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Missed the October 2008 Newsletter, view it here!

To all subscribers welcome to November edition of Sierra Toy Soldier News, written on a wet day, here in Northern California. Right on schedule November 1, it started to rain here in California with a good size storm blowing through. With luck we are due to get more this week. Our rainy season should run from early November until late March. Unfortunately last year it ended early in late January, so we are short of water. This year we are hoping for over 50 days of rain, to get us back on track. With this we will have a good snow season in the Sierras

We have about 6 weeks until Christmas, yes only 6 weeks to go before the big day. Boy didn’t this year zoom by, it only seems like last Christmas was a couple of months ago. It is the time of year when both little kids and big kids need something under the tree. What could be better than a set of Toy Soldiers? If you are buying on-line, please try not to leave it until the last minute. This year they are predicting that many customers may put off holiday shopping until mid December, because of the economic turmoil. Coupled with the Thanksgiving holiday being the last week of November (November 27) this year, the delivery companies could be jammed at the last minute. So please shop early, often is also a great idea as well.

This month we have lots of exciting news from Britain’s, King and Country, Collectors Showcase, Frontline, John Jenkins, Patriot, Dragon Models, Corgi, Hobby Master 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 and wet Northern California.

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.

Just arrived and in stock now!

American Civil War

• BR31005 – Confederate Infantry at-the-ready #1 A true toy soldier collector can never have enough of this pose – between this classic at- the-ready pose and the standing firing pose what more do you really need? Rows upon rows of Rebels ready to receive a Union onslaught.

Tactical Scenes

• BR51002 – Mealie Bag Straight Sections – Zulu War Thank goodness for the mealie bags – have you ever wondered what would have happened at Rorke’s Drift had there not been any mealie bags and biscuit boxes? Answer Isandlwana.

Petticoats

• BR60000 – Lady in Day Dress – 1755-1765. This figure is stunning – the pattern work on the dress is exquisite, her face sublime and the basket of flowers fetching enough to attract real bees. And by the way, she makes a wonderful compliment to the 1st Foot Guards Officer and Virginia Regiment Officer…which will win her affections? Might be the start of another war.

Expected to arrive later this month

Redcoats and Bluecoats – French & Indian War

• BR47020 – French Canadian Militia in Capote – 1755-1763

Redcoats

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

Petticoats

• BR60001 – Lady in Afternoon Dress – 1805-1815. Jane Austen eat your heart out! She could be Elizabeth Bennet, Emma, Elinor, or just as easily with the 1st Foot Guards officer from 1805.
• BR60002 – Lady in Walking Dress – 1820-1825
• BR60003 – Lady in Day Dress – 1837 – 1842 She could very well be watching the coronation of Queen Victoria.

King & Country - In stock now.

Christmas Set

This is one not to be missed as they never stay around to long.

• XM008-01 “Last Christmas of the War” It’s December 15, 1944 and somewhere in front of the vast, impenetrable Ardennes Forest in Belgium. A couple of GI’s are heating up some Krations when a pair of hungry Belgian kids (and their even hungrier mutt) show up.
  These two guys do what any decent GI’s would, they make the kids welcome and prepare to share their hot meal. Behind them the ruins of a fireplace form a realistic backdrop.
  Little do all of them know that within 24 hours the Germans will launch the last, great Nazi offensive of World War Two! Every year we have sold out before Christmas, do not wait to long before pre-ordering this set to avoid disappointment.

Christmas

WWII Collectors
Battle of the Bulge – American GI’s

• BBA026 “Wounded Sherman” A hastily snow-camouflaged Sherman stands forlorn, its right track has ran over a land mine and the results are plain for all to see. A badly damaged rear end plus a split track. Two U.S. tankers consider the problem and ponder a solution.
• BBA027 “So, What’s new? Are we winning?” Three GI’s sit around their camp while one reads “Stars ‘n’ Stripes”… The GI’s own newspaper. Before long the whole platoon will get the latest news.
• BBA028 “Takin’ It Easy” While one GI rests on his ribs drinking a coke, the NCO stands wondering where he got it from!
• BBA029 “GI drinking coffee” Other guys might relax but some poor schmuck still has to stand guard duty, well at least this is one cold GI who can enjoy some hot coffee at the same time.

