Today's Headlines

Missed the September 2008 Newsletter, view it here!

To all subscribers welcome to October edition of Sierra Toy Soldier News, written on a very pleasant, but windy day, here in Northern California. October is the peak fire season month due to the wind direction for the North East. Usually Southern California gets it worst due the Santa Ana Winds blowing at 50 – 60mph from the desert. Because we have had no rain for 9 months, the surrounding brush is tinder dry, and one small spark with a strong wind can cause a major fire to erupt in minutes. With luck you will not hear much about California on the news in October. Our winter season, with rain we are hoping starts in November, and this year we need a lot of it.

Just after the Chicago Show, we sent our Flash edition of the Sierra Newsletter, with updates on the Chicago show, which was wonderful. So if you need information on the announcements from the show, let us know.

Please visit our events page, as we have lots of local announcements for residents and visitors to Northern California, including a few surprises. There are also details of events occurring this September in Chicago.

This month we have lots of exciting news from Britain’s, King and Country, Figarti, Honour Bound,  John Jenkins, DID, Soldier Story, 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 Northern California.

Sierra Toy Soldier Club

The Sierra Nuggets program was officially launched on our 5th year anniversary on July 15th. And has already proven to be a huge success and very popular. We emailed out lots of Nuggets and after a few teething issues it is progressing very well.

What is the nugget program it is 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 are going to 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 will be sending out more Nuggets the middle of the month, and every month there after.

Just Arrived!
New Product Releases

William Britains

A constant for W. Britain over the last twenty-five years has been the introduction of a Limited Edition Band Set for the year. This being Britains twenty-fifth anniversary of the first Limited Edition set released in 1983, they could hardly miss having a band set for 2008.

• BR48004 - The Pipes and Drums of the 1st Bn. Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders (79th), a 17 piece, limited edition set of only 750 will be made. Whilst we hope this will arrive for Christmas it is not guaranteed.

Expected to arrive this month.

Napoleonic Wars – Connoisseur Collection

• BR39000 – French Officer, 4th Regiment of Hussars, Battle of Friedland, June 14, 1807 – 1 Piece Set – Limited to 200 Pieces Worldwide (SOLD OUT) – The final production piece turned out beautifully with detailed photo-etched reins, an exquisitely milled and polished surgical steel sword blade, and multiple layers of shading and highlighting on the figure. The eyes are particularly mesmerizing and “alive”.

Redcoats and Bluecoats – The French and Indian War

• BR47014 – French Volontaires Etrangers, Louisburg, 1758 – The Volontaires Etrangers were made up of foreign volunteers to the French army and consisted mainly of Swiss and men from the “German” states.
• BR47015 – French Compagnie d’Irlandais (Irish), Quebec, 1757 – Yet another foreign unit in the service of the French – this company was made up of Irish and is often referred to as the "Wild Geese”.

American Revolution

• BR18006 – American Continental Line New Jersey Regiment Command Set #1 – the final set in the New Jersey offerings for 2008 this command set completes the action packed group of advancing figures.
• BR18007 – British 80th Foot Flagbearer – King’s Colour – The final piece in the advancing 80th Foot series – now a complete command set with advancing figures can be displayed.

American Civil War

• BR31011 – Union Infantry Iron Brigade Command Set # – Limited Edition of 750 – This set depicts the famous 2nd Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers.
• BR31012 – Confederate Infantry Flagbearer Advancing – Army of Northern Virginia Battle Flag – a much needed standard Confederate battle flag that can be used alone of in any number of diorama environments.
• BR31014 – Confederate Infantry Regimental Flagbearer #4 – 1st Maryland – Limited to 500 – This unusual figure carries a flag with a wreath of gold stars and one in the middle.

World War I

• BR23004 – 1914 British Infantry Firing Line #4 – Limited to 500 Sets.

The Archive Collection

• BR49000 – Cameron Highlanders Firing – Limited to 400 Sets Worldwide – based on the original W. Britain figures and packaging this set has already been a big hit with collectors who have seen the pre-production at shows. More in this series to follow in 2009!

Tactical Scenes

• BR51001 – Hasty Works Straight Sections – American Civil War – perfect for any American Civil War battlefield these scenics come with discarded packs, cartridge boxes and even paper from spent cartridges laying on the rocks and stones!

King and Country - Open House.

