THE WORLD'S NO. 1FOR TOY SOLDIERS & MODEL FIGURES - Gai . e 2 : w# Brae . British Toy Soldier Company Offers Chance to Win Royals Pit E UCR ae eee Pat ae Cit | Fall of the Dutch Citadel Britains Deetail Mexicans PCr aCe dary ia Waterloo British Hussar Kitwww. FIRSTLEGEONLTD.COM “Saket Ren sraiiicnas BATTLE «x hi _ BB061-068 German SS and Heer Tank Riders (iaBU a vO) BSA a eeu A family owned business located in Campbell, California WE CARRY ALL rN asi? Dict Visit the largest retail showroom dedicated to toy en soldiers and model figures. Come visit us in person lor eer) for a one-of-a-kind toy soldier experience. Pee ert You can also visit our online store for the finest quality historical Aen figures, military miniatures, model aircraft and toy soldiers available. EU ted ETE eGc cy) EEC CCA erate Earns Car Dees) Geeks rec ag or Coc sac Detar aT ay sen ed CU Safari Ltd Saas eee Senet) CERT Seacd ere Are you looking for that special set? Visit our collector's comer for consignment items. U.S. M4A3(75) Sherman 9th Armored Division, rr aol : ce many, 1945 1350 Dell Avenue, Ste #5 (rear of building), Campbell, CA. 95008 cos Email: welcome@sierratoysoldier.com Phone: (408) 395-3000 RT)Were as serious about collecting as you are SOLDIER COLLECTOR Contents S 6 = Editor's Welcome 62 Rorke's Drift Diorama Project 8 Noticeboard 66 Japanese Samurai 12 New Releases 68 Toy Soldiers on Guard! 36 Blood and Glory at Cararén 74 Fantastic Plastics 40 Fall of the Dutch Citadel 80 Model Figures 48 Funny Little Wars 82. Kit Korner 50 Centrefold 88 A Look at Books 52. Tribute to John Ruddle 90 Calendar of Events 56 Figures Fit for a King 92 Prize Exercise 60 Canadian Connections to 96 The Last Word Cavalry Charges 98 Facebook/Sneak Peek at Issue 114 4 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTORXuan Hua Tank Details Description: Based on the experience we had during our development and productization of the "XHPZ510," we progressed forward to develop all-metal tracks for the next generation of products. We were very successful and the letters and details on the tracks were just as refined and not reduced at all. We also used a lot of metal parts in many places, such as metal door handles, light fixtures, etc. We added more weight to the next generation products without losing any fine details. What is the difference between "XHPZ510" and "XHPZ111"? Firstly, we wish to congratulate the collector who ordered the "XHPZ510". You are lucky that this is our first self-developed and very detailed tank Although it has no metal parts, but the manual labor value to manufacture one is very high For the tracks of 510, this tank has a total of 230 tracks, we hand assembled them for two and a half months... the production cycle is very long and we have to improve on this mode of production. So, starting with the next tank product, we will use all-metal tracks. This will greatly shorten the production cycle. For the 510 tank, we had all the tank covers retractable, this is our first time as a tank, and so, to the first wave of buyers feedback, thank you for your trust. Starting with the next tank, from the previous 9 retractable covers, we will offer for the normal version 4-5 retractable covers. For the “ss” version, we will offer all retractable covers. The "ss" version will be offered with intemal details. Our dealers (USA):gguerriero@msn.com (Singapore):taybm@singnet.com.sg insta (Germany):tianyi_lu@wkdyy.me (2s (UK): info@maisonmilitaire.com Please note that our store in Germany is a direct store, please trust himWelcome to the latest issue of the world’s No. 1 magazine for hobbyists who share a collective passion for all types of toy soldiers and model figures. This edition marks a changing of the guard when it ‘comes to some of the invaluable people who help me create TSCSHF After twenty-something years of working on toy soldier magazines, designer Andy Whittaker is switching gears to take ona brand-new challenge for Guideline Publications. His brillant creativity, dedication and intuitive fee! for the toy soldier hobby will be sorely missed, but readers attending our London Toy Soldier & Historical Figures Shows can sil expect to see Andy shooting photographs. Our new designer is Emma Wison who has already proved to bea great pleasure to work with. Aso, the highly knowledgeable, creative and reliable Jim Clouse has decided to retire after many years of delivering plastic figure reviews for both Toy Soldier & Mace! Figure magazine and TSC&HF Kent Welch has picked up the reins of Fantastic Plastics’ and has hit the ground running with a feature about al the fun and foibles of collecting the Britains Deetail ‘Mexican Cowboys’ Many readers right be already farniiar with Kent because he is one of the Collector Guys. Readers can check them out at Collectorguys.com, TikTok, Instagram and on YouTube under ‘Collector Guys Highlights of this edition include Contributing Eaitor George Philips delivering a one-two punch starting with a historical feature recounting how a vastly outnumbered French Foreign Legion detachment made a resolute last stand against Mexican forces in the Battle of Camardn in 1863, George also profiles an Estonian collector who has orchestrated production of an impressive collection of 24 figures portraying European rulers on the eve of World War | 6 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR Diorama builder E. Patrick Gallagher takes inspiration from anather remarkable last stand the defence of Rorke's Drift during the AngloZulu War of 1879, Stephen Paul Hardly shares his research into the interesting origin of Haussers Citadel castle construction sets, Paul Holeroft Wright shares how and why he has updated his Funny Little Wars book. jan Pearson profiles soldiers with Canadian connections who rode in two of the greatest British cavalry charges of the nineteenth century at Balaclava and Omdurman. AJ, Mergenthaler delves into the mystique of colourful Japanese samurai warriors in history and in miniature. James Opie has penned a fond tribute to his late long-time friend John Rudale, a vital force in the British Model Soldier Society. In addition, Jamess latest instalment of his Talking Toy Soldiers feature delves into his love of the pointy end of toy soldiers, There is a whole lot more in store in this edition, including lots of news and reviews, so please start turning the pages and enjoy. And, as always, happy collecting! PS: Our next issue 114 will mark the 200th magazine that I've helmed as. editor during a twenty-year span, so ithas reminded me to remind fellow enthusiasts wishing to contribute articles or just chat that you are always welcome to get in touch with me by sending an email to stuart@guidelinepublicationsusa com All the best, Stuart A.Hessney Editor Ce een Deere coenety eet oe set eee Some teed poet Seed eerie Ce eco Sed Cree Ce ts ee@forthistrian com 42 York Suet, Gettysburg, PA 17325 Hobby Bunker Fax: 781-321-8866 hobbybunker.com 108 Albion Street, Wakefield, MA 01880 Treefrog Treasures ‘Tek: 507-545-2500 treefrogtreasures.com 2416 E. River Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906 Michigan Toy Soldier Co. Tel: 248-586-1022 888-MICHTOY micktoy.com 1400 East 11 Mile Road, Tel: 740-775-7400 thehistorystore.net infl@thehistorysone nt 101 North Paine Steet Giillicothe, OH 45601 Trains and Toy Soldiers Tel; 800-786-1888 trainsandtoysoldiers.com 3130 8. 