Sierra Toy Soldier Company
May 2008 Newsletter.

To all subscribers welcome to the May edition of Sierra Toy Soldier News, written on a very nice spring day, here in Los Gatos. This is one of the best times in the year to visit San Francisco and the Bay Area. The weather is really pleasant, not too hot, and as we do not suffer from humidity really pleasant to walk around. It is also the ideal time to visit the city. In the summer the fog can roll in and San Francisco's temperatures can be in the 50's, while the rest of us are baking in the 90’s. One of the advantages having firefighters as part of our team, is we always know when things are happening. Well apparently yesterday was the official start of fire season here in Northern California, and according to the fireman’s almanac it could be a bad one as we have had no rain at all in April. More updates as the season progresses

This July we are 5 years old. Now our kids will claim, with justification that we have never grown up, which is true. But we are rapidly coming up to the anniversary when we launched the Sierra Toy Soldier Company on an unsuspecting world. What we thought would be a great hobby and a little bit of fun, quickly turned into a full time business with 2 locations our retail store and our distribution centre, and 8 members in our team. One of the surprising things apart from working 7 days a week is that we have in the last 5 years met the nicest, most interesting group of people, that we could have ever wanted to meet. Yes you. So thank you for making this tremendous fun.

To say thank you to you, we are very pleased to announce the creation of the Sierra Toy Soldier Club also to be known as Sierra Nuggets, “Cos there is gold in them there hills”. A little California joke here, actually it’s from the movie “paint your wagon”. More details later.

So 5 years ago Myszka and I started this business, because there was no where in Northern California to buy Toy Soldiers. We started in our house and the garage and soon had frequent visitors at weekends wanting to see Toy Soldiers. So every weekend were showing visitors toy soldiers on the dining room table. Now the kids really thought we had lost it. This is why 4 years ago we opened our retail store, and have had tremendous fun since.

One of the “Breaking News” items we had 5 years ago, which some think is a revelation now, was to bring the concept of Free Shipping on most items to both USA and International Orders. We thought it would provide great value then and think today provides even greater value to our customers. So although I cannot advertise it as “Breaking News” on our web site, because we have been providing this for 5 years, just know that we plan to continue to provide and enhance it in the next 5 years.

To view some pictures of our retail store, taken by our chief photographer, Bob.

This month we have exiting news from Britain’s, King and Country, Build-a-Rama, Del Prado, DID, Figarti, Hobby Master, Grenada, Patriot 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.

April Newsletter

If you missed our April newsletter and you would like to read it, April 2008 newsletter.

Events

Saratoga, California. Late May - Date to be set.
One of customers who have been collecting since he was a child, now has a collection of over 10,000 toy soldiers. From Greek, Roman, Medieval, Napoleonic to Civil War. Every year he opens up his home to the local schools and sets up displays of the key events of the American Civil War. This represents months of hard work and detailed preparation. Each year they build museum quality diorama's and spread them around the rooms of his house. With diorama stations, kids are divided into groups, visit and receive detailed information on each particular event. To watch the energy, effort and dedication that goes into this is truly magnificent. Not only is it a great way to teach history, the history of the Civil War, but it really brings it to life.

This year he has offered in the evening to host a group of toy soldier collectors to view the Civil War Dioramas, but also part of his collection. We did this last year and it was a huge success.

If you would like to attend please email us at sales@sierratoysoldier.com  subject Saratoga, and we will be pleased to provide you with details.

Sierra Toy Soldier Club

We want to make this more than just another rewards program. We have a wealth of ideas for the Sierra Toy Soldier Club, some practical, some totally insane. So watch for details.

We would like to hear from you if you have some great ideas for our program; maybe you belong to a thank you program or rewards program for your hobby that you would like to suggest we think about. If you would like to contribute and share your ideas please email us at sales@sierratoysoldier.com subject Nuggets. We would appreciate it.

William Britains

We are still planning our Britains open house, hosted by Richard Walker and other members of Britains in our retail store, we are trying to finalize a date. So for collectors of Britains figures and for people who like Toy Soldiers who would like to attend, please email us, subject line Britains event and we will be pleased to provide you with details.

• BR31001 Union Infantry Iron Brigade Firing Line Set #1(Limited to 750 Sets). These three firing line figures capture the firmness and fortitude found in most of the Midwestern boys that made up this famous unit. With great motion and implied action they tell a story of fierce determination in the face of extreme danger.

