Today's Headlines

Missed the June 2008 Newsletter, view it here!

To all subscribers welcome to the July edition of Sierra Toy Soldier News, written on a very nice Independence Day, here in Los Gatos.

Here in Northern California, where it has not rained since February, we have had a very early start to our fire season. Normally it does not start until late August. Last week we had over 1400 wildfires burning in Northern California. Luckily most are in the rural and mountainous parts, but this makes fighting the fires very difficult. Not many buildings are threatened as there are not many homes in the path of the fire, but that is changing as more people want homes in the mountains. We are expecting temperatures to peak next week at 105 degrees F, and with the accompanying winds, we could see many more fires starting up. Unfortunately our next rain is not expected until November, so we are in for a long fire season. So I am sure you will be hearing more about these on your news station. We are located in Los Gatos, which is in the Bay area, once famous for it orchards, now famous for computer, software and toy soldiers.

Our web site will be going through a number of revisions in the coming weeks. One of the items we are adding is a photo gallery. We have wanted to do this for ages, but could not find the correct software, well we think we have fixed this and should have it installed shortly. The goal of the photo gallery will be to highlight your collections. Many of you have sent up photo’s which will be including. But we also want to do something a little different and would like to have some information on you as well. So if you would like us to feature your collection, please let us know, do not send photo’s just yet, so that we get prepared.

We’ve had many delays with most of the manufacturers in China particularly Britain’s and King & Country due to changes implemented after the Chinese New Year. New products and restocks have been slow in coming. However we’re hearing that things are returning to normal and we will finally see some of Britains’ new products and restocks of many King & Country items, within the next couple of weeks.

Many of you have asked for photos of our store, I hope the following pictures will help. Store images.

This month we have lots of exciting news from Britain’s, King and Country, Black Hawk, Collectors Showcase, Del Prado, John Jenkins, Hobby Master, DID, 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 sunny Northern California.

Sierra Toy Soldier Club

The Sierra Nuggets program is progressing very well and we are on target for issue the first nuggets in our new thank you program. We are planning on emailing them out around July 15. For our retail store customers, they will be available as well on that day.

Just Arrived!
New Product Releases

William Britains

A little bit of history, supplied by Britains.
With the arrival of a new Iron Brigade set later this month we thought some might be curious about their distinctive headgear – The Hardee Hat.
The Hardee Hat was named after William J. Hardee, Commandant of Cadets at West Point from 1856 to 1860. Ironically, it came into use in 1858, when Jefferson Davis was Secretary of War. It was, however, not popular with the soldiers, who found it to be too hot and shunned it in favor of the kepi. Regulations specified that the Hardee hat be adorned with a brass hat pin and wool hat cord denoting the branch of service: blue for infantry, red for artillery, yellow for cavalry. The brim was to be pinned up on the right side for the cavalrymen and on the left side for infantrymen, though this was not a hard and fast rule.

“American Civil War”

• BR31007 – Union Infantry Iron Brigade Charging, Set #1 – 2 Piece Set – Reynolds has just ordered up the Iron Brigade into the woods to try and halt the advance of Archer’s Confederates. These stalwart soles are rushing forward to meet the enemy head on – almost 1,200 out of a total of 1,800 men in the Iron Brigade would be killed or wounded during Gettysburg!
• BR31010 – Confederate Infantry Charging Set #3 – 2 Piece Set – And as if on cue the Confederates of Archer’s Brigade come seeping forward at right shoulder shift, trying to take the ground before the Iron Brigade can get there. Which side will prevail?

“American Revolution”

• BR18005 – British 80th Foot Marching Set #1 – Flesh out the advancing ranks of the infamous lobster backs with this new two piece set. The 80th Foot can now be made into a proper advancing line complete with flags, officer, drummer and advancing infantry.

“Zulu War”

• BR20014 – Matte Finish - 19th Century Furnishings (Rorke’s Drift Hospital Accessory Set #1 – can also be used for American Civil War period) – 9 piece set – Everything you need to outfit a modest parlor and dining area in any mid to late 19th Century middle class home. These accessories make for great touches of realism and a way to complete the look of any battle around a home. Set includes: Secretary/Cabinet, Trunk/Chest, Stove, Stove heat plate, Coal Scuttle, Table, Embroidered Chair, Foot Stool, Three Leg Table.
• BR45009 – Gloss Finish - Zulu War Ox Wagon and Supplies – 5 Piece Set – The ubiquitous ox wagon was pressed into service as not only a means of transport but a means of protection during the Zulu War. Great to haul supplies long distances and equally effective as a laager. This one comes loaded with a stack of mealie bags, a barrel, crates and a tarp. Finished in the distinctive British army grey/blue with metal wheel rims and black hardware, this is a vastly improved wagon.

