King & Country: Schwimmwagen - WS109

King & Country is releasing a Schwimmwagen, WS109, in early September 2008. This model includes the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen and two grenadiers. One of which happens to be relieving himself as, "Nature Calls". This piece will make an excellent addition to any WWII Waffen SS military miniature diorama. This piece is 1:30 (60mm) in scale and will cost $109.00 USD. You can purchase one today at www.BgsToySoldiers.com.

The Schwimmwagen was a creation of Volkswagen to create a swimming car that could cross rivers and small lakes without assistance. The vehicle has a tub body with a propeller on the back of the automobile. Each Schwimmwagen was limited to one gear and was designed to ride a little higher to allow for easy off-road travel. When in the water, the Schwimmwagen could only maneuver forward, as the propeller did not operate in the reverse direction. In order to allow troops to move in reverse, often simple paddles were used, or the car could be put in reverse drive and the motion of the tires could cause a slow backward drift in calm waters. Between 1941 and 1944, roughly 15,584 Schwimmwagens were produced.

Other Waffen SS pieces released by King & Country in early September include:

Sd.kfz.250/1 Leichter Schutzenpanzer wagen - WS121 ($159.00)

Advancing on the Enemy - WS122 ($93.00)

"Machine Gun Team Forward!" - WS123 ($62.00)

Flame Thrower Set - WS124 ($62.00)

Also coming in September are a new set of Medieval pieces by King & Country, available for pre-order today at www.BgsToySoldiers.com

Pieces retired by King & Country in August 2008:

- Check-Point - AK017
- "Jes' Make Sure He's Dead!" - BBA013
- Mine Laying Surprise - BBA014
- Helping a Buddy - BBA017
- Paratroops - DD056
- Reach For The Sky! - DD074
- The Mine Sweepers - EA013
- Desert Vickers - EA016
- Surrendering Senegalese A - FOB035
- Surrendering Senegalese B - FOB036
- Winter Sledge - WS084
- The Fuhrer's Last Fighter - WS100
- Sd. kfz.252 Transporter - WS101

All these pieces are available today at www.BgsToySoldiers.com. We also have a large number of other retired pieces by King & Country.

Patriot Models: Brunswickers Series

Patriot Models has just released the first figures from the Brunswicker series for the Napoleonic Collection. These figures are 1:30 scale (60mm) with a matt finish. Patriot Models has released 3 pieces so far, with an additional 3 being released in September. The figures available at www.BgsToySoldiers.com today are:

PTNA036 - Brunswicker Fixing Bayonet
PTNA037 - Brunswicker Standing Firing
PTNA038 - Brunswicker Kneeling Firing

These pieces are modeled after the Black Brunswickers formed in 1809 during the Napoleonic wars. They were formed by the German Duke, Frederick William. The Brunswickers are named after Brunswick of Germany at the time, because they conquered and held the city for a short time from Napoleon and the French. They were later driven from Brunswick . They then joined up with British forces and participated in the Waterloo Campaign. On June 16th 1815, Fredrick fell in the Battle of Quatre Bras. The Brunswickers eventually disbanded in early 1820.

The Collectors Showcase: The Berdan Sharpshooters

The Berdan Sharpshooters were an American Civil War regiment of sharpshooters named after Col. Hiram Berdan (1823-1893). The 1st and 2nd regiment were selected from various northern states in 1861, through a rigorous test of placing 10 consecutive shots in a 10" space about 200 yards away without use of a scope. Believe it or not, enough people were able to accomplish this task to create 18 companies within 2 regiments. The regiments marched to their first battle dressed in forest green jackets, trousers, and caps. Each sharpshooter was armed with a 5 shot Colt revolving rifle. Berdan sharpshooters were placed strategically on the battlefield to pick-off officers and distinguished people from the South. The Berdan Sharpshooters made their mark in the Battle of Yorkstown. They were also key to the success of the North in the Battle of Gettysburg, as they held stalled the Confederate advance on Devils Den. Collectors Showcase is releasing 3 sets of figures modeled from the Berdan Sharpshooters. There are 3 soldiers per set and they are 1:32 (54mm) scale. The sets include:

- Berdan Sharpshooters Firing - CS00274 ($75.00)
- Berdan Sharpshooters Loading - CS00275 ($75.00)
- Berdan Sharpshooters Command - CS00276 ($85.00)

Reserve yours today at www.BgsToySoldiers.com today!

