Figarti: Recent Releases

Post number three and yet more news from one of the hobby's foremost names, Figarti, who over the past 10 years have become synonymous with the production of fabulous vehicles, planes and eye catching centre pieces of truly monumental proportions. Further information and images relating to all the newly released figure sets is available from the manufacturer's website, easily accessed by clicking on the following link: Figarti New Releases

First up is a plane, namely the Ju87 'Stuka' flown with great success by Hans Ulrich Rudel, the famous Luftwaffe ace. A detailed biography of Rudel can be found by clicking on the following link: Rudel

Sliding cockpit canopy

Rudel's beautiful Stuka is retailing from Grey Goose Collectables in the UK for £240

Next up, two figure sets each comprising three figures and each retailing at £85, again from GGC, Figarti's exclusive representative in the UK

Look Over There: £85

Got Ya Joe: £85

Time for another 'big piece' this time' in the form of a 105mm field gun priced up at £195. Imagine how good it would look hooked up to the field artillery limber set previewed in another post some months ago!

Finally, my personal favourite of the figure sets previewed here, this cute and highly unusual little vehicle, the H39, priced up at £170. Starting out life as the French built Hotchkiss H35 this is another example of an enemy vehicle which was 'captured' and put to good use by the Germans, and I can't think of another toy soldier manufacturer ever having made one before! On that basis alone, I reckon on it being a 'must buy' on many a collector's wants list. It's certainly on mine!

Like the French themselves the Germans made no clear distinction between a "H 38" and a "H 39". The Germans fitted many with a cupola and a hatch. Some vehicles were modified to munition carriers or artillery tractors (Artillerieschlepper 38H(f)) or rocket-launchers (Panzerkampfwagen 35H(f) mit 28/32 cm Wurfrahmen)

In 1942 24 were converted into a Marder I Panzerjäger or tank destroyer, the 7,5 cm PaK40(Sf) auf Geschützwagen 39H(f) and 48 into mechanised artillery, the 10,5 cm leFH18(Sf) auf Geschützwagen 39H(f), all to be used by units in France. A special artillery observation vehicle was created: the Panzerbeobachtungswagen 38H (f). In June 1943 361 Hotchkiss tanks were still listed in the German Army inventories as 37 mm gun tanks; this number had decreased to sixty in December 1944

A more detailed history of this wonderful little vehicle can be found by clicking on the following link: Hotchkiss H35. Happy hunting!

Thomas Gunn: New Releases

Here goes with the second post of the month. Once again, I've included some pictures and captions relating to those figures that particularly interest me, further information and pictures are available at the TG website, readily accessible by clicking the following link: Quartermaster Stores

First up, a couple of Americans looking for the enemy during the invasion of Normandy

The second part to our very successful House Party Part 1, features 2 more US Paratroopers wearing the uniform of the 101st AB in the A version and the 82nd AB Pathfinders in the B version. Figure 1 prepares to launch himself through the door after the grenade has been thrown through into the suspect bunker. More by luck than design this figure also looks great when placed with the wounded figure from SS021 medical set or the dead FJ from FJ007. The second figure in the set reaches behind to retrieve his bayonet from his scabbard, ready for the inevitable close combat about to follow. A very flexible set when combined with ATW003 or on its own. Limited to 150 sets in each version, available now

Next up, the latest Gunn Club figure. This prone German officer has a rather unfortunate name!

Our latest Gunn Club figure features a German officer with a rather unusual surname! Karl F*cker was an officer with SS Battalion 600. He saw service throughout the war and only died in 1999. We have sculpted Karl in the prone position looking through his binoculars, spotting for the PAK36 crew. Karl comes armed with an MP43/44 and is also wearing captured US army goggles on top of his helmet. A very useful item when riding pillion on an open top Krupp truck or a motorcycle. The Panzerfaust shown is also included with this set although it’s been hidden under layers of foam inside the packing box, look under the MP43/44 piece of foam and it should be there! More German troops later in the year with even more unusual names! Limited to 150 of each version

The PAK36 referred to in the above caption is shown next and comes, once again, in two colour schemes

SS 036 A/B PAK 36: Sorry this set really should have had an FJ serial number but in all the excitement I got carried away and gave these guys an SS serial number! Features 2 SS FJ’s manning a PAK 36 in the winter of 1944 for the A version and the B version suitable for Spring 1945. The original PAK 36 had quickly become obsolete soon after WW2 commenced; however with various improvements it saw service throughout the war