• BR17614  18th-20th Century Corn Rows – Probably the most requested scenic item bar none. This corn set is realistic and easily assembled – just insert the corn rows into the holes in the resin base. A few sets go along way to building a very convincing cornfield that easily accommodates lines of charging troops.
• BR17615  19th-20th Century Turnpike Fences. A ubiquitous feature on many a Civil War battlefield – the troops used them to hide behind, to slow down the enemy and most importantly of all – for fire wood!

• BR20004  British 24th Foot Standing Waving Helmet – Osprey Series – This is the final piece in the initial Osprey Series release.
• BR20006 British 24th Foot Standing Firing #1.
• BR20007 British 24th Foot Defending Set #1 – “MORE AMMO!!!!!!”, with his comrade desperately shouting for reinforcements or more ammo he looks for another round to keep pouring it on.
• BR20008  Rorke’s Drift – Hospital Vignette #1 “Through the Hole” – Two British 24th Foot Figures and Attacking Married Regiment Zulu. This one captures the essence of the savage room to room fighting that occurred in the hospital. With one 24th Foot private making his way through the hole they had just picked though the wall his sickly comrade defends himself against an imminent blow from a knobkerrie. The Zulu figure is simply amazing – with piercing eyes in a pose sure to strike fear into even the most seasoned soldier.
• BR20010  Zulu Warrior Attacking Set #1 – These Zulus are dressed for battle – with the bare minimum – so they can move fast and quietly. While many may have worn the full regalia most collectors have become familiar with, when it comes to Zulu’s these figures might be closer to the truth according to Ian Knight.
• BR20012 Rorke's Drift - Hospital Vignette #2. - Privates John Williams and Joseph Williams were defending the middle end room on the western end of the hospital. To view the full story, please click on the link.
• BR20013 – British 24th Foot Defending Set #2 – Give them the bayonet! You can almost hear Colour Sergeant Bromhead giving these hearty words of encouragement.

• BR45003 Zulu uMbonambi Regiment Advancing with Knobkerrie. - The iwisa or kerrie/knobkerrie was made of the heaviest or hardest wood available – preferably iron wood. These weapons could be made by any individual and are to this day the most common weapon in Zululand. The African police in Natal still carry a version of this weapon and can even use it to bring down a fleeing criminal by throwing it end over end so it hits them in the back!
• BR45004 Zulu iNdlondlo Regiment Firing Rifle. - Known as the ‘Poisonous Snakes’ or ‘Land Burner’ this regiment was known for its high proportion of tall men. Using a captured Martini-Henry and ammo belt he has taken to sniping on the British in the Drift.
• BR45005 Zulu inGobamakhosi Regiment Throwing Spear. - The leopard-skin head band supports pieces of green monkey skin with side plates of stiff white cow hide shaped like an ‘H’ over the ears with two white cow tails hanging from the center of the headdress. Above the side plates and behind the cow tails are widow-bird (sakabula) tail feathers pointing backwards. Put a standard British pith helmet to shame!

• BR17870 – British Royal Field Artillery Officer Mounted – 2 Piece Set – The prefect compliment to BR17869 – British Royal Field Artillery Limber with 18 Pound Gun. This figure is waving his team on and out of harms way hopefully!

View the Britain’s Collection, .

Britains Retirement News
Britains have also announced many retirements, essential they are retiring items from the 2007 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. View Britains retired pieces.

King and Country

One of the new items we have added this month is 360 degree images of the new King and Country items. This is a really great way to view the product. If you have not seen what they are like view this example WS103 – 360 Degree Image

King and Country - Scheduled to arrive this month.

“Remember The Alamo!”
These new additions make some welcome add-ons to this “signature” series.

View detailed release information on the new Alamo releases!

View the complete Alamo Collection.

For WWII Collectors
For may it is the turn of the Americans to land on the beaches. This we are introducing a new Sherman Tank and to accompany it a GI tank crew.

“The Big Red One”
One of the most famous American fighting infantry divisions of the War, the 1st Infantry Div. better known as “The Big Red One”.
Six great looking two-man action sets featuring the GI’s of “The Big Red One” as they would have appeared in Normandy in the days and weeks following the invasion.

And Now For The Opposition.
The one and only ’88 the scourge of Allied infantry and amour alike. From Alamein to Anzio and onto Arnhem the mighty 88 was the artillery piece of the Second World War. Equally adaptable as an anti aircraft gun or in the anti tank role the 88 came in several different “guises”. This K&C latest version is one of the most different.

• WS103 “The Flak 18 (sf1.) aufZugkraftwagen” Planned Production Number for this item is just 750 models. Order Now!