King & Country: Napoleon & His Generals NA158(SL) - July 2008

King and Country is continuing to celebrate their 25th Anniversary with another Strictly Limited Set. They are releasing Napoleon & His Generals NA158(SL). They will also be releasing a few other Napoleonic pieces to go with this exquisite piece. Includes Napoleon and 3 of his generals. They include: Marshal Louis-Nicolas DAVOUT, General DORSENNE and General of Cuirassiers Jean-Joseph Comte d' HAUTPOUL. Delivering dispatches is a standing, saluting Aide de Camps. Completing this scene are a camp table, chair and basket of maps and the Emperor's Tent forming a backdrop. This set is limited to only 999 pieces by King & Country. We have sold all of our allotted sets but three. Reserve yours today in our pre-order section at:

http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/

Pieces Retired this month:

- AK022 "The Mortar Set"- AK028 "Questioning The Prisoner
- BAR005 "Running Warrior with Shield and Spear"
- BAR009 "Stepping Warrior with Sword and Shield"
- RO018-RE "Legion Mascot"
- RO026-RE "Roman Casualty"
- RO028-RE "Kneeling w/Spear"
- RO029-RE "Kneeling w/Sword"
- RO030-RE "Defending w/Sword"
- RO031-RE "Defending w/Shield"
- RO033-RE "Stabbing w/Sword"
- RO034-RE "Advancing w/Sword"
- WS088 "Road Block"

Most pieces are available at http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/ today!

Forces of Valor: 1:16th Scale Extreme Metal U.S. M4A3 Sherman Tank

Forces of Valor has followed up last years Michael Wittmann Tiger Tank with this year's M4A3 Sherman Tank. Sherman tank crews battled deadly Panzer and Tiger tanks. Although under-gunned and thinly armored, they fought off the menace of German armor through sheer numbers and tactics. Three figures included and also a collectors handbook. This piece will be available early August at www.BgsToySoldiers.com. The hatches open, the turret turns, and the treads allow the tank to roll. This is a magnificent piece and very large. You can reserve this piece via email, email me at: sales@bgstoysoldiers.com.

The Collectors Showcase: Tiger Tank Michael Wittmann

The Collectors Showcase is releasing their version of the Tiger Tank with Michael Wittman. They are releasing three versions of the Tiger Tank at the end of July. They will be only manufacturing 300 of each tank. Each tank will come with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The tank types include: Winter Tiger, Arnhem Tiger and a Wittmann Tiger. The Michael Wittmann is pictured to the right. Each tanks doors and hatches open and close. Also, the gun can be positioned up and down. This piece will make an excellent addition to any WWII diorama. They are 60mm (1:30) scale. On the early style roadwheels you can take the front bogie on or off just like the original crews. The tanks will be shipped at the end of July. Reserve yours today in the pre-order section at http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/.

Limited availability.

King & Country: Civil War Union Soldiers - June 2008

King and Country released their first set of Union soldiers in their new American Civil War Collection. They previously had released 25 Confederate soldiers an Generals. They are now releasing 14 Union Soldiers in this first wave of Union Soldiers. All the pieces are available at http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/.

The pieces are 1:30 in scale and include:

CW026 - Union Officer w/
CW027 - Union Chasseur Standing w/ Rifle
CW028 - Union Kneeling Firing Rifleman
CW029 - Union Standing Firing Rifleman
CW030 - Union Kneeling Ready
CW031 - Union Standing Ready
CW032 - Union Kneeling Loading
CW033 - Union Standing Loading
CW034 - Union Standing Ramrod
CW035 - Union Advancing
CW036 - Union Sergeant w/ Flag
CW037 - Union Bugler
CW038 - Union Mounted Officer
CW039 - Thirsty WorkBinos

Pieces Retired this month:

- AE006 "The Stone Carvers"
- AR045 "Standing Firing Marine"
- AR052 "Kneeling Firing Marine"
- BBA018 "M24 Chaffee Tank (Winter Camo)"
- BBG004 "GI Prisoners"
- BBG009 "Raupen Schlepper"
- DD052 "Lord Lovat Command Group"
- DD064 "Tommy Patrol"
- DD092 "M24 Chaffee Tank (Olive Drab)"
- IC026 "Artillery Set"
- LAH073 "Polizei NCO"

Most pieces are available at
http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/
today!

