Good Morning from a very warm and almost summer like San Francisco Bay Area. Thanks to all of you that stopped by at the West Coaster Show, we hope you had a great time.
We have some terrific new releases, including a limited edition, with a little surprise. My favorites this month you have to love the plane, but French Infantry Marching, very cool. As always I hope you like these as much as I do. We also have good news for some of you waiting on some of the older sets they should be back I stock shortly.
Best regards
Mike
Sierra Toy Soldier Company
THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR
Frank Glasgow Tinker (July 14, 1909 – June 13, 1939) was an American mercenary fighter pilot for the Spanish Republican Air Force, during the Spanish Civil War. He was the top American ace during the Spanish Civil War.
On May 3, 1937, Tinker was assigned to 1st Escuadrilla de Moscas, commanded by the Russian, Ivan Lakyeyev, flying the faster Polikarpov I-16 "Mosca" monoplane fighters. On June 2 and June 16, he shot down another CR.32. On July 13, he became the first pilot to shoot down one of the most modern German fighters, a Messerschmitt Bf 109A, near Madrid. On July 17, Tinker shot down another Bf 109A. This first version of the Bf 109 was not a "good climber" and Tinker caught it from behind while the German pilot tried to gain altitude after a dive on him – a lethal mistake according to Tinker. The scene is described in detail in his book Some Still Live. His final victory was over a Fiat CR.32 on July 18, 1937. Tinker flew his last missions on July 29, 1937, then returned to the US.
REP-05 - POLIKARPOV I-16, CM-023, 1st Escuadrilla de Moscas, May 1937
FRANK GLASGOW TINKER
(2pcs)
Retail us$198
LIMITED EDITION 100
Model Size 11 ¾” x 8” x 4”
**Please note REP-05 will not be available with the screw hole for the flight stands**
The Polikarpov I-16 was a Soviet fighter aircraft of revolutionary design; it was the world's first low-wing cantilever monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear to have attained operational status and as such "introduced a new vogue in fighter design. The I-16 was introduced in the mid-1930s and formed the backbone of the Soviet Air Force at the beginning of World War II.
The diminutive fighter, nicknamed "Ishak" ("donkey") by Soviet pilots, and in the Spanish Civil War it was called the Rata ("rat") by the Nationalists or Mosca ("fly") by the Republicans.
The two main aircraft that were pitted against each other in this conflict, were the Polikarpov I-16 and the Messerchmitt BF109. Both were the most advanced fighters available to each side at the time., and both were to play significant roles later in WW2.
The Republican I-16 was heavily influenced by the American Bee Gee racing monoplanes of the early 1930’s. The I-16 when it came up against the BF109, could out turn and match the BF109 in a conventional turning fight. To counter this , the Germans used the BF109’s superior performance at altitude, and developed tactics that used aircraft in closely coupled pairs. This innovation meant that the lead 109 could focus on making an attack knowing his rear was covered, and if one of the pair of 109’s was attacked, both would break in the same direction. If the attacking aircraft continued the pursuit in a turn, the free 109 would have every opportunity to get on the attackers tail. These tactics were later to be used to great effect in the Battle of Britain.
The Polikarpov I-16 was a small, powerful, agile, but unstable plane , and designed to be flown by pilots who were expected to fight as individuals.
The BF109 was a high altitude interceptor, designed for speed and its climbing abilities. It was well served making diving attacks in tightly disciplined pairs.
The effects of these advantages and disadvantages, was basically a stalemate.
Written on the back of two of the Limited Edition Certificates, will be the notification that you will have won one of two prizes! I will be giving away the following two books as prizes.
“SOME STILL LIVE” by Frank Glasgow Tinker
This rare book was decorated with original photos shot in Spain by the famous photographer-reporter Robert Capa.It also contains a map of Spain where the locations of the landing grounds of Campo Soto and Campo X, used by the Andres Garcia La Calle squadron Tinker flew with, appeared for the first time to the public. It remains unique on the description of a number of other figures of the Lacalle squadron team for whom no other recorded evidence was leftThe book has today an historical value and was used as a main reference for studies on the adventure of the Americans who flew with the Spanish Republican Air Force during the civil war.
