Afrika Korps (1 Viewer)

Capitolron

Capitolron

Lieutenant Colonel
Joined
Jan 6, 2007
Messages
7,717
Gentlemen

I thought it was time to start a thread on the AFRIKA KORPS - now that I am "hip-deep" into the range and comitted for the long haul - let chat about this range and figures.

First let me start off with I wish I had gotten into this sooner. I remember back in 2000 and 2001 - I really like these guys - but, I was then (AND STILL TODAY ;) ) comitted to my NAPOLEONICS. I really loved this part of WWII and appreciate the work that the Brits, Kiwis, Ozzies, Indians, S. Africans as well as the Scots, Irish and Welsh did in fighting in the Desert.

Oh course we all know the tide really turned when the Americans got there :rolleyes: ;)

But, one of my most favorite programs on TV back in the '70's was RAT PATROL - oh man did I love that show. :D

Anyway - this range has really been special to me - so what about you?
 
This has always been my favorite range. When Andy launched Afrika Corps back in September, 1997, I not only bought the whole range, as well as the wood desert Hanomag, I even bought the Diorama Andy depicted in the flyer. Since then I have bought every desert item I could get my hands on. There is something compelling about battle in the deserts of North Africa. The men who fought there were a special breed, from the Long Range Desert group and the SAS through the Desert rats and the rest of the 8th Army, the ANZAC forces who held Tobruk, to the Germans and Italians who proved to be worthy adversaries despite insurmountable supply problems.
 
I've loved this series for quite a while and except for the early AK, I have all of the EA and AK, except for a couple of the Vichy Camels. The sculpting is top rate, going all the way back to 2002.

If you're interested in doing some reading, I can reccommend John Bierman and Colin Smith's The Battle of Alamein Turning Point World War II. It's been recently reissued under a different name. Good intro.

Also check out Alan Moorehead's books on the African campaign.

Another good is Jon Latimer's Alamein, available in paperback.

Another excellent two volume series is Barrie Pitt's The Crucible of War.
 
Brad, agree. The Crucible of War is superb, probably my favourite on WW2.

Ron, agree with you about the Rat Patrol, loved it. Good job Hollywood never let the truth get in the way of a good story.;)

Louis, I think your diorama was cheap at twice the price, whatever you paid, and can't say how thrilled I was to see your fantastic collection.

The standard of the whole range is really good in my opinion. Generally, I think we need many more Commonwealth forces including French and and Poles that were British equiped, in both the Med and Europe. Also some desert red devils and SAS/LRDG.
 
I can see it now. John Gamble, sitting by the pool drinking his beer, shaking with excitement as he reads this thread;)
 
we need more Palm Trees - I have all the Dept 56 - Andy needs to do some Palm Trees !!

We have Camels and a Oasis - now is the time for PALM TREES - whos with me??? :D
 
Great topic Ron.

The AK 11 through 20 and the initial British release is what sealed the deal for me and got me to approach Andy about becoming a dealer (luckily he took me on as a dealer). AK 16 is perhaps my most favorite K & C set of all time, love the bleached out tunics, a great effect Andy did in that set.

Also love the Aussies in action, wish he would do more for Africa and also a range for the Far East, along with Chindits, Ghurkas, Japanese, Merrills boys, my second favorite campaign after Normandy. The second batch of British sets for Africa flew under the radar, I like the two in action sets very much and the Indian MG team..................
 
I loved this campaign from when I was a kid and built Tamiya models. By chance, I just came across the King & Country AK line earlier this year and in the past few months have purchased almost all of the retired AK sets (except 1-9) and a chunk of the ones still in production. I hope to have the entire series (including the EA stuff) by the end of the year (and I haven't really had to mess with Ebay to do it). The AK series is so well done. Andy has been really cool and I understand he really likes the series too. I'm very pumped about what is in the works for AK and EA this year and next.
 
AK Series is something that really draws people attention. I have found that the Desert War period has an "even keel" approach towards the Germans by people who would normally frown on other German sets. I guess there is a civilary sense to this conflict during WWII or maybe the fact the only you had wasnt British or German - but the elements as well.

There is also something mystical about Africa.........even the Desert.

Cassablanca, Sahara, Desert Fox and many other movies brings out a greater sense with this WWII conflict and struggle.

Well my thoughts for now. :D
 
Bierman and Smith's book mentioned earlier was reissued under the title War Without Hate and there is a mystique, true or not, that this was a chivalrous war, that either side would take care of the other's casualties as if their own and so forth. It was probably pure battle tactics as there were no civilians and the sand and its denizens probably gave it a different air, a different feel.
 
Thanks for the tips on the books Brad.I love this range.I think as well as the Historical draw it has with Monty and the Eigth,the quality of the figures released so far just makes this series come alive.All the AK stuff is cool.The recent addition of those camels just added to the desert atmosphere,yes i think (and hope)this range goes on and on.


Rob
 
P1G - Monty Who?? ................... ;)

I have just recently got all my Camels and they do look great - especially next to the Panzer IV - kinda Old World meets New World in the Desert.

I just notice - that there really not that many AK Sets currently out for the Germans - or the British for that matter. Hopefully we will see some more new things in the June Dispatches. :D
 
Rob said:
Thanks for the tips on the books Brad.I love this range.I think as well as the Historical draw it has with Monty and the Eigth,the quality of the figures released so far just makes this series come alive.All the AK stuff is cool.The recent addition of those camels just added to the desert atmosphere,yes i think (and hope)this range goes on and on.


Rob
Click to expand...

There is another nice one, put out by the Imprerial War Museum, which I found through abebooks.com, from a British seller, called The Imperial War Museum Book of the Desert War, 1940-1942, by Adrian Gilbert. Lot of great photos and drawings.
 
Capitolron said:
P1G - Monty Who?? ................... ;)

I have just recently got all my Camels and they do look great - especially next to the Panzer IV - kinda Old World meets New World in the Desert.

I just notice - that there really not that many AK Sets currently out for the Germans - or the British for that matter. Hopefully we will see some more new things in the June Dispatches. :D
Click to expand...

I am so tired of hearing/reading "I want/make this" from a certain person on hear, I'll call him JohnG (not his real name), but now we are hearing it from Ron. Go to the suggestion thread and post all you want about making every single vehicle and every single soldier from every single country that was involved in WWII.

Since I just posted that, there should be no more of a need to post any wants, because I covered everything. Have a good day.
 
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