KING & COUNTRY Dispatches -- October 2019 (3 Viewers)

[King & Country]

KING & COUNTRY DISPATCHES
October 2019​

Hi Guys,
WELCOME TO OCTOBER and this month’s ‘DISPATCHES’ ... I’m presently writing this on the Saturday before I fly off to Chicago for the big show and after we sent off all of our displays and dioramas earlier this week.
Now, if you have never been to CHICAGO SHOW you are already too late for this one... However start planning for 2020 one which will be the 40th Anniversary of this world-beating toy soldier event and promises to be a BIGGIE!!!
For the moment though let’s stay in the present and tell you about K&C’s ‘October Releases’ ...

BEING RELEASED IN OCTOBER...
A. ‘How To Build A Pyramid’
First of all find a large, empty space somewhere in Ancient Egypt conveniently if possible, close to the River Nile...
Then... gather together thousands of skilled craftsmen, building workers and slaves. After that, spread out your construction plan on the desert sand and explain to the assembled multitude who is doing what, when and where... and begin work!
Also give them a ‘works deadline’ while, at the same time, informing them of the dire consequences should any or all of them fail to meet your strict building schedule...
And there you have it... how to build a pyramid in one simple lesson!



AE065 ‘Egyptian Master-of-Works’
While the Architects and Engineers are responsible for the overall design of the Pyramid, the Master-of-Works is the man in charge of the building site itself and the workers employed to transform the 2 dimensional plans into 3 dimensional reality.

AE071 ‘The Brick Carrier’
A strong (by necessity) labourer tasked with carrying the many, many loads of clay bricks up from ground level to the upper work stations as the Pyramid rises up day after day.

AE072 ‘The Water Carriers’
Working under the blazing heat of the Egyptian sun, from dawn till dusk, demanded copious amounts of fresh water for the workers.
These 2 men are transporting a large stone jar of fresh water to a central point near the Pyramid where the teams of individual female Nubian ‘water carriers’ would gather to fill up their own smaller vessels.

AE074 ‘The Cruel Overseer’
As the Egyptian builders used thousands of slaves on their construction sites they in turn were under the direct control of ‘Overseers’ , usually Egyptian but sometimes slaves themselves who had ‘risen up through the ranks’ to the position of ‘overseer’.
Most of these ‘Overseers’ would often use physical punishment to both ensure obedience and discipline... Some more than others.

AVAILABLE: Early October

 

[King & Country]

B. ‘Battle Command Conference’
General Walter Model was one of Hitler’s most able and trusted Wehrmacht commanders. A dedicated Nazi and personally loyal to Hitler, Model had more than fulfilled his battlefield duties several times over in Hitler’s eyes on both the Eastern and Western fronts.

BBG120 ‘Winter Battlefield Conference’
Here we see Model, in the greatcoat, together with a senior Panzer commander and one of his infantry officers as they discuss their attack plan during the early stages of the ‘Battle of the Bulge’.
These three officers make a welcome addition the other just-previously released BBG sets or indeed any of K&C’s ‘Winter Germans’ currently available.

AVAILABLE: Mid October

 

[King & Country]

C. More Market Garden...
Three extra ARNHEM ’44 sets that provide additional depth and colour to this long-running and very popular King & Country WW2 series of British Airborne figures, vehicles, artillery and aircraft...



MG078 ‘Destination : ARNHEM’
A poignant little set of a British paratrooper, Lee Enfield .303 rifle in hand studying an ARNHEM street sign on the outskirts of the famous Dutch town.

MG079 ‘Arnhem Defenders’
A little way forward of MG078 and further into Arnhem, two British paratroopers have already come under fire from the Germans and taken cover.
As one Para sits the other kneeling Para cautiously looks out to see where exactly the enemy fire is coming from.
There two Paras look great next to a wall or building or perhaps even an abandoned jeep... You make the decision!

