DISPATCHES
MAY 2009
ONE OF THE THINGS
we pride ourselves in at King & Country is
delivering what we promise… when we promise it… Barring earthquakes… recessions…
and other man-made disasters we try to do our level best to bring collectors
something new and, we hope, exciting every single month of the year. I think
it’s sometimes forgotten by some people and maybe even taken for granted by
others but it’s the way we like to do business both for our collectors… and
our K&C dealers.
In “Ancient
Times” we focused all our energies on twice a year for major announcements
and launches—usually coinciding with September’s Chicago Show or the March Westcoaster. Experience has shown us that a steady and
reliable release schedule makes better business sense and ensures something for
most collectors throughout the year… every year.
So, here’s what
we’ve got for you this time around…
1. AVAILABLE IN MAY…
A. “Life
at the Berghof”
As previewed in
last month’s “DISPATCHES” here is one of the “big hits” of the
recently passed “Westcoaster”…
In 1933, Der Fuhrer purchased a simple Alpine cottage
in the Obersalzberg mountains
of
Soon the Berghof became Hitler’s Southern headquarters, second only
in importance to
Here, for the first
time in many, many years is a miniature scale replica of the Berghof’s frontage and patio, alongwith
some interesting domestic additions…
LAH099 “Hitler & Blondi”
Although not very
fond of many human beings Adolf Hitler genuinely loved animals… especially
dogs. Here, “Der Fuhrer”, clad in his simple
field g
Most of the staff who looked after, served and protected Hitler at the Berghof were selected from his SS bodyguard regiment, “Leibstandarte
Adolf Hitler”.
This unique little
set comprises three of his SS mess waiters… one carrying the Fuhrer’s favourite chocolate cake… another pouring coffee… and a
third overseeing the other two!
All three are
dressed in short, white mess jackets and black trousers.
Taken from actual
photos… we’ve replicated the kind of table and chairs utilized at the Berghof. The set includes one table plus four chairs.
Again using
extensive photo archives of the real building we’ve reconstructed a two-piece
miniature of the Berghof’s façade and outdoor patio.
Built in typical
Alpine chalet style our model can accommodate several table
and chair sets (LAH102) and numerous Nazi personalities… both famous and
infamous.
Each two-piece
set, crafted in sturdy polystone, comes in its own special box.
SPECIAL NOTE: Look out for more of those famous and
infamous personalities in the coming months… specially designed for the Berghof!
Berghof
Dimensions:
Berghof
Patio:
In March we
introduced our new “
Just
as British troops had adapted their uniforms… their equipment… and their
tactics since 1914 so had their Imperial German Army opponents.
By 1917 the typical
German “Soldaten” was wearing the by now
famous “coal-scuttle” steel helmet and a much simpler, more practical
uniform. Many had even adopted the cloth leggings called “puttees” from
the British troops in preference to their own traditional jackboots.
Their fighting
skills however were just as deadly and efficient as before perhaps even
improved by three hard years of battlefield experience.
These new K&C
First World War Germans are determined to put up a fierce fight even as their
British opponents approach their front-line trenches…
Mauser Pistol in hand this officer is frantically
calling for reinforcements!
Two
man-set complete with plenty of “potato-mashers”.
As the gunner aims
his Maxim ’08 Machine Gun his “number-two” brings up extra ammo.
FW053 “Kneeling Firing Rifleman”
FW055 “Advancing with Rifle & Bayonet”
FW056 “Standing Sniper”
FW057 “
Three “coal-scuttle”
German artillerymen prepare to fire their field gun at the advancing enemy.
Note the splinter camouflage paint scheme.
FW058 “
An
alternative 1914 version of the 77 field gun with an early-war 3-man crew to
match.
FW059 “Artillery
A great add-on
figure to command the early-war field gun set.
AVAILABILITY: Mid May
As usual, no
“DISPATCHES” is complete without the latest “Streets of Old
HK174 “Sampan Set #
HK175 “Sampan Set #
Always useful in
any scene!
Available Now!
Not previously
mentioned, but coming on stream now… is our brand-new JETTY. With several of
K&C series being water-related we thought it was about time we provided
some kind of landing dock or jetty where our nautical items could berth
alongside… and now here it is…
This handy
structure is the perfect setting for our latest “Sampans” to moor
alongside… at the same time it can also be used singly or in multiples to make
a dockside scene for any of the naval vessels we are currently working on and
about to release.
