First Legion Crusading Knights: Part 2

Well, here we are at the beginning of 2011, talking once again about these delightful figures from First Legion. From the outset, you could say that First Legion have been on a crusade of their own, to create high end toy soldiers at prices that are still affordable by a majority of collectors

This range, which currently stands at 23 figures, has already generated a great deal of interest and when you take a close look at the figures you can easily see why. The sculpting is dynamic, the casting crisp, and the attention to detail in the painting, quite simply outstanding

Like many of their figures, they have been designed to represent, not parade ground soldiers but, warriors who have been truly battered and bruised by war. These are men in battle and it shows on their faces and in the way they are posed. It shows, too, in their weathered, worn and blood stained tunics, and shields which have been gouged by enemy axe blows and swords

As mentioned in a previous post, the range has been designed to depict the fall of Acre in 1291. As such, all three Military Orders are represented, and so too are mercenary and militia soldiers who fought alongside them from countries like France, Italy and England. The images below show the Hospitaller Knights and allied soldiers currently available

Hospitaller knight standard bearer

Hospitaller knight swinging axe

Man-at-arms with spear

Hospitaller Grand Master, Jean de Villiers

Hospitaller Marshal, Matthew de Clermont

The dying.....

.....and the dead

French crossbowman firing

Italian fratre militia with halberd

Italian fratre militia with spear

An English militia archer

By all accounts, Matt Pavone of First Legion has huge plans for this range, and I for one am delighted to hear that. Later in January we should start to see first sight of the enemy that was ranged against the crusaders, namely the Mamluks, and looking a little further ahead there are plans to release siege engines, terrain features, more foot soldiers and, of course, mounted troops for both sides

Happy New Year, One And All

A happy and prosperous 2011 to one and all, the whole, wide, wonderful world over

  

Well, here in the UK it is very nearly the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011. I wonder what the New Year will bring

One or two friends have already 'hit the ground running' so to speak and been very quick off the mark in releasing their January 2011 updates. Mark and Dave over at TM Terrain, for example, have already published next month's newsletter crammed full of juicy tit bits from John Jenkins Designs, First Legion and The Collectors Showcase

The opening paragraphs of TMT's January newsletter. There's lots more there, trust me!

Take a look at the 'news' and 'product update' links sections of the blog over the next few days and I'm sure you will find plenty there to make you smile and get your heart racing. And don't forget, King and Country will be posting their January dispatches very soon, probably early on next week, and I, for one, am looking forward to that with eager anticipation

News, news, news

Each and every month toy soldier manufacturers, airsoft manufacturers and retailers, military model producers of every size, shape and persuasion, announce the release of new and potentially exciting product. How on earth do you keep up with the sheer volume of 'stuff' coming on to the market? The answer is, well, it's pretty much impossible

Even if I restricted myself to one particular area say, for example, toy soldier collecting, I couldn't possibly review or even refer to everything coming out in any given month. So, as I come across something that takes my fancy, I will put a post up on the blog. Predominantly, I will refer to manufacturers and retailers whose products I personally like and, more often than not, purchase myself

I've also included links to a number of manufacturers and retailers whose products and services I particularly value or consider to be good value for money. These can be found in the 'Links.....' area of the blog and from time to time I will create similar links within posts. There are also a number of images, mainly at the bottom of the page, which will take readers directly to certain sites. Some manufacturers or retailers who have websites also have blogs and I have included links to a selection of these in the area headed 'My Blogs List'. Some produce monthly newsletters and/or product updates on their websites and where this is the case I will be creating separate areas on the blog linking readers directly to these pages

Happy exploring, and I hope you find something here of use

New WW2 Gun

Airsoft replica gun manufacturer, Ares, have recently begun production of another new and very interesting addition to the stable of guns now available to WW2 airsoft enthusiasts

The M3A1 Grease Gun produced by Ares is a replica of the model issued to US servicemen after 1942 as a replacement to the more costly Thompson variants and, if the images currently available are anything to go by, it's a pretty faithful copy and is sure to be a 'must have' on many players' wish lists

Two images of a genuine 'Grease Gun'

