TOY216

STOOYLDIERTHE WOORRLD’’SS NO. 1 MMAAGGAAZZIINNEEFFOORRCCOOLLLLEECCTTOORRSS OF ALL SSTTRRIIPPEESSWWW.TOY-SOLDIER.COM MODEL FIGURECOSSACKS ARE COMING! FWROWMII WPAW.RBARITINTRAOIONPSNAPOLEON’S RETREAT FROM RUSSIA BY FIRST LEGION$8.5$100/.9£54/.£945.95 0 5 IN THIS ISSUE:9 771359 742033 > • The Soldier and the Flag • Plastic Armies on the Campaign Trail • The Morning After at Isandlwana • Pappy Boyington’s Black Sheep Squadron • Churchill in WWI’s Trenches • Custer’s Last StandMAY 2016 - ISSUE 216 • Florida Show • Waterloo British and Brunswick Infantry • Three Musketeers • Confederate Foot Soldiers • Roman Legionnaires • Ancient Troy’s Mighty Walls • Top Tips for Displaying Model Figures FREE PULL-OUT CENTERFOLD POSTER!

World War II In the fall of 1944, most allied soldiers predicted that the war in guard and it developed into the largest and bloodiest battle foughtEurope would be over by Christmas. Fierce fighting was taking place by the United States in World War II.along the German frontier at Aachen and the Hürtgen Forest andthe collapse of the German Army in the west seemed imminent. By January 25th of 1945, the ‘Bulge’ in the allied lines had been completely reduced, severely depleting Germany’s armored forces But the German Army was still a foe to be respected and on on the Western Front, crippling their ability to resist the final Alliedthe 16th of December, it launched a major counter offensive in push to the Rhine.the heavily wooded area of the Ardennes Belgium, France, andLuxembourg. In the early part of the offensive, the Germans Our newest World War II releases focus on this time period andmanaged to make deep penetrations into the U.S. defenses in that will be developed in depth to allow the collector to represent anysector. The surprise attack caught the Allied forces completely off of the engagements in the closing days of war in Europe on the western front.The figures above are just a small sampling of the World War II collection what W. Britain produces.The figures shown and the entire W. Britain range can be purchased from the retailers listed below: Toy Soldier Shoppe The History Store Sierra Toy Soldier Green’s Collectables Tel: 414-302-1850 Tel: 740-775-7400 Tel: 408-395-3000 Tel: 973-627-4961 Fax: 414-302-1851 www.thehistorystore.net Fax: 408-358-3966 [email protected] www.greenscollectables.com www.toysoldiershoppe.net 101 North Paint St. www.sierratoysoldier.com 46 Warren Trail 3775 S. 108th St. Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 29 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Denville, New Jersey 07834Greenfield, Wisconsin 53228 Tedtoy Miniatures Los Gatos, California 95030 Tel: 270-929-2876 Hobby Bunker The Toy Soldier Company www.tedtoy.com Treefrog Treasures Tel: 781-321-8855Tel: (Toll Free)1-888-825-8697 1301 Walnut Street Tel: 866-394-2418 Fax: 781-321-8866 www.hobbybunker.com www.toysoldierco.com Owensboro, Kentucky 42301 Outside U.S.: 1-507-545-2500 33 Exchange Street www.treefrogtreasures.com Malden, Massachusetts 02148 248 Sandstone Drive NW Eyota, Minnesota 55934 Call and mention this ad to receive a FREE catalog!WBA2016 ©2016 The Good Soldier, llc

THE SIERRA TOY SOLDIER COMPANYA family owned business located in Los Gatos, CaliforniaWE CARRY Discover the largest retail store dedicated to toy soldiers and model figures. Come visit us inALL MAJOR person for a one of a kind toy soldier experience. You can also visit our online store for theBRANDS: finest quality historical figures, military miniatures, model aircraft and toy soldiers available. Are you looking for that special set? Visit our collector’s corner for consignment items.W.BritainCollection SIERRA TOY SOLDIER EXCLUSIVEKing & Country www.sierratoysoldier.comAirfix Wojtek the Bear and Handler available now! BR20162 -- Up Close and Personal - BritishAuthentic 24th Foot & Zulu Warrior. Hand-to-Hand Set.ModelsBuild-A-Rama New John Jenkins French & Indian Wars QBOAT-001 -- Quebec.Black Hawk Landing Barge, 13th September 1759.Century WingsCollectors Hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm Sun: 12pm - 5pmShowcase Shop in our secure, online store: www.sierratoysoldier.comCorgi 29 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, California 95030Department 56 Email: [email protected] LegionFigartiForces of ValorFrontlineGaribaldiHobby MasterHonour BoundJohn JenkinsJG MiniaturesKhaki ArmySafari LtdSt PetersburgCollectionSchleichThomas GunnStar TrekCollection

INSIDE THIS EDITION 30 26 54 EDITOR’S MESSAGE/FIGURES OF THE MONTH................ 6 TOY SOLDIER SHOWCASE OPENING VOLLEY............................................................... 8 READERS: FIRE BACK! ..................................................... 12 NEW METAL SHOWCASE.................... 40 THE SOLDIER AND THE FLAG.......................................... 16 PLASTICS ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL...................................... 26 Editor Stuart A. Hessney serves up an eclectic AFTERMATH AT ISANDLWANA........................................ 30 buffet of collectible goodies ranging from FLORIDA TOY SOLDIER SHOW........................................ 36 Roman legionnaires to the Three Musketeers, CENTERFOLD................................................................ 38-39 Napoleonics, Confederates, Custer’s Last Stand, BOOK REVIEWS................................................................ 66 Winston Churchill in the Great War’s trenches PRIZE EXERCISE................................................................. 70 and Pappy Boyington’s World War II Black Sheep Squadron. Win World War II Battle of the Bulge “Screaming Eagles” from the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division courtesy of PLASTIC PARADE................................. 54 W. Britain. Jim Clouse is the architect of a surveyal of CALENDAR........................................................................ 74 impressive new models for re-creating the mighty walls of ancient Troy in miniature.36 50 KIT KORNER......................................... 58 Paul Newman puts an exclamation mark on a series of how-to columns by punctuating varied visually pleasing ways to display completed model figures. 16BRINGING YOU THIS ISSUEStuart A. Hessney Alison Smith Kelly Johnson Sara Vix Maria Fitzgerald EDITOR DESIGN DIRECTOR Sales & Marketing4 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE



FROM THE EDITOR PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Ashdown Ltd. Welcome to TS&MF, the world’s No. 1 magazine for collectors PO Box 2258 of all stripes! Pulborough, West Sussex England, U.K. RH20 9BA This edition features a double-dose of articles by longtime Tel: 01903 884988 contributor Curtis Sleight. He kicks things off with an article Fax: 01903 885514 about the military customs and traditions behind the flags carried US OFFICE: by toy soldiers and model figures. A number of standard-bearers Ashdown Inc. from Curt’s own collection illustrate his text. 68132 250th Ave. Kasson, MN 55944 In addition, Curt delivers a report on the 22nd Annual Toll-Free: 1-866-606-6587 Florida Toy Soldier, Action Figure, Toy & Collectibles Show Fax: (507) 634-7691staged, Jan. 31, 2016. The writer is a member of the South Florida Toy Soldier Club,which organizes the event. www.toy-soldier.com New contributor Frank Jastrzembski recounts nostalgic childhood memories ofdeploying his eclectic plastic army in extensively researched, meticulously organized and EDITOR:wide-ranging backyard battles. His very worthy adversary in these wargames was his Stuart A. Hessneyyounger brother Joseph. [email protected] Lord Chelmsford, commander in chief of British forces during the Zulu War, SALES & MARKETING:spearheaded an invasion of the South African kingdom Jan. 11, 1879. The backbone Sara Vix (U.S. office)of his command pitched camp in the shadow of a sphinx-shaped mountain called [email protected] Jan. 20. Toll-Free: 1-866-606-6587 Then Chelmsford took a detachment in search of King Cetshwayo’s highly Maria Fitzgerald (U.K. office)disciplined main army, which was raised in a warrior culture and honed to a razor-sharp [email protected]. The Zulus found the British camp first, attacked with more than 20,000 men and Tel: + 44 (0)1903 884988nearly wiped the invaders out Jan. 22. It was the worst defeat ever inflicted by indigenous Mobile: + 44 (0)7730 622416foes on technologically superior British-led troops. DESIGN: The Battle of Isandlwana’s aftermath has inspired The Toy Soldier Museum’s James Alison SmithH. Hillestad to create a poignant diorama titled “The Morning After …” It dramatically CONTRIBUTORS:depicts Chelmsford returning to his encampment and trying to come to grips with the Gage Bell, Jim Clouse, Dougmagnitude of the debacle. Dearth, James H. Hillestad, Frank As usual, there’s lots more in store in this edition, so please start turning the pages, Jastrzembski, A.J. Mergenthaler,enjoy and, as always, happy collecting! Paul Newman, Curtis Sleight and Leo WinstonStuart A. Hessney, editor SUBSCRIPTION MANAGERS: U.S.: Kelly Johnson/FIGURES OF THE MONTH [email protected] U.K.: [email protected] a split decision, the honors go to both First Legion Ltd. for a superb vignette ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES:depicting novelist Alexandre Dumas’ “Three Musketeers” and King & Country’s U.K.: £64.99portrayal of Britain’s Winston Churchill wearing a French Adrian helmet while serving U.S.: $121.99in the trenches of World War I. Canada: $166.99 CAD Europe: €102.996 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE Rest of World: $134.99 (U.S. funds only) May 2016 Postmaster: Send address corrections to Toy Soldier & Model Figure, Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Ave. Kasson, MN 55944 2nd Class Postage Paid. Canada Post International Publications Mail - Sales Agreement No. 546038. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. All editorial contributions in the form of articles, letters and photographs (b/w or colour print or transparencies) are welcomed by Toy Soldier but cannot be returned unless accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. All material submitted to the magazine is accepted on the basis that copyright in the work will be vested in the Publisher who assumes all rights world-wide, in all forms and media. In any event the publisher can accept no responsibility for loss or damage to contributions. ©

Specializing in Mint Condition Rare & Retired sets! Buying, Selling and occasional Trading.DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL OUR FREE MOBILE APP AND GET A $20.00 STORE CREDIT AVAILABLE FOR IPHONE AND ANDROIDDownload our app for the latest APPLE IPHONEnews and discounts. Earn rewards ANDROIDby using our loyalty card everytime you order from us, andreceive push notifications withexclusive deals for app users only!Either scan the QR code below foryour device or click the link to godirectly to the app store for yourdevice and download the app!For all of the latest follow us on Facebook and Twitter!In Store Viewings and Sales by Appointment Only. Featured Manufacturers Include King & Country, Collectors Showcase, John Jenkins, First Legion, Figarti, Conte, Thomas Gunn and many more. www.rodneysdimestoregallery.com Email: [email protected] • Phone: 850-932-6522 2937 Rosa Del Villa Dr  Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

