K&C September Dispatch (1 Viewer)

[Peter Reuss]

DISPATCHES
SEPTEMBER 2010
SEPTEMBER means CHICAGO…The biggest and best toy soldier show in the world and one of the major hilights of the KING & COUNTRY YEAR. As I wrote last month the whole team is frantically working away to get displays, samples and promotional material ready in time.
As for yours truly… well brother Gordon and me will be flying to San Francisco on Friday 17 September to link up with Mike & Myszka of Sierra Toy Soldiers in San Jose Ca. for a weekend of “meeting ‘n’ greeting” their collectors at their great store.
Then we’ll fly to Chicago on Monday 20 September and probably be the first arrivals for the show at Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg! The rest of the K&C team Patrick, Helen and Chris Munro of the American Model Dockyard in Cambria Ca. will arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Our team from San Antonio’s Kings X… K&C co owner Laura Johnson and her son Jamie plus Martin will fly in on Friday.
It’s going to be a great week for K&C collectors, dealers and all of us. We look forward to meeting up and talking with many of you… But first…
1. WHAT’S NEW IN SEPTEMBER?
a) “HITLERJUGEND IN NORMANDY” Part One
Originally, K&C intended for this big WW2 release to be launched in two halves… first half in August… second in September. Alas, because of a delay at one our factories in China both will now be available in September!
So, here goes…

WS163 “Talking Tankers”
Two Waffen SS Panzer officers discuss the tactical situation.

WS164 “Kneeling HJ Officer”
One of the veteran 1st SS officers transferred to lead the young inexperienced HJ boys into battle.

WS165 “Pak 97/38 Anti Tank Gun”
This was a typical German combination of utilizing a captured enemy weapon (in this case the French canon de 75 model 1897) and the carriage of their proven German Pak 38.
Entering wide-spread service in 1942 it was one of the principal anti tank guns supplied to the Hitlerjugend Division just before Normandy.
Our model comes with a three-man crew in action poses.
SPECIAL NOTE:
This gun can also be “pulled” behind by the new Raupenschlepper.

WS166 “Laying the MG42 Gun Set”
Providing the extra fire power to keep the Allied heads down this three-man set takes careful aim.

Waffen SS on Parade
WS162 “Waffen SS Officer w/Sword”
This 2nd SS “DAS REICH” armoured division officer in full Panzer black uniform w/ sword.

WS178 ““DAS REICH” Banner Bearer”
Another marching officer in full Panzer black uniform with Divisional Banner.

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

b) “Here Comes The Tilly!”
As one of the first “SERIES 250” here are the two for September… the RAF blue version and the sand-coloured desert 8th Army one. The third one will be available in October.

RAF026 “Austin Light Utility” (RAF Version)
Perfect for any airfield scene. This model comes with detachable rear canvas canopy and a seated Women’s Auxiliary Air Force driver.

EA056 “Austin Light Utility” (Eighth Army Version)
Complete with female ATS driver this desert “Tilly” fits into Monty’s H.Q…. a familiar sight on the wartime streets of Alexandria and Cairo.

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

c) DESERT TRANSPORT
EA057 “BEDFORD OYD Truck”
K&C has received quite a few requests to have a “desert” version of our popular “Field of Battle” Bedford Truck… and here it is…
We’ve produced just 150 of this 8th. Army adaptation…

AVAILABILITY: Now… But Sold Out!

d) “Red Coat Flagbearer”
BR082A “RWF Officer with Regimental Flag”
Utilizing the same standing officer as BR082, this officer holds the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers Regimental Colour.

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

e) “HITERJUGEND IN NORMANDY” Part Two
And here’s the second part of the HJ in Normandy…

WS167 “MP40 Set”
Two lying prone young Panzer Grenadiers armed with the classic MP40 (Machine Pistol 40) usually called the “Schmeisser”. As one Grenadier watches the front his mate calls out for reinforcements to move up quickly and get in position. A great little set for dioramas!

WS168 “Kneeling Grenadier”
Another young rifleman of the HJ Division somewhere in Normandy. Wearing the ubiquitous SS camouflage smock and trousers he kneels ready with a “potato-masher” grenade in the right hand.

WS169 “Ready… Aim… Fire!”
Another of our 2-man sets… As one rifleman takes careful aim another sends a “silent” signal to the rest of their section.
Note the Panzerfaust next to the firing Grenadier.

WS170 “Dead HJ Grenadier”
The deadly cost of war… Two thirds of the HJ Division fighting in Normandy were either killed… or captured… mostly the former.

WS171 “Running Officer”
“Schmeisser” in hand this young HJ officer crouches low as he moves around his defensive positions.

