K&C July 2011 Dispatches (1 Viewer)

[Peter Reuss]

DISPATCHES
JULY 2011
AS SOME OF YOU KNOW, Helen (K&C’s Managing Director) and yours truly got back from a 9 day trip to Australia in mid-June. This annual event (our third) gives us the opportunity to meet and talk with many Aussie collectors and our two main dealers in Australia. During these visits we get to preview our upcoming Australia Light Horse releases but even more importantly we get the chance to hear what both collectors and dealers would like to see for their particular market. The ideas and suggestions are extremely helpful while at the same time bringing collector, dealer and manufacturer closer together.
We’ve found the same experience when we go to the States twice a year… to Chicago, Irvine and San Antonio. Add in our December trip to Italy, France and the U.K., and you begin to get a broader appreciation of the international appeal of toy soldiers… and the different national tastes in each country.
All of this information (plus a lot more) goes into what K&C does… when we do it… and how. So, having said all that… here’s this and next month’s releases…
1. WHAT’s NEW IN JULY…
A. “Belgium 1815… Marching to Waterloo.”
Our new “French Line Infantry Regt.” are wearing the updated “1812” pattern tunic and the more relaxed (or practical) style of military dress adopted by the Emperor’s army during the “100 Days” campaign following his escape from Elba.
NA228 “French Line Infantry Mtd. Officer”
NA229 “French Line Marching Officer”
NA230 “French Line Flagbearer”
NA231 “French Line Drummer Boy”
NA232 “French Line Marching Rifleman (right shoulder)”
NA233 “French Line Marching Rifleman (left shoulder)”
NA234 “French Line Marching Rifleman (w/ beard)”
NA235 “French Line Make Ready”
NA236 “French Line Advancing Forward”
AVAILABLE: NOW
B. “Afrika Korps Add-Ons”
AK074 “Afrika Korps Volkswagen”
This is the third and final “Series 250” Volkswagen. This version has, again, a roofrack of extra supplies of ammunition, fuel and water. In addition a swastika emblazoned flag has been attached to the roof for easy aircraft recognition.
AK076 “Afrika Korps Feldgendarme”
The ubiquitous “chained dogs” get everywhere… even North Africa!
K&C’s single figure is dressed in typical AK attire topped off with German-style “Solar Topee” (sun helmet).
AVAILABLE: Mid July
C. “Beersheba 1917”
Our newest addition to the very popular Australia Light Horse series of Aussie and Turkish soldiers battling it out at the Palestinian town of Beersheba…
AL021 “Standing Lighthorseman”
While most of the Brigade were charging the Turkish defenses in and around Beersheba some men had to be left behind to guard the supplies and the headquarters. Our “digger” is one of them.
AL022 “Turkish Casualty”
As he runs toward the Australian horseman this unfortunate “Johnny Turk” takes a bullet in the neck!
AL023 “Surrender or Die!”
A wounded Turk is given a dramatic option by a dismounted Light Horseman.
AL024 “Collapsing Horseman”
The Turks were not the only casualties of the battle… Here a fallen Lighthorseman is almost trampled to death by his wounded charger.
AL025 “General Kemal Attaturk”
Although the founder of modern, progressive Turkey was not at Beersheba here is how he might have looked had he been!!!
This Turkish senior officer fears for the worst as the Australians get nearer and nearer… pistol in one hand… binos in the other.
AVAILABLE: Mid July
D. “Royal Air Force Support Vehicles”
From the deserts of the Middle East in 1917 to airfields in Britain and France during the Second World War…
RAF027 “RAF Bedford QL Fuel Bowser” (Series 250) UK version
This is the iconic fuel truck of WW2 and for many years after the war… Painted in the distinctive blue and yellow colour scheme for easy recognition in UK airfields these vehicles remained on active service for many years after 1945.
AVAILABLE: Mid July
RAF029 “RAF Bedford QL Fuel Bowser” (Series 250) Normandy version
This alternative fuel bowser is in the “Mickey Mouse” pattern (black and olive drab) camouflage typical of RAF and British Army vehicles used on the continent after the D.Day landings.
AVAILABLE: Late July
SPECIAL NOTE: These particular models have additional fine detail and some delicate parts. EXTRA CARE should be taken when opening, removing and handling them out of their packaging. PLEASE DO NOT GRIP THEM by their extension arms… fuel lines or side walkways. A special photo instruction leaflet is included in each box. Thanks!

