Today's Headlines

Missed the November 2008 Newsletter, view it here!

To all subscribers welcome to the Christmas edition of Sierra Toy Soldier News, written on a very unseasonable day, here in Northern California. Currently it is cold, by California standards below 70F, but it is bright and sunny outside. Not that we see much of it this time of year, as we are all working this weekend, and every weekend until Christmas. helping Santa fill his sack.

Our total lack of rain is proving to be a major headache, and could mean we have no snow in the Sierras this Christmas holiday. This would be really disastrous for the Ski resorts this holiday season. However all the shops and car parks are busy.

In the mean time we are doing our bit to make sure your packages arrive on time. We are offering special rates on Fed Ex Express shipping both domestically and internationally. We have produced our last day to ship by guide, please check it out. Holiday Shipping Guide.

Not sure what to get the big kid or the even bigger kid in you life wants this year? So many choices. You can always try a gift certificate so they can choose what they would like, and it does not expire. Gift Certificate.

We have added more Artists to our Photo Gallery. We have new contributions from Rosemary Rich with Ancient Egypt, Lee McCrory with WW2 and Randy Bond with John Jenkins Battle on Snowshoes Storyboard. We hope you enjoy them and provide you some good ideas.

We welcome more contributions, if you are interested in having your collection shown, please contact us. Photo Gallery

This month we have lots of exciting news from Britain’s, King and Country, Collectors Showcase, Corgi, John Jenkins, Patriot, Hobby Master, Dragon, and a few more.

Please check our What's New Toy Soldiers page, which covers the new releases from Britain's, Conte and King and Country. Also check out the Being Retired page, for the latest updates on the pieces being retired by Britain's, Conte and King and Country.

Welcome to a very pleasant Northern California. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Sierra Toy Soldier Club

The Sierra Nuggets program, was launched on July 15th, 2008.

What is the Sierra Nugget Program it is simply a thank you program, where each year your purchases from January to December will qualify you for automatic membership, when you exceed $500 excluding shipping and taxes. There are no fees, no sign up required, and all our customers qualify. When you reach this first milestone we email you a certificate (Nugget) which you can use. Then as you continue to buy more, when additional milestones are met during the year, we will send you additional nuggets.

Just Arrived!
New Product Releases

William Britains

No big news from Britains this month, as we are expecting there next series of announcements in late January.

In stock now!

Napoleonic Wars – WATERLOO - HOUGOUMONT

• BR36010 – French Trooper, Chasseurs a Cheval, Waterloo, 1815 – 1 Piece Set in Window Box – The critical body guard for Napoleon and his staff.

American Civil War

• BR31018 – Union Cavalry Trooper Charging with Pistol #1 – 2 Piece Set – With a look of determination in his face this fires his .44 cal Colt pistol.

Redcoats and Bluecoats – French & Indian War

• BR47020 – French Canadian Militia in Capote – 1755-1763
• BR47018 - Native American Warrior Huron Tribe, 1751-1764

Redcoats

• BR44007 – Guardsman, Grenadier Guards, Camel Corps, 1884-1885 Set This has got to be one of the nicest, most unusual Redcoats made to date. What is it about camels, elephants and mules?

Museum Collection

• BR10004 - Black Watch Highlander, Egyptian War, 1882

Zulu Wars

• BR20023 - British 24th Foot Firing Line Set #1

King & Country - In stock now.

US Navy

First previewed at the Chicago Show was “STORM OVER THE YANGTSE”. A brand-new series, introducing K&C’s U.S. NAVY figures of the 1920’s, 1930’s and 1940’s.
This first release shows officers and sailors in action as they would have appeared in China during the tumultuous times prior to the Second World War. During this turbulent period of China’s history the only law, order and stability in the land was provided by the soldiers and sailors of the British and U.S. Navies. Their gunboats patrolled the coastal and river regions of this vast land and did their best, in difficult circumstances, to protect foreigners and missionaries from bandits and marauding warlords.
The new K&C series portrays many of the same authentic historical and dramatic events as the epic 1967 movie “The Sand Pebbles” starring Hollywood icon Steve McQueen.
Most of the officers and sailors are dressed in tropical “whites” and carry the appropriate side arms… rifles… and machine guns to repel boarders or put ashore a landing party. Just three figures are dressed in their blue winter dress.