Honour Bound: German Panzergrenadiers

Honour Bound has just released their version of the 17th SS German Panzergrenadiers. The German Panzergrenadiers were a ragtag, many of them being Romanian Conscripts. The Panzergrenadiers rounded up French vehicle to mobilize. The tankers were armed with Assult guns as opposed to tanks. The Panzergrenadier unit were first ordered to Normandy after D-Day to slow the allied advance. After several battles and many losses, the Panzergrenadier unit was ordered to retreat to Metz France to refit and regroup. The Panzergrenadiers of the 17th fought for many months to follow, retreating into Germany and eventually being taken as POWs near the end of WWII in Germany. Honour Bound has released four German Panzergrenadiers (HB24). You can find this set at www.BgsToySoldiers.com

Frontline Figures: The Battle of New Market

The Virginia Military Institute is one of the oldest military schools in the United States. The military institute produced some of the Confederate armies most prolific soldiers and generals, including Stonewall Jackson. May 15, 1864, Gen. Sigel of the Union army marched on New Market, VA. The Confederatearmy located at New Market was small and called on the Virginia Military Institute to provide reinforcements. In the Battle of New Market, vA the Virginia Military Institute provided Cadets to aid the Confederate forces. Their ages ranged from 15 to 25 years of age. 10 Cadets died as a result of the Battle of New Market. The Confederate army was able to turn the Union soldiers away with the help of the Cadets. Frontline Figures has a Virginia Military Institute Cadet series and can be found at http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/

King & Country: Rommel's Desert Horch - AK046(SL)

Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel, the most famous German Field Marshal of World War II, was the commander of the German Afrika Korps and went by the nickname "The Desert Fox". He was later in command of the German forces opposing the Allied cross-channel invasion of Normandy. He is thought by many to have been one of the most skilled commanders in desert warfare from World War II.
Rommel's military successes earned the respect not only of his troops and Adolf Hitler, but also that of allied forces in North Africa. Following the defeat of Axis forces in North Africa, and while commanding the defense of Occupied France, his fortunes changed when he was suspected of involvement in the failed plot in 1944 to kill Adolf Hitler and was forced to commit suicide.
King & Country is releasing a strictly limited Rommel's Desert Horch. There will only be 1250 total sets worldwide. The retail price is $159.00. The picture above depicts the piece. We here at www.BgsToySoldiers.com have only 6 left of our allotted pieces. If you would like to reserve this piece, email me at sales@bgstoysoldiers.com to reserve yours today. Piece will be released in early June.

Pieces Retired this month:

- AE011 "Scaffolding Set"
- AE020 "The Cleopatra Set"
- IWJ025 "General Kuribayashi"
- IWJ026 "Rifle Grenade Team"
- IWJ027 "Mortar Team"
- IWJ028 "Machine Gun Team"
- IWJ029 "Anti Tank Team"
- IWJ030 "Sniper Team"
- MK002 "Foot Knight w/Sword & Shield"
- MK005 "Foot Soldier w/Spear"
- MK015 "Charging Knight w/Axe & Shield"
- MK017 "Horn Blower"
- MK021 "Wounded Man-at-arms"
- MK022 "Man-at-arms w/Sword & Shield"
- MK032 "Saracen Crossbow Loading"
- RO032-RE "Attacking w/Shield"
- RO039 "Mounted Julius Caesar"
- WS072 "German Summer Panther Set"
- WS080 "Gepard Flakpanzer 38(T)"
- WS091 "Gestapo Arrest!"
- WS092 "Tour of Inspection"

Most pieces are still available for a limited time at www.BgsToySoldiers.com

Patriot Models: Company Profile

We here at Bgs Toy Soldiers are proud to announce that we have placed our first order from Patriot Models. We wanted to give our customers a little information on Patriot Modles. They are a relatively new company to the Military Miniatures Trade. The pieces should be arriving early June, as we are waiting on the release of their newest release of the Brunswickers for their Napoleonic Collection. Patriot Models creates high quality metal figures made with Pewter and hand painted. Each piece is 1:30th scale. Their primary focus currently are in Napoleonic figures, World War II, and Ancient China. The Brunswickers is their latest release, known as the black army. The picture above is a collection of their Brunswicker set with another Napoleonic piece. If you have any individual questions, email us at sales@BgsToySoldiers.com. I will be checking these pieces out in more detail as they arrive. Visit www.BgsToySoldiers.com and start your Patriot Models collection soon.

