Hi Guys,
I’m writing this June
Dispatches on a grey, wet and miserable Saturday morning 18 May…just a
couple of days before I head off to the States and the “Texas 2013 Toy Soldier
Show”.
As we said in last month’s “DISPATCHES”
we’re focusing on one month at a time in order for both collectors and dealers
to study the releases in more detail rather than perhaps being distracted by
what’s coming in two month’s time.
Again, as you will see, it’s a fair mixture of different ranges and a variety
of time periods.
So without further ado…Let’s get started…
1.
APPEARING
IN JUNE
A.
“ARNHEM…INTO BATTLE!”
Last month we launched our
first batch of “Pathfinder” British Paratroopers to join our ARNHEM’44/Market
Garden series. This month it’s the addition of seven more men of the British
1st. Airborne Division including another Victoria Cross winner…
MG037(P) “Advancing
With Rifle”
This para cautiously moves forward, his Lee
Enfield rifle at the ready, on the lookout for the enemy.
MG038(P) “Advancing
with Sten Gun”
Another para, perhaps in the same patrol as MG037,
edges carefully on, Sten Gun in one hand…signaling
behind with the other.
MG039(P) “Crouching
Bren Gunner”
Holding what was probably the best Light Machine Gun of WW2 in his hands this “red
beret” can fit into any Arnhem display or diorama and look great!
MG040(P)
“Kneeling with Rifle”
One more airborne soldier with his trusty Lee Enfield…at the ready.
MG042(P) “Major
Robert Cain V.C.”
Robert Cain was a company
commander with the 2nd. Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment,
part of 1st. Airborne’s Air Landing Brigade (they came by glider not
parachutes).
During Arnhem his exemplary
courage, leadership and skill with the PIAT anti tank rocket launcher (knocking
out several German tanks) led to him being awarded Britain’s highest
military honour. He was also wounded three
times during the battle but continued to fight and lead his men with great
gallantry and endurance throughout.
Our figure shows him pistol drawn moving to a new position with the PIAT
on his shoulder.
MG044(P) “The
Grenadier”
This Para is taking no chances…Sten Gun in one hand a
“Mills” grenade in the other…ready to throw.
MG045(P) “Fighting
Glider Pilot”
Many of the pilots in the “Glider Pilot Regiment” were former
soldiers…Once their glider had landed and disgorged the troops the pilot and co
pilot were expected to fight alongside their “human cargo”…This sergeant
pilot is no exception…Note his pilot’s wings above the left pocket on his “Denison”
smock.
AVAILABLE: Early June
Over the years K&C has
released several defense works showing different parts of Hitler’s famed “Atlantic
Wall” which he hoped would halt any possible Allied invasion…from Norway in
the North to the Pyranees in the South. Here
is the latest…
WS193 “Normandy
Pillbox”
This is one of the smaller German bunkers that could be found in Normandy and
elsewhere in occupied Europe…Usually manned by 4-6 soldiers this one had 3 x gunports including a large one where a machine gun could be
sited. It also features a blast wall opposite the rear door and a
detachable roof allowing collectors to place figures where they like. As
seen in our photos this little pillbox has already experienced some Allied
attention…
AVAILABLE: Mid June
Last month we journeyed back
to the “Land of the Nile” with our little selection of Ancient
Egyptian water craft…This month it’s a couple of millennium later with Napoleon’s
Legion’s descending onto the desert sands of Egypt.
NE022 “Standing
Guide”
A
standing-at-attention trooper of the Regiment of Guides…He must be a
little hot under the collar of that colourful wool
uniform but at least he’s got a white neck cloth to protect him!!!
NE023 “Victim of
the Sun”
Napoleon’s
men suffered agonies from the blistering hot Egyptian sun. Here, one of
Bonaparte’s infantrymen has collapsed from sun stroke or heat exhaustion
and is being assisted by one of his stronger comrades…A great little double
sculpt!
NE024 “Mounted Mameluke”
Whenever Napoleon encountered a brave and skillful enemy he always tried
to recruit them into his army…after defeating them of course!
In Egypt he was mightily impressed by the Mamelukes
who fought on the Egyptian side and eventually recruited them for French
service.
This proud dignified Mameluke officer was one
of the first.
NE025 “Standing Mameluke with Musket”
Although usually mounted Mamelukes in French
service, often had to perform certain military duties on foot.
NE027 “Donkey
Cavalier”
This French infantryman has commandeered a local donkey and an umbrella
to make “Campaigning” in the desert a less arduous experience.
NE033 “Demi-Brigade Flagbearer”
Our first “Napoleon in Egypt” flagbearer had a
major mistake…an imperial eagle on the masthead of the flag before Bonaparte
even became emperor!!! Our new one accurately reflects what the flag
could and should have looked like…sorry!
AVAILABLE: Mid June
From desert sands to clear
blue skies over Normandy in June 1944…All in one fell swoop!
AF013 “Colonel
Glenn Eagleston”
Col.Eagleston had a total of 181/2 victories during WW2 flying the Mustang.
On October 29, 1944 he shot down 3 x Me.109’s in a 30 minute dogfight!
After WW2 he served again in Korea where he flew the F86 “Sabre”
and added 2 x Mig.15’s to his tally.
AF015 “Captain
Donald J. Strait”
Don
Strait flew with the 361st Fighter Squadron of the 356 Fighter
Group and became their top ace with 131/2 victories… all
but 3 of them flying the P51 “Mustang”.
After WW2 he joined the New Jersey Air National Guard and served in
Korea and retired in 1978 as a Major General. Our new figure shows
him picking up his parachute prior to mounting his “Mustang”.
