Collectors Showcase: Sherman "EZ Eight" Tank

Collectors Showcase final release of figures for 2010 includes a new set of American WWII figures and a Sherman "EZ Eight" Tank. The tank comes in both a Normandy scheme - CS00459 and Winter scheme - CS00460. The new Sherman tanks look fantastic and come with a lot of extras, including a good track and turret and also a damaged thrown track and blown turret with bullet holes and all. The setup on your diorama can vary with these new tank figures

Collectors Showcase: Sherman "EZ Eight"

which retail for $165.00. The Sherman tanks are available at www.BgsToySoldiers.com today. Also coming with this new release that we will be shipping this week to all the pre-order customers are the Scot's Greys cavalry, Confederate 12 pounder, and new 1938 Berlin figures.

Other pieces that are coming out that go with the Sherman are:

CS00461 - Sherman Riders Normandy $65.00
CS00462 - Sherman Riders Winter $65.00
CS00463 - Sherman Jumpers Normandy $65.00
CS00464 - Sherman Jumpers Winter $65.00
CS00465 - Sherman Re-Loaders $89.00

Order your figures today from this new collection of Sherman Tank figures and support at www.BgsToySoldiers.com.

Thomas Gunn Miniatures: HGM Anniversary Set - SSW-005

Thomas Gun miniatures has just released a new set for the SS Winter German WWII military miniature collection. This newest figure is SW-005(A) pictured here, which includes 2 gunners manning a MG43 gun and an officer spotting for the gunners. The Winter 1944 version is limited edition to 200 figures. There is also a Spring 1945 version SSW-005(B) is limited to 100 figures. SSW-005 figures are available for $95.00 USD. These figures will be shipping from

Thomas Gunn Miniatures: HGM Anniversary Set

www.BgsToySoldiers.com later this week. Also coming soon is the new Paratrooper figures. PARA-001 and PARA-002 are the first figures of the new paratroopers line.

PARA-001 - The crossing is 3 airborne personnel in a small dinghy boat. Perfect for Arnhem and Pegasus Bridge diorama setups. PARA-001 is listed at www.BgsToySoldiers.com for $89.00 USD. PARA-002 is another two airborne figures, retailing for $56.00. Extra Dinghy boats, ACC-002, are also available at www.BgsToySoldiers.com.

John Jenkins Designs - Knights of the Skies

As John Jenkins Designs starts to expand into the 20th century with the most recent release of the Condor Tanks COND-01, John Jenkins Designs is following up with the start of the Knights of the Skies Collection. The first release of this collection is the Sopwith Camel B7270, ACE-10. ACE-10 is avaialble for pre-order at www.BgsToySoldiers.com for $188.00 USD. This Aircraft collection will be a must have for any Aircraft miniature Enthusiast. Here is a little more about this first model:

The Aces were the top pilots of each nation who had downed at least 5 enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The governments promoted them to raise morale, civilians adored them for their courage, and skill, and the press were to memorialize them as “Knights Of The Skies”. Aces presented a vision of war based on past virtues like chivalry and decorum. They became modern day heroes flying machines, instead of riding horses. The first aircraft of the collection is the one that became famous because it was the machine that Capt. Roy Brown used to chase Baron von Reichtofen over the Somme on 21st April 1918. A flight from which the Baron did not return. Brown had fired at the Baron’s Dr1, and upon landing was told that he had shot it down. (This machine was then flown by Capt. O W Redgate, who scored two more victories in it that same month.) There were 3 white bars on the fuselage sides, one ahead of where a roundel might have been, and two aft.
A red chevron, edged in white, appeared on the top wing across the centre section.

The Sopwith Camel entered squadron service in June 1917 with No.4 squadron of the Royal Air Service, near Dunkirk. The following month, it became operational with No’70 squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. By February 1918, 13 squadrons were fully equipped with the camel. Originally intended as a replacement for the Sopwith Pup, its design was more evolutionary than revolutionary, featuring a box-like fuselage structure, an aluminium engine cowling, plywood-covered panels around the cockpit, and fabric covered fuselage, wings and tail. Two Vickers machine guns were mounted directly in front of the cockpit, firing forward through the propeller with synchronisation gear. A metal fairing over the gun breeches created a “hump” that led to the name Camel. More than 5,000 Camels were produced, and it was responsible for destroying 1,294 enemy aircraft, between June 1917 and November 1918, and was the most successful fighting scout employed by either
side in terms of the sheer numbers of victories that it scored.

