KING & COUNTRY Dispatches -- July 2019 (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

KING & COUNTRY DISPATCHES
“July 2019” ​

For anyone who follows the international news this past month (June) has been a very eventful one here in Hong Kong to day the least.
At the same time I was fortunate enough to get out of town for 10 days or so and head over to Europe and meet up with some very enthusiastic collectors in Paris and show them a few of our upcoming releases... And also get to hear a wealth of great ideas and suggestions from French K&C dealers and collectors alike... Lots to digest and ponder on.
Meanwhile back at the ranch... Much was going on in “The Land of the Pharaohs”...

1. BEING RELEASED IN JULY...
(a) “Building The Pyramids”
The recent relaunch and reinvigoration of K&C’s ‘ANCIENT EGYPT’ series has received a very warm and appreciative welcome from AE collectors all around the world. So, we decided to add some more...



AE063 “The Architect & His Assistant”
A young apprentice holds a piece of papyrus on which part of the plan for a new pyramid has been drawn and painted. Studying the plan is one of the principal architects. Is he happy with the progress so far...? Is it all going to plan...?
Now, you decide.

AE066 “The Measurers”
Checking all the angles, dimensions and positions of each and every stoneblock before it is finally maneuvered into place is a daunting task... These two men ensure all that is... is as it should be.

AE068 “The Mud Brick Molders”
In Ancient Egypt the absence of rain, the scarcity of wood and an abundance of sunshine made ‘adobe’ the much-preferred building material.
Nile mud was mixed with straw and other materials to form a surprisingly strong brick when molded and baked in the strong Egyptian sun.
Well-tended mud brick walls could last for many generations. Here, a team of two ‘molders’ set about their task.

AE076 “Ethiopian Bread Carrier”
This young girl brings two large baskets of freshly-baked bread out to the work-site for the builders’ mid day meal.

AE078 “Egyptian Sandstone Block Set”
A box of 10 sturdy, sandstone-coloured blocks perfect to begin construction of a city wall, a temple facade or even... your very own pyramid.

AVAILABLE: Mid July

 

[King & Country]

......

 

[King & Country]

B. “BACK TO THE BEACH”
Following on from our initial June release of US Army Rangers to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the D.Day Landings of June 6, 1944 here are some welcome reinforcements...



DD320 “On The Beach”
Two Rangers ‘hit the deck’ as they come under heavy machine gun fire from the German positions on the bluffs above Omaha Beach.
One Ranger fires his B.A.R. (Browning Automatic Rifle) while the other gets ready with his M1 ‘Garand’ rifle.

DD322 “Medic!”
As all hell breaks loose around this Ranger Medic he runs forward to help a wounded buddy.

DD323 “Demolition Man”
Among the first men onto Omaha Beachwere these soldiers carrying 12 pound ‘pack charges’ fixed to the end of long wooden poles. These were specifically designed to be shoved into a pillbox opening.

DD326 “Advancing Under Fire”
Two Ranger riflemen making their way forward.

DD329 “NORMANDY ’44 LCVP Landing Craft”
A reissue of a classic K&C model... This specially-marked LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) commemorates the 75th Anniversary of D.Day. Our LCVP or ‘Higgins Boat’ is a superb mixed-media model (white metal, polystone and resin) and comes with a moveable ramp, a US Navy cox’n and two sailors manning their .30 cal. machine gun positions.
Almost 24,000 were built during WW2 and they could carry a platoon of infantry or a jeep and trailer.
Typically constructed from plywood, these shallow-draft, barge-like boats were usually launched from larger troop transports.
If you’re interested in D.Day this model is a ‘must’ !

AVAILABLE: Mid July

 

[King & Country]

C. “DEATH ON THE NILE”
Back to Egypt again... not Ancient Egypt this time... but a murder mystery on a Nile river steamboat that became one of author Agatha Christie’s most successful stories and launched several very popular motion picture adaptations.
Once again Christie’s most famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, is at the very centre of the murder, mystery and mayhem!



WoD063 “Hercule Poirot”
M. Poirot is impeccably attired in a cream-coloured Egyptian cotton suit and comes complete with a dapper straw hat, dark sun glasses, his ebony cane and... a very handy fly whisk to chase away those very annoying local flies... and tourist guides!

AVAILABLE: Mid July

 

[King & Country]

D. “CANTONESE OPERA... AN ACQUIRED TASTE..?”
While the joys and pleasures of Cantonese Opera can, to the ears of most Western listeners, be a shock to the ears at first no one can deny that it is still a colourful spectacle...



HK288(G/M) “The Opera Performers”
Two of the most colourful and spectacular characters that can be seen here feature a famous mythical Chinese General and his beautiful wife.
In days gone by many of the female parts were played by young men... that, however is a different story for another time.

HK289(G/M) “The Opera Musicians Set”
Back by popular demand! But with all-new costumes... If you are going to stage an Opera performance then you simply must have the musicians playing their traditional Chinese instruments! Four great little figures... One great little set.