“FIVE DOWN NO GLORY, FRANK G TINKER, MERCENARY ACE IN THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR” by R. Cargill Hall
This first in-depth biography of Tinker covers his experience in combat, culminating with his commanding a Soviet squadron and terminating his contract with the government of Spain. Tinker would become the top American ace during the Spanish Civil War after downing eight enemy airplanes in combat. On returning to the United States, he wrote a memoir about fighting for Republican Spain (“Some Still Live”) and in June 1939 died under mysterious circumstances in Little Rock, Arkansas. The authors, well-known aviation historians, also offer a rare discussion of the aerial tactics introduced in the Spanish Civil War that became standard procedures in World War 2.
KNIGHTS OF THE SKIES
ALLIED GROUNDCREW AND ACCESSORIES
BGC-10 - BRITISH HANGER,
(4pcs)
Retail us $115
Model Size 14 ½” x 2 ¼” x 7 ½”
This façade should also be Suitable for WW2
BGC-11 - PAINTER,
(3pcs)
Retail us$39
BGC-03A - ROLLS ROYCE ARMOURED CAR, CREWMAN,
(1pc)
Retail us$26
BGC-03A is designed to fit with BGC-03 Rolls Royce Armoured Car
GERMAN GROUNDCREW AND ACCESSORIES
GGC-11 - German Pilot, and Telescope,
(2pcs)
Retail us$48
THE FIRST SUDAN WAR 1884-1885
Naval brigades were detachments from ships consisting of seamen and Royal Marines. These were landed ashore to undertake naval operations or to support the army in a wide variety of campaigns.
Both officers and men received regular training in the techniques of land warfare at the gunnery school, HMS Excellent, at Portsmouth.
SRN-06 - British Naval Brigade, Sailor Defending,
(1pc)
Retail us$39
THE PENINSULAR WAR 1807-1814
French Infantry Battalions from 1807, consisted of 4 Fusilier (centre) companies, one Voltigeur, and one Grenadier company. Company strength was usually around 140 men and 3 officers.
The 4 Fusilier companies were distinguished by the colour of the Pom Pom on top of the Shako. The colours were, green, sky blue, orange and for the 4th Company Violet.
PFL-05W - FRENCH LINE INFANTRY 1807, 66th Line, 4th Company, FUSILIER MARCHING #1W
(1pc)
Retail us$40
PFL-05B - FRENCH LINE INFANTRY 1807, 66th Line, 4th Company, FUSILIER MARCHING #1B
(1pc)
Retail us$40
PFL-05N - FRENCH LINE INFANTRY 1807, 66th Line, 4th Company, FUSILIER MARCHING BOX SET #1
(4pcs)
Retail us$136
There will be 3 different marching poses. Each pose will be available with white or brown coloured trousers.
THE WAR OF 1812
Alternating with the American Civil War U.S. Marines will be several sets of U.S. Marines from the War of 1812.
This period was full of activity for the Marines. Starting with the fights with the Barbary corsairs, and continuing throughout the War of 1812. The Marines were to take part in virtually every action at sea, on the Great Lakes, and also in many engagements on land. A section of the line at New Orleans were held by the Marines at this battle. Therefore they were extremely active despite the strength of the corps only averaging about 1,000 officers and men.
1812M-05 - U.S. MARINE CORPS, 1814 MARINE MARCHING,
(1pc)
Retail us$39
1812M-05N - U.S. MARINE CORPS, 1814, MARINES MARCHING, BOX SET#1,
(4pcs)
Retail us$136
COMING SOON!
It’s taken a while, but the first of the SPAD’s … as seen at the London Toy Soldier Show, will be available soon!
STOCK UPDATE
Please note that the following sets should be back in stock by May 2013
ACE-12 French Nieuport
SRNGUN-01 Gatling Gun
ACE-10P Captain Brown
Back In Stock by June 2013
TT-01 French Defences
GGC-02 The German Armoured Car, is now back in stock.
Well I hope you like the new releases as much as I do. Lots of images to come.