 

[Peter Reuss]

2. COMING IN AUGUST
A. “Napoleon in Egypt… Part 2”
Many thanks to all the collectors who welcomed this new series into the “Age of Napoleon”. We’re proud to announce the next five pieces…
NE004 “Soldier Pointing”
Another of Bonaparte’s men pointing out the ancient wonders of the Land of the Nile.
NE005 “Soldier with Sun Canopy”
This infantryman has rigged up an ingenious way to shade himself from the blazing desert sun…
NE007 “Chef de Musique”
This colourful Napoleonic musician has definitely “gone native”… In addition to his baggy Mameluke-style pantaloons he has also equipped himself with a Mameluke sabre.
NE009 “The Monument”
Soldiers the world over, have, for centuries sought to leave their mark… On these ancient stones one of Bonaparte’s men has already carved the General’s name.
NE014 “The Graffiti Artist”
One more French infantryman cannot resist the impulse to leave his name on the “Ancient World”
NOTE: Look out for more “Napoleon in Egypt” releases later this year!
AVAILABLE: Early August
B. “Ancient Egypt again… A little earlier.”
Many centuries before Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Egypt another ruler made her name there… Cleopatra!
AE039 “Cleopatra and Her Handmaidens”
Egypt’s fabled Queen enhances her natural attractions with a little cosmetic assistance. Three figure set.
AE040 “Court Official”
While the Queen beautiful herself one her high officials makes a report…
From the goings-on at court we move to a more humble duty…
AE043 “Woman carrying Water”
A classic pose for an everyday occurrence and… a useful figure in any Middle Eastern scenario.
AVAILABLE: Early August
MOVING FORWARD A FEW CENTURIES MORE… AND A LONG WAY AWAY…
C. “SCOTS WHA HAE!”
In Scotland in 1314, the nation was still under English rule… the times however were about to change and the Scots were about to challenge the might of the English Crown…
During my schooldays (many moons ago) every Scottish school boy knew the story of the Battle of Bannockburn when King Robert the Bruce won Scotland’s freedom from England and the rule of Edward II.
One of the most famous events of the battle actually happened the day before…
Robert the Bruce was in front of his small Scottish Army when on English Knight… Sir Henry de Bohun detached himself from the much larger English Army and charged his heavy war horse across the heath that separated both forces and headed straight for The Bruce.
De Bohun, lowered his lance and prepared to “spear” the lightly armed Bruce from his saddle… At the last minute Bruce neatly sidestepped his own mount and brought down his battle axe on de Bohun’s helmet, cleaving it and its owner’s head in two! A great cheer went up from the Scots… a loud collective groan from the English…
One nil for Scotland and a terrific omen for the battle the following day…
MK083(SL) “THE DUEL” (Robert the Bruce and Henry de Bohun)
This great two-piece vignette captures the moment when the Scottish King is about to bring his battle axe down on de Bohun’s head!
A “Strictly Limited” Edition of 750 sets
AVAILABLE: Mid August
D. “THE TYPHOON TANKBUSTER”
Moving on from a time when English and Scots were fighting each other to a time when together they were fighting a much more dangerous and deadly foe…
RAF030 “The HAWKER TYPHOON MK.1B”
Widely recognized as the best and toughest ground /attack fighter bomber of WW2 the HAWKER TYPHOON is K&C’s most detailed warbird yet! Our version of this powerful aircraft carries 8 underwing, anti- tank rockets and has 4 hard- hitting Hispano cannon. A seated pilot is in the cockpit of this Typhoon from 257 squadron, Royal Air Force. It also bears the bold black and white “invasion stripes” of all Allied aircraft flying over the Normandy landing beaches on and after June 6, 1944.
NOTE: Just 500 are being manufactured.
Supporting this Typhoon on the ground are a selection of RAF ground crew…