Well since then, we had our very first King and Country Open House on October 7, it was a huge success. We had well over 40+ people attend the event in the afternoon. Andy did a magnificent job of standing for nearly 5 hours, signing sets, autographing drawings and also answering questions and discussing future releases. After the event about 20 of us went for a very informal dinner. Andy was struck by the cross-section of collectors, from very young, an 8 year old, to a collector who has been collecting for 72 years. Many people drove several hundred miles to come to the Open House. It was so much fun that we are hoping to repeat the event next year, but make it a little longer. If you would like to view some pictures of the event, click on Los Gatos Event.

We were able to glean little bits of information from Andy. He is expecting to release some new items for the popular Egyptian series in December. New released for the American Revolution, including possible artillery will be early next year. New Napoleonic's will also be early in the New Year. One of the Collectors Andy met, was Bill Cleary, whose pictures are featured in our Photo Gallery. This we know inspired him with many new ideas for the American Civil War Series. We’re sure he won’t be able to implement them ALL in 2009! Andy hinted at several new Strictly Limited items for next year, plus many other more unusual releases.

Prior to the Open House we arranged for Andy to visit the Jacques Littlefield Collection of armored vehicles. Jacques very kindly gave us permission to make a private visit to his collection of tanks located here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I did not realize that this collection is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest private collection of Military Vehicles. As our tour guide we had Author Michael Green, who has written about 30 books on Military vehicles, he has published recently a great book on Sherman's and is about to publish a new book on Tigers. To say that Andy was like a kid in a candy store is an understatement. Normally you are not allowed on the vehicles; this time they could not keep him off of them. Yes again he got a lot of great ideas for future releases. One of the great things about this trip was that I was finally able to visit the back lot, with multiple warehouses stuffed to the brim with vehicles awaiting restoration and spare parts, totally amazing. To view pictures, Littlefield Tour.

King and Country - Expected to arrive this week!

For WWII Collectors
"Battle of the Bulge"

• BBG015 “Winter Schwimmwagen” Not quite as ubiquitous as the Kubelwagen, the Schwimmwagen was still a fairly common sight on German battlefronts on the East and Western Fronts. This new model has the top cover up and has been given a thin coat of whitewash over its original grey exterior. A well-wrapped up driver and a standing Feldgendarme complete the set.
• BBG016 “The KONIGSTIGER or KING TIGER”(with Henschel Turret) This is K&C’s third version of the almost 70 ton monster and the most accurate and detailed yet! Substantially larger than the first two versions the new “big cat” has the alternative “Henschel Turret” as opposed to the earlier “Porsche” one. The superb, faded three-tone camouflaged and battle-worn King comes with 3 crew figures and its own special box. This is sure to be a much sought after piece and a great Christmas present!
• BBG017 “King Tiger Tank Riders” Three kneeling and sitting Panzer Grenadiers in a variety of winter uniform, perfect for the KT or indeed any other suitable period German fighting vehicle.
• BBG018 “Winter Scout” A lone Panzer Grenadier, MP44 held ready advances to the front.
• BBG019 “German Medics Set” A Medic and a helpful “soldaten” carry a wounded comrade to the nearest aid station.
• BBG020 “Waiting and Smoking” A single standing Panzer Grenadier who can be used on top of a tank or standing by the side of the road watching events unfold.

“Additional Air Drop for ARNHEM”

When K &C last released all of the new “Market Garden” figures at the end of 2007 they knew we had to produce a tribute to the Polish Parachute Brigade who bravely fought alongside British 1st. Airborne at Arnhem. Here is a little taste of the first batch.

• MG023 “Major General Sosabowski” Portrayed by Gene Hackman in “A Bridge Too Far”, Sosabowski had grave doubts about the entire operation right from the very beginning. This superb character study shows the General in his paratrooper “Denison” smock, wearing his distinctive blue/gray Polish beret and carrying his Browning automatic pistol.
• MG024 “Bren Gun Team”
• MG025 “Polish Para Sniper” This expert rifleman uses the standard Lee Enfield .303 with a special hunting scope.
• MG026 “Firing Back!” Using a captured German machine pistol this Polish Para is on the attack.
• MG027 “Sitting Polish Para” Taking a momentary respite from the fighting this paratrooper is still watchful and ready, rifle in hand.

