First Legion: Latest Releases and Pre-Orders

Here we go again, time to showcase some of the artistry and beauty produced by the FL team

New Expected Late August 2014!
Imperial Roman Testudo

The Roman Testudo, or Tortoise, was a formation widely used by the Roman Empire most notably during sieges such as that at Jerusalem or other walled cities.The concept behind the formation was for the legionaries to form in close order with interlocking shields such that the men were protected from the sides, front, and overhead by a linked wall of shields guarding them from various forms of missile fire as they advanced. We have presented the figures for this release such that a modular Testudo can be formed in any size desired by the collector with as few as six figures and no upward limit simply by expanding the frontage and depth as per the setup guide. For guidance on which figures go where, please view the setup guide which shows the layout and position of each figure. In addition, the front, left, and right rank figures can also be used in a non-Testudo display as a close order line of battle advancing towards the enemy.

• ROM110 -- Imperial Roman Legionary Front Rank Testudo
• ROM111 -- Imperial Roman Legionary Right Side Testudo
• ROM112 -- Imperial Roman Legionary Left Side Testudo
• ROM113 -- Imperial Roman Legionary Testudo Cover Variant 1 - Center
• ROM114 -- Imperial Roman Legionary Testudo Cover Variant 2 - Outside Row

Roman Testudo

Great War - French Infantry

The 34th Regiment of Infantry is one of the glorious regiments of the French Army dating all the way back to 1625 when it was first formed. During WWI the regiment served with the 34th Infantry Division throughout the war and participated in the Battles of Verdun, the Marne, and the Somme and that was just in 1916. They were engaged in all five years of the conflict.

• FL-GW013 -- French Officer Leading the Attack - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW014 -- French Infantry Advancing Firing - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW015 -- French Infantry Throwing Grenade - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW016 -- French Infantry Kneeling Firing - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW017 -- French Infantry Laying Wounded - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW018 -- French Infantry Charging #1 - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW019 -- French Infantry Charging #2 - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW020 -- French Infantry Charging #3 - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW021 -- French Infantry Charging #4 - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW022 -- French Infantry Machine Gun Team - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW023 -- French Infantry Firing Grenade - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW024 -- French Infantry Laying Loading - 34th Infantry Regiment
• FL-GW025 -- French Infantry Sergeant Pulling a Private Forward - 34th Infantry Regiment

French 34th Regiment of Infantry

Great War - German

New Series!

• FL-GW001 -- German Officer on Phone - 62nd Infantry Division
• FL-GW002 -- German Standing Firing - 62nd Infantry Division
• FL-GW003 -- German Fixing Bayonet - 62nd Infantry Division
• FL-GW004 -- German Standing Loading - 62nd Infantry Division
• FL-GW005 -- German Standing with Grenade - 62nd Infantry Division
• FL-GW006 -- German Assisting Wounded Vignette - 62nd Infantry Division
• FL-GW007 -- German Standing with Gas Mask - 62nd Infantry Division

World War One - Germans

60mm Metal Figure Kits - Unpainted

The heavy equipment starts to arrive.

• FL54006 -- Marshal Michel Ney, 1812-1815
• FL54007 -- French Marshal's Aide de Camp, 1810-1815
• FL54008 -- Austrian Archduke Charles - 1809
• FL54009 -- Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington 1815
• FL54010 -- Prussian Standard Bearer 1812-1815
• FL54011 -- Napoleonic Cantiniere
• FL54012 -- French Infantry "Card Players"
• FL54013 -- French Infantry Cooking - 2 Figures, Dog, and Camp Fire
• FL54014 -- Wounded French Legere Corporal Assisted by Cantiniere, 1813-1815

Unpainted Metal Kits - Scale 60mm

Since we first came on the scene in 2007 with our stunning painted figure ranges featuring world class figure sculpts, we have been asked countless times by modellers and painters around the world if we would sell unpainted metal figure kit versions of our painted figures. We are happy to announce that the time has come and we are pleased to present our new range of beautifully sculpted unpainted metail figure kits. Some of these kits are brand new figures specifically sculpted to be produced as metal figure kits while others are some favorites of figures that we released previously as painted figures which have long been sold out. If the series proves popular we will expand it considerably with both new and existing figure sculpts. With over 1100 world class sculpts to choose from across 14 periods of history, the possibilities for modellers and painters is extravagant to say the least. We sincerely hope you enjoy them!

One of the figures that will be available, the now retired Prussian SB from their Napoleonic range

Happy Hunting!

Collectors Battlefield: Update

It's an old English joke, and a well-won one too, but 'you wait such a long time for a Number 11 bus and then two come along at once', a bit like these two posts relating to TCS

Collectors Battlefield appears to be going from strength to strength, and a venture that the company is committed to sticking with for a while

A new rule book is due for release, pertaining to another aspect of the war, and an additional range of figures has also been announced, some British Paras to give the Waffen SS a run for its money! And that's not all. In the spirit of realising a gaming system that is both quick and enjoyable, the company has created an online game application that calculates the outcome of various in-game situations that would otherwise require the players to look up information in charts or in the rule book. It's free to use and access simply requires the completion of an online registration proforma. I've included one or two screenshots to give you a flavour

More information and images available on the dedicated section of the CS website

Happy Hunting

Collectors Showcase: September Releases

It seems like quite a while since I last posted about anything to do with TCS, so make the most of this one. Who knows when the next one will be?

New Releases For September!
WWII German

A long time in coming is another great 88 set. This one with two Fallschirmjager crew sets. One set is attired in Continental uniforms and the other style in a North Afrikan or Italian front uniform alternate. Each set comes with spent ammo casings and ammo containers. Legs fold up so you can use it on any trail.

• CS00756 -- 88mm Fallschirmjager with 2 crew
• CS00757 -- 88mm Fallschirmjager Commander
• CS00758 -- 88mm Fallschirmjager Loaders

German Fallschirmjaeger

WWII Afrika Korps

• CS00759 -- 88mm DAK Fallschirmjager with 2 crew.
• CS00760 -- 88mm DAK Fallschirmjager Commander
• CS00761 -- 88mm DAK Fallschirmjager Loaders

WWII Afrika Korps

German WWII

"Michael Wittmann: another one again?" No..Not just any Michael Wittmann tank but his infamous East Front Sturmgeschutze. This is the mount Wittmann rode before stepping up to a tiger. A perfect set for those fellas that have a soft side for the Eastern front.

• CS00776 -- Sturmgeschutze Ausf A Michael Wittmann Including 1 crew and opening hatches.

German WWII

There's also a Normandy version!

Berlin 1938

Collector's hell bent on acquiring Berlin 1939 style sets will have a real unique release to snap up. It's the Alpha Romeo state limo that Hitler and his little pal Mussolini wowed the masses with during his visit to Florence. Add Gian Galleazzo to the rear seat ( sold separately ) for a more robust party crowd appearance.

• CS00800 -- Hitler Touring Limousine with 4 figures
• CS00801 -- Gian Galeazzo

Berlin 1938

Knights of Agincourt

• CS00795 -- Henry V Mounted
• CS00796 -- English Man At Arms with lance
• CS00797 -- English Man At Arms 2 with halberd and sword
• CS00798 -- English Man At Arms 3 with halberd
• CS00799 -- English Man At Arms 4 with axe

Knights of Agincourt

 

Happy Hunting!

John Jenkins Designs: Collectors Club Update

As it says 'on the tin', or in the title, here's some information on the latest figure to be featured as part of the JJD Collectors Club series. Enjoy!

John Jenkins

First Special Collectors' club set for 2014! John Jenkins Collectors Club Colonel George Washington, was serving as a volunteer aide to General Braddock, on the ill- fated Monongahela Campaign. Although having been unwell with dysentery and suffering from Hemorrhoids, he was to perform bravely during the battle. During the two-hour battle, the 23 year-old Colonel Washington had ridden to and fro on the battlefield, delivering the general's orders to other officers and troops. The officers had been a special target for the Indians. Of the eighty-six British and American officers, sixty-three were casualties. Washington was the only officer on horseback not shot down. He was to have two horses shot from under him, and as the British withdrew from the battle, Washington was to organize the rear guard. Washington's first order of business was to get Braddock to safety. Fortunately for Washington, most of the opposing forces chose to loot the battleground rather than pursue Braddock's men across the Monongahela River. Momentarily out of harm's way, Braddock ordered Washington to rally the fleeing troops. As best he could, Washington was able to collect nearly 200 men-an insufficient number to stage a strong counter-attack. With increasing despair, Braddock ordered Washington to locate Colonel Thomas Dunbar and retrieve the men and supplies that were being held in reserve. Carrying out his assignment, Washington located Dunbar seven miles away. Although Washington desired to return to Braddock's side, he was overcome by fatigue-having been on horseback for well over twelve hours straight-and was forced to rest until the following morning. The next day, Braddock and the remainder of the army reached Dunbar's camp and plans began anew to orchestrate a deliberate retreat. Unable to effectively lead, Braddock relinquished command to Dunbar. Braddock struggled on for another day before dying at night on July 13, 1755. The following day, Washington fittingly chose a spot along Braddock's road and buried his commanding officer. Fearing that enemy soldiers would attempt to locate Braddock's body, Washington directed the wagon train and foot soldiers to march over the recently disturbed earth to cover any signs of Braddock's recent burial. For the remainder of the retreat, Washington spent time caring for and comforting fellow staff-officers, Roger Morris and Robert Orme, who were being carried along on horse-litters. The sight of Morris and Orme served as a reminder to Washington of the absolute defeat Braddock's army suffered at Monongahela. Of the 1,459 men in Braddock's expedition, 977 were wounded or killed-including sixty-three officers. Although technically not in command, Washington earned high praise for helping to save the British army from complete destruction at The Battle of Monongahela. JJCLUB-SET#17 -- Battle on the Monongahela 1755, Colonel George Washington This will be the first Special Collectors' club set for 2014. Please note that there will be a 30 day PREVIEW period, when the Special Collectors' Club set will be shown as an unpainted prototype. There will be a further 30 day PREORDER period when a picture of the painted figure will be released. The number of PREORDERS received at this time will be the LIMITED EDITION of that special Collectors' Club set. Production of the figure will then take approximately 30-90 days. Deadline for placing your order September 30th 2014! John Jenkins Collectors Club Happy Hunting!

Updates

Well, hello anyone out there and welcome to August. This is a bit of a lazy month for me. I'm on holiday and have not long got back from spending a few days enjoying the hills and rolling countryside of mid-Wales

I thought I'd better get around to writing some posts so here goes. I decided to kick off with some news about a few updates, firstly to the blog page. I've put a couple of links in the sidebar section to YouTube channels I currently subscribe to, one music related and the other a link to a close friend's comedy channel

I now have a Facebook 'persona' and have included a link to my FB page. At the bottom of the blog page you will find an image link to the site where I got hold of the animated Facebook logo from that you will find in my link [I hope they appreciate the plug ;-)]

I've spent a bit of time updating my Amazon Store, adding a few more category pages and selecting a few more items for some of the pages I already created so why not take a look and see if you can spot anything there you like the look of

Finally, I've also 'updated' my collection a little since I posted last by moving the three mounted figures that appeared in my latest additions post to a different diorama. Take a look at the photos

Happy Hunting!

Michael Wittmann Diorama

It's early in the morning, or maybe late in the day, and very soon we will be at the beginning of August, a fateful month 70 years ago this year for one highly successful and highly decorated tank commander by the name of Michael Wittmann

Some time ago now I decided to put together a diorama featuring Wittmann and The Collectors Showcase model of the Tiger 1 he was commanding when he achieved his famous victory against a British armoured column in Villers-Bocage. I posted about my plans at the time but never got round to posting about the final outcome, namely the completed diorama. I haven't been deliberately putting it off but I was thinking about it again the other day and soon realised that this year, 2014, is the 70th anniversary of his death. What better time then to finally get to grips with that post?

The more historically aware readers might be thinking at this point that Wittmann died in August, not July, and on August 8th, rather than right at the beginning of the month, and of course you'd be right. On August 4th I will be travelling to the picturesque countryside of central Wales to enjoy a few days holiday with the family, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the almost constant distractions afforded to me by electronic devices and the world wide web. Whilst I won't be entirely 'out of the loop' I certainly won't be sitting down at a machine typing blog posts! So, I decided to get this one in a little ahead of time in that sense

This post isn't a personal tribute, nor is it intended to be a history lesson. For anyone interested in finding out more about the details of Wittmann's life as a tank commander, and/or his death at the hands of the Allies in 1944, then there's plenty of information to look at on the internet. I have taken the liberty of including a few details here, together with links to a handful of what I consider to be fairly reliable and informative sites

Information taken from Panzerace.net

Information taken form Achtungpanzer.com

The bulk of the post consists of photographs of the completed diorama which, hopefully, you will enjoy my sharing with you and from which you may be able to take some ideas or inspiration for dioramas of your own. At this point I'd just like to say that whilst the photographs are my own work, the diorama most certainly is not. I planned it and sketched it out, decided what figures and models I waned to include and then parted with the cash, but the real hard work is down to one man and one man alone, the incomparable David Marshall, the owner and creative genius behind TM Terrain, whose work you will no doubt have seen many times over at toy soldier and wargaming shows or on the pages of Toy Soldier Collector

The inspiration behind the diorama was the Wittmann Tiger and additional crew figures sets released by TCS a while back. The sets themselves were inspired by the photograph of Wittmann that almost every student of WW2 military history must surely know, the one of him sitting proudly atop the turret of a recently manufactured Tiger tank. King and Country had already produced a three figure set depicting a group of Wehrmacht press men and so I decided to take these sets, together with a pinch or two of artistic license and a soupcon of counter-factual history and build my diorama around the taking of this now iconic photograph

Imagine if you will, Wittmann has recently been awarded the Oak Leaves to his Knights Cross and in celebration of this event he is being photographed en route to arguably his most famous victory at Villers-Bocage, surrounded by admiring onlookers and soon to be fellow combatants. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them and putting the diorama together

The diorama depicts a somewhat battered road and a muddy track 'somewhere' in France, bordered by trees and open fields. It comprises four terrain boards, each measuring approximately 12" square, which can be displayed as separate stand alone pieces or be placed together to make a larger scene as shown here

A few shots of some of the 'onlookers and soon to be fellow combatants'

Pulling up just behind Wittmann's Tiger I have chosen to put this rather nice model of a Panzer IV made by Figarti. Wittmann's Tigers were supported by such a vehicle from the Panzer Lehr division during the action at VB

Tank and crew taking advantage of the opportunity to refuel

And so to the snapping of that iconic piece of propaganda. Wittmann sits proudly atop the turret of his newly acquired vehicle, accompanied by 'Bobby' Woll and other members of his crew

Finally, I thought you might be interested in this AV footage from YouTube, one of many such items relating to Wittmann and to German Panzers more generally. I hope you enjoy the post