OPENING VOLLEYHOBBY-RELATED NEWS & NOTES FROM AROUND THE GLOBEOWNER MAKING PLANS TO CLOSE TOY SOLDIER SHOPPEPaul Herrmann is making plans to Paul Herrmann (second from left), a very familiar and friendly face at hobby events acrosseventually close The Toy Soldier Shoppe. the USA, is making plans to close The Toy Soldier Shoppe in Wisconsin. This photo, taken at the 2013 Texas Toy Soldier Show in San Antonio, shows Paul with Ericka and Kenneth A. “My plans are to liquidate most Osen from W. Britain along with TS&MF cartoonist Doug Dearth (from left).of the inventory over the next fewmonths,” the proprietor advised in late makers such as W. Britain, King & from the shop at the Chicago showFebruary 2016. “My wife and I love to Country Ltd., John Jenkins Designs, (Sept. 25) and have my tables full oftravel and do things together. I am tied Alexanders Toy Soldiers, Little Legion stuff,” Paul related.to the shop and can’t get away easily.” Toy Soldiers, Edmund’s Traditional Toy Soldiers, Del Prado, and First He added, “I’m going to miss all Paul tentatively plans to shutter his Legion Ltd., to name a few. the great people I’ve met through theU.S. store in mid-to-late summer, but hobby, but I will stay in touch.”things aren’t firm and it might turn out “I intend to be selling items leftto be later. And, even after he vacates --Stuart A. Hessney the shop, he might continue to dobusiness from home. William Schommer establishedthe Wisconsin-based business nearly20 years ago before passing the reinsto Paul in July 1999. The shop firstopened in Brookfield, then moved toWauwatosa. It has been at its currentlocation in Greenfield, a suburb ofMilwaukee, for more than three years. The amicable owner combinesgreat enjoyment of our hobby with awonderful sense of humor. He stocksUPDATES ON SALE OF W. BRITAINSince things were still in a state of stay in his current job in Virginia. Talented artist and TS&MFflux at press time for last month’s He still plans to continue to lend cartoonist Doug Dearth has beenTS&MF issue 215, I now have Ken a hand at trade shows and keep tapped to lend his graphic designsome updates on First Gear’s sale writing for The Standard, the exclusive expertise to W. Britain by workingof W. Britain to The Good Soldier quarterly publication of the W. Britain on publications such as catalogs onLLC. Collectors Club. an outside contractor basis. The acquisition was finalized Gloss figures master painter Ted The brand originated inFeb. 5, 2016, not Feb. 3 as originally Deddens of Tedtoy Miniatures fame is England around 1845 and startedreported. The small group of joining the full-time staff as manager producing toy soldiers in 1893.investors making up the new of operations and is expected to W. Britain had been owned bycompany’s ownership includes start learning the ropes to transition U.S.-based First Gear, whichW. Britain General Manager and to succeeding Ken as general manager specializes in die-cast collectibleCreative Director Kenneth A. Osen in a few years. Ted plans to continue vehicles, since 2005.and his wife Ericka, matt figures to appear on the show circuit offeringmaster painter Dave Youngquist, figures from his own Tedtoy range, W. Britain underwent a majorJohn Lord Booth II, and Scott and Little Legion Toy Soldiers, Alexanders transition during February asHolly Walter. Toy Soldiers and Monarch Regalia operations were moved from Production. In addition, he will Peosta, Iowa, to the company’s Colin Romanick was expected showcase W. Britain and Hudson & brand new home in Holland,to come onboard as sales and Allen Studio products. Ohio, by March 1.marketing director, but opted to --Stuart A. Hessney 8 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

BACHMANN ACQUIRES POCKETBOND AND TOYWAY Bachmann radio-controlled ships, Scenix said. “It is clear that all brands within 1:76 buildings primarily for model this comprehensive portfolio of model Europe Plc railway use, and the Timpo Soft Touch and hobby products will benefit our range of animals, dinosaurs and sealife established markets and complement acquired both subjects. It also distributes a large range our core product base in the model of model and hobby-related products, railway, die-cast vehicles and model the Pocketbond including plastic construction kits, soldier sectors.” figures, tools, and accessories. and Toyway Haarhaus was recently named to Toyway manufactures vehicles, succeed the retired Graham Hubbard brands, together animals, figures, gliders, science sets, as managing director of Bachmann die-cast aircraft and wooden toys. Europe Plc. It is a subsidiary of Kader with their Industrial Holding Plc. “The acquisition of Pocketbond respective and Toyway enables us to build on U.K.-based Bachmann is the the success that both companies have European distributor of W. Britain toyNewly appointed distributed enjoyed over the last three decades,” soldier products.Bachmann Europe Plc ranges, effective Managing Director David HaarhausManaging Director Jan. 16, 2016. --Stuart A. HessneyDavid Haarhaus. Pocketbondproduces the Classix range of1:76-scale, die-cast vehicles: Conflixwargaming products, Emhar plasticconstruction kits and figures, NautixROYALTY, HISTORY, NEWS AND MORE IN W. BRITAIN STANDARDThe winter 2015 edition of The Romanick also covers the W. Britain figures depict the Prince of WalesStandard, the exclusive quarterly journal Napoleonic Wars history behind the inspecting the 10th Light Dragoons on theof the W. Britain Collectors Club, British Royal Artillery 9-pounder field latest cover of The Standard.features the Prince of Wales reviewing gun as re-created by W. Britain. Foodthe 10th Light Dragoons on the cover. historian Susan Odom explains how to the street from the state’s Capitol in make a Red Cross cake of a type meant Madison. The usual dinner event and Inside the 32-page publication, Ted to be shipped to the troops fighting on other activities will take place in theDeddens details how he painted glossy the front lines of World War I. neighboring Concourse Hotel.master figures of the British prince,his father King George III and Horse In company-related news, Osen --Stuart A. HessneyGuards (Blues) escorts for re-creating a announced the reorganization of thelate 18th-century review of the cavalry dozen or so ranges. The “Redcoats” andregiment. “Bluecoats” are both being merged into the “Regiments Classic Collection.” Nick Spenceley pens a fond “Clash of Empires” will now encompasstribute to the “Redcoats” range while the ARW range as well as a new FrenchW. Britain General Manager and and Indian War series in the works. TheCreative Director Kenneth A. Osen “Museum Collection” U.S. Marines areintroduces its successor, the “Regiments joining the naval-themed “Jack Tars &Classic Collection,” to explore military Leathernecks.”history around the world through themedium of miniatures. The third annual W. Britain Model Figure Symposium has been scheduled Words by Colin Romanick, artwork for Aug. 5-6, 2016, at the Wisconsinby Don Troiani and W. Britain figures Veterans Museum, located acrossillustrate how Gen. George Washington’sContinental Army was clothed during Cartoon by Doug Dearththe American Revolutionary War. On arelated note, The Toy Soldier Museum’sJames H. Hillestad tells the story ofthe 1779 Battle of Newton betweenColonial troops, Iroquois Indians andLoyalist forces. Chuck LaCount demonstrates thesteps entailed to fire a flintlock musket.David Namiot sets the stage for the toysoldier company’s new “Wrath of theNorthmen” range with an account of the2014 Festival of the Slavs and Vikingsin Poland. His article is complementedby Osen outlining future plans forSaxon, Viking and Norman figures. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 9

WATERLOO DIORAMA RESTORED AT GREEN JACKETS MUSEUMA Waterloo diorama featuring the first floor titled “With the Rifles to by Valhalla Models in the 1970s andamazing details, great storytelling and Waterloo” to commemorate the battle’s acquired by the museum in 1980s.panoramic scope has been restored 200th anniversary. Interactive and Because the diorama is so enormous,at The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) static displays are complemented by a it was not encased and thus fell intoMuseum in Winchester, England.   collection of period medals mustered dusty disrepair. Conservationists together to spell out “Waterloo.” Mary and Kelvin Thatcher devoted The museum is located in Peninsula five months to cleaning the figures,Square, formerly Peninsular Barracks. The sign overlooks the exhibition’s buildings and landscape; gluing backIt was opened in 1989 by Queen centerpiece: a 25-square-meter together broken limbs and droppedElizabeth II, the regiment’s former diorama with special lighting, sound weapons; and other tasks to restore thecolonel in chief. Headed by Curator commentary, and more than 21,500 diorama to its original glory.Christine Pullen, the museum houses painted soldiers and 10,000 horses re-a superlative collection of uniforms, creating the Napoleonic Wars’ fateful Five key phases of the battleweapons, paintings, medals and other clash June 18, 1815. The 1:72-scale are portrayed: the British Duke ofexhibits tracing the British Army unit’s figures represent less than 10 percent of Wellington’s troops’ defense of Chateauheritage from 1741 to the present day. the actual action’s combatants. Hougoumont, a French infantry attack on the Allied center, the cavalry charge In 2015, an exhibition opened on The 16-section scene was made of the British Heavy Brigade, French horsemen’s assaults against British squares, and the climactic repulse of Emperor Napoleon I’s Imperial Guard as Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher’s Prussians arrive in force to cement the French defeat. Light-hearted moments depicted include a farmer doggedly defending his prized cabbage patch, a Redcoat relieving himself by a tree and two Brits trying to steal away with their regiment’s entire ration of gin. The outstanding museum’s open hours vary, so please be sure to check ahead to plan a visit. --Stuart A. HessneOverview of the enormous diorama displayed in The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum.Note how medals are used to spell out “Waterloo.” Photos accompanying this article weregraciously provided by Curator Christine Pullen. Wellington is depicted on horseback wearing a blue jacket and with his right arm outstretched to give a command near La Haye Sainte.Fierce fighting flares over Chateau Hougoumont. Von Blücher arrives on a white horse10 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE leading his Prussian troops in an assault against Napoleon’s flank.

I’m happy to announce that I am now carrying Empire Military Miniatures figures English Civil War Range Currently carrying the following lines King & Country • First Legion • W. Britains Thomas Gunn Miniatures • John Jenkins Designs Cold Steel Miniatures • JG Miniatures Figarti • Frontline • Del Prado • Empire Military Miniatures 35 Pilgrim Village Road, Unit 902, Taunton MA 02780 tel: 617-462-5431 email: [email protected] www.mmtoysoldiers.com 1s/3c0atlheAvailable direct from us and from all good quality toy soldier stockists throughout the world. NEW 120MMBAMBOO MORTAR SET WITH HUT FJ CREW GERMAN WW2 WEAPONS SET CLASSIC ROMANSThomas Gunn Miniatures • 21 Deverill Road • Sutton Veny • Warminster • BA12 7BZ • UK www.tomgunn.co.uk • email: [email protected] • phone: 0044 01985 840539 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 11

FIRE BACK! Share your views by e-mailing [email protected] OFF ABOUT THE HOBBY OR MAGAZINELARGE TOY SOLDIER DRUMMER SPOTTED STAR LETTERDear Editor: wished to share it with you. PerhapsI was pleased to see my photo a reader can identify who made this The toy soldier-style drummer spottedof an ice cream advertising sign drummer. by Richard Malott in a Canadian hotelfeaturing a toy soldier published restaurant.in TS&MF issue 212. During my I think it was made in England duerecent travels to Kingston, Ont., to the type of uniform and headgearCanada, I saw a lovely and large worn. It is interesting to note that thetoy soldier-style metal drummer drummer is standing on a drum similarbeing used as a Christmas to the one he is playing.decoration at the Best WesternFireside Inn. The owner did not Perhaps when I am holidayingknow where the statue came in Florida and the Caribbean infrom, but it is displayed at the February and March 2016, I will seeentrance to their restaurant every more interesting signs and figures.Christmas. Best wishes for a great 2016 and continued success in your publishing Since I was a drummer for endeavors.years starting at age 8, I wasparticularly interested in it and Richard Malott Ottawa, Ont., CanadaBill Szilasi’s set of Napoleonic French flats found in London and purchased from a Russian.WHO MADE NAPOLEONIC FRENCH FLATS?Dear Editor: many different units. I would have GET WRITING!I purchased the set of Napoleonic liked to buy them all! But on this day,French flats shown in the one was all I could afford. I tried to Win a prize by sending in aaccompanying photo at an antique find her again, but never could. letter on anything concerningshow while in London in the early the toy soldier and model1990s. The seller was a woman I wonder if any of your readers figure hobby. Each monthwho had recently arrived from could identify this set as to time and a special surprise giftRussia. producer? will be awarded to the Star Letter writer! She had a number of sets depicting Bill Szilasi Monmouth Beach, N.J., USA12 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Can you spot TS&MF’s idiotic editor in the midst of Jeff Duncan’s French and Indian War diorama?IDIOTIC EDITOR TURNS UP IN BATTLEDear Editor: intrepid editor dutifully hawking Fort William Henry in Lake George,I have a “spot the editor” challenge for magazines in the thick of battle! This great N.Y., I am quite flattered! I think it’sTS&MF readers. figure (a limited edition of about three) fantastic that now, in addition to being was made by my friend Don Ritchie. my own version of the old Britains The accompanying photos show a Village Idiot (see TS&MF issue 214),historically incorrect battle scene in my Jeff Duncan I get to be an historical anachronism too!hobby room. It depicts a clash from Hillsburgh, Ont., Canada Very funny. I need to get after our mutualthe French and Indian War somewhere   friend Don Ritchie because I must be thearound Glens Falls along the Hudson The Editor Responds: Having “served only guy who doesn’t have an example ofRiver in New York state. in the British Army” during the 1990s as this miniature masterpiece! a living history guide at the reconstructed The close-up photo reveals our TS&MF ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER Have you got something to say to the hobby world and you want to say it now?!? Then use your computer mouse to click your way to Toy Soldier & Model Figure Editor Stuart A. Hessney’s Facebook page and become a “friend” of the magazine. Enthusiasts can debate views, share hobby tips, spread news, post photos, help each other identify figures, and more. It’s your forum for fun! Also readers can now follow TS&MF on Twitter as we strive to keep collectors around the globe informed and connected.The miniature TS&MF editor tries to sell CONTACT USmagazines to military-minded men in themidst of battle. We welcome readers’ Fire Back! feedback via e-mail at stuart@ ashdown.co.uk. In addition, letters can be mailed to Fire Back!, TS&MF, Ashdown Ltd., PO Box 2258, Pulborough, West Sussex, England, U.K. RH20 9BA. 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. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 13

