulu uVe Regiment legions of Rome. I am an avid reader ofWounded No. 1” (ref. 20076) history as well as a longtime collector ofby W. Britain. Anyone feeling metal and plastic ancients by a variety ofsqueamish? manufacturers. LESTTTAERR But it wasn’t until I read Mr. Johnson’s well-researched article that I realized how vital Roman shield styles and markings are to telling legions apart. The point was made brilliantly by the photos of exquisitely made figures from the writer’s own AeroArt St. Petersburg Collection representing various Roman legions’ shield symbolism. Many thanks to Mr. Johnson and TS&MF for providing such an informative article. Rupert Holyoak Boston, Mass., USA6 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

COLLECTOR SEEKS ELASTOLIN INFODear Editor: Lineol toy soldiers at Christmastime in the  I enjoyed Keith Nairn-Munro’s “Elastolin late 1930s. I found that very few of those The Editor Responds: Hausser/ElastolinToy Soldiers” article in TS&MF issue 171. composition figures had survived being in became bankrupt in 1983, according to my a damp cellar when I returned home from research. Preiser bought all the equipment I was given German-made Elastolin and service in the U.S. Navy in the mid-1950s. required for making the plastic figures at the Hausser bankruptcy auction and has continued I started collecting all types of toy production of items such as your acquisitions.  soldiers in the early 1970s. I have quite a few Elastolin figures of both pre-World TS&MF IS ON War II and postwar vintage. FACEBOOK, TWITTER In October 2008, I purchased Have you got something to say to the hobby some plastic Elastolin Luftwaffe and world and you want to say it now?!? Then use Wehrmacht band figures from a toy store your computer mouse to click your way to in Miltenberg, Bavaria, Germany. The Toy Soldier & Model Figure Editor Stuart A. uniforms were pre-WWII types. I think Hessney’s Facebook page and become a “friend” the shopkeeper told me that the Elastolin of the magazine. Enthusiasts can debate views, plastics had been supplied by the Preiser share hobby tips, spread news, post photos, company based in Germany. help each other identify figures, and more. It’s your forum for fun! Also readers can now follow After I got home, I learned that Micro TS&MF on Twitter as we strive to keep collectors Macro Mundo of Miami, Fla., distributes around the globe informed and connected. Preiser products and I bought a 31-piece Wehrmacht band for $450. REFER FRIENDS TO FACEBOOK & WIN PRIZES! This letter is accompanied by photos which show the WWII-style uniforms Are you feeling competitive? Do you like to win and the elimination of the Nazi swastika prizes? Then let’s see how many new fans we on flags. I wonder if an Elastolin expert can bring to TS&MF’s Facebook page! can tell me if Preiser made these soldiers from Elastolin molds or if Elastolin made To join in on the fun, refer friends and family them prior to its bankruptcy? to “like” the Toy Soldier & Model Figure magazine page. Your friend must comment on the pertinent Jonathan T. Walton post that “(your full name) referred me.” Every St. Clair Shores month the person with the most referrals will win Mich., USA a prize! left: WWII-style plastic German troops from the The rules are simple. To keep track of collection of Jonathan T. Walton made by Preiser from your referrals, your friends MUST post in the Elastolin molds. comments section below the post about this particular contest. Please do not post on the Facebook wall to avoid cluttering the page. The friend you refer MUST be a new fan (joined after the start of the contest), not an existing fan. Good luck everyone! CONTACT US We welcome readers’ Fire Back! feedback via e-mail at [email protected]. In addition, letters can be sent via fax to 01903 885514 or mail to Fire Back!, TS&MF, Ashdown Ltd., Unit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester Road, Arundel, West Sussex, England, U.K. BN18 9EY. Letters can also be sent via fax to (507) 634-7691 or mail to Fire Back!, TS&MF, Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN, USA 55944. All correspondence must include your full name, address and daytime telephone number in case verification is needed. Letters may be edited for length or clarity. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication.above: Legionnaires with shields of the Roman Imperial army by The AeroArt St. Petersburg Collection.CONTEST: GET HAPPY IN YOUR HOBBY!To have a chance of winning a prize, enter the monthly “Get Happy in Your Hobby!” contest by submitting onephoto along with a couple of paragraphs relating how the toy soldier and model figure hobby makes you happy.Send your entry to Editor Stuart A. Hessney via e-mail at [email protected] or post it to the TS&MF GetHappy in Your Hobby Contest at either Ashdown Ltd., Unit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester Road, Arundel,West Sussex, England, U.K. BN18 9EY; or Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN, USA 55944.All entries must include your complete contact details. Enter as many times as you like. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 7

VOOPELNLEIYNG n Editor Stuart A. Hessney and latest news from the toy soldier hobby his worldwide team of intrepid correspondents track down the latest news and notes of interest to toy soldier and model figure enthusiasts.FIRST LEGION PLANS VIETNAM WAR SERIES An example of the Vietnam-eraJust as this edition of TS&MF was going opposition from First Legion, whose detailed U.S. soldiersto press, I learned the intriguing news that figures are designed in Russia and produced planned forFirst Legion Ltd. is planning to launch a in China with superb matt finishes. release by FirstVietnam War series. Legion. This brand new series might be an Partner Matt Pavone has confirmed interesting test of collector interest. Why? “Also the Vietnam War is not a periodthe company’s plans to release nine figures Because the controversial war has been that is actively covered by anyone rightrepresenting the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry tackled in the past by other makers, who now, though I’m sure that will change inDivision, nicknamed “Tropic Lightning,” turned out some great products, but less than six months!” Matt mused.for starters. The 60-mm military reportedly experienced disappointingminiatures will replicate how the real sales results. Regardless, the folks at First “Plus, these are figures we want forsoldiers would have appeared at around Legion seem completely undaunted. ourselves, and every once in a while wethe time the Viet Cong launched the Tet make some figures that we want irrespectiveOffensive Jan. 30, 1968. “We have made many figures over of commercial considerations,” he related. the past few years that other companies Starting with a deployment in 1963, won’t touch -- Westphalian Jaegers and This writer hopes to be able to follow-Tropic Lightning was heavily involved Chasseurs, Bavarians, Wurttemberg, up with more details about this Vietnam-throughout the U.S. phase of the conflict, Austrians, Prussians, Polish, Brunswick, era range in a review next month infrom Iron Triangle operations to thrusts the Renaissance -- the list goes on and TS&MF issue 174.aimed at enemy sanctuaries in Cambodia. on,” Matt said.The division played a crucial role in --Stuart A. Hessney   defending South Vietnam’s capital of Saigon “I can’t speak about other companiesduring the Tet Offensive and it fought in a and how they measure success versusnumber of the war’s toughest battles. perhaps how we measure success,” he added, “but I believe our Vietnam range The inaugural squad of American troops will succeed simply because of the qualityis expected to be followed by Vietnamese of the figures.”Tropic Lightning troops from First Legion’s new Vietnam War series appear in a jungle terrain setting created by Ken Osen of Hudson & Allen Studio.8 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

BOOK FESTIVAL AT NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM BBC World Leading historians and authors will be on Lett, Mark Urban, Fergal Keane andNews Editor John hand to give talks, sign their books and Janina Struk. chat with visitors during the National Simpson, who Army Museum Book Festival in London. Sunday’s participants are expectedhas reported from This inaugural event is scheduled for 10:30 to include Sir Rodric Braithwaite, a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Patrick Hennessey, Julian Putowski, 30 war zones, is Sept. 8-9, 2012. Mark Dunning, Richard Baxell, Davidamongst the book Loman, Patrick Bishop, Tony Iveson, festival’s lineup of Speakers will cover diverse, British Gareth Glover, Richard van Emden, John Army-themed subjects from across the Simpson and Johnson Beharry, VC. speakers. entire sweep of military history, including the Napoleonic Wars, World Wars I and A standard ticket costs £15 for one II, and modern-day Afghanistan. They day or £25 both days of the weekend will share the background stories and while concession tickets are priced at experiences that inspired their books. £12.50 and £22.50, respectively. Further information can be obtained from the Saturday’s lineup of speakers includes museum on Royal Hospital Road in Terry Crowdy, Col. Stuart Tootal, Col. Chelsea, London. Tim Collins, Peter Caddick-Adams, Sinclair McKay, Michael Smith, Brian --Stuart A. Hessney   MILITARY HISTORY WEEKEND ON AGAIN REAL MILITARY VEHICLES AT MODEL CLUB’S EVENTMilitary History Weekend 2012 has scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Military Vehicle Trust is expectedbeen rescued from cancellation and Saturday, Oct. 13, and 11 a.m. to be the star attraction at the Bognorrescheduled for the weekend of Oct. 13- to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Regis Modelling & Wargaming Society’s14 in historic Williamsburg, Va., USA. Holiday Inn Patriot in Williamsburg. Annual Open Day. Admission remains $5 or free for As reported in TS&MF issue 170, active-duty military personnel The event will be staged from 10 a.m.problems with scheduling conflicts and youths age 16 and under. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, in theand finding a suitable venue led to Organizational duties are being Community Hall, West Meads, Bognorcancellation of the event originally spearheaded by Larry Weindorf. Regis, West Sussex, England.planned for Nov. 2-3, 2012. The event’srevival became possible when a new Also back on is the fourth annual Subject to availability, the Militaryvenue available for organizers’ preferred W. Britain dinner event 6:30 to 9:30 Vehicle Trust of West Sussex is expectedmid-October timeframe for the next p.m. on the Saturday, with a special to display a half-dozen vehicles outside thethree years opened up, according to speaker yet to be announced. The cost main hall, including a World War II jeep,W. Britain General Manager Richard is $55 for W. Britain Collectors Club armored car and ambulance. Show-goersWalker. He established Military members and $60 for non-members, will have a chance to inspect the vehiclesHistory Weekend and his company has and that includes an event exclusive closely, chat with the owners about theirbeen one of its prime sponsors. standard-bearer figure worth $38. restoration projects and take photos for reference in modeling projects. The fourth annual event is now --Stuart A. Hessney    Airfix is graciously providing free modelBALACLAVA BUGLE STOLEN FROM MUSEUM kits for a “Make and Take” event. Club members will be available to help visitors ofA £2,000 reward is being offered for the including a Russian cap badge, relate to all ages work on their models. Wargamingreturn of items stolen from a museum in the Charge of the Light Brigade during and model railway displays will be featuredEngland, including a Russian bugle from the Crimean War. The bugle is decorated at the show along with traders offeringthe Battle of Balaclava. with the double-headed eagle symbol of military miniatures, kits, books and more. Imperial Russia. Authorities have asserted Various items valued at a total of that these items would be virtually Entry to the event will be by donation£16,000 were taken during a break-in worthless without the provenance that to Help for Heroes, which assists woundedat the Redoubt Fortress and Military placed them on the Balaclava battlefield. service personnel.Museum in Eastbourne, Sussex, July 3,2012, according to news reports. Also stolen in the burglary were medals --Stuart A. Hessney that belonged to British Gen. Sir John The brass bugle and other artifacts, Hackett. The World War II hero was WWII vehicles like these from a West Sussex group wounded and captured by the Germans will be displayed at the Bognor Regis Modelling &Be on the lookout for this Crimean War Russian bugle at Arnhem. Still swathed in bandages, Wargaming Society’s Annual Open Day Oct. 27.stolen from a museum in England.     he managed to escape and rejoin the war effort. The reward has been offered by the borough council and Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars Museum Collection, which is housed in the Eastbourne military museum. --Stuart A. Hessney TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 9