Operation Market Garden

Back to the “Streets of Old Berlin ‘38”

• LAH087 “Der Fuhrer’s New Staff Car” When K&C redid the big Mercedes 6 wheel Staff car for “Hitler’s Paris Visit” it was always our intention to release an alternative “Parade” version, and here it is. Similar in composition to our first version, the Fuhrer stands saluting while accompanied by his personal SS driver, an SS adjutant, an SS General and two seated bodyguards, all new sculpts and, of course, a brand new, larger, more detailed Mercedes.
• LAH097 “The Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler Regimental Band” A full 21-piece marching Regimental Band of the premier SS regiment “Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler”. Led by their Drum Major this large set is sure to be the centre-piece of any “BERLIN ‘38” collection. When you buy this complete 21-piece set K&C also adds on the extra-special LAH098 “Schellenbaum Carrier”. ABSOLUTELY FREE! The complete band comes in its own special box.
  In stock now!

In addition, for those collectors wanting to build an even bigger musical display or those building up their band piece-by-piece we offer the following musician figures on an individual basis.
In stock now!

• LAH097A “Side Drummer”
• LAH097B “Bass Drummer”
• LAH097C “Cymbalist”
• LAH097D “Bell-Lyrist”
• LAH097E “Bassoon Player”
• LAH097F “Flautist”
• LAH097G “Saxophonist”
• LAH097H “Clarinetist”
• LAH097I “Tuba Player”
• LAH097J “French Horn Player”
• LAH097K “Trombonist”
• LAH097L “Trumpeter”
• LAH097M “Drum Major”
• LAH098 “Schellenbaum Carrier”

Leibstandarte Military Band

View King & Country "What's New."

King & Country - November releases.

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

• 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.

Strictly Limited Edition - D-Day 1944

• 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'

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

View King & Country "What's New."

John Jenkins

The following new releases are scheduled to arrive this month, but they missed the deadline for our last newsletter.

Battle on Snowshoes 1758

Sleds were especially useful for evacuating the wounded after a battle.
When the sleds were unavailable another method which was commonly used by the Rangers and was inspired by an Indian technique, was the use of a “tumpline”.
The Indian method was to carry the injured man by piggy-back by having him sit on a pack or blanket tied with a tumpline. The wide part of the line lying across the carrier’s forehead.
The Iroquois were known to carry their wounded in this manner “hundreds of leagues”.

• SRR-06 - “HE AINT HEAVY, HE’S MY BROTHER” - Limited Edition 500

Battle of the Plains of Abraham

Although it is well documented that the British had two 6lb Battalion guns at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, it is uncertain as to how many artillery pieces were present on the French side. An artillery officer named Montbelliard, is reported to have mentioned having “detached” two guns from the left to the right and later refers to the guns on the left, which would suggest a minimum of four. Although another artillery officer named Foligne says there were five. However Townshend refers to only one.

The greatest influence on American artillery history came from the French. They were to eventually adopt the French Gribeauval artillery system that first appeared towards the end of this century.
The main artillery pieces used by the French during this period were developed in the 1730’s by a General Valliere. He was to standardize French gun calibers and specified set lengths, proportions and weights for each gun that beforehand had depended upon the casting foundry’s discretion.
The result was a series of handsome guns as well as a standardized series of models. All Valliere guns were brass, and were long and slender.

Their decoration was to be functional as well as ornamental.Each caliber usually had a different design of the breech faces, so that the gunner could recognize the size of the piece simply by a glance at the breech. The 8pdr had a monkey’s head.
The handles or “dolphins” used for mounting and dismounting the piece were actually sculpted as dolphins, as well as a series of decorative and informative low relief sculptures that ran from the muzzle to the breech.
These designs consisted of a scroll bearing the name of the piece itself, such as “La Brillante” or “La Mutine”.
Behind this was another scroll bearing the latin motto “Ultima Ratio Regum” (The Last Argument of Kings)
For many guns of the Valliere system the next scroll bore the name of Louis Auguste de Bouron, Duc de Maine, who was Grand Master of French artillery.
Then came the Royal arms surmounted by a sunburst and the motto “Nec Pluribus Impar” (Not Unequal to Many). This was the device and motto of Louis XIV.

There was however no uniformity in the wagons that supported the guns. The only unifying characteristics of Valliere carriages were their colour. All were painted a deep red.