SUBSCRIBE & BE ENTERED INTO THEWORLD WAR I DIORAMA DRAWING!Hudson & Allen Studio, W. Britain, and TS&MF are giving readers a chanceto win a complete World War I diorama worth a grand total of $1,850!Subscribing today will not only give you the convenience of having yourfavorite toy soldier magazine delivered right to your door each month,but you will also receive the specially commissioned casting or beautifulgloss painted figure of WWI Lt. Col. John McCrae, MD, the poet whowrote “In Flanders Fields”. Subscribe or renew for 1 year to receive the The diorama alone is valued at $1,400 and McCrae casting (valued at $20). the figures $450. Winning them would be a perfect way for some lucky collector to Subscribe or renew for 2 years to receive painted commemorate the WWI centenary. figure (valued at $40). Each painted figure is personally hand-painted in traditional gloss by Ted Deddens of TedToy Miniatures.Please don’t miss this chance to collect a very special sculpture whileenjoying the convenience of having TS&MF delivered right to your dooreach and every month.Best of all, your name will be automatically entered in a drawing to winthe one-of-a-kind Western Front British trench section diorama expertlycrafted by Kenneth and Ericka Osen of Hudson & Allen Studio.As W. Britain’s general manager and creative director, Ken is alsogenerously supplying a dozen soldiers to man the trench. They featurerealistic poses and authentic details enhanced by matt-painted shadingand highlighting(the actual figures provided to the winner might vary from thosepictured here with the diorama).As an added bonus, Ted will specially paint a one-of-kind McCrae figurein matt finishes so it fits right in with the diorama.* No purchase is required to be entered in the diorama drawing. Simply send youcontact information to: TS&MF, Diorama Drawing 2014, 68132 250th Ave., Kasson,MN, USA, 55944.** Actual figures provided to the winner might vary from those pictured here in the diorama.14 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

SUBSCRIBE $20W1OYERARTGIFHTTODAYEnjoy the convenience of havingyour favorite magazine deliveredright to your home every month!This figure is handcrafted from Ted Deddens $40W2OYERARTGIFHTof TedToy Miniatures, exclusively for TSMFHOW TO SUBSCRIBE... SUBSCRIBE TO IMAG... *All gifts subject to change without notice.1 Tel: US TOLL FREE on 866-606-6587 or Search for topics The ‘Search’ bar in the iMag means US: (507) 634 3143 / UK: +44 (0)1903 884988 that if you are starting a project, you can type in what you are looking for and it will display everything2 Fax US: (507) 634 7691 / UK: +44 (0)1903 885514 related in that issue.3 Return the form below to: Get the back catalogue Full Access Pass to the back Mail US: Toy Soldier & Model Figure Magazine issue iMag digital library. You will enjoy over 6,800 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN 55944 USA pages all about toy soldiers. UK/Europe: Toy Soldier & Model Figure Magazine, Enviromentally friendly Of course, anything done PO Box 2258, Pulborough, RH20 9BA Great Britain through the internet benefits our beautiful planet. It’s a great way to help save our environment.4 Online: www.toy-soldier.com Print off what you like You can easily print off anySUBSCRIPTION COSTS... article that you want with your own printer.1 YEAR - 12 ISSUES 2 YEARS - 24 ISSUES A total bargain! For only $45.99 you will receiveUK £64.99 UK £112.99 a one year subscription that will get you each newUSA $121.99 USA $233.99 issue and full access to the back issue library!Canada (CAD) $166.99 Canada (CAD) $323.99Europe €102.99 Europe €193.99 1 year iMag only 2 year iMag onlyRest of World £79.99 Rest of World £148.99or $131.99 USD or $259.99 USD $45.99 $84.99SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT WWW.TOY-SOLDIER.COMPLEASE RENEW MY SUBSCRIPTION AND SEND ME MY LT. COL. JOHN MCCRAE FIGURESUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE Name ........................................................ Address ......................................................................... 1 YEAR $121.99 (12 issues) .......................................................................................................................................................... Zip/Postal Code ........................................................ Country ..........................................................UK £64.99, Canada (CAD) $166.99, Europe €102.99, Tel: .......................................... Email ................................................................................................Rest of World £79.99 or $131.99 USD ENTER ME IN THE DIORAMA DRAWING! 2 YEARS $233.99 (24 issues) Check enclosed (payable to TS&MF) Credit card I do not wish to auto renew with the card listed belowUK £112.99, Canada (CAD) $323.99, Europe €193.99,Rest of World £148.99 or $259.99 USD Card No. ............................................................................................................................ Exp date............................ Security No (last 3 digits) ............................SUBSCRIBE TO THE IMAG 1 YEAR $45.99 (12 issues) Return this form or mail to: Ashdown Broadcasting, 68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944 or 2 YEARS $84.99 (24 issues) Ashdown Broadcasting, PO Box 2258, Pulborough, RH20 9BA, Great Britain.All prices subject to change. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 15

FEATUREThe Soldier and the FlagCurtis Sleight chronicles military customs and traditions behind standards carried bytoy soldiers and model figuresText and Photos: Curtis Sleight Ramses II led his army to Kadesh Roman legionnaires, to battle the Hittites in what’s now including an aquiliferI n the mind of a collector, there can Syria. His army consisted of four self- with an Eagle standard be little doubt that the attraction contained corps, with each stemming and a signifier holding of a flag would embellish a figure from a different region of the empireby its added color and animation. and named in honor of the local a vexillum, by TheThe flag, along with related customs Egyptian god. AeroArt St. Petersburgand traditions, has been frequentlyreplicated by manufacturers of toy The image topping each Egyptian Collection.soldiers and model figures. standard symbolized a god. Thus, the relationship between the Egyptian soldier and his standard was largely Since antiquity, the soldier has spiritual in nature.fought behind a recognizable sign. Itserved as a distinguishing mark of his Advancing forward to around 480own side and a rallying point in battle. B.C. brings into view a Persian regimental standard-bearer. In a practical sense, the At different times and places, standards standard of each regiment served to markhave served practical, psychological, the exact location of its commander.Thisreligious and ceremonial purposes. Early facilitated command and control usingsymbolic objects surmounting a tall staff messengers dispatched between an army’swere often brightly colored animals and overall leader and its regiments.birds crafted from wood. I have selected a few figures frommy collection to illustrate the evolutionof the bond between soldiers, standardsand associated customs.ANCIENT WORLDThe most ancient standard in mycollection historically dates back to circa1300 B.C., when Egyptian PharaohCrusader with the Teutonic Order banner Germanic tribesman with windsock Brigade Miniatures figure of a Mahdistcirca 1200 from Andrea Miniatures. standard circa A.D. 9 by AeroArt. Fuzzy-Wuzzy with an Islamic black flag (Photo by A.J. Mergenthaler) from the late 19th-century Nile Wars.16 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

FEATUREROMAN EMPIRE Tapestry. Known as the Red Dragon of Persian standard Wessex, it was the standard of Harold circa 480 B.C. fromAt around the same time, Roman Godwinson, the last Saxon king ofstandards were in the developmental England. Harold and his housecarls HM of Russia.stage. A legion’s Eagle standard was died fighting beneath their standard atcarried by an aquilifer while a signifier the hands of William the Conqueror’sheld a banner known as the vexillum. Normans in 1066’s Battle of Hastings. Eagles were silver during the age of The first battle flag (a large silk orthe Roman Republic and gold during the linen banner flying from a staff ) isEmpire.The Roman vexillum is believed thought to have originated in the Farto be the first type of standard created East. Trade routes brought the bannerfrom linen material by Europeans. to the Middle East about the time the Arab conquests began in the seventh The Romans also introduced the century A.D. As the Arabs spreadwindsock standard to Western Europe. Islam into North Africa, SouthernThe windsock was a bronze animal head Italy, the Iberian Peninsula andsurmounting a staff. The head’s open Southern France, this type of battlemouth allowed wind to fill the tapering flag was generally adopted by militarytubular tail of the sock attached to an forces in Western Europe.opening at the rear of the head. A figure of a Viking chieftain from The Romans first learned of the my collection has been incorporatedwindsock from the Sarmatians, a into a vignette complete with aconfederation of Iranian people, during banner. During the Viking Age,the second century A.D. Norsemen’s banners often pictured a black raven within assorted designs.DARK AGES It was customary for these banners to identify the individual Viking chieftainDuring the Dark Ages (about A.D. rather than a military unit or kingdom.500 to 1000), the windsock’s popularity Viking warriors followed a chieftain’sspread from Rome into Northern banner by choice — as long it led themEurope, the home of barbaric Celtic to plunder and glory.and Germanic tribes. Perhaps the most famous of allwindsocks appears on the Bayeux Vignette featuring a Viking chieftain by Lead Army with his banner circa A.D. 900. Egyptian standard circa 1300 B.C. by Vision Miniatures. Scotsman with a banner from the 1513 Battle of Flodden by an unknown maker. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 17

FEATURE Knights Templar banner circa 1190Norman knight from Andreawith a pennon Miniatures.circa 1100 froman unknownmaker. AeroArt vignette depicting English King Henry V fighting under his banner during the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.MIDDLE AGES Warwick had previously accomplished Earl of Oxford and the Marquess of this twice -- a procedure at which the Montagu, unexpectedly collided.As feudalism developed in Western “Kingmaker” seemed to excel. However,Europe during the Middle Ages (about something went terribly wrong for In the thick fog, elements of1000 to 1500), it was customary for the Warwick at Barnet. Montagu’s division mistook Oxford’sliege lord of a region to carry a banner banner to be that of Edward IV. Thedisplaying his personal livery, coat of The battle commenced at daybreak reason: Oxford’s banner featured anarms and such. His vassals, noblemen in extremely heavy morning fog. As emblem closely resembling the King’s.of lesser rank and influence, also carried the fighting progressed, the battleheraldic banners as did their vassals and line became greatly disorientated and Montagu’s division mistakenlyso on down the military hierarchy. confusion prevailed. Two of Warwick’s attacked Oxford’s men. With cries three divisions, commanded by the of treason, they counterattacked. These banners represented personal Utter chaos created by the incorrectidentification. Correct identification identification of a banner left thein clashes became critical, especially Lancastrian forces in shambles.during dynastic wars such as the War Warwick was slain in the melee.of the Roses in England. Vignette by AeroArt depicting English King Henry The prime requirement of a V in camp at Agincourt. The four-figure groupfunctional medieval banner was to includes the chair, table and monarch’s helm.be distinguishable at a distance. As aresult, European banners were usuallylarge and simple in design. Fightingmen had to learn to recognize theirlord’s banner and those of his allies --otherwise disaster could occur. A case in point occurred in Englandduring the War of the Roses’Battle ofBarnet in 1471.The House of York, led byKing Edward IV, confronted the House ofLancaster barons commanded by RichardNeville, 16th Earl of Warwick. In this clash, Warwick’s objectivewas to dethrone Edward IV andreplace him with his own choice.18 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

TOY SOLDIER SHOPPE We carry these lines of products: • Collectors Showcase “FIRST • William BritainLEGION’S • Del Prado USA • Forces of Valor IRON • Armies in PlasticBRIGADE” • Figarti Miniatures • Thomas Gunn Miniatures Free shipping on all domestic US orders. We ship internationally. Email: [email protected] Phone: 205-903-5998 Website: http://stores.ebay.com/thetoysoldierpatrolbaseSTORE HOURS: King & Country • WBritain LIL ARMY MOLDSTuesday – Friday Little Legion • John Jenkins Designs10am – 5pm Alexander Toy Soldier • First Legion Cast your own metal figuresSaturday Black Hawk and others. in 54mm (1:32 scale)10am – 4pmClosed: www.toysoldiershoppe.net from high-quality, reusable,Sun & Mon vulcanized rubber molds. COME VISIT OUR STORE! We carry everything you 3775 S. 108th St., need to bring history to life! Greenfield, WI 53228 We ship internationally. (414)302-1850 [email protected] Dutkins’ Collectables 1019 West Marlton Pike (Rte 70) • Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 (856) 428-9559 • Toll Free: (800) LIL-ARMY www.dutkins.com A Toy Soldier Shop and Military GalleryWhen visiting Florida make sure you stop by our new location! Just minutes from the I-95 and I-10 juncture. Any Fate But Submission We currently carry:King & Country • First Legion • John Jenkins Designs • W. Britain ...and more!Follow us on Twitter Like us on FacebookHOURS: Monday - Friday 10:30am - 5:30pm / Saturday 11am - 4pm 2000 Forbes St, Jacksonville, Florida 32204Toll Free: 1-866-601-8192 • [email protected] www.troopsoftime.com TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 19