New from First Legion - Confederate Firing Lineas well as new Samurai, Roman and Napoleonic figures TEDTOY MINIATURE FEATURES: Monarch Regalia, WBritain, First Legion,John Jenkins, Figarti, Collectors Showcase, del Prado and, of course, Tedtoywww.tedtoy.com 107 W.3rd St. 270-929-2876 Owensboro, KY 42301 www.mmtoysoldiers.com10 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE



dealer/maker profileMCrionwiantuMreilsitaryHayden Hammersmith pens a portrait of Crown proprietor Nicholas Cameron and his yeomanefforts to showcase military miniatures with dioramas and scenic items, including his own productsText: Hayden Hammersmith Photos: Courtesy of Crown Military MiniaturesOne of the great pleasures of toy I’ve seen new dioramas being presented ABOVE: Crown’s new German hangar soldier collecting is watching by Cameron, who hails from Salem, N.H. of the Great War, with figures and planes the many exciting products Plus, I have yet to see the same Crown by John Jenkins Designs.entering the hobby market, occasionally advertisement presented in TS&MF twice. way, every diorama is unique.”  “While we do make custom dioramasfrom unanticipated sources. I cannot In my mind, this has raised the question to order, customizing doesn’t increase therecall another time when such variety and of just how big a calling there is for price,” he noted. “I would just as soon have a new creative project to work on thanquality of toy soldiers and accessories has completed terrain pieces?  simply re-creating the same diorama over and over, which I have done.” been available, and the trend does not Cameron explained, “My feeling is “I think I have made enough First Worldappear to be slowing down.  that all the figures that we sell need to be War Allied airfields to litter the landscape of Western France,” Nicholas mused.Generally most of the emphasis driving presented in a dramatic context, that is to SCARLET SHOW REGULAR the hobby forward is attributed to the say, the correct historical framework, but at Readers who attend toy soldier shows may or may not remember the name “Crown,”manufacturers. But during the past couple a moment of heightened dramatic conflict.”  but they will very likely remember the dioramas the company has created toof years I have watched a new toy soldier “It is a pretty easy thing to do with the showcase the figures and manufacturers that it sells. And show attendees shouldretailer, Crown Military Miniatures, emerge various dynamic ranges we represent,” he certainly remember having seen Cameron in his 19th-century British Colonial scarletwith a certain propensity for display and related. “The figures establish the story, uniform chatting with collectors of every ilk about the historical significance of each ofgenerate a lot of new excitement. not the other way round. For me, the real  pleasure in this hobby is creating newDIORAMAS TELL STORIES  settings for these figures.” Crown Military Miniatures, under the Cameron continued, “We frequentlyproprietorship of American Nicholas part with our show display terrains whenCameron, PhD, can be found on hand they are purchased by insistent collectors,at many toy soldier shows in the United and of course have to create new onesStates and the United Kingdom. In for our presentations. But frankly, I don’taddition, the business is regularly much enjoy making the same thing twice,advertised in TS&MF and elsewhere.  so we usually find a new way of telling theAt every show I’ve attended recently, story with a remake of a diorama. In this12 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

dealer/maker profileABOVE: Battle for Little Round Top, “The figures establish the story, not the other way round.with figures by March Through Times. For me, the real pleasure in this hobby is creating new settings for these figures.”RIGHT: Niena Studio Level 5 mountedknight (top level of paint quality). entering,” Cameron observed. “Perhaps “There are days, especially in the  this is true. But it seems to me that if summer heat, when I don’t much feel likeFAR RIGHT: Niena Studio’s Level 3 we want to encourage new collectors, we donning the red wool jacket for a show,”“Napoleon Crossing the Alps” figure absolutely have to get them excited about Cameron confided. “However, when themodeled after a painting by Jacques-Louis the figures, the history surrounding them, doors open and a young enthusiast --David. and the culture of toy soldier collecting.”  usually the son or daughter of a veteran collector -- asks me about the uniform, itBELOW: First Sudan War (1884-85), “Shows are a great way of doing all of is a great opportunity for me to chat withwith figures by John Jenkins Designs. that, and an opportunity for collectors them about history and the hobby.”  to meet each other, manufacturers andthe conflicts represented in his displays.  dealers!” he enthused. “Everyone in this “The key is to get young people It is without a doubt an enormous labor hobby makes a contribution in this way.”  asking questions, then the door isof love. But perhaps there is more to itthan that.  Cameron asserted, “When I attend a toysoldier show, I don’t want to see figures justsitting in boxes with price tags on them. Tome, a toy soldier show should be more of anevent than a sale. I try to bring somethingspecial to each of the shows that I attendand hope it will be memorable for the manycollectors who look forward to the socialaspects of these gatherings.”  “During the past decade I have heardmany people in the hobby talking about itsdecline and an absence of new collectors TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 13

dealer/maker profileABOVE: WWI German hangar by open for inquisitive minds,” the dealer and Flag Dude, Crown presents figuresCrown, with figures and planes by emphasized. “A well-crafted display and accessories that rarely can be seenJohn Jenkins Designs. will generate a lot of questions, usually elsewhere. Chances are that many collectorsBELOW: Montreal Light Dragoons starting with ‘how much is that?’ But such have not seen these brands unless theycreated by All the King’s Men for a exchanges often culminate in a discussion have seen Crown’s show displays or visitedCanadian museum. The riders are metal of the battle or civilian scene.” Cameron’s business online. and their mounts plastic.BOTTOM: Buildings by Crown form   With that said, Crown has nota WWII British barracks compound. GENERATING EXPOSURE  limited itself to carrying only fringe When asked what distinguishes Crown manufacturers. It currently offers a broad from other retailers, Cameron answered range of figures from larger manufacturers, that his vision for the venture was to help such as John Jenkins Designs and Black develop exposure for some of the lesser- Hawk Toy Soldiers, and it displays every known manufacturers. Given that he’s figure produced by these companies trading on both sides of the pond, he’s in at every show! That must equate to an a position to help smaller manufacturers enormous amount of setup time.  from the United States be seen in the United Kingdom and vice versa.  Nicholas confessed, “The set up and break down of a show is exhausting. I am Cameron began his business by carrying invariably the last one packed up. But my connoisseur-quality figures from Niena feeling is that there are so many terrific Studio of St. Petersburg, Russia. Then he figures that some collectors never have a proceeded to approach some manufacturers chance to see up close or even hear of. As whose figures he admired but thought they a result, I think it is important to get the were not gaining enough exposure.  figures displayed -- hopefully in a context -- to give collectors more options beyond Representing manufacturers such as just two or three well-established brands.” Volk Designs, March Through Times14 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

dealer/maker profileSUPPLIERS SAMPLER  from other Russian manufacturers is that TOP: WWII British barracks compound,“Some of these smaller manufacturers although they are connoisseur figures, with structures by Crown.that we carry are worth mentioning,” the most sculpts are available in five levels of ABOVE: Battle of Chippawa 1814,dealer added. “For instance, Volk Designs paint quality, which means the collector with War of 1812 figures by John Jenkinsproduces hand-made wooden scenic can choose the level that fits within his or Designs.accessories, mostly French and Indian War her budget and still have a great figure.”  and Sudan War buildings, as well as Roman BELOW: Nicholas Cameron at workand medieval siege equipment. These are   on buildings in the Crown workshop.the connoisseur pieces of the accessories CROSSING THE POND  BELOW LEFT: A Japanese samuraiworld, and we carry them exclusively.”  Crown has not limited itself to trading is just one example of Niena Studio’s exclusively in the USA. Cameron recently superb figure painting. “Crown is also the show dealer for took on responsibility as the exclusiveFlag Dude, carrying all its 54-mm flags,” distributor of Black Hawk Toy SoldierCameron said. “While we generally have and March Through Times figures in thea wide assortment of flags in stock, these United Kingdom. He has several othercan be made to order, specific to nation, lines that he’d like to make available toyear, regiment and even battalion. The British collectors. Cameron continuesquality of these flags is astonishing! Not to serve as Niena Studio’s distributor toonly are they carefully researched, each one Europe and North America. is furled naturally with the correct finialsand ribbons for the regiment. They are In collaboration with the Collectorsavailable in both cloth and paper. There Corner store in Newbury, Berkshire,really is no comparable product.”  England, Crown now has a physical shop presence in Great Britain where much of Cameron pointed out, “March Through what is available to U.K. collectors can beTimes has produced great American viewed. A portion of Crown’s online salesCivil War figures re-creating the clash at site is also devoted to figures offered to theGettysburg’s Little Round Top as part ofits History in Miniature series, for whichwe have produced a number of dioramas.They have been covered in TS&MF, butin my opinion they are still a well-keptsecret and worth seeing. Their scale andstyle seems to go well with most otherbrands. Additionally the maker just startedproducing figures in its `American Heroes’range, starting with the Native Americancode talkers of World War II.”  “All the King’s Men is another brandI’m fond of,” the retailer related. “Thesemetal figures started out as unpainted kitsfor 54-mm wargaming. But as the qualityof the sculpts developed, I found that theassembled, painted figures were toy soldierquality at a great price. I now carry themto all the shows.”  “Then there’s Niena Studio,” Cameronnoted. “I think what distinguishes Niena TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 15

