Sierra Toy Soldier Company
January 2008 Newsletter.

To all subscribers welcome to the New Year edition of Sierra Toy Soldier News, and we wish all of you a very happy and safe 2008, I just hope time slows down a wee bit this year, as 2007 seemed to have zoomed by. 2007 was a very successful year for us, thanks to you, with lots of investments and changes that helped us survive the madness of the Christmas shopping season. Well we hope to have lots more news as the year develops, but that is for a future newsletter.

I am writing this newsletter from a very wet, and soggy Northern California. Last Friday we had a massive storm that came down from Alaska (usually we blame the Canadians for bad weather), but this time it was from the Gulf of Alaska, so blame the Russians. In the Los Gatos Hills close to our store the winds peaked at 105mph and the rain lashed down, the result is the whole of the Bay Area has been cleaning up. We lost power all day Friday, and count ourselves as very lucky to have got it back on Saturday, many did not. In the Sierra’s 10 foot of snow was dumped over the weekend, which means most people could not take advantage of it, due to road closures. Another series of storms is coming in, the next big one is due this afternoon. We will all complain, but we badly need the rain, and apparently we still need about 8 more storms with rain fall of a similar size to catch up on last years lack of rain.

On Thursday the local TV crews arrive to film a little spot on our store. We have no idea what this will entail, but for Bay Area residents we should appear on Kron(4) on Best of the Bay, some time in February. We will post the film on our web site when we can. We will be signing autographs later, and who knows one day may even make an appearance at the Oscars!

This month we have lots and lots of exiting news from King and Country, John Jenkins, Honour Bound, Schleich 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 soggy Northern California and a very happy New Year.

November Newsletter

If you missed our December newsletter and you would like to read it, please click here for last months newsletter.

Events

Westcoaster Show February 28 – March 2, 2008
Yes, it is that time again, the annual pilgrimage to the West Coaster Toy Soldier show in Anaheim, California, held at the Marriott Hotel in Irvine on March 2. Room trading starts on Friday February 29 with the main show on Sunday March 2nd. As usual we are hosting a King & Country event on the Saturday evening, with Andy Nielson introducing his new releases and listening to your feedback. This is a by invitation only event. If you are attending the show and would like to join us, please send me an email with subject King & Country invitation and we will be pleased to include you and send you details.

GI Joe show – March 8, 2008
This is a fun event, originally aimed at the 12 inch action figure collectors, but we have been doing the show over the last couple of years and it has always been great fun, especially looking forward to them holding it at the California National Guard Academy in Sacramento. It is a great chance for us to say hello to our customers in the Sacramento area. If you would like details please call or email us with subject GI Joe Show.

William Britains

We are really looking forward to the new Britain’s announcements for the first half of 2008. The new catalogue is hopefully going to be available in February. We have seen previews of the new Zulu range, this looks outstanding. Britains had a great year in 2007 in our opinion and we have very high expectations for the coming year.

Our customers who regularly visit our store keep commenting on the improvements that Britains have continued to make all year. Not only has the painting improved, but the sculpting, especially on the faces, and the small details on the figures, are making them excel. The recent arrivals of the new American Revolution, Civil War and Classic releases are outstanding. However my absolute totally biased favorite is the Napoleonic Band, I just think this is terrific. I think Britains if it continues like this, will have an outstanding 2008.

Next from them we expect Zulu's, which look great and are being done in a glossy style, hopefully more details in the next newsletter.

Newly arrived or about to arrive in the next shipment

Napoleonic:
BR17964 – Nassau 2nd Light Infantry Regiment Chasseur on Guard #1 the first of many new Nassau Chasseur figures planned for 2008, this figure is in a classic pose suitable for multiple uses. Please note – The first run of this figure is almost sold out. A second run will occur sometime mid 2008, so get it while you can.
BR17994 – French Light Infantry Voltigeurs Wounded and Dead Set #1 – 3 Piece Set (2 figures and musket) – Getting in the North Gate was, needless to say, not a bloodless affair, this set adds a bit of needed realism to the situation around the storming of that key part of Hougoumont. They also of course go strikingly well in any advancing column or line you might want to put up against the thin Red Line.
BR17995 – British Coldstream Guards Light Company Firing Set #2 – Used in conjunction with set BR17882 – British Coldstream Guards Firing Line Set #1 – these two sets create a wonderful line of British in varied poses blazing away from Hougoumont or out in the open.

Classic Toy Soldiers
Redcoats and Bluecoats – The French and Indian/Seven Years War
BR43144 – British Royal Artillery 6 Pound Gun and Four Man Crew – 1754-1763 – This set is a stunner! The movement of the crew, the detailed sculpting (even on gloss figures!) and the meticulously turned out field piece are nothing short of astounding – now line four of them up for your own battery!
BR43146 – British Private – 15th Regiment of Foot, 1754-1763 – This handsome yellow faced figure at advance arms is also perfect to line up is an advancing column making its way through the colonial back country.
BR43147 – French Canadian Private – franches de la Marine – 1754 - the French colonies in America were administered by the French Ministry of the Navy – thus the “de la Marine” title. There were over 165 French Canadian militia companies at the outbreak of hostilities.