This is K&C’s second P51D and shows a typical D.Day
“Mustang” complete with black and white invasion stripes and in natural
metal finish with some added olive drab camouflage on the top-side surfaces.
Our “Mustang” belongs to the “375th. Fighter Squadron” of
the “361st. Fighter Group” based at Bottisham
Airfield near Cambridge in Southern England in the summer of 1944.
Please Note: Just 250 of this “P51D-Day
Mustang” have been produced.
AVAILABLE: Mid-Late June
Borrowing or should I say
adapting an infamous little erotic book title…Here are the latest “Classic Wehrmacht” figures along with a great looking
half-track to go with them!
WS217 “Sd.Kfz.251
Half-Track”
This ubiquitous German fighting vehicle could be seen on every German
battlefield from the Caucasus in Russia to Cyrenaica in Libya and
all points in between.
Our battle-weary, dust covered “feldgrau” (field
grey) version is perfect for early to mid war battles and campaigns in Poland,
France or the Soviet Union.
Vehicle comes with fixed driver and detachable MG34 and antenna.
WS204 “Soldat with
Cigarette”
Classic figure in a classic WW2 pose.
WS205 “Soldat Looking Right”
This guy looks happy and relaxed…does he not know what lies ahead?
WS206 “Soldat
Drinking”
Marching
on those dusty Russian roads is a thirsty business…
WS207 “Soldat Carrying Crate”
Another of the “Soldaten” has been tasked with
moving a crate of ammunition.
WS208 “Soldat
Pointing”
“Put
it over there!” This soldier seems to be saying.
All of these five figures are useful for any early to mid war scenario that
does not involve an actual battle.
AVAILABLE: Mid-Late
June
It’s always exciting when a
new series is launched because here at Head Office in Hong Kong even we don’t
know which ones will really take off like an express train…I’m delighted to say
that our revitalized and refocused “Real West” series has done
exactly that since we moved forward to the “Battle of the Little
Bighorn” and “Custer’s Last Stand”.
Here are the second group of “Pathfinder” Indian warriors…
TRW038(P) “Sun Bear”
This mounted warrior with the buffalo-horn head dress looks ready to lance one
of the hated “blue-coats”.
TRW040(P) “Two Moons”
Another mounted Sioux warrior firing his carbine at a dismounted cavalry
trooper.
A
Cheyenne “dog-soldier” with the more traditional bow and arrow.
A
kneeling, wolf-skin clad brave aiming his rifle at the enemy.
Appropriately this well-armed Sioux warrior is wearing a deerskin
complete with deer’s head and antlers to frighten the rapidly retreating “Longknives”.
A
triumphant chief holds his Winchester aloft as he snatches up one of the
7th’s guidons.
AVAILABLE: Late June
2.
BEING
RETIRED
Another
long list but some excellent bargains and great figures…Grab ‘em while you can, you won’t regret it!
|
BR075 |
Royal Welch Fusilier Officer w/ Gloves |
|
BR076 |
Royal Welch Fusilier Officer Saluting |
|
BR077 |
Royal Welch Fusilier Presenting Arms |
|
BR078 |
Royal Welch Fusilier Making Ready |
|
BR079 |
Royal Welch Fusilier Standing Firing |
|
BR080 |
Royal Welch Fusilier Kneeling Firing |
|
BR081 |
Fusilier Kneeling Ready |
|
BR082 |
RWF Officer with King's Colour |
|
BR082A |
RWF Officer with Regimental Flag |
|
EA040 |
Major Paddy" Mayne
S.A.S" |
|
EA046 |
General Charles De Gaulle |
|
FW004 |
Hindenburg |
|
FW040 |
Advancing Officer |
|
FW041 |
Kneeling Firing |
|
FW042 |
Standing Firing |
|
FW048 |
Lewis Gunner |
|
FW058 |
77mm Artillery Set (1914) |
|
FW059 |
Artillery Officer with Binos
(1914) |
|
IF001 |
Mounted Mussolini |
|
IF004 |
Italian Forces, Marching Flagbearer |
|
IF005 |
Italian Forces, Marching Rifleman |
|
IF006 |
Italian Forces, At Attention Bugler |
|
IF007 |
Italian Forces, At Ease Soldier |
|
IF008 |
Italian Forces, Officer with Map |
|
LW050 |
Exiting Pilot |
|
RTA044 |
Dead Mexican Soldier |
|
SOE001 |
Skinner's Horse Indian Subahdar |
|
SOE002 |
Skinner's Horse Lancer |
|
SOE003 |
Skinner's Horse British Officer |
|
TRW004 |
Mounted Wolf's Head w/ Shield & Lance |
|
TRW005 |
Warrior Defending |
|
TRW006 |
Warrior Attacking |
|
TRW007 |
Warrior w/ Knife |
|
TRW008 |
Warrior w/ Musket |
|
WS165 |
Pak 97/38 Anti-Tank Gun |
|
WS166 |
Laying the MG42 Gun Set |
|
WS167 |
Hitlerjugend, MP40 Set |
|
WS168 |
Hitlerjugend, Kneeling
Grenadier |
|
WS169 |
Hitlerjugend,
Ready...Aim...Fire |
And that my
friends is that for another 30 days. All of us at K&C thank you for
your continued support!
Andy C. Neilson
Co-founder & Creative Director
King & Country
P.S. I’m now sitting in San Antonio’s historic Menger
Hotel after last weekend’s Texas Toy Soldier Show doing the
final “proof-reading” of this month’s “DISPATCHES”.
A very big thank you to all
those great folks who took part and to those collectors who flew, drove and
walked to the show through the worst rains and floods San Antonio has seen in
many, many years!