AVAILABLE: Mid July

 

[King & Country]

E. “Good Morning Vietnam!”
King & Country’s TWO ranges of Vietnam War figures and fighting vehicles have become two of our most popular ranges ever! The more we produce the bigger the collector base grows... especially among new collectors who did not previously collect toy soldiers.
Perhaps the continuing popularity and availability of several excellent ‘Vietnam War films’ has also played an important part in this growth of interest and fascination with a war in South East Asia that was at its height 50 year ago.



VN052 “Charlie Don’t Surf!”
These were the immortal words spoken by Colonel Bill Kilgore , a battalion commander in the 9th Air Cavalry Regiment in Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam epic “Apocalypse Now” .
Kilgore is a surfing fanatic who loves war... and surfing. After successfully leading a helicopter assault on a coastal Viet Cong village the Colonel is delighted to find that the nearby beaches offer some excellent surfing opportunities.
When one of his troopers questions the advisability of surfing near a Viet Cong stronghold Kilgore assures him that he has nothing to worry about because... “Charlie don’t surf!”
A classic movie... a classic line... and a great little figure of an Air Cav Colonel who loves surfing.

VN053 “Helping The Wounded”
A young Aussie rifleman helps a Vietnamese girl wounded in the cross fire back to the platoon medic.

VN064 “Patrol Leader”
This Australian officer is armed with the ‘Owen Gun’, an Aussie-designed weapon first developed back in 1939.
The ‘Owen Machine Carbine’ was the only entirely Australian- designed and constructed submachinegun of WW2. It came into service in 1942 and continued until the mid 1960’s. It’s unusual appearance included the top-mounted magazine and a side-mounted sight however in combat the Owen proved reliable and sturdy.
This particular figure is the ‘Show Special’ created for the Annual K&C Oz Visit down to Australia. A limited number of this figure are also available to worldwide dealers and collectors.

VN067 “One Man & His Dog”
Tracker dogs have been an essential component of many armies for many years... The Australian Army is no exception. Here our Aussie Dog Handler, SLR in one hand... His dog rope in the other prepares to go out on patrol with his black Labrador.

AVAILABLE: Mid-Late July

 

[King & Country]

F. “BEFORE BATTLE COMMENCES...”
Early morning, just behind the frontlines men prepare for battle...
For some it’s all about the plans and the strategies to defeat the enemy.
For others it’s the simple everyday actions of washing, shaving and cooking breakfast...



WS355 “Battlefield Conference”
Three Panzer commanders gather together to discuss today’s plan-of-action. During the Battle of Normandy it was virtually impossible for any German vehicle to appear on the roads during daylight. As the morning dawn begins to break these three have already moved their tanks into position during the previous hours of darkness... Now, they prepare for their ambush of the approaching Allied armour.

WS356 “Wash, shave... and eat!”
Three dismounted tankers freshen up for breakfast, they know it’s going to be a busy day and a violent one too... who knows when they’ll get another chance...?
A great little add-on set for all kinds of ‘behind-the-lines’ displays of German armour.

AVAILABLE: Mid-Late July

 

[King & Country]

2. And that’s the story for July except of course for the retirals... Check these out...

BEING RETIRED THIS MONTH...
IDF002 M51 ‘Super Sherman’ Israeli Tank
LAH235 Tall Poster Column (Late War)
NA257 Major General Pakenham
NA258 Lieut. General Stapleton Cotton
RA070 Victory At Last
RAF046 RAF Airfield Starter Cart Set
SP062 The Wood Merchant’s House
SP064 The European Farm House
WS334 Marder III Tank Destroyer










3. ‘Oz Visit 2019’
For our Aussie friends, don’t forget I’ll be ‘down under’ during the middle of this month. I’m really looking forward to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne... and for some typical Aussie Winter Weather!!!


All the very best to one and all,

Andy C. Neilson
Co-founder & Creative Director
King & Country Ltd. ​

 

[villagehorse]

Might be my iPad, but no photos for the d-day figures. So much on offer, did not expect Ancient Egypt so soon, but most welcome. Another expensive month for me with all these wonderful releases. Robin.

 

[King & Country]

........

Photos of DD Items...

 

[Obee]

WS356 “Wash, shave... and eat!”
Three dismounted tankers freshen up for breakfast, they know it’s going to be a busy day and a violent one too... who knows when they’ll get another chance...?
A great little add-on set for all kinds of ‘behind-the-lines’ displays of German armour.


AVAILABLE: Mid-Late July

I like these guys, not so much because of they are WW2 Germans, but because of the poses displayed.

This is something that done by all troops, in all situations, and so I'd love to see more of this set, but in other eras and campaigns.

You could continue the theme with something 130 years earlier at the Battle of Waterloo ?????

John

 

[The Military Workshop]

Andy,
This release should have come with a "trigger" warning !

