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Sunday 28 April 2013

AAF: Next Event

Hello one and all

We are rapidly approaching the end of April and here in the UK the weather is still reminding us all of winter. It will soon be May and I'm sure I won't be the only one hoping and praying for a bit more sunshine and a long awaited boost in temperature now that the season of outdoor fairs, fetes and festivals is just around the corner

Talking of which, the next Airsoft Arms Fair is just over a couple of weeks away. Read on to find out what, when and where and how much it will cost you. If past events have been anything to go by then it will be well worth a visit




Hope to see you there!

Saturday 20 April 2013

JJD: April Releases


Hello again folks. Read on to find out all the latest news from JJD, courtesy of JJD UK's newsletter which landed in my inbox earlier today


The April Releases are now available to Pre-Order at JJD UK. The April Releases should ship from the beginning of May




The British Medium Tank, Mark C, ‘Hornet’ fires up its 6 cylinder Ricardo and rumbles off the production line. A magnificent accomplishment, if a little late for the war effort, leaving its commanders to ponder where all the action went, and how best to utilise their stunning new war-machines

With the forthcoming release of Eddie Rickenbacker’s SPAD, the Americans are making an appearance on the airfield, closely supported by a Ford T ambulance in US livery. The first of a range of medical personnel themed sets also arrives in the form of a wounded pilot and John has confirmed that future releases will include nurses, medics and a female volunteer ambulance driver

Construction at Leuthen is progressing rapidly. The Leuthen Gateway is now expanded with the release of the Leuthen Corner Turret and Straight Wall sections. These sections can be connected in a variety of ways and can also be used to represent a number of Seven Years War backdrops

In the Napoleonic Peninsular Britain’s oldest ally, Portugal, present a show of force with their 21st Line Infantry Marching into the field. The 21st Regiment played a part in most of the major battles of the Peninsular War, and was originally raised in Valenza in February 1664. Portuguese infantry Regiments normally consisted of two battalions but the 21st was an exception that consisted of just the one. The 21st Line Infantry are available as single figure and four figure boxed sets




The crump of marching feet continues to be heard behind French lines with the introduction of the second of three French marching poses. This time we see the 4th company of the 66th Line Infantry Fusiliers. These marching poses are once again available with white or brown trousers and they are in a four figure boxed set (two of each model) to help get your marching column underway

We head across the Atlantic Ocean and to the cornfields and copses of America in the early 1860s. Gun-smoke fills the air as the U.S. Marines begin loading and firing. These superb new firing line models are available as a twin pack (one of each model) and four figure boxed sets (two of each model)

For the Spanish Civil War collector a much discussed Betka has at last arrived. Lightly armoured, but reasonably well-armed for the time, they had the best mobility of all contemporary tanks. At last, a BT-5 ‘Fast Tank’ in Nationalist livery




Back in Production - Updates

GGC-02 Knights Of The Skies - Ehrhardt E-V/ German Armoured Car –In stock now!
ACE-12 Knights Of The Skies - Nieuport 17 N 1895 (Nungesser) – from end May 2013
SRNGUN-01 The Sudan - British Naval Brigade, Gatling Gun – from end May 2013
ACE-10P Knights Of The Skies - Capt. Roy Brown – from end May 2013
TT-01 Ticonderoga - French Defences 1 – from June 2013

Club Set Releases

JJCLUBSET-12 Lieutenant Francis James Buchanan and Light Coehorn Mortar and JJCLUBSET-14 Mortar Wagon will be shipping at the beginning of May

JJCLUBSET-15 Roger’s Servant and JJCLUBSET-16 English Travelling Blacksmith’s Forge are in production and delivery of these sets is expected from the end of May 2013


That just about wraps it up for JJD this month so, until next time, happy hunting!

Wednesday 10 April 2013

Toy Soldier Collector

Toy Soldier Collector, the bi-monthly hobby magazine now in its 51st issue, has a new and improved online presence. As the ad being carried on page 70 of the latest edition states, the website will help to keep all enthusiasts up to date with the latest news and information relating to the hobby

The website is being continually updated and developed and aims to give hobbyists access to news, reviews and articles, online subscriptions, competitions, the editor's blog and community forums as well as other hobby related ephemera and books via the online store facility




The new website can be found at www.toysoldiercollector.com/

Happy reading

First Legion: April Releases

Having already posted a taster of what is to come from First Legion this month, here's the full-fat, gourmet banquet and I don't think you're going to be disappointed. As always, further details and images of all the figure sets previewed here are available on the company website. So, without further ado, I'll let you feast on the following delights