dealer/maker profileU.K. market.  hangar, so we have just had it produced.”  ABOVE LEFT: Flag Dude flags are Cameron, who is a former university He explained, “It is a bit of a monster shown with Nicholas Cameron’s own collection of British 71st Regimentprofessor in humanities, left teaching to at 23 by 16 by 7 inches, but I wanted to be soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars madepartner in a private university consultancy. sure that even the largest Jenkins plane fits by King & Country Ltd.Then ultimately he made the move to inside credibly. I also wanted to make such ABOVE: Scarlet-clad Nicholas Cameronwork in toy soldiers full time.  a large model affordable enough to get of Crown with new collector John Igoe into the hands of those who are interested, examining a Jacobite Rebellion figure “Of course I enjoy the design and which is why for a limited time I will offer by John Jenkins at the Dexcon 15display aspects of this business,” he said. the hangar at 50 percent off the retail price wargaming conclave during July 2012“However, mostly it provides me with an with the purchase of any Jenkins plane.”  in Morristown, N.J.opportunity to meet so many enthusiastic BELOW: WWI Allied airfield created bycollectors excited not only about little metal I asked Nicholas what else he has Nicholas Cameron, with a figurefigures, but also all the details of history planned for future releases? He responded and aircraft by John Jenkins Designs.surrounding the conflicts they represent.”  that while he intends to focus on    producing a number of buildings this year, “This is both a visual and tactile hobby” most of the structures will be designed to about the writerhe stressed. “Of course, we all love to see complement figures that he carries. imaginative and well-crafted figures and to Hayden Hammersmith is intriguedpresent them in displays. However, it is a “I planned both the barracks buildings by military history and collects toytactile hobby as well. People want to hold and the hangar because there weren’t any soldiers, with an emphasis on thethe figures and feel their quality. At shows, available anywhere else,” he stated. “When British Empire. The U.S. writer residesI find that this is when a collector decides I plan a model I think about ‘what would in Philadelphia, Pa., where he enjoysif he or she wants to own that piece.” I like as a collector?’ And that is generally eating soft pretzels or cheesesteak what gets produced.”  sandwiches while on lunch breaks from Cameron’s experience in marketing his job in the financial services sectorand promotion is apparent every time I’ve “It is the same with the brands that or at games cheering on his belovedseen a Crown display or product. Nothing I carry,” Cameron continued. “I sell figures NFL Eagles, NHL Flyers, MLBseems to be presented until it is just right. that I would want to own. That is not to Phillies and NBA 76ers. say that there aren’t some great figures out   there that I don’t stock, but I would ratherMAKING SCENIC ITEMS represent and display just a few brandsWhile I have been wowed by Crown’s well than do any of them an injusticepresentation of other manufacturers’ by neglecting to show them all as theyproducts, I am equally impressed to see should be.” Crown enter the manufacturing arenaas the producer of scenic accessories. Cameron also divulged that bothA few months ago, Crown released WWII and Napoleonic structuresbarracks buildings. Now Cameron has are scheduled for later in the year. just released a WWI hangar large enough I look forward to seeing more of theseto accommodate most 54-mm to 60-mm thoughtfully designed and well-executedaircraft of that period currently produced.  models enter the toy soldier market.  “I had originally designed the hangar If readers have not visited the Crownto display the John Jenkins `Knights of the Military Miniatures booth at toy soldierSkies’ range at shows,” Cameron recounted. shows, it is worth having a look. Cameron“But it occurred to me that collectors attends more than 20 shows annually, andof Great War aircraft might actually be his show schedule is posted on the Crowninterested in displaying their pieces with the Website. n16 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE



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Special Section: musicians in miniatureCreative DisplaysWith a Musical Note‘Variety is the spice of life,’ wrote English poet William Cowper, andJames H. Hillestad applies that to enhancing toy figure displays with musiciansText and Photos: James H. HillestadCivilian musical groupings can flavor and interest. And while you’re at it, ELVIS IN VEGAS  bring unexpected interest to a please consider incorporating some related CBG Mignot of France is well-known for collection. They are usually a memorabilia or complementary background its fine range of Napoleonic figures, but itsurprise for anyone viewing the collection material to set off your display.  also has received accolades for its civilian-- especially those who think that “toy offerings. Notables include its colorfulsoldiers” can be military figures only.  The figures highlighted in this article rendition of the “Crazy Horse Saloon” and are from my displays in The Toy Soldier “Lido Girls.”  Including Luciano Pavarotti, Artie Museum located in Cresco, Pa., USA.Shaw, Elton John and the Beatles in your They serve to demonstrate the diversity Then there is an eclectic mix by Petertoy figure displays is like adding a dash of and imagination of some very talented Davis of England, who trades under thesherry to split pea soup! It injects added artists. name of Little Lead Soldiers. His displayRIGHT: Dixieland band by GeorgeDoswell.BELOW RIGHT: “Yellow Submarine”from the Beatles series by Peter Davis.BELOW: Elton John performing“Candle in the Wind” by Peter Davis.BOTTOM: “Keep the Kettle Full” byTrophy.20 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Special Section: musicians in miniature“Including Luciano Pavarotti, Artie Shaw, Elton John and LEFT: Dancing at the Delhi Durbar bythe Beatles in toy figure displays is like adding a dash of Marlborough.sherry to split pea soup! It injects added flavor and interest.” ABOVE: Band of pigs on wheels by Michael Raymer. BELOW LEFT: Operatic Pavarotti performance in miniature by Peter Davis. BELOW: Vignette of John Lennon playing a grand piano produced by Peter Davis. BOTTOM LEFT: Jazz band made by Charles Hall. BOTTOM RIGHT: Jazz performers composed by Charles Hall. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 21

Special Section: musicians in miniatureABOVE: The maker of the canine of Luciano Pavarotti at Alice Tully Hall Showing the range of his imagination,saxophonist in “Playing Wagtime” is is remarkable. For a change of pace, Peter John has also produced a cheerful Santaunknown. created an assortment of sets portraying Claus quartet, minstrels at an EnglishABOVE RIGHT: Musicians from the the iconic Beatles and the one and only town fair and a string ensemble of ladies“Streets of Old Hong Kong” series by “Elvis in Vegas.”  in an Edwardian motif. King & Country Ltd.BELOW: Santa Claus quartet by John Someone I think of as a mentor, the From England’s Phoenix ModelsEden. late Bill Driscoll from Virginia, created comes a Georgian period trio providingBELOW RIGHT: Georgian era drawing a one-off set of Artie Shaw and his background music in a well-appointedroom scene with figures by Phoenix orchestra with vocalist Lena Horne. A drawing room and a Regency period ladyModels. friend of Bill’s, Walter Dineen of Florida, pianist accompanying two male singers.BOTTOM: Salvation Army band in produced a charming clown band -- check Those figures were painted by the veryBritain by Blenheim. out the “drum horse.”  talented G. Huntley Williams.  Additionally my good friend and Blenheim Military Models of England neighbor in Pennsylvania, Martin Ritchie contributed an eye-catching Salvation of U.S. Military Miniatures, created a Army band. Trophy Miniatures of Wales sparkling circus band posed marching. produced Salvation Army musicians as they would appear at Christmastime.   ROMANS & EGYPTIANS    Stepping back in time, there are British PIGS ON WHEELS  maker John Eden’s ancient Romans Introducing a bit of whimsy is Kentucky entertaining in a gladiatorial arena and artist Michael Raymer, with his band of Egyptian musicians playing for the pharaoh.  pigs on wheels. Michael’s work has been22 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Special Section: musicians in miniature“Whatever your persuasion, there are musical figures to LEFT: William Driscoll’s rendition of thegive new depth to your collection. Rather than have rank circa 1941 Artie Shaw Orchestra gets theafter rank of toy soldiers marching in cadence across your crowd dancing.display shelves, break it up with unexpected diversions.” ABOVE: Regency period parlor musical interlude by Phoenix Models. BELOW LEFT: Edwardian ladies ensemble by John Eden. BELOW RIGHT: Band of clowns by Walter Dineen with a “drum horse.” BOTTOM LEFT: Egyptian musicians performing for a pharaoh produced by John Eden. BOTTOM RIGHT: Circus band crafted by Martin Ritchie. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 23

Special Section: musicians in miniatureABOVE: “Lonely Hearts Club Band” featured in Antique Toy World magazine. displays. One takes place in the ImperialBeatles set by Peter Davis. He is known for his artistry in creating Chinese court. The other group is part ofRIGHT: Dancing “Lido Girls” made in fine brass vehicles, using the lost wax the “Streets of Old Hong Kong” seriesFrance by Mignot. process.  and features a gala celebration.   BELOW: Mignot figures portraying jazz No discussion of the unusual England’s Marlborough Militaryperformers in 1920s Paris. in the toy soldier world would be Models, inspired by the festivities of the complete without mentioning the 1903 Delhi Durbar, produced a colorfulABOVE: “Bourbon Street Blues” legendary Charles Hall of Edinburgh, scene of Indian musicians and nativemusicians by George Doswell. Scotland. My collection includes three of dancers. BELOW: The Imperial Chinese court his jazz bands. His meticulous attentionby King & Country Ltd. to dress and realistic animation made him Rounding out the unusual is anRIGHT: Minstrels at a town fair by one of the most sought-after modelers in Old West hoedown at the “LonghornJohn Eden. the 1980s.  Saloon” by Sarum Soldiers of England.  Following Hall’s lead, George Doswell So whatever your persuasion, there of England created two “foot-stomping” are musical figures to give new depth Dixieland band groupings. to your collection. Rather than have rank after rank of toy soldiers marching   in cadence across your display shelves, EXOTIC & UNUSUAL  break it up with unexpected diversions. Exotic places are represented in this tour Your friends and family will be amazed of musical toy figure highlights by Andy by your eclectic imagination, and C. Neilson and company at King & your collection will take on another Country Ltd., with two unique musical dimension. n24 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Special Section: musicians in miniatureABOVE Jazz musicians crafted by LEFT: The somewhat risqueCharles Hall. “Crazy Horse Saloon” by Mignot.TOP RIGHT: Beatles figures by BOTTOM LEFT: Wild WestPeter Davis portraying the British band’s hoedown by Sarum Soldiers.U.S. live TV debut on “The Ed Sullivan BELOW: Roman musicians made byShow” Feb. 9, 1964. John Eden entertain in a gladiatorial arena.BELOW: “Elvis in Vegas” vignette byPeter Davis. get in touch SARUM SOLDIERS Patrick Willis, Martin House Swallowcliffe, SP3 5PF, UK Phone: (44) 1747 871 343 weekends only Web: www.sarumsoldiers.net about the writer James H. Hillestad is the proprietor of The Toy Soldier Museum and shop in Cresco, Pa., USA. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 25