Also coming in the October release are:

BM-25 44th Regiment of Foot, British Line Infantry, Sergeant and Corporal
JR-18 COMBAT SET #4, Wounded Highlander and Line Infantry
SRN-02 BRITISH NAVAL BRIGADE, 2 Sailors Firing #1
BCHART-02 The Battle of Chippawa, 5th July 1814, British Foot Artillery, 2 Crew Aiming,
WISTOCK-04 RAID ON ST. FRANCIS, WATCHTOWER

All pieces are available for pre-order at www.BgsToySoldiers.com

John Jenkins Designs - THE CONDOR LEGION: THE WEHRMACHT'S TRAINING GROUND

John Jenkins Designs is starting a series of figures based on the Spanish Civil War, primarily focused around the Condor Legion. The first of these figures will be arriving in September. The first figure John Jenkins Designs will be releasing is The Condor Legion PzKpfw 1A - COND-01, which will retail for $138.00 USD. The scale will be 1:30 and be constructed from Metal, Polystone, and reson. As an added bonus, John Jenkins will randomly ship a Pzkpfw 1 A with the numbers "423" in 15% of the boxes. This is a slight variation from the other PzKpfw, but will not be marked on the outside of the box. Figures will follow in the October release from John Jenkins Designs. The COND-01 will be available for pre-order at www.BgsToySoldiers.com this week.

The Condor Legion was the expeditionary force of soldiers and airmen sent by Hitler to aid Franco's Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War. The Germans used the war as an opportunity to develop equipment and tactics, and their force included not only instructors, but also combat units of artillery, aircraft, and tanks. These units tested guns, planes and tanks, and perfected

John Jenkins Designs: PzKpfw 1A - COND-01

techniques that were used in the 1940 Blitzkreig. Many of the officers prominent in the early campaigns of WW2 won their first successes in Spain. In October 1936, 2 German ships arrived in Spain loaded with a Panzer 1 Company, and all the services and personnel to establish Franco's army's first armoured unit. The so called PANZER-GRUPPE DROHNE. Oberstleutnant Willhelm Ritter Von Thoma was to command the contingent.
Two versions of the Panzerkampfwagen 1 were shipped to Spain, the A and B. The design was pioneered by Krupp in the early 1930's. The PzKpfw 1 A had a two man crew, and was armed with two 7.92mm MG13s. Battle experience in the SCW indicated that the Pzkpfw had several weaknesses. Its 0.5inch armour offered little protection against even the smallest anti-tank guns possessed by the Republicans. Its weapons were also far to lightweight to take on enemy tanks and the vehicle lacked the endurance to participate in prolonged action, often leaving the 2 man crew working in its cramped condition quickly exhausted. These invaluable practical lessons added impetus to new tank designs, although the Pzkpfw 1 itself continued to see service in Poland and France during 1939 and 1940.

Collectors Showcase: Steyr 1500

Collectors Showcase: Steyr 1500


Collectors Showcase will be shipping their PzkfwIV's this week. Next up coming in their September release is the Steyr 1500 Command Car. This Austrian built car was built by Auto Unionand about five thousand of these vehicles were ultimately produced during the war. Used from the East front all the way to Tunisia the vehicle developed quite a reliable record and transported many commands from front to front.

The Normandy version sports LAH insignia and has our brand new Sepp Dietrich command figure as an add on. The vehicle comes with two figures one of which is the infamous Panzer

Collectors Showcase: Steyr 1500

Kurt Meyer! Included in your set is a removable top: have the top up or down. All doors open and close and wheels move.

The Winter version sports Das Reich insiginia and of course is meant to compliment the new PzKfwIV. Again with signature removable top option. They have also kept on adding the weathering you've come to appreciate, look for mud and wear as well as paint chips and the like. The Steyr 1500 will be extremely limited edition.