View detailed information on the D-Day Americans and the German Opposition.

Streets of Old Hong Kong
As usual, we have a delightful little “Streets of Old Hong Kong” set to finish up with.

• HK167 “Street Lantern Set” A giant decorative street lantern being painted by two skilled craftsmen.

King and Country - May announcements, June Release

Strictly limited Edition of 1250.
AK046(SL) “Rommel’s Desert Horch” -- A couple of years back K&C released Rommel’s famous half track Command Vehicle “GREIF” as a “Strictly Limited”. Just 750 of this special piece were made and they were eagerly snapped up within hours of the launch. Sadly more than a few collectors were disappointed when they could not obtain theirs or get enough to satisfy the demand. Since then the North African series (both Afrika Korps and 8th Army) have surged in popularity and the time is right to produce another of the “Desert Fox’s” favorite transport vehicles, in this case one of his HORCH staff cars. This all-new set shows a specially adapted vehicle with radio communications, a signal officer, a bodyguard and driver plus a standing figure of Erwin Rommel himself. Clad in his famous leather greatcoat this figure can be placed inside or outside the vehicle as the collector chooses. All other seated figures are fixed in their positions.

American Civil War
Union Forces in the early months of the Civil War.
King & Country’s latest additions to their recently revived American Civil War soldiers are our first Federal release. In this case, they have chosen the 83rd. Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment. At the beginning of the war the Union Army was short of everything weapons, officers, supplies and, uniforms. To help remedy this situation 10,000 sets of complete uniforms were bought from France. Among them a large proportion of French Chasseur Infantry uniforms. As was the case in the first two years of the War military dress and fashion on both sides of the divide varied from “the weird to the wonderful”. These Pennsylvanian “Chasseurs” were no exception!

K&C are releasing 14 individual pieces that together or separately, in large or small formations make for an exciting and colorful display. View the Union Forces announcement.

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.

King & Country Retirement News.

This month we are retiring an awful lot of terrific sets, 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.

• AE011 “Scaffolding Set” - Sold Out.
• AE020 “The Cleopatra Set”

• IWJ025 “General Kuribayashi”
• IWJ026 “Rifle Grenade Team”
• IWJ027 “Mortar Team”
• IWJ028 “Machine Gun Team”
• IWJ029 “Anti Tank Team”
• IWJ030 “Sniper Team”

• MK002 “Foot Knight w/Sword & Shield”- Sold Out.
• MK005 “Foot Soldier w/Spear”- Sold Out.
• MK015 “Charging Knight w/Axe & Shield”- Sold Out.
• MK017 “Horn Blower”- Sold Out.
• MK021 “Wounded Man-at-arms”- Sold Out.
• MK022 “Man-at-arms w/Sword & Shield”- Sold Out.
• MK032 “Saracen Crossbow Loading”- Sold Out.

• RO032-RE “Attacking w/Shield”
• RO039 “Mounted Julius Caesar”

• WS072 “German Summer Panther Set”
• WS080 “Gepard Flakpanzer 38(T)”
• WS091 “Gestapo Arrest!”
• WS092 “Tour of Inspection”

View the King & Country Retired page.

Conte

Roman Ship
We have good news on the Roman Galley. Originally it was supposed to be available in December 2007, but like a fine wine it takes time to mature. Well the good news is that they have arrived in customs so we should be receiving them sometime next week, unless they send them by boat!!!

RS001 – Roman Galley
This set has 58 fully painted figures included with the 33" long battleship. The painted version has 3 fine pewter figures and the rest are cold cast resin. There will be 500 of these made in total (including totals from both the painted & Unpainted crews). Each set will be a signed & numbered limited edition. We saw this ship at the Chicago show and it is truly one of the best pieces they have ever made. It is so complex and time consuming to make that it has delayed production of many other items, so once this particular batch is sold out, they are unlikely to ever come out with any more. So if you’re interested do not delay.

Del Prado

• Series 1 - Men at War in the 20th Century
• Series 2 - Napoleon at War
• Series 3 - Cavalry of the Napoleonic Wars
• Series 4 - The Medieval Collection
• Series 5 - The Samurai Collection
• New addition - Series 7 - Egypt- Land of The Pharaohs
• Series 8 – The Old West
• Series 9 - Cavalry through the Ages

To view the expected new arrivals, please click here.

Del Prado Collection.