Hello First Legion collectors! We’re back again to update you all on all of the wonderful things going on here at First Legion. This month we have some simply stunning products on offer covering a variety of ranges and it may be one of our finest months in some time in terms of the quality and variety of new releases
  

First up, we have the very long awaited and highly anticipated launch release for our Medieval Wars: The Battle of Agincourt. Bringing to life Henry V’s finest hour has certainly encouraged us to achieve what may be our finest hour as a figure making company. These figures are extremely intricate and detailed and presented more than their fair share of challenges for us, but we are extremely pleased and more than a little proud of what we’ve been able to achieve with them. MED001-MED009 represent the first of the English for Agincourt and include Henry V and other personalities along with some Men-at-Arms. This is only the tip of the iceberg for this range and now that it’s up and running, the next release won’t be too far behind





MED001 King Henry Vth of England - 179.95
MED002 King's Standard Bearer Sir John Codrington - 179.95
MED003 Thomas Strickland Esquire - Standard Bearer of St. George - 74.95
MED004 English Trumpeter - 64.95
MED005 Richard de Vere - Earl of Oxford - 69.95
MED006 Edward Duke of York - 69.95
MED007 English Man-at-Arms with Spear - 64.95
MED008 English Man-at-Arms with Halberd - 64.95
MED009 English Man-at-Arms with Axe - 64.95

Shipping End April 2013

Next we have a few different artillery sets, one for the Renaissance range and another for our Seven Years War range. For Renaissance we have sets REN021-REN029 which includes a monster of a cannon (it’s HUGE) and the appropriate crew. We’ve done these figures as Landsknechts who could have served in either the French or Imperial Armies, so these figures can be used for either side at Pavia. The Landsknechts after all were Europe’s Mercenaries and fought for whoever paid them. In addition to the artillery set, we’ve also released two new German Landsknecht Arquebusiers in loading poses to complement our previous German Pike Block release under Georg Von Frundsberg













REN021 Landsknecht Noble Artillery Commander - 64.95
REN022 Landsknecht Artillery Gunner Aiming Gun - 64.95
REN023 Landsknecht Artillery Gunner with Rammer - 64.95
REN024 Landsknecht Artillery Gunner with Igniter - 64.95
REN025 Landsknecht Artillery Gunner with Stone Ball - 64.95
REN026 Landsknecht Artillery Gunner Covering Ears - 64.95
REN027 Landsknecht Cannon & Accessories - 79.95
REN028 German Landsknecht Arquebusier Ready - 69.95
REN029 German Landsknecht Arquebusier Standing Loading - 69.95

Shipping End April 2013

 
For the Seven Years War we have sets SYW014-SYW020 which features a Russian Artillery 12lb Gun and full crew with officer to take on the Prussians at Kunersdorf. This range has been very well received by our customers and we will be doing additional figures later this year




We are also pleased to present the first figures in our coverage of the Battle of Alesia, ROM054-ROM064 Caesarian Romans! These 11 Legionaries are set to do battle on the fields of Gaul or the siege works at Alesia. They can be used as adversaries to our Ancient Germans as well as Gauls which we will of course have to add to the range in time




And last, but by no means least, we are pleased to present our version of Emperor Napoleon with set NAP0409. This is probably among the most requested figures by our customers and it’s finally here, a mere 409 sets into our Napoleon’s Europe product range. Honestly, I can’t really say why it took us so long to produce a mounted Napoleon figure but we do hope that you find the Emperor well worth the wait!



 
This month’s “Sneak Peek” comes from our Vietnam range. We are pleased to present a preview of a few of the figures in our upcoming release of NVA Infantry.   Looks like “Tropic Lightning” will make heavy contact with the enemy soon! We hope you like them




So that wraps up the releases for April. As always, we’d like to take a moment to thank all of you who ordered our latest releases, AG001-AG015 Ancient Greek Hoplites and ROM050-ROM053 Roman Senators. All pre-orders have now left the building and these figures will be with you any day now. We certainly hope you enjoy them!

Well, how about that then? Until next time, happy hunting!

King and Country: Dispatches

This month, as always, K&C have announced the release of several new figure sets representing a number of historical periods ranging from Ancient Egypt to World War Two

There are six new additions to the Ancient Egypt range, three new Hoplites and an additional dragon boat for the Streets of Old Hong Kong series




Moving forward somewhat in time, they have expanded their new range dealing with Custer's famous last stand by bringing eight new Sioux and Cheyenne warriors to the fray, five mounted and three on foot including the splendidly dynamic figure pictured below




More mounted warriors are also being added to their Napoleonic range in the shape of seven brand new charging French Cuirassiers, pictured below on one of John Gittins's terrain mats




As if that wasn't enough, there are some major releases for their era of WW2 ranges starting with a new series depicting the famous Pathfinders who participated in the thwarted attempt to capture the Rhine bridge at Arnhem




Harking back to the original Pathfinders release way back in 1995, which was revolutionary at the time insofar as the figures were matte painted and more detailed than most other figures on the market, K&C are heralding this as a major new series comprising figures that will be even more detailed and more finely painted than their usual offerings. This will, of course, be reflected in their pricing. In Andy's own words.....