• USN001 “Deck Officer w/Binos”
• USN002 “Officer w/Pistol & Loud Hailer”
• USN003 “Shore Patrol”
• USN004 “Chief Petty Officer”
• USN005 “Sailor Marching w/ Rifle”
• USN006 “Standing Firing Rifle”
• USN007 “Kneeling Firing Rifle”
• USN008 “Sailor Port Arms”
• USN009 “Banner Man”
• USN010 “Sailor w/Sea Bag”
• USN011 “US Navy B.A.R. Gunner”

SPECIAL NOTE: What about the boat, U.S.S. SAN PUEBLO

Gordon from K & C built this superb 30” long model of a typical shallow-draft river gunboat. They took the original to Chicago and, at present, are looking into producing it commercially, more info hopefully next year.

US Navy

Ancient Egypt - Arriving this week!

Some very long-awaited additions to this very original and popular series.

• AE032 “Wedding Couple” A wealthy couple celebrate their union.
• AE033 “Another Dancing Girl” A third member of the dancing troop makes a spectacular entrance.
• AE034 “High Priest of RA God of the Sun”
• AE035 “Hand Maiden to Priest of RA”
• AE036 “Wedding Guest Couple”
• AE037 “Standing Pharaoh” A magnificent study of an Egyptian monarch. In his richly decorated costume he is an honored guest at the wedding ceremony.
• AE038 “Cleopatra’s Needle (Egyptian Obelisk)” This new Egyptian Obelisk makes the perfect addition to any great scene on the Nile. It comes in two pieces and is hand-crafted in polystone.

Ancient Egypt

World War II "LIBERATION!” - Arriving this week!

Visit France in June, July and August 1944. After four long, hard, terrible years of German occupation deliverance is at hand. The Allies have landed and are making for Paris! Although the majority of the Allied forces were British, American, Canadian and Polish there was a strong and growing Free French component.

• DD100 “General Philippe Leclerc” Second only to De Gaulle, Leclerc was France’s most famous and revered fighting general. Following the Fall of France in 1940 he was one of the first to join De Gaulle’s Free French Forces in London. During the Liberation of France, Leclerc commanded the French 2nd Armoured Division and took the formal surrender of Paris in August 1944. He was killed in an air crash in 1947 and was posthumously created a Marshal of France.
• DD101 “Free French Marine M10 Tank Destroyer” The Free French version of K&C’s earlier U.S. M10 Tank Destroyer. This new one is bearing the proud name “RICHLIEU” and belongs to the Fusilier Marins (French Naval Marines) Armoured Regiment of Gen. Leclerc’s 2nd Armoured Division. The set includes three French Marines.
• DD102 “Fusilier Marins Officer” A standing Free French Marine officer with binos.
• DD103 “Free French Scout Car” Another 2nd Armoured Division conversion… this time the American White Scout car complete with 3 French Marines entering a liberated Paris.

D-Day"44 - French

Streets of Old Hong Kong - Arriving this week!

• HK171 “Bride & Groom” The very latest version of an old and popular set.

Streets of Hong Kong

View King & Country "What's New."

King & Country New Announcements
Mid December / Early January Releases.

For Napoleonic Collectors

We have a whole new Cavalry regiment and a couple of useful additions.

Dutch Lancers

Following a decree of 13 September 1810 the Dutch “Regiment de Hussards de la Garde a Cheval du Roi” became the 2nd. Regiment of Lancers of the Guard of Napoleon. Easily recognized by their red tunics the regiment became quickly known simply as “The Red Lancers”. The latest Napoleonic Cavalry regiment is also one of its most colorful and versatile with no less than 9 different poses available, parade and action!

• NA159 “Dutch Lancer on Walking Horse A”
• NA160 “Dutch Lancer on Walking Horse B”
• NA161 “Charging Dutch Lancer”
• NA162 “Dutch Lancer Bugler”
• NA163 “Dutch Lancer Officer” - The mounted “parade” version.
• NA164 “Dutch Lancer General” - A superb character study of Gen. Edouard de Colbert, a great fighting officer. Colbert commanded the combined Guard Lancers regiments at Waterloo. He is wearing the dress uniform of the Regiment and was the eldest of three brothers who all became Generals in Bonaparte’s Army.
• NA165 “Dutch Lancer Preparing to Charge”
• NA166 “Galloping Dutch Lancer”
• NA167 “Charging Lancer Officer” - The “action” version of NA163.

Dutch Lancers

We cannot forget the British in this action.

Scots Greys

• NA168 “Scots Grey Officer” - Lamentably when they released the original Scots Greys they forgot to have an officer! Well, here he is member of the landed gentry and ready for battle!!!

