Author: Rob Wilson

  • MARTIN MARIETTA 1/32 SCALE PERSHING MISSILE – WAS IT RENWAL’S LAST MILITARY KIT?

    Background When researching my article on Renwal’s series of models of post WWII US military equipment (OTS Magazine, Vol 42, 4, pp 39-44) I came across mention of a 1/32 scale kit for the US Pershing missile, together with its tractor and launcher. This kit is extremely rare and was produced by the Martin Marietta… Read more

  • SHOW REPORT – EUROFIGURINES

    This is one of my favourite shows. Organised by the publishers of the Eurofigurines magazine, it takes place twice a year in March and October. The event is held on the outskirts of the city at Nanterre which is easily accessible by train (RER). Springtime is aways a great time of the year to visit… Read more

  • SHOW REPORT – SANDOWN FEBRUARY 2024

    It is a while since I managed to attend this fair in the South of England, but it rarely disappoints, and this time was no exception. Undoubtedly the best general toy fair in the UK, probably the best in Europe, it now takes place 4 times a year. With around 500 tables it is a… Read more

  • MINIATURE WORLD

    A few years ago, my good friend Verne Johnson was kind enough to send me some photos of a visit he had made to Miniature World in Victoria, British Colombia. I was very impressed with the images of the models and figures he sent me. While spending a few weeks in Seattle last summer it… Read more

  • BOOK REVIEW

    DIE ZINNLAUBE VOLUME 13 By Russ Bednarek Another volume of the highly acclaimed German toy soldier publication, Zinnlaube has been mailed out to subscribers. A total of nine articles comprises the one hundred and twenty-two pages of Volume 13. As is typical of all previous volumes of Zinnlaube, the articles are expertly written and supported… Read more

  • Editorial

    Another bumper issue, with contributions from regulars such a Bill Anderson and Norman Joplin, as well as numerous show reports. Bill turns his attention in this issue to Italian colonial adventures in East Africa, focussing on toy soldiers made in Great Britain. This conflict inspired many other makers. We plan a follow-up focussing on manufacturers… Read more

  • COLLECTORS AND THEIR COLLECTIONS – CHARLIE SINEL

    Beginner’s luckCharles Sinel’s serious toy soldier collecting began with a slice of luck. He spotted an advert in a local auction for a wild west display set which piqued his interest. Could this be an example of an unknown Marx Playset, like the other ones he had played with as a young boy? He was… Read more

  • AUCTION REVIEW – THE COLLECTION OF THE LATE JOHN RUDDLE

    The passing of John Ruddle was reported in the previous issue. In December 2023, C & T Auctions in Broadstairs, Kent were proud to auction his extensive collection. John’s name and face will be familiar to many of our readers. He was one of the pioneer authors on the subject of Britains figures. His Collectors’… Read more

  • CHICAGOLAND RISES LIKE A PHOENIX FROM THE ASHES

    When Roger Garfield announced the sad news that the Chicago Toy Soldier Show for 2023 was to be cancelled because of the intransigence of the Hyatt hotel, where it had been held for almost 40 years, it was a body blow for all those in the hobby. Collectors looked forward to this, the most important… Read more

  • EDITORIAL

    September has always been an important month in the Toy Soldier Collectors calendar. There were some concerns about this year, due to the trials and tribulations of the Chicago Toy Soldier Show which has always been the first date to be put into in my personal diary. However, I am delighted to report despite these… Read more