WS172 “Casualty Evacuation”
One HJ Grenadier shoulders a wounded comrade and takes him out of the line and back to the nearest aid station.

WS173 “Panzer Meyer Set”
Our second version of this famous HJ officer (the first was part of a “Strictly Limited” set a few years back). Here, he instructs one of his NCO’s on exactly where he wants him and his men to go to.

WS174 “Walking Wounded”
A German Medic escorts another wounded SS Panzer Grenadier away from the frontline and, hopefully, out of further harm’s way!

AVAILABILITY: Early September

f) “THE DESERT AIR WAR”
During the “DESERT WAR” waged between 1940-1943 across the vast expanse of the North African coastal plain the frontline moved almost constantly… From one week to the next the battle see-sawed between Rommel’s vaunted AFRIKA KORPS and Britain’s EIGHTH ARMY. This often meant that fixed positions like towns, forts and airfields often changed hands on a regular basis…
K&C’s latest Afrika Korps release reflects that kind of fluid military situation… and that explains the unique mix of Allied and Axis buildings…

AK059 “Control Tower”
Raised high above the ground, from this vantage point, you can see the entire desert airstrip. Our German Control Tower comes complete with searchlight and machine gun as well as a desk and a field radio inside the hut atop the wooden trestles. A camouflaged corrugated tin roof shields at least some of the hut from the blinding sun. A nazi flag hangs limply on one side of the tower.
DIMENSIONS: LENGTH: 140mm
WIDTH: 140mm
HEIGHT: 270mm
335mm (with flag)

AK060 “Water Set”
Two Afrika Korps take a well-earned and thirsty “water break”.

AK061 “Soldier drinking from the Jerry Can”
Water is always a precious and life-giving necessity in the desert… Here this AK trooper drinks his fill.

AK062 “Fuel Transporter”
Another bare-chested Afrika Korps soldier brings up some much-needed fuel for a vehicle.

SPECIAL NOTE: German Forces in North Africa (and elsewhere) were always careful to mark their “jerry cans” with a white cross (to denote drinkable water)… Everything else in a jerrycan was definitely some kind of fuel.

AK063 “Field Marshal Albert “Smiling Albert” Kesselring”
This senior officer was one of Hitler’s best and most able commanders. Never a Nazi himself he could just as easily command an air fleet in Goring’s Luftwaffe or a whole army fighting in the field. A superb organizer and tactician his reputation for good humour and common sense won him a special place in the hearts of the men he commanded.
In November 1941 he was given control of “Luftwaffe Sud”… the Southern Command of the Luftwaffe with responsibility for Italy, Sicily, Greece and North Africa. Under his leadership Rommel received more aerial supplies and additional aircraft. He visited the North African front on several occasions.
He died in 1960.

AK064 “Leutnant Hans-Arnold Stahlschmidt”
This officer, holding his life jacket, was a member of the Luftwaffe’s most famous fighter squadron in North Africa “Jagdgeschwader 27”, (JG27 for short). During his short career he shot down 59 British aircraft in the desert.

AK065 “Leutnant Gunter Steinhausen”
Steinhausen is taking a break from flying duties and is in the control tower for a few hours. This ace shot down 40 British aircraft (mostly Hurricanes and P40 Tomahawks) before being himself shot down by an RAF Desert Air Force Spitfire. He also flew with JG27.

AK066 “Desert Dispatch Rider”
Bringing the latest orders and instructions from Afrika Korps Headquarters.

The desert can be boiling hot during the day and freezing cold during the night… At other times it can even be the reverse with flash floods and torrential rain into the bargain.
Many actual wartime photos show Rommel’s men wearing their heavy wool greatcoats in the middle of the day… And here they are

AK067 “AK rifleman in Greatcoat marching”
Wearing the AK desert brown coat and carrying his K98 Mauser this infantryman trudges across the sand.

AK068 “AK rifleman in Greatcoat on Guard Duty”

AK069 “AK rifleman in Greatcoat marching”
An alternative (or addition) to AK067.

AK070 “AK Feldwebel marching”
Another marching figure with shouldered MP40 “Schmeisser” and… a determined look.