Constructed
in mixed media of polystone and expanded polyurethane the structure measures
length
Have a look at some
of our photos to see how useful it is with any kind of port display and
diorama.
2. “NOW, WHAT’S COMING IN JUNE?”
JUNE at K&C
usually means… D.Day. And
this month we’ve got something really special… a brand-new, never seen before,
landing craft. It’s been a long time since we last ventured into these waters
and it’s long overdue! So here it is…
A. DD107 “The LCA (Landing Craft Assault)”
This British
designed and built LCA actually made up the bulk of the landing craft used to
put infantry on the beaches on D. Day itself. All of the British and Canadians
used these little craft as well as some of the American forces. Did you know
that the
To the best of my
knowledge this is the first time such a unique landing craft has been released
by any toy soldier/ military miniature company in
Our polystone and
metal craft comes in typical two-tone British naval camouflage and is crewed by
two Royal Navy matelots—one Cox’n
and one Bren Gunner.
Its dimensions are:
Length
Well, a landing
craft with no soldiers wouldn’t look very good, would it? So, we thought it
might be a good idea to add a squad of British infantry and here they are… in
action!
This three-man
section comprises… one standing Bren Gunner plus two riflemen.
A
tribute in miniature to the men who risked their lives to tend their wounded
comrades often under fire.
Here, a kneeling medic tries desperately to save a seriously wounded “Tommy”.
DD110
“Attacking!”
As one soldier sits
wounded, another provides covering fire and the remaining “Tommy” runs
forward.
DD111 “Moving Inland”
A
lying prone Bren Gunner alongside a kneeling rifleman and an advancing “Tommy”.
SPECIAL NOTE: All of these first infantry releases are
from the 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment of the British 3rd. Infantry Division that
landed on
ADDITIONAL NOTE: This is just the first part of a major
two-part launch of British and Canadian forces that are being released in June
and July of this year… more info next month.
It’s a bit of a
leap, historically speaking, from
“Vive les Dragons a Pied!”
(“Long Live the Foot Dragoons!”)
For several years (1803-1806)
Napoleon’s Armies suffered an amazing shortage of horses… This meant that some
cavalry units and Regiments were forced to fight on foot. Perhaps the most
famous were the Dragoons. Originally formed as mounted infantry the Emperor
decreed that the Dragoons would be better suited to fight as dismounted
soldiers than any of their cavalry compatriots.
Although they never
liked losing their horses the Dragoons performed admirably in this new role for
a limited period. After all, the Emperor’s orders were… the Emperor’s wishes!
End of story…
K&C has
produced no less than 15 different troopers of the famed 16th. Dragoons of the line. In their green tunics with rose pink
facings only one of our figures is mounted the remainder are
in marching, parade or action poses.
Take a closer look.
NA170 “Mounted
NA171 “Marching Drummer”
NA172 “Marching
NA173 “Marching w/ Rifle”
NA174 “Marching Set”
NA175 “Marching w/ Flag”
NA176 “Advancing Forward”
NA177 “Shouting Corporal”
NA178 “Standing Firing”
NA179 “Standing Ready”
NA180 “Ready to Repel”
NA181 “Standing Attention”
NA182 “Present Arms”
Either individually
or in multiples these new Dragoons provide extra colour and display
opportunities for any serious Napoleonic collector.
3.
“BEING RETIRED
THIS MONTH”
AE004 “The Architects”
AE008 “Mummy Painter”
AE009 “Standing Guardsman”
AE010 “Marching Guardsman”
CW001 “
CW003 “Stonewall Jackson (Mtd.)”
CW005 “Confederate Bugler”
DD069
“BRIG.
GEN. NORMAN”
DD070 “Lt. Col. Ben VANDERVOORT”
NA091 “French Cavalry –
NA092 “Chasseur Sergeant”
NA095 “Chasseur Trooper”
WS097 “Medic Evac
Motorcycle Combo”
And so, another “DISPATHCES”
goes by… we hope, as always, you’ll find something that pleases you and excites
your customers.
Many thanks again
for your continued support… loyalty… and business… All the very best!
Andy C. Neilson
Co-founder & Creative Director
King & Country