Redcoats:
BR43141 – Ensign – King’s Own 4th Regiment of Foot – 1810- with the success of our first Redcoats ensign we thought it only fitting that the Napoleonic period have one of their own.

Bluecoats:
BR43122 – Private – US Regular Army – 1898-1902 – This Spanish-American War Bluecoat comes complete with period campaign hat and accurate 30/40 Krag rifle.
BR43124 – Private – US Regular Infantry – Campaign Dress – 1846-1851 – This Mexican - American War figure comes with forage cap and white trimmed sky blue fatigue uniform.

World War I:
BR17944 – British 42nd Black Watch Highlander Charging #1 – This classic charging pose would look great in multiples coming up the road to relieve the hard pressed Royal Fusiliers!
BR17947 – German Infantry Machine Gun Firing Set #1 – MG08 in firing position behind a realistic stump and hasty works section. The Boche operating this gun capture the essence of the early fighting – still well turned out – but with them they have the weapon that would soon drive this war into the trenches.

Victoria Cross – Crimean War:
BR43130 – British 17th Lancer Bugler Charging #1 – Horse and Rider – Undoubtedly blowing the call for CHARGE!, this figure adds to the increasing collection of Light Brigade figures.
BR43127 – British 11th Hussar Charging Set # – Horse and Rider – Affectionately known as “The Cherry Bums” for the distinctive red trousers they wore, this unit was part of the Light Brigade that made the famous charge into the valley of death.

Victoria Cross – Indian Mutiny
BR43159 – Victoria Cross Set – British Naval Brigade Heavy Artillery and Crew – Lt. Young and Able Seaman Hall – VC Recipients, 5 Piece Set – cannon and four man crew. These heavy guns from HMS Shannon were used to reduce the strong points of the Sepoy mutineers. Young and Thomas each received a VC for being the last members of the battery to continue to service and fire their gun during the attack on the Shah Nujeff Mosque at Lucknow, 16 November, 1857. Hall, a Canadian, was the first non-white man to win the VC.

American Civil War:
BR17609 – Confederate Infantry Marching #1

American Revolution:
BR17957 – American Continental Line Officer Charging #1 - This figure was made to be used with set 17960 – American Continental Line Advancing Set #1, and depicts the steady and stalwart advance of well trained and seasoned Continental troops later in the war.

To view the Britains Collection, please click here.

King and Country - Arriving on Friday.

WWII American Amour Support - Battle of the Bulge
BBA018 “The M24 Chaffee Tank” - This winter, snow-camouflaged version is perfect for the “Bulge” and comes with 3 figures (A full-body GI rifleman atop the tank plus half-body tank commander and another “head ‘n’ shoulders” driver). This is only the second version of this great little tank, and it’s a much improved version. SPECIAL NOTE: K&C are releasing an olive drab M24 without the “winter” look in a couple of month’s time, look out for it.

American Civil War - Confederates in action.
CW013 “Mounted Officer”
CW014 “Marching Officer”
CW015 “Wounded Flag bearer”
CW016 “Marching Rifleman w/Pipe in Mouth”
CW017 “Marching Rifleman w/Pipe in Hand”
CW018 “Rifleman Marching”
CW019 “Kneeling Firing Rifleman”
CW020 “Standing Firing Rifleman”
CW021 “Running Forward Rifleman”
CW022 “Standing Ready”
CW023 “Standing Loading Rifle”
CW024 “Kneeling Loading Rifle”
CW025 “Advancing Confederate”
 

King and Country - Arriving late January.

Berlin 1938
LAH088 “Reichminister Rudolf Hess” Hitler’s Deputy, he flew to Scotland in 1941 to try to seek a peace settlement and spent the rest of his life in Spandan Prison for his troubles.
LAH089 “Feldmarschall Werner von Blomberg” Pre war Army Chief of staff in dress parade uniform.
LAH090 “SA Chief of Staff Viktor Lutze” After the fall (and death) of Ernst Rohm the SA was put into the careful hands of Lutze and under the watchful eyes of Himmler and Heydrich.
LAH091 “Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring” Supreme head of the Luftwaffe, ruthless, vain, lazy and, fat. Goring could also be a loyal friend and a dangerous enemy. This is our second version of the extravagant and exuberant Goring.
And now for something completely different, The KRIEGSMARINE. The German Navy expanded rapidly under Hitler but was still not up to strength when war broke out in September 1939. However, it still featured prominently in pre war parades in both Berlin and Nuremberg.
LAH092 “Seaman Presenting Arms"  Kriegsmarine sailor in parade uniform of white top and navy blue trousers with Mauser K98 rifle and fixed bayonet.
LAH093 “Seaman Marching with Rifle” Dressed as above that marching, bayonet sheathed.
LAH094 “Seaman Flag Bearer” Carrying the Reich “Battle Ensign” this leading Seaman marches forth.
LAH095 “Marching Officer” This officer with sword is wearing the traditional long frock coat, typical dress uniform of a German Naval officer.
LAH096 “Grossadmiral Karl Donitz” Marshall’s baton in hand, Donitz was a former WW1 U boat captain and a leading figure in the Kriegsmarine. For much of the war he was in charge of all U boats.