Scots Grey's

Black Watch

• NA169 “Black Watch Standing to Repel” - Another late addition to our Black Watch enthusiasts.

Black Watch

For WWII Collectors
“THE LUFTWAFFE BEGIN TO FLY IN!”

At long last, some new German Luftwaffe Pilots, and all of them Aces as well!

Part One - Arriving this week

• LW001 “Generalleutnant Adolf GALLAND” - A flying Legend… Adolf “Dolfo” Galland (1912-1996) was a superb fighter pilot himself who first saw action in Spain during the Civil War and during WW2 became commander of Germany’s Fighter Force (General der Jagdflieger). He shot down 104 enemy aircraft and was himself shot down twice. Awarded the Knight’s Cross with Swords and Diamonds he eventually fell foul of the Luftwaffe High Command. After the war he became a successful businessman and was one of the technical advisers on the movie “Battle of Britain”.
• LW002 “Major Werner MOLDERS” - Werner “Vatti” Molders (1913-1941) was another outstanding pilot and leader in the Luftwaffe in WW2. He was also a great personal friend of Galland. Both served in the Condor Legion in Spain before WW2. During the war he became the first German pilot to achieve 100 aerial “victories”. His final WW2 tally was 101 plus 14 he achieved in Spain. After several squadron and group commands he became “Inspector General of Fighter” at just 28. A deeply religious man he was killed in an air crash on November 22, 1941.
• LW003 “Oberleutnant Gunther RALL” - Born in 1918, Gunther Rall is the third most successful fighter ace in history still alive today. He shot down a total of 275 aircraft… all but 3 of them on the Eastern Front between 1941 and 1945. He flew an amazing total of 621 combat missions and was himself shot down 8 times and wounded on 3 occasions! All his victories were scored in the Messerschmitt 109. After the war he rejoined the “new” Luftwaffe and rose to the rank of Generalleutnant retiring in 1975.

Part Two - Arriving January

• LW004(SL) “Messerschmitt 163 KOMET” - The Luftwaffe’s first operational jet fighter. It was an aircraft of last resort which only flew once the Allied bomber streams were already battering “The Third Reich”. Its performance was, quite literally, explosive! Its revolutionary jet engine made it dangerous and unpredictable. But, when it worked it truly was a sight to behold streaking upwards at incredible speed unable to be caught by Allied fighters.
  K&C’s polystone and metal model comes complete with a pilot and ground wheels plus a small towing tractor vehicle with a Luftwaffe Ground Crewman.
  The aircraft is in the markings of JG 400 and painted to represent a typical Me. 163 during late 1944/early 1945. This particular “Strictly Limited” piece is part of an edition of just 750 pieces. Do not miss out on this one.
• LW005 “Luftwaffe Ground Crew Set” - Two Air Force mechanics that can fit into any German airfield scene.
• LW006 “Ground Crewman with Bomb” Another mechanic, toolkit in one hand and shouldering a 50kg bomb.
• LW007 “Luftwaffe-Helferin” - In addition to clerical tasks these female members of the Luftwaffe performed meteorological work, radar control, searchlight duties and parachute packing. Some were employed as mechanics and a few as ferry pilots.

Suggestion: View our collection of 1:32 Scale Corgi Aircraft, these will be perfect compliment for the Luftwaffe.
Corgi 1:32 Scale Aircraft.

Luftwaffe Collection

American Air force - “Coming In On A Wing And A Prayer” - Start of a brand New Collection.

Two of the Luftwaffe’s opposition and the first of the 8th. Air Force releases (a lot more to come later)

• AF001 “USAAF Fighter Pilot” - Wearing his “50 Mission Cap” with pride this young fighter jock looks pretty confident. He looks great standing alongside a P51, a P38 or a powerful P47!
• AF002 “USAAF Pilot with Map” - Another Army Air Corps pilot happy to be back on the ground again... or perhaps ready to take off on a little escort duty over Germany.

SPECIAL NOTE: More USAAF pilots, ground crew, personalities and military police are already in the works. Look out for them in upcoming newsletters.

USAFF

Streets of Old Hong Kong

• HK172 “Happy Family” - A proud father admires his young newly-born young son as his wife looks on.

Hong Kong

View King & Country "What's New."

John Jenkins

The following new releases, are now in stock, unfortunatly they missed the deadline for our last newsletter. Well the Whale boat arrived, and I know I am totally biased. But it is magnificent and a true work of art. Do not miss out on this as it is very unique. Makes a great Christmas present as well!

