Welcome to the February edition of Sierra Toy Soldier News, started on a wet day here in the Bay Area. Yes, it is actually raining, and we have our first reasonable size storm in ages. Not enough to end our drought, but every little bit helps. We could actually do with some of the rain currently falling in the UK.
We have some super pieces for you to enjoy this month, plus some wonderful new releases coming up.
One of our customers Bill Cleary recently made and donated the following diorama “Price of Freedom” to the Pennsylvania Hall at Gettysburg College. It is currently on display. I hope that those of you lucky enough to be close to the college,
and have an opportunity to visit it. Bill sent us some pictures for you to enjoy.
Price of Freedom Diorama.
Another of our customers Allen Friedman has been collecting Toy Soldiers since he retired in 2000. One of his major enjoyments is building dioramas for his personal enjoyment. He recently teamed up with Mike Steinrok at our store, and together they have been busy constructing custom dioramas. One of his goals was to share his collection with as many as possible, so to do this he built a web site. We hope you enjoy.
Toy Soldier Museum
Another of our very good customers is Koen Bert who has been collecting toy soldiers for nearly 50 years and his collection is now over 5000 figures. He has also launched a web site to share his collection with you. This is still a work in progress, and as you will see he also has a great passion for movies. We hope you enjoy his collection.
Koenbertbattlefields
For those of you living in California, there is a unique opportunity to visit an exhibition of Metal Trench Art from World War I at Saint Mary's Museum of Art.
During the Great War, soldiers crafted pieces of art from artillery shells, bullets, aircraft parts, shrapnel, and other salvaged military detritus. Most of the objects are brass, made between battles in France and Belgium during the Great War. The works tell tales of bravery, grief, loneliness, boredom, fear, faith, hope, despair, and patriotism in a time of destruction.
The elaborate polishing and engraving and repoussé work of some of the objects indicate some of the makers had been metalworkers or artists in civilian life. Yet some of the most powerful and poignant pieces were undoubtedly made by untrained hands. The artists represent all of the countries engaged in the Great War. Also on view: A miniature diorama of the Battle of the Somme by Les Krames. At he study table: bibliography, books, and WW1 documentary videos. Open until April 13.
Saint Mary's Museum of Art.
One of the greatest things about this hobby we share is that you meet such really nice people that are proud to share and are so creative.
Please also visit our Facebook page, which has great pictures of our Streets of Old Hong Kong Diorama, amongst other projects.
Sierra Toy Soldier
Facebook Page
For this month we have lots of new announcements from Britains, King & Country, Collectors Showcase, John Jenkins, Thomas Gunn and Hobby Master, to name a few.
Hope you enjoy.
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Learn To Paint A Toy Soldier - Saturday
March 8, 2014 - Los Gatos, CA - 10.00 – 4.00pm
Come and have some fun learning how to paint a Toy Soldier. Designed for Little and Big Kids, Mums most welcome.
Sponsored by Britain's.

West Coaster Toy Soldier Show March 7 - 9, 2014.
We will at the show on Friday the 7th and we will be room trading that day. The
room trading which is a ton of fun lasts until the Saturday night. Then we all
move down to the main ballroom for the main event on Sunday.
The event is held at the
Irvine Marriot Hotel
Near Orange County Airport
18000 Von Karman Avenue
Irvine, California 92612
Phone: 1-949-553-0100
If you would like details, please contact us at
sales@sierratoysoldier.com - subject West Coaster Show.