Collectors Showcase: Brooklyn Firing Line

Collectors Showcase released their new Brooklyn Firing Line in March of this year. This set includes three sets to complete the entire line. Depicted in the picture here is CS00270 ($85.00 USD). The other pieces are CS00271 and CS00272. Each of the sets has three figures, with the complete set having 9 total figures. These pieces were limited to 300 total for each set. We just recently got in a re-order of this set from Collectors Showcase.
Perfect for any Civil War diorama. The pieces are made of pewter and each are hand painted. The pieces are 1:32 scale (54mm). Get your set today from www.BgsToySoldiers.com. Collectors Showcase will also be releasing a Sharpshooter Line for their Civil War collection very soon, watch in the coming months for the announcement of this release.

King & Country: 88mm Flak 18 - April Newsletter

The eighty-eight was an anti-aircraft artillery gun used by the German army in World War II and was also used as an anti-tank gun throughout the war. First developed by the Krupp company of Germany in 1928 to take advantage of the German standard 88mm artillery ammunition, the 88mm Flak was an effective antiaircraft gun in the 2nd World War. The gun was mounted on a gun carriage for mobility and to allow the gun to change directions when needed. The88mm Flak was heavy and typically was towed by the German SdKfz 7 Half-Track Vehicle. Another issue during WWII was the higher velocity aircraft and the increase in altitude between the World Wars. The 88mm Flak was designed to operate in a semi-automatic fashion to dispense 15 to 20 rounds a minute. The ammunition was very explosive to increase the effectivness of each round. Also, the gun was powerful enough to fire 9.2kg shells to hieghts of 26000 feet. The gun was also effective as an anti-tank gun at distances up to 2km, seeing action in both the Soviet Union and North Africa theaters.

King and Country is releasing a version of the 88mm Flak 18 this coming May, they will release WS103. The 88mm FlaK 18 with 5 artillerymen. Reserve yours today at www.BgsToySoldiers.com, contact us if you would like to reserve this piece.

Pieces Retired this month:

- AR040 "Standing Ready"
- AR042 "Kneeling Ready"
- BR054 "Supply Wagon Set"
- LAH061 "Oath Taking Ceremony"
- NA013 "French Grenadier Officer Marching"
- NA016 "French Grenadier Drummer"
- NA088 "Scots Grey on Collapsing Horse"- BAR001 "Mounted Chieftain"
- BAR002 "Attacking w/Axe"
- BAR011 "Standing Warrior"
- BAR012 No Mercy"

Most pieces are still available for a limited time at www.BgsToySoldiers.com

Figarti Miniatures: Company Profile

This month we here at Bgs Toy Soldiers are working out the details to start carrying Figarti Miniatures. We wanted to give our customers a little information on Figarti Miniatures, as they are starting to gain popularity in the Military Miniatures Trade.
Figarti was founded in 2003 by James Wang. They specialize in both 54mm and 60mm metal figures. Great detail and research goes into the development of each piece and they typically create pieces not offered by other military miniatures manufacturers.

In the photo to the left is their V-1 on Transport Cart & Crew (G4006E), which retails at $199.00. We hope to bring this piece and many of their other pieces to you sometime mid-May at www.BgsToySoldiers.com.

Frontline Figures: Zulu War

Frontline Figures has just re-released their Zulu War figures in a remastered Matt finish. The picture to the left shows WZW1, a depiction of 2 Zulu Warriors attacking 2 24th Regiment Soldiers. The Zulu Wars consisted of many bloody battles, which ultimately led to the end of Zulu Independace. One of the most famous battles was the defense of Rorke's Drift, a missionary on the South Africa border. The battle of Rorke's Drift lasted 10 hours in Jan 1879. In the battle, 139 British troops fended off over 5000 Zulu warriors, injuring and killing many.
William Brittian and Conte Collectibles have both recently also released fabulous Zulu War pieces. W. Brittian pieces were released in March and Conte's pieces will be available early this summer. Both sets will compliment the Frontline Figures collection nicely. We look forward to bringing all the collections to our website in the coming months. This piece and many others will be available at www.BgsToySoldiers.com this upcoming weekend.