FEATURE French regimental standard- bearers of the Ancien Régime from the 1500s to 1700s from CBG Mignot.Napoleonic French regimental Eagles in 1804and 1812 patterns (from left) by CBG Mignot.French regimental flags of the Ancient TROOPING THE COLOUR them to the soldiers. In modern times,Régime during the late 18th century from this custom has become a cherishedFernande Metayer. The British Trooping the Colour tradition in the British Army. It ceremony was developed to minimize is often conducted at ceremonial the possibility of a misidentification occasions such as Queen Elizabeth II’s disaster like Barnet. Birthday Parade in London. Each evening medieval banners and Standard-bearers of the great later regimental colours were trooped lords were carefully selected knights through encampments to expose The Lancastrian army’s self-destruction allowed Edward IV’s toemerge victorious. From such a mistake,the course of English history could turn.Lancastrian banners from England’s War of French regimental standard-bearers of the Ancient Régime during the 18th century made bythe Roses include (from left) those of Lord Charles C. Stadden.Audley, who was killed in 1459’s Battle ofBlore Heath; and Humphrey Stafford, 1stDuke of Buckingham, who died in 1460’sBattle of Northampton. These were madeby Flag Dude and acquired from CrownMilitary Miniatures.20 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

FEATUREGuy Renaud British War Trophy Customsproduced these The British Army is known for18th-century observing customs regardingflags of France’s enemy flags captured in battle.Ancient Régime. In general, such war trophies are displayed in either the regimentalof distinction. This position, which Given the nature of dynastic mess or museum.coupled great honor with extreme warfare in England, one could not bedanger, called for a nobleman of entirely certain of the loyalty of one’s On the annual anniversary datetremendous strength and considerable vassals. To minimize uncertainty, a of the capture, a remembrancecombat experience. A standard-bearer’s military custom emerged requiring ceremony would be observed. Thecourage had to be above reproach; his each vassal to ceremoniously approach custom was intended to bringloyalty beyond question. his liege lord and lower his banner into focus a regiment’s history by to the ground. This act represented a honoring an achievement of its British infantry colours were last public pledge of honorable loyalty to forefathers.carried into battle in 1881 at Laing’s a liege lord in a forthcoming militaryNek during the First Anglo-Boer War campaign. The capture of an Imperialin South Africa. French Imperial Eagle was How important was this custom? further celebrated through the The personal requirements for On at least one occasion, a vassal addition of an eagle as a symbolBritish standard-bearers have since neglected to perform this customary or accoutrement to a Britishbeen modified. However, the custom duty. His failure to do so produced regiment’s colours or uniform.remains for commissioned officers an effect that changed the course of The purpose of these customsto receive the honor of carrying the English history. was to build esprit de corps.regimental colours. Waterloo’s 200th anniversaryGROUNDING COLOURS was marked in 2015 with a wide range of ceremonies andThe British custom of grounding a re-enactments. The Eagle ofbanner originated during the the 45th Line captured by theMiddle Ages. Scots Greys, which is usually kept in the regimental museum in Edinburgh; and the Eagle of the 105th Line captured by the 1st Dragoons, which is preserved at the National Army Museum in London; were reunited for a public display at Edinburgh. --Curtis Sleight Regimental colour of the British 32nd Foot deploying for battle in the American Revolutionary War.Royal banner of France’s medieval ValoisDynasty by an unknown maker. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 21

FEATURE AeroArt set portraying mounted French King Philip VI along with his banner at 1346’s Battle of Crécy during the Hundred Years’ War.French NapoleonicEagle-bearer,1st Grenadiers,Imperial Guard,by an unknownmaker. The 1804flag pattern isshown. During the War of the Roses years, his personal loyalty to Richard intentions. Suddenly, the King brokein 1485, a greatly superior York was suspect. After all, the monarch had the mounting suspense and madecontingent of King Richard III met the usurped the throne from his young the Battle of Bosworth’s first move.Lancastrian forces of Henry Tudor on nephew. Readers might recall the story Assembling a contingent of nearly 100Bosworth Field. While the two armies of the “Princes in the Tower.” mounted knights, Richard launchedwere encamped and preparing for a do-or-die assault straight for thebattle, a third powerful force appeared The suspicious King held Lord banner of Henry Tudor.on the horizon. It was the combined Stanley’s son hostage, with his safetyarmies of the Stanley brothers: Lord subject to his father’s loyalty. This Once Richard III committedThomas and Sir William Stanley. scenario placed Lord Stanley in a himself, so did Lord Stanley. With theInitially, the Stanleys failed to approach difficult dilemma. At dawn, the Stanley signal “banners forward,” the full mighteither camp to perform the customary retinue still remained uncommitted, of the Stanley retinue sliced deeply intoobligation of grounding their banners. then they deployed to threaten both the Yorkists’ exposed flanks. flanks of the battle line. Although Lord Stanley had Nevertheless, Richard nearlysupported the House of York for many Both Richard and Henry anxiously succeeded in reaching his objective. waited for Lord Stanley to reveal his But the King’s corpse was found closeThree sets from All the Queen’s men totaling20 figures are combined to re-create theFrench Old Guard’s last stand at Waterloo. French Emperor Napoleon I and his Eagle (1812 pattern) from I.S.A. Warenhandels.22 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

“Rorke’s Drift” Imperial Miniatures are the new owners of the All the Queens Men Colonial and Indian ranges and we are pleased to announce our first releases are now available. More will follow as we make new moulds. Please see our website for details of the sets that are currently available and please contact us if you’d like to enquire about any All the Queens Men sets, including all the other ranges which we also have access to. All our figures are available as individual castings as well as painted. IMPERIAL MINIATURES Nyetimber, Norfolk Farm Road, Woking, Surrey, GU22 8LF, England Tel: 01483 855757 www.imperialminiatures.co.uke theSMoladTiioteylrSaonSlddhieorTMpoupyseeum? Canada’s ptSloaeuecro.e.u. rwfoawrlwl-Tn.toehwye-twSoyeo-blssdoitliedeiarenrs.dc!ovmideoue 108 VOicnttoarrii•ao,S3Ct,ra0en0eat0dSasoNquut7haA,rGe3oHfed9eetriocfh,dazzling Tel: (5d1i9sp) l5a2y4s-6a8n0d4 dioramas ers! Email: in•[email protected] Less than two hours and banners il cfPraholilmlaJiNdmeelwpHhYiilaolw.erskWtawardintedfwoorr .to•yHtosasonhodlwdsocimaeseerdysios.upcrlaocyomlfluercntiiotnure directions and hours. • Vintage prints and books th 1C537r40es3.c6o2P,9aP.r7Aa2d12i87se32F6allgHs liogshs•ltyAEoduydtewhsteoaanrlitdilceiiaedVnricgsutaonfrolilifraeornrcmyoaslnq,ldeucatloitrys jimhill @ ptd.net Peter Nathan Toy Soldiers vk! medals and memorabilia. We offer the widest variety of elite military miniatures, ng CHoTa Bai aNd toy soldiers and diorama accessories available for your 4) THE WaTER Boy y! visual hobby. Peter Nathan Toy Soldiers has been in 4835 Hickory Valley Rd, Heiskell, TN 37754 Tel: 1 865 745 1080 business over 20 years and all the products displayed v Email: [email protected] www.somersetltd.com in our new store are available online. Shop 18, level 2, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney, Australia. Tel: (+612) 9267 5591 Email: [email protected] Website: www.toysoldiers.com.au Store Hours Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am to 6pm Thu 10am to 9pm, Sun 11am to 5pm TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 23

FEATUREto Henry’s slain standard-bearer, Sir I.S.A. Warenhandels figures of Napoleonic The ceremonial custom of grounding theWilliam Brandon. French cavalry with the 1804 flag pattern at colours is demonstrated by Scots Guards center and the 1812 versions on the flanks. produced by Ducal Models. In the aftermath of the battle, thecirclet signifying Richard’s rank was the Eagle, an iconic representation of symbolic bond between Napoleon andremoved from his battle helm and Napoleon’s authority from which further the French soldier.brought to Lord Stanley, who in turn military customs soon evolved.presented it to Henry Tudor. Two To personalize this relationshipmonths later he was confirmed as King The birth of the Eagles occurred in even more deeply, Napoleon himselfHenry VII, founder of England’s Tudor the summer of 1804, the year Napoleon customarily presented each Eagle. Thedynasty. became Emperor. In his mind, he and presentation of the first 560 Eagles France were now one and the same. was conducted in December 1804 with In time, the military custom of This concept was manifested in his new great pomp and circumstance at thegrounding the banner became much Eagle, with one initially given to each Champ de Mars in Paris. By design,less of a practical necessity and merely battalion. each Eagle literally and symbolicallya military tradition. But it’s a beloved carried the Emperor’s fingerprintsmilitary tradition that is still observed by Based on the design of the Roman as Napoleon solemnly entrusted histhe British Army at ceremonial events Imperial Eagle, the finial (tip) of the standards to the soldiers while stronglysuch as the Queen’s Birthday Parade. stave (pole) became the French Eagle stating his expectations. with wings half-spread. The eagleNAPOLEONIC ERA was cast in solid bronze and weighed Losing an Eagle in battle brought slightly under 4 pounds. The regimental disgrace to a regiment. But NapoleonLeaping forward to the 19th century number was stamped on the base. also regarded such loss as a personalbrings this chronicle well within the betrayal of his trust.era of regimental flags common to The Eagle personified Napoleon.countries in Western Europe today. Beneath it, on a blue-painted stave, The depth of Napoleon’s emotions can flew a richly embroidered French be illustrated by an event that occurred This system customarily featured a regimental flag personalizing soldiers at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, whenpair of flags per battalion, per regiment. of the regiment. The clever creation the first Eagle was lost in combat as theThe first flag symbolized the soldier’s of this unique regimental standard French 4th Line Infantry Regiment wasduty to the nation; the second his served as an effective psychological and surprised and overrun by Russian cavalry.loyalty to the regiment. Consideringthe popularity of the Napoleonic Wars,I am going to conclude this article byfocusing on the Imperial French Eagleand customs associated with it. Emperor Napoleon I sought to createa tight bond of loyalty between himselfand his soldiers. One tool he successfullyemployed was newly designed Frenchstandards. Gone were the two flagsper regiment scenario in France; enter The Scots Greys capturing the Eagle of the French 45th Line by All the Queen’s Men.Napoleonic French Chasseurs of the ImperialGuard standard-bearer and Grenadier byI.S.A. Warenhandels.24 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

FEATURE A model figure by Andrea Miniatures depicts a circa 1690 British 1st Guards ensign grounding the colour.Five sets from All the Queen’s Men were mustered for this diorama depicting the charge ofthe Scots Greys at Waterloo. This made Napoleon furious. He bearers were senior NCOs ineligible A Tattoo — the ceremonial custom of“harangued the regiment with much for promotion due to their illiteracy. lowering the flag in the evening — isvenom,” exclaiming they were not worthy Each Eagle was escorted by two NCOs depicted by part of a 25-piece set of Britishof an Eagle.The colonel of the 4th Line carrying halberds with pennons (one red Royal Marines from Fusilier Miniatures.pleaded his case, reminding his Emperor and one white) and a brace of pistols.that the regiment had captured two ABOUT THE WRITERAustrian flags in battle that same day. The military custom of placing battle honors on French regimental Curtis Sleight was born and raised Napoleon eventually reconsidered, flags commenced with the issue of the in the historic Hudson Riverbut drove a hard bargain. With much 1812 tricolor flag. Battle honors were Valley of New York state. He hasreluctance, he granted the 4th Line a customarily placed on the reverse side of been an avid military history buffreplacement Eagle, but in exchange for a flag, with regimental identification on and toy soldier collector for manythe two captured Austrian flags. the observe side. However, only battles years. Prior to entering a 35-year personally commanded by Napoleon career in public education, Curt It was also Napoleon’s custom to were authorized for such distinction. was commissioned into the U.S.personally select in each regiment the Nevertheless, many French regimental Army Intelligence Corps. The1st “porte-Aigle” (Eagle-bearer), as well flags became highly visible “trophy Vietnam War veteran taughtas the 2nd and 3rd bearers from a short boards’ proudly recording a regiment’s at the U.S. Army Intelligencelist of veterans who fought at Ulm, numerous combat accomplishments. School and later was theAusterlitz, Jena and Friedland. The 1st curriculum coordinator for theEagle-bearer was traditionally a senior During the disastrous retreat from school’s Department of Combatensign while the 2nd and 3rd Eagle- Moscow in 1812, however, Napoleon Intelligence. Curt and his wife deemed it necessary to order many Nan, retired to Florida, where heA portrayal of Napoleon by I.S.A. Warenhandels decimated French regiments to burn is a member of the South Floridaseems to capture the spirit of the relationship their Eagles, lest they fall into Russian Toy Soldier Club. They have threebetween the soldier and the flag. hands. In recognition of this unique children and six grandchildren. event, Tradition of London Ltd. has created nearly two dozen compatible 54-mm figures to re-create the “Burning of the Eagles.” Tradition and All the Queen’s Men have both created exciting 54-mm vignettes of the British 2nd Dragoons (Scots Greys) capturing the Eagle of the French 45th Line at Waterloo. AQM created several other compatible sets. It has taken me several years to find, acquire and incorporate these additional AQM sets into a Waterloo display totaling 28 figures. The result has been extremely satisfying. n TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 25