6th Street, STE 104 Lincoln, Nebraska 68502 Sierra Toy Soldier Tek: 408-34 Fax: 408-358: sierratoysoldier.com Fi ‘TheUSMC'Siting IM The USMC seated ating & Drinking’ rere sears rant TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 24helmet and crisply dressed ina bemedalec pearl grey Uniform. black shirt and te, and black riding boots as he stands stily at attention and raises his right armina Roman salute. Ive got to hand it to the K&C team for how they regularly fine ways to upsell things in a complementary fashion. For example they have rolled out a $249 USMC M352 Cargo Truck (ret VNI70) for their Vietnam War Iehas roling wheels and a detachable ‘canvas cover eer eae 22 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR ‘Two examples ofthe new ‘USMC M35AZ Cargo Truck’ ret VNIZO) with riders enliven a Vietnam War diorama. ce) portray made of resin for the driver's compartment, The very detailed mode! includes a driver wearing a lak jacket whose MIG rifle and camoutlaged steel helmet nthe seat next to him. A collector can place seated ‘Grunts or supplies in the back Of this relia and flexible sort of P military vehicle used all over South Vietnam Andy pointed out, ‘Now, ‘an empty truck can look okay, but when you add a few Marines onboard it realy comes alive! K&C would be hapay to fill the bill with three varies $99 pairs of US troops, The ‘Sting Rille Team’ et VNI72) figures are armed with M4 rifles valued for accuracy and stopping power Another duo has taken off their helmets er eee td Pane eer aan pee RT and are Eating & Drinking (ret VNI73) Grations ang water. The’sitting M6 Gun Tear (ret. VNI74) includes Marines pointing their machine gun and MI6 downward Andy helpfully noted “This new M35A2 can easily accommodate ten seated jarines and even afew standing ones” This truck and its passengers would be a great adcition to any Vietnam War diorama, plus | am willing to et convoy-minded collectors are going to want to shell out for two or more of them. For the sake of cargo or encampment visual variations, KEC is also releasing $22 sets of Wood: ‘Ammunition & Weapons Crates coloured eithe! Natural Wood (ret VNI6D or eer ts Bre ea y |er eerrere try ‘Olive Drab (ot VEE) The opposition is being reinforced by a $53 NVA Flag Bearer (el VNITP running forward and clutching a Viet Cong banner Its design isavvariation of the North Vietnamese flag and it is halted at top and hale at bottom with a fivepoint star in the centre symbolising the five classes of the Communist society: entrepreneurs, farmers. workers, intellectuals and solders. A youthful new Female VC Firing an AK4T (ot VNI7B) costs $47 Carnet ry K&Cs striking ceremonial series of Danish Royal ife Guards has been complemented by a uniquely styled red sentry box (ret (CEO9E) as seen by tourists ‘Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen It costs $42. ree new figures have been added to a grouping centred around the discovery of ‘Ancient Egyptian boy King Tutankhamun's tombs in 1922. This time around Andy has taken inspiration from the British movie Death on the Figures based on Coes pao pores Ped Poe nee Nite (1978) starring actor Peter Ustinov as Belgian etective Hercule Poirot and based on the Agatha Christie novel published in 1937 The mystery flim’ cast also included David Niven, Dame Maggie Smith, Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, Simon MacCorkindale and Angela Lansoury among others, The new figures include Mrs Ariadne Oliver (et E104), who is dressed for adventure to help the etective. Maggie Smiths tal and chain-smoxing character is titled Miss Bowers (ret AEIO?) and is modelled wearing a grey jacket, waistcoat and tweed tartan skirt that would be rather hot in the Egyptian climate. The detective's best friend in the eight Poirot novels was retired British Army Captain Arthur Hastings, but the loyal sidekick was promoted and renamed Colonel Race as portrayed by Niven on screen, After Britain declared war on Germany in 1939, Niven joinec the Army and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel K&Cs daoper figure is named ‘Colonel Niven’ (ret. ‘AEIO8) in honour of the actor, author and soldier Inaddttion, K&C has launched a new Horror Stories range with a spine chilling figure of ‘Count Dracula’ (ret HSOO1. draws inspiration from actors Bela erent} ‘Danish Sentry Box (ret. CEO9®). ‘The roder ie notincladed. Lugosi and Christopher Lee's portrayals of the character created by Irish novelist Bram Stoker in his novel Dracula (897) Collectors can expect an example of this vampire to suck $43 from their wallets ‘TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 23ACE Miniature: Reviewer by George Pils ACE Miniatures, a weltestablished toy soldier dealer basec in Manchester, has recently added two highly detailed new castings to its catalogue ACE is owned by George Johnson, MBE, who specialises in supplying hobbyists in the UK and beyond with high-quality castings from Eastern European makers in 54mm and ‘75mm scales. In recent years, he has also launched his own, connoisseur range of figures. Painted and casting ‘examples ofthe eventeenth century European Standard bearer Standard Bearer The first new adgition to tre range is a mid-seventeenth century standard bearer in 54mm scale that is part of George's Premier Miniatures. brand. The figure is well posed with plenty of fine detail for a skiled painter to bring to life A photo accompanying this review shows the unpainted casting. along with a painted version that depicts a European warrior of the period, Itis available at £24 for an Unpainted casting or £120 with a connoisseursstyle matt paint Job by artist Josephine Bryant. Alexanders Soldier: Morning at Waterloo Rewewes by Stuat A Hessey British Life Guards enjoying the quiet before a storm form an atmospheric new Morning at Waterloo’ group (ref, WOCIO) by Alexanders, Toy Soldiers (ATS) Priced at £220, this breakfast time scene seems like a good value for the money because it features no fewer than eight dismounted 54mm figures and accessories, They include a trooper leading his horse, two men seated by a campfire to stave off the early morning chill a stack of crates and gear, and five diferent standing figures such as a ugler. 