The Steyr 1500 will be available for pre-order from www.BgsToySoldiers.com along with the next release of Napoleonic figures at the end of July 2010. The new Collectors Showcase pieces will be shipping next week from www.BgsToySoldiers.com.

Figarti Miniatures: Red Ball Express - ETA-015

Figarti Miniatures: Red Ball Express - ETA-015

Figarti is releasing a Red Ball Express collection in the next two weeks. The collection is available for pre-order at www.BgsToySoldiers.com. The pieces that will be available from this collection are:

- Red Ball Express - ETA-015 ($199.00)
- U.S. Fuel Truck - ETA-016 ($169.00)
- Red Ball Mechanics - ETA-018 ($75.00)
- Take Cover! - ETA-019 ($65.00)
- Ambushed MP Jeep - ETA-029 ($159.00)
- Keep'em Rolling! - ETA-031 ($79.00)

After the breakout from the D-Day beaches in late July, 1944, the rapidly advancing Allied armies eventually outran their supply lines and had to halt from the lack of fuel and ordinance. The Red Ball Express was conceived as a constant convoy of trucks traveling several hundred miles between the port of Cherbourg and the city of Chartres, France. At the peak of its operation, it was running 5,938 vehicles carrying 12,342 tons of supplies to forward depots daily. Prohibited from serving in combat units, the majority of the Red Ball Express personnel were young African-Americans. The Red Ball Line is the lifeline between combat and supply. To it falls the tremendous task of getting vital supplies from ports and depots to the combat troops, when and where such supplies are needed, material without which the armies might fail ... But the struggle is not yet won. So the Red Ball Line must continue the battle it is waging so well, with the knowledge that each
truckload which goes through to the combat forces cannot help but bring victory closer.Ąą GENERAL DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER To honour the contribution of these men, Figarti Miniatures proudly introduces its Red Ball Express pieces. The Red Ball Express (ETA-015) is the ubiquitous GMC "Deuce and a half" truck loaded with jerry cans with an African-American driver wearing the Red Ball Express patch. The canvas canopy and engine hood is detachable. U.S. Fuel Truck (ETA-016) is a GMC CCKW 353 fuel truck with removable engine hood and African-American driver used to supply gas stations along the Red Ball route. To service these new trucks, Figarti provides two Red Ball Mechanics (ETA-018), which comes with engine hood hinged in the open position with a separate vehicle number. Take Cover! (ETA-019) has an officer and soldier running for cover as a complement to the next set. Showing the dangers along the route, Ambushed MP Jeep (ETA-029) has three surprised
MPs in a jeep with movable windshield and removable engine hood. Finally, Figarti Miniatures proudly offers Keep'em Rolling (ETA-031) which is inspired by the iconic WWII photo of a Red Ball Express MP directing traffic next to a sign showing the daily tonnage delivered. Done the Figarti way with an attention to detail, the red arrow indicating tonnage is movable.

Pre-Order your pieces today, as these figures are extremely limted at www.BgsToySoldiers.com.

Thomas Gunn Miniatures: 7.5cm Infantry Gun & Crew - SS001A

Thomas Gunn Miniatures: 7.5cm Infantry Gun & Crew - SS001A

Thomas Gunn is releasing a 7.5cm Infantry Gun & Crew SS001A in the next week along with their much anticipated Berlin Parade sets. This what Thomas Gunn Miniatures has to say about this new piece, SS001A, which retails for $120.00:

SS001(A) 7.5cm Infantry Gun & Crew A 3 man SS infantry gun crew who are really in the thick of it, whether they are on the offensive or defensive these guys are having a tough time! The wounded gun commander is portrayed shouting orders whilst the number two fires his rifle at the oncoming enemy, the third crew member keeps his head low whilst the bullets fly and despitealso being wounded tries to push more ammunition to his comrades manning the gun. If these guys are not nominated for the Iron Cross on this day of action then nobody will get one! The set of course comes with the ubiquitous 7.5cm infantry gun that saw service on all fronts throughout World War 2, two shells and two wicker baskets for the carrying of ammunition. Limited to 225 sets in Normandy colours and available very soon.

The pieces will be available for pre-order from www.BgsToySoldiers.com in the coming days.