 

[Peter Reuss]

AK071(SL) “Hans-Joachim (Jochen) Marseille & his Bf 109”
“The Star of Africa” and, according to fellow German Air Ace General Adolf Galland, “one of the finest fighter pilots the world has ever seen”.
By the time he was killed in a flying accident in September 1942, Marseille had shot down 158 enemy aircraft, most of them in North Africa in an amazing sixteen month period.
Another member of JG27 and flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109 “F” Marseille reached the zenith of his flying career when on September 1, 1942 he shot down 17 enemy aircraft during 3 combat sorties in a 24 hour period! This unique and memorable feat earned him “The Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds”.
During his all-too short career in North Africa he flew four different Bf 109 F models and it is one of these K&C has chosen to portray.
This particular one features the colourful partly blood red tail complete with “kill” markings and light weathering.
Just 999 of this very special STRICLY LIMITED “Jochen” Marseille Bf 109 are being produced. It comes with a detailed (and numbered) summary of Marseille’s career and in a specially-designed box.
It is sure to be a much sought-after piece and will fit into any “Desert War” collection. A standing figure of Marseille is also, of course, included.

AK072 “Afrika Korps Kubelwagen”
Yet another much-requested addition to our Desert series… The desert Kubelwagen. This great looking little run-around sports the special bulbous desert tires and has an MG34 machine gun pole mounted in the centre of the vehicle. A seated driver and assorted equipment can be seen as well.
The perfect way to get around the desert (or a desert airfield).

AK073 “Afrika Korps Airfield Hut”
Obviously, one of the Allied Quonset/Nissen Huts obtained as a “spoil of war” by the Germans and put to good practical use!

AVAILABILITY: Mid-Late September

2. COMING IN OCTOBER
October promises to be a month of varied releases with a little something for a whole lot of collectors.
a) DD146 “Austin Light Utility” (Normandy version)
As promised here is the little British Army “Tilly” with the “Mickey Mouse” camo pattern… just 250 produced!

AVAILABILITY: Early October

b) “THE LIFE OF JESUS”
The second release of very special figures… This shows a young Jesus with the Elders at the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus along with his family had journeyed to the city for the Feast of the Passover. Unknown to his parents the young Christ stayed behind to talk and listen to the teachers and scholars at the temple…

LoJ006 “In the Temple”
A young Jesus, about 12 ears old, sits talking with an elderly Rabbi. This set includes the two seated figures, a bench and an altar.

LoJ007 “Standing Elders”
Standing nearby are two elderly scholars amazed at the knowledge and understanding of the young boy.

LoJ008 “Jesus’ Parents”
A concerned Mary and Joseph watch over the young boy during his discussion.

In addition to these three sets K&C has also added two other small civilian sets of figures and animals suitable to accompany any of the larger displays of the Holy Land at the time of Christ… or indeed any desert diorama.

LoJ009 “The Goat Herder”
A goatherd along with some of his flock.

LoJ010 “The Lost Lamb”
A shepherd has been searching and found a lost and injured sheep and carries it on his shoulders.

AVAILABILITY: Mid October

To accompany these figures are some new “Desert Village” structures…

SP043 “Desert Village Temple/Mosque”
A really unique building and a great addition to the village… This exciting new “ecumenical” structure boasts a Jewish Temple entrance on one side and an Islamic Mosque entrance on the opposite.

AVAILABILITY: Early October

Whilst this building can be displayed “as/is” it can also be added to…

SP044 “Temple/Mosque Minaret”
A two-piece Minaret can be positioned atop one of the towers adding a whole different dimension to the scene.

AVAILABILITY: Mid November

c) “VIVE LA FRANCE”
A small but valuable and colourful addition to our marching First World War French troops…

FW084 “French Flagbearer”
The perfect accompaniment for our Poilus marching off to Berlin!

AVAILABILITY: Early October

d) “BATTLE OF THE BULGE”
Most collectors know that every winter K&C prepares to refight this epic battle… This October it’s the turn of Americans…

BBA037 “Dodge WC54 U.S. Army ambulance” (Summer Version)
Many years ago one of the first polystone vehicles K&C ever produced was this U.S. Army Ambulance.
Long-since retired, it has been much sought-after on the “retired” market and quite expensive too…
So, we thought it’s time to do a new one… and a better one too! And here it is… Perfect for Normandy or North Africa.

BBA037-01 “Dodge WC54 U.S. Army ambulance” (Winter Version)
K&C realize that lots of Battle of the Bulge enthusiasts also need some medical assistance. This snow and frost encrusted vehicle fits the bill.
Both vehicles comes with a driver…

Special Production Note: Planned production run is just 250 for the Winter version.

BBA038 “DODGE WC 63 1 1/2 ton Truck”
Another classic U.S. Army truck of WW2. Our model comes with driver and fully detachable “canvas” roof. Seated figures or supplies can be fitted into the rear of the truck.

BBA039 “Stretcher Party”
An army Medic and two GI’s carry a wounded buddy on a stretcher back to the nearest aid station.