The Raid on St Francis

In the early days of the French and Indian War, birch-bark canoes and “bateauxs” (rowing vessels made for transporting goods) were used by the Rangers for traveling across the northern lakes.
The bateaux were known as “stupid, clumsy, worthless things”. These were heavy and awkward to move overland.
In 1756 whaleboats were introduced, which were brought in from Cape Cod and Nantucket. These were made of light cedar planking, were fast moving and were light to carry overland when needed. They were designed for speed, they had keels, round bottoms and sharp ends, which allowed for a quick change of direction, and allowed for agile handling even in rough waters.

• WHRR-001 - WHALEBOAT with Rangers
  6 Figures, 1 Boat. Contains 20 pieces. Limited Edition 350.

Raid on St Francis

Battle of Monongahela 1755

Under fire from all sides, General Braddock presented a fine target for all the French and Indians surrounding the British forces at Monongahela. It was therefore no surprise that during the two and a half hours of the battle Braddock had 4 or 5 horses successively shot from under him.

After approximately 2 hours of the battle whilst attempting to rally his faltering troops Braddock was finally struck down and fell off his horse with a mortal wound.

This much anticipated set, draws the Monongahela collection to a close. There are however a few extra surprise pieces to come over the next few months.

• BM-014 – BRADDOCK - Limited Edition of 350

Battle of Monongahela

Battle on the plains of Abraham

• QFA-002 - French Artillery Crew, Resting - Limited Edition of 750

Battle on the plains of Abraham

THE War of 1812 - The Battle of Chippawa, 5th July 1814

• USCH-005 - Scott’s Brigade - 3 Marching Figures - Limited Edition of 500

The Battle of Chippawa

Collectors Showcase

American Civil War - Arriving this week!

Since our last update on Collectors Showcase they have announced 3 terrific new sets for the American Civil War, Wheat’s Tiger Zouves.

Wheat’s Tiger Zouves.

Raised in New Orleans these Zouves were amongst the grittiest, toughest and hard headed troops the South fielded during the war. This infamous unit was responsible for anchoring the Southern line at the Battle of First Manassas in 1861 and fought like the " devil " throughout most of the war. The Louisiana Tiger Zouves lead the South to victory at: Winchester, Port Royal, and Fort Royal.

Only 300 of each are being made.

• CS00293 - Wheat’s Charging
• CS00294 - Wheat’s Command Set
• CS00295 - Wheat’s Wounded

American Civil War

Napoleonic
Quatre Bras - Arriving this week

The first in a new series of Napoleonic releases based around the battle of Waterloo. Again only 300 and being made.

Quatre Bras

WWII - Arriving this week!

Cannot forget WWII and the new series based on the Battle for Nijmegan Bridge

• CS00296 - 82nd Throwing Potato Masher
• CS00297 - 82nd Hand To Hand Combat
• CS00298 - 82nd Assault Team
• CS00299 - SS Assault Team
• CS00300 - SS FG42 Command Team
• CS00302 - Sturmgeschutze 10th SS Market Garden

Check out the detail on Sturmgeschutze with its fully detailed interior. Two additional versions are available.

• CS00301 - Sturmgeschutze LAH D-Day
• CS00303 - Sturmgeschutze 9th SS Winter

Market Garden

Frontline

New World War I releases. Scheduled to arrive this week.

• FFW-002 - The death of Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen (The Red Baron), 1918
• German Storm troopers, 1918 - 8 new sets.

Frontline

New Arrivals

Corgi

New Arriving this week!

World War One Aircraft

• AA37704 -- Se5a – Edward ‘Mick’ Mannock
• AA37803 -- Albatross DV – Ernst Udet World War Two Aircraft

World War Two Aircraft

• AA32514 -- JU87B-2 - 5ST-G2 'Immelmann' - Lannion, France, Summer 1940
• AA33711 -- He-III H-3 – KG53 ‘Condorlegion’ – Lille-Nord, France, Summer 1940
• AA37205 -- Handley Page Halifax/Halton - Berlin Airlift

Corgi

Patriot Models

In stock now for Napoleonic Collectors 5 new sets of Napoleonic figures. This time it is the British 52nd Light Infantry arriving, and they look terrific.

Scale 1:30 / 60mm

• PTNA042 - 52nd British Light Infantry - Follow the flag
• PTNA043 - Steady aim
• PTNA044 - Holding the line
• PTNA045 - Aiming high
• PTNA046 - Awaiting the charge

Patriot Models.