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!