2 saluting courier ang officers conferring over a map, Like the Royal Horse Guards, the Life Guards wore much the same uniform as other British heavy cavalry regiments during the Napoleonic Wars. Their most distinctive feature was their helmets with woollen crests first introduces in 1814 as aptly recreatec here by UK craftsman Nikola Biberovic. Authentically styled carbines and swords add to the details 24 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR | CONTACT ees eee Polish winged Inaesar ofthe Sixteenth century. Winged Hussar The second item isa sixteenth-century mounted Polish hussar produced inS4mm by EX of Russia Also knowin as the winged hussars. this heavy cavalry contingent was active in the Polsh-L thuanian Commonwealth untl the late eighteenth century. Its epithet was derived from the large feathered rear wings worn by riders, which flapped Violently during a charge ina bid to demoralise the enemy, This item is available at £35 for a casting or £180 painted in matt finshes in the connoisseur sty. British Life Guards orm the Morning at Waterloo’ set ref WOCIO), Formed in the 1650s, the Life Guards rank as the senior regiment in the British Army. ‘Two squacrons served in the Peninsular War of 1808-14 Clad in scarlet and arey, the Life Guards also rode in the Household Brigade’s charge against their French heavy cavalry counterparts during the Duke of Wellington's decisive victory over Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, otras eenPRIRCE o ROGUST s}hobby caster. The temperature is thermostatically ). An ordinary electric cooker does not go more than 320c (608F) which is barely enough. By heating the metal an extra 50-70c (120 - 158F) che metal gets much more|fluid and flows into the intricate parts of the mould and you will get much better castings. It is also much more energy efficient and uses only 250w against an electric cooker 1200-2000w. It melts the alloy in less than half the time compared to a standard electric cooker. The pot is titanium plated so the alloy will not stick to it. Pot basin dimensions are 8 cm diameter and 4 cm depth. Worldwide shipping. E.U. from €7, USA from $11. Bigger than ever, 40 pages in full colour, the catalogue is filled with guides and all the newest products including upcoming releases in September/October. The 5 Euro covers worldwide shipping and a coupon code is attached so you can get chat 5 Euro refund on your next order. Coupon will be valid until Jan 1s¢ 2024. Kiinamartyra, Macroom, Cork, P12 FN79, Ireland. shop.princeaugust.ieIKronprinz Toy Soldier: (Ge taTeTe Reno lV CofeeleCctsxe vole BAVCo) Ce) Reviewed by George Philias ‘The summer holiday season has had no impact on the volume of new product releases from Kronprinz Toy Soldiers. The company, operated by husband-and-wife team Emilio and Carmen Arredondo from their home in Spain, has brought some terrific new V/30-scale metal figures to market lately, RCMP Anniversary Fist ups a series of fgures depicting men of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), popularly known as the Mounties. Im not sure whether it was intentional but the release of these items coincides withthe 150th anniversary of the foundation of the RCMP. Itwas originally established as the NorthWest Mounted Police by an act of the Canadian Pariament on Get.cA 039) ‘RCMP Constable on Foot i 26 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 23 May 1873. A 200strong contingent was deployed as the official police force of the country’s wild western territories, The protection of First Nations peoples from exploitation was an important function of their role The force's name was changed to the RCMP in 1920. Paramiltary in nature, the Mounties were modelled to degree on the Royal Fish Constabulary. Duties Expanded After proving its effectiveness policing the vast and sometimes treacherous north-western Canada, the force's duties expanded, and Itestablished a series of forts and outposts throughout the western territories. When the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896 drew many thousands of prospectors - and criminals ~ to Canada's Yukon, the Mounties were there to keep the peace ‘After World War | the Mounties were made a federal policing agency. ‘Today they have security and national defence duties that include counterterrorism. protection of government buildings and the investigation of federal crimes. Sharped-eye readers will have noted during the TV j “ROMP officer Saluting (et cA038 coverage of Queen Flizabeth lis tunera! last year that the procession through the streets of London was led by four Mounties on horseback and armed with ceremonial lances. They symbolised the Unbreakable bond between the RCMP and the British monarchy. Four Different Figures Kronprinzs four new Canadian figures include a RCMP Constable on Foot! (ef, CA.035). The traditional Mountie uniform, including its distinctive red serge tunic and campaign hats fathully reproduced in miniature. Standing to attention holding a lance, the figure is imbued with appropriate ceremonial stifness. This tem is priced at €35. The second collectable depicts a:RCMP Officer Saluting while on the march (ef, CA.034), This sa smple pose with goad animation The figure’ base has bbeen textured to resemble faagstones. suggesting it would work wellina parade ground diorama This oficer sels for €32 The next Mountie igure ~ appropriately enough ~ depicts a constable mounted on a wel-proportioned black steed (ref CA 033). He is equipped with alance and pennant making him look lke one of the 32 members of the RCMP Musica’ RideS “RCMP Constable’ (ret CA03. special unt that has been doing public performances to demonstrate equestrian skils since 1887. The figure grasps his mount’ reins securely Inhsleft hand, The horse is furnished with an accurately rendered ceremonial saddle cloth, The flocked base creates the impression of ‘grass or vegetation and finishes the piece off nicely. | love the poise and statuesque auality of this €85 figure. ‘The final RCMP release is, a depiction of a mounted officer on a well-groomed black horse (ref. CA 032) He has his unsheathed ceremonial sword and t rests ‘on his right shoulder He ‘would look terrific displayed alongside mutioles of the mounted constable figure with a lance This officer on. horseback is also priced at 85, Hollywood Indian The final item is anew addition to the Kronprinzs growing Wild West range. Itisa character figure from the classic film Western The Searchers (1956) directed by John Ford. The iconic movie stars John Wayne asa middleaged American Civil War veteran who spends years looking for his niece, who has been abducted by ‘Comanche Indians, The leader of the Nawyecka band of Comanches was @ particularly detestable character called Chief Cicatriz ‘or Scar, who was played by Henry Brandon. | remember asa kid finding the character's acuiline features and bright RCMP Oftieer (et.CA 032). \warpaint both fascinating and a bit scary Emilios rengition of Scar (ref. W117) is only 6Omm, high. but stil has plenty of attitude. Dressed in buckskins and crading a carbine in his arms, he strikes a challenging pose and looks ike he means business. This colourful and eye-catching miniature would make a fine adaition to any ‘Old West collection and is priced at €32 “Chet Cleatre Sear” cree wwttn. rr Tag core TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 27[Various New Releases| ewewed by Sturt A Hessney ‘The drumbeat goes on for W. Br ee Ree tear commander in chiet These two historical figures belong ona shelf together to forma itain Model Figures during cameo display. the branc’s 130th anniversary year with a steady stream of ‘The year 1898 is the new releases packed with lots of personality ‘backdrop for $48 khak= Five matt painted personality figures in 1/30 scale have reinforced the Museum Collection’ series. A pivotal momentin Canadian history is represented by sculptures portraying British Major General James Wolte (et 10134) and French General Marquis de Montcalm (ef 10134) that are priced at $49 US apiece. Their forces amounting to less than 19000 men clashed In the Battle of the Plains of Abraham on a plateau outside the walls of Quebec City on 13 September 1759 In North America’s French and Indian War theatre of the global Seven Years War. The culmination of a three month siege was a fateful day because the victorious Woe was shot three times and killed in action right as the French regulars, militia 28 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR clad figures titled Winston Churchill Sudan’ (ref 10127) and thelr Native American and Theodore Roosevet alles began to retreat while Cuiba’ (ref 10128), with Montcalm died from a ‘both men pensively posed musket bal shot in his back resting their left hands on the next day French attempts _ their hips. Young Churchill, toretake Quebec faltered was both a soldier and war aS the war continued until correspondent who charged 1763, The Battle of the Plans with the 2ist Lancers in the of Abraham proved tobe Mahaaist War's climactic Battle decisive moment that led of Omaurman in Sudan to France ceding most of its possessions in eastern North America to Great Britain under terms of the ‘Treaty of Paris, and ithad an influence on the eventual establishment of Canada W Britairis Wolfe has hs tricorn hat dotted to show off his red hair I's a handsome rendition of an intrepid officer known for carrying the same kitas his infantrymen and never asking them to do more than he could endure. ‘The miniature Montcalm is garbed in blue and scarlet, and fsa striking 3D portrat of the French colony's aiong the road to eventually ‘ecoming prime mirister Before becoming governor cof New York state anc the US president, Roosevelt had resigned as assistant secretary f the Navy, helped form the Rough Riders of the Ist US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment for service inthe Spanish-American War. anc participated in a charge un Kettc Hil that falaciously became famous as the Battle of San Juan Hit This group is rounded out by another $48 figure depicting Princess Elizabethin ATS Uniform, 1944-45° Napoleonic Wars (ref10126),Delermined to W.Brtain has at long last do her bit the future Britsh issued a mounted figure of, queen was appointed as an ‘Napoleon on Marengo (rel honorary second subatemn in 36193) priced at $130 to go the Auxilary Territorial Service with its recent steady stream Napoleon on Marengo! in February 1945.She was of Old Guard veterans of the taught map reading and how French emperor's Imperial tomaintain vehicies as she Guard, Their context is the ‘worked as an ambulance and Hundred Days campaign lorry driver. The informational that unfolded as Napoleon, trading card packed in this escaped from exile on the figure’s box also notes, Her island of Elba, landed in ‘most important lesson, France gathered troops and ‘came from her interaction marched on to his ultimate with such a diverse range ct _ceteatat the hands of people Itgaveher a practical Brtish, Prussian and other acumen and appreciation of allied forces in the Battie of the citizens over whom she Waterloo on 18 June 1815, ‘would one day be asked to | think the real star here is reign’ his Arabian horse brought from Egypt as @ sxyearold and named ater Napoleor's O / } Imperial Guard stPresent arms (et-36200) ‘vive LEmpereur! Cheering French Imperial Guaret (ret 36219), > TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 29Ceres victory over Austnan forces in the Battie of Marengo on 14 June 1200, Besides Waterloo, Marengo carried the emperor in the Battles of Austeritz, JenaAuerstedt and Wagram, and was wounded eight times. After being captured at Waterloo, Marengo eventually died in the United Kingdom at age 38, His skeleton minus two hooves was displayed at the Royal United Services Institute and then the National Army Museum in London through the years. The French ranks have been reinforced by a stalwart 30 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR nn Maple Tree Summer (ret 53019) peepee Petunia {he United States infantryman, peepepnerer spec tis beer us Imperial Guard at Present ‘Arms (ret 36200) that retals for $48, Three very nicely varied figures bubbling with enthusiasm make up complementary $144 set titled ‘Vive LEmpereur! Cheering French Imperial Guard (ret 36214). Back in issue MM, | reviewed an ‘American Civil War artilery set with a crew titled Ready to Fire! Union MI841 12-Pound Howitzer (ref 31418), Now the maker is offering only the ‘Mil 12-Pound Howitzer ace Sn Parents rr) Soren rere eran cofor $48, This type of gun was: Used by both sides to fire explosive shells or canister ‘ammunition to deadly effect at close to medium range, Scenic displays recreating a ‘wide range of themes can bbe enhanced with tervinches tall maple trees available for $79 with either ‘Summer (et 53019) or Autumn (ref 53022) foliage. \W.Britain has injected vivid ccharacterisations into ts perennially popular range bbasec on the Anglo-Zulu War 0f 1879 with two different Wworfigure $96 sets titled More Ammo Man! Lieutenant John Chard! (eet, 20218) and ‘We Must Hold that \Walll Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead (ret 20219) They ‘were the British officers of the Royal Engineers and 24th Regiment of Foot whe led the successtul Defence of Rorke’s Drift as dramatises inthe movie Zulu 1964) and portrayed by actors Stanley Baker and Michael Cane, respectively, This makers World War I MaA3 Sherman tank that | spotlighted in issue TH can now be complemented by AVIS Polar aes asi both the new US Tankers and Accessories Set, No.1 (fet. 25270) and US Armor Accessory Set, No.T (ret 25253). The former set costs $145 and includes three crewmen, including one halfbodied figure. for placement in hatches along with a couple of spare helmets and stowage. Two of the men wear M938 tanker helmets that continued in service into the 1950s, The other useful scale set sells for $79 and supplies a fue! crum.jerrycans, crates of ammunition a steel helmet, spare running wheels and more US Tankers and ‘Accessories Set.No.T (vet 25270) Painstakingly authentic figures of Black (ret 13062) and Caucasian (ret 13063) US Marines on patrol during the Vietnam War have been added to the Jack Tars & Leathernecks’ collection. They are armed with MId rifles, Used in the early stages of the war and wear MI helmets, vests and standard green combat fatigues. One of them has a three-pocket pouch for carrying fragmentation grenades hanging from his Sey ee oe “US Armor Accessory Set, No. (ret 25253). belt. These Leathernecks are sold singly for $48 and climax the wide swathe of history encompassed by this batch of new releases, TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 34ny its lineage to the famed how there are both female Various New Releasesmcninn cue ae New York Infantry. Alumni