FEATUREPlastics on Campaign TrailFrank Jastrzembski recounts nostalgic childhood memories of deploying his eclectic plasticarmy in extensively researched, meticulously organized and wide-ranging backyard battlesText and Photos: Frank Jastrzembski miHmaoanvgdeim-ndaerranywtcsnawmbeaprteatilogennpesl.aoEnflafmbrooymrfaatoveonfreliatoenfktmaincygtics.T his article is dedicated to my nostalgic childhood memories of toy soldiering. The time I spentas a youth meticulously organizing mytoy army and waging war against myyounger brother Joseph’s forces willforever be etched in my mind. Beyond entertaining me for countlesshours, collecting toy soldiers helpedme to develop traits that I still carry tothis day. My passion for studying andwriting about topics related to militaryhistory, my painstaking organizationalskills, and my vivid imagination can allbe attributed to my numerous toy armycampaigns.COUNCILS OF WAR  conducted with figures representing historic personalities they represented, my senior corps, division, brigade and such as the excellent line of plasticThe tactics and strategies of historically regimental commanders in attendance. portrayals that Louis Marx andsignificant campaigns were studied I would methodically surround a Co. supplied in its U.S. presidentszealously. I fervently pored over books small plastic table with these models collection. In many other cases,about past leaders and their brilliant and imagine they would intensely historically significant charactersmilitary campaigns, then tried to discuss the operations of an upcoming were depicted by models that had noemulate them with my plastic army in campaign. resemblance to them whatsoever.my backyard. Legendary commanders,such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Robert My army was meticulously Hours were spent poring throughE. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, whose organized with pen and paper.deeds I judged the most gallant, bold Orders of battle were drafted for President Abraham Lincoln and Lt. Gen.and unfaltering, were matched in my each campaign. The hierarchy of my Jacob D. Cox (from left). The energeticown strategies. army organization was transcribed in commander of my Army of the Red River notebooks, with historically accurate never balked at visiting his men in the field. Grand councils of war were images of each officer included.My orders of battle slowly progressed from Distinguished acts of bravery andbeing recorded with a pen and paper to admirable deeds were mentionedbeing meticulously organized in notebooks in after-battle reports. Successfuland finally official-looking documents. maneuvers were recorded and praised for future reference.   ENLISTING SOLDIERS The military hierarchy of my toy army was composed of generals, colonels, majors, captains and lieutenants identified by specific models. Some figures depicted the specific26 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

FEATUREI had a tank battalion, but my chivalrous If a figure could carry a rifle, it fought in American Indian allies like Chief Sunshinedisposition favored the use of cavalry for my diverse Army of the Red River. Pac- (center) and his warriors took part in ourreconnaissance and flank attacks. Man faithfully served as the eclectic army’s wars when it seemed to be in their best surgeon general for many years. interest. history books to find leaders for my army. The Marx figure of Abraham the Red River. A figure of Presidentarmy. Some men chosen were famous Lincoln had an active role serving as Martin Van Buren served as his faithfulwhile others were relatively obscure but president of my imaginary nation. chief of staff.aroused my curiosity. Lt. Gen. Jacob B. Cox, (a BMC Toys A wide array of models from various For example, notables such as figure depicting the British general time periods was included in myGeorge Washington, Theodore Lord Cornwallis during the American army. Marx figures made in the 1960s;Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower Revolutionary War) served as the nicely sculpted figures from Barzsofound places as junior officers in my brilliant commander of my Army of Playsets, BMC and Armies in Plastic; and dollar store green army men wereAfter-action report for the fanciful Battle of Pictures of fighting men from history all incorporated. My father brought Pleasant Hill. At the time, I was fascinated illustrate an army organizational chart me fresh recruits from garage sales,with the ACW’s Red River Campaign of 1864. where he would purchase bags full of transcribed in a notebook. mismatched army men for less than a dollar. Valiant knights, American patriots, Union and Confederate infantrymen of the American Civil War, Cherokee Indians, and World War II German and American troops all served shoulder to shoulder in my ranks.  My army did not discriminate when it came to enlisting combatants. Plastic or rubber figures of every imaginable variety were recruited. I recruited some 3.75-inch G.I. Joe figures of the 1980s and 1990s, and similar scale figures to help defend my imaginary nation. Through the years, my army expanded in size by the hundreds. There were never too many “volunteers” to serve in my war effort.Representatives of my army’s less distinguished but vitally important commissary, chaplain, Theodore Roosevelt,engineer and medical units. who was repainted a few years back, was one of my favorite models and most distinguished officers. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 27

FEATURE The most notable and enduring officers of my Army of the Red River were (from left) front row: Pierre G.T. Beauregard, John F. Reynolds, Theodore Roosevelt, George Meade, John Schofield and S.D. Lee; back row: Thomas Jefferson, Davy Crockett, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Martin Van Buren, George Washington and James Madison.A G.I. Joe figure depicted the Army of the dedication, there would be complete terrain central to these battles. DirtRed River’s Gen. Elie Frederic Forey, who was chaos in bringing my army together for fortifications and wooden palisadeskilled in battle and buried with full military an upcoming battle.  served as defensive structures.honors.  My veteran unit, known as the Some battles were minor andARMY ORGANIZATION “Regulars,” sported black-painted inconsequential skirmishes. Others headgear to distinguish them from all were large and decisive actions alteringOur simple game of war developed other formations in my army. The black the outcome of our imaginary wars.from throwing a rubber ball each turn hats were meant to emulate the battle- Our armies were left set up forto determine casualties into more hardened men of the Union’s Iron months at a time to the annoyance butadvanced campaigns. Over time supply Brigade, who distinguished themselves reluctant approval of our father, whotrains, unit morale and close-quarters during the ACW. Only veteran plastic mowed around our battle lines.combat all became factors in our warriors hand-selected by the officerwargaming. in charge of the elite battalion (Pierre Heroes were created in desperate G.T. Beauregard) could serve in this last stands. Field promotions were To supplement my regular army of honorable regiment. My “Regulars” commonplace. Reputations were leftplastic foot soldiers, a small naval fleet, played a role similar to Napoleon’s Old in tatters in consequence of disastrousengineer battalion, firefighter battalion, Guard. They were only committed in defeats. Promoting from the ranks wascanine battalion, general staff, medical combat if a dire necessity arose. a common occurrence.corps and even a commissary corpswere established. VAST BATTLEFIELD Ceremonies were performed honoring the most chivalrous and My army was organized from Imaginary campaigns were waged the most gallant. Plastic leaders wholarge corps down to individual on a six-acre battlefield. They were suffered setbacks were dishonorablyregiments. Units were thoroughly conducted outdoors in my backyard lowered in rank. separated into dedicated containers regardless of the season or time of year.and plastic bags to avoid any confusion One conspicuous general, Frederickover which regiment a toy soldier was Beachheads, prairies, muddy D’Utassy, suffered a humiliating defeatassigned to. In some cases, models were quagmires, dense forests, frozen tundra that led to his dismissal. The excusepainted to color coordinate them with and irregular hills became the varied for his removal was that he had beentheir unit. In general, 70 to 100 toy promoted well beyond his ability.soldiers composed each regiment. Organization was of criticalimportance to me. Without thisInvalids like these who had performed Plastic warriors from diverse periods of history served shoulder to shoulder in my army.beyond the call of duty were reassigned toless rigorous service in the commissary corps.28 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

FEATURE Only the most valiant of veterans were selected to don the black headgear of my elite “Regulars.”My Adm. Andrew Jackson (not general!) When men fell wounded, they from years of campaigning. The mostfailed to thwart a British invasion of New remained casualties for the duration distinguished have found a place ofOrleans, but served as an efficient naval of the campaign. This forced junior honor on my bookshelf. commander. officers to rise to the occasion. When a “missile” was judged to hit a certain These are great memories I will carryWORTHY ADVERSARY area of a figure’s body, we judged whether it was a mortal or light wound. with me forever. nMy brother was a daunting adversary In some cases, infantrymen or officerswith an army that mirrored mine were wounded three or four times Capt. Ambrosein size and organization. Countless in one clash. Our ranks thinned as P. Hill was theyears of imaginary campaigns were campaigns dragged on for many weeks. brilliant leaderwaged against my diehard wargaming of my artillerycompanion. In one instance, Gen. Elie Frederic Forey had the misfortune to take corps. I was well aware of which units a direct hit while leading a valiantin Joseph’s army were either the charge, “killing him instantly.” His ABOUT THE WRITERmost experienced or untested. Bold imaginary funeral was attended by thebayonet charges and sweeping flanking senior generals of the army. In full view Frank Jastrzembski is an avidmovements were conducted against of his men, he was buried in a plastic researcher of underapprciatedeach other. Our armies were drawn out coffin supplied by Mr. Bones novelty characters from militaryas we each attempted to threaten the candy. Forey stayed in the ground for history. The American isother’s vulnerable capital city. many months until the campaign was currently working on his first concluded. book titled, “Valentine Baker’s Occasionally, prisoner of war Spartan Stand: A Tarnishedexchanges occurred. A tin can placed I am still passionate about English Soldier’s Redemptioninto the ground with only a small slit wargaming and collecting toy soldiers at Tashkessen, 1877.” Frankin the plastic lid served as an inhumane to this day. I have thousands of dirty has written articles forprison for some plastic captives for and worn plastic soldiers that I hope to magazines, journals and onlinemonths. pass down to my children. Some are in publications. Beyond penning brittle condition, damaged or broken history-related articles, he loves to travel to unusual places withMy army included a vast array of recruits from Marx, BMC, Armies in Plastic, Barzso Playsets, his wife Asha. Their honeymoonA Call to Arms and other makers. was spent on a trip to Iceland. Frank also has a deep passion for wargaming, collecting antiques and hoarding vintage books. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 29

FEATUREAftermath atIsandlwanaThe Toy Soldier Museum’s James H. Hillestad Zulu warrior ofcreates a poignant diorama depicting the the uMbonambiaftermath of the Zulu victory at Isandlwanda with Lord Regiment from aChelmsford discovering the extent of the British debacle W. Britain series based on OspreyText and Photos: James H. Hillestad The diorama contains figures by Publishing artwork. W. Britain, Trophy Miniatures ofT he hours after Isandlwana Wales Ltd., Steadfast Soldiers, Alymer, Their average height was 5 feet, 7 have long intrigued me, and Quartermaster Corps and Kingcast. inches. Some of the younger soldiers I have dreamed of making a They are a combination of 54-mm weighed as little as 115 pounds. Butdiorama depicting the aftermath of military miniatures painted in gloss they were all tough men.that epic battle of the Anglo-Zulu and 58-mm, matt-painted pieces.War. W. Britain’s recent release of a They endured scorching heatbrand new range of dramatic figures COMBATANTS: BRITISH (daytime temperatures of 120provided the missing ingredient for degrees Fahrenheit), wearing a uniform“The Morning After …” diorama. In 1878, the men of the British Army’s made of thick serge material and laden 24th Regiment of Foot (the bulk of with a two-day supply of rations, water, The scenario: Lord Chelmsford has Chelmsford’s force) were generally and ammunition — a total ofreturned from his futile attempt to considered to be the best troops in South 50 pounds. The Zulus called them thelocate and attack the Zulu impi only Africa.The regiment was also known as “red soldiers” because of their scarletto find that the African army had the 2nd Warwickshire Regiment and tunics with green facings. The Zulucircled around and annihilated most of later the South Wales Borderers. War was one of the last times Britishthe force that he had left behind in his troops would wear their red coats intomain camp at Isandlwana. More than The 24th Foot consisted of two battle.of his 1,350 troops are dead. battalions. The men of the 1/24th were mainly of English and Irish birth. The The men were armed with Chelmsford is shown pondering amid 2/24th’s soldiers were predominantly the 45-caliber Martini-Henrythe carnage, trying to understand the Welshmen. Each battalion fielded rifle, probably the best of its kindimplications of the disaster and what about 700 infantrymen.  in the world. A formidable weapon,might have taken place at his Rorke’s resembling the American Winchester,Drift supply depot 6 miles to the west. it weighed 9 pounds unloaded. WithJim Hillestad’s diorama titled “The Morning After …” is 5 feet long by 30 inches wide.30 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