A cutaway diagram showing some of the basic internal functions

Below are some images of the Ares replica, taken from the company's own website and that of a retailer currently offering the gun for sale

The gun as shown in the official Ares advertising

The gun is described as firing at anything between 300 and 340fps. At the upper end of this range that might make it a little hot for some UK sites. It is designed to take a stick battery up to a maximum of 8.4v, and 1500mAH and, intriguingly, the battery is located inside the magazine! Yes, you did read that correctly

There you go. What did I tell you? Battery inside the magazine

The top of the magazine showing a pair of electrical contacts

Electrical contacts on the top of the magazine connect with a corresponding pair on the inside of the mag well and allow the gun to fire. An added dimension of realism, if you will, insofar as the gun can't fire without a magazine, but it will make mag changes interesting. The magazine takes 65 rounds, so lo-cap and what we have come to expect from WW2 guns, or most of them anyway. So your options are, I guess, put up with having to refill your one magazine very often or buy several batteries, which you might probably do anyway

It has an adjustable hop-up which, by all accounts, is very straightforward to use and is accessible via the hinged flap covering what would, on the real steel, be the ejection port on the right hand side of the gun

Simply lift up the flap, and there she is, a simple 'slide forwards and backwards' hop adjustment mechanism

The rather nice looking cocking lever on the original gun has, sadly, not been reproduced on the replica, however, lots of other things have including the stock, the iron sights, the quirky looking trigger and trigger guard, some of the markings, the cross hatching on the grip, and the sling points. Overall, I reckon this is a cracking looking piece of kit

There are two sling points, one just above the mag well and the other just above the grip, as per the original

A close up of the original looking markings and the welding at the business end of the barrel assemmbly

Altogether, a nice looking gun, if a little quirky!

I can't wait to see this in action

Shooting Holidays for Brits

Well now, here's a topic I don't know a whole lot about but I'd like to know more

I've been thinking about this for some time, ie going abroad to experience what it's like to handle and fire a real gun, [rifles and shotguns aside] but the inspiration for penning this was an article I read in the latest edition of Airsoft International, 'Smell the Cordite: an enthusiasts shooting weekend in Switzerland'

The write up was extremely positive, I'd go as far as to say it was a glowing report of the entire event. Everyone who took part appeared to love it and came way from the experience having discovered something important about themselves and/or one another

This particular excursion was a weekend away in Switzerland, being taught how to handle and shoot real world handguns and ARs by experienced ex Special Forces personnel, utilising some of the shooting stances and techniques employed by real world operators. I got the impression that this was a very intense, thorough and professionally run experience covering all manner of things to do with gun handling, drawing, targeting, shooting, stripping, cleaning and firing in different light conditions. More information is available on the company's website, however, I'd be interested to hear from anyone with direct experience of either this, or any similar, event run by them or any other company

The home page of the 'Smell the Cordite' website

It almost goes without saying, they aren't the only ones putting on shooting events, and the cost of the one referred to above, coming in at around £1,150 for the complete individual package, is going to be prohibitive for many people

The company referred to below also put on shooting events held outside of the UK, but I get the impression we are talking about a very different type of experience here, almost as different, perhaps, as the proverbial chalk and cheese, far more relaxed [whilst at the same time safe] and less intense

The home page of 'Top Gun Tours'

The website referred to below provides information and advice on all manner of things gun related, including shooting overseas, primarily aimed at UK residents and enthusiasts

'Cybershooters' is essentially an information portal for anyone interested in finding out about shooting and gun ownership

Perhaps you know of a company offering similar information and/or experiences. Maybe you've tried a shooting break, weekend, day at the range or whatever whilst on holiday. If so, why not post a comment and share your knowledge and experiences with us. Any contributions greatly appreciated

Edmonton Scout Snipers

These guys hail from Canada and are discussed in the latest edition of Airsoft International, in their 'Ready Room' feature

As part of an airsoft 'team' myself, I couldn't help but be a little impressed by how 'together' they look. Placing themselves fairly and squarely at the Milsim end of what is a very broad airsofting spectrum, they give a very good impression of being a coherent unit, wearing the same camo, similar headgear and webbing, and even going to the trouble of carrying the same weapon platform so they can easily interchange magazines