King & Country event @ The West Coaster toy soldier show - Saturday
March 8, @ 6.30pm.
Sierra Toy Soldier Company has hosted a King & Country event for the past
nine
years. We typically do this twice a year, one at the West Coaster and Chicago.
The West Coaster event which we sponsor has grown and includes appetizers, a
talk by King & Country co-founder and creative director Andy Neilson, and a
special figure exclusive to the event. The event starts at 6.30pm on Saturday
8th.
Collectors will need to reserve their place in advance by purchasing an
admission ticket so that we can plan for the proper number of people, and no one
is left out. Please note space is limited so please reserve early. This year the
admission price is $20.00, payable in advance.
To
order just contact us at
sales@sierratoysoldier.com - subject ticket.
To order On-Line click here for
Sierra / King & Country Event Ticket 
Texas Toy Soldier Show - May 24
- 25, 2014.
The show opens on
Saturday May 24 at 9.00 - 4.00pm and Sunday 10 - 3.
The event is held at the
Historic Menger Hotel
204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205
Phone: 210-223-4361
If you would like details, please contact us at
sales@sierratoysoldier.com - subject Texas Show. 
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Retail Store
We are open Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.00pm. Sundays 12.00 - 5.00pm
Just a reminder for those of you living in Northern California, or perhaps just
visiting, that our retail store dedicated to toy soldiers is now open 7 days a
week. The store is located at 29 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, California
95030. (408) 395 3000
www.sierratoysoldier.com
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Sierra Toy Soldier Exclusive - Zulu Storehouse Attack - Expected Spring 2014!
We
have partnered with our friends at Britain's to produce the first in a range of
exclusive sets available from us. The first set is a limited production
run of 300. We hope to have this available for release in March. It
is available for pre-order now!
Zulu Storehouse Attack

New Releases Expected February 2014! Civil War Artillery
Civil War Artillery

American Civil War
American Civil War

Zulu
Wars
Zulu
Wars

Royal Airforce
Royal Airforce

United
States Marine Corps
United
States Marine Corps


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By The Shores Of
Galilee…
The
latest installment of “The Life Of Jesus.”
-
LoJ030 -- The Galilean Fishing Boat - These small wooden fishing craft were
a familiar sight throughout the Middle East, around the shores of the
Mediterranean and on the banks, lakes and rivers of the Holy Land. Up until the
mid-19th Century they were still to be seen. Here we have one of the most
famous…
-
LoJ031 -- Jesus - This, the first of our adult Jesus figures. It portrays
him at the beginning of his ministry…calling to some of his earliest disciples –
simple fishermen by the shores of Galilee.
-
LoJ032 -- The Fishermen Set - These three men, surrounded by their nets and
baskets of fish are just going about their everyday lives when they hear the
call, “Follow Me!”
Life of Jesus

“CRUSADER &
SARACENS”
-
MK108 -- "Farewell My Lady" - A kneeling knight takes his leave from his
wife as he departs on his long and arduous journey to the Holy Land.
-
MK110 -- The Defender - A crouching Saracen warrior parries an opponent’s
blow on his shield as he prepares to strike back with his scimitar.
-
MK111 -- Advancing
-
MK112 -- Take That! - This Saracen has just dealt some enemy a lethal blow.
-
MK113 -- Wounded - Clutching his wounded sword arm this Saracen glares
defiantly at his oncoming opponent.
Medieval Collection

NAPOLEON IN EGYPT
-
NE042 -- General Junot - This senior officer takes careful aim with his
pistol at an approaching enemy horseman.
-
NE043 -- Mameluke Duellist - An unfortunate Mameluke mounted officer is
quickly disposed of by his French opponent.
Napoleon In Egypt

Triumph Of The Will
Or to give it the German title “Triumph Des Willens.” This was the 1935 film by Leni Riefenstahl depicting the 1934 Nazi Party Congress held in Nuremberg. In the film Hitler and over 700,000 of his supporters parade through its streets and sports grounds in a spectacular if frightening display of power and propaganda.
Because of its pioneering use of many original filming techniques blended with powerful music and speeches the film won many international awards.
It’s also extremely useful to anyone researching the many different uniforms worn by the leading Nazis and their followers during this period.
These latest LAH figures were adapted from figures and scenes in the film.
-
LAH171 -- Reichsfuhere-SS Heinrich Himmler 1934 - The 34 year old Himmler
wears the standard black “Algemeine SS” uniform (designed by Hugo Boss) and peak
cap. Of minor interest is that he still wears the brown SA shirt under the
jacket – a symbol (but not for long) of the SS originally being an offshoot of
the SA (Sturmabteilung).
-
LAH172 -- Deputy Leader Rudolf Hess - This is our 2nd figure of Hitler’s
deputy. Like his master, Hess favoured relatively simple uniforms unadorned by
everything except a Nazi armband.
-
LAH174 -- S.A. Bannerman - This Sturmabteilung “brownshirt” belongs to one
of the Munich S.A. units as his banner testifies.
-
LAH175 -- Goose-stepping SS Man - One of the most chilling scenes in
“Triumph Of The Will” is the moment when the legion of black-clad SS appear to
goose-step past the saluting position of Hitler standing in his Mercedes staff
car.
-
LAH176 -- SS Officer Saluting - A senior SS Regimental Commander goose-steps
past, his right arm in the familiar “Hitler Salute”
-
LAH176 -- SS Officer w/Sword - A junior SS subaltern, sword in right hand,
eyes to the front, goose-steps past.
-
LAH178 -- SS Bannerman Goose-Stepping
-
LAH179 -- SS Flagbearer Goose-Stepping - Another SS standard bearer with the
National Flag.
Triumph Of The Will - 1934