FEATURESoldiers of the 24th Foot trek past collapsed field tents. South African Zulu War Medal 1879 from writer Jim Hillestad’s collection.its 22-inch bayonet, it exceeded the COMBATANTS: ZULUS  long, mounted on a stout, short staff.height of the average British soldier. It was a stabbing spear, little different Zulus were trained to fight and they in basic design from the short-bladed Chelmsford’s troops were well- were very good at it. They were big men sword of the Roman legions.disciplined and supremely confident that -- some as tall as 6 feet, 5 inches.no African army could stand up against The weapon was called an assegaithem. A favorite ditty was the chorus to a Zulus were accustomed by other tribes. But to the Zulus,music hall ballad popular at the time: to swimming and running long it was known as the “iklwa,” an distances. A 50-mile run in a day was a onomatopoetic word for the sucking “We don’t want to fight, but by jingo if common feat. noise made by the blade as it waswe do, withdrawn from an opponent. Sir Bartle Frere, the British high “We’ve got the ships, we’ve got the men, commissioner for Southern Africa, Along with the assegai, theand got the money, too!” described the Zulus as “man-slaying Zulus fought with wooden gladiators.” clubs (knobkerries). They were taught It was the 1/24th that would bear to use their cowhide shields to throwthe brunt of the Zulu onslaught at The Zulus used a hand-to-handIsandlwana. weapon with a broad blade, 18-inchesRecent releases from W. Britain depict Natal Carabineers watching as soldiers of the 24th Foot Zulu shield and weapons from The Toyundertake the makeshift burial of Zulu dead. Soldier Museum’s collection. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 31

FEATUREA cart is loaded with souvenirs of war.an enemy off balance before stabbing British and Colonial soldiers slain at Isandlwana are interred. him. The Zulu army was deployed in acrescent formation for battle. The mainbody of men was preceded on eachflank by two “horns” that rushedforward in an encircling movement.This was the tactic used at Isandlwana.“Chelmsford is shownpondering amid the carnage,trying to understand theimplications of the disaster andwhat might have taken placeat his Rorke’s Drift supply depot6 miles to the west.”THE INVASION  Officers of the Frontier Light Horse and troopers of the Natal Native Horse ride past an abandoned artillery piece and limber.After Frere took office as the thecolonial administrator in 1877, he Lord Chelmsford’s fieldperceived the Zulus as a standing headquarters includes anthreat to colonization and dreams of office wagon. uniting the region in a confederationunder the British Empire’s control. In January 1879, British troopscrossed the Buffalo River at Rorke’sDrift. The invasion force wascommanded by Lt. Gen. Sir FredericThesiger (Baron Chelmsford).His mission was to overthrow theZulu Kingdom of King Cetshwayo. Organized into three columnstotaling 15,000 men (including5,120 Imperial infantry), the plan wasto advance on Ulundi, Cetshwayo’sroyal village. On Jan. 20, the center column,with which Chelmsford rode, arrivedat Isandlwana — a Zulu name for amassive rocky butte. Some officersof the 1/24th noticed that themountain bore a striking resemblanceto the shape of the sphinx motif ontheir collar badges.32 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

British troops halt for breakfast before heading to Rorke’s Drift. FEATURE Lord Chelmsford’s Report I regret to report a very disastrous engagement which took place on the morning of the 22nd January, between the Armies of the Zulu King Cetewayo and our own Number 3 Column, consisting of five Companies of the 1st Battalion, 24th Regt. of Foot, and one Company of the 2nd Battalion, a total of nearly 1,500 men, Officers and other Ranks. The Zulus, in overwhelming numbers, launched a highly disciplined attack on the slopes of the mountain ISANDLWANA, and in spite of gallant resistance, the Column was completely annihilated. Lord Chelmsford Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Forces Natal Colony, South Africa“The Fallen” vignette depicts worthy foes from the clash. A few weeks before the battle, Chelmsford had written to a colonial Field surgeons official, “I shall strive to be in a position and orderlies treat to show the Zulus how hopelessly inferior they are to us in fighting the wounded.  power.” After posting a detachment to guard Rorke’s Drift, Chelmsford divided his force, leaving half at Isandlwana. He marched out with the other portion, which he then proceeded to split again. BATTLE JOINED Meanwhile, Cetshwayo’s instructions to his army had been, “March slowly, attack at dawn and eat up the red soldiers.”   Lord Chelmsford with his military secretary Lt. Col. Harry Crealock and interpreter W.H. Longcast (from left). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 33

FEATUREThe Toy Soldier Museum’s collection includes an 1871 .45-caliber Martini-Henry rifle of the type used by British troops against the Zulus. The main Zulu army evaded that the black warriors commanded the later described it as “defenseless asdetection and prepared to assault the high ground, enabling them to appear an English village, with the air of aenemy encampment at Isandlwana. and disappear at will. racecourse on a public holiday.”One of the weaknesses of the camp was As for the camp itself, one officer At 7:30 a.m. Jan. 22, 1879, the Zulus attacked. Cetshwayo’s army numbered as many as 25,000 men. By early afternoon, the camp was in Zulu hands. When the fighting ended, 52 British officers had died (more than were killed at Waterloo). About 800 British soldiers and 500 of their African allies also lay dead. Only a handful escaped with their lives. “We spared no lives and asked for no mercy for ourselves,” the Zulu chieftain Maphitha later recounted. Zulu losses were estimated at 2,500. It has been said that the Battle of Isandhlwana should be remembered not as a British defeat, but rather as a great Zulu victory against an invading army with superior arms. nBritish soldiers unload supplies from a wagon. A war photographer chronicles the scene in a British bivouac. FURTHER READING ABOUT THE WRITER • “The Washing of the Spears: The Rise and Fall of the Zulu Nation” is perhaps the definitive book about the Anglo-Zulu War of James H. Hillestad is the 1879. Written by American Donald T. Morris in 1965, it was inspired by proprietor of The Toy Soldier Ernest Hemingway and emphasizes the British view of the conflict. Museum in Cresco, Pa., USA. • “Like Lions They Fought: The Zulu War and the Last Black Empire in South Africa” is Robert B. Edgerton’s beautifully-written account of the story from the Zulu perspective. • “Zulu Victory: The Epic of Isandlwana and the Cover-up,” coauthored by Ron Lock and Peter Quantrill, focuses on the battle in detail and shameful actions that followed. • Renowned author and historian Ian Knight, a past TS&MF contributor who has served as a consultant to W. Britain, has written widely on this subject.34 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

SOLD HEREToy Soldier is available around the worldfrom any of the specialty shops listed belowUSA: AUSTRALIA:Hobby Bunker The Toy Soldier33 Exchange Street, ExperienceMalden, MA 02148 810 Donnybrook RoadSierra Toy Soldier Co. Donnybrook. Victoria. 306415466 Los Gatos Blvd. #108,Los Gatos, CA 95032 CANADA:Joseph Saine Scott J. Dummitt Presents628 Dixie Highway, 1754 Carmel Line,Rossford, OH 43460 Bailieboro, Ontario,The Toy Soldier Shoppe Canada K0L 1B03775 S 108th St., (HWY 100), Maitland ToyGreenfield. WI 53228 Soldier ShoppeTroops of Time 108 Victoria St. South,1602 Copeland Street, Goderich, OntarioJacksonville, FL 32204 Canada N7A 3H9The History Store101 North Paint Street,Chillicothe, OH 45601Toy Troops7561 Center Ave. #17,Huntington Beach, CAIf you wish to see Toy Soldier &Model Figure magazines in your area,please encourage your favorite shopto call and order at 1-866-606-6587or 507-634-3143.We are also availablein all UK newsagents. Putting History in Your Hands Visit www.wbritaincollectorsclub.com for more information Secure AgFarmToys.com We ship online worldwide!ordering! Visit us online www.AgFarmToys.com or call 563-423-5128 to order. Products in stock from the following series & a variety of others: American Civil War • American Revolution • WWI & WWII • Zulu Wars • Scenic Accessories Tracy Johnson, Iowa Diecast Toys, 811 Gunder Estates Blvd, Clermont, IA, 52135Do you carry Store hours: Historic Downtown Chillicothe W.Britain? Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm Saturday 10 am – 4 pm. The This prime Closed: Sunday & Monday hisTory spot can be sToreyours for less 3775 S. 108th St., Greenfield, WI 53228 and Gallery than $99 (414)302-1850 www.toysoldiershoppe.net Military Miniatures Contact Sara (USA) [email protected] & toy soldiersor Maria (UK) today: [email protected] Where History Comes To LifeThe largest selection of military miniatures in [email protected] online store: www.thehistorystore.net email: [email protected] 99 North Paint St. • Chillicothe, OH 45601 • 740-775-7400 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 35

FEATUREFlorida Toy Soldier ShowCurtis Sleight delivers a report on the South Florida club’s 22nd annual showText and Photos: Curtis Sleight Their comprehensive hobby shop II German and U.S. vehicles, warships is located in Cherry Hill, N.J. Rich and aircraft. Their items were eitherM other Nature cooperated mentioned they have been attending conversions or scratch-built from sheet with warm weather and a this show almost from the beginning. metal and/or styrene. Their goal is to refreshing ocean breeze as Indeed, I have visited their tables many create items not commonly found onthe doors opened for the 22nd Annual times through the years. It is always a the market. Their craftsmanship isFlorida Toy Soldier, Action Figure, Toy pleasure to see them. beautiful.& Collectibles Show at 9 a.m. Sunday,Jan. 31, 2016. Among the new vendors this year Another new vendor was Robert was Roger Dubois from Baltimore, Hornung of Cincinnati, Ohio, who The event is organized by the Md., who displayed a rather unique made his mark in the hobby a fewSouth Florida Toy Soldier Club. It side of the hobby. Roger brought decades ago with his Hornung Artwas founded nearly 30 years ago. The samples of his varied conversions of medieval knights. In more recentgroup’s membership is drawn from six American Dimestores originally made years, Bob has branched out into othercounties in the region. by companies such as Manoil and historical eras. His tables were blanketed Barclay. with many samples of his work. The venue for the last several yearshas been the Scottish Rite Masonic Scott Schleh and Sandy Luck had The next show is scheduled for Jan.Center in Lake Worth. The facility a magnificent display of World Waroffers a series of meeting halls and 29, 2017. nconference rooms surrounding anopen-air courtyard. The building is An intriguing field artillery set created by Bob Hornung.clean, well-lit and sufficiently spaciousto accommodate the 130 tables or morerequired each year. For the convenience of the vendors,the venue was open on the Saturdayafternoon before the show. Thisafforded them ample time to unpackand set up displays on their tables. To spark the interest of the morecreative and artistic people in ourhobby, a painting competition was heldin one of the conference rooms. Entrieswere placed in one of several categoriesand judged accordingly. Perennial out-of-state favoriteseach year are Rich and Gail Dutkins,representing Dutkins’ Collectables.Examples of John Lesinski’s creative and Old Britains “Knights of Agincourt” designed by Roy Selwyn-Smith.exquisite dioramas were for sale.36 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

FEATUREKay and Norman Rodriguez of Memphis Toy The Marx-Man’s John Stengel Jr. mans his Roger Dubois displayed examples of hisSoldier were on hand. stand. Dimestore conversions.“Gordon Highlanders in the Sudan” by Alan McGhee of Alan’s Historical Miniatures. Gail and Rich Dutkins of Dutkins’ Collectables are veterans of the Florida show. Scott Schleh’s creations included a World War II German gunboat. ABOUT THE WRITER Curtis Sleight was born and raised in the historic Hudson River Valley of New York state. He has been an avid military history buff and toy soldier collector for many years. Prior to entering a 35-year career in public education, Curt was commissioned into the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps. The Vietnam War veteran taught at the U.S. Army Intelligence School and later was the curriculum coordinator for the school’s Department of Combat Intelligence. Curt and his wife Nan, retired to Florida, where he is a member of the South Florida Toy Soldier Club. They have three children and six grandchildren. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 37

(Photo Courtesy of Matthew Pavone, First Legion Ltd.) 21638 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW in one-horse open sleighs, French fugitives desperately try to escape the fearsome wrath of harryingDon Cossacks as Emperor Napoleon I’s Grande Armée is nearly annihilated during its disastrous retreat from Russia in 1812. First LegionLtd. is responsible for the detailed 60-mm figures, buildings and terrain composing this dramatic diorama. The wintry scene includes asneak peek at both the four Cossacks and the second version of a French sledge forthcoming from the maker. –Stuart A. Hessney TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 39