King & Country: Here come the Hessians - March Newsletter

Coming in April from King and Country, the Hessians. Part of the American Revolution series. The Hessians were the German soldiers that fought on behalf of the British in the American Revolution. They comprised of 1/4th of the entire British force. Including ground troups and artillery units. Most of these units were hired out to the British by the German royalty and were made up of criminals, debtors, and conscripts. The Hessians were involved in many of the battles of the American revolution, including the famous Battle of Trenton, where George Washington crossed the Delaware River to attack the British by surprise, capturing over 900 Hessians in the battle.

You will be able to get these pieces BR062 through BR074 at www.BgsToySoldiers.com in early April.

Coming in this week, we have:
DD092 - O.D. CHAFFEE. We have 5 of these tanks and 5 of the FOB039 - BLITZKRIEG PANZER IV Tank. We will also be getting in the Uhlan Cavalry later this month. For all of you waiting on the British Soldiers from the American Revolution series, they will be coming in this week also.

Retired this Month:

AK031 - "Vichy French Camel Corps Sergeant (Mtd.)"
AK032 - "VF Arab Camel Corps Rider on Drinking Camel (Mtd.)"AK033 - "VF Arab Camel Corps on Guard (Mtd.)"
AK034 - "VF Officer w/ Sitting Camel"
WS073 - "German / French SPG"
BBA016 - "M3A1 White Scout Car"

You can ind these and many other retired pieces at www.BgsToySoldiers.com

JG Miniatures: Arnhem Building Release (Market Garden) - March Newsletter

Available in early March, a new series of Arnhem buidings and pavement and street bases to compliment the Market garden range from King and Country and Collectors Showcase (coming in this week to www.BgsToySoldiers.com. Made for 1:30 scale pieces, these will also suit traditional 54mm figures. Based on the modular 6" tile system these buildings give plenty of scope for creating table top or shelf displays. Also a new scenic item S24 Scrub / undergrowth great for camouflaging figures and vehichles.

We at Bgs Toy Soldiers have this entire set on order, which should be in over the next few weeks. You can reserve your pieces today by calling me at 1-866-925-8604 or via email at sales@bgstoysoldiers.com. We also have some diorama pieces for our new Knight collection from King and Country, and various other pieces for the various battle lines we carry. We have carried JG Miniatures for a year now and their quality is top notch.

Frontline Figures: French Indian War

Frontline Figures has reworked their French Indian Wars collection to include more Indian figures in action poses. They created many figures firing bows and rifles. Their new Canoe pieces are highly detailed and unique. We are very excited to be soon adding these pieces to our catalog. They also have the 42nd Highlanders, Black Watch Scottish Troops in various poses.

Bgs Toy Soldiers will be carrying the French Indian Wars pieces, Napoleonics, and Zulu Wars initially, and over the remainder of the year will add new pieces from their vast collection of wars. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in any of their other pieces and we will be sure to concentrate early on building our catalog in those areas. Now available at www.BgsToySoldiers.com

King & Country: Uhlan Warriors Release - February Newsletter

In Mid-March, King and Country will be releasing some new pieces to the World War I set (FW). These pieces are FW035 - FW039. These pieces are base on the German Uhlans, a light armor Calvary unit. Originally, developed in Poland, serving later in the Napoleonic War for Prussia. These units were a cavalry unit armed primarily with lances, sabers, pistols, and later rifles. The Uhlan units displayed small flags on the tips of their spears. Originally founded in the 18th century, the Uhlan Calvary was a solution to the emerging use of guns as opposed to swords. This was due to heavy armor becoming obsolete and light mobile units becoming important in battle. The Uhlan cavalry also fought in the Napoleonic Wars.