Figarti Miniatures - Sd.Kfz 7/1 Flakvierling - ETG-010

Figarti Miniatures - Sd.Kfz 7/1 Flakvierling - ETG-010

Figarti Miniatures is following up their Pacific WWII Battle of Tarawa Series with 4 new miniatures this month. Pictured above is the Figarti Miniatures: Sd.Kfz 7/1 Flakvierling - ETG-010. This piece will retail for $259.00 and is part of Figarti's highly limited edition 1:30th scale series. The piece was recently revealed and has stunning detail as do most of Figarti's pieces. Also as part of this release, Figarti will also be releasing:

ETA-027: M4 Sherman Crab
RMA-004: Contact with Jerry
RMA-005: Polish 3rd Carpathian

All these pieces will be available at www.BgsToySoldiers.comfor pre-order this weekend and they will be shipping soon.
We also have a number of other Figarti Miniatures available still at www.BgsToySoldiers.com, most of them no longer available through Figarti Miniatures.
Start your Figarti Miniatures Collection today at
www.BgsToySoldiers.com

Thomas Gunn Miniatures: The Rocket Men

Thomas Gunn Miniatures: The Rocket Men


Thomas Gunn Miniatures has just released a Winter version of The Rocket Men and a Spring 1945 version of the German Rocket Men. The piece pictured here is the winter version, both
versions are available at www.BgsToySoldiers.comfor $89.00. Also available in this release that will arrive here at www.BgsToySoldiers.com this weekend are:

The Rocket Men (Winter 1944) - SSW-002A
The Rocket Men (Spring 1945) - SSW-002B
Stuka's Above (Normandy) - TGM-009A
Stuka's Above (Tropical) - TGM-009B

All these pieces are listed at $89.00 and are numbered limited edition figures. Also as a part of this latest Thomas Gunn Miniatures release was the next Gunn Club figure, a German Flamethrower Trooper both in Normandy dress and Mediterranean dress. We will have only 3 of each available, they will be up at www.BgsToySoldiers.com this weekend for $30.00 each.

More news from Thomas Gunn Miniatures. Next month they will be releasing a 7.5cm IG German artillery set with 3 crew, ammunition, and wicker containers. The set will come in two variations as with all their releases. Also, Thomas Gunn Miniatures will be releasing the first figures from their upcoming Berlin Parade range.

Figarti Miniatures - Battle of Tarawa

Figarti Miniatures: M3 GMC 75mm Half Track - PTA-001

Figarit Miniatures has created 5 new pieces for their Pacific collection based on the Battle of Tarawa. The newly released pieces include:

M3 GMC 75mm Half Track - PTA-001
M4A2 Sherman Tank (Tarawa) - PTA-002
LVT-1 Amtrak - PTA-003
Marines in Action, A - PTA-004
Marines in Action, B - PTA-005

All these pieces are available at www.BgsToySoldiers.com for order. They will be shipping soon.

The Battle of Tarawa was the second offensive by the US in the Pacific theater during WWII, which occured from 20-23 November 1943. With a force of 35000 Americans, the American Navy and Marines started a beach front assault on the 5000 Japanese forces at the Battle of Tarawa. In the end, the Japanese suffered 4713 Casualties and the United States 1677 casualties. The Americans needed to establish a base on the Marshall Islands in order to launch an offensive on the Japanese Empire, but communications between the Marshall Islands and Hawaii were split by the Gilbert Islands. The Japanese kept a heavy garrison of troops on Betio Island. On November 20th 1943, the American forces launched an offensive to take the island. Some have questioned the strategy of the taking of the island, and whether it was worth the loss of American lives. At the end of the battle, the remaining Japanese forces launched a counter-offensive on the American forces on the
beach front, and were annihilated in the end.

Get your collection of figures based on the Battle of Tarawa from Figarti today at www.BgsToySoldiers.com.

Figarti Miniatures: Winter Ground Stuka Hanomag - ETG-009

Figarti Miniatures is also releasing A winter ground stuka 251 Hanomag with crew - ETG-009, this week. This limited edition Figarti miniature retails for $249.00 USD. The Winter ground stuka is available at www.BgsToySoldiers.com for order today.