I refer to Cantonese opera{sm2}. I was most unfortunate for a couple of years in Hong Kong to live just above where one set up occasionally (Chinese New Year and another festival later in the year). Probably still at it in Pokfulham Rd past QE2 hospital. Whilst I am sure it is an acquired taste for those who appreciate it I can say with some authority it is horrendous to listen to for hours on end with no escape. It could also go on quite late.

Forger riot police, deploy a Cantonese opera orchestra and see the crowd disperse instantly.^&grin

 

[Guy]

I think that picture inspired Andy to make this set of 3

 

[Cyber Field Marshall]

Nice set of releases. I like the shaving/cooking tank crew, nice detail on those pieces. I would like to see those kinds of poses with some other lines like RAF, Commonwealth D-DAY, Market Garden etc. I like the detail on the Rangers smocks. I'm not sure if its shading or supposed to be dirt/mud/sand from the beach but the detail is great. K&C figures are always improving. :salute::

 

[enricoquinto]

I like these guys, not so much because of they are WW2 Germans, but because of the poses displayed.

This is something that done by all troops, in all situations, and so I'd love to see more of this set, but in other eras and campaigns.

You could continue the theme with something 130 years earlier at the Battle of Waterloo ?????

John

Hi Andy,

I totally agree with John. I do love that kind of situation. There have been "basic needs" behind the front line!:redface2: This is the other face of war that should be told!

Once again, well done!

Cheers

Enrico

 

[mikemiller1955]

absolutely delighted to see more Ancient Egypt!

 

[Guest1]

E. “Good Morning Vietnam!”
King & Country’s TWO ranges of Vietnam War figures and fighting vehicles have become two of our most popular ranges ever! The more we produce the bigger the collector base grows... especially among new collectors who did not previously collect toy soldiers.
Perhaps the continuing popularity and availability of several excellent ‘Vietnam War films’ has also played an important part in this growth of interest and fascination with a war in South East Asia that was at its height 50 year ago.

View attachment 249492

VN052 “Charlie Don’t Surf!”
These were the immortal words spoken by Colonel Bill Kilgore , a battalion commander in the 9th Air Cavalry Regiment in Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam epic “Apocalypse Now” .
Kilgore is a surfing fanatic who loves war... and surfing. After successfully leading a helicopter assault on a coastal Viet Cong village the Colonel is delighted to find that the nearby beaches offer some excellent surfing opportunities.
When one of his troopers questions the advisability of surfing near a Viet Cong stronghold Kilgore assures him that he has nothing to worry about because... “Charlie don’t surf!”
A classic movie... a classic line... and a great little figure of an Air Cav Colonel who loves surfing.

VN053 “Helping The Wounded”
A young Aussie rifleman helps a Vietnamese girl wounded in the cross fire back to the platoon medic.

VN064 “Patrol Leader”
This Australian officer is armed with the ‘Owen Gun’, an Aussie-designed weapon first developed back in 1939.
The ‘Owen Machine Carbine’ was the only entirely Australian- designed and constructed submachinegun of WW2. It came into service in 1942 and continued until the mid 1960’s. It’s unusual appearance included the top-mounted magazine and a side-mounted sight however in combat the Owen proved reliable and sturdy.
This particular figure is the ‘Show Special’ created for the Annual K&C Oz Visit down to Australia. A limited number of this figure are also available to worldwide dealers and collectors.

VN067 “One Man & His Dog”
Tracker dogs have been an essential component of many armies for many years... The Australian Army is no exception. Here our Aussie Dog Handler, SLR in one hand... His dog rope in the other prepares to go out on patrol with his black Labrador.

AVAILABLE: Mid-Late July

Love the Air cav figure. Preorder is in!!

 

[zblang]

Egyptians!!!!!! I am one happy collector!

 

[ExRanger]

F. “BEFORE BATTLE COMMENCES...”
Early morning, just behind the frontlines men prepare for battle...
For some it’s all about the plans and the strategies to defeat the enemy.
For others it’s the simple everyday actions of washing, shaving and cooking breakfast...

View attachment 249497

WS355 “Battlefield Conference”
Three Panzer commanders gather together to discuss today’s plan-of-action. During the Battle of Normandy it was virtually impossible for any German vehicle to appear on the roads during daylight. As the morning dawn begins to break these three have already moved their tanks into position during the previous hours of darkness... Now, they prepare for their ambush of the approaching Allied armour.

WS356 “Wash, shave... and eat!”
Three dismounted tankers freshen up for breakfast, they know it’s going to be a busy day and a violent one too... who knows when they’ll get another chance...?
A great little add-on set for all kinds of ‘behind-the-lines’ displays of German armour.

AVAILABLE: Mid-Late July

Love the new battlefield Conference set. On my list. Hopefully we can see a German Commanders set release for the Russian front 1941-42 We need some.

 

[Normandy1944]

Hell Yes!
I almost smell of napalm in the morning!!!
One amazing figure and must have !!
And Rangers, lead the way!


Harry