Special Section: musicians in miniaturePainting YourVery First Figure:The PreparationKeith Nairn-Munro offers DIY guidance for getting started onpainting figures by using a Foot Guards saxophonist for an example  Text: Keith Nairn-Munro Photos: Peter FallenThrough the years when I’ve spoken But they learned from their missteps to there will be some trepidation prior to with fellow toy soldier enthusiasts become as good as they are today.  starting. But view it as a darkroom -- it is about embarking on painting only scary until you turn on the light, andtheir own figures, their usual reaction is I’ve also heard fellow hobbyists now I am about to flick the switch for you. something along the lines of: comment, “It costs so much that I could never afford to start!”  The first thing you must do is select a “I could never paint as well as the toy figure to paint. It should be as simpleprofessional guys. I would just mess it up.” That’s a myth. You can spend as much as possible in terms of detail because it or as little as you want to get started. You should be a confidence builder. The more Well, that may be so. But unless you try do not have to have endless pots of paint, complicated stuff will come along later. to undertake a do-it-yourself figure painting dozens of brushes and enough tools toproject, you will never know for certain!  fill a shed. When you really get into DIY I have chosen a Scots Guards painting, that may happen. But to begin bandsman casting acquired from The first thing to remember is that with less is best until you find out if you Dorset Soldiers of England. I thoughtprofessional painters weren’t always really like it.  this saxophonist would be particularlythat good. They had to start somewhere. appropriate in the year of British QueenAll of them probably made mistakes. Lastly there is no right or wrong way to Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. The paint. It is sensible initially to follow certain beauty of this figure is that it will requireBELOW: This is how the Scots Guards guidelines. But once you have found your a minimum amount of preparation worksaxophonist casting looked after arriving feet, you can do whatever you want. before painting. It also offers the flexibilityfrom Dorset Soldiers. to be painted in any of the Foot Guards    regiments’ uniforms. BELOW RIGHT: Files and clippers are all GETTING STARTED the tools needed to get started. So let’s get started! Like everything else In addition, choosing this musician we have ever done before for the first time,26 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Special Section: musicians in miniatureABOVE: Take precautions by using safety “Do not rush this process. If you get fed up and feel youglasses and/or a protective mask for close want to get it finished quickly, put the figure away andwork and spraying primer.  come back another day. This is particularly pertinent  when preparing a lot of figures. Patience is the key atABOVE RIGHT: The wafer-thin seepage this point.”of metal between the molds is referred toas flash.  RIGHT: A casting might come with excessmetal from the molding process. BELOW RIGHT: Cut away excess metalcreated by casting channels in the mold.  figure to tackle will create a template topaint others. Before you know it, youwill have a colorful band all of your ownmaking. Plus the initial repetitive natureof the painting, if you decide to followthis path, will hone your skills and buildconfidence for new projects.  The other reason I chose this figure isbecause Giles Brown, who owns DorsetSoldiers, has a huge selection of reasonablypriced castings which has been built upduring his more than 30 years in business.Thus, if you make a mistake, it is not theend of the world and a replacement partcan be sent posthaste.  His range includes different heads,arms, etc., so a hobbyist can mix andmatch bodies and parts. This ensuresendless possibilities for creating your owncustomized figures. But most importantof all, Giles is one of life’s gentlemen. Hisendless patience is always a great help tothose taking the first steps of a new andexciting journey.   SAFETY & PATIENCE KEY The first thing to do when you receive afigure from any vendor is to check whetherany of the casting’s components aremissing or broken.  Some figures, such as this guardsman,will have additional metal from the castingchannels inside the mold. These channels TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 27

Special Section: musicians in miniatureare there to allow the molten metal to removed using a craft knife.  easy to inhale some of the metal filings. flow freely and reach all parts of the mold. The casting line then needs to be filed When finished filing, wash the figure inExcess metal has to be cut away from acasting. On our musician it links the top down so it will not show up when the warm soapy water to remove all the filings,of the arms.  bandsman is painted. Small needle files are grease, etc. Then rinse the casting with used for this purpose because it is delicate cold water and allow it to dry thoroughly. Using sharp cutters, cut this away work. carefully leaving two plugs which will fit  into the holes on the torso. These cutters Be very careful while filing because FITTING & GLUINGare well worth buying as they are sharp, the metal is relatively soft. If you are too Next test fit all the parts to ensure itemsaccurate and ideal to carry out the delicate aggressive, it would be easy to remove like arms will attach properly and arework of figure preparation.  details of the figure as well as the casting aligned in the correct positions. Take your line.  time with this stage of the process as it is All castings will have a line running much easier to maneuver the arms at thisaround them where the two separate If you decide to use the Scots Guards point to get a good fit than when they arepieces of the mold have met and in some figure, be particularly careful when filing painted. Remember: The metal is soft. Ifcases left flash. Flash is where metal has the casting line on the left breast of the you are too heavy-handed, it will break. seeped between the molds. It is easily figure as the file will travel very closely to the buttons.  I tend to try and glue arms and headsBELOW: When the halves of a mold are prior to priming as once the glue is dry, Ijoined to cast a figure, they can leave lines Do not rush this process. If you get can fine-tune joins and overlaps using files.that need to be filed down. fed up and feel you want to get it finished I use a Super Glue gel which sets very  quickly, put the figure away and come back quickly and offers maximum control. BOTTOM: Use a file to remove casting another day. This is particularly pertinentlines. when preparing a lot of figures. Patience is Prior to doing this, however, ensure  the key at this point. that you won’t make painting other partsBELOW RIGHT: Always test fit all parts of the figure very difficult or impossible.prior to priming or gluing in case remedial This is very close work where your face This is where the value of test fitting isaction is necessary to ensure an accurate fit. and eyes can be near sharp tools, so please appreciated. If in doubt, do not glue a part at all times use safety glasses. If you are until later.  going to file a number of figures, it is a good idea to wear a protective mask as it is For the figure I am using, I have28 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Special Section: musicians in miniaturedecided not to glue the arms in place As you go on to prime a figure with ABOVE: Using matt white car primerbecause the cuffs and saxophone are separate parts, if you place these items is recommended to prepare figures forbest done while still unattached. If they between and around the figure, this will painting.were glued on, they would also make it maximize the utilization of the spray.  extremely difficult to work on the jacket.  However, be careful to avoid having the BELOW: Always spray primer about aerosol can too close to the figure because 12 inches above the figure using steady When you attach the arms, only use a the force of the spray can blow away and flowing forward and back movements.Super Glue gel because the liquid form delicate items such as swords. is too runny and difficult to control. I fill Prior to spraying, test the pressure youthe holes on the torso with glue, which Some simple rules for using a primer will need to depress the nozzle. Never startmeans as the plugs on the arms locate in follow:  spraying directly on a figure as you couldthe holes, an excess of glue will ooze out • Always spray in a well-ventilated area release a great dollop of paint which couldand cover an additional surface area for obliterate details. adhesion.  such as a garage.  • Always wear a protective mask because If excess glue is experienced, I use avery small piece of paper towel rolled into breathing in paint fumes can causea narrow cone to wipe it away using an irritation. upward motion away from the main body • Make sure there is nothing in theof the figure. If you get any glue on the surrounding area in which you arefigure, wait for it to dry, then lightly sand spraying. with the finest wet and dry sandpaper.  Spray particles might land on either side of where you are working, so be aware Please be aware that Super Glue can of this in order to ensure that your newstick to your skin and fingers very easily, so lawnmower does not have a fine mist ofbe careful what other parts of your figure matt white over it when you have finished. you touch when using it. Never rub your I always cover the desk I use ineyes during this process!  the garage with fresh newspaper. However, I lay figures on sheets of white You will make mistakes as you learn, so photocopying paper as the surface ofdo not get frustrated. Rectifying mistakes newspaper can adhere to them duringis all part of the learning process. spraying.  When you lay out multiple figures,   make sure they are about 1 inch apart.PRIMER COAT   This allows enough room so they do notIf you have used a file on the figure during accidently touch while ensuring that onlyany remediation processes, make sure to a minimum of the primer will be wasted. rinse it again as it is essential the musicianis totally clean and dry prior to sprayingwith primer paint.  The purpose of spraying on primer isso colored coats of paint have a surface onwhich they can adhere easily. It will alsoreveal any casting lines or imperfectionson the figure that you may have missed.  I use matt white spray car primerfor this task as it is simple and quick touse, particularly when spraying multiplefigures. However, make sure you mixit thoroughly for at least two minutes.Otherwise the paint will be too thin andrunny.  Always give a figure ample time to dry-- overnight is best. If you don’t, whenyou lift a figure the paint will come off onyour fingers. Rectifying this can be verytime consuming. The rule of thumb isthe warmer the ambient temperature; thequicker a figure will dry.  If the weather is very cold, for examplezero degrees Celsius, paint is unlikely todry if left in that temperature. The solutionis to put the figure or figures on a coveredtray prior to spraying. Then they can betaken into the house to dry.  It is also wise to keep your can of paintstored at the back of a cupboard in thehouse. This will ensure it keeps at a roomtemperature that will allow an easy flow ofpaint when you spray. It’s also a safeguardto keep paint out of the reach of young,inquisitive hands.  TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 29

Special Section: musicians in miniature Commence spraying primer on a figure You may find on reappraising the In the first stages of your paintingat about 12 inches above it, then draw the figure after spraying that you missed a journey, a simple desk lamp will do. Butspray up and down in flowing movements. casting line or some other blemish which if you really want to do a great deal ofOnce you have a thin covering, leave for will need filing. If there are a number of painting, it is worth buying a proper lampa few minutes. Then do the same thing issues, you may have to prime the figure designed specifically for painting andagain. Once the figure is dry, you can turn all over again. However, to remedy small modeling. it over using fresh copier paper and repeat areas just paint matt white over the barethe procedure.  metal. In a future article, I will outline how to paint the musician figure in acrylics.   But just as a taster I have featured a PROPER PREP VITAL  photograph of the Dorset Soldiers Scots The reason I have gone through this Guards band without our saxophonist. whole preparation process so carefully He will join them later just to show is if you do not do it properly, all your readers why all the preparation work is so subsequent painting will be for nothing important. n as the figure will never look right. Plus, if you are going to teach someone else to about the writer paint, the checklist sequence is done for you. Hopefully this will save you a lot of Scotsman Keith Nairn-Munro is a work.  frequent contributor to TS&MF. He is an avid collector and painter of Finally prior to commencing painting toy soldiers and single figures, with a you must ensure that you have good light. marked interest in Scottish regiments. Light can be your greatest friend or enemy. His wife, Evelyn, offers him great Not enough of it and you will strain your support in his pursuit of the hobby and eyes trying to paint detail. Too much light assists with any scenic work that needs in terms of intensity can also hurt your to be done, particularly on the bases of eyes.  his single figures. In the summer they both like to drive through the coastal ABOVE: A Scots Guards band made and country roads of the beautiful up of Dorset Soldiers figures awaits Scottish county of East Lothian where completion of the sax player. they live in their Rover P4 110 classic car called Eleanor. LEFT: The preparation process climaxes with the musician being sprayed with primer. The next step will be painting.30 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