The German Hanomag 251 half-track was a useful armored half-track used for troop transport and also, some of the hanomags were converted to mobile anti-aircraft and some were equipped with rocket launchers that would fire 320mm rockets. These hanomag's rockets were highly inaccurate, but effective for bombardment of allied positions. A group of Hanomags would be used to rain down rockets on allied bases during German offensives.

The 251 Hanomag's armor was good against small arms, such as machine guns, but artillery, explosives, and tank attacks could severly damage the Hanomag.

Reserve your Figarti Miniatures: Winter Stuka Hanomag today at www.BgsToySoldiers.com

Collectors Showcase: Panther Tank Release

The Collectors Showcase is releasing a new Panther Tank series this Christmas season. They will be releasing two variants of panthers for both their Normandy and Winter collections. The Panther tanks are already up on www.BgsToySoldiers.com for pre-order. As with all Collectors Showcase releases, the tanks are extremely limited. With each panther tank the collector will get two sets of tracks, one damaged track and one running track. This way you can display the Panther in action or in a battle damaged diorama.

The tanks also come with a clean look or the Zimmerit version. For those of you unfamiliar with the Zimmerit finish, Germany coated some of their tanks in a rigid paste covering to reduce magnetic attraction of the tank to combat anti-tank magnetic mines from being attracted to their tanks. Even though, Germany was the only country that widely used the magnetic mines during World War II??

Also available are Panzer Crew Casualty set, which actually fits the copula of all tanks released by Collectors Showcase, which include the Tiger tanks, Sturmgeschutze, and the newest Panter. These are also available for the Normandy and Winter collections. The Panzer tanks are set at $159.00 and the Casualty packs are $59.00. The tanks are selling fast, so we will try to get extras to accommodate everyone out there that wants to get one of these fine military miniature tanks.

Thomas Gunn Miniatures: Overlooking the Battle and The Rocket Men

Bgs Toy Soldiers has started to carry Thomas Gunn miniatures. We now have the latest two releases from Thomas Gunn Miniatures. There will be many more pieces to come as they release new toy soldier figures. Currently we have in stock both TGM 002(A) - Overlooking the Battle - $85.00 and TGM 003 - The Rocket Men - $85.00. Both sets are from Thomas Gunn Miniatures World War II German Military Miniature Collection. Pictured here is TGM 002(A). All figures from Thomas Gunn are extremely limited and 1:30 scale. Sets run size run anywhere from 200 to 300 total produced.

TGM 002 (A) is a limited edition of 200 pieces and comprises a 1/30th scale radio operator and 2 other paratroopers conferring about the battle going on in the distance. Dressed as they would have appeared in typical FJ Luftwaffe dress at Normandy in 1944.

TGM003 The Rocket Men A three man SS Fallschirmjager anti tank team as they would have appeared at the Battle of the Bulge. One figure prepares to fire his Panzerschreck whilst wearing his respirator, a second crew member prepares to reload the weapon should the first shot not be successful and a third member of the platoon runs forward to give support.

Figarti Miniatures: The Long Horns of Red Bull - A38039E

Figarti Miniatures has just released an US 8" Howitzer with Crew. This is the winterized version for their Battle of the Bulge Collection as a part of the WWII European theater. This piece is a part of Figarti miniatures 1:30 scale collection. The name of the figure is Figarti Miniatures: The Long Horn of Red Bull - A38039E. This would make a great addition to any Battle of the Bulge toy soldier diorama. Now available at www.BgsToySoldiers.com. This piece retails for $219.00 USD and is eligible for storewide discounts and free shipping. As with all Figarti's pieces lately, the sets are limited in availability.

The Howitzer is an artillery cannon known for having a short barrell. The US Howitzer played a key role in the Battle of the Bulge and pushing the German's back. The Mark VI and Mark VII were the two varients of the 8" US Howitzer from WWII. The Mark 6 had a lower muzzle velocity and therefore a smaller range than the Mark VII. On the upside, the Mark VI was smaller 10.5 Feet as opposed to the 12.5 feet in length of the Mark VII. Also, the mark VI could fire double the amount of rounds between allignments as the Mark VII. The Mark VIII later superceded the Mark VI and Mark VII. Both Howitzers from WWII required a mobile chassis as can be seen in the picture of the figure above. Get your 8" US Howitzer Artillery military miniature today from www.BgsToySoldiers.com.