Some members of the ESS [to the left] pictured with some other Canadian airsoft buddies from 6 Combat Battle Group

The team have a website, too, with quite an impressive opening sequence, however, it is currently in the process of construction. No doubt, when it's finished, you will be able to learn a lot more about them from there

The 'Home' page of the ESS website

Personally, I reckon it makes for some interesting reading as it stands and I'm intrigued by the overall 'feel' of it, replete as it is with 'real deal' organisational and operational references, members in maroon berets and a logo clearly inspired by 'you know who'

Are they the ideal airsoft team? I'll let you decide, but I'd be interested to know your thoughts

M02 Cacique Plastic Skull Mask

I don't know about you, but I've been through a whole heap of eye, face and full face protection options in my [still relatively brief] time in airsoft, most of which I still have and, on occasion, still use. Call me morbid, but I find something quite appealing about the idea of rocking around the skirmish field looking like a skeleton. Once upon a time I very nearly forked out on one of those 'Army of Two' full face skeleton masks but decided not to in the end because they didn't really work that well in conjunction with a helmet or a communications setup

This mask was given a very brief write up in the last but one edition of Airsoft International and they seemed to rate it quite highly. According to the sales information it works with most, if not all, of the helmets currently in vogue and appears to allow for the use of communications headsets, too. Spectacle wearers are advised to make use of foam inserts for added comfort, but according to AI it is generally quite easy to wear

I must say, I love the look of it, especially the 'Skeleton' coloured version, and would be interested to hear from anyone who has any direct experience of the mask in operation

The skull mask in silver black. I have one or two concerns about the gap in the teeth, the nose holes and, almost inevitably, the mesh

The rear of the mask showing how it fixes to your head!

The mask is available in four colours. My personal favourite being Numero Uno!

First Legion Crusading Knights

 
First Legion have recently released a number of Crusading medieval knights, together with a handful of mercenary soldiers to fight alongside them, as part of their range depicting the Fall of Acre in 1291. The knights represent the Military Orders, the Templars, the Hospitallers and the Teutonic knights

A selection of the Military Order knights currently available

Placing the figures in their historical context, the Crusader state has long been in a period of decline. The city of Acre stands alone as the last bastion of Crusader power in the Holy Land. Defended by the Military Holy Orders and various allies, Acre has now come under siege by the powerful Mamluk armies lead by Sultan Khalil. A fierce struggle ensues and the result is the final collapse of the Crusader State

First Legion's initial focus is the Siege of Acre in 1291 and will feature knights of the Templar, Teutonic, and Hospitaller Holy Military Orders, along with their European allies, and even the forces of Henry the II of Cyprus, King of Jerusalem. Famous personalities such as Grand Master of the Hospitallers Jean de Villiers, Marshal Matthew de Clermont, and the Templar Grand Master Guillaume de Beaujeu, to name but a few, will be represented fighting a stoic defense against the unstoppable power of the Mamluk forces arrayed against them

The range will also bring to life the great armies of the Mamluks who dominated the Holy Land in the 13th Century. From simple soldiers, to great siege engines, to personalities, First Legion promises to cover this epic conflict in all its glorious detail

For further details, and pictures of all the figures currently available, visit First Legion's website. Meanwhile, take a look at the three Teutonics currently on the market and allow them to whet your appetite

Teutonic Knight Standard Bearer, advancing

Teutonic Knight swinging axe

Teutonic Knight with sword and cape

 

Magpul Masada Folding Stock

The long awaited Magpul PTS Masada/ACR folding stock has arrived! This stock is of a very high quality and is made from DuPont polymer. The stock is spring loaded and easily folds to the side. It is attached to the rifle with minimal effort and fuss by using 2 pins. It has a compartment to hold batteries, 7 length settings and an adjustable cheek riser. The stock is available in Dark Earth, Foliage Green and Black

The new folding stock, available in three colours

The new stock is just the first of many planned 'add ons' for the Magpul Masada. Another stock, suppressors, front-end and barrel assemblies are all in the pipeline and promise to make the Masada a readily adaptable piece of kit, allowing the player to have two or three guns in one. The video below shows the stock in all its glory

Recent Releases from The Collectors Showcase

Good evening toy soldier collectors everywhere. I just thought I'd share with you a number of recently released, or soon to be released, offerings I particularly like from our friends in America, The Collectors Showcase

I'm not really a fan of their figures, although their quirkiness interests me and they are certainly possessed of a style uniquely their own, but I think their vehicles offer real value for money. In my opinion the standard of painting on their figures is inferior, by and large, to that of their main rivals but the vehicles hold their own and in some ways I prefer them to those produced by King and Country. The camouflage schemes are clear and bright, the vehicles themselves are beautifully detailed for the money and they all come with moving guns, opening hatches and/or doors, and optional thrown tracks. Oh yes, and all the tanks currently come in a variety of finishes, with and without zimmerit and in summer and winter versions, too

One of their newest vehicles is the Wespe. It was one of the most successful mobile artillery platforms the Germans built. Used in strength to reduce enemy positions when needed and not a bad vehicle on the retreat either! This model comes with two figures, a gun that elevates and traverses, and the CS signature thrown track option included. If that wasn't enough the interior is perfectly detailed with discarded equipment and extra rounds of ammo. It's also nicely weathered with mud, signs of wear and chips to the paintwork! There is a winter version of this beauty, too

The PzKfIV Ausf. G comes complete with the optional thrown track and a complete set of Shurzen, a casualty figure, rear stowage ( helmet and crates ), two crew figures, a destroyed idle wheel, copula machine gun, open and closing hatches and also a removable side Shurzen plate. If that wasn't enough there are two, two-figure booster sets available for each variant (summer and winter) comprising two 'riders' and two 'jumpers'. The riders also come with separate terrain bases for use on the ground. This vehicle is also available without zimmerit

Two tank 'riders' also available in a winter version, wearing greatcoats!

 

Two 'jumpers'. Also available in greatcoats for the winter versions of the vehicles

This brand new Steyr 1500 is the best command car ever. This Austrian built car was built by Auto Union and about five thousand of these vehicles were ultimately produced during the war. Used from the Eastern front all the way to Tunisia the vehicle developed quite a reliable record and transported many commanders during its time in service. This Normandy version sports LAH insignia and has a brand new Sepp Dietrich command figure as an add on. The vehicle comes with two figures, one of which is the infamous Kurt 'Panzer' Meyer! Included in the set is a removable top: have the top up or down. All doors open and close and the wheels move!

The new Sepp Dietrich figure complete with separate terrain base to allow you to stand him in the Steyr, if you so desire!

And finally, but by no means least, a series of King Tigers. The first, with a Henschel turret, comes with or without zimmerit, and there's a winter version, too.....

.....and the second, with a Porsche turret, also comes with or without zimmerit, and there's a winter version, too. Beautiful

The 'add on' for the KTs comes in the shape of these rather determined looking shell loaders. They and their vehicles are due for release in January, 2011 and I, for one, can't wait to feast my eyes on them!

So, there you have it. A few of the more recent goodies from TCS. You never know, if you write a grovelling letter to Santa you might be able to arrange for one or two to fill a hole in your stocking this Christmas. Happy collecting

New Series From King and Country

Market leaders in the 60mm Toy Soldier hobby, King and Country, have just announced the first sets in a new series, 'Streets of Berlin', designed to complement their extremely popular 'Berlin '38' range. Due for release in January, 2011 these figures have already  got 'tongues wagging' on the TS hobby forums and opinions are very much mixed

To draw attention to their street activities the SA would often be accompanied by one or more of their musicians and flagbearers to announce their presence to everyone!

These tall "street decorations" were utilized as the perfect spot to stick a poster on

An SA leader orchestrating the latest propaganda drive

A portable street hoarding displaying three different Nazi posters

These young SA recruits have their work cut out pasting the latest posters on to the hoardings

The enemies of the SA often described the Sturmabteilung as a "drunken rabble"… These three SA men are living up to that reputation!

Sepp Dietrich in a new "parade" pose

To check out these figures in more detail, together with all the others that are part of the 'Berlin '38' series, visit King and Country UK