One of these enhancements was the ability to fire a Stielgranate rocket propelled anti tank round. Although very effective against all Allied armour, it had to be reloaded by one of the crew crawling round to the front to place a new round into the barrel. Not a job I personally would have volunteered for! One figure looks safely on behind the gun shield whilst his number 2 reloads the PAK. Comes with a couple of spare rifles for the crew members, one 37mm conventional ammo case and a spare Stielgranate round. Please note the factory have ‘hidden’ the spare rifles under various layers of foam. When you receive your box you will need to be very thorough in retrieving all items! Limited to 150 pieces in each version

Last up, a couple of mountain infantry grunts who would look very nice edging their way forward into contact alongside the newly released Hetzer self propelled gun!

Two more great looking SS Gebirgsjager mountain troops, great as a superb accompaniment for GEB002 or on their own. Figure one fires his MP43/44 at the enemy whilst figure two, armed with a captured Russian PPS42, advances somewhat more cautiously. Limited to 150 of each set and available now

That's all folks! Happy hunting!

King and Country Dispatches

Saturday June 2nd 2012 and here in England, or should I say the UK, the Diamond Jubilee celebrations are in full swing. It's also that time of the month again when I bring you news of the latest releases and retirements from K&C, this time in a new abridged format

I've elected to show a handful of items, namely those that interest me. Details and pictures of everything else are available, as always, from the manufacturer's website which can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Dispatches

So, here goes. First up, a rather fetching 'one off' piece depicting the 'Big Three' posing for photos at the Yalta Conference

In early 1945 American President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill journeyed to the Crimean resort of Yalta to meet Soviet Russia's Joseph Stalin. Together these three men decided on the final progress of the war against Hitler's Third Reich and their own plans for post war Germany and the rest of Europe

DD106 "The Big three"

The three seated leaders make a strong contrast in style... Churchill, in his Royal Air Force uniform ebullient and confident... Marshal Stalin, quiet and brooding in his Red Army uniform and... Roosevelt, the sole "civilian" but wearing a U.S. Navy boat cloak.
This great little set commemorates the last time all three of these Allied leaders were to meet... Within a few months Roosevelt would die... Churchill would be voted out of office... Only "Uncle Joe" would remain!

Next up, some refugees from the Fields of Battle series which would add a little civilian character to any number of WW2 themed dioramas

FOB067 "Mother & Daughter"

A mother and daughter glance nervously upwards at the sound of approaching aircraft... A scene that could be France in the summer of 1940... Britain during the Blitz of 1941... or even Germany from 1942 onwards. Another mini tableau of civilians caught in wartime

FOB068 "Old Man & Wheel Barrow"

A companion piece to the previous set... pushing a few meager belongings all this man seeks is peace and safety

Equally full of character is this newspaper seller, one of three due for release in July, each with a different headline from different stages in the conflict

"Read All About It!"
Three individual versions of the same figure... Carrying newspaper banners telling three different stories...

Last month I featured a picture or two of the new Normandy garage now available. You will soon be able to add these lovely looking fuel pumps to the scene turning it into a fully functioning fuel stop for Hitler's panzers!!

Talking of panzers, strictly speaking this soon to be released vehicle isn't one, but it would certainly need petrol just the same

As you can see from the above picture it will be available in a winterised version as well. This version of the Sd. Kfz 234/1 eight-wheel armoured car is perfect for operations in France, Belgium, Holland... or even the Eastern Front

WS197 "Sd. Kfz 234/1"Schwerer Panzerspahwagen

That's quite a mouthful in anyone's language. This Wehrmacht version of the eight-wheeler is in typical late-war three colour camouflage, armed with both an MG42 machine gun and a 20mm cannon it comes complete with a seated, full-body vehicle commander

Last, but by no means least, a list of all the retirements. Nothing here for me this month, but maybe something there for you. Happy hunting!

AF003 “Captain Brett Cutler”

AF004 “Air Force MPs”

AF005 “Crew Chief”

FOB020 “German Kubelwagen Car”

FOB041 “Stretcher Party”

HK150(G/M) “The New Mahjong Set” (Gloss/Matt)

LAH046 “SA Man Marching”

LAH047 “SA Standard Bearer”

LAH048 “SA Officer Marching”

LAH057 “Dr. Goebbels”

LAH088 “Reichminister Rudolf Hess”

LAH091 “Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring”

LAH095 “Marching Officer”

LAH096 “Admiral Karl Donitz”

LW026 “Luftwaffe Field Division, Searchlight”

LW027 “Luftwaffe Field Division, Spotter”

MK074 “Crusader Tent 2”

MK075 “Crusader Tent 3”

RAF008 “RAF Ground Crew Set”

RAF018 “WAAF Officer Pointing”

        RAF019 “WAAF Sergeant”

The Collectors Showcase: New Germans

Hi there. A very brief post to draw your attention to a few new German figure sets from TCS. More information and images can be found by clicking on the following link and viewing the company website

First up, two new vehicles, the first of which I have a funny feeling I've already featured recently but hey, it's rather lovely and certainly deserving of a second mention

The CS version of the Hetzer, not to be confused with the Thomas Gunn version of the same vehicle which has also been released within the past few weeks

The CS version also comes with the customary thrown track and removable Schurzen armour panels

Next up, a group of three German gunners designed to be used with the recently released Pak AT gun and celebrating a 'direct hit' against the enemy. What a cracking little diorama piece that would make

Last up, a ready made diorama facade to add to their expanding Berlin '38 range, together with several figures to be placed in front of it, and very nice they look, too!

LAH Wilhemstrasse

LAH SS Helferinen

LAH Bruckner

LAH Luftwaffe Helferinen

LAH Dr. Ley

LAH BDM Girl

All the above will eventually be available from Maison Militaire in the UK and further information is available on the CS website. Happy hunting!

Help For Heroes Fundraiser

 
On Saturday 14 July this year me and a group of work colleagues and friends will be travelling to Snowdonia in Wales to walk The Glyders. For those of you who don't know it I have included some information below, as well as a couple of pictures of the area

I thought I'd take the opportunity to try and raise a bit of cash for Help For Heroes so I will be asking everyone I know to sponsor me for the event. I've never done anything like this before so on a personal level it promises to be quite a challenge and I will feel a real sense of accomplishment if I complete it

That sense of accomplishment will be heightened considerably if at the same time I can manage to raise some funds for the Help For Heroes charity. If anyone reading this doesn't know what HFH is all about, just click on the picture link further down the page or click here and you will be taken to their website

If you think you could make a contribution to my fundraising efforts, please take a look at my personal charity page and kindly donate whatever you can afford. Every little helps and anything you give will be greatly appreciated

Here's some info about The Glyders

The ridge of The Glyders is one of the most majestic and inspiring in Snowdonia

The route to these airy heights is equally stimulating, commencing on the shore of Llyn Ogwen where its waters are lost over a series of foaming falls. High above is Llyn Idwal, nestling beneath the buttresses of Glyder Fawr; it is a National Nature Reserve with unusual sub-alpine, sub-arctic flora

A steep scramble up the renowned Bristly Ridge sees the walk emerge into a rocky wilderness, a faint path taking off for Glyder Fach and, a little further, Glyder Fawr and the remarkable shattered pinnacles of Castell y Gwynt

Needless to say there are marvelous views all round, none more so than to neighbouring Tryfan, a huge, frost-shattered buttress of volcanic rocks towering above Ogwen. Adventurous paths tumble past Llyn Idwal back to Idwal Cottage 

One of the most photographed features of The Glyders

The area at the end of this slope, just to the right of centre, is known as The Devil's Kitchen

  
Devil's Kitchen, Snowdonia, North Wales

The dark and brooding cliffs of Cloqwen y Geifr ( the Cliff of the Goat) form a dramatic backdrop to Llyn Idwal. The plume of steam that rises from a crack in the towering rocks above, once viewed as having sinister origins, bestows another name on the area; Devil's Kitchen

The steam, however, is actually the result of moist air coming into contact with the rock face, which forces it upwards, causing it to cool and condense, forming swirling clouds. Devil's Kitchen is known in Welsh as Twll Du, meaning black hole

Thank you for taking the time to look at this post and, should you feel like giving and supporting the HFH cause, your generosity will be very much appreciated, not only by me but most importantly by the men and women who your money will help to support, not to mention their families and loved ones. Thank you

JJD: Update

Welcome to the second post featuring figures from JJD. As ever, full details of the featured figure sets, and much more, are available from the UK dealer's website, just click the link! JJD UK

ACE-06P Knights Of The Skies - Captain Albert Ball

Albert Ball, VC, DSO & Two Bars, MC(14 August 1896 – 7 May 1917) was an English fighter pilot of the First World War and a recipient of the Victoria Cross

At the time of his death he was, with forty-four victories, the United Kingdom's leading flying ace, and remained its fourth-highest scorer behind Edward Mannock, James McCudden, and George McElroy.

He became the first British fighter ace to capture the public's imagination

Throughout his flying service he was primarily a "lone-wolf" pilot, carefully stalking his prey from below until he drew close enough to use his top-wing Lewis gun on its Foster mounting, angled to fire upwards into the enemy's fuselage. According to fellow ace and Victoria Cross recipient James McCudden, "it was quite a work of art to pull this gun down and shoot upwards, and at the same time manage one's machine accurately"

Ball crashed to his death in a field in France while pursuing the Red Baron's brother, Lothar von Richthofen. During the engagement he managed to force von Richthofen to the ground, but soon after emerged from a cloud bank upside down and crashed before he could recover. The Germans buried Albert Ball in Annœullin, with full honours

Ball's death was reported around the world. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, and also honoured by the government of France and the Aero Club of America

A memorial service in his home town of Nottingham was attended by large crowds. The year after his death he was commemorated in a biography that included tributes from Prime Minister David Lloyd George,  Field Marshal Douglas Haig and General Hugh Trenchard

Ball's father, a former mayor of Nottingham, memorialised his son in several ways, buying the field where he died, improving his grave site in Annœullin, and building homes in his honour. Ball is also commemorated by a statue and plaque in the grounds of Nottingham Castle, where his Victoria Cross and other medals and memorabilia are displayed

This figure is based on a photograph of Albert Ball in the garden at Sedgeley House, with the propeller and red spinner from his Nieuport 5173, believed to have been taken in October 1916. He flew this Nieuport with No.11 squadron, and on 29th May recorded his second victory. He went on to score a total of 4 more victories in this aircraft which made him officially an ace

ACE-06 Nieuport 17, A 213

A213 was originally built with the French serial number N1579. It was delivered to No. 60 Squadron on 16th September 1916. Albert Ball took over flying this machine on his return from leave in mid-September. He went on to score 11 kills in this plane by the end of September! With his overall score at 31, he returned to England for a rest

A213 was lost in combat on March 6th 1917, whilst being flown by the CO, Maj. E.P. Graves

Nieuports purchased from the French before November 1916 were finished in French Olive Drab upper surfaces and Clear Doped Linen under surfaces. The flight markings are speculative, and based on marking practices of No.60 Sqadron at the time

ACE-07P Knights Of The Skies - Oberleutnant Erich Lowenhardt

Erich Löwenhardt (April 7, 1897 - August 10, 1918) was the 3rd highest scoring German flying ace with 54 victories during the First World War, behind only Manfred von Richthofen and Ernst Udet.

Oberleutnant Löwenhardt was an aggressive, skilled fighter whose score grew steadily. At the end of May 1918 he received Prussia's highest honour, the Pour le Mérite (BlueMax) after 24 kills. Flying the new Fokker D.VII, he added eight more in June and no fewer than 16 in July. His tally climbed to 53 on 9August

The next day, August 10, 1918, Oblt. Löwenhardt shot down a British SE-5 fighter of No.56 Squadron RAF near Chaulnes (Somme area of France). However, he collided with another Fokker D.VII (of Jasta 11) flown by Leutnant Alfred Wenz, (who bailed out successfully) and though he jumped from his aircraft, his parachute failed to open, and Löwenhardt plummeted to his death from around 12,000 feet. His body was recovered 4 days later. He was just 21

REP-01B The Spanish Civil War - International Brigade Tank Riders

The above mentioned figures, riding on a tank!

Happy hunting!

Beau Geste Digest

Hi there. It's been quite a while since I posted an update from Beau Geste but here's a copy of the latest email which landed in my inbox a couple of weeks or so ago

Hi everyone,

It's been a while without new releases. I had eye surgery (which went perfectly) and we are moving our studio to a new place so I haven't had much time to sculpt lately. So I decided to release the bands of those sets which don't have the usual one, and that you have been asking for quite a while now. Here are the new five WWI military bands that you have suggested and have been waiting for

 

As usual, you can also see the new releases in our 'New Sets' section

Visit the whole World War I Catalog and the Military Bands page 

I'm back to sculpting and working on a few new sets, Durbar and WWI, and a new elephant. I'll be back with more news soon

Take care


Ana Donzino
www.beau-geste.com
www.honourbound.com
www.beau-geste.com/SouthLands/nten01.htm
www.beau-geste.com/newtoy/four_feathers/nten01.htm
www.lauracuello.com.ar

Glad to hear the eye surgery went well, and good to see you're back in business getting stuck into some new sets

Happy hunting!