“World War One”

• BR17903 German Infantry Advancing, Single Figure Set – Restock

King and Country - Scheduled to arrive later this month

WWII Eighth Army

"ICE COLD IN ALEX"

• EA027 "The Desert Austin K2 Ambulance"  Back in the late 1950’s a great British War movie called "Ice Cold In Alex" came out. It tells the story of a British Ambulance and its crew trying to escape an embattled Tobruk and cross the desert to Alexandria in Egypt. The film covers lots of their trials and tribulations on the journey. One of which is that there is a German spy among them!!! Anyway it’s a great movie; see it on late night TV or failing that get the ambulance! This very, very British looking truck comes with a driver looking out for any land-mines.
• EA028 "Stretcher Party"   Two Royal Army Medical Corps stretcher bearers carry a wounded Tommy out of the battle and, hopefully, towards the ambulance. The perfect add-on to EA027.
• EA029 "The Crusader Tank"  Many, many 8th. Army Collectors have been requesting additional amour for the 8th Army sets. Well, here it is "The Crusader". Up until the arrival of the American Sherman’s and Grants this was the best and fastest tank the British Armored Regiments had. It could be unreliable but its speed often got it out of difficult situations. This model is in typical 2 color desert camp and in the markings of the 3rd. Hussars of the famous 7th Armored Division "The Desert Rats". Each tank comes with a commander and a seated British Infantryman.
• EA030 "8th Army Tank Riders"  Another great add-on! Three Scottish Infantrymen in a range of poses that can fit on the Crusader or stand off the vehicle on the ground as you prefer.

Eighth Army

WWII

“Wehrmacht To The Front”

New addition which we have added to our Waffen SS and Wehrmacht category, these are simply tremendous. K&C is planning more additions of the Wehrmacht.

• WS116 "Officer Pointing" - A conscripted Police Officer giving directions.
• WS117 "Get Ready!" - As one Wehrmacht Panzer Grenadier watches the advance of the enemy another prepares to pull the pin on his "potato masher" grenade.
• WS118 "Moving Forward" - A three-man rifle section (including a Schmeisser-toting NCO) stealthily move closer to the enemy.
• WS119 "On the Road" - In the weeks and months following D. Day German vehicles found it increasingly difficult to move undetected along French roads. Infantry moved forwards (and backwards) by the traditional method on foot. An NCO leads two of his riflemen to the front carrying extra ammo and weapons.
• WS120 "Walking Machine Gun Team" - This two-man set is a "companion piece" to WS119.

The Imperial Guardsmen, Chinese style

Two fine sets of richly detailed and colorful soldiers of the Emperor

• IC033 "Chinese General Staff Set"  A superb seated figure of a Chinese General of the Imperial Household Guard. Next to him a small table with his helmet, leaning over to advise him is one of his officers. Standing protectively over his General is the personal bodyguard carrying the richly decorated umbrella.  Fantastic detail and a welcome addition.
• C034 "Chinese Armourer Set"  Standing at the forge this Armourer is "beating-out" a new sword next to him his assistant is working the bellows helping to “heat-up” the forge. Every Army should have its Armourer.

Imperial China

King and Country - New Announcement for August Release

For Napoleonic Collectors.

“VIVE LA GARDE!”
We have added on to Napoleon’s favorites—the men of the “Old” Guard.

• NA151 “Guard Performing Bayonet Drill” - A Guard NCO demonstrating the correct bayonet defense position. Note the white gloves.
• NA152 “Guard at Attention” - Standing watch in the “classic” position.
• NA153 “Kneeling Firing”
• NA154 “Standing Firing”
• NA155 “Standing To Repel”
• NA156 “Loading Rifle”
• NA157 “Marching with Rifle”

Napoleonic Collection.

For Napoleonic and Stictly Limited Edition Collectors.

• NA158(SL) “Napoleon & His Generals”- Strictly Limited!  Here is the great man himself pondering the situation before him. By his side, three of his most trusted commanders, the bespectacled Marshal Louis-Nicolas DAVOUT, General DORSENNE resplendent in his Imperial Guard uniform and General of Cuirassiers Jean-Joseph Comte d’ HAUTPOUL. Delivering dispatches is a standing, saluting Aide de Camps. Completing this scene are a camp table, chair and basket of maps and the Emperor’s Tent forming a backdrop. Just 999 of this superb scene are being released.