Collectors Showcase: AB43 Collections

Collectors Showcase has just released 3 varients of the AB43 as a part of their growing German WWII collection, which also includes their very popular Tiger Tank collection and also their Horch miniatures. German use of the Italian AB43 was widespread. Not only was the AB43 an excellent reconnaissance vehicle, but it packed a nice punch with its 20mm cannon. Collectors Showcases limited edition model (just 300 each) features a turret interior, three figures and a removable front tire with a jack! Choose from three different variants. Also a wide variety of different diorama possibilities can be realized with your AB43. A Battle of the Bulge varient, a Normandy varient, and an Afrika Korp varient are available. From the tire changing diorama to a buttoned up recon mode. Collectors Showcases model is made from over 50 different metal and polyresin parts.
Enjoy the finest and most detailed models available at www.BgsToySoldiers.com.

Pictured here is the Normandy AB43 vehicle from Collectors Showcase, which retails for $135.00 USD.

Order your pieces today from www.BgsToySoldiers.com

Frontline Figures: U.S. B-17 Crew 10 Pieces - USF1

Depicted in the picture above is Frontline Figures - U.S. B-17 Crew of 10 military miniatures. These figures are all 1:32 scale (54mm) and are a part of Frontline Figures - Early Air War toy soldier collection. The Boeing B-17 also known as the Flying Fortress was a strategic bomber with 4 engines, used by the US Army Air Force and the Royal Air Force during WWII. The B-17 actually lost the original contract to build 200 heavy bombers for the US Air Corp, but they were so impressed with the bomber, they ordered 13 of them initially. The B-17 was capable of defending itself, doing extensive damage on bombing runs, and return home despite extensive damage.During WWII B-17 Bombers were used in both the European and Pacific theaters.

The Air Corps (renamed United States Army Air Forces or USAAF in 1941), utilizing the B-17 and other bombers, bombed from high altitudes using the then-secret Norden Bombsight, which was an optical electro-mechanical gyro-stabilized computer. During daylight bombing missions and sorties, the device was able to determine, from variables input by the bombardier, the point in space at which the bomber's ordnance type should be released to hit the target. The bombardier essentially took over flight control of the aircraft during the bomb run, maintaining a level attitude during the final moments. Bgs Toy Soldiers has a lot of other pieces in our webstore from Frontline Figures Air War Collection. We also got in a lot of new Napoleonics from Frontline Figures. The Zulu War figures are coming soon.

Frontline Figures: The Red Baron

The world famous Air Ace, The Red Baron, plagued the skies during the WWI period. The pilot, Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen, has been credited with 80 air victories. He was known as the red Baron, due to his red plane. Manfred von Richthofen started him military career as an Uhlan cavalry unit in 1911. During WWI, the increased use of the machine gun rendered the Uhlan units obsolete and Manfred applied for a transfer to the Luftstreitkräfte, which later be known as the Luftwaffe. The Red Baron was not known for Aerobatic prowess, but was a very skilled marksman in the air. He also practiced superior battle tactics while in the air. In April of 1918, the Red Baron was fatally wounded during an aerial battle and landed near Morlancourt Ridge. He died shortly after making his landing.

Frontline Figures has released the military miniature set FF2 of the Red Baron downed at Morlancourt Ridge with 5 other soldiers looking over the crash site. This set includes 5 soldiers, the plane, and Manfred von Richthofen himself. This set retails for 198.00 and like all other Frontline Figure pieces is limited in quantity and includes a numbered certificate.

Frontline Figures has also just released German Storm Troopers for their WWI collection. These figures are very impressive. They include a flamethrower crew, Lewis Gun crew, Anti Tank gunners, and Trench Raiding Party. These figures will make a great addition to any WWI diorama. We have put them all on the website and also included some Cavalry units with gas masks. You can check all these pieces out at www.BgsToySoldiers.com.

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.

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.

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