still parade the late Queen By Imperial Production: included Chaplain Francis P. Elizabeth Ils colours, thus the Duffy, Trees’ poet Sergeant 2022 designation. and wear evened by Sat A, Hessey Joyce Kimer and Medalof Scale cress that ooks abit Honor recilent Lieutenant ike the Canadian Mounties New releases from Imperial Productions éelve into topics Colonel Wiliam Wild Bil ata glance-This superb ranging from the Napoleonic Wars to World War land the toy Duffy. Two different sixfigure ceremonial grouping fields a soldier brands New Zealand homeland sets authenticaly modeled regimental sergeant major, Infatigue hats and greatcoats two fag bearers and three Bravest ofthe Brave nicknamed the Rainbow depict either an officer and cadets for $250. Colectors who arehighy —Divsior because tcrew ——_tveother ranks with their enamoured wth the manpower from National ries at the slope (ef 158) or Nepoleonic Wars and ike Guard uns in 26 diferent a hale dozen doughboys with figures made inthe 54mm states and the District of therrnfles slung (et 159). Each PP traditional style are going to Columbia Its chief of staft Col set sells for $240. lovea spends new mounted Douglas Macarthur pointed peciatene figure of France’s Marshal ‘out how the unit's formation CadetsColourParty [oes Ney (e160) Heralded 2s would stretch over the whole My avourtein ns flocks MaMa the'Bravest of the Brave, county Ikea rainbow the’New Zealand Officer eae Michel Ney was known forhis Imperial has zeroed non the Cadets 2022 Colour Party ear redhat tery temperament 165th Regrment tat raced (fe NZIS). The figures rect and exceptional valour in Combat. Imperial founder | WerldWar1US Rainbow Division sets ae avaiable either marching at the slope ret 158 ax shown here or with David Cowe has sculpted a _‘theriferstng ret. 159 vigor hte bandsnng iL. iL a sword and riding a rearing s horse that echoes how Ney . liked to lead his soldiers from the front and plunge into the . _¥ thick of the action. This highly collectable figure expertly painted in Imperals signature - silky gloss finish casts $120 = “s : = - Nz. US Rainbow Division doughboys with ies slung e159) Rainbow Division . ® = s s e Proprietors Bridget Ross 4 ‘ and Mark Yeoman have = N > reinforced their Wore War range with two cifferentarca 1918 seis nspred by the US Amys 42nd Division teas fpolonictranees| 2 & & “Marshal Ney (0.160). ny ‘New zealand omicer © ¥ abaahy 32 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTORReviewed by George Phitps fen scanning the toy soldier world for the most original and collectable figures to review for our readers, the TSC&HF team ‘occasionally stumbles upon something quite unique, Inthis case, itis a set by Sigve Solberg’s Norsemen Historical Miniatures that's inspired by the 1838 fairy tale The Steaatast Tin Soldier by Danish storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen, For anyone who doesnt know, the story goes lke this 'A young boy receives the aff of a box of 25 tin soldiers, owever, the final figure cast has only one lag as the maker ran out of tin. The one- ged soicier fals in with a paper ballerina w ‘a spangle on her sash, who lives in toy castle. The soldier is warned against having feelings for the dancer by a in who lives in aja the-box toy. Probably as a esuit of the goblins actions, the toy soldier fals rom the AK jobenBavatpofien. oe oll Ze » boy's win street He is found by some boys who build a boat out of newspaper and set him saling in the gutter. The boat and its passenger wash into astorm drain and eventually, into a canal where he is swallowed by a fish, The same fish is caught and serv for dinner at the boys hi When the tin soldier is discovered inside. inexplicably, the boy throws the soldier into the fire. Seconds later. a gust of wind blows the ballerina into the fre also and both are consumed by the flames’ sil into the clscovers thal melted into a litte tin heart, alongside the ballerina’s soangle, which has been blackened dy the fire What's the moral of this timeless tale? Even whe things go ternibly wrong Inlfe. we should remain unwavering like the tin soldier in our abiity to love Sigve said he procuced the sel because customers online searches fo cts using the fegian phrase tinnsoldat associated with ‘Andersen story. fanted to compete with Hans for the top row of the search results” Sigve joked, ‘The amount of research that’s gone inte this limited- edition set is staggering, TheS4mm metal soldier is painted in the Danish army Uniform of the periad, and both English and Norwegian, the paper boat is made from folded copies of pages from an 1838 edition of the Copenhagen Post! This charming and singular set includes the meta soldier, paper boat and paper ballerina, comes in anillustrated metal box and would make a very special aif. It can be yours for $61 US. TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 33ClaoRSINTe\ a Se) erates Revewer by Stuart A Hessney First Legion Ltd. has taken inspiration from World War Ils Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge to unleash 6Omm American and German forces. Operation Overload was the Allied codename for 19445 Batlle of Normandy waged from the D-Day lancings on 6 June to slogging through bitter bocage country combat in Germanoccupied northem France, trapping the German 7th Army in the Falaise pocket by 19 August, and the Liberation of Paris 10725 August. The close of Operation Overiord was marked by German forces retreating east across the Seine River on 30 August. First Legion's friendly spokesman Matthew Pavane has armed me with details of a new Normandy US MIO Tank Destrayer with Separate Stowage' (ret NOROS9) priced at $485 and a $15995 complementary set of tw crewmen (ref NOROIOO) to stand in ts turret. The scale ‘model recreates how the MIO 34 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR swith Sp (et. NOROSS). ‘mounted a Zin main gun and Army Tank Destroyer Force. 8.50 calibre Browning M2HB MOS of the 898th Tank machine gun ina rotating, __Destroyer Battalion blunted ‘open-top turret ona modified a counterattack by elements Ma Sherman tank chassis _of the German Panzer Lehr ‘with thin but sloped armour Diviston 0110 July in a Atolal of 6406 variants were vicious two-day baltle fought bulltbeginning in 1243, The mostly at close ranges of MIO debuted in North Africa less than 200m near Le ‘and was supplied to both Dézert in Normanay, Sources Allied nations and the US report that the Amencans ‘USMIO Tank Destroyer Crew (ref NORIOO). ‘USMIO Tank Destroyer rate Stowage ‘The twonew crewmen (Get NORIOO) are designed to stand Inthe mio‘ turret. Gestroyed one Panzer I, twelve Panthers and one Sturmgeschitz Iassauit gun inthe encounter, The MIO saw action until the war's end, butits main gun proved to be ineffective against the German Panther medium tanks thick frontal ‘armour, In addition the initial shock of encountering the ‘enemys heavy tanks sourred converting MIO battalions to the upgraded M36 tank Gestroyer as rapidly as possible First Legion's MIO is a mixed media model with metal, resin and plastic elements. The turret swivels {anc the main gun