German Field
Hospital - UNSERE MÜTTER UNSERE VÄTER
Last year in 2013,
Andy discovered a unique German television drama series about 5 young Germans during WW2. “Unsere Mütter Unsere Väter”
(“Our Mothers Our Fathers”) told the stories of what befell these young people during the years 1941-45. Most of the story takes place on the Eastern Front where one of the characters is a Red Cross nurse in a German Field Hospital. Several viewings convinced me and our creative team that it was about time to tell a different kind of war story in miniature…
-
WS258 -- Opel Blitz Field Ambulance - One of the iconic German wartime
vehicles was the “Opel Blitz.” It performed a multitude of different tasks but
perhaps none so important as a “Field Ambulance.”
This new K&C vehicle, is I
believe, one of the finest the company has ever produced and one of the most
important for any WW2 collector. Skillfully hand-painted in dust-encrusted field
grey and white this vehicle can be easily imagined on the roads of France in
1940…the Steppes of Russia in 1941…even among the ruins of the Third Reich in
1945. Its versatility and usefulness is virtually second-to-none.
-
WS261 -- Wehramcht Doctor - Although wearing his white doctor’s
coat this figure is still a military officer. Here, he consults a patient’s
chart.
-
WS262 -- Red Cross Nurse - As any nurse will tell you – “it’s
not all about wiping the patient’s fevered brow”…This young nurse has rolled up
her sleeves – the better to clear away the blood-stained bandages and used-wound
dressings!
-
WS263 -- Writing Home - A sitting nurse, pad and pen in hand,
patiently writes a letter home on behalf of a young wounded, blind soldier.
-
WS264 -- "Now This Might Hurt A Little…" - A sitting
wounded soldier has his wound rebandaged by a standing Red Cross nurse.
-
WS265 -- "We'll Soon Have You Back At The Front!"
- Another nurse bids farewell to a wounded soldier as he prepares to return to
his unit. Actually, he might not be as keen as her to get back into the action!
-
WS266 -- The Chest Wound - A seriously wounded soldier lies
peacefully on his hospital cot – only too happy to have clean sheets, a little
peace and quiet and three hot meals a day.
-
WS269 -- The Empty Bed - Perhaps the patient has returned to his
unit…been transferred elsewhere…or succumbed to his wounds. Whatever the
reason…the bed will not be empty for long!
German Field Hospital

ARMOUR ADD-ON
A
very useful little addition for all kinds of armoured vehicles…
-
DD236 -- Tank Back-Pack Set - Three different sets of extra supplies.
Perfect for both Allied and Axis fighting vehicles.
D-Day '44

Soviet Armoured Car
Changes Sides
-
WS245 -- BA-64B Armoured Car (Captured German Version) - As K&C collectors
know the Wehrmacht made much use of captured enemy vehicles whenever and
wherever they were suitable…and available.
This little Soviet-built armoured car
was captured in quantity by the Germans and easily converted for their own
use…particularly on Anti-Partisan Duties in the occupied territories of the
East. A coat of “feldgrau” and some large German crosses and…and you have
another excellent addition to the war in the East.
Normandy '44 - Waffen-SS & Wehrmacht


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BEING RETIRED THIS MONTH
A small batch this month with many more to follow… Please note we only Hyperlink the
categories in case an individual piece has already sold out!
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt

Afrika Korps
- AK076
Afrika Korps Feldgendarme
Afrika Korps

D-Day
- DD209
The Rescue
-
DD210
Blood Transfusion
D-Day '44

Streets of Old Hong Kong
Both Matte and Gloss Versions are retired
- HK101
The New Fortune Teller Set
-
HK102
The Opium Smokers Set
-
HK167
Lantern Set
Orient

Life at the Berghof
- LAH106
Eva Braun
-
LAH107
Heydrich Standing with Hat
-
LAH109
Baldur Von Schirach
-
LAH110
Dr. Robert Ley
Life at the Berghof

Luftwaffe
- LW040
Hauptmann Anton “Toni" Hackl
Luftwaffe

Medieval
Medieval Collection

Napoleon In Egypt
- NE004
Soldier Pointing
-
NE005
Soldier w/ Sun Canopy
Napoleon In Egypt

Desert Village
Desert Village
Retirements

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New Releases Expected
Late February! THE GREAT WAR
1914-1918
It was the admiralty who were to pioneer the use of the armoured car. The officers enjoyed driving fast cars so they took their cars with them when they became stationed at Dunkirk at the start of the war.
Having also mounted some weapons in their cars, the naval officers would drive around northern France and Belgium looking to find sites for airfields, and to recover pilots, even those that had crashed behind enemy lines.
In 1917 an order of Austin Armoured cars originally destined for the Russian army, became the 17th (Armoured car) Battalion.
Recognising after the battle of Cambrai that the slow MARK V tanks could break through the fortified German lines, but could not exploit the break-out, the new Whippet Tanks, and the 17th (armoured car) Battalion underwent training to establish how to take advantage of this situation.
During the fighting at Amiens as part of the 5th Australian Division,16 cars were towed in pairs across the trenches and battlefield by tanks, and were then let loose behind the german lines creating havoc around Proyart and Framerville.
A German Corps Headquarters which was located 10 miles behind the front lines was captured, and in honour of the Australian Division an Australian flag was nailed to the German generals’ front door. Detailed plans of the Hindenburg line were captured and german reserves, artillery and supply lines were shot up, including a train.
The greatest value of these cars was in the spreading of fear and rumour. German troops were reporting a new British tank which could travel 30mph and spout fire in all directions.
It was said that the 16 cars were “worth more than a whole cavalry division.”
At the time of the Battle of Amiens the armoured cars were painted sky blue and khaki, in the hope that they would not show up against the horizon.
The 17th Battalion were to be the first British unit to cross the Rhine in 1918.
Great War 1918

THE SECOND WORLD
WAR
The Polikarpov I-16 was a Soviet fighter aircraft of revolutionary design. It was the world’s first low-wing cantilever monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear to have attained operational status and as such introduced a new vogue in fighter design.
Introduced in the 1930’s it formed the backbone of the Soviet Air Force at the beginning of World War 2.
It was nicknamed “Ishak” (“Donkey”) by Soviet pilots.
JJ WWII
Collection

THE BATTLE OF THE
PLAINS OF ABRAHAM 1759
The 35th Regiment of Foot was active in North America during the French and Indian Wars, from 1756 until 1763.
The unit was probably best known for having served at Fort William Henry, during the siege, when the fort was overwhelmed by French forces commanded by General Montcalm.
They were also to see action at the Battles of Louisbourg and Quebec at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.
Battle of the Plains of Abraham

RAID ON ST. FRANCIS
PLEASE NOTE RSF-21 comes in 2 colour schemes
Raid on Saint Francis, 1759

PENINSULAR WAR
1807-1814
Peninsular War 1807-1814


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New Releases Expected March 2014! Roman
Collection
Roman
Collection

American Civil War - 11th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment
The 11th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment was raised in Virginia. It fought mostly with the Army of Northern Virginia.
The unit fought at First Manassas in a brigade under James Longstreet and at Dranesville under J.E.B. Stuart. Later it was assigned to General A.P. Hill's, Kemper's, and W.R. Terry's Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia. It served with the army from Williamsburg to Gettysburg except when it was at Suffolk with Longstreet. The 11th was engaged at Plymouth in North Carolina and after returning to Virginia saw action at Drewry's Bluff and Cold Harbor. It went on to fight in the Petersburg trenches south and north of the James River and ended the war at Appomattox.
11th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment

Napoleonic - French Artillery
Napoleonic - French Artillery

World War
II
World War
II Collection


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New Releases Expected
Late February! French Foreign Legion - Mexico
Mexico was Emperor Napoleons attempt to establish an empire for France in Mexico
whilst the United States were busy with their own Civil War. One of the most
famous of all battles was fought at Camerone where a few legionnaires fought off
several thousand Mexicans before being overwhelmed and almost wiped out to the
last man. We plan to expand this range significantly over the next few months
and it is all set to be one of flagship ranges with lots more additions!
-
MADFFL001 -- Pointing (Red Trousers) - An NCO points out a target whilst
keeping a low profile.
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MADFFL002 -- Kneeling (Red Trousers) - Kneeling firing soldier
picks out another target
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MADFFL003 -- Firing (Red Trousers) - Standing firing wearing red
trousers slightly turning to the left.
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MADFFL004 -- Firing (White Trousers) - More formal upright
standing firing straight ahead and wearing white trousers.
French Foreign Legion - Mexico

French Foreign Legion
All
figures except FFL024 are a limited run of 125.
-
FFL017A -- Standing & Kneeling (Clean Shaven) - Features a
standing and kneeling firing pair of legionnaires loaded down with backpacks.
The A version wear Kepi fitted with Havelock’s whilst the B version sport beards
and wear white Kepis minus the Havelock.
-
FFL017B -- Standing & Kneeling (Bearded)
-
FFL018A -- Standing & Kneeling Repel (White Kepis) -
comprises two more Legionnaires in the classic ‘Standing Repel’ and ‘Kneeling
Repel’ which was still used by the French to fight off cavalry charges in the
desert. The A version once again sport Kepis with Havelock’s whilst the B
version wear the normal white kepis with beards to give them a more rugged
appearance
-
FFL018B -- Standing & Kneeling Repel (Havelock's)
-
FFL019A -- Standing Firing - is a single figure standing firing
in a more formal firing pose than FFL017 and minus his backpack. Provides a
useful dio filler for your firing line, square or even from a fort rampart! The
A version wears a Kepi with Havelock whilst the B version wears a normal Kepi
and has a patch on the left leg of his trousers!
-
FFL019B -- Standing Firing (Trouser Patch)
-
FFL024A -- Standing Reloading (Kepi) - Is a single standing
reload figure which has been sorely missing from the ranks since we started this
range. The A version wears a Kepi with Havelock whilst the B version is missing
his hat, but still reaches coolly for more ammo as the Arabs fire around him.
This figure is actually very flexible as he can be positioned facing up to four
different ways in your firing line, whereas the firing line guys generally have
to be facing forwards towards the enemy! As such we only made 100 of these
figures.
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FFL024B -- Standing Reloading (No Hat)
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TG-FREE009 -- Parade Officer
French Foreign Legion

French & Indian Wars
Originally produced for a museum in the UK.
The Royal Americans were formed in 1756 after Braddocks defeat and were specifically formed with a view to fighting in the Americas and Canada.
Officer recruitment was mainly from Switzerland and Germany, it was the first time foreigners had been allowed an officers commission in the British army. The 60th were trained to fight as a conventional infantry unit but also as a more irregular force that could fight in the heavily wooded areas of North America against the French and the Native Indians. The Regiment fought at Louisbourg, Quebec and Bushy run plus it maintained garrisons throughout the continent during the FIW. Our first figure from this series is dressed as he would have been for the FIW and is stood to attention, useful for either on parade, guard or waiting to go into battle.
All the figures in this series are slightly smaller than our normal 60mm range and will fit in nicely with Britain’s, JJD or Frontline figures from this period.
-
FIW001A -- 60th Foot Regiment (Parade) - is clean shaven, dressed wearing
white gaiters whilst our B version wears the ‘campaign’ brown gaiters and has
more of an unshaven look about him.
-
FIW001B -- 60th Foot Regiment (Campaign)
French & Indian Wars