BBA040 “Truck Winter Passengers” (Set one)
Three cold GI’s huddle together for warmth.

BBA041 “Fire Team”
A kneeling firing B.A.R. gunner is joined by a kneeling firing rifleman.

BBA042 “Kneeling Officer w/Binos”

BBA043 “Teenage Prisoner”
A young, frightened conscript is happy to surrender to this rifle-toting USMP.

BBA044 “Kneeling NCO w/ Tommy Gun”

AVAILABILITY: Mid October

e) “Christmas Comes But Once A Year!”
And it’s time for K&C’s special winter Festive Season Sets…

XM010-01 “No Kristmas for the Kaiser”
Just 400 sets of this 3-man group will be available… Santa has fallen foul of the German authorities… Somewhere over the Western Front his sleigh and reindeer have been captured and he’s been carted off along with his bag of goodies to the nearest headquarters!!!

XM010-02 “Have You Got Somethin For Me, Santa?”
A happy, smiling Santa is about to cheer up this cold and lonely GI… Somewhere in Belgium, Christmas Eve, 1944.
(Just 600 sets available)

AVAILABILITY: Late October

f) “Assorted Rogues’ Gallery”
Our latest releases in the LAH series covers a span of years from 1938-late 1944.

LAH119 “LAH Drum Horse… Walking”
One of K&C’s most collected mounted figures was the standing LAH Drumhorse “Sigrune”… Long since retired there have been many, many requests to produce another.
So here it is… this time, walking on parade.

LAH120 “Mounted SS Trooper”
On parade “Sigrune” was usually accompanied by a mounted SS cavalry detachment in black parade uniforms.

LAH121 “Mounted SS Guidon Bearer”

AVAILABILITY: Late October

From the so-called “Glory days of the Third Reich” (before the outbreak of war) to the grim, dark days leading up to the final defeat of the “Thousand Year Reich”…

LAH122 “Josef “Sepp” Dietrich”
Dietrich has proved to be one of the most collected German figures K&C has produced. His uniforms were many and varied. Here he is dressed in standard green and field gray tunic and trousers of the Waffen SS and in a typical pose.

LAH123 “Hitler’s Secretary Traudl Junge”
One of a small select group of secretaries who followed the Fuhrer everywhere. Traudl Junge married one of Hitler’s SS adjutants. She is also featured in the award-winning movie “DOWNFALL” about the last days of Hitler in the bunker in Berlin in 1945.

LAH124 “Der Fuhrer Adolf Hitler”
This is the Hitler after the failed bombplot of July 1944…

LAH125 “Reichsmarschal Hermann Goering”
Chief of the Luftwaffe and once the Fuhrer’s closest confidante… By late 1944 his reputation and standing in the Third Reich was much diminished. Here he is, in yet another of his self-designed uniforms.

AVAILABILITY: Late October

3. BEING RETIRED
No less than 23 retirals this month… with only limited stocks available… If you need ‘em… grab ‘em, don’t miss out!

a) “Eighth Army”
EA022 “SAS Mortar Team”
EA027 “Desert Austin K2 Ambulance”
EA028 “Desert Stretcher Party”
EA030 “Eighth Army Tank Rider”
b) “Fields of Battle”
FoB044 “Polizei in Action”
FoB046 “Naval Officer Directing”
FoB047 “Sailor At Attention”
FoB048 “Communications”
FoB049 “Naval Lewis Gunner”
FoB050 “Sailor Advancing”
FoB051 “Military Police Sergeant”
FoB053 “Field Marshal Lord Gort”
c) “World War One”
FW035 “Uhlan Officer”
FW036 “Uhlan Bulger”
FW037 “Uhlan Pointing Downward”
FW038 “Uhlan on Rearing Horse”
FW039 “Uhlan Pointing Forward”
d) “Streets of Old Hong Kong”
HK116 “CNY Celebration”
HK117 “CNY Grand Children”
e) “Operation Market Garden”
MG024 “Bren Gun Team”
MG025 “Polish Para Sniper”
MG026 “Firing Back”
MG027 “Sitting Polish Para”



And that’s a fairly long list of goodies… I hope there’s more than a few things for you in among them.
Once more we always appreciate your business and support and look forward to hearing from you and… seeing some of you in Chicago.
Until then very best wishes!
Andy C. Neilson
Co-founder & Creative Director
King & Country

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

No Naps?...not a one?!

 

[OldDragon]

A pity ain't it ... on the brighter side, we will have ano 2 months to save up for the new British cavalry.

The WWII guys must be ODed on new releases by now

OD