RAF031 “Rocket Primers”
Two RAF Aircraftsmen assemble one of the tank-busting rockets.
RAF032 “Rocket Handler”
A single RAF ground crew member “shoulders” one of the rockets to the aircraft.
RAF033 “Sitting Airman”
Many wartime photos show airmen “perched” on the wing of an aircraft… including Typhoons.
RAF034 “Airman Radio Operator”
Equipped with a back pack radio this airman is in touch with other RAF ground / air units in the area.
RAF035 “Typhoon Pilot”
Enjoying a welcome “smoke” and a cup of “Char” this pilot is taking a welcome breather between ops!
RAF036 “Flight Sergeant”
A “new” version of an old favourite… from our Battle of Britain set of RAF Ground Crew dating back almost 20 years!
UNIFORM NOTE: By mid-war many RAF pilots and ground crew could be seen wearing British Army battledress (with relevant RAF rank badges) while on active duty.
As these releases go with our new Hawker Typhoon as it might be seen in forward battle airfields in Normandy after the invasion it is appropriate that some of them are in army Khaki as well as RAF blue.
AVAILABLE: Late August
E. “RETURN TO AFRIKA”
And you thought we had finished with our adventures in the Middle East…
AK078 “AK Officer with Schmeisser”
Wearing his AK greatcoat to fend off the desert chill this officer is about to fire a burst from his machine pistol…
AK079 “AK Rifle Section”
Two more greatcoat-clad infantrymen with rifles.
AK080 “AK Grenadier”
AK081 “AK Machine Gunner”
Difficult but not impossible… this gunner fires his magazine- fed MG34 from the hip.
AK082 “AK Observation Team”
This two-man set of officer and NCO… One observes the enemy position… the other uses the field telephone to call in an artillery or mortar strike.
AK083 “British Prisoner”
For this dejected Tommy a POW cage looms up!
AK084 “Panzerjager 1”
Based on a Panzer 1 tank chassis this self-propelled gun mounts a 4.7 cm Czech-made Skoda gun and was the first German tank destroyer of WW2.
Our model comes with a standing crewman.
SPECIAL NOTE: A field-grey version will be released later in the year.
AVAILABLE: Late August
F. COMING IN EARLY SEPTEMBER
AK077 “AK Captured Morris CS8 15cwt. Truck” (Series 250)
As virtually everyone knows the German Army made much use of “captured” enemy vehicles throughout the war… Rommel’s Afrika Korps were no exception!
Here, complete with driver, is one of the “liberated” vehicles, the classic British Morris 15cwt. Truck still in its 8th Army colour scheme but with prominently displayed German crosses on the sides and on top of the engine.
Special Note: This little 15cwt truck is a “Series 250” release, three other versions will be available…
i) RAF (blue) with WRAF driver.
ii) 8th Army (desert splinter camo) with Aussie Driver
iii) British Army (black /Olive drab Mickey Mouse camo) with British Army driver.
Price / Release dates to be announced.
3. HEADING INTO THE SUNSET…”
And here are the latest retirements…
“Ancient Egypt”
AE029 “The Gift Givers”
“Saracens”
MK027 “Mounted Saladin”
“Age of Napoleon”
NA100 “French Line Infantry Sergeant Advancing”
NA101 “FLI Charging w/ Bayonet”
NA102 “FLI Advancing w/Rifle”
NA103 “FLI Advancing Loading”
NA104 “FLI Advancing Firing”
NA105 “FLI Advancing Casualty”
NA106 “FLI Advancing Pointing”
NA107 “FLI Kneeling Firing”
NA108 “FLI Kneeling Helping”
NA109 “FLI Lying Casualty”
NA110 “FLI Standing Firing Rifleman”
“Remember the Alamo!”
RTA038 “James McGee, Ireland -- Fighting Duo #1”
RTA041 “Andrew Kent, KY -- Fighting Duo #2”
“World War Two”
WS107 “German War Correspondent Set”
WS116 “Wehrmacht Officer Pointing”
WS131 “Sd. Kfz. 251/22 “Pakwagen” Ausf. D (Summer)”
And so friends, that’s the story so far… I hope you find something that you can add to your collections.
Many thanks again for your support and advice.
All the best and… adios for now!
Andy C. Neilson
Co-Founder & Creative Director
King & Country

