Anglo-Boer War Armored Train (1 Viewer)

[Dragoon]

William Hocker makes a Boar War series in the old toy soldier style. He has some very creative sets, including one with an airial balloon!
www.wmhocker.com

 

[ucla1967]

The Boer was has never enjoyed the poularity of the Zulu war with toy soldier collectors. Even with the centenary a few years ago nothing happened. In the bibliophile world the Boer war is very popular and there is a vast bibliography.
Regards
Damian Clarke

I have always had a special affection for the Boer War. I suspect its relative lack of popularity has to do with the uniforms. Also, the Michael Caine/Stanley Baker 1964 film "Zulu" does not have any Boer War popular counterpart that I can think of. Finally, we have British Infantry in their colorful scarlet coats fighting exotic Zulus with various head dresses and shields. Compared to British Infantry in khaki fighting Boer farmers in civilian clothes.

 

[ucla1967]

William Hocker makes a Boar War series in the old toy soldier style. He has some very creative sets, including one with an airial balloon!
www.wmhocker.com

You are absolutely right. Bill Hocker does have an extensive selection of Boer War sets. I have photos of the balloon set, oxen-train gun team, etc. from Bob Walker's collection. Incidently, he spent the entire day (Saturday) at Bob's house. Although I have know him for years from the Toy Soldier shows, I really got a chance to talk with him at length Saturday. BTW, he usually sells his sets at discounted "show special" prices at the West Coaster and Chicago Shows.

 

[damian]

There are a few movies with Boer War themes. The two that spring to mind are The Young Winston which recreates the armoured car incident and his escape from teh Model School in Pretoria and of course Breaker Morant about the Australians who were executed for allegedly shooting Boer prisoners. I have seen pictures of Wm Hockers sets and they look wonderful. Trophy also did some Boer War sets as I may have mentioned earlier. At the time of teh centenary Britaisn did do a limited edition Boer War set.
Regards
Damian Clarke

 

[ucla1967]

There are a few movies with Boer War themes. The two that spring to mind are The Young Winston which recreates the armoured car incident and his escape from teh Model School in Pretoria and of course Breaker Morant about the Australians who were executed for allegedly shooting Boer prisoners. I have seen pictures of Wm Hockers sets and they look wonderful. Trophy also did some Boer War sets as I may have mentioned earlier. At the time of teh centenary Britaisn did do a limited edition Boer War set.
Regards
Damian Clarke

Yes, I have seen and enjoyed both movies. I have one Trophy Boer War set---the City Imperial Volunteers---which I bought on eBay. They were described as Australians, oh well. Trophy also made a service wagon to go with that set. I have a set which I believe is a copy of a pricey (it sold for over $10,000) early Britains set of two supply wagons, each with four horses with two CIV riders plus two seated CIV. It also has a mounted CIV officer and 10 walking CIV at trail arms. Now wouldn't it be nice if it was an original, but I don't have the box.

 

[damian]

The Trophy CIV service wagon is currently listed on the Old Toy Soldier Home website
Regards
Damian

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Damian,

No inside info I just was speculating that since they were doing more Zulus they would probably revist the Sudan(I hope) its sort of a logical progression especially since that campaign hasnt been done very much. I have some great sets from Frontline but I would really like to add some sets from Britains since they are my favorites. We can hope right.

All the best

Dave

 

[Louis Badolato]

Soldiers of the World (a new Zealand producer sold through Tony Chicarello's Toy Soldier Gallery in Highland Falls, New York and Mike Rosso's Stockade Miniatures in Stroudsburg, PA) makes some nice glossy Boer War sets, including the Wolf Gun of Mafeking.

 

[ucla1967]

Soldiers of the World (a new Zealand producer sold through Tony Chicarello's Toy Soldier Gallery in Highland Falls, New York and Mike Rosso's Stockade Miniatures in Stroudsburg, PA) makes some nice glossy Boer War sets, including the Wolf Gun of Mafeking.

This reminded me that Kingcast also had Boer War sets including the gun from Mafeking which I once had years ago, but subsequently sold.

 

[damian]

Here is some Dragon Crest Boer War stuff
Regards
Damian

 

[kilted vampire]

I like the Sudan pic, any more?????

 

[damian]

I will see what I can do
Regards
Damian

 

[ucla1967]

I spoke to Bruce Roberts at the Chicago Show and asked him if he could make a Boer War armoured train. He said he thought he could, but the only problem would be the armoured engine; the gondola cars would be easy. I said that the price shouldn't be more than $300 which is in line with his ACW trains with artillery and mortars. I was very impressed that Bruce remembered me from 1993 or 94 by name; in fact, he came up to my room to see me with his son because he wanted to compliment me on my TS&MF magazine Imperial Productions article. He is a class act and has a great memory.

 

[kilted vampire]

I spoke to Bruce Roberts at the Chicago Show and asked him if he could make a Boer War armoured train. He said he thought he could, but the only problem would be the armoured engine; the gondola cars would be easy. I said that the price shouldn't be more than $300 which is in line with his ACW trains with artillery and mortars. I was very impressed that Bruce remembered me from 1993 or 94 by name; in fact, he came up to my room to see me with his son because he wanted to compliment me on my TS&MF magazine Imperial Productions article. He is a class act and has a great memory.

Mike if you need a chassis for the engine let me know I have a lot of them.

 

[ucla1967]

Michael

Do you have more than one engine chassis for a 1900 era train? If so, I am wondering how it could made to be armored.

 

[kilted vampire]

Michael

Do you have more than one engine chassis for a 1900 era train? If so, I am wondering how it could made to be armored.

Sheet metal my friend , sheet metal. Marx engines are simple and robust. and readily adaptable. Electric and wind up. Tons to find on ebay. Some even stream lined. Or a diesel chasis with full armour. You wood never know the difference. Most people like the side rod action of steamers. All you need is a good picture for a guide.