can be raised or lowered. To me, the most eye-catching aspect is how much detailed and different gear is strapped to the turret and stowed at both the front and back of the hull‘German Pr Grader — German Tank Riders cer anoen Collectors can enhance wintry Battle othe Bulge displays with eight new German tank riders bundled up for cold weather combat in mixes of pea dot camoutlage ang Feldgrau dress, They are sold singly for either $8995 or $9495 and can form two sympatico quartets. They include the Panzergrenadieren posed Sitting with K9E (ret BBOSD, Leaning with KS® (et 88062) Siting wth Gewehr 43 (ret. 88063) and ‘Standing with Gewehr 43 (ret, BB064), Waffen SS variants are either Siting with Gewehr 43 (ref BBOES), Siting with K9E (ref BBO6E) differently Siting with KOE (ref BBO67) or Leaning with M44 and Box’ (Pet BBO68) Of course these realistic soldiers coule complement other vehicles besides tanks, Cadets 2022 - Colour Party (ref NZ13). The figures reflect how there are both female and male cadets. They stil parade the late Queen Elzabeth Ils colours, thus the 202 designation, and wear scarlet dress that looks a bit like the Canadian Mounties ata glance. This superb ceremonial grouping fields a regimental sergeant major ‘two flag bearers and three cadets for $250. “German Pz Grenadier eaning with K3S" (et 88062). “German Pz Grenadier Sting with Gewehr 42 (Get B8060). Grenadier Standing ‘with Gevehr 42" (ret BB068), ‘German Waffen Siting with CoD ag ‘German Watfen S$ Leaning with M44 ‘German Watten ss Siting ‘and Box (ret BBOGD). with X93" ret BBOS7, ‘TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 35‘The ferocity ofthe Legion's defence at ‘Camarénis captured in ‘this superb lustration by Angus McBride. ook & Learn ta) teh artist George Phillips recounts how a French Foreign Legion detachment’s valiant stand against Mexican forces In 1863 became the stuff of legend. 1 the early 1860s, the embaltled Republic of Mexico was embroiled in a series of economic and polltical crises, Viewing the situation from Europe with a speculative eye was Emperor Napoleon Ill of France. who was keen to establish a Frencirbacked monarchy in Mexico with the aim of expanding his country influence in Latin America. ‘What became known as the second French intervention in Mexico began with French miltary units being despatched across the Atlantic Ocean to do the emperors bidding, Elements of the Foreign Legion sailed from Algeria to Mexico to link up with the rest of the invasion forces, While regular French units were engaged in large-scale operations, including the siege of cities such as Puebla, as was often the case for the men of the Légion Etrangére, they found themselves carrying out the tasks that other regiments were keen to avoid, Ths included guarding supply caravans through the arid and banditinfested Mexican countryside, ‘Once such unit was a 65strong company of legionnaires led Captain Jean Danjou. On the morning of 30 April 1863, Danjou and his men were guarding a caravan of sieae guns. munitions, gold bullion ang other supplies boeing transported from Chiquihuite to Palo Verde to support the siege of Puebla, With his Lieutenants Jean Vilain and Clement Maudet, Danjou was taking his dally ration of coffee when he spotted through the shimmering heat the cust being raised by {an advancing force that eventually totaled ‘about 3000 Mexican cavalry ang infantry. Included National Guarc troops. lancers and dragoons, ‘After the supply train was ordered to withdraw immediately, Danjou rapidly assessed his options for establishing 2 defensive position. The legionnaires formed a square to repulse Mexican cavalry charges shortly after 0200. nthe confusion, sitteen of ‘AMexican officer looks down onthe mertally wounded Lieutenant 36 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR Mauidetin the aftermath ofthe bate Wikimedia Commons)his men were overpowered and captured. ‘The remaining 46 men and tivee officers withdrew to ‘a more defensible walled hacienda in hamlet of Camarén, TTeking uo fing positions around the building and its grounds, Danjou's men Used their large-calbre rife muskets to pick off the first wave of Mexican attackers, Knowing he had the small French force comered with no option for escape, the Mexican commander, Colonel Francisco de Paula Min, sent one of nis captains to offer terms for surrender. “Otherwise, you will be needlessly slaughtered, the officer explained. Danjou replied that he and his men had plenty of ammunition and would continue to fight Attacks on the Legion detachments position by cavalry and. infantry came in waves Dozens of Mexicans fel to the volleys of the French rifle muskets, but the casualties on the French side were increasing too, In addition to the Mexican charges and smalrarms fire, Danjou’s men were battling blazing heat and lacked water because their pack mules had been scattered in the initial enemy advance Danjot: had lost ris left hand ten years earlier after the musket he was using exploded during skirmish in the Crimean War. He designed and commissioned the crafting of a wooden prosthetic hanc that was typically covered by a white cotton glove By late morning, Danjou’s glove was soiled with dust, sweat and powder bums, and fate had determined he would have ‘only minutes let to Ive. For at around 11.00, the Mexicans, charged the western gateway and southern wal of the hacienda, unleashing a volley of musket and pista fre. A lead ball siammed into Danjous chest, and he fell face down. dying instant. gtimfaced Vilain took command of the unit Attacks continued throughout the afternoon as the sun continued to blaze down. Casualties mounted on both sides, bbut while the Mexicans were getting the worst of it they had Iterally thousands of men in reserve. Captain Danjou's wooden hands reverediasa holy relicby the Legion. (Alamy) A Mexican captain offered the surviving legionnaites an opportunity ta surrender. NCO Vincent Morzyck! yelled “Merde!” in response - an unequivocal signal that he and his. comrades were not ready to lay down their arms. By around 14.00, only twenty legionnaires were stil in a condition to fight and within the hour Vilain was shot cead. Maudet assumed command determined to continue the resistance. During the next few hours, the Mexican assaults continued, with more losses on both sides. By 18000, only Maudet and five men remained. with each of them down to thelr last round of ammunition. Indescribably weary but resolute, Mauidet instructed his men to load their weapons. fire a final volley and then charge the enemy with ther bayonets fixed. With the blast of their weapons stil ringing in their ears, the men formed a \ormation behind therr officer and charged through a breach inthe hacienda wall What happened in the following seconds has passed into legend. The six yelling legionnaires sprinted from the hacienca ‘with their bayonets levelled at the belles of the nearest enemy soldiers just as a deafening volley of Mexican musket fre was unleashed, Private Victor Catteau hurled his body in front of Maudet te protect him from the barrage. Both soiciers