 

[mikemiller1955]

I love this set...it's issued under the Crusade series (MK's)....which til this point has been Crusaders versus Saracens...I'm not sure how to work it into my dioramas though...

 

[mikemiller1955]

I'm curious if K&C is moving away from the Crusades (Holy Wars) and more into the direction of the Scottish/English Wars of the 13th and 14th Century......

I like these pieces and will buy them...working them into my Saracen/Knights diorama somehow...albeit historically innacurate...

but I'm kind of surprised by K&C jumping from Saracen/Knight sets to a vignette from the Battle of Bannockburn...

this is a great set...I love the poses and the history of the duel...revered by the Scottish historians as a most memorable piece of Scottish history...

I'm just curious if K&C is leaving the field of battle of the Crusades and going in a different direction...

if nothing else...this makes a fantastic little vignette with an amazing story behind it...

will anybody else that collects the Crusade series buy them and try to work them in to their Saracen based dioramas?

 

[mikemiller1955]

here's a good historical read on this vignette....

There now occurred one of the most memorable episodes in Scottish history. Henry de Bohun, nephew of the Earl of Hereford, was riding ahead of his companions when he caught sight of the Scottish king. De Bohun lowered his lance and began a charge that carried him to lasting fame. King Robert was mounted on a small palfrey and armed only with a battle-axe. He had no armour on. As de Bohun's great war-horse thundered towards him, he stood his ground, watched with mounting anxiety by his own army. With the Englishman only feet away, Bruce turned aside, stood in his stirrups and hit the knight so hard with his axe that he split his helmet and head in two. This small incident became in a larger sense a symbol of the war itself: the one side heavily armed but lacking agility; the other highly mobile and open to opportunity. Rebuked by his commanders for the enormous risk he had taken, the king only expressed regret that he had broken the shaft of his axe.

Cheered by this heroic encounter, Bruce's division rushed forward to engage the main enemy force. For the English, so says the author of the Vita Edwardi Secundi (Life of Edward II), this was the beginning of their troubles. After some fierce fighting, in which the Earl of Gloucester was knocked off his horse, the knights of the vanguard were forced to retreat to the Tor Wood. The Scots, eager to pursue, were held back by the command of the king.

 

[mikemiller1955]

found this pic...

 

[mikemiller1955]

here's a few more...

 

[bearybones]

I'm curious if K&C is moving away from the Crusades (Holy Wars) and more into the direction of the Scottish/English Wars of the 13th and 14th Century......

I like these pieces and will buy them...working them into my Saracen/Knights diorama somehow...albeit historically innacurate...

but I'm kind of surprised by K&C jumping from Saracen/Knight sets to a vignette from the Battle of Bannockburn...

this is a great set...I love the poses and the history of the duel...revered by the Scottish historians as a most memorable piece of Scottish history...

I'm just curious if K&C is leaving the field of battle of the Crusades and going in a different direction...

if nothing else...this makes a fantastic little vignette with an amazing story behind it...

will anybody else that collects the Crusade series buy them and try to work them in to their Saracen based dioramas?

Michael, this IS interesting, isn't it. I'm with you in taking abit of artistic license in order to add them to my diorama. I have already placed my order for this set and have a place reserved in my Crusades diorama for each of these characters. They'll have a slight role change though. The charging English knight will be ducking an arrow from a mounted Saracen archer and The Bruce on his fabulous rearing horse will be battling a Saracen who is also on a rearing horse. These two pairings should make two rather dynamic mounted fight scenes. Interestingly, although these two new mounted figures are supposed to be from a later time in history, they are not sporting any plate armor that was popular in their time, but are in chain mail armor that was common during the era of King & Country's previous Crusades figures. Look at the pictures you posted. They are all wearing some plate armor, but the figures in the K&C set are not. Perhaps this was done intentionally? Actually, the latest mounted Templar Knight on the rearing up horse that was recently released by K&C is wearing plate armor on his lower legs, which didn't become common until some time after the Third Crusade. Yet that Templar is intended to fit in with the Richard the Lionheart figure from K&C. I say these figures are all accurate enough for the Third Crusade . They aren't rediculously off, like if they were wearing a full suite of plate armor. Also included in my diorama are a fair number of the new First Legion Crusades figures, which are from a slightly later Crusade and time than the K&C offerings, but I think they tie in just fine. Here's the thing. I don't want to get too terribly concerned about absolutely perfect authenticity in every tiny detail in making our Crusades dioramas. Although I am taking great pains to make my diorama as generally realistic as is reasonably possible, I'm also doing it for the fun of it and I don't mind occasionally taking a slight bit of creativity and artistic license in order to be able to add a great new, colorful and/or dramtic figure to my diorama, which I think will enhace the whole display. In the case fo these two new wonderful figures, the armor fits into the time fo the Third Crusade quite accuartely, if you don't know the coats of arms of Robert the Bruce and the English knight. Not sure what to say about that crown on Robert's head though. That might take some thought. Got any ideas? Hey, my battle scene doesn't depict any specific engagement. It's just a general representation of the Third Crusade.