MG083 ‘British Humber Mk.1 Scout Car’
Anyone who collects ARNHEM ’44 is sure to know about the classic movie ‘A Bridge Too Far’ (1977) directed by Sir Richard Attenborough that depicted the ill-fated ‘Operation Market Garden’ in general and the Arnhem battle in particular.
Among the many great movie stars in this WW2 epic was Michael Caine who depicted Lt. Col. J.O.E. Vandeleur of the Irish Guards in the film.
Vandeleur led the front element of the British XXX Corps in his Humber Scout Car and that’s what we have portrayed in this great little set.
Lt. Col. Vandeleur (Michael Caine) stands erect in his Humber scout car as his forces attempt to reach Arnhem... just like in the movie!

AVAILABLE: Mid-Late October

 

[King & Country]

D. ‘Another battle... Another time’
Journey back in history more than a century before and we’ve landed deep in a European field, somewhere on the continent in the Napoleonic Era.



NA448 ‘Planning The Battle’
A brand-new sculpt and painting of an older, long-retired favourite...
The Emperor pores over one of his campaign maps as he traces out the positions of his own troops... as well as his enemy’s.
Assisting him are a very senior Ordnance officer and one of his ‘Generals de Brigade’

SPECIAL NOTE: To accompany this great set a new version of the Emperors’ Personal Tent will soon be available complete with Napoleon’s own standard flying over it.

NA449 ‘Taking Notes... Issuing Orders’
Nearby the above set NA448, is one of Napoleon’s Staff Colonels writing down the Emperor’s orders as well as issuing his instructions ready to be delivered by one of his Aide de Camps to his various Field Commanders.

NA450 ‘The Faithful Roustan’
A couple of months back we released a special ‘personality’ figure of Roustan , the long-serving Mameluke bodyguard and valet to the Emperor.
Here we see a ‘dismounted’ Roustan bringing forth a simple tray which holds a bottle of the Emperor’s favourite brandy.
Man cannot live by bread alone!

NA451 ‘Preparing The Table’
Talking of food and drink...
Two of the Emperor’s own personal staff unpack some crockery for a meal before the battle as well as pour some water into a bowl for the emperor to refresh himself.
These two green-liveried servants belong to Napoleon’s own household and were often former soldiers themselves.
They would follow him on campaign and take care of all his personal requirements and attempt to make his life on the field of battle as comfortable as possible.

AVAILABLE: Mid October

 

[King & Country]

E. DIFFERENT KIND OF BATTLE... A very different place!
From the lush green fields of Western Europe to a hot and humid, monsoon-drenched battle in a rubber plantation in South Vietnam... that’s quite a jump!
But for K&C, the difficult takes some time... the impossible a little longer!

THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN in August 1966 has gone down in Australian military history as one of their ‘Finest Hours’ during the Vietnam War.
‘D’ Company of the 6th Royal Australian Regiment (just 106 men) were patrolling through a rubber plantation not far from their base at Nui Dat, South Vietnam when they were confronted by a much larger combined force of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong infantry of about 1,500 strong.
Pinned down and vastly outnumbered the Australians fought courageously and held their defensive perimeter against numerous enemy attacks over many hours.
Accurate long-range artillery fire helped the Aussies hold on while a relief force was readied and eventually reached their beleaguered position.
Australian casualties were 18 killed and 24 wounded, Australia’s greatest one-day loss during its involvement in the Vietnam War.

Long Tan is now remembered and honoured as a symbol of Aussie military bravery, endurance and teamwork in a very tough battlefield situation.
King & Country is proud and privileged to portray the Australian soldier in miniature fighting off the enemy in this first 4-man set (with more to follow)...

VN071 ‘The Battle of Long Tan Set #1’
A kneeling NCO (non commissioned officer) kneels and opens fire with his Australian-made Owen Submachine Gun.
Backing him up are two lying prone soldiers... one fires the American M60 , belt-fed machine gun while the other utilizes the standard L1A1 SLR (self loading rifle).
The fourth member of the section is the radio man holding his M16 rifle in one hand while he calls in a SITREP (situation report) on the handset of his PRC-25 radio set.
SPECIAL NOTE: The Battle of Long Tan Set #2 is already at the production state and again features 4 different Australian infantry in dramatic action poses to complement and add to set #1. For release in a few months time.

AVAILABLE: Mid October

 

[King & Country]

F. ‘Santa Comes But Once A Year...’
Well, October will soon run into November and November’s next to December and so... before you know it... it’s Christmas!
So, without further ado.... Here is K&C’s Annual Christmas Offering...