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Special Section: musicians in miniatureCollecting Toy ABOVE left: Forty-five regiments areSoldier Bands represented in John Allan’s massed bandsJohn Allan, a former British Army pipe major, explains how he display. The cavalry units and Foot Guardsbecame captivated by collecting miniature musicians were made by Ducal Models while the Scottish regiments were produced by GBE.Text and Photos: John Allan ABOVE RIGHT: Britains hold sway inIshould start by saying that the title of interest took a back seat as the joys of John Allan’s Indian Army collection. this article should read “How I Collect adolescence took over, and for a number of Toy Soldier Bands” as I would not be years other interests dominated the scene! below left: Devonshire and Dorsetas presumptuous as to try to tell fellow Regiment figures converted from Britainscollectors how to organize their collections! It was not until after I joined the Eyes Right Royal Marines. British Army and got married that I was, However, readers might perhaps find as my wife puts it, to return to my second below: Musicians of the Royal Armysomething of interest and even use within childhood! This took the form of Tamiya Ordnance Corps (left) and the Royal Armythis article. I am sure any feedback or AFVs with, of course, their respective crew Pay Corps.other ideas would be welcomed by all. members. GLOSSY INFILTRATORS Where did it all start? It’s a familiar It was after several regimental moves It was not until the late 1980s that thestory to many collectors I suspect. that I realized the only pieces worth saving first (fifth column!) toy soldier infiltrated were those selfsame crew members. Thus, the ranks. Before I knew it, I had beenCOLLECTING COLLECTIONS my interest in figures was sparked! conscripted into the world of shiny gloss!As a youngster in the 1960s, I was I am ashamed to admit it, but if anyonecaptivated by the joys of plastic aircraft, On the model figure front, I collected had suggested collecting toy soldiers priorships and AFVs, mainly from Airfix. This anything and everything. Yes, I had to this, I am afraid the answer would have become a collector of collections! not been warmly received. Onwards and upwards, and, as time moved on, my toy soldiers carried out a coup and overtook my numbers of model soldiers in my collection. But the old niggle was still with me -- collecting collections! Around 1998, when I had been out of32 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Special Section: musicians in miniatureabove: Drum majors created by pop star in 1972 -- remember “Amazing Highland and Lowland regiments circaconverting Britains Deetail figures of Scots Grace?”). 1914 but, of course, I had to have theirGuards. pipes and drums on parade as well. I had the privilege of holding theabove right: Various band figures appointment of pipe major for six of those Similarly, all five regiments of Footissued by Britains. happy 17 years. Guards are represented plus their corps of drums and, of course, the pipes and drumsbelow, group of four: My first purchases were a 21-piece of the Scots and Irish Guards.Conversions of Britains Metal Models. band and a 21-piece set of the pipes and drums of the Black Watch. Big mistake! Although not true numbers, in massthe Army for about one year, I made the formation they do look quite impressive!drastic decision to sell everything and start Not that there was anything wrongagain, this time with the theme of bands, with this. Indeed they were very splendid above: Pipers created by Gerald T.pipes and drums, corps of drums, and any figures. The problem was that if I was Marshall.associated subjects. going to collect in such quantities, I would have to move house to accommodate them below left: Piper of the Royal Scots It was sad to part with so many old all. Greys. Writer John Allan was a pipefriends from previous years but go they major for six years during his British Armyhad to. I still bump into a few at toy Don’t think this wasn’t considered an service in the Royal Scots Greys and, afterfairs occasionally, marching or fighting option! amalgamation with the 3rd Carabiniers,their campaigns on traders’ tabletops! the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.Financially, I never got my money’s worth MASSED BANDSin the disposal of the collection, but did The obvious solution was to reduce the below right: Piper of Canada’sget enough for a good start with my new size of the bands. Having learned a little Toronto Scottish Regiment.theme. about instrumentation, I decided that a figure of 13 musicians could still paradeFORMER PIPE MAJOR and sound respectable.My interest in bands stems from my timein the Army when, for 17 years of my Another answer (for me at least)service, I served with the pipes and drums. was the forming of massed bands withFirstly, I was with the Royal Scots Greys less than 13 per band in each unit, butand then, after amalgamation with the representing more regiments.3rd Carabiniers, the Royal Scots DragoonGuards (Yes folks -- I was a real live A good example of this is my British (Foot) Cavalry Collection displaying 30 regiments circa 1900 with each regiment being represented by eight musicians and a bandmaster/director of music. I did the same with all my Scottish TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 33

Special Section: musicians in miniatureRIGHT: Standard pieces and conversionsof Britains figures representing Scottishregiments.BELOW RIGHT: Indian Army buglersinclude conversions of figures made byBritains.CONVERSIONS & BRITAINS ORGANIZATION theme! The sections are as follows:At the start of my theme change, I had As to the organization of my collection, • BRITAINS 1960S TO PRESENT:in my collection quite a few Britains I have divided it into several “sub-plastic Eyes Right Scots Guards and collections,” but this time on the same Bands, drums, pipes and drums,Royal Marines bandsmen. I put one individual figures and conversions.13-piece set of each aside in original form • BRITAINS PLASTICS: Eyes Right,and decided that conversion and repaint Deetail Scots Guards and conversions.was to be the order of the day for the • BRITAINS INDIAN ARMY: Inremainder. the main, conversions and individual figures. I now have, at the time of this writing, • INDIAN ARMY (GENERAL):nine 13-piece bands converted from Eyes Great Britain and Empire Toy SoldiersRight figures, plus those originals. (GBE) cavalry trumpeters and SoldierPac Ltd. conversions. However, with those first Eyes Right • SCOTTISH REGIMENTS: GBEfigures came the concept of creating a with 10 bands, as well as pipes andBritains metal and plastic section in the drums; plus individual figures made bycollection. In addition to the standard Gerald T. Marshall.pieces from the Britains Metal Models, • FOOT GUARDS: Ducal Models, fiveceremonial and limited edition ranges, regiments including corps of drums,more conversions materialized. plus pipes and drums. • ROYAL NAVY/ROYAL MARINES/ I now have most of the standard bands, ROYAL AIR FORCE: Ducal Models,buglers, drummers, pipers, etc., that have 20-piece bands plus pipes and drums.been produced by Britains since the Eyes • BRITISH CAVALRY (MOUNTED):Right era of the early 1960s up to the Two mounted bands plus a projectpresent day. ABOVE LEFT: Royal Navy and Royal An added dimension is the William Air Force figures produced by DucalBritain Collectors Club, which is another Models.source. Indeed, I have got to the stagethat when catalogs are due out, I hope LEFT: Cavalry regiments’ drum horses(in vain) that the band products are kept manufactured by Ducal Models.to a minimum -- being a canny Scot, youknow!34 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Special Section: musicians in miniatureright: Coldstream Guards made by “My interest in bands stems from my time in the ArmyBritains repainted to represent the Irish when, for 17 years of my service, I served with the pipesGuards. and drums.” under way to show six mounted lancer regiments.• DRUM HORSES: Ducal Models, a new project just started to collect British cavalry drum horses circa 1900. So far I have three out of 30. Only 27 more to go!For display purposes, I have some policefigures as backdrop. They now form acollection in their own right!PAINTING MUSICIANSI must point out at this stage, that I donot paint bands. I have found that if Ipaint more than two to three figures thatare basically the same, the standard drops.This is, I suppose, because of a lackof patience. My contribution to my collection isto convert and paint individual piecesand the preparation of conversions forpeople to paint on my behalf. I have beenextremely lucky over the years to havesome excellent painters who have takenABOVE AND BELOW: Various Scottishdrummers crafted by Gerald T. Marshall.right: The mounted lancers band is awork in progress.below right: Red caps and trousersset off Royal Hussars created by convertingU.S. Marines made by Britains. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 35

Special Section: musicians in miniatureright: Various bands made byconverting Middlesex Regiment figuresproduced Britains.second right: Indian Army cavalrytrumpeters on foot made by GBE.on painting commissions for me. They are:• Graham Kennedy (Graken) -- General bands, corps of drums, pipes & drums.• Keith Scutt (British Model Soldier Society Northern Branch) -- Britains conversions.• Castle Miniatures -- Plastic conversions.• Gavin Thompson (Kidogo, Edinburgh) -- Britains Indian Army buglers.• John Cox (BMSS) -- Currently working on the mounted lancers project.CATALOGING FIGURESWhen I “re-themed” my collection,I thought it was an excellent opportunityto start cataloging my figures. I invested ina decent camera to chronicle them. For anyone who does catalog theircollection, they will know that putting allthe photographs and information togetheris a fascination in itself. And, of course, wherever you go youcan take your whole collection with you!DISPLAY TIP removal of figures from cabinets. Having LP COLLECTIONHere is a small tip to possibly make life done it previously, I decided that the bands In addition to my bands collection, iteasier for fellow collectors: would be better on bases. would be very strange if I did not have a collection of figures of my old regiment. After my new collection had been But I did not wish to lose the effect of Indeed I do -- perhaps that’s a subject forbuilding for a while, the “trauma” of house the “Red Satin” lining on my shelves. another article in the future.redecorating arose and necessitated the The obvious solution was to cut glass to An unexpected offshoot of mybelow: Britains Royal Marines a standard size. Now my bands be moved collecting is that I now find myself beingconverted into a Brittannia Band. Using as “units.” the proud owner of about 150 militaryadhesive to hold figures in place, the band LPs! But I refuse to pay more thancollector displays his bands on specially I have also found an added advantage 50p each when scouring the charity shopscut sections of glass to ease moving is that they can all be lined up with a (it’s that canny Scot again)!entire units around. degree of uniformity in a short time when displayed outside their cabinets. I secure To sum up, collecting on a theme is notbelow RIGHT: Drum majors created my figures to the glass using Blue Tac. easy as the temptation to diverge is great.by converting Britains. The answer for me has been to diverge as much as possible within my chosen theme. My section list, I hope, represents this and I find that it meets my needs. And that’s “How I Collect Toy Soldier Bands!” n about the writer Toy soldier collector John Allan writes from Great Britain. During his time in the British Army he served with the pipes and drums for 17 years. He was a pipe major for six years in the Royal Scots Greys and, after amalgamation with the 3rd Carabiniers, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.36 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

23039 LA2ATv0Eai1lFa2AblLe L23038 23043 23037 23040 23042 23044 New Releases – World War I – 1916 GermansThe launch of the 1916 Somme offensive was heralded by a massive Allied artillery bombardment. As it died down the German defenders emergedfrom their dugouts, haggard and shocked from a week of ‘Drumfire,’ but ready to fight the assault waves of July 1st, in some places mowing down rankupon rank of attackers. Counterattacking effectively against each incursion into their front line they made the British and Commonwealth forces pay ahigh price as they clawed 12km up the Albert Bapaume Road until the offensive petered out with the onset of winter. These new German assaultinginfantry capture the battle hardened look of veterans accustomed to doing battle in a brutal trench warfare environment.The figures are hand-cast in metal and are then hand- painted to the most exacting standards for authenticity and detail, each measuring about 2.5 inchestall. They are painted in a matte finish with shading and highlighting.23038 1916 German Infantry Falling Wounded No.1 23040 1916 German Infantry NCO Crouched Advancing No.1- 1 Piece Set in Clamshell Pack - 1 Piece Set in Clamshell Pack23037 1916 German Infantry Throwing Grenade 23044 1916 German Infantry Advancing- 1 Piece Set in Clamshell Pack with Grenade and E-Tool No.123039 1916 German Infantry Advancing No.1 - 1 Piece Set in Clamshell Pack- 1 Piece Set in Clamshell Pack 23042 1916 German Infantry Advancing No.223043 1916 German Infantry Flamethrower Team No.1 - 1 Piece Set in Clamshell Pack- 2 Piece Set – Limited Edition of 600 SetsThe sets above and the entire W. Britain range can be purchased from these W. Britain retailers Tedtoy Miniatures Green’s Collectables The History Store Metals of Honor Chester’s Hunting & Fishing Brookhurst Hobbies Tel: 270-929-2876 Tel: 973-627-4961 Tel: 740-775-7400 Tel: 816-741-9757 Tel: 631-738-6991 Tel: 714-636-3580 101 North Paint St. Fax: 714-636-9150 www.tedtoy.com e-mail: [email protected] www.metalsofhonor.com e-mail: [email protected] 107 W. 3rd Street 46 Warren Trail Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 118 N. Conistor, Suite B-226 232 Ronkonkoma Ave. www.brookhursthobbies.comOwensboro, Kentucky 42301 2188 Brookhurst St. Denville, New Jersey 07834 Liberty, Missouri 64068 Ronkonkoma, New York 11779 Garden Grove, California 92840 Hobby Bunker Toy Soldier Shoppe Treefrog Treasures Sierra Toy Soldier Dutkins’ Collectables Tel: 781-321-8855 Old Toy Soldier Home Fax: 781-321-8866 Tel: 414-302-1850 Tel: 866-394-2418 Tel: 408-395-3000 Tel: 800-LIL-ARMY (800-545-2769) Tel: 760-758-5481 Fax: 760-758-7004 www.hobbybunker.com Fax: 414-302-1851 Outside U.S.: 1-507-545-2500 Fax: 408-358-3966 Fax: 856-428-9640 33 Exchange Street www.oldtoysoldierhome.com www.toysoldiershoppe.net www.treefrogtreasures.com www.sierratoysoldier.com www.dutkins.com 977 South Santa Fe, Suite #11Malden, Massachusetts 02148 3775 S. 108th St. 248 Sandstone Drive NW 29 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 1019 West Route 70 Vista, California 92083 Greenfield, Wisconsin 53228 Eyota, Minnesota 55934 Los Gatos, California 95030 Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002WBA1812 Interested in Military History? Join us at Military History Weekend 2012,© 2012 FIRST GEAR, INC October 13/14, in Williamsburg, Virginia to immerse yourself in toy soldiers,FIRST GEAR®, design, W. Britain®, and books, militaria, antique firearms and lots of free kids activities!are registered trademarks of First Gear, Inc., Peosta, IA For more information go to www.militaryhistoryweekend.com

