King & Country
DISPATCHES
September 2003
Well August is nearly over and September looms in the near distance.
With September comes an amazing number of new releases
that, I hope, will
please dealers and collectors alike.
But first an apology…
1. REVOLUTIONARY WAR CONTINENTAL ARMY
All of us at K&C had hoped to delivery all of the
new REV.WAR American
soldiers to dealers in the middle of August. As it turned out only 4 of
the
10 new figures were delivered. Up until the time of writing last month’s
DISPATCHES the factory was on schedule. Unfortunately due to the very
high
demand on manufacturing capacity on various new product lines at the
beginning of August delays occurred. With custom-made, hand-painted
products this sometimes happens. Rather than push the painters into
excessive overtime (where the price can go up but because of tiredness the
quality goes down) we chose to put out what we could and reschedule the
remainder until early September.
I am happy to report that I will be doing final “quality control” check in
a couple of days time and, all being well, delivery to Hong Kong will take
place a few days later.
I know many of you have been disappointed not to get these great new figures
to help your August sales targets and, once again, I apologise.
Those of you attending the OTSN Show will most definitely have your supplies
well before you head off to
2. SO, WHAT ELSE IS NEW?
(A) AFRIKA KORPS
As I mentioned in last month’s DISPATCHES these new sets are in the final
production stages. Here’s the breakdown:
(i) AK21 MACHINE GUN TEAM
A lying prone MG42 gunner is directed by a kneeling NCO, next to him is a
kneeling, firing rifleman. Another standing firing rifleman is in
support.
(ii) AK22 MORTAR TEAM
Two Afrika Korps soldiers man a captured 81mm mortar. A third AK soldier
watches the “fall of shot” through his binos.
(iii) AK23 DESERT PANZER IV
This one is a real “beaut” -
towards the end of the North African campaign
24 late version Panzer IV’s were shipped over from
had the “extra” metal shield around the turret to provide added
protection. It also made them look like a TIGER (from a distance) with
the
unusual turret shape.
Our model comes with fully elevating gun, a great battle worn finish and 3
tank crew figures. Compare our PANZER IV with one of our major
competitors
- no contest !
(iv) AK24 SDKFZ 222 ARMOURED CAR
The “222” was the workhorse of Rommel’s reconnaissance
squadrons. This
long-awaited model featured in our first AK ads almost a year ago and was
much requested. Well, here it is, with even more detail - rolling wheels,
revolving turret, half-body commander PLUS two advancing AK rifleman.
(v) AK25 MOTORBIKE TEAM
The perfect add-on…a two-man motorcycle patrol halted by the side of the
road. Both wearing coloured bandannas (to keep out the dust) and carrying
Schmeisser machine pistols.
AVAILABILITY: Sets AK21, 22, and 25 should be available in mid September.
The Panzer IV (AK23) and the “222” (AK24)
may be late September/early
October although we are trying to get some
advance production sets before
that time.
(B) PONTOON BRIDGE & ASSAULT ENGINEERS
Last month I gave a pretty detailed description of our new Pontoon Bridge
SP12 and German Engineer Sets. As I wrote it is a 4-section, 2 foot big
construction cast in sturdy polystone and metal, beautifully
hand-painted.
AVAILABILITY: Mid-third quarter of September.
The three figure sets (WS44, WS45 and WS46) of German Engineers will be
available at the same time.
(C) ALL-NEW NAPOLEONICS
Following on from the success of our first release of Napoleonics
here’s
the second batch :-
(i) NA25 A mounted Chasseur a Cheval
Sitting holding a carbine in one hand and reins in the other this member of
Napoleon’s mounted escort is a superb piece of sculpting and painting.
These troopers provided bodyguards, messengers and dispatch riders for the
Emperor and his staff.
(ii) NA26 Mounted Emperor and Mameluke Servant
A beautiful little vignette…mounted on “Marengo”, his favourite
horse,
Napoleon, wearing the uniform of a Colonel in Chief of the Old Guard,
gestures to the left. Feeding some apples to “Marengo”, his trusty
Mameluke servant stands nearby.
(iii) NA27 Chasseur Aide de Camp
In attendance on the Emperor this mounted Chasseur (attached to the Staff)
takes notes. As a staff officer he wears a bicorne
instead of the usual fur
bonnet.
(iv) NA28 French Pioneer
Easily recognized by his tall bearskin and apron this
axe-wielding marching
pioneer is a member of the 3rd Line Infantry Regiment.
(v) NA29 “The Prisoner” Vignette
An unusual three-figure set. Here is a captured
British
still proud, his sword, hat , telescope at his feet
being questioned by a
Chasseur a Cheval NCO. Standing guard is a Voltigeur
with rifle and bayonet
fixed.
(vi) NA30 71st Pioneer
A great looking British Pioneer corporal of the 71st
Highlanders, axe in
hand, advancing on the enemy.
(vii) NA31 Charging Infantryman
Another 71st rifleman on the attack.
(viii) NA32 Marching Infantryman
Rifle on the shoulder, this 71st Highlander steadfastly marches to battle.
(ix) NA33 French Flagbearer
A marching Grenadier officer of the 3rd Line Infantry carries the Regimental
Flag with the Imperial Eagle on the top of the staff.
(x) NA34 Grenadier at attention
Another 3rd Line Infantry Grenadier, rifle held firmly at his side, ready
for inspection.
AVAILABILITY: Mid October at the earliest. However dealers attending the
Chicago Show
will have the opportunity of getting some advance production sets. Stocks
will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please specify your attendance at
need to send your shipment to the Hyatt Regency at
the show dates.
(D) ALL-NEW “STREETS OF OLD
(i) HK111 “THE PIPE SMOKER”
A seated figure of a Chinese Peasant smoking a traditional long pipe
--- looks great sitting next to or on one of our buildings.
(ii) HK112 “MOTHER & DAUGHTER”
A delightful little vignette --- a mother sits knitting while her
young daughter gathers her different coloured balls of wool in a basket on
her lap. Perfect inside our Chinese Pagoda.
Best wishes (and sales) to one and all - see you in Chicago!
Andy C Neilson
Co-founder & Managing Director