King & Country February Releases

“VIVE LA FRANCE”
In the weeks, months and years leading up to D. Day a lonely and often dangerous task was to be a member of any organized resistance group in occupied Europe.
The Germans were ruthless in their suppression and treatment of such opposition and many brave men and women gave their lives to the cause of freedom. At the same time collaborators and informers within these same occupied countries were also only too happy to help the Germans in their cruel work.
As a tribute to Resistance Forces everywhere K&C is proud to honour these brave individuals with this first release of “French Forces of the Interior” better known as the “FFI” or “Maquis”. Three initial sets are being released.

DD089 -- “FFI Resistance Command Group” -- From behind cover these three Resistance fighters take on the hated “Boches”. A lying prone Bren gunner keeps the enemy heads down while another “Resistant” prepares to throw a captured German “Potato Masher” at its previous owners. A third figure guards the rear.
DD090 -- “FFI Resistance Ambush Group” -- Another fighting threesome. Using captured enemy weapons as well as air-dropped Allied ones these three “Resistants” make every shot count!
DD091 -- “FFI Demolition Team” -- Blowing up enemy communications, rail tracks, bridges, supply dumps, roadways was part and parcel of normal resistance activities. One figure prepares to push the “plunger” another fires a burst of Sten gun fire at the enemy.

As was the style of “Irregular Forces” everywhere the men are dressed in a motley mix of civilian clothes and bits and pieces of military uniform. They proudly were their “tricolour” armbands with the “Cross of Lorraine”— the symbol of Gen. De Gaulle’s Free French Forces. Much of their military equipment is either old French Police and Military issue or captured German.
SPECIAL NOTE: K&C hope to release more “Resistance” figures (and vehicles) in 2008.
To view the French Resistance Collection, please click here.

D-Day Americans
DD092 -- “M24 O.D. CHAFFEE” -- Olive drab version of our latest M24 “Chaffee”. Nicknamed “Rebel Rousers” this M24 is ideal for action in early 1945 up to the end of the war in Europe in May ’45. Utilizing the same 3 figures as used in the “winter version” one (minus the snow and frost of course) this little beauty works perfectly in any very late war scene. As a footnote Chaffees were also well utilized post war. They saw action in Korea, Indo China and the Middle East. They were also a big favorite of Hollywood. You can see Chaffees “impersonating” Shermans in “Patton” and “Battle of The Bulge”. Two were even “mocked-up” to look like Panthers in “Is Paris Burning”.
To view the D-Day Collection, please click here.

Afrika Korps
AK040 “Afrika Korps Panzer IV” -- This one is a real brute as well as a real “beaut”. The much-requested all-new Panzer IV complete with 5-man crew cruising along in the sands of North Africa and looking for trouble. This snub-nosed 75mm gun version has desert features that include of course, extra fuel, water and typical AK camouflage.
SPECIAL NOTE: A second Panzer IV in early war field gray is being issued later, no date yet. This other model (also with 5 original figures) boasts several different features to the AK version.
AK041 “Marching AK officer” -- Always useful, this smartly attired officer is not just out for an evening stroll.
AK042 “Marching AK Sergeant” -- Wearing the AK tropical sun helmet this MP40 toting NCO is useful in many desert scenarios.
AK043 “Marching AK Corporal” -- Rifle shouldered, this other NCO makes a very nice companion piece to AK042.
AK044 “AK Vehicle Passengers” (Set 1) -- This 3-man seated rifle set has been designed to fit neatly into one side of our AK “Blitz” truck (bench not included).
AK045 “AK Vehicle Passengers” (Set 2) -- 2-man add on set, also seated carrying MG34 and MP40 (bench not included).
AK048 “Marching AK Rifleman” Buy a few of these and you’ve got the beginnings a nice little parade, patrol or guarding a vehicle park or petrol dump.
AK049 “AK Tank Riders” -- A new version of an old favorite 4 kneeling and sitting AK troopers,  (Tiger Tank not included!)
To view the Afrika Korp Collection, please click here.