All of the above is just my own personal point of view, so if yours differs from mine, that's just fine too. We're all here to enjoy this wonderful hobby together in good company.

 

[bearybones]

here's a few more...

Wow Michael, you must have spent a lot of time finding all those great pictures of the fight. Thanks for doing that for us. Those battle axes sure must have been nasty little weapons!

 

[mikemiller1955]

Michael, this IS interesting, isn't it. I'm with you in taking abit of artistic license in order to add them to my diorama. I don't want to get too terribly concerned about absolutely perfect authenticity in every tiny detail in making our Crusades dioramas. Although I am taking great pains to make my diorama as generally realistic as is reasonably possible, I'm also doing it for the fun of it and I don't mind occasionally taking a slight bit of creativity and artistic license in order to be able to add a great new, colorful and/or dramtic figure to my diorama, which I think will enhace the whole display.

All of the above is just my own personal point of view, so if yours differs from mine, that's just fine too. We're all here to enjoy this wonderful hobby together in good company.

George...I'm glad you said this...I have never been anything closely related to a "rivet counter"...I buy for my own enjoyment and am often surprised when people complain about a small detail that is inaccurate on an otherwise beautiful piece...it's just not that important to me...

I will proudly display both Scottish king Robert of Bruce and Englishman Henry de Bohun on my front line fighting the Saracens...neither their Coat of Arms or his crown will deter me one bit...I'm like you...I collect for the fun of it...I think this dramatically posed set will look beautiful on my dio table and am anxious to get them...

I'm am curious if K&C is planning on moving the Medieval Knight's series in another direction than the Holy Crusade...

 

[bearybones]

George...I'm glad you said this...I have never been anything closely related to a "rivet counter"...I buy for my own enjoyment and am often surprised when people complain about a small detail that is inaccurate on an otherwise beautiful piece...it's just not that important to me...

I will proudly display both Scottish king Robert of Bruce and Englishman Henry de Bohun on my front line fighting the Saracens...neither their Coat of Arms or his crown will deter me one bit...I'm like you...I collect for the fun of it...I think this dramatically posed set will look beautiful on my dio table and am anxious to get them...

I'm am curious if K&C is planning on moving the Medieval Knight's series in another direction than the Holy Crusade...

That's an interesting question. I was also very surprised to see this being offered. I placed my order within an hour after first seeing it. Perhaps they feel they've covered about every angle on their Crusades line, which has run for many years now. There is also suddenly good competition for that line from at least one major competitor now. Perhaps they're testing the waters for possibly going in a slightly different, totally new and unique direction with their Medieval series. Then again, this is a limited edition piece and may just be a one-time theme and I do recall that they will be releasing more desert village pieces in the future, which would go well with Crusades dios. I expect we'll have the answer to this question when we see the next K&C Medieval release. I wonder when that will be. Stay tuned......To be continued..... Hey, that upcoming Egyptian woman carrying water in the Ancient Egypt series might look good in your new Arab village dio.

 

[bearybones]

George...I'm glad you said this...I have never been anything closely related to a "rivet counter"...I buy for my own enjoyment and am often surprised when people complain about a small detail that is inaccurate on an otherwise beautiful piece...it's just not that important to me...

I will proudly display both Scottish king Robert of Bruce and Englishman Henry de Bohun on my front line fighting the Saracens...neither their Coat of Arms or his crown will deter me one bit...I'm like you...I collect for the fun of it...I think this dramatically posed set will look beautiful on my dio table and am anxious to get them...

I'm am curious if K&C is planning on moving the Medieval Knight's series in another direction than the Holy Crusade...

Michael, I just remembered that the only standing figure in the previous Medieval release, Sir Archibalt Douglas (A.K.A. Captain America) is Scottish, as is Robert the Bruce. Coincidence or direction?