For WWII Collectors
Fields of Battle

To the dark days of 1940 and the Battle of France.

• FOB042 “Bedford OYD Truck” - These Bedford General Service Trucks were produced in their thousands from 1939-1945 and they “soldiered-on” in the British Forces right up until the early sixties. Our model is in early-war markings of the British 3rd. Infantry Division. Vehicle includes driver figure.
• FOB043 “Polizei ADGZ Armoured Car” - This is one of the more unusual German armoured cars of the Early-War period. Originally built in Austria these were used on SS Police duties in the Polish campaign. Some were also used in France and most ended up on anti Partisan duties on the Eastern Front later. This 8-wheeled monster comes with no crew figures but is still a great looking model.
• F0B044 “Polizei in Action” Apart from the “Feldgendarmes”- the famous “Chained Dogs”, other civilian police either volunteered or were drafted into special Field Police units as backup. This little 3-man set works well with the previous armoured car or on its own.
• FOB046 “Naval Officer with Pistol” - To help restore order and organize evacuation on the beaches of Dunkirk Royal Naval Landing Parties were put ashore. This officer, with pistol drawn, points the way.
• FOB047 “Sailor at Attention” - This Matelot fully armed is part of the Landing Party, note his older 1914-1918 web equipment.
• FOB048 “Communications” - Another sailor, this time with “shore-to-ship” radio set and rifle.
• FOB049 “Sailor with Lewis Gun” - A veteran “old-salt” complete with light machine gun.
• FOB050 “Marching Sailor” - One more Matelot with Lee Enfield rifle at the high port position.
• FOB051 “Military Police Sergeant” - This standing MP shouting orders amidst the chaos.
• FOB052 “RAF Sergeant” - Standing, saluting RAF NCO complete with kitbag and backpack awaits evacuation.
• FOB053 “Field Marshal Lord Gort” - Commander-in-Chief, British Expeditionary Force was ordered by Churchill to return to London. Here he stands, ready to go.

Fields of Battle

View King & Country "What's New."

Collectors Showcase

American Civil War - Berdan Sharpshooters

The Berdan Sharpshooters were the scourge of the South. With their green uniforms and Spencer breechloaders they devastated Southern units with ease. This Northern unit was renowned for emptying many an officers saddle and many captured Berdan Sharpshooters were executed as assassins as they were often seen as lowly combatants, ducking and shooting at will. Expected for release during August.

• CS00274 Berdan Sharpshooters Firing
• CS00275 Berdan Sharpshooters Loading
• CS00276 Berdan Sharpshooters Command

For WWII Collectors - Tiger’s at Dawn

Each model is made specifically for the 60mm scale range and includes working hatches and doors, a fully traversable and elevatable main gun as well as connoisseur painted figures included.
All Tiger hatches open and close and are dual pivot hinged just like the originals! As an added custom bonus you get to choose old or new style road wheels with the Arnhem or Winter Tiger. And if that wasn't enough on the early style road wheels you can take the front bogie on or off just like the original crews did.

• CS00273 Tiger Tank Michael Wittmann
• CS00287-N Tiger Tank 506th Winter - With New Style Road Wheels
• CS00287-O Tiger Tank 506th Winter - With Old Style Road Wheels
• CS00288-N Tiger Tank 506th ( Arnhem ) - With New Style Road Wheels.
• CS00288-O Tiger Tank 506th ( Arnhem ) - With Old Style Road Wheels.

For WWII Collectors - Lah Review - 1944

The LAH Review diorama set relives the last days of a crumbling Reich. Available with two types of building facades that neatly interlock you can make your reviewing area as long as you like.
This series puts you back to 1944, perhaps the last time Sepp Dietrich would review Liebstandarte before the final struggles that would seal the fate of Nazi Germany.

• CS00282 LAH Sepp Dietrich
• CS00283 LAH Flag Bearer
• CS00284 LAH Officers
• CS00285 LAH Present Arms
• CS00289 Horch with Driver and W.Bittrich LAH SS
• CS00290 Horch with Driver and W.Bittrich 9th SS
• CS00291 Dutch Building Wall with flag set
• CS00292 Dutch Building Center with eagle

Collectors Showcase.

Hobby Master

Just announced for delivery during September and October.

Aviation Collectors

• HA7105: Spitfire FR.XVIII 1/48 Die Cast Model - 60 Squadron, Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, December 31, 1950 - Limited edition of 1,200 pieces.
• HA2003: Nakajima B5N2 "Kate" 1/72 Die Cast Model - Ensign Kazumasa Kaneda, IJN Carrier Zuikaku, Pearl Harbor
• HA1905: F-4J Phantom II 1/72 Die Cast Model - VF-84 "Jolly Rogers," USS F.D. Roosevelt, 1971
• HA0202: Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless 1/32 Die Cast Model - Ace of Spades, VMSB-231, Marshall Islands, 1944 - Limited edition of 700
• HA2102: F-100D Super Sabre 1/72 Die Cast Model Maj. Don Schmenk, 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, Tuy Hoa, 1969

Ground Power Collectors - 1 :72 scale

• HG3602: M24 Chaffee 1/72 Die Cast Model - 79th Tank Battalion, Han River, Korea, 1951
• HG3701: M46 Patton 1/72 Die Cast Model - 6th Tank Battalion, U.S. 24th Div., Han River, Korea, 1951

Hobby Master Air Power Collection.

Ground Power Series.

New Arrivals

Black Hawk

In stock now, the first 4 sets in the new Black Hawk series - "The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid" by the James-Younger Gang. Sets include

• BH0201 The Bank (Facade)
• BH0202 Jesse James
• BH0203 Henry M. Wheeler
• BH0204 Bill Chadwell Shot Down

Black Hawk

Del Prado - In stock now

Medieval Series

• DEL-ME74 French Handgunner, c. 1450
• DEL-ME75 Sassanian Cavalryman, Battle of Yarmuk, 636 AD
• DEL-ME76 Granadan Crossbowman, The Fall of Granada, 1492
• DEL-ME77 Mounted Archer, Henry V’s Conquest of France

Men at War in the 20th Century

• DEL-MW97 Canadian Forces in World War II, Signals rating, RCN, 1943-45
• DEL-MW98 The Guards 1914-45, Colour Sergeant, Coldstream Guards, 1914
• DEL-MW99 Vietnam Airborne Units, S/Sgt, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 1971
• DEL-MW100 UN Forces in Action 1948-94, Polish ensign, UNEF (II), 1979

Cavalry of the Napoleonic Wars

• DEL-NC82 Grenadier a Cheval, Imperial Guard, c. 1810
• DEL-NC83 Russian Ordenski Cuirassier, c 1812
• DEL-NC84 Trooper, Chasseurs de Nassau, 1810
• DEL-NC86 Trooper, French Carabiniers, c. 1800

Napoleon at War

• DEL-NF59 Drum Major, Westfalian Troops, 1810
• DEL-NF66 2nd Lieutenant, French Lancers, 1813
• DEL-NF68 Marshal Murat, 1813
• DEL-NF75 Officer, Inniskilling Dragoons, 1811

Samurai Collection

• SAM35Hasekura Tsunenaga 1571-1622
• SAM36 Mori Ranmaru 1565-1582
• SAM37 Ohuchi Yoshitaka 1507-1551
• SAM38 Yamagata Masakage 1524 - 1575

Just announced and expected later on this month.

American Civil War

• DEL-ACW07 General Grant ( Mounted)
• DEL-ACW08 Colonel William Oates, 15th Alabama at Gettysburg

Del Prado

Build-a-Rama

New from our friends at Build-a- Rama.

• Brama168 Deluxe Green Camo Net Set with Poles
• Brama169 Deluxe Winter Camo Net Set with Poles
• Brama170 Deluxe Desert Camo Net Set with Poles
• Brama171 Ladder Set (3 pieces)
• Brama172 Winter Ladder Set (3 pieces)

Scenic Collection

Action Figures

For WWII Collectors
In stock from DID

• DID-K80052 - British 6th Airborne Division " Red Devils" - Michael Taylor
• DID-N80051 45e Regiment D'Infanterie De Ligne "Frank"

In stock from Ignite

• IGN-AF069 French Guardsman
• IGN-AR071 Roman Praetorian Guard
• IGN-JS070 Samurai AWOH Special Edition

New announcements from DID and Soldier Story

• DID-A80054 Edward Stiner - 82nd Airborne Division
• SS-014 - CIA SAD Night Ops

View our Action figure Collection.