King & Country Retirement News

This month we have lots that are retiring and leaving the battle field.  We decided not to Hyperlink the following as some of these may be gone, by the time you read this.  So for a complete update of what is still available, please visit our being retired page.

AE014 “Pharaoh’s Head” -- One of the original Ancient Egyptian releases.
DD061 “Beach Under Fire”
DD062 “Calling For Reinforcements”
FOB013 “French Cavalry Officer”
FoB014 “French Cavalry Trooper”
SP024 “Supply Dump”

To view the King & Country Retired page, please click here.

Figarti

Just arrived and not yet on the web site, because we did not know how many we were going to be receiving. The Figarti Christmas set for 2007. Well we missed that one but as it is a timeless piece, it should not be a problem.
A20002 – Christmas 1944 – retails for $89.00, and looks terrific. Scale is 1:30 / 60mm.
Should have pictures up in the next day or so.
To view the Figarti Collection, please click here.

John Jenkins

Details are now available on the website for the latest War of 1812 information, at the time of writing; we still do not have final pricing, so please check back for updates. Also the delivery dates have not yet been finalized because we forgot to take in to account the effect of the massive closure in China over the Chinese New year. The first set should be available in February 2008, with regular monthly releases throughout the year. There are a total of 12 sets planned for the “Grey Jacket” collection. The War of 1812 range will continue with future releases including artillery, and cavalry, as well as several other of the more colorful units that took part in this conflict. The War of 1812 range will run alongside the French and Indian War range, with regular monthly releases for both periods.

American War of 1812
The War of 1812 better known as the American War of 1812, in the UK, to distinguish it from the war with Napoleon I of France that occurred in the same year, (It was a very busy year.) was fought between the USA and Great Britain and its colonies and involved Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Bermuda and Newfoundland. The war was fought from 1812 to 1815 on both land and sea. By the end of the war, 1,600 British and 2,260 American troops had died. In the new series expected to be available in January onwards, John Jenkins features the Battle of Chippewa July 15, 1814 which was a victory for the American army during an invasion of Upper Canada along the Niagara River. It was the first victory for American soldiers against an equal British force in the field.

To view the complete Jenkins Collection, please click here.

Honour Bound

Just announced details on 3 new figure sets, and 4 new diorama pieces expected to be available in February. We also received information on the new Honor Bound Gold Collection, designed with the discerning collector in mind. Using a new "Build Your Own" concept. That allows for customization, to create a unique vehicle, designed to meet your requirements. Each vehicle starts with a standard base model, currently there are 7 different versions of the famous German Tiger 1 available. You then can add regimental markings, hatches, side skirts etc to fit your individual requirement. You then can add on pieces such as a crew, battle damage and more. To create a unique military vehicle designed to your requirements.
For details on the new Honour Bound Gold Collection, please click here.

New releases for February
HB017 -- German Paratroopers with British Prisoner
HB018 -- German Infantry
HB019 -- Gate Scenic Base, Small Version
HB020 -- Boulanger Scenic Base, Small Version
HB021 -- Gate Scenic Base, Large Version
HB022 -- Boulanger Scenic Base, Large Version

Schleich

New releases for later this year. Schleich are continuing to expand both the Medieval Collection and also their new Elves Collection, with many new releases scheduled for later on in 2008. Unfortunately at the time of writing we do not have pictures yet, so please check our Schleich pages for updates, hopefully this month.

To view the Schleich Collection, please click here.

Action Figures

The following are about to arrive or will do next week.
Ignite
IGN-AR051 -- Roman Legionary with (New Attic Helmet)
IGN-AV059 -- Viking V -- Battle Scar Series
IGN-CU061 -- Knight Templar - Sub-Field Marshal (XIII century) - Expected February

Dragon Models
DRF70412 -- “Stan Wiley" -- U.S. Military Police, 101st Airborne Division ETO 1944-45 (Corporal)
DRF70543 -- “Volodya Antonovich Bukayev" - Soviet Armored Crewman w/DT Machine gun, 133 Red Army Tank Brigade, Stalingrad 1942 (Private)
DRF70591 --  “Terry Daview" -- British Tank Crewman, Royal Armored Corps NW Europe 1944 (Private)
DRF70565 --  “Aldo Wenning" - HJ Division Officer Panzergrenadier Regiment 25, Ardennes December 1944 (Obersturmführer)

From DID
DID-D80049 -- Erwin Rommel
A new addition to the outstanding WWII release.
DID-S70003B -- Ii Naomasa - International Version – In stock now.
The 3rd in their superb Samurai series. This is 100% hand made with authentic weapons, costume and head gear.

To view our Action figure Collection, please click here.

Retail Store

We are back to our normal semi sane schedule of Monday – Saturday 10.00 – 6.00pm. We are closed on Sundays, but more than happy to open if you are visiting the Bay Area.