Also coming in March, King and Country will be releasing NA137-NA150. These pieces depict the Russian soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars. These pieces are an array of soldiers equipped with rifles in various positions, officers with swords, wounded soldiers, and a 5 piece Russian Artillery Set.

Finally, at the end of March, King and Country will be releasing two tanks. The long awaited M24 Chaffee Tank (Olive Drab) DD092 and the Blizkrieg Panzer IV Fob039. The Chaffee tank is ideal for any DDay diorama. The Chaffee was also used in Asia for the Korean War and saw action in the 1st Middle East War.

King and Country retired the following pieces this month:

LAH041 - German Lamppost
WS074 - Winter Hummel
WS081 - Winter Kettenrad
DD060 - The Staghound Armoured Car
EA002 - Scottish Bagpiper
EA010 - Dingo Scout Car

All the pieces in this article will be released in March and we at www.BgsToySoldiers.com already have the pieces pre-ordered and will get them in and listed as soon as they are released. We will make the items available as they arrive and will take pre-orders via email if you want to secure any of these pieces to ensure their availability, as some pieces tend to sell out as soon as we get them in.

Honour Bound: New Customizable Tanks - February Newsletter

Great News! We have just completed working out the details with Honour Bound to start carrying their pieces. We also have signed on to be a part of their new customizable tank program. They are labeling this new initiative Honour Bound Gold Edition. They currently offer the late WWII Tiger I, but will soon be offering the Panzer IV and a multitude of other tanks in the future. These tanks are 1:30 scale and are fully customizable. The customer will be able to select the color scheme, crew, and various features for their customized tank. There are also options to put on your own logo and create your own features for your customized tank. Each tank is individually created with the Tiger I base and then customized and hand painted as specified by the customer. The base cost will be $420.00 USD, and will be shipped for free directly to the customer's address from Honour Bound.

We will be implementing this new plan in March when we receive our first order of soldiers. We will be also getting a few retired tanks and soldiers in this first order. They should be available in March along with the special order program. Coming soon to http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/

Collectors Showcase Company Profile - February Newsletter

Collectors Showcase as one of the smaller, young toy soldier manufacturers today. They do all their modeling on computer in 3D. Their manufacturing is done in China. Most of their pieces are created in Pewter and hand painted. In 2007, Collectors Showcase released a 1:28th scale set of German Afrika Korps pieces and a 1:30th scale Civil War Set both North and South. The quality of their figures is top notch and the popularity of their pieces is fast growing. Most of their pieces are released in limited quantities, making them hard to obtain after initial release. They also produce museum quality large scale statues of historical figures in the 1:6th scale size.

The quality of their pieces is top notch in my opinion. The artillery set for both Afrika Korps and the Civil War collection are remarkable pieces in detail. Brian, founder and President of Collectors Showcase, has expressed an excitement when giving us the details of the product release coming in March. At the beginning of March, Collectors Showcase will be shipping new pieces for Operation Market Garden: Arnhem. These pieces are 1:30th scale and created in pewter. The initial release will be limited to 300 pieces for each of the 7 initial sets. Also coming this March is the 14th Brooklyn Firing Line based on the line from the Civil War. This set of figures is also limited to only 300 pieces and comes with a numbered label. These pieces would make a great addition to any Civil War collection. This set is also a 1:30th scale set.
We have been able to secure 3 of each of the sets of pieces. These pieces are in very limited supply. We also can no longer order any of the Afrika Korp pieces or 2007 Civil War pieces as they are no longer available to vendors and will soon no longer be available at all. Please email us and reserve and pieces you are looking forward to today. We will be creating a coming soon section on the website soon to allow people to view what will be coming in. We also plan to allow people to reserve pieces prior to their release via the website soon. Look for these pieces to be available early March. Pieces are now available at http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/

Welcome

Welcome to our blog for http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/

In this blog we will post information periodically about news, reveiws, and tips for military miniature collectors. We will also include diorama tips and information for military miniatures. All our articles from our monthly Toy Soldier newsletter will also be included on our blog.

Please visit http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/ for your military miniature collectible needs and sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive monthly coupon codes for our website. We offer free shipping worldwide.

Watch for our company profile and information about us in our next post.

Doug Dimola
http://www.bgstoysoldiers.com/
1-866-925-8604