African Wars
Please note these figures are the same size as Britains and Conte to enable the
collector to mix and match their collection.
-
SFA005A -- Laying Down Firing (No Hat) - Lying down firing rifleman. No base
on this figure allows him to be used in a variety of places. The A version has
no Pith helmet whilst the B version has Pith hat worn as per Queens regulations!
-
SFA005B -- Laying Down Firing (Pith Helmet)
-
SFA006A -- Wounded (No Hat) - Wounded Rifleman or probably very close to
dead looking at the nasty wound suffered to his throat! Once again the A version
is minus his Pith helmet whilst the B version wear pith helmet.
-
SFA006B -- Wounded (Pith Helmet)
African Wars

World War One
LOA009 and LOA010 are the B version of our FFL Arabs that recently sold out at
quite an unbelievable rate of knots. This version as such will be very useful
for helping the Allied side in their fight against the Turks.
-
GW018 -- French WW1 (Gas Masks) - is something not seen from Thomas
Gunn before and this is French WW1 infantry wearing gas masks dressed in Horizon
Blue! Both soldiers are wearing the ARS gas mask which was very similar in
appearance to the German army issue gas mask of the time. One soldier reloads
whilst kneeling and our second figure fires from the prone position.
Please note more Frenchies wearing gas masks will be coming later on in the year
to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1.
-
LOA009 -- Firing & Wounded - comprise a standing firing figure and a wounded
brother in arms.
-
LOA010 -- Standing & All Fours - features a standing
sneaking forward and a cautiously advancing Arab on all fours.
World War One


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Hobby Master Legend Series
New
from Hobby Master, the Legends Series of 1/6 figures are modeled after heroic
individuals who risked all during times of war. The first release in that
collection, an incredibly realistic model of Col. C.E. “Bud” Anderson, the pilot
of “Old Crow” and a World War II triple ace, is available in signed and unsigned
editions. He arrives with a USAAF officer’s uniform; metal badges; flight gear,
including a fighter jacket, a helmet, an oxygen mask, and a parachute; and much
more! 12” tall.
Hobby Master Legend Series

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New
Releases Expected In May 2014! Air Power Collection (Propeller Powered) - 1:72 & 1:32 Scale.
-
HA0207 -- Douglas SBD-1 BuNo 1597, Squadron Commander of VMB-2, US Marine Corps,
San Diego, 1940 - Scale 1:32
-
HA1524 -- North American Harvard Mk.IV RCAF 20213, RCAF Primary Flying Training
School 1953-1958
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HA1525 -T-6D Texan 1261, FAB (Brazilian Air Force)
-
HA1115 -- Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat White 7 "Paper Doll", VF-27, USS Princeton, 24
Oct 1944
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HA1116 -- Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat White 71, VF-20, USS Enterprise, Oct 1944
Air Power Collection (Propeller Powered) - 1:72 & 1:32 Scale.

Air Power Collection (Propeller Powered) - 1:48 Scale.
Air Power Collection (Propeller Powered) - 1:48 Scale.

Modern Air Power Collection
-
HA1318 -- A-10C Thunderbolt II 80-0188, 188FW, Arkansas ANG, 2011
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HA1968 -- McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II 151474, VF-84 "Jolly Rogers" 1965
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HA2810 -- Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor 91-4007, 412 TW, 2013
-
HA3350 -- Northrop F-5F Tiger II 840456/AF 100, VFC-111 Sundowners, Naval
Station Key West, Florida, 2008
-
HA4403 -- Lockheed F-35A Lightning II F-001, Royal Netherlands Air Force
Modern Air Power Collection

Air Power Collection (Propeller Powered) - 1:144 Scale.
Air Power Collection (Propeller Powered) - 1:144 Scale.

Ground Power Collection
Ground Power Collection


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Very best regards from Mike & Myszka Hall and the Sierra Toy Soldier team -
Andrew, Ann, Barbara, Dave, Evan, Gary, Matt, Michael (the Kilted Vampire), and Stephanie.
This newsletter is the copyright of Sierra Toy Soldier Company 2010, 2011, 2012,
2013, 2014.
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