Figarti

New Announcements for late May / early June.
In October of last year our friends art Figarti launched the 1:30 scale range of figures. Yes you guessed it to compliement the King and Country line. Well it has been a huge success not so much in my opinion because of the scale change, but because they are producing unique and special items, not produced by any company before. This new set of announcements is no exception.

• G2008SP Master and Faithful Friend
• G3009E V- 2 TEST
• G4101E Winter Attack
• G4104E V-2 Inspection set (1)
• G4105E V-2 Inspection set (2)
• G4109E Adjusting Launch

• A4062V M274 Mule – 1/32 scale.

View the Figarti Collection.

John Jenkins

No new announcements yet from John, but I hope they will arrive next week. In the meantime we have the fiollowing new arrivals and most are in stock now.

• BM-10 - The Battle of Monongahela 1755 - 44th Regiment of foot, 3 Defending Grenadiers, (3pcs) Limited Edition of 350 - Sorry already sold out.
• SRR-03 - Battle on Snowshoes 1758 - Scalping Set 2 Figures Skirmishing - Limited Edition 350
• USCH-03 Scott’s Brigade - 2 Figures Standing Loading (2pcs) Limited Edition 500
• USCH-04 Scott’s Brigade - 2 Figures Kneeling Loading (2pcs) Limited Edition 500
• STOCKADE SET 1 - Complete stockade
• STGATE - RAID ON ST. FRANCIS, STOCKADE Gateway
• STWALL - Straight Wall
• STCORNERS - Corners

John Jenkins Collection.

Grenada Studios – St Petersburg, Russia

Just announced 3 new figures from Russia this time one Medieval and 2 Napoleonic. So the following should arrive late summer.

• G338 Italian Infantryman kneeling with Spear, XIV century
• G339-1 Private of Garde du Corp's Regiment with Saber in hand. Battle of Borodino 1812
• G339-2 Sergeant of Garde du Corp's Regiment with Pistol. Battle of Borodino 1812

Grenada Studios Collection.

Patriot Models

After a long absence from the Toy Soldier Scene, our friend Robert is back with some excellent Napoleonic releases. Unfortunately they have been suffering some horrible factory issues, that have caused the unavailability of many of there Napoleonic figures. Well the good news is the long awaited Brunswicker’s are expected to arrive in June. There first set of Napoleonic’s were a huge success, these also will be.

• PTNA034 Brunswicker - Leib Battalion, advancing
• PTNA035 Brunswicker - Leib Battalion, reaching for ammo
• PTNA036 Brunswicker - Leib Battalion, fixing bayonet
• PTNA037 Brunswicker - Leib Battalion, standing firing
• PTNA038 Brunswicker - Leib Battalion, kneeling firing
• PTNA040 Brunswicker - Leib Battalion, running

Hobby Master – New Addition

After many requests we have added Hobby Master to the collection. If you are not familiar with them, they make superb Aircraft in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:32 scale in die cast metal. They are superbly well researched and made to an extremely high quality.
View the Hobby Master Air Power Collection.

One of the items that is very popular in our store is 1:72 scale Armor, we have also added the Ground Power series of die cast armor, this is just superbly well made and complement s the Forces of Valor 1:72 Micro collection we have been selling for ages.
View the Ground Power Series.

View the new Hobby Master additions

Build-a-Rama

Mark and Sandy have been incredibly busy producing some great scenic pieces, and have not introduced any new items since Christmas. Well the good news is that they did not disappoint with these 10 new items that are scheduled to be available this month. We had a preview at the WestCoaster Toy Soldier show, and they are really well made and were a great success at the show.

• BRAMA158 - Watch Tower
• BRAMA159 - Guard Station
• BRAMA160 - Wire Entanglement
• BRAMA161 - Wire Fence
• BRAMA162 - Wire Fence (Winter)
• BRAMA163 - Twin Pines
• BRAMA164 - Twin Pines (Winter)
• BRAMA165 - Tank Trap
• BRAMA166 - Large Tree
• BRAMA167 - Large Tree (Winter)

Action Figures

• IGN-AR052 Roman Tribune - Attic Helmet
• IGN-JS060 Swordsman Kenkyaku
• IGN-JS066 Ninja

• DID-N80051 45e Regiment D'Infanterie De Ligne "Frank"

• S70004 Toyotomi Hideyoshi -- International Version

• DRF70620 Uncommon Valor, Iwo Jima 1945 (Six Figures Set) - (Limited Edition)

View our Action figure Collection.

Retail Store

We are open Monday – Saturday 10.00 – 6.00pm. We are closed on Sundays, but more than happy to open by appointment 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