METAL REVIEWSPRODUCTS MARCH INTO THE MARKETPLACE With Editor Stuart A. Hessney‘MASS BATTLE’ AMERICAN CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATESBY FIRST LEGION LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney Pavone let me know his big news, I range of collectors around the world,” started wondering if “Mass Battles” Matt related.First Legion Ltd. has added an will cannibalize the success of theintriguing new weapon to its marketing company’s mainstays? But the folks at “Further, because the size andarsenal called the “Mass Battle” series. First Legion don’t seem concerned at sculpting perfectly match our existing all. They see this as a win-win situation figures, they can be used in dioramas The American, British and Russian for their brand, dealers and collectors. in combination with our connoisseurpartners behind this brand have carved figures, allowing for both qualityout a rather unique niche in our QUALITY & QUANTITY and quantity in the same display!” hehobby by combining Russian design enthused.artistry with Chinese production cost Matt commented, “Our ‘Mass Battle’efficiencies. The result is connoisseur- figures have our same world-class “And make no mistake about it,”style, 60-mm figures priced well below figure sculpting but neat, crisp, more Matt added, “while lacking the subtlethat genre’s usual premium prices, but ‘toy soldier’ level painting, allowing nuanced advanced painting techniquesmuch higher than the average matt- us to bring them to collectors at a of our standard figures, the `Masspainted toy soldier. price point starting at only $38.95, Battle’ series figures are very beautiful almost half the cost of our normal in their own right. We worked Now the “Mass Battle” series offers connoisseur-level figures.” extensively to ensure that we achievedmetal military miniatures at nearly half production methods that would allowthe cost of this maker’s regular product “We decided to do this series for a us to produce a lower-priced yet stillline. The range is being launched by variety of reasons,” he explained, “but very attractive figure.”the release of 19 different Confederate the primary ones are to allow collectorssoldiers from the American Civil War. to build very large dioramas (i.e., ‘Mass He asserted, “Many companies Battles!’) at a lower cost of entry than make the mistake of trying to put This brand new series puts First our standard level of figures.” very advanced painting techniques onLegion in a more competitive position a low-cost figure and our experiencewith several other makers price-wise. “Additionally, as costs continue to go shows that the result tends to be aObviously, this will be a tremendous up and as we continue to increase the sloppily painted figure. So we wentboon to diorama builders wishing to painting quality of our normal figures, another direction with the primarystack their ranks with reinforcements. we want to provide a more entry-level focus being that the painting be figure so that we can reach a broader extremely crisp, neat and accurate, and However, after partner MattFirst Legion’s new “Mass Battle” Confederates are shown what else but en masse.40 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

“Confederate “Confederate “Confederate “Confederate “ConfederateCaptain With Sword” Lieutenant With NCO Advancing” Infantry Advancing” Infantry Advancing” Pistol” (ref. MB002). (ref. MB001). (ref. MB003). (ref. MB004). (ref. MB005).let the figure shine for what it is, not REBEL ADVANCE Fourteen of the other ranks are in variedtry to make it something it’s not.” advancing poses. They are perfect for re- These new figures have nicely detailed creating actions such as Pickett’s Charge “We love the results and we certainly facial characterizations. Their butternut, at Gettysburg on an epic scale or simplyhope collectors do as well!” Matt gray and blue attire comes complete marching down a dirt road to glory. Asexclaimed. “Our goal is to produce with the patchwork wear and tear of advertised, these infantrymen retail forthe finest matt-painted figures in the being on campaign. $38.95 U.S. apiece.market at their price point. We believewe have achieved this in the past and Matt pointed out that these are the In addition, First Legion hascontinue to do so with this new series.” same core sculpts used for previously produced a pair of standard-bearers released connoisseur-type Rebels of the from the Confederate 2nd Maryland He noted, “We will focus the series 55th North Carolina. Changing around Infantry. They hold either stateon ranges that lend themselves to these head, arm, dress and gear combinations or regimental flags as carried atlarger dioramas and as such we have makes these “Mass Battles” recruits Gettysburg and each costs $54.95.decided to launch `Mass Battles’ series appear different in nuanced ways to This unit was made up of menwith some ACW Confederates. We complement all their brothers-in-arms. who volunteered to fight for thesincerely hope collectors enjoy the new Confederacy despite their home stateseries and look for expansions for both Leadership is provided by a sword- remaining loyal to the Union.ACW and other historical eras as well!” wielding captain, a lieutenant with a pistol and an advancing NCO. “Confederate “Confederate “ConfederateInfantry Advancing” Infantry Infantry (ref. MB006). Advancing” Advancing” (ref. MB007). (ref. MB008). “Confederate Infantry Advancing” (ref. MB009). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 41

“Confederate “Confederate “Confederate “Confederate “ConfederateInfantry Advancing” Infantry Advancing” Infantry Advancing” Infantry Advancing” Infantry Advancing” (ref. MB010). (ref. MB011). (ref. MB012). (ref. MB013). (ref. MB014). The 2nd Maryland was part of Maj. They participated in fierce assaults Cognizant of the casualties theyGen. Edward “Allegheny” Johnson’sdivision within Lt. Gen. Richard against heavily fortified Union positions had suffered, Lee doffed his hat toS. Ewell’s 2nd Corps of the Armyof Northern Virginia. After a 130- July 2 and 3 in the “slaughterpen” at honor the decimated regiment. Onlymile forced march, they arrived inGettysburg, Pa., in the late afternoon Culp’s Hill. Their brigade started the about 40 of the Marylanders were leftof July 1, 1863. The exhausted mentook up position on the farthest edge battle with 2,200 men, but only had by the time Lee surrendered to Unionof the Confederate left at the foot ofwooded and rocky Culp’s Hill. 1,200 fit for duty afterwards. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant April 9, 1865, at The Marylanders were proudly Appomattox Court House, Va.n marching past Gen. Robert E. Lee during a review of his army when Allegheny Johnson observed,“General, they were as steady as that at Gettysburg.” “Confederate Standard-Bearer “Confederate Standard- -- 2nd Maryland Bearer -- 2nd Maryland Regimental Flag” State Flag” (ref. MB018). (ref. MB019). “Confederate “Confederate Infantry Advancing” Infantry Advancing” (ref. MB016). (ref. MB017).“Confederate Infantry Advancing”(ref. MB015).42 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

THIRTY YEARS’ WAR: THREE MUSKETEERS First Legion’s new “d’Artagnan -- 1stBY FIRST LEGION LTD. Company Royal Musketeers” (ref.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney drawn inspiration from French novelist TYW001c). Alexandre Dumas and his fictitiousFirst Legion Ltd. has launched a Musketeers famous for exclaiming, “All Athos thoughtfullynew range based on the Thirty Years’ for one and one for all!” strokes his goateeWar, one of the longest and mostcataclysmic conflicts in European Louis XIII reigned over France when (ref. TYW001b).history, by starting on the literary the King’s Musketeers of the Guardand lighter side with “The Three were organized in 1622. The unit helped gauntlets and the buckles on theirMusketeers” and their protege young men of noble birth qualify for footwear.d’Artagnan. commissions as regular army officers by giving them training in using a The largest set is made up of a It was actually a series of wars waged matchlock musket, horsemanship and bemused Aramis standing holding abetween 1618 and 1648. The religious fencing. Blue cassocks emblazoned with book while Porthos sits on a low stonerift between Protestants and Catholics white crosses signified their status as wall topped by an iron fence and usestriggered the fighting and splintered royal guards. a tree branch to play with an orangethe Holy Roman Empire. The struggle kitten (ref. TYW001a; $184.95 U.S.).for political pre-eminence gradually Matt Pavone of First Legion noted Athos thoughtfully strokes his goateeembroiled most of the great powers of these Musketeers were originally (ref. TYW001b; $74.95) as d’Artagnan,Europe as they took sides with either sculpted as high-end model figure dressed in the cassock of the 1stFrance or the Hapsburgs. kits. The group even won an award at Company Royal Musketeers, regales 2014’s World Expo in Stresa, Italy. But them with the tale of how he won his Great swaths of territory were rather than release them to the public spurs (ref. TYW001c; $84.95).devastated and depopulated by combat, as kits, the maker decided to go thefamine and disease. Most of the connoisseur-style figure route. Only 150 of these splendid setscombatant countries were bankrupted. on cobblestone bases are beingMany soldiers, including mercenaries, “We have tried to emulate the quality produced. nresorted to paying themselves by we achieved on our competition entryexacting tribute or looting. In a so these figures have an even highernutshell, the Thirty Years’ War resulted level of sculpting and painting than ourin a new balance of power on the normal figures,” Matt explained.continent due to the ascendancyof Bourbon France, the curbing of Three outstanding sets have beenHapsburg aspirations and the rise of designed to either be displayedSweden. separately or combined to create a vignette with a touch of humor This conflict should be fertile ground depicting the Musketeers relaxingfor First Legion to march out matt- with their trusty swords at close hand.painted, 60-mm military miniatures. They are modeled in authentic periodFor starters, the manufacturer has dress from the tops of their flamboyant feathered hats to their practicalThree different sets depicting d’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and A bemused Aramis stands holding a book while Porthos sits Aramis (from left) compose a charming vignette. and uses a tree branch to play with a kitten (ref. TYW001a). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 43

NAPOLEON’S RETREAT FROM MOSCOW OF 1812BY FIRST LEGION LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney Moscow. But he failed to destroy Czar from Moscow being reinforced by a Alexander I’s field army. Fires engulfed trio of varied, bedraggled and frostyIt’s January 2016 when I’m writing this much of the wooden capital city Frenchmen in 60-mm scale. Pricedreview and the outdoor temperature Sept. 4-6, leaving the French without at $69.95 U.S. apiece, they includeis way below freezing. Consequently, sustenance or shelter. an 18th Line Infantry grenadierI can empathize with how exhausted, standing loading, a 4th Line Infantrystarving and frozen French troops as When Moscow went up in fusilier reaching for a cartridge anddepicted by First Legion Ltd. must smoke, so did Napoleon’s campaign. a dismounted member of the 2ndhave felt during Emperor Napoleon Frostbitten French soldiers, camp Cuirassiers with his sword drawn whileI’s cataclysmic wintry retreat from followers and horses dropped like flies firing his pistol (maybe they had to eatMoscow in 1812. during the withdrawal as they battled his horse). supply shortages, Russian light cavalry Napoleon was at the height of and partisans, and the Czar’s greatest They are complemented by ahis power when he set his sights on ally: “General Winter.” stunning horse-drawn sleigh. It carriesRussia. His Grande Armée, totaling a French driver and two wounded, aan unprecedented 610,000 men from The last French troops were evicted cantiniere, belongings and perhapsFrance and its allies, invaded Russia from Russian soil Dec. 14, 1812. Out even some loot. This set costs $485.by crossing the Neman River June 24, of the 610,000 men at Napoleon’s1812. command when he began the invasion These realistic, matt-finished less than six months earlier, only collectibles evocatively help tell the story When Napoleon was able to come 10,000 or so survived. of a turning point in the Napoleonicto grips with the enemy, he won costly Wars that undermined French hegemonyvictories in the Battles of Smolensk First Legion’s expansive range of in Europe, leading to the Emperor’sand Borodino. He even occupied finely crafted Napoleonics includes defeat and exile to Elba in 1814. n in-depth coverage of the retreat “French Grenadier “French Sledge Carrying WoundedStanding Loading -- Soldiers and Cantiniere” (ref. NAP0513).18th Line Infantry” (ref. NAP0510). “French Fusilier Another view of the Reaching for French sleigh set. Cartridge -- 4th Line Infantry” (ref. NAP0511). “French Cuirassier Shooting Pistol -- 2nd Cuirassiers” (ref. NAP0512).44 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