Best regards
Mike
Sierra Toy Soldier Company
We have some terrific new releases, including a limited edition, with a little surprise. My favorites this month you have to love the plane, but French Infantry Marching, very cool. As always I hope you like these as much as I do. We also have good news for some of you waiting on some of the older sets they should be back I stock shortly.
Best regards
Mike
Sierra Toy Soldier Company
THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR
Frank Glasgow Tinker (July 14, 1909 – June 13, 1939) was an American mercenary fighter pilot for the Spanish Republican Air Force, during the Spanish Civil War. He was the top American ace during the Spanish Civil War.
On May 3, 1937, Tinker was assigned to 1st Escuadrilla de Moscas, commanded by the Russian, Ivan Lakyeyev, flying the faster Polikarpov I-16 "Mosca" monoplane fighters. On June 2 and June 16, he shot down another CR.32. On July 13, he became the first pilot to shoot down one of the most modern German fighters, a Messerschmitt Bf 109A, near Madrid. On July 17, Tinker shot down another Bf 109A. This first version of the Bf 109 was not a "good climber" and Tinker caught it from behind while the German pilot tried to gain altitude after a dive on him – a lethal mistake according to Tinker. The scene is described in detail in his book Some Still Live. His final victory was over a Fiat CR.32 on July 18, 1937. Tinker flew his last missions on July 29, 1937, then returned to the US.
REP-05 - POLIKARPOV I-16, CM-023, 1st Escuadrilla de Moscas, May 1937
FRANK GLASGOW TINKER
(2pcs)
Retail us$198
LIMITED EDITION 100
Model Size 11 ¾” x 8” x 4”
**Please note REP-05 will not be available with the screw hole for the flight stands**
The Polikarpov I-16 was a Soviet fighter aircraft of revolutionary design; it was the world's first low-wing cantilever monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear to have attained operational status and as such "introduced a new vogue in fighter design. The I-16 was introduced in the mid-1930s and formed the backbone of the Soviet Air Force at the beginning of World War II.
The diminutive fighter, nicknamed "Ishak" ("donkey") by Soviet pilots, and in the Spanish Civil War it was called the Rata ("rat") by the Nationalists or Mosca ("fly") by the Republicans.
The two main aircraft that were pitted against each other in this conflict, were the Polikarpov I-16 and the Messerchmitt BF109. Both were the most advanced fighters available to each side at the time., and both were to play significant roles later in WW2.
The Republican I-16 was heavily influenced by the American Bee Gee racing monoplanes of the early 1930’s. The I-16 when it came up against the BF109, could out turn and match the BF109 in a conventional turning fight. To counter this , the Germans used the BF109’s superior performance at altitude, and developed tactics that used aircraft in closely coupled pairs. This innovation meant that the lead 109 could focus on making an attack knowing his rear was covered, and if one of the pair of 109’s was attacked, both would break in the same direction. If the attacking aircraft continued the pursuit in a turn, the free 109 would have every opportunity to get on the attackers tail. These tactics were later to be used to great effect in the Battle of Britain.
The Polikarpov I-16 was a small, powerful, agile, but unstable plane , and designed to be flown by pilots who were expected to fight as individuals.
The BF109 was a high altitude interceptor, designed for speed and its climbing abilities. It was well served making diving attacks in tightly disciplined pairs.
The effects of these advantages and disadvantages, was basically a stalemate.
Written on the back of two of the Limited Edition Certificates, will be the notification that you will have won one of two prizes! I will be giving away the following two books as prizes.
“SOME STILL LIVE” by Frank Glasgow Tinker
This rare book was decorated with original photos shot in Spain by the famous photographer-reporter Robert Capa.It also contains a map of Spain where the locations of the landing grounds of Campo Soto and Campo X, used by the Andres Garcia La Calle squadron Tinker flew with, appeared for the first time to the public. It remains unique on the description of a number of other figures of the Lacalle squadron team for whom no other recorded evidence was leftThe book has today an historical value and was used as a main reference for studies on the adventure of the Americans who flew with the Spanish Republican Air Force during the civil war.