were riddled wit bullets anc fell wth Catteau cead and Maudet severely wounded, ‘Amazingly, three men were stil standing, A Mexican officer immediately demanded their surrender. “Well surrender if ou leave us our weapons and equipment, and promise to take care of our wounded leutenant” Comoral Philipe Maine replied When the three battered and bloodied men were brought before Milin, the colonel asked, ‘Is this all of ther? Is ths al the men who are left?” He then famously exclaimed, These are not men! They ere demons” The legionnaires' dogged ter-hour defence of the hacienda at Camarén had resuited in the deaths of 200 Mexicans and the ‘wounding of a further 500, TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 37Maudet was treated by a Mexican surgeon but died within a week. The surviving legionnaires were eventually relurned to French lines after a series of prisoner exchanges. Danjou's wooden hi was recovered from the baatlefield and taken to ‘Aubagne, France, where itis keat in the Legion Museum of Memory Ithas become most cherished relic in the history of the Legion. On 30 April every year. itis brought out ERE for display to commemorate the anniversary of the battle. he highest honour that SEES can be bestowed upon a legionnaire is to carry the wooden hand on parade in its protective case, Camarén has become a potent symbol of the Legion's: tenacity, bravery and fighting spit ensuring that Danjou and his ‘Gemons will nev forgatten, Peeeane remind se Cree Lenprronirinecregewry pepe ere oa eee yet be Danjou’slaststandis recreated by glossy ‘combatants in V32-scale by Tradition of London Lt, 138 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTORXuan Hua XHPZ112 Winter Panzer Il tank $449.95 king & Country + Fist Legion « John Jenkins Designs » War Park Team Miniatures + Thomas Gunn Miniatures + Readyction * W.Britain The Warrior Caste « Last Post Miniatures + Xuan Hua Minatures (Over 1,000 vintage meta an plastic toy soldiers as wel as ‘vehicles and playsets forsale on our eBay store. Fi ebay mmtoysoldiers 35 Pllgim Vilage Read, Unit 902, Taunton MA 02780 Tok 617.462.5431 Email: gguorioro@msn.com www.mmtoysoldiers.com say, La Sarouche Diorama Bases Dioramas, Terain Boards and Scenery. For Collectors of Military Miniatures and Models, Commissions Undertaken. EF] La sarouche Diorama Bases dl jett-golddratte@btintemetcom 07803 196724 Cy iets x ered sh lee Gypsy Fortune Teller Price painted 24 casting ets, fh For afl it send an AS SAE‘ 12 Nonooe Grve North ‘Sse modelsehotmailcon —_, HULU We offer Toy Soldiers created by great artists and manufacturers from all around the world, We also have model trains and, the Military Art Work of James Dietz and Don Troiant. breagans.com bas 228 3C)[0)\ Re oasoe as) “NAPOLEONIC LIFE GUARDS TROOPER. erat IM. Norris, 7, Abert Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, C84 1BX Wales, UK el: (028} 20704931 wwrlittlelegion co.uk SOLDIERS OF THE WORLD Royal Corsican Rangers, 1804 - 1817 naa MADE IN NEW ZEALAND - wwrw.regaltoysoldiers.com TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 39ee ted Haaser dem Normans besiege A ‘the Dutch Minitec Citadel, = Fall of the Dutch Citadel Stephen Paul Hardy explores the fascinating origin of Hausser’s Citadel castle construction sets. ‘Text and Photos: Stephen Paul Hardy ‘The Normans deploy various siege engines to assault the caste, ‘The wide-ranging extent of O&M Haussers catalogues over te years is legendary not only for the figures they contained but also for the extent of complementary themed play accessories including vehicles, scenery and buildings. traditional subject theme evolving through the 1950s was of course medieval knights: the Ritter-Serie. Where there are knights there are also castles and Hauser was prolific in making toy castles. ‘As production ramped up from the mig-I950s onwards, the German company increasingly employed the then latest conceat in madel making - injecton-maulced polystyrene ~ alongside its trecitional composition material production. At the same time, the figure range was expanding due to several influences - most notably due to the popularity of the makers Karl May and Prince Valiant characters themed series Product development and catalogue growth was such that by the late 1950s an ever-expanding range of knights and Normans with all their requisite siege ordnance could be collected to occupy, defend and assault the preformed castles that Hausser offered. 40 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR‘def with the 199 extended version promoting, use ofthe accessory sets top lef as recreated by ‘amodel made in 2022 bottom righ. CastleKits ‘One of new items that Hausser announced at the Spiewaremesse’60 (Nuremizerg Toy Fair 1960) in West Germany was a small range of castle construction kits. Thelr ‘components were made from injection moulded polystyrene that seemed uncharacteristic of Hausser compared to the ‘company's traditional range of preformed fortresses and ‘castes. There is no doubt though that this new Citadel range ‘of castle-building playsets announced on the inside front cover of the 1860 Hausser catalogue as being avaible from October of that year onwards was strongly aligned to the manufacturer's 4cm knights and Normans figure ranges. We can precisely pinpoint the start of the Hausser era of Citadel thanks to that 1960 catalogue, but to start to unravel where it onginated, we must go back in time. Based on searching the Internet litle seems to be known about its back story. Dutch Origin Infact, the original concept, design. patenting and. manufacturing was Dutch Although quite when the story started is not yet clear, t would seem to accupy @ short span oftime in the late 1950s. come L craven a ‘Two versions af a ealet supplementing the construction suggestions booklet by promoting usec the accessory sels. One version isin the Dutch Tanguage and the ather in bath Duteh and French for the Belglan market. “They are not dated, but the inclusion af the then new Matchbox No. 65 “Jaguar 2.4 Litre nciates these were published in 198, Originated by Minitec, the Citadel sets were offered in tree sizes of boxed construction kits. They came with a {guide booklet of construction suggestions. One version of the guidesook covered all three sets with construction, suggestions appropriate to each one and pictured the contents of twelve accessoryispare parts sets (rets. AL) A final page illustrated the entire range of components included in the construction kit together with a contents list in the Dutch language tabulated to show the contents ofall three sets, AAs was fairly ustal for the era, the publication was undated, but printed on its back cover was ‘Verkoop Nederland NV. VEDEKA Amsterdam’ and’Made by Mintec Den Haeg - Holland. More helpful s a supplementary Ad-sized leafiet folded to ‘AS the centre spread of which is an adcitional construction suggestion encouraging the use of successive sets of the small parts sets, Two versions of ths leaflet exist with one in Duteh ang the other in both Dutch and French for the Belgian market. Neither is dated, but | have pinpointed them, ‘with certainty to 1959 thanks to one of four Matchbox toy vehicles photographed with the smaller of two construction suggestions promoted by the leafet. \Whie Iwas doing research for this article, contacted the Patent Office of the Netheriands Enterprise Agency to ‘enquite whether the patent numer quated on the cover ofthe dual language version could provice any more background information, Their very helpful reaty confirmed the patent registration was filed on 31 August 1959 under the tile Speeigoed bouwdoos (Tay Building Se. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency's Internetaccessible archive documents included one drawing illustrating the fundamental ‘characteristics of the Citadel construction concept and the patent as being for ‘Toy building construction and method of ‘manufacturing building elements used therein Given that product design, development and tooling investment take time before a product even reaches the ‘market, itis reasonable to assume that Citadel was probably conceived in 1958, That set of archive records also gives access toa subsequent German patent registration dated 25 August 1960. These two patent registrations are key dates on the Citadel history timeline. > TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR 41ee te Lock, Stock and Barrel So, we know that Citadel was still a Minitec product in the late summer of 1959 and that it reappeared as @ Hausser product In the autumn of 1960. Presumably, the acquisition was agreed ‘on in time to be promoted at the 1960 Nuremberg Toy Farr and the Hausser catalogue announced the arrival of Citadel at the end of October that year. What is interesting though. from a historically retrospective point of view, is whether acquiring the Citadel range was in fact a quick kill route for Hauser to dabble in construction kits or a quick kill acquisition of competition likely to distract uyers away from its own rather traditional range of loy castles. Or is equally concewvable that Hausser viewed the acquisition as killing both birds with one stone? At first glance. 2 casual observer could be forgiven for thinking Hausser just replicated Minitec’s product lock stock and barre, but as we shal see later there were some changes that arose out of the transition. However, first | want to take a closer look at the documentation thal supported the Citade! sets because at a glance it would appear to have been just a cursory reprinting of the Mintec booklet with a new cover. The Illustrations Citadel arrived on the scene at the crest of the injection: ‘moulded kit wave and amid an explosion of building construction toys secoming avaiable. British plestics engineer and entrepreneur Charies Plimpton had introduced his Bayko building construction toys in 1934, but it was the post World War Iladvent of Lego’ interlocking bricks and its clones that really marked the beginning of a new era of construction toys made of coloured plastic. With its plastic components, Including assembly lugs anc parts moulded on sprues, Cade! neatly bridged between constructon kits trom Aurara, Airfix, Frog, Monogram, Revell and other makers with the new eras building construction toys led by Lego. ‘Common to both the construction kits and the bullding construction toys were leaflets or booklets of assembly Instructions and suggestions illustrated with line drawings. The 40-page booklet of construction suggestions included in every Minitec boxed set surpassed most of its contemporaries. Each suggestion was comprised of @ black and white photograph of the completed building. a foundation feotarint and an axonometric line drawing of the partially completed bullcing sutficient to give 90 per cent of the information needed for ts completion. The remaining ten per cent was quickly assimilated by intuitive interpretation and experience! e™, ary = ea ew. oa fy ta ah wi ; ‘The 2022,replication of the 1959 Minitec model (ret. 254 itustrates the scope ‘snd architectural style envisaged by Gitedets designer. 42 TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR I think we have become complacent in ths era of Internet and personal computers about the skils once needed to prepate illustrations of these sorts. The Citadel axonometric are beautiful works of technical drawing which combine architectural and engineering drawing attnibutes in work. prepared on paper with an ink nen on an old-fashioned crawing board, Minitec Cover Model A larger showcase model was prepared and photographed for the cover of the Minitec booklet although, unlike the construction suggestions, i was net supported by an axonometric drawing. Interestingly, the model was also sed in an extended version on the cover of that AS folded leaflet ilustrating the use of the accessory sets. That version was at least was supported by a foundation biock plan and commentary about the components used in its construction, Itis reasonable to assume that the two showcase cover ‘models were built and photographed al the same time, Intrigued by the construction guidance in the supplementary leaflet, [decided to recreate Minitec’s cover mode! This entailed a certain amount of interpretation and some small pragmatic moctfications to create a model that meshed the best of both caver models together When viewed a8 a set of photographically generated line drawings, the recreated model pravides a superb insight into the architectural style that Citadels designer (or architect) had in mind when developing the toy ks style seems to draw from Low Countries vernacular styles of the sort seen in Dutch painter Hendrick Avercamps works combined with angular versions of Bavarian King Ludwig Ils castles, most notably Neuschwanstein. At an imaginative stretch, Hadrian's Wall Ancient Roman barracks. Vikings pilaging a vilage or bbattlegrounds for Turks, Landsknechts or Huns coulc be built vith Citadel kts, but they undouibtably were best paired with the dcm Ritter and Norman themes of Hausser’s historical figure range. The Citadel series was undoublably in its early stages of development when it was acquired by Hausser Sadly ts full potential was unrealised because Hausser simply reproduced ‘most of the components already in production by Minitec thout further development. What Hausser did do, however. was significantly upgrade Citadels cover image Athough the construction suggestions booklet was substantially reprinted with ausser simply adding its wellknown hatted ‘trademark logo ang placing its brand name over the word Citadel on every page. it was treated to new covers in vibrant colour. Instead of using a blackand-while photograph of aa showcase cover model castle, Hausser Used an artsts impression that was effectively from the fantasy realm. This ilustration must have enthused and frustrated aspiring children in equal measure. They would have been frustrated because the two versions of the Minitec cover castles were realistically buildable using the largest of the three sets and a large selection of the small accessory sets, but recreating the Hausser artwork would have been unachievable. Hausser also added vibrant colour to the inside