XM019-01 ‘A Surprise For Santa’
When Santa clambers down a chimney he always hopes for a quiet and peaceful household and, perhaps, a cool glass of milk and a plate of cookies to greet him.
Well, at least, that’s what I was always told when I was a wee boy back in Bonnie Scotland in the dim and distant past!
So, you can imagine his surprise to be greeted as he emerged from the empty fireplace with a very suspicious bulldog who has just bit a lump out of Santa’s bright red costume.
The startled Santa has retreated up a little step ladder as the bulldog waits patiently at the bottom... Santa’s bag of toys (containing some K&C sets) is also included. A great little set.

XM019-02 ‘Santa’s Christmas Cottage’
A long-promised and very attractive little rendering of Mr. Claus’ abode, suitably snow-covered and frosted in all the right places.
The perfect backdrop, as you can see, for previous K&C Santas and other Christmas themed accessories.

AVAILABLE: Late October (in plenty of time for Christmas and the Yuletide Season)

 

[King & Country]

Special Note: A few of our recent Santa Collections are still available grab’em while stocks last… especially XM018 The Sitting Santa… he looks great in that little cottage!

 

[King & Country]

2. BEING RETIRED

HK216(G/M) Mother & Child
MG073 Comparing Notes
RAF052 RAF Dispatch Rider
RAF065 Anti Aircraft Bren Gun Team
SP019 Table and Chairs
SP065 Battle Damaged Building
VN061 The Aussie M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier
WH032 The 20-piece Classic Wehrmacht Band

All the best & Happy Collecting!

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

 

[wayne556517]

I know a bloke over my way who will be very happy with the NAPS they look awesome but long Tan set ruined by sleeves up, in contact in a rubber plantation in Vietnam on a fighting patrol with sleeves up i say a big NO !!

 

[Obee]

D. ‘Another battle... Another time’
Journey back in history more than a century before and we’ve landed deep in a European field, somewhere on the continent in the Napoleonic Era.

View attachment 253709

Looks like Andy has been reading the same book as me, AND looking at the pictures



I like them all, and they will go well with some of the older figures in my collection, like the guards and the tent I already have.

John

 

[villagehorse]

Surprised to see the M113 on it's it way out so early in its life. Really great little machine, glad to have a couple. The balance of Arnhem, Ancient Egypt and Aussie's in Vietnam, another big month for me. Thanks Andy. Robin.

 

[FrankDrake]

XM019-01 will be my christmas present.

 

[Obee]

Surprised to see the M113 on it's it way out so early in its life. Really great little machine, glad to have a couple. Robin.

Robin,

I'm not surprised .... just ask Howard how many M113's have gone over his desk in past couple of months ...... let alone Brett & Peter, and have a look at his diorama with a dozen there !!!!

It will be very interesting to see if this one gets a re-issue as AUS Cavalry, but I'm sure it will reappear very soon as US or Israeli.

A very good vehicle, thats only had a 5 month life !!!!!

John

 

[Peiper007]

Robin,

I'm not surprised .... just ask Howard how many M113's have gone over his desk in past couple of months ...... let alone Brett & Peter, and have a look at his diorama with a dozen there !!!!

It will be very interesting to see if this one gets a re-issue as AUS Cavalry, but I'm sure it will reappear very soon as US or Israeli.

A very good vehicle, thats only had a 5 month life !!!!!

John

Agree, this is something people will buy multiples, plus I think this is sold out at K & C and includes those dealers ordered yet and still have in stock. I think this is a strong favourite for K & C to reintroduce in another Vietnam scheme, difference markings, equipment on the vehicle or [not to get collectors too excited], one with the rear doors open.

 

[Peiper007]

Great mix, this is the only the Battle of the Bulge for me, but gives me a chance to buy some older releases with my 'pocket money'.

Like the Nap, but have enough Napoleon figures and I have no space to have them displayed so have sort of took a step back on this range as was buying and putting on a box in the attic, but fingers crossed and will be moving soon. big toy soldier room, so will be able to have all my K & C out.

 

[45thdiv]

I know a bloke over my way who will be very happy with the NAPS they look awesome but long Tan set ruined by sleeves up, in contact in a rubber plantation in Vietnam on a fighting patrol with sleeves up i say a big NO !!