(Photo Courtesy of Clyde Cocke and Eilene Harkless Moore) 17338 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

A SPLENDID PARADE DISPLAY is made by the Drums and Pipes of the Irish Guards by American craftsman Nick DiVincenzo of Nickolson Toy Soldiers. This setbelongs to U.S. collector Clyde Cocke, who covered it in conjunction with his “Full Dress Maneuvers” article about the British Army published in TS&MF issue 149.Pipe bands are distinctive national features of both the Irish Guards and the Scots Guards. --Stuart A. Hessney TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 39

NEW METAL n Editor Stuart A. Hessney reviewsSHOWCASE some of the latest items from THE LATEST TOY SOLDIERS MARCH IN REVIEW around the globe to land in the marketplace.  VARIOUS NEW RELEASES BY KING & COUNTRY LTD. Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney of a man who arguably ranks as history’s   most famous and admired general. Fans of King & Country Ltd. products Alexander launched the greatest can look forward to a bumper crop of 23 military conquest in world history when new releases scheduled for August 2012 he led his combined Macedonian and and peppered with personality figures Greek army into Asia to vanquish the ranging from the ancient world’s legendary Persian Empire. The miniature version Alexander the Great to World War II’s of the tactical genius is posed on a controversial “Bomber” Harris. magnificent black horse spearheading his elite Companion cavalry in what most This batch spans a couple of millennia likely would have been a wedge formation. of history with 1:30-scale figures, vehicles and aircraft that should appeal to a wide left: Macedonian conqueror “Alexander the variety of collecting interests. Great” (ref. AG009). GREAT CONQUEROR below left: Medieval “Marching Bannerman” (ref. MK094). Leading the charge onto dealers’ shelves is a mounted “Alexander the Great” figure below middle: Knight Hospitaller “Boris le (ref. AG009) that is joining the maker’s Batarde” (ref. MK092). “Ancient Greece” series. Priced at £107.95 U.K./$109 U.S., this is a dramatic rendition below: “Mounted Knight Hospitaller” (ref. MK090).40 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

The horsemen acted like a hammer in panoplies are captured convincingly in above left: The crusading “Happy Man-at-Arms”conjunction with Alexander’s anvil formed miniature. These cost £48.95/$49 apiece.  (ref. MK096).by phalanxes of foot soldiers. Once hispikemen pinned an enemy in place, the More Greek reinforcements and above middle: “The Trumpeter” (ref. MK093)Companions would invariably attack the Persians to oppose them are in the from the Crusades.foe from behind or on the flank. pipeline, according to K&C cofounder and Creative Director Andy C. Neilson. above: Medieval “Marching Man-at-Arms” (ref. During an 11-year period the MK095). Macedonians and Greeks fought their  way across deserts, forests, mountains and below: “The Treasure Seeker” (ref. MK091) fromplains. They made Alexander the master of CRUSADERS ON CAMPAIGN the medieval series.most of his known world by the time theself-proclaimed god died at only age 32 in Battles fought by Christian Crusaders below left: “The Musical Trio” (ref. HK203) is323 B.C. His empire stretched all the way from 1096 to 1303 to free Jerusalem and the latest addition to K&C’s “Streets of Old Hongfrom the Adriatic Sea to the Indus River. other holy places in the Levant from Kong” series. Muslim rule have inspired seven new Colorful new Greek recruits include additions to K&C’s medieval range, bottom left: Ancient Greek “Charging Forwarda figure posed “Charging Forward With including three pieces bearing banners. With Sword” (ref. AG010).Sword” (ref. AG010), an “AttackingSwordsman” (ref. AG011) and a “Slashing According to Andy, these figures are bottom middle: Ancient Greek “AttackingSwordsman” (ref. AG012). Details of their designed to portray Crusaders returning to Swordsman” (ref. AG011). their encampment after a successful raid on an Arab village. The contingent is keyed bottom right: Ancient Greek “Slashing by members of the military religious order Swordsman” (ref. AG012). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 41

Set ref. FW115: “Albatros D.V (Ernst Udet).”known as the Knights Hospitaller. “Boris le Batarde” (ref. MK092) depicts acknowledged. “However, with these three The only new item on horseback is a dismounted knight holding a banner. young ladies playing it, the task becomes My exhaustive research failed to turn up much more pleasant.” This timeless set isthe fierce but devout Frankish “Mounted a Crusader with this amusing name, but available painted in either gloss or mattKnight Hospitaller” (ref. MK090; Andy commented that not all Knights finishes and retails for £157.95/$159.£107.95/$112). His banner depicting a Hospitaller “were as nice or as noble as thiswhite cross on a red field is held high. leader.” Boris retails for £53.95/$55, as does KNIGHTS OF BLACK CROSS the “Marching Bannerman” (ref. MK094). A Hospitaller man-at-arms lugging a In addition to unveiling new medievalliberated chest, which is is ostensibly full of Massive and mean-looking pole-arms are knights, K&C is unleashing a pair ofgold and silver, is titled what else but “The borne by the “Marching Man-at-Arms” (ref. World War I German biplanes with acesTreasure Seeker”(ref. MK091). Meanwhile MK095) and “The Happy Man-at-Arms” characterized as “knights of the black cross.”“The Trumpeter”(ref. MK093) sounds (ref. MK096). Andy mused that the latterhis horn to alert sentries at the Crusaders’ foot soldier is grinning because he’s so glad Andy related, “Last year when weencampment that the patrol is returning. to be returning to base all in one piece.These released our first three Albatros biplanes,These two figures retail for £44.95/$45 apiece. trudging troops cost £42.95/$43 apiece. the demand far outstripped the supply, so we decided to produce two more versionsbelow: WWII British “Maj. Gen. Sir Percy Hobart” SOUND OF MUSIC of this iconic German WWI aircraft.(ref. DD178). Unlike the first three, these two new Lovely seated females form “The Musical models include a seated pilot figure andbelow middle: “Air Vice Marshal Arthur Trio” (ref. HK203), the latest addition to are cast from a brand new mold.”`Bomber’ Harris” (ref. RAF044). K&C’s “Streets of Old Hong Kong” series. The models specifically depict Albatrosbelow right: “Flight Lt. Bill Reid, VC” (ref. “Traditional Chinese music to Western D.V fighters, the last type of this aircraft’sRAF043). ears is definitely an acquired taste,” Andy family lineage to see operational service.42 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Set ref. FW114: “Albatros D.V (Uffz. Paul Bäumer).”About 900 were built before production when a fighter he was test flying crashed. of Normandy, is the subject of a handsomeended in early 1918. Set ref. FW115: “Albatros D.V (Ernst personality figure (ref. DD178) priced at £42.95/$43. Set ref. FW114: “Albatros D.V (Uffz. Paul Udet)” is based on the pilot’s Jasta 37Bäumer)”features the pilot’s personal white biplane, which looks really sharp painted In addition to commanding the Army’s“edelweiss”(German for “alpine flower”) silver for action in the autumn of 1917. specialized 79th Armoured Division, heemblem on both sides of the brightly colored He transferred to the Flying Circus and dreamed up and designed many of thefuselage. Bäumer had learned to fly before became a squadron commander under modified AFVs collectively known asthe war, but joined the infantry and suffered “Red Baron” Manfred von Richthofen and “Hobart’s Funnies” that helped the D-Daya leg wound in 1915. He transferred to the later Hermann Göring. Udet tallied 62 landings and later Allied actions succeed.air service as a dental assistant before being kills, ranking him as the second-highest Also known as “Hobo,” the militaryaccepted for pilot training. scoring German ace of the Great War. engineer’s modified tank designs included the amphibious Sherman DD used by Bäumer joined Jagdstaffel 5 in June Udet went on to become a general in both British and American forces.1917. He was one of the few pilots who Adolf Hitler’s Luftwaffe during Worldbailed out and survived using an early War II. But stresses and conflicts with K&C’s 1:30-scale portrait of Hobartparachute. By the war’s end, “The Iron the Nazi hierarchy drove Udet to commit wears a Royal Tank Regiment black beretEagle” scored 43 victories and received the suicide in 1941.   and a classic British camel-colored, woolencoveted Pour le Merite (Blue Max) medal. duffle coat for warmth. These strikingly attractive fighter sets Postwar he became a dentist and one of cost £230.95/$235 apiece. Production is BOMBER HARRIShis patients, Erich Maria Remarque, used being limited to 150 of each.Paul Bäumer’s name for the protagonist Eight new WWII releases based onof his antiwar novel “All Quiet on the FORGOTTEN HERO Britain’s Royal Air Force are taking wing,Western Front.” Bäumer founded his own including personality figures of “Air Viceaircraft company and was killed at age 31 British Maj. Gen. Sir Percy Hobart, a Marshal Arthur `Bomber’ Harris” (ref. “forgotten hero” of 1944’s D-Day invasion above: Johnnie Johnson’s “Spitfire Mk IX” (ref. RAF042). left: “Wing Cmdr J.E. `Johnnie’ Johnson” (ref. RAF053). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 43