ROMAN LEGIONNAIRES AND MOREBY THOMAS GUNN MINIATURESReviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney classic red shields while “B” variants higher price than our normal offerings, hold black shields of the 30th Legion. but I am sure many collectors willThomas Gunn Miniatures (TGM) is Chinese production of the latter agree these figures are well worth it andtrumpeting the glory of the Roman version is limited to only 100. represent very good value.”Empire’s military might and lots morein its first figure release of 2016. These brand new Romans are 60- Tom expects to have eight offensive, mm/1:30 in scale, matt-painted, and defensive and relaxed Romans in some U.K.-based proprietor Simon designed and detailed to complement relatively unique poses available byThomas Gunn has debuted an other makers’ products. They cost £39 mid-year. His plans include a centurionadvancing front rank legionnaire with U.K./$49 U.S. apiece. and standard-bearers.his pilum leveled to close with foes (ref.ROM001) and a second rank marcher “Our figures are the same size as Collectors concentrating on Worldwith his pilum raised (ref. ROM005). First Legion/AeroArt and are of a War I can look forward to a stalwartThe battle formation’s “A” versions carry very high-quality paint standard,” Tom Ottoman Turk sentry (ref. GW063). enthused. “As such, they are a slightly Desert, Normandy and winter versions of wounded (ref. FJ027) and dead (ref.Normandy versions of the wounded and dead German Fallschirmjagers are shown with the FJ026) German Fallschirmjagers haveheavy machine gun from the accessory set. been added to the World War II range along with an Australian rifleman in a steel helmet and U.S.-style gaiters (ref. RS017B). Those four pieces are available singly for £32/$41, with only 100 of each available. Astute collectors will notice that both King & Country Ltd. and TGM introduced WWII German weapons sets in February 2016. Tom’s offering (ref. ACCPACK009A) is larger, costlier at £40/$59, and available in 100 each of either winter or Normandy versions. He supplies pairs of StG assault rifles, MP40 submachine guns, rifles, MG42 machine guns, Panzerfausts and Panzerschrecks along with one heavy machine gun on a Lafette stand. nNormandy version of WWII Australianthe 13-piece German rifleman in steel helmetweapons accessory set. and American-style gaiters (ref. RS017B).TGM’s Romans with their pilums raised or lowered and red or black shieldsare designed to create a formidable battle formation. WWI Ottoman Turkish sentry (ref. (ref. GW063). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 45

1815 WATERLOO CAMPAIGN BRUNSWICK AND BRITISH SOLDIERSBY W. BRITAINReviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney island of Elba. The Bourbon monarchy be brought to Paris in an iron cage.   was restored. Instead he and his 6,000 troops joined Bonaparte March 14.W. Britain has marched out eight However, Napoleon escaped fromauthentically detailed Allied soldiers exile aboard the brig Inconstant Feb. Louis XVIII fled from Parisbased on the Napoleonic Wars’ 26, 1815, while British and French March 19. The next day Napoleon wasclimactic Waterloo Campaign of 1815. guard ships were absent. Accompanied triumphantly welcomed back to power by about 1,000 soldiers, he landed in the capital city, starting the clock I momentarily experienced “déjà back on French soil near Cannes ticking on the period of history knownStu” when I first spotted these March 1. He received a warm welcome as the Hundred Days.seemingly familiar figures in the everywhere except in royalist Provence,maker’s 2015 Winter Catalogue. But much of which he avoided by traveling By June, Napoleon had managedwhat General Manager and Creative a route through the Alps. to muster 200,000 troops to confrontDirector Kenneth A. Osen has been the coalition mobilizing against him.up to is creating variations on standard Napoleon’s small force quickly He characteristically chose to take theposes, in addition to creating brand mushroomed in numbers to become offensive by launching a pre-emptivenew ones to help collectors achieve a an army without having to fire a shot. strike to try to defeat British andsense of realism in their displays. His charisma was underscored by an Prussian armies in turn before they anecdote from Grenoble, where royalist could combine their forces. As usual, these 58-mm sculptures troops deployed to block his advance.have been thoroughly researched for It is said that Napoleon boldly stepped The 128,000-strong French Army ofhistorical accuracy. Excellent matt right out in front of his potential foes, the North crossed the frontier into thepainting and shading breathes life into ripped open his coat and exclaimed: United Kingdom of the Netherlandsthis group of Brits and Brunswickers in June 15. They battered the Prussians ataction poses. “If any of you will shoot his Ligny and clashed with Anglo-Dutch Emperor, here I am!” forces at Quatre Bras in present-dayHUNDRED DAYS Belgium June 16. French and Prussian The royalist soldiers immediately corps also clashed at Wavre June 18.Long years of warfare embroiling changed sides and joined his ranks.nearly every nation in Europe led to Elsewhere June 18, Napoleon’sFrench Emperor Napoleon I’s defeat Michel Ney, one of Napoleon’s main army slugged things out with theand then abdication April 6, 1814. He former marshals, now served Bourbon Allies amidst rolling hills less than 10was banished to the Mediterranean King Louis XVIII. Ney had reportedly miles south of Brussels at Waterloo. commented that Napoleon should “Brunswick Leib-Battalion “Brunswick Leib- Standing Firing No. 2” Battalion Reaching (ref. 36153). for Cartridge No. 1” (ref. 36154).46 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

“British 95th Rifles “British 44th Foot LightStanding Firing No. 3” Company Kneeling(ref. 36155). Defending” (ref. 36158). “British 95thRifles Kneeling Firing No. 3” (ref. 36156).“British 44th Foot Light “I momentarily experienced `déjà Stu’ when ICompany Standing Firing” first spotted these seemingly familiar figures(ref. 36157). in the maker’s 2015 Winter Catalogue. But what General Manager and Creative Director Kenneth A. Osen has been up to is creating variations on standard poses, in addition to creating brand new ones to help collectors achieve a sense of realism in their displays.” “British 1st Foot Guards Battalion Company Standing Firing No. 2” (ref. 36161). “British 1st Foot Guards Battalion Company Kneeling Firing No. 2” (ref. 36162). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 47

The epic battle involved an aggregate wool uniforms with blue collars and Two battalions of the Britishtotal of 191,000 soldiers, of whom blue stripes down the trousers. Their 1st Foot Guards made up the 1st65,000 became casualties. black, plume-topped shakos bore an Brigade commanded by Maj. Gen. Sir ominous skull-and-crossbones death’s Peregrine Maitland. These Redcoats The British Duke of Wellington’s head symbol in silver as faithfully re- were heavily engaged at Waterloo asAnglo-Dutch army withstood repeated created by the toy soldier manufacturer. their light companies helped defendassaults until Prussian Marshal Hougoumont, their squares repulsedGebhard von Blücher’s troops arrived A pair of figures posed standing (ref. French cavalry attacks and theyin force in the evening and struck 36155) or kneeling (ref. 36156) firing participated in the final counterattack.the French right flank. An Allied Baker rifles replicates the British 95thcounterattack drove the French from Rifles. They saw action at Quatre Bras On the following July 29, thethe field. and Waterloo. Prince Regent decreed that the 1st Foot Guards would henceforth Napoleon hoped to escape to Men like these were immortalized be known as the 1st or Grenadierthe United States. But he landed in by novels authored by Bernard Regiment of Foot Guards. Theypermanent exile on the remote South Cornwell, then adapted for television were ordered to trade in their shakosAtlantic island of St. Helena, where he beginning with actor Sean Bean in the for bearskins based on the mistakendied at age 51 in 1821. title role of “Sharpe’s Rifles” in 1993. belief that they had gotten the best of W. Britain’s figures are modeled in the vaunted French Imperial Guard   light infantry stovepipe shakos with Grenadiers at Waterloo rather than green plumes, dark green jackets and the Chasseurs, who wore similarBLACK, GREEN & RED close-fitting pantaloons. headgear.  W. Britain’s two new figures posed Two other items depict “Light Bobs” W. Britain’s new 1st Foot Guardseither standing firing (ref. 36153) or from the British 44th (East Essex) in shakos, scarlet jackets and grayreaching for a cartridge (ref. 36154) Regiment of Foot, which was bloodied trousers are posed firing eitherrepresent the “Leib-Batalillon” (Life by enemy lancers at Quatre Bras. At standing (ref. 36161) or kneeling (ref.Guards Battalion) of the Brunswick Waterloo, the 2nd/44th was part of the 36162).Corps, which was placed under the Allied center hammered by a Frenchoverall command of Wellington. The infantry assault until Napoleon’s troops Perfect for forming firing linesDuke of Brunswick was killed by a were sent reeling by a thundering or squares, all of these NapoleonicFrench musket ball at Quatre Bras, cavalry charge by the British Heavy figures are sold singly for £30.99/$35.where his corps suffered 188 killed and Brigade. The latest Light Company396 wounded. additions are either standing firing Ken has revealed that he plans to (ref. 36157) or kneeling in a defensive add at least two new entirely new These German soldiers’ nicknames posture (ref. 36158). regiments to this collection during theincluded the “Black Brunswickers,” course of 2016. n“Black Legion,” “Black Crows” and“Black Horde” because most wore blackA British infantry square comes under attack byNapoleon’s Red Lancers in a W. Britain display.48 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

French “Poilus Walking Wounded” Two Tommies light up in A German captive and a Tommy make up (ref. FW178). “Have a Smoke, Mate!” (ref. FW220). the set titled “Wounded Prisoner & Escort”WWI CHURCHILL IN THE TRENCHES AND MORE (ref. FW166).BY KING & COUNTRY LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney subscription premium figures. One Please rest assured I’m not really   of my ideas was to depict Winston mad at my friend Andy. Great minds Churchill after he became a scapegoat think alike and all that. But you shouldJust the other day, I suddenly felt for the Gallipoli disaster and went into have seen the “Doh!” look on my facecompelled to throw open a window, the trenches of World War I’s Western when I first laid eyes on this particularstick my head outside and scream, “I’m Front to hopefully rebuild his reputation 1:30-scale soldier!mad as hell at Andy Neilson and I’m and make a political comeback. Whatnot going to take this anymore!” attracted me to this idea was the fact that Churchill costs £46.95 U.K./$45 the future British prime minister took to U.S., same as a new Tommy “Stretcher Any of my neighbors within earshot wearing a French Adrian steel helmet. Case” (ref. FW159) covered withmust have thought I was paraphrasing his greatcoat. Carefully dispensingnews anchorman Howard Beale (Peter Well, darn it all – Andy and medicine is a British angel of mercyFinch) ranting that memorable line company at King & Country Ltd. have from Queen Alexandra’s Imperialfrom the 1976 film “Network.” But go beaten me to the punch with their Military Nursing Service (ref. FW177)right ahead and call me a psycho, if you new “Lt. Col. Winston Churchill” available for £44.95/$45.must, because I think Andy is psychic! (ref. FW218) in command of the 6th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers. This Two-figure sets are made up of The reason is because lately I’ve been outstanding portrait sports an Adrian either a British guard escorting atoying with plans for future TS&MF helmet, a Scottish-style military jacket, wounded German prisoner to an aid jodhpurs and puttees. station (ref. FW166) or French poilusBritish “Lt. Col. in a walking wounded vignette (ref.Winston Churchill” A British nurse FW178). A set titled “Have a Smoke,(ref. FW218) wears carefully dispenses Mate!” (ref. FW22) shows Tommiesa French Adrian medicine (ref. FW177). taking a break from the muddyhelmet. maelstrom of frontline duty. These sets sell for £97.95/$95 apiece. My compliments to K&C for coming up with this Churchill version. What an absolutely brilliant idea! n The British “Stretcher Case” (ref. FW159). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 49

PAPPY BOYINGTON’S BLACK SHEEP SQUADRON AND MOREBY KING & COUNTRY LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney The figure of “Maj. Gregory “Lt. Chris Magee “Lt. John Bolt USMC”   ‘Pappy’ Boyington USMC” USMC” (ref. AF033). (ref. AF034).The real American hero and his “bent- (ref. AF039) is alsowing bird” that inspired the “Black available singly.Sheep Squadron” TV series highlightnew additions to the World War II because he was a decade older than aircraft, tying World War I ace Eddierange produced by King & Country most of the men who served under Rickenbacker’s American record.Ltd. him. Then Boyington suddenly went The U.S. NBC network aired “Baa The colorful and unorthodox missing. He had been shot down andBaa Black Sheep” from 1976 to 1978. Boyington became renowned for his captured by an enemy submarine’s crew.The series was later syndicated under exploits flying a Chance Vought F4Uthe alternate title of “Black Sheep Corsair fighter in intense aerial combat Boyington was held prisoner untilSquadron.” The opening credits read: against the Japanese. During a January shortly after Japan’s surrender in 1945. 1944 sweep over Rabaul, he was seen He received the Medal of Honor “In World War II, Marine Corps shooting down his 26th Japanese and Navy Cross. He retired from theMaj. Greg `Pappy’ Boyington military in 1947 as a full colonel.commanded a squadron of fighterpilots. They were a collection of misfitsand screwballs who became the terrorsof the South Pacific. They were knownas the Black Sheep.” Actor Robert Conrad portrayedBoyington. The real man was a nativeof Idaho. He flew with the legendary“Flying Tigers” in China from late1941 until September 1942, when herejoined the Marines. A year later Boyington tookcommand of the “Black Sheep” ofMarine Corps Squadron VMF-214.Though he was only age 31, he wasnicknamed “Gramps” and “Pappy” K&C’s detailed “USMC F4U Corsair” (ref. AF032) comes with a figure of Pappy Boyington. This is a limited edition of 250.50 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE