Here are your JUNE 2013
“DISPATCHES”
Hi Guys,
I’m
writing this June Dispatches on a grey, wet and miserable Saturday
morning 18 May…just a couple of days before I head off to the States and the
“Texas 2013 Toy Soldier Show”.
As we
said in last month’s “DISPATCHES” we’re focusing on one month at a time
in order for both collectors and dealers to study the releases in more detail
rather than perhaps being distracted by what’s coming in two month’s time.
Again, as you will see, it’s a fair mixture of different ranges and a variety
of time periods.
So without further ado…Let’s get started…
1.
APPEARING IN JUNE
A.
“ARNHEM…INTO BATTLE!”
Last month we
launched our first batch of “Pathfinder” British Paratroopers to join
our ARNHEM’44/Market Garden series. This month it’s the addition
of seven more men of the British 1st. Airborne Division including
another Victoria Cross winner…
MG037(P)
“Advancing With Rifle”
This para cautiously moves forward, his Lee Enfield rifle at the ready,
on the lookout for the enemy.
MG038(P)
“Advancing with Sten Gun”
Another para, perhaps in the same patrol as MG037, edges carefully on,
Sten Gun in one hand…signaling behind with the other.
MG039(P)
“Crouching Bren Gunner”
Holding what was probably the best Light Machine Gun of WW2 in his hands this “red
beret” can fit into any Arnhem display or diorama and look great!
MG040(P)
“Kneeling with Rifle”
One more airborne soldier with his trusty Lee Enfield…at the ready.
MG042(P)
“Major Robert Cain V.C.”
Robert Cain was a
company commander with the 2nd. Battalion, South Staffordshire
Regiment, part of 1st. Airborne’s Air Landing Brigade (they came by
glider not parachutes).
During Arnhem his
exemplary courage, leadership and skill with the PIAT anti tank rocket
launcher (knocking out several German tanks) led to him being awarded
Britain’s highest military honour. He was also wounded three times during
the battle but continued to fight and lead his men with great gallantry and
endurance throughout.
Our figure shows him pistol drawn moving to a new position with the PIAT
on his shoulder.
MG044(P)
“The Grenadier”
This Para is taking no chances…Sten Gun in one hand a “Mills” grenade in
the other…ready to throw.
MG045(P)
“Fighting Glider Pilot”
Many of the pilots in the “Glider Pilot Regiment” were former
soldiers…Once their glider had landed and disgorged the troops the pilot and co
pilot were expected to fight alongside their “human cargo”…This sergeant
pilot is no exception…Note his pilot’s wings above the left pocket on his “Denison”
smock.
AVAILABLE: Early June
B.
“A small Part of the Atlantic Wall”
Over the years
K&C has released several defense works showing different parts of Hitler’s
famed “Atlantic Wall” which he hoped would halt any possible Allied
invasion…from Norway in the North to the Pyranees in the South. Here
is the latest…
WS193 “Normandy
Pillbox”
This is one of the smaller German bunkers that could be found in Normandy and
elsewhere in occupied Europe…Usually manned by 4-6 soldiers this one had 3 x
gunports including a large one where a machine gun could be sited. It
also features a blast wall opposite the rear door and a detachable roof
allowing collectors to place figures where they like. As seen in our
photos this little pillbox has already experienced some Allied attention…
AVAILABLE: Mid June
C.
“Napoleon In Egypt”
Last month we
journeyed back to the “Land of the Nile” with our little selection of Ancient
Egyptian water craft…This month it’s a couple of millennium later with Napoleon’s
Legion’s descending onto the desert sands of Egypt.
NE022 “Standing
Guide”
A standing-at-attention trooper of the Regiment of Guides…He must be a
little hot under the collar of that colourful wool uniform but at least he’s
got a white neck cloth to protect him!!!
NE023 “Victim
of the Sun”
Napoleon’s men suffered agonies from the blistering hot Egyptian sun.
Here, one of Bonaparte’s infantrymen has collapsed from sun stroke or
heat exhaustion and is being assisted by one of his stronger comrades…A
great little double sculpt!
NE024 “Mounted
Mameluke”
Whenever Napoleon encountered a brave and skillful enemy he always tried
to recruit them into his army…after defeating them of course!
In Egypt he was mightily impressed by the Mamelukes who fought on the
Egyptian side and eventually recruited them for French service.
This proud dignified Mameluke officer was one of the first.
NE025 “Standing
Mameluke with Musket”
Although usually mounted Mamelukes in French service, often had to
perform certain military duties on foot.
NE027 “Donkey
Cavalier”
This French infantryman has commandeered a local donkey and an umbrella
to make “Campaigning” in the desert a less arduous experience.
NE033 “Demi-Brigade
Flagbearer”
Our first “Napoleon in Egypt” flagbearer had a major mistake…an
imperial eagle on the masthead of the flag before Bonaparte even became emperor!!!
Our new one accurately reflects what the flag could and should have looked
like…sorry!
AVAILABLE: Mid June
D.
“Off We Go Into The Wild Blue
Yonder!”
From desert sands
to clear blue skies over Normandy in June 1944…All in one fell swoop!
AF013 “Colonel
Glenn Eagleston”
Col.Eagleston had
a total of 181/2 victories during WW2 flying the Mustang.
On October 29, 1944 he shot down 3 x Me.109’s in a 30 minute dogfight!
After WW2 he served again in Korea where he flew the F86 “Sabre” and
added 2 x Mig.15’s to his tally.
AF015 “Captain
Donald J. Strait”
Don Strait flew with the 361st Fighter Squadron of the 356
Fighter Group and became their top ace with 131/2 victories…
all but 3 of them flying the P51 “Mustang”.
After WW2 he joined the New Jersey Air National Guard and served in
Korea and retired in 1978 as a Major General. Our new figure shows
him picking up his parachute prior to mounting his “Mustang”.
AF031 “P51D-Day Mustang”
This is K&C’s second P51D and shows a typical D.Day “Mustang”
complete with black and white invasion stripes and in natural metal finish with
some added olive drab camouflage on the top-side surfaces.
Our “Mustang” belongs to the “375th. Fighter Squadron” of
the “361st. Fighter Group” based at Bottisham Airfield near Cambridge in
Southern England in the summer of 1944.
Please Note: Just 250 of
this “P51D-Day Mustang” have been produced.
AVAILABLE: Mid-Late June
E.
“Fifty Shades of Field Grey”
Borrowing or
should I say adapting an infamous little erotic book title…Here are the latest
“Classic Wehrmacht” figures along with a great looking half-track to go
with them!
WS217 “Sd.Kfz.251
Half-Track”
This ubiquitous German fighting vehicle could be seen on every German
battlefield from the Caucasus in Russia to Cyrenaica in Libya and
all points in between.
Our battle-weary, dust covered “feldgrau” (field grey) version is
perfect for early to mid war battles and campaigns in Poland, France or
the Soviet Union.
Vehicle comes with fixed driver and detachable MG34 and antenna.
WS204 “Soldat
with Cigarette”
Classic figure in a classic WW2 pose.
WS205 “Soldat
Looking Right”
This guy looks happy and relaxed…does he not know what lies ahead?
WS206 “Soldat Drinking”
Marching on those dusty Russian roads is a thirsty business…
WS207 “Soldat
Carrying Crate”
Another of the “Soldaten” has been tasked with moving a crate of
ammunition.
WS208 “Soldat
Pointing”
“Put it over there!” This soldier seems to be saying.
All of these five figures are useful for any early to mid war scenario that
does not involve an actual battle.
AVAILABLE: Mid-Late
June
F.
“Fighting The Long Knives”
It’s always
exciting when a new series is launched because here at Head Office in Hong Kong
even we don’t know which ones will really take off like an express train…I’m
delighted to say that our revitalized and refocused “Real West”
series has done exactly that since we moved forward to the “Battle of
the Little Bighorn” and “Custer’s Last Stand”.
Here are the second group of “Pathfinder” Indian warriors…
TRW038(P)
“Sun Bear”
This mounted warrior with the buffalo-horn head dress looks ready to lance one
of the hated “blue-coats”.
TRW040(P) “Two
Moons”
Another mounted Sioux warrior firing his carbine at a dismounted cavalry
trooper.
TRW041(P) “Black Arrow”
A Cheyenne “dog-soldier” with the more traditional bow and arrow.
TRW043(P) “Brown Bull”
A kneeling, wolf-skin clad brave aiming his rifle at the enemy.
TRW045(P) “Running Deer”
Appropriately this well-armed Sioux warrior is wearing a deerskin
complete with deer’s head and antlers to frighten the rapidly retreating “Longknives”.
TRW046(P) “American Flag”
A triumphant chief holds his Winchester aloft as he snatches up one of
the 7th’s guidons.
AVAILABLE: Late June
2.
BEING RETIRED
Another
long list but some excellent bargains and great figures…Grab ‘em while you can,
you won’t regret it!
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BR075
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Royal Welch Fusilier Officer w/ Gloves
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BR076
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Royal Welch Fusilier Officer Saluting
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BR077
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Royal Welch Fusilier Presenting Arms
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BR078
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Royal Welch Fusilier Making Ready
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BR079
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Royal Welch Fusilier Standing Firing
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BR080
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Royal Welch Fusilier Kneeling Firing
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BR081
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Fusilier Kneeling Ready
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BR082
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RWF Officer with King's Colour
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BR082A
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RWF Officer with Regimental Flag
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EA040
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Major Paddy" Mayne S.A.S"
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EA046
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General Charles De Gaulle
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FW004
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Hindenburg
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FW040
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Advancing Officer
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FW041
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Kneeling Firing
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FW042
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Standing Firing
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FW048
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Lewis Gunner
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FW058
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77mm Artillery Set (1914)
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FW059
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Artillery Officer with Binos (1914)
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IF001
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Mounted Mussolini
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IF004
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Italian Forces, Marching Flagbearer
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IF005
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Italian Forces, Marching Rifleman
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IF006
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Italian Forces, At Attention Bugler
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IF007
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Italian Forces, At Ease Soldier
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IF008
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Italian Forces, Officer with Map
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LW050
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Exiting Pilot
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RTA044
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Dead Mexican Soldier
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SOE001
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Skinner's Horse Indian Subahdar
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SOE002
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Skinner's Horse Lancer
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SOE003
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Skinner's Horse British Officer
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TRW004
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Mounted Wolf's Head w/ Shield & Lance
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TRW005
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Warrior Defending
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TRW006
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Warrior Attacking
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TRW007
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Warrior w/ Knife
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TRW008
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Warrior w/ Musket
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WS165
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Pak 97/38 Anti-Tank Gun
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WS166
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Laying the MG42 Gun Set
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WS167
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Hitlerjugend, MP40 Set
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WS168
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Hitlerjugend, Kneeling Grenadier
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WS169
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Hitlerjugend, Ready...Aim...Fire
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Andy C. Neilson
Co-founder & Creative Director
King & Country
P.S. I’m now sitting in San Antonio’s historic Menger
Hotel after last weekend’s Texas Toy Soldier Show doing the
final “proof-reading” of this month’s “DISPATCHES”.
A very
big thankyou to all those great folks who took part and to those collectors who
flew, drove and walked to the show through the worst rains and floods San
Antonio has seen in many, many years!