RAF044) armed with an attaché case, carry out devastating attacks against the JOHNNIE’S SPITFIRE“Wing Cmdr J.E. `Johnnie’ Johnson” (ref. German infrastructure and people.RAF053), and “Flight Lt. Bill Reid, VC” K&C is limiting production to 300 of(ref. RAF043). Harris and Johnson each Harris became controversial due to his its new “Spitfire Mk IX” (ref. RAF042)cost £41.95/$42, and Reid £38.95/$39. preference for area bombing instead of bearing Johnson’s markings. He tallied 38 precision targeting during the final year of 1/2 victories to become Britain’s top- Marshal became commander in chief of WWII because other Allied commanders scoring ace of the war.Bomber Command in 1942 and was the thought his strategy was less effective andarchitect of the RAF strategic bombing it caused numerous civilian casualties. Besides Allied D-Day black and whitecampaign against Nazi Germany. recognition striping, this detailed fighter VC RECIPIENT plane has the pilot’s JEJ initials on the “When Britain had no other way to hit fuselage and the maple leaf emblem becauseback at the Germans, Harris provided the The RAF motto, “Per Ardua ad Astra” he commanded the Royal Canadian Airleadership and the means,” Andy observed. (Latin for “Through Adversity to the Force’s 144 Wing at the time. This model of Stars”), was exemplified by Flight Lt. Reid, the most ubiquitous type of the 24 Spitfire Harris himself was quoted as saying, one of the bomber pilots who served under variants sells for £254.95/$259.“They sowed the wind, and now they are Harris. Andy has supplied an excitinggoing to reap the whirlwind.” account of his fellow Scot’s exploits as Collectors can complement the follows: aircraft with K&C’s new figure of James He was called “Bomber” Harris by Edgar “Johnnie” Johnson, CBE, DSOthe press and “Butcher” Harris within “On 3 November, 1943, Flight Lt. and two Bars, DFC and bar. The pilotthe RAF. Implementing Prime Minister Reid captained Lancaster `O for Oscar’ has a sidearm and is kitted out in RAFWinston Churchill’s policy, he played on a 600-bomber raid on Dusseldorf. battledress and a Mae West life vest.a vital role in devising the means to While passing over Holland, his aircraft was attacked by a German Me 110 night Johnson flew Spitfires before, duringTOP: “RAF Airfield Tractor” (ref. RAF045) with a fighter. Bill was seriously wounded by and after the D-Day invasion. His longWRAF driver. shell fragments and the Lancaster badly and distinguished career in the RAF wasabove: The “RAF Dispatch Rider” (ref. RAF052) damaged, but still flyable. Bill and his crew capped by promotion to air vice marshalrides a BSA motorcycle. pressed on to their target. before he passed away in 2001.below: An aircraftsman pulls along the “RAF AirfieldStarter Cart” (ref. RAF046). “Over Germany they were again AERODROME ACTION attacked -- by a Fw 190 this time -- and two crew were fatally injured. Bill along Four items are being released to help with his flight engineer was wounded hobbyists enliven their WWII aerodrome again and they lost their compass. Still dioramas. they continued the mission and dropped their bombs exactly on target! They include the RAF blue “Humber Heavy Utility” transport (ref. RAF041; “On the route back to the U.K. their £176.95/$179). It has a roundel on the Lancaster encountered heavy flak over bonnet and a female driver from the WRAF. Holland, but just managed to fly over the North Sea. Although losing power A distinctive blue and yellow paint -- on all four engines at one point -- scheme highlights the new “RAF Airfield Reid managed to restart them and make Tractor” (ref. RAF045; £116.95/$119) an emergency landing at an airfield in with a WRAF driver. “David Brown” Norfolk. His badly shot-up Lancaster tractors like this were fixtures on British just managed to touch ground before the airfields into the 1950s.   undercarriage collapsed and it completed the arrival on its belly. An aircraftsman pulls along the “RAF Airfield Starter Cart” (ref. RAF046; “For his courage, tenacity and £73.95/$75). Rounding out the new releases leadership, Bill Reid was awarded the is the “RAF Dispatch Rider” (ref. RAF052; Victoria Cross. This brave but modest Scot £97.95/$99).This is a neat piece featuring passed away in 2001.” an RAF policeman on a nicely weathered BSA motorcycle that has potential crossover K&C has portrayed Reid in a rather collectible appeal for bikers. contemplative pose puffing a pipe. From the blood-soaked plains of the ancient Persian Empire to the embattled skies over Europe during WWII, K&C certainly has a rich harvest of historical collectibles with stories to tell in store for hobbyists. n  RAF blue “Humber Heavy Utility” transport (ref. RAF041) with a female driver.44 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

 “Fokker DVII of Oberleutnant below: Foot GuardsHarald Auffarth, Jasta 29” set No. 764 is a seven-(ref. FW 113). piece command group. above: A further reinforcement of six privates comes in set No. 766.nBRITISH FOOT GUARDS OF THE NAPOLEONIC WARSBY TRADITION OF LONDON LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney BEATING BONEY right: Item   No. 767 is a The Foot Guards regiments saw action in Foot GuardsTradition of London Ltd. has marched every major British campaign in Europe senior officerout British Foot Guards of the Napoleonic during the wars against France and its on horseback.Wars that rank as instant classics when it Emperor Napoleon I. For example, theycomes to the art of the toy soldier. fought under fabled commanders such as renaming the British regiment as the Sir John Moore and the future Duke of Grenadier Guards. As a result, all of its Originally established as Norman- Wellington during the Peninsular War. companies adopted the bearskin cap ofNewton Ltd. by the late Roy Belmont- their French counterparts along with theMaitland, this U.K. enterprise has been Tradition does not identify these figures white plume and Grenade badge still wornsynonymous with military miniatures for as being any particular regiment. But I today.six decades. Its gloss-painted toy soldier like to imagine that these toy troops posedrange of 54-mm figures skillfully sculpted on the march bearing field packs are the ADROITLY PAINTEDby David Scheinmann was introduced 1st Guards headed for a date with destinyabout 32 years ago. Swedes Anders and June 18, 1815, at Waterloo in Belgium. Tradition has unveiled four sets of FootGunnar Lindström have owned the Guards cast from white metal, hand-business since 1988. The 1st Guards played key roles for painted in gloss enamels and then tucked Wellington in three prominent phases into quintessential red boxes in England. Tradition has made similar 19th- of the battle. First its light companies The figures are modeled in shakos, scarletcentury Foot Guards in the past. were among the soldiers who successfully tunics and gray pantaloons.However, these latest troops from the defended Hougoumont. Next the 1stshop in London’s exclusive Mayfair Guards were amongst the infantry squares Set No. 764 is a highly attractivedistrict combine traditional styling with that repulsed Napoleon’s thunderous command group made up of ansomewhat more enhanced detailing. They cavalry charges aimed at cracking the Allied officer, ensigns carrying the King’s andwere designed by the gifted Andrew center. Lastly the regiment was steadfast in Regimental colours, two sergeants withC. Stadden, son of the late Charles C. defeating an assault by the veteran Imperial pikes, and an impressive pair of beardedStadden, who practically became a legend Guard Grenadiers, helping to win the battle pioneers. That seven-piece set costs £98.75,sculpting figures in various scales for and end the Napoleonic Wars. as does the eight-piece set No. 765 madeTradition and his own studio. up of an officer, a sergeant with a pike, an The victory was honored with a royal adult-sized drummer (rather than what decree issued the following July 29 could have been a boy), and five privates with bayonets fixed on their muskets. An officer, sergeant, drummer and five privates compose set A reinforcement of six more of the No. 765. privates comes in set No. 766, which costs £74.75. A figure of a mounted senior officer is offered in set No. 767, priced at £36.75. These adroitly painted sets epitomize the classic art of the toy soldier. As an added bonus, these figures are also available from Tradition shop Manager Steve Hare as unpainted casting kits accompanied by color photos to serve as a painting guide for do-it-yourselfers. n TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 45

ARW COLONIAL MILITIA & BRITISH REDCOATSBY W. BRITAIN right: “Colonial Col. William Prescott” (ref. 18052) depicts an ancestor of W. Britain’s Richard Walker.above: Col. Prescott stands atop a Colonial redoubt on Breed’s Hill awaiting an assault by British troops in thisdiorama created by W. Britain.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney Richard Walker! with 750 troops was given secret orders   Perhaps Richard’s sense of modesty to find and destroy Massachusetts militia weapons reportedly stored at Concord.In American history, Revolutionary War forbid him from trumpeting the family Paul Revere and William Dawes madeCol. William Prescott is famous for link. But it’s something I’ve reported in their famous “Midnight Ride” the nightexclaiming, “Do not fire until you see the the pages of TS&MF before. In fact, of April 18 to spread the word that thewhites of their eyes!” Richard made his first foray into making Redcoats were coming to seize the military toy soldiers for profit as a young boy in stores, which had already been moved Historians have debated whether Michigan in 1980, and the name chosen elsewhere weeks earlier.Prescott really was the first military man for his enterprise was Prescott’s Militaryto ever utter that memorable yet common- Miniatures. The next day outnumbered militiamen,sense order. But he certainly gained a including elite Minutemen speciallymeasure of immortality from his role as EARLY CLASHES drilled to be ready for duty in 60 seconds,an officer of the Colonial militiamen who mustered on Lexington Common tosquared off against British Army regulars W. Britain is no stranger to the ARW. confront the British regulars. It was thereon Breed’s Hill June 17, 1775, during what Actually this latest early war-themed that an anonymous Colonial fired thebecame known as the Battle of Bunker batch, which echoes figures from First “shot heard round the world,” signalingHill. Legion Ltd. that I reviewed back in issues the outbreak of open warfare between 150 and 156, forms a nice set of bookends Great Britain and its 13 Colonies in Now Prescott and other combatants with a previous W. Britain series based on North America.from early battles of the ARW are the the climactic Battle of Yorktown.subject of 25 new releases from W. Britain. Brushing the provincials aside, theWhat caught my eye is the fact that These figures reflect how the Redcoats advanced to Concord. There threethe manufacturer’s spring 2012 catalog Massachusetts Bay Colony was a hotbed companies of regulars found themselvesand other marketing materials make no of civil unrest punctuated by the Boston outgunned in a pitched battle with 500mention of the connection between the Massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea militiamen at the North Bridge. Smith’spersonality figure and one of Prescott’s Party in 1773 prior to the Revolution. beleaguered command was rescued bydescendants: W. Britain General Manager In 1775, British Lt. Col. Francis Smith below: The redoubt straight section (ref. 51028) is 4 inches long.above: The redoubt corner section (ref. 51027) is 8 inches long.46 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