• QFA-01 French Artillery Crew, Loading - Limited Edition 750
• QFGUN-01 French 8-pdr Valliere Gun - Limited Edition 750

The Corps de Cavalerie, 1759-1760

This cavalry unit was the first mounted unit to be formed in Canada, and was one of the few cavalry units that took part in the French and Indian war. It existed from May 1759 to September 1760. It was formed from 200 Canadian volunteers and five French Officers. The unit acted primarily as scouts or couriers for the army during the final campaigns in New France.

There were reported 200 Corps de Cavalerie at The Battle of The Plains of Abraham, under the command of Brig. Gen. Bougainville’s flying column, which was approaching the battle late in the day from Cap Rouge in the south. Bougainville advanced the cavalry far enough for them to skirmish with Howe’s light infantry, which was positioned to cover the British army’s rear. Once Bougainville realized that his arrival was too late and the battle was already lost, he withdrew his cavalry and his infantry even before they were to become engaged.

This set presents a trooper of the French Corps de Cavalerie and is wearing the single breasted blue cavalry coat with red collar and cuffs, and a bearskin cap.

• QFCAV-01 - French Corps de Cavalerie - Limited Edition 750

Compagnies Franches de la Marine

Another set of marines to add variety to the French firing line. This set presents the marine without his grey/white “justacorp” overcoat. The infantry equipment is worn directly over the blue regimental “veste”, which made a comfortable and neat summer uniform.

• QFM-02 French Marines in summer uniform, Firing 2 - Limited Edition 750

The Raid on St. Francis

Since we have the first French artillery set this month. For those who like to mix their sets with different collections, this month we have a pair of artillery damaged Stockade walls! The two pieces together make up the same size as the STWALL section

• STDAMAGE - 2 Damaged Wall sections

THE BATTLE OF CHIPPEWA, July 5th 1814

The first British set for the War of 1812 collection appears this month.
The Royal Scots originally known as the Royal Regiment of Foot, it was the oldest infantry regiment of the line in the British army. Originally raised in 1633, in February 1812 the regiment was re-titled the 1st Regiment of Foot (Royal Scots). The First Battalion was sent to Quebec with the outbreak of the War of 1812. The third Battalion fought in the Peninsula War and was later part of Picton’s Division at the Battle of Waterloo. These figures will be suitable for Waterloo displays

Their nickname as “Pontius Pilate’s Bodyguard”, originated from a Seventeenth Century boasting contest with the French Regiment of Picardy, who boasted that prior to the Resurrection, Christ’s Tomb was guarded by the French Regiment. Both claims are untrue.

• BCH-01 1st Regiment of Foot (Royal Scots) - 2 Kneeling Figures
• BCH-02 1st Regiment of Foot (Royal Scots) - 2 Figures Firing

Jacobite Rebellion. – New series

We should have details soon, but in the mean time we have some pictures from the show we hope you will enjoy. In our biased opinion, this was simply the best new release from any manufacturer we saw at the show and certainly John’s best work yet. It is simply breathtaking. The first release due in November depicts the famous Highland Charge at the Battle of Culloden. His sculpting, painting and animation are terrific.

Jacobite Rebellion

New Arrivals

Corgi - New Arrivals, In Stock Now!

World War One Aircraft

• AA37902 -- Spad X111C-1, 2 (S504), George Guynemer, French Air Service, SPA3 Escadrille, September 1917

World War II Aircraft.

• AA31932 -- Supermarine Spitfire MkIX Wing Co. ‘Jack’ Charles – RAF Biggin Hill – 1000th kill
• AA32016 -- Hawker Sea Hurricane 1b, Z7015 (G-BKTH) – No.880 Sqdn., Fleet Air Arm, HMS Indomitable, May 1942 -- Shuttleworth Collection
• AA36207 -- Gloster Gladiator Mk. I – ‘A’ Flight, 73 Squadron RAF Debden, Essex, September 1937 -- Shuttleworth Collection
• AA36901 -- Junkers JU52/3mg5e (floatplane) - P5+JD, Luftwaffe, Operation Weserubung, Norway 1940

Modern Aircraft

• AA35815 -- F-86F Sabre - USAFE 48th FW SKYBLAZERS, Chaumont AB 24 March 1956

Corgi