“FIVE DOWN NO GLORY, FRANK G TINKER, MERCENARY ACE IN THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR” by R. Cargill Hall
This first in-depth biography of Tinker covers his experience in combat, culminating with his commanding a Soviet squadron and terminating his contract with the government of Spain. Tinker would become the top American ace during the Spanish Civil War after downing eight enemy airplanes in combat. On returning to the United States, he wrote a memoir about fighting for Republican Spain (“Some Still Live”) and in June 1939 died under mysterious circumstances in Little Rock, Arkansas. The authors, well-known aviation historians, also offer a rare discussion of the aerial tactics introduced in the Spanish Civil War that became standard procedures in World War 2.
KNIGHTS OF THE SKIES
ALLIED GROUNDCREW AND ACCESSORIES
BGC-10 - BRITISH HANGER,
(4pcs)
Retail us $115
Model Size 14 ½” x 2 ¼” x 7 ½”
This façade should also be Suitable for WW2
BGC-11 - PAINTER,
(3pcs)
Retail us$39
BGC-03A - ROLLS ROYCE ARMOURED CAR, CREWMAN,
(1pc)
Retail us$26
BGC-03A is designed to fit with BGC-03 Rolls Royce Armoured Car
GERMAN GROUNDCREW AND ACCESSORIES
GGC-11 - German Pilot, and Telescope,
(2pcs)
Retail us$48
THE FIRST SUDAN WAR 1884-1885
Naval brigades were detachments from ships consisting of seamen and Royal Marines. These were landed ashore to undertake naval operations or to support the army in a wide variety of campaigns.
Both officers and men received regular training in the techniques of land warfare at the gunnery school, HMS Excellent, at Portsmouth.
SRN-06 - British Naval Brigade, Sailor Defending,
(1pc)
Retail us$39
THE PENINSULAR WAR 1807-1814
French Infantry Battalions from 1807, consisted of 4 Fusilier (centre) companies, one Voltigeur, and one Grenadier company. Company strength was usually around 140 men and 3 officers.
The 4 Fusilier companies were distinguished by the colour of the Pom Pom on top of the Shako. The colours were, green, sky blue, orange and for the 4th Company Violet.
PFL-05W - FRENCH LINE INFANTRY 1807, 66th Line, 4th Company, FUSILIER MARCHING #1W
(1pc)
Retail us$40
PFL-05B - FRENCH LINE INFANTRY 1807, 66th Line, 4th Company, FUSILIER MARCHING #1B
(1pc)
Retail us$40
PFL-05N - FRENCH LINE INFANTRY 1807, 66th Line, 4th Company, FUSILIER MARCHING BOX SET #1
(4pcs)
Retail us$136
There will be 3 different marching poses. Each pose will be available with white or brown coloured trousers.
THE WAR OF 1812
Alternating with the American Civil War U.S. Marines will be several sets of U.S. Marines from the War of 1812.
This period was full of activity for the Marines. Starting with the fights with the Barbary corsairs, and continuing throughout the War of 1812. The Marines were to take part in virtually every action at sea, on the Great Lakes, and also in many engagements on land. A section of the line at New Orleans were held by the Marines at this battle. Therefore they were extremely active despite the strength of the corps only averaging about 1,000 officers and men.
1812M-05 - U.S. MARINE CORPS, 1814 MARINE MARCHING,
(1pc)
Retail us$39
1812M-05N - U.S. MARINE CORPS, 1814, MARINES MARCHING, BOX SET#1,
(4pcs)
Retail us$136
COMING SOON!
It’s taken a while, but the first of the SPAD’s … as seen at the London Toy Soldier Show, will be available soon!
STOCK UPDATE
Please note that the following sets should be back in stock by May 2013
ACE-12 French Nieuport
SRNGUN-01 Gatling Gun
ACE-10P Captain Brown
Back In Stock by June 2013
TT-01 French Defences
GGC-02 The German Armoured Car, is now back in stock.
Well I hope you like the new releases as much as I do. Lots of images to come.
Best regards
Mike
Sierra Toy Soldier Company
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