"As many of you know today’s collectors are constantly seeking more variety….better quality…and ever more detail in their figures and fighting vehicles.  At K&C we want to meet those challenges and expectations by continuing to innovate and introduce fresh new concepts across all of our many ranges….and at differing price levels our collectors around the world can afford. ‘PATHFINDERS” is for those collectors who want and appreciate an even higher level of detail in their figures and are willing to pay the extra premium to obtain it."

The initial release consists of six figures including three personality figures one of whom, Lieut. Jack Grayburn V.C., is pictured below




From a battle that took place towards the end of the war we step back in time to the beginning of the conflict for this next release featuring a vehicle that played an important role in the Blitzkrieg tactics employed by the Germans during the invasions of Poland, France, the Low Countries and Russia

Large numbers of the Czechoslovakian built 38T were incorporated into the German armoury and used to great effect during the early stages of the war. K&C are presenting three slightly different models of the vehicle, so they can be formed up in an armoured column should some collectors have the space and inclination to do so, and limiting the production runs to 250 vehicles for version 1 and 100 vehicles each for versions 2 and 3. Here they are in all their glory






Stepping back in time further still, this time to the years just before the war began, K&C are adding to their Berlin '38 range with one of Hitler's favourite limousines, the Mercedes Benz 770K. The Collectors Showcase produced a similar model a little while ago but this is the first time K&C has produced this car and I'm sure it will positively fly off the shelves. As you can see from the photos below the model features Hitler striking a typical pose, standing in the front of the vehicle alongside his personal driver, and close friend, Julius Schrek. What's more, there's room in the back for one or two additional 'personality' figures. What are the odds on K&C giving us a couple in the near future?






The company is also releasing two US Army medics for their D-Day range, both depicted in the heat of battle helping one of their stricken comrades. The first few figures will be available for sale at The Texas Toy Soldier Show and some of the proceeds from the sale of the figures will be donated to US and UK military charities. The company plans to release similarly themed figures, one at a time, in future years




Finally, but by no means least, here is the list of retirements for this month which, as you will shortly discover, is quite extensive


AF001 US Fighter Pilot
AF002 US Pilot w/ Map
AL001 Australian Lighthorse Officer w/ Pistol
AL002 Australian Lighthorse Bugler
AL003 Australian Lighthorse w/ Rifle
AL004 Australian Lighthorse Charging w/Bayonet(to the front)
BBA039 Stretcher Party
CW010 Jeb Stuart (Mtd.)
CW011 General Robert E. Lee (Mtd.)
CW051 Lee & Stuart
CW057 Jackson & Longstreet
LW001 Generalleutnant Adolf Galland
LW003 Oberleutnant Gunther Rall
LW005 Ground Crew Set
TRW009 Standing Firing Dragoon
TRW010 Dismounted Dragoon w/Pistol
TRW011 Dismounted Dragoon w/Carbine
TRW012 Mounted Dragoon Firing Pistol
TRW013 Scout Firing Rifle
USMC001 Officer
USMC002 Shotgun
USMC003 Pistol Marks Man
USMC004 Marine Sniper
USMC005 Lewis Gunner
USMC006 Marine Corporal
USMC007 Marine on Guard
USMC008 Tommy Gunner
USMC009 Sitting Machine Gunner
USMC010 Marching Rifleman
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/Seabag
USN011 US Navy B.A.R. Gunner
USN012 US Steam Launch
USN013 Three Sitting Sailor
WS114 Marching Waffen-SS Officer
 
 
Until next time, happy hunting!

Thomas Gunn Miniatures: April Releases

What follows is a slightly amended copy of the latest TGM newsletter to land in my inbox. As you will soon learn, this month sees a bumper release from the team, albeit with a focus firmly fixed on the two world wars. Without further ado, here is the news with a few accompanying images

GW016 Rolls Royce Armoured Car

The Rolls Royce AC was borne from an Admiralty requirement in 1914 to provide armoured support for Naval ground troops being employed in France and Belgium at the time. Several squadrons were formed with one going to France, one going to Africa and two being sent to Gallipoli. In April 1915 all the RNAS AC were handed over to the Army Machine Gun Corps and the paint schemes changed over to 3 tone camouflage and a dull green pattern. The Rolls Royce AC is an iconic vehicle from WW1 and one we are very proud to have in our inventory.





GW016A comes in a grey early war finish with RNAS markings.
GW016B comes in a late war 3 tone British army camouflage scheme and is suitable for the Western Front.





Limited to 100 pieces each version, priced at $125 and available late April.

GW013 WW1 German Pilots

To balance out things for the German side we have introduced our first WW1 pilots, Karl Rommel and his rear gunner. Karl was the younger brother of Erwin Rommel and served with the Luftstreitkrafte (German airforce) on the Western and Middle Eastern fronts. Karl flew a Rumpler 2 seater reconnaissance aircraft during his service but was invalided out of the air force after contracting malaria, which left him permanently paralysed.




These two fantastically detailed pilots looking up at the heavens are limited to 100 sets and priced at $69. Available in late April along with all our other releases.




Wings of War 001 Rumpler Aircraft

Naturally we cannot have a couple of pilots released without an aircraft and so it’s with great pleasure I announce the return to full scale aircraft production at Thomas Gunn. Our first aircraft will be a Rumpler 2 seater made from wood and beautifully detailed whichever way you look at her.




The Rumpler was an exceptional aircraft with an excellent service ceiling that allowed its crew to operate in comparative safety, knowing few Allied aircraft could reach them. It served on the Western, Italian and Middle Eastern Fronts and also saw service as a seaplane variant.




With a real life wingspan of 41ft and nearly 28ft long this makes this an exceptionally big model in 1/30 scale. We have only made 10 in this version with another 10 coming later in the year in different livery and markings. This plane is priced at $500 including the two pilots.

V Series 001 Fiesler Reichenberg

Moving on now to WW2 we have a stunning release in the form of a completely new series starting off with a piloted version of the V1 - The Fiesler Reichenberg! A late war development of the unmanned Doodlebug, the Reichenberg was intended to be a more accurate guided missile, with the pilot ejecting to safety just as he cut the engines and aimed the missile at its intended target!




The chances of survival were deemed so slim that the project and unit was disbanded 1 year after its formation, before any operational sorties were carried out. However manned flights of the Reichenberg were made at the Peenemunde research institute, mainly by Hannah Reitsch.

No V1 Reichenberg would be complete without Hannah and so as a matter of course we have included her with our V1 along with Erich Warsitz, Heinkels chief test pilot and one of the technical experts behind jet and rocket testing at Peenemunde.




Hannah attained fame prior to WW2 as a world record breaking glider pilot with some of her records till standing as of 2012! One of only 2 women to be awarded the Iron Cross first class she quickly became a favourite of Hitler and was a committed follower of National Socialism. Hannah was the first women in the world to fly a helicopter, the FA 61, which she flew regularly at the 1938 Berlin Motor Show and also the first woman to fly a rocket propelled aircraft - The ME 163 Komet.

Towards the very end of WW2 she made a daring flight into Berlin with Robert Ritter Von Greim in a Fieseler Storch to meet, and some say rescue, Hitler. Von Greim was badly injured during the inbound flight and the two barely made it out of Berlin before the Soviet army closed in on the bunker.

Figure two as mentioned before and holding an umbrella on a rainy day in Peenemunde is Erich Warsitz. Warsitz was an exceptional civilian pilot who was the first person to fly a Rocket propelled aircraft - the HE 176 and also the first to fly a turbojet propelled aircraft the HE 178 in 1939.




Warsitz was granted the rank of Luftwaffe Captain during WW2 and survived the war only to be kidnapped by the Soviets whilst he was living in the American sector in Berlin! Refusing to assist the Russians in their development of jet aircraft he was sentenced to 25 years in a Siberian Gulag!

Fortunately Warsitz was released after 5 years imprisonment, thanks mainly to the efforts of Germany’s Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, and he died in Switzerland aged 76.




This first release is priced at just $159 with just 100 sets available in late April. The set comes with both personalities mentioned above and a prototype Reichenberg V1 on its trolley.




The 100 Club Series – 002 Eduard Dietl

Our Club Figure this month is Generaloberst Eduard Dietl holder of the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Dietl was wounded 4 times during WW1 whilst serving with 5th Bavarian Infantry Regiment and went on to serve with the German 3rd mountain Division during the invasion of Norway in WW2.

Dietl was killed in an air crash whilst aboard a JU52 in 1944. The Club Figure is free to all Gunn Club members who spend $150 or more with us through our website or who pick up the telephone and call us!





So that, as they say, is that for this month from the team at TGM. Until next time, happy hunting!