London Toy Soldier Show - John Jenkins at JJD UK (1 Viewer)

[wayne556517]

WOW how good do they look,im trying to not buy these WW1 mater pieces but im weakening,great figures.

 

[The Breaker]

As an 'Abu' (176 (Abu Klea) Bty RA), I'm looking forwards to my first foray into JJD being Sudan - and would be chuffed to bits if our VC, Gunner Smith and a screw gun could make an appearance!

"In 1884, the Nile Expeditionary Force was organised with the purpose of relieving General Gordon and his British forces at Khartoum in the Sudan. Now renamed as part of an RA reorganisation, 1 Battery, Southern Division, Royal Artillery joined the force at Cairo and equipped with the 2.5 inch RML Mountain Gun (the "Screw Gun"), and camels for transport. ...During the battle, the battery's guns were pushed out to the edge of the British square to fire at the charging enemy. The guns each managed to fire one round of case-shot, cutting down many of the enemy, before they reached the square and engaged in hand-to-hand fighting. Lieutenant DJ Guthrie was attacked by several Sudanese and was seriously wounded in the leg. One of his soldiers, Gunner Alfred Smith, saved his life by killing his assailant with the handspike from a gun, and remained standing over him fighting off others. For this act of bravery Gunner Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross, although Lieutenant Guthrie was later to die of his wounds. Other decorations for the Battery during this action include two DCMs and two brevet promotions for the officers present."

You're right a screw gun and crew would definately complete an Abu Klea square. I'm hoping for Percy Marling and the cavalry at some point too.
It's just great to see these figures in matte.

 

[Combat]

I've been a fan of John's products for many years now. But I get the impression he is going to another level with his recent releases. The WWI planes are unsurpassed. The new ground figures are fantastic. I like everything about what I'm seeing. Quality, historical accuracy, regular monthly releases, and a variety of lines. It's the best of every other manufacturer combined in my opinion. The fact that one guy does all of this is astounding. He is a true credit to this hobby. My only concern is that he has so much in the works that it's going to be hard to keep everyone happy.

 

[lancer]

I've been a fan of John's products for many years now. But I get the impression he is going to another level with his recent releases. The WWI planes are unsurpassed. The new ground figures are fantastic. I like everything about what I'm seeing. Quality, historical accuracy, regular monthly releases, and a variety of lines. It's the best of every other manufacturer combined in my opinion. The fact that one guy does all of this is astounding. He is a true credit to this hobby. My only concern is that he has so much in the works that it's going to be hard to keep everyone happy.

Very well said, Doug. Nail on the head and such. JJD is the best going. -- Al

 

[45thdiv]

My only concern is that he has so much in the works that it's going to be hard to keep everyone happy.

I think everyone will be happy. On the months he releases more of one series than what I collect, it just gives me some breathing room

I too think that John's product is just improving in leaps and bounds. I am really pleased with the quality of his products. And that his figures just get better and better is really nice. If you look at the hands and faces of his latest releases you can see so much detail and expresions.

Really nice work. I'll get the two German WW1 Officers just becasue I like the sculpts, I don't normally collect WW1, my wife does but not me.

I think I saw from the long table shot from the show, that the painted versions of the new Rangers are done. If that is correct, I'd love to see those.

Matthew

 

[Maj. Duncan Heyward]

Another Collectors Club 2012 piece, featuring another two "Jenkins!"
I don't remember if John told me which Jenkins, but I suspect one may be the below 'forgotten man'

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Forgotten Man

This may not be the story of a hero but it is certainly a story of great courage, fortitude and survival in the face of what must have seemed like insurmountable odds.

David Jenkins was a private in the British Army during the Zulu Wars. Ordered to look after prisoners at a small mission outpost, known as Rorke's Drift, he was left behind by his regiment who marched into Zulu territory and made camp in the shadow of a strangely shaped rock outcrop called Isandlwana.

There, on the morning of 22nd January, 1879, David's fellow men were surprised and massacred by the massed Zulu army. Only a handful of soldiers are said to have survived. Even two officers who rode off with the regimental colours were run down by Zulu warriors and killed.

David wrote home to reassure his family that he had survived that appalling day and his letter was published in 'The Merthyr Express' of Saturday 22nd March 1879 :

Dear Father
Just a few lines to let you know that I am one of the ten that escaped out of five companies. The remainder were cut to pieces, - in fact cut in bits - with those savages. About 15,000 of them came on the camp when the column was out. All in the camp were killed - 495 of our regiment and about 300 of different corps. Oh I never saw such a sight. Please pray to God to continue to save my life. There are only 240 men remaining in our regiment. So no more. I shall write again soon if alive.

Dear Father, please go personally or write a letter to Isaac Lewis and tell him that his son-in-law, Sgt. Chambers is killed.His son Thomas is alive but still in hospital with fever. He had a narrow escape. He crept on his hands and knees and came from the hospital to the fort through all the firing .Please give my love to all and write soon.
Your affectionate son.

David
P.S. I think we will go down to the colony to get refitted, as we have lost everything.

On the afternoon of 22nd January, the mission and hospital at Rorke's Drift was surrounded by over 4000 Zulu warriors. They attacked the besieged soldiers with almost incessant ferocity over a period of fourteen hours. Miraculously, the redcoats managed to repel wave after wave of their attackers who, stunned by their horrific losses, gradually withdrew.

Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded for this famous conflict but, like many of the ranks, David Jenkins received only a standard Zulu Wars medal. His name was omitted from the official roll of honour and he remained unrecognised even by his own regimental museum as a defender of Rorke's Drift possibly because he had been a member of a different division of the Regiment to the other soldiers at the mission. Although he was introduced to King Edward VII on his royal visit to Swansea in 1904 and despite overwhelming evidence of his presence at Rorke's Drift , he became the forgotten man, forgotten by history and historians.

Forgotten, that is, until five years ago when one of David's descendants discovered a Bible which had been awarded only to those who had survived that bloody day and conclusive proof of his claim to be a Rorke's Drift Hero. David Jenkins died in 1912 and is buried in Cwmgelli Cemetery, Treboeth.... But his memory now lives on with his own special display in a cabinet at the South Wales Borderers' Museum in Brecon.

'If you would like to speculate on what David looked like at the battle, he was one of a handful of soldiers in 1879 to be asked to act as models for Lady Butler's famous painting The Defence of Rorke's Drift. Her depiction of the battle, a favourite of Queen Victoria's, now hangs in St. James' Palace in London.

The above information was kindly provided by Geoff Rees, Great Grandson of David Jenkins.

Source: http://www.tannersarmspub.com/history3.html

 

[Maj. Duncan Heyward]

more WW1 goodness;

S.E.5a

 

[Maj. Duncan Heyward]

LT Paul Friedrich Kempf

 

[Maj. Duncan Heyward]

Painted Rangers, sorry I really wish I'd taken a better picture than this, anyway, they did look REALLY GOOD!
Adam and I are really excited, as this seems like the start of part three of Raid on St Francis, and we've been pestering for ages for more Rangers, as we know have a lot of John's collectors. These are a must for me!

 

[chalklands]

I really think that these photos illustrate just how good the sculpting has become, especially on the faces.

 

[Fraxinus]

I believe John has told more than one of us that if he uses a photo to develop the figure, the quality of the work is greatly improved, compared to just free-hand work.

So everyone, send John your best personal photo and request a sculpt in character!!!! Think I will asked to be sculpted as a regular officer in the 44th (BoM), high snazzy content or maybe as a rugged, but handsome, scout (Christopher Gist?). Then, we can have our wives and girlfriends sculpted as camp followers!!!

Actually, that this a horrible idea and John will hate me, so lets forget I ever said anything!!!!

 

[mikemiller1955]

As a JJD collector and a St. Francis fan...I can't tell you how pleased I am with JJ's re-entry into the third stage of this series...with all the planes, tanks and armored vehicles this year...I have really missed the FIW Abenaki Village figures...Rangers and Indians...

I think JJ did a spectacular job on these sculpts and hope he puts a large effort into creating 18-20 new Rangers...

a lot of people only see the Rangers as figures to be used in St. Francis and Snow Shoes...but the truth is...next to the Indians...they are probably the most versatile figures a FIW afficianado can collect...they were the chief scouting unit of the British Crown and involved in almost all the major battles of the FIW...from Carillon to William Henry...these are probably the most versatile figures John produces...as far as I'm concerned...like the Indians...I can't have enough...

he did a great job of painting these wonderful sculpts...I hope we see a painted version of Beaubien soon...

 

[mikemiller1955]

here is a pretty grizzly and graphic account of the raid and retreat...if you're interested...

about 1/2 way down...

"Wilderness Ordeal"...

http://mymilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2009/06/robert-rogers-and-his-rangers.html

 

[lenswerks]

Maj. I'd like to complement you on your outstanding display of John's work as seen in the "teaser" photo, quite impressive how you have presented the sets. While I have not seen any photos of the entire Culloden Moor display, I'm sure it is just as awesome as the Sudan display. The bases are very nice. Really like the detail on the Sudan base.

I'm stoked and still trying to process all of the new items previewed.
Really looking forward to the January release preview.

Donnie

 

[wds0855]

I have a question regarding the 2 Zulu War British figures that were in the photos from the London show. Is this a new range, or is this just a one-off set? I did not see any info at the website on these. Thanks.

Walt

 

[Maj. Duncan Heyward]

Dear Walt,
John hasn't told us if it is or isn't a range, at the moment it is just a collectors club piece.
I suspect the reaction to it, (so far very positive), and if it fits into John's plans will determine if we see any more Zulu war.
I think it quite possible that we might! Although I know John has a lot in development.
Sorry I can't help more.

Donnie, thank you, more pics to follow soon.

 

[VIRIATO]

I really think that these photos illustrate just how good the sculpting has become, especially on the faces.

The faces are definitely changing, for the better!

Paulo

 

[MapleLeaf]

Ur right VIRIATO JJ come a long way with their
sculpting and faces. Looks lot lot better
I'll bet u JJ sales will be going up
No more of those goofy faces
WAY TO GO JJ

 

[wds0855]

Thank you for that info.

"Dear Walt,
John hasn't told us if it is or isn't a range, at the moment it is just a collectors club piece.
I suspect the reaction to it, (so far very positive), and if it fits into John's plans will determine if we see any more Zulu war.
I think it quite possible that we might! Although I know John has a lot in development.
Sorry I can't help more."

 

[45thdiv]

Say, I was just wondering how well the Jonesy figure sold. I did not see it on your table picture.

Matthew