Hi Wayne,

I have never been in the military, let alone combat. Would you please tell my why rolled up sleeves are not correct?

Thank you,

Matthew

 

[ccdc11]

Yes...I've been waiting for a Egyptian with a whip...The brick carrier and water carriers look great.

I don't collect Vietnam so I don't have a dog in this hunt but I think Wayne's point is
Short sleeves in a jungle won't protect you from vegetation and leaves you open to mosquitoes.
and I would normally agree with this, but...

Google images does show a few pictures of the battle of long tan with troops in short sleeves. I think it would depend on heat and vegetation in area on that day.

 

[Horus]

E. DIFFERENT KIND OF BATTLE... A very different place!
From the lush green fields of Western Europe to a hot and humid, monsoon-drenched battle in a rubber plantation in South Vietnam... that’s quite a jump!
But for K&C, the difficult takes some time... the impossible a little longer!

THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN in August 1966 has gone down in Australian military history as one of their ‘Finest Hours’ during the Vietnam War.
‘D’ Company of the 6th Royal Australian Regiment (just 106 men) were patrolling through a rubber plantation not far from their base at Nui Dat, South Vietnam when they were confronted by a much larger combined force of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong infantry of about 1,500 strong.
Pinned down and vastly outnumbered the Australians fought courageously and held their defensive perimeter against numerous enemy attacks over many hours.
Accurate long-range artillery fire helped the Aussies hold on while a relief force was readied and eventually reached their beleaguered position.
Australian casualties were 18 killed and 24 wounded, Australia’s greatest one-day loss during its involvement in the Vietnam War.

Long Tan is now remembered and honoured as a symbol of Aussie military bravery, endurance and teamwork in a very tough battlefield situation.
King & Country is proud and privileged to portray the Australian soldier in miniature fighting off the enemy in this first 4-man set (with more to follow)...

VN071 ‘The Battle of Long Tan Set #1’
A kneeling NCO (non commissioned officer) kneels and opens fire with his Australian-made Owen Submachine Gun.
Backing him up are two lying prone soldiers... one fires the American M60 , belt-fed machine gun while the other utilizes the standard L1A1 SLR (self loading rifle).
The fourth member of the section is the radio man holding his M16 rifle in one hand while he calls in a SITREP (situation report) on the handset of his PRC-25 radio set.
SPECIAL NOTE: The Battle of Long Tan Set #2 is already at the production state and again features 4 different Australian infantry in dramatic action poses to complement and add to set #1. For release in a few months time.

AVAILABLE: Mid October

Certainly on my must have list this month. I'd also like to see all of these dramatic poses in USMC uniform too.

Steve

 

[joesgis]

VN071 looks great! I really enjoy the work of that sculptor.

Joe

 

[Peiper007]

Yes...I've been waiting for a Egyptian with a whip...The brick carrier and water carriers look great.

I don't collect Vietnam so I don't have a dog in this hunt but I think Wayne's point is
Short sleeves in a jungle won't protect you from vegetation and leaves you open to mosquitoes.
and I would normally agree with this, but...

Google images does show a few pictures of the battle of long tan with troops in short sleeves. I think it would depend on heat and vegetation in area on that day.

When I did my Jungle warfare training long sleeves were worn [and we were advised too] to stop the creepy and flying crawlies from biting and/or scratting you. As well as protecting your arms from scrapes, scratches etc from vegetation and rocks. As a simple cut, untreated and constantly wet would soon turn into an infected weeping wound. However we did not as they caused us to sweat more [it was like your whole body leaking] and they would snag on almost everything. It depended on where we were and how long we were out for, I remember a 13 day patrol in Belize when my clothes just had to be destroyed as they were close to being rags, while a mate dropped his clothes on the floor and as he stood in the shower he watched numerous creepy crawlies crawl out of the bundle on the floor and said he saw some around 2 inches long and he had no idea they were there.

By the way a 'real mate' is someone who will help to burn off the leaches no matter where they attached themselves to your body...............

I agree on the short sleeves and have too seen the pictures of the battle and there are troops wearing short sleeves and looking how the range was developed I think K & C have developed the figures from actual troops and I see nothing wrong with the short sleeves.