Battle of the Bulge.

German Fallschirmjagers (Tropical Uniform) - North Africa, Sicily and Italy

• FJ010 “Gunner”
• FJ011 “Forward Observer”
• FJ012 “Kneeling Firing Rifle”
• FJ013 “Standing Firing Rifle”
• FJ014 “Standing Officer”
• FJ015 “FJ Mortar Team II”
• FJ016 “FJ Grenadiers”
• FJ017 “FJ Fire Team”
• FJ018 “Motorcycle Scout”

Fallschirmjagers

Street of Old Hong Kong - “GODS & SPIRITS”

Most Asians are fairly spiritual and believe in ghosts, demons and devils and the Chinese more than most.

• HK169 “In the Lap of the Gods” Here, two traditional Taoist priests stand before their altar exhorting the Spirit world to look favorably on their requests. Most are for good luck, better health and improved business opportunities. In this particular instance they are asking for help to cast out evil spirits, hence the sword. Both to protect them and attack the evil ones!

Hong Kong

Strictly Limited Edition - D-Day 1944 - Scheduled to arrive mid month.

• DD104(SL) “The M26 Armored Recovery Vehicle” This is one monster of a fighting vehicle and the biggest, heaviest one we’ve ever produced. The M26 entered service in 1943 and was used extensively and virtually exclusively by U.S. Armored Forces in the latter part of the war. This same armored tractor vehicle was also utilized (with a massive trailer attached) as a tank transporter.
  The K&C Recovery version is meant to be used on battlefield displays to haul out both German and American war-damaged armour and even heavy artillery and other larger vehicles.
  Four full-bodied crewmen service the vehicle and it comes with rolling wheels, a weathered paint finish and the legend “You break’em. We take ‘em!” painted on the side.
  Measuring in at 4 1/4” x 11” and weighing a hefty 4.7 lbs this M26 is a “must” for any serious collector of K&C WW2 fighting vehicles and figures.
  Just 1250 of this particular “monster” will be available in its own specially designed packaging.

D-Day, 44'

View King & Country "What's New."

King & Country - December releases.

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

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.
• “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!”

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

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

Streets of Hong Kong

View King & Country "What's New."

John Jenkins

The following new releases, scheduled to arrive this month, missed the deadline for our last newsletter. Do not miss out on the Whaleboat, best Christmas present a big kid like me could have!

John recently attended an open house at THE TOY SOLDIER MUSEUM in Cresco, PA . He was presenting a set of “Braddock at Monongahela”, to the museum, to complete the wonderful diorama of The Battle Of Monongahela created by James H. Hillestad , which was on display at the museum. This was the first time that the much anticipated Braddock set was shown in public.

Toy Soldier Museum.

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

The Jacobite Rebellion, 1745

In 1743 war broke out between England and France.

As France was a Catholic nation, it had always supported the Stuarts' claim to the English throne. King Louis XV realized that it would be in his interests if the Stuarts made another attempt to regain the throne. Louis XV informed James Edward Stuart in 1745 that if he invaded England he would supply him with arms and ammunition. James was now fifty-seven years old and was not keen on becoming involved in another military campaign. However, his son Charles Stuart was more enthusiastic, and on 5 July he left France with 700 men.

Once in Scotland, Charles Stuart, who had been nicknamed Bonnie Prince Charlie, began building up his army. He was especially successful at persuading Catholics living in the Scottish Highlands to join him. In September, Charles was ready to take action. The English army arrived soon afterwards but Charles' army had an easy victory at the Battle of Prestonpans. Charles' 5,000 man army now marched into England and by December he reached Derby.

Charles had hoped that English Catholics would join his army. This did not happen. In fact, in many of the towns that he marched through, the crowds showed great hostility to Charles' army. Louis XV had promised Charles that 12,000 French soldiers would invade England in the autumn of 1745. However, Louis XV did not keep his promise. Although Charles still wanted to march on London, his military advisers argued that without the support of the French they were certain to be beaten. Reluctantly, Charles agreed to return to Scotland.