reinforcements led by Lt. Gen. Hugh Percy. below: “Colonial right: As the combined force of about Militia Standing Firing “Colonial Militia No. 1” (ref. 18043). Standing Loading1,500 British troops conducted a tactical No. 1”withdrawal along their 15-mile march right: (ref. 18044).back to Boston, they came under attack “Colonial Militiaby increasing numbers of militiamen. Drummer No. 1” anchored the American defences.Casualties from the running battle littered (ref. 18050). They proved that Colonials could standthe route.  However, Prescott and many of his men and fight toe to toe with regulars in a Local militias coalesced into a Colonial were veterans of the French and Indian pitched battle. Two determined assaultsarmy that besieged British Gen. Thomas War. The immortal words attributed to by British troops were repulsed. DespiteGage’s 6,000 troops in Boston and stood the colonel would have been intended suffering heavy casualties, the disciplinedup to them on Breed’s Hill, located on the to steady nerves, conserve limited Redcoats attacked a third time andCharleston Peninsula across the harbor ammunition and help make every shotfrom Boston. count as they defended a redoubt thatBUNKER HILLGen. Israel Putnam was in overallcommand of the rebel troops while Maj.Gen. William Howe led the Britishinfantry assaults at Breed’s Hill. Thescenario has been aptly described byauthor Richard Holmes in his 2001 book“Redcoat: The British Soldier in the Ageof Horse and Musket.” After exchanging fire, the British infantry“advanced with cold steel, persuading itsopponents to seek an urgent appointmentelsewhere,” Holmes wrote. “British tacticswere based on the false assumption thatthe defenders, not being `proper’ soldiers,simply would not face Redcoats coming onwith measured tread and utter confidenceembodied in the fixed bayonet.” right: “Colonial Militia Flag Bearer No. 2 – Bedford Militia Colours” (ref. 18054).right: “British above: “ColonialRoyal Irish King’s Militia at Port ArmsColour No. 1” No. 1” (ref. 18045).(ref. 18049). above: “Colonial Militia Flag Bearer No. 1 – Bunker Hill Colours” (ref. 18053).    TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 47

below: “Colonial Militia below: “Colonial below: “ColonialKneeling Firing No. 2” Militia Standing Firing Militia Kneeling(ref. 18056).   No. 2” (ref. 18055). Firing No. 1” (ref. 18047). right: “Colonial Militia at Port Arms No. 2” (ref. 18057).prevailed. COLONIAL MILITIA “At Port Arms No. 2” (ref. 18057). Realizing his men were nearly out of A striking pair of Colonial standard- W. Britain’s Colonial militia figures showammunition, Prescott ordered a retreat. how the citizen-soldiers went to war bearers includes the youthful-lookingUsing his sword to parry enemy bayonet in varied everyday dress. Details of the “Flag Bearer No. 1 – Bunker Hillthrusts, he was one of the last men to approximately 56-mm, matt-finished Colours” (ref. 18053). This depicts thewithdraw from the redoubt. figures include everything from powder New England Pine Tree symbol on a horns to cartridge boxes. white background in the top left field of American losses, which were mostly the red banner.suffered during the retreat, totaled about Sword in hand, the “Colonial Col.450, including 140 killed and 30 captured. William Prescott” figure (ref. 18052) “Flag Bearer No. 2 – Bedford MilitiaThough Howe achieved his immediate wears a long coat and thigh-high Colours” (ref. 18054) replicates the oldestobjective, the Pyrrhic victory cost 1,054 leggings. Prescott went on to serve in the complete Colonial flag known to exist incasualties. Howe was the only officer Continental Army. He is depicted in John the United States. It is renowned for beingfrom his entire field staff who escaped Trumbull’s painting, “Surrender of General the flag carried by Bedford Minutemanunscathed. British forces’ heavy losses and Burgoyne at Saratoga.” Prescott died in Nathaniel Page to the clash at Concord’sexhaustion made it impossible for them 1795. North Bridge April 19, 1775. The flag isto advance on Cambridge and break the preserved in the public library in Bedford,Siege of Boston. Militiamen poses include “Standing Mass. Firing No. 1” (ref. 18043), “Standing “A few more such victories would have Loading No. 1” (ref. 18044), “At Port Arms BRITISH REDCOATSsurely put an end to British dominion in No. 1” (ref. 18045), “Kneeling Firing No. 1”America,” British Gen. Henry Clinton (ref. 18047), “Drummer No. 1” (ref. 18050), Scarlet tunics and dirt-stained whitewrote in his diary afterwards in a “Standing Firing No. 2” (ref. 18055), breeches are British uniform hallmarks ofharbinger of things to come. “Kneeling Firing No. 2” (ref. 18056) and new figures that authentically depict thebelow: “British Royal right: “British Royal below: “BritishIrish Grenadier Standing Irish Grenadier Standing Royal Irish GrenadierFiring No. 1” (ref. 18029). Loading No. 1” Falling Back Wounded (ref. 18046). No. 1” (ref. 18039). left: “British Royal Irish Grenadier Kneeling Firing No. 1” (ref. 18035).48 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

below: “British left: “British 10th Foot Light10th Foot Light Infantry Reaching for CartridgeInfantry NCO No. 1” No. 1” (ref. 18040).(ref. 18042).   below: “British 10th Foot Light Infantry Kneeling Firing No. 1” (ref. 18041).10th Foot Light Company, which hailed Each standard-bearer costs right: “Britishfrom Lincolnshire, England; and the Royal £35.99/U.K./$48, the drummer 10th FootIrish Regiment Grenadier Company. £27.99/$34 and the rest £25.99/$30 Light Infantry apiece. All could be used to re-create a Advancing No. Topped by leather caps, the light number of ARW clashes. The Colonials 1” (ref. 18048).infantry poses include “Reaching for could also serve in French and Indian WarCartridge No. 1” (ref. 18040), “Kneeling scenarios. bristling with challenges for any attacker.Firing No. 1” (ref. 18041), “NCO No. 1” Realistically detailed and dynamically(ref. 18042) and “Advancing No. 1” (ref. These figures are being accompanied18048). by the release of two new 18th/19th- animated, these are very attractive toy centuries scenic items designed to serve soldier items for staging miniature versions Grenadier poses include “Standing as Patriot field fortifications at Breed’s of ARW clashes that spawned the UnitedFiring No. 1” (ref. 18029), “Kneeling Hill, British defenses at Yorktown, and States of America. nFiring No. 1” (ref. 18035), “Charge at battlefields in between and beyond.Bayonet No. 1” (ref. 18036), “Recover No. These redoubts with menacing wooden1” (ref. 18037), “Officer No. 1” (ref. 18038) stakes and base cutouts include a cornerand “Standing Loading No. 1” (ref. 18046). section (ref. 51027) measuring 8 inches long, 8 inches deep and 3.5 inches high. Considering the bloody nature of the A small straight section (ref. 51028) is 4war’s early battles, I’m surprised there’s inches long, 8 inches deep and 3.5 inchesonly one casualty figure so far and it’s the high. These retail for up to £69.99/$95“Grenadier Falling Back Wounded No. 1” each. They can be combined with previous(ref. 18039). For a rallying point, there’s a releases to create extensive entrenchmentsRoyal Irish ensign with the “King’s ColourNo. 1” (ref. 18049). left: “British Royal Irish Grenadier Recover No. 1” (ref. 18037). left: “British Royal Irish Grenadier Charge Bayonet No. 1” (ref. 18036). right: “British Royal Irish Grenadier Officer No. 1” (ref. 18038). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 49

WORLD WAR II GERMAN PUMA ARMORED CARSBY THOMAS GUNN MINIATURESReviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney for long-range recon missions. Three other Sd.Kfz. 234 variants were   Toy soldier maker Simon Thomas made until the end of the war in 1945. But Puma production only ran from 1943 toWhen it comes to putting a tiger in my Gunn has decided to zero in on an “8-rad” the second half of 1944.gas tank and going for a drive in a big cat, variant known as the Sd.Kfz. 234/2 orI’d prefer to get behind the wheel of an old Puma. It was highly advanced for its time BOBBED TAILSBuick Wildcat, rare Chevrolet Cheetah, and considered a forerunner of present-sleek Mercury Cougar or any Jaguar. But day armored cars. In 2012, these 1:30-scale, matt-finishedwouldn’t it also be cool to go for a spin in a Pumas were the first armored cars everWorld War II German tank like a Panther QUICK & POWERFUL made in China for London-based Thomasor Tiger? Or, how about a Puma armored Gunn Miniatures, which marked its thirdcar, the subject of a pair of new models The Puma weighed nearly 12 tons, but it anniversary in business on the Fourth of July.  unleashed by Thomas Gunn Miniatures? was capable of speeding at an eye-popping 53 mph. Its turret was adapted from Gunn’s Puma is available in either Traditional cavalry missions of another German big cat: the canceled a Normandy camouflage color schemereconnaissance and screening were fulfilled VK1602 Leopard, a feline appellation later (ref. SS039A) or winter whitewash (ref.by Germany’s six and eight-wheeled applied to modern German tanks. SS039B). Both vehicles bear the markingsarmored vehicles known collectively as of the 1st SS Division Leibstandarte Adolf“Schwerer Panzerspähwagen.” Having The Puma was one of the Third Reich’s Hitler, the personal bodyguard of Nazirubber road wheels (“6-rad” or “8-rad”) most heavily armed scout cars thanks to its Germany’s leader. The weathered paint jobsinstead of tracks made them relatively 5-cm KwK 30/1 L/60 cannon, which was and detailing are first-rate, from the Pumas’nimble, quite quick and rather versatile. similar to the weapon mounted on late-war radio aerials to their spare tires stowed at Panzer III medium tanks. That main gun the rear like bobbed tails on big cats. Germany used these kinds of armored was powerful enough to knock out virtuallycars everywhere, ranging from the Blitzkrieg any Allied light tank or armored car. Tom forthrightly noted that the frontlaunched against Poland to the Battle of bumper on his Puma might “pop out” of itsFrance, the Russian steppes and the desert However, Pumas’ relatively thin armor socket during shipping. But if that happens,sands of North Africa. Extreme heat and only afforded protection from small arms a touch of glue should easily put things right.sand caused maintenance problems, but fire. As a result, their four-man crews werethe Afrika Korps’ eight-wheeled armored encouraged to stick with their recon role Both Puma versions are reasonablycars were nevertheless regarded as the best and avoid trying to pounce on Allied armor. priced at around £115 U.K./$139 U.S.vehicles “Desert Fox” Erwin Rommel had In a pinch, the radio operator could drive a Only 175 of each style was made. Puma backwards to get out of a scrape. The Pumas don’t come with crewmen. But the maker concurrently released Normandy and winter versions of a complementary German tank crewman (ref. SS047) posed seated on an ammo box and holding a can of oil. Production was limited 150 of each type of this figure, which costs £25/$32. According to the maker, his Pumas were selling like hotcakes at the time of this writing in July, so I hope some are still available when this review is published. These big cats are still well worth a look regardless, and should make any collector who brings one home purr like a kitten. n above right: Winter version of the new German tank crewman (ref. SS047B).   above left: The Normandy version of Thomas Gunn’s first armored car.   left: The whitewashed Puma is ready for a wintertime recon mission.50 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE