|
To all subscribers welcome to the June edition of Sierra Toy Soldier News,
written on a gorgeous sunny day, here in Northern California.
One of the highlights for us in May was the Britain’s Open House held on May 16,
2009! Huge thanks to Richard Walker. More on this later.
Construction, electrical, painting and internal demolition is now finished at
our new retail store location. The address of which is 29 N Santa Cruz Avenue,
Los Gatos CA 95030, in case you wish to Google it. We hope to be open in our new
location on July 1. That is if the phone company, Gremlins do not bite us. They
currently they are being very difficult. Thank you to all our customers who have
volunteered to help us move in June. We will need help on 18th though 20th to
pack our soldiers, and 27th though 30th to unpack and display. Let us know if
you will be in the area and would like to help for a few hours on any of those
days. Grown up playtime!
This month we have lots of exciting news from Britain’s, King and Country, John
Jenkins, Honour Bound, Frontline, Corgi, Hobby Master, IXO 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.
We hope you enjoy the new releases, have a great May.
What is the Sierra Nugget 2009 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.
We are hoping to release the Nuggets earlier then usual this month to allow up
to concentrate on the move. So look for them early next week.
|
|
|
|
Grand Opening of our new retail store July 1, 2009
29 N Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos CA 95030. Time 10.00 am
King and Country Open House - Saturday September 19, 2009 - Los Gatos, CA
We are hosting our 2nd annual King and Country open house in advance of the
Chicago toy Soldier Show. Attending will be Andy, plus Gordon (his brother),
Helen and Patrick. This is an all day event starting at 10.00am. If you would
like to join, please email us
sales@sierratoysoldier.com - subject K&C Open House, so we can estimate
attendance.
|
|
|
William
Britain's
We held our first Britain’s Open House on May 16, 2009! It was a huge success,
with over 50 collectors stopping by on the Saturday to meet Richard and see the
new releases. Everyone had a blast!. So much so that Richard has offered to do
another one next year. I think one of the highlights for Richard was the visit
to Bill Cleary and a chance to see his Civil War Collection. I think if you are
a Civil War Collector, you are in for a real treat next year, as Richard came
away with a host of ideas.
If you would like to see some pictures of the event,
please click here.
News from Britain’s.
New announcement!
Britain's have announced there new Spring and Summer Editions, we do not have
the new catalogue yet, bit hope to shortly. In the meantime you can view the
latest additions here. The new pieces are really outstanding, unfortunately
there are just too many to list here so we have listed the categories.
You can also visit our Britain’s What’s New sections at your leisure, by
visiting
Britain’s What’s New.
|
|
|
|
Retail Store
We are open Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.00pm. We are closed on Sundays, but more
than happy to open if you are visiting the Bay Area.
Just a reminder for those of you living in Northern California, or perhaps just
visiting, that our retail store dedicated to toy soldiers is open 6 days a week.
The store is located at Los Gatos Village Square, 15466 Los Gatos Blvd, #108,
Los Gatos, California 95032. (408) 358 3910
www.sierratoysoldier.com
|
|
|
|
Britain's have also announced many retirements, essential they are retiring
items from the 2008 catalogue to make way for new pieces. So if there was an
item you were thinking about, please do not delay too long as stock is very
limited.
|
|
|
|
|
|
WWII D-Day 1944
- Arriving this week!
-
DD107 “The LCA (Landing Craft Assault)” - This British designed and
built LCA actually made up the bulk of the landing craft used to put
infantry on the beaches on D. Day itself. All of the British and Canadians
used these little craft as well as some of the American forces. Did you know
that the US Rangers landing at Pointe du Hoc were ferried in by British
LCA’s manned by Royal Navy crews?
To the best of K&C knowledge this is
the first time such a unique landing craft has been released by any toy
soldier/ military miniature company in 1:30 scale.
The polystone and
metal craft comes in typical two-tone British naval camouflage and is crewed
by two Royal Navy matelots—one Cox’n and one Bren Gunner.
Dimensions are:
Length 16.5” (42cm) width 4.5” (11.75cm)
-
DD108 “Bren Gun Team” - This three-man section comprises, one standing
Bren Gunner plus two riflemen.
-
DD109 “Medic & Wounded” - A tribute in miniature to the men who risked
their lives to tend their wounded comrades often under fire. Here, a kneeling
medic tries desperately to save a seriously wounded “Tommy”.
-
DD110 “Attacking!” - As one soldier sits wounded, another provides
covering fire and the remaining “Tommy” runs forward.
-
DD111 “Moving Inland” - A lying prone Bren Gunner alongside a kneeling
rifleman and an advancing “Tommy”.
SPECIAL NOTE: All of these first infantry releases are from the 2nd East
Yorkshire Regiment of the British 3rd. Infantry Division that landed on Sword
Beach on the morning of June 6, 1944.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: This is just the first part of a major two-part launch of
British and Canadian forces that are being released in June and July of this
year, more info next month.
D-Day
Napoleonic
“Vive les Dragons a Pied!” (“Long Live the Foot Dragoons!”) - Arriving later
this month!
For several years (1803-1806) Napoleon’s Armies suffered an amazing shortage of
horses… This meant that some cavalry units and Regiments were forced to fight on
foot. Perhaps the most famous were the Dragoons. Originally formed as mounted
infantry the Emperor decreed that the Dragoons would be better suited to fight
as dismounted soldiers than any of their cavalry compatriots.
Although they never liked losing their horses the Dragoons performed admirably
in this new role for a limited period. After all, the Emperor’s orders were, the
Emperor’s wishes! End of story.
K&C has produced no less than 15 different troopers of the famed 16th. Dragoons
of the line. In their green tunics with rose pink facings only one of our
figures is mounted the remainder are in marching, parade or action poses.
-
NA170 “Mounted Officer”
-
NA171 “Marching Drummer”
-
NA172 “Marching Officer w/ Sword”
-
NA173 “Marching w/ Rifle”
-
NA174 “Marching Set”
-
NA175 “Marching w/ Flag”
-
NA176 “Advancing Forward”
-
NA177 “Shouting Corporal”
-
NA178 “Standing Firing”
-
NA179 “Standing Ready”
-
NA180 “Ready to Repel”
-
NA181 “Standing Attention”
-
NA182 “Present Arms”
-
NA183 “Standing Officer”
Either individually or in multiples these new Dragoons provide extra colour and
display opportunities for any serious Napoleonic collector.
Napoleonic
View King & Country "What's New."
American Civil
War – Confederate Cavalry
When the Civil War broke out in 1861 thousands of young men flocked to the
colours looking for adventure… and glory. Many of them believed that the cavalry
offered all of that and more. Hard campaigning and harsh-military realities soon
put them right on that score!
K&C’s latest American Civil War release prepares to mount up and ride off in
search of battle with eight new figures… All of them Confederates and proud of
it!
-
CW040 “Officer with Pistol!”
-
CW041 “Mounted Bugler”
-
CW042 “Cavalry Flagbearer”
-
CW043 “Mount-up”
-
CW044 “Prepare to Mount”
-
CW045 “Firing Carbine”
-
CW046 “Sergeant holding Carbine”
-
CW047 “Loading Carbine”
Special Note: This is the first of two Confederate Cavalry releases in 2009…
Look out for another batch later in the year.
American Civil War
WWII – D-Day
1944 British and Canadian
Like other parts of the Empire and Commonwealth Canada was among the first to
join Britain in her fight with the Axis Forces. In fact Canadian forces first
arrived in Britain in late 1939 and many Royal Canadian Air Forces pilots played
a vital part in the Battle of Britain.
On D. Day Canadian Forces were allocated JUNO BEACH in the British sector and
performed heroically throughout the Normandy campaign and beyond. Now, we have
them fighting their way off the beach on June 6, 1944.
-
DD112 “Command Set” - A Canadian officer, revolver in hand, assesses
under fire, his position. Next to him his radio-man relays a message.
Covering them both is a kneeling rifleman.
-
DD113 “Attack!” - A standing Canadian NCO fires off a burst from his
Sten Gun while another rifleman takes aim.
-
DD114 “Casualty of War” - A lone Canadian soldier caught by a burst
of enemy machine gun fire.
-
DD115 “Road Sign” - A typical stone French Road sign bearing a place
name British and Canadian soldiers would get to know only too well in the
following days and weeks… “CAEN”.
-
DD117 “Piper in action” - Many Canadian regiments had strong
Scottish connections. This brave piper, regardless of enemy fire, pipes his
comrades forward.
-
DD118 “Dismounted Military Policeman” - This MP from the Canadian
Provost Corps points the way ahead for his fellow soldiers.
-
DD119 “Monty in Normandy” - In the middle of our Canadian releases
is this brand-new figure of Gen. Bernard Montgomery, D. Day’s Ground Forces
Commander. “Monty” is typically dressed and wearing his double-badged black
beret and an RAF leather flying jerkin.
-
DD120 “Grenadier” - Our final Canadian soldier of this release is a
dynamic figure throwing a “Mills” bomb grenade at an enemy position.
-
DD116 “Cromwell Mk IV Tank” - Providing some of the armour support
during the Normandy campaign was one of Britain’s best tanks and finest
armoured divisions.
The latest fighting vehicle is a Cromwell Mk IV of
the Welsh Guards of the Guards Armoured Division. Although this division did
not land until D. Day +11 it took part in some of the heaviest fighting in
the Normandy “bocage” and saw almost continuous action until the German
surrender in May 1945.
This model comes with two crew figures and a
detachable “back pack” of extra supplies.
SPECIAL NOTE: All our Canadian troops are from the “Canadian Scottish
Regiment” of the 3rd. Canadian Infantry Division.M
D-Day British and Canadian Forces
“The Plot to
kill Hitler!”
On July 20, 1944, in the midst of the fighting in France and Russia a group of
brave German officers attempted to kill Hitler. Unfortunately they failed…
-
WS135(SL) “The July Bomb Plot” - King & Country’s latest “Strictly
Limited” set is being released to mark the 65th. Anniversary of what might
have been the most momentous day of the Second World War.
They have
chosen to portray the moment when Col. Claus von Stauffenberg placed his
bomb-laden briefcase close to Hitler as he studied the operational maps at
his headquarters in the “Wolf’s Lair” in East Prussia on July 20, 1944.
Among the figures gathered around Hitler are General Gunther Karten ,
Luftwaffe chief of staff, Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel and a senior Waffen
SS officer. In front of the group is large table spread over with two
printed Eastern Front maps. Colonel von Stauffenberg completes this historic
“SL” set.
Just 888 are being produced.
-
WS136 “General & Adjutant” - A standing, arms folded, Wehrmacht General
confers with his Army adjutant.
-
WS137 “Discussing the War” - An East Prussian Party official from the
local Gauleiter’s officer listens to a highly decorated Panzer officer.
Both of these “add-on” sets make for a superb small-scale diorama worthy of any
serious WW2 collection.
The Plot to Kill Hitler
“Streets of
Old Hong Kong”
-
HK153 - Tailor Shop Façade
Streets of Hong Kong
View King & Country "What's New."
This month a huge big bundle of retirals heading off into sunset. This time
around stocks from K&C were very limited, so do not dawdle to long if you were
thinking of a particular set. Please note we do not hyperlink the retirements as
some may have already disappeared. The new retirements include sets from the
following collections:
Medieval
- MK018 “Attacking Knight w/Axe & Shield”
- MK019 “Knight Drawing Sword”
Diorama
- SP025 “Machine Gun Bunker”
- SP026 “Mortar Pit”
First World War
- FW013 “Kaiser's Staff Car Set”
NORMANDY’44
- DD080 “Gen. Gavin 82nd Airborne”
- DD081 “At Attention”
- DD082 “Kneeling Officer w/ Bino”
- DD087 “Warning”
WAFFEN SS
- WS087 “Halt!”
- WS089 “Dispatch Rider”
View the King & Country Retired page.
|
|
|
|
The following releases missed the last newsletter so we hope this helps get you
up to speed.
June releases
are in stock now!
Battle on Snowshoes
The militia in New France, in theory included every able-bodied man aged 16 to
60. They were organized in companies according to the local parishes, with each
one being about 50 men with a captain, lieutenant and sergeant.
There were three militia districts, Quebec, Trois-Rivieres and Montreal, each
with a colonel and a major.
The militia were supposed to meet and train once a month and were involved in
peace time for things like law enforcement and road construction. The militia
had no uniform and received no pay, but they were issued with clothing and
equipment when going on campaign which typically included a cloth cap, a hooded
coat with sash, and either breeches or native-style leggings. They were also
equipped with a musket if needed.
During the French and Indian War, 2,200 militia were incorporated into the eight
regular and two marine battalions based in New France.
-
SF-005 - FRENCH MILITIA # 2 - 2 Figures skirmishing
Battle on Snowshoes
Raid on St
Francis
This is the first set of the Woodland Indian half of the Raid on St. Francis
series. The Series will include many more sets, including buildings and
accessories. Money gained from the trade of a prisoner, was sometimes used to
purchase new weapons. This set a French “Runner of the woods” is about to strike
a bargain for a musket offered by the trader.
-
RSF-001 - “HIS FIRST MUSKET” - 3 Figures,
Raid on St Francis
Jacobite
Rebellion
This figure is the Third of 6 that have been inspired by the famous David Morier
painting “An Incident in the Rebellion of 1745”, which was painted around 1750
and shows the Jacobites engaging the right flank of Barrell’s Regiment at
Culloden. The painting is part of The Royal Collection, of Her Majesty the
Queen, and today hangs above a doorway in Holyrood House in Edinburgh.
-
JR-006 - Highlander Attacking # 2
Jacobite Rebellion
Battle of
Chippewa
This Staff Officer is based on the Uniforms according to the 1813-1814
regulations. He wears the 1813 Undress Coat, and knee boots that were common at
this time.
Although staff officers were not usually supposed to wear a sash, it is recorded
that some officers wore a sash under their sword belts when going into action.
Battle of Chippewa
-
USCH-011 - US ARMY STAFF OFFICER
|
|
|
|
To be announced later on in June, the following new pieces. Unfortunately at the
time of going to press, we did not have photos. So this is intended as advance
notice.
-
Napoleonic - Polish Lancers - They look amazing.
- WWII - Horch Rommel
Radio Command Car
- WWII - Horch SS Peiper Radio Command Car
-
WWII - SdKfz 251/C - from various campaigns
Collectors Showcase
In Stock Now!
-
DAK-001 - DAK Attack
-
G38009E - V-2 Fuel Truck
New
Announcements! For June Release
-
DAK-002 - FI156 Rommel’s Storch, Limited Edition
-
A38039E - The Long Horns of Red Bull - US 8" Howitzer with Crew -
Winter (Battle of the Bulge)
Figarti
|
|
|
Just announced
for June Release
WWII
-
AA38401 -- Bristol Blenheim IV – No.82 Squadron, RAF, 1942 --
Shuttleworth Collection
-
AA36905 - Junkers Ju-52/3m ‘D-AQUI’ – Lufthansa, 1936
-
AA34809 - Vickers Wellington Mk.1A ‘R’ for Robert – restored at the
Brooklands Museum, Surrey
Corgi
New
announcements
Air Power
For release in late September
-
HA1211 - Grumman TBM-3E - No. 826 Squadron, Royal Canadian Navy,
1950
-
HA2205 - Helldiver Mk.I - No. 1820 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air
Arm, 1944
-
HA2503 - F-105 Thunderchief - Memphis Belle II
-
HA2601 - Harrier GR.7 - No. 4 Squadron, Operation Telic, Kuwait,
2003
-
HA2701 - Mitsubishi F-2A - 3rd Squadron, 3rd Air Wing, JASDF,
Misawa Air Base
-
HA7602 - Spitfire PR.XIX - F 11 Nyköping, Swedish Air Force
-
HH1009 - UH-1C Huey "Frog" - "Surfer Girl," Shark Gun Platoon,
174th AHC, Vietnam, 1971
Air Power
Ground Power
For release in late September
-
HG3010 - KV-1 - "Besposhadniy," 12th Tank Regiment, Western Front,
1942
-
HG3408 - M10 Tank Destroyer - "DuckBill," France, February,
1945
-
HG3507 - Centurion Mk.5/1 - 10th Armor Brigade, Israel Defense
Forces, Samaria, 1967
Ground Power
Hobby Master
|
|
|
Very best regards from Mike & Myszka Hall and the Sierra
Toy Soldier team - Aaron, Andrew, Ann, Barbara, Gary, Michael (the Kilted
Vampire), Nick and Stephanie.
This newsletter is the copyright of Sierra Toy Soldier Company 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