Another English army, this time led by the Duke of Cumberland , followed Charles back into Scotland. Completely outnumbered, Charles's army were chased into the Scottish Highlands.

In April 1746, Charles Stuart decided to turn and fight the English army. The two forces met at Culloden Moor on 16 April. Cumberland's army devastated the Jacobites and Charles was forced to flee from the battlefield.

This new series will initially concentrate on the Battle of Culloden Moor.

• JR-001 - Highlanders Charging 1- Limited Edition 500
• JR-002 - Highlanders Charging with Musket 1- Limited Edition 500
• JR-009 - Highland Officer Charging - Limited Edition 500

Jacobite Rebellion

Black Hawk

Battle of Zama, October 19 202BC

The Battle of Zama, fought around October 19 of 202 BC, marked the final and decisive end of the Second Punic War. A Roman army led by Scipio Africanus defeated a Carthaginian force led by Hannibal. Hannibal's army consisted of 50,000 infantry, 80 war elephants, and 4,000 cavalry, while Scipio had a total of 34,000 infantry and 8,700 cavalry. Hannibal experienced a major defeat that put an end to all resistance on the part of Carthage. In total, as many as 20,000 men of Hannibal’s army were killed at Zama, while 11,000 were wounded and 15,000 were taken as prisoners. The Romans on the other hand, lost as few as 1,500 dead and 5,000 wounded. Soon after this defeat on their home ground, the Carthaginian senate sued for peace, ending the 17-year war.

• BHZ-0301 - Carthaginian War Elephant - Only 100 being made.
• BHZ-0302 - Wounded Lucanian Heavy Infantryman
• BHZ-0303 - Hannibal (Carthaginian General)
• BHZ-0304 - Iberian Swordsman (Fallen)
• BHZ-0305 - Thrusting Roman Centurion

Black Hawk

Collectors Showcase

American Civil War

Since our last update on Collectors Showcase they have announced 3 terrific new sets for the American Civil War, Wheat’s Tiger Zouves. Only 300 of each are being made.

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.

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

Availability late November / Early December.

American Civil War

Napoleonic

Also arriving are the first in a new series of Napoleonic releases based around the battle of Waterloo. We had a chance to see them in Chicago and really liked them. Again only 300 and being made.

Quatre Bras

WWII

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

Just announced New World War I releases.

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

Just announced - Retired

• BAC.1 Egyptian Chariot with 2 horses and 2 men

Back in stock. Do not miss out!

• FGG01 - French Artillery
• FPW01 - General Montcalm, with 2 senior officers and map on a drum.
• IFMW.1 - French Marines, 2 firing 1 loading muskets
• IFMW.2 - French Marines, Officer and drummer
• IFMW.3 - French Marines, Standard bearer and NCO
• IFW.01 - Roussillon Royal Regiment - 2 Standing firing, 2 loading.
• IFW.02 - Roussillon Royal Regiment - 4 Marching
• IFW.03 - Roussillon Royal Regiment - Officer and drummer.
• IFW.05 - Roussillon Royal Regiment - 4 advancing
• IFW.06 - Roussillon Royal Regiment - 2 kneeling firing and 1

Frontline

Patriot Models

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

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

Patriot Models.

New Arrivals

Corgi

New Arrivals.

World War One Aircraft

• AA37703 - Royal Aircraft Factory Se5a – RAF No.1 Squadron I
• AA37802 - Albatross D.V., Ltn Freidrich Ritter Von Roth, Jasta 23B, German Air Force, Early 1918

World War Two Aircraft

• AA31932 -- Supermarine Spitfire MkIX Wing Co. ‘Jack’ Charles – RAF Biggin Hill – 1000th kill
• AA37204 -- Handley Page Halifax B.III, LV607 ‘Friday the 13th’ No.158 Squadron RAF Lisset, Yorks, 1944-45 -- Shuttleworth Collection

Corgi

Schleich

Just arrived and in stock now, the latest additions in the World of Elves Series.

• S42033 Elf house: Shadow rock
• S42034 Shadow Elves – Oracle

World of Elves

Schleich Collection.