Category: Spring 2024
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AUCTION REVIEWS
AUCTION # 92 LUCK OF THE SOLDIER FRIDAY, MARCH 15TH, 2024 AUCTION # 93STEP UP TO TOY SOLDIERSAPRIL 5TH, 2024 Read more
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READERS’ MESSAGES
Can anyone help in identifying the two figures shown in the accompanying photos? These large scale figures, shown next to a standard Britains Fusilier to show the size, are well over 100mm and both hollowcast. They are possibly intended as Spanish types from the uniforms, but does any reader recognise the maker or precise units… Read more
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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
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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
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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
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SHOW REPORT – THE WEST COASTER
The 2024 West Coaster sponsored by Hobby Bunker was a rousing success. Historically, the show was held in Orange County; however, this year the location moved to the Elks Lodge in Pasadena, California. The Lodge, which was built in 1911 has been featured in many movies and televisionshows including The American President (with Annette Bening… Read more
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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
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RECONNAISSANCE
PAPER SOLDIERS Also spotted at Eurofigurines were these delightful Paper Soldiers. The example shown here shows L’Armée Française: Chasseurs d’Afrique, published in Paris, by Émile Guérin, Éditeur, circa 1900. The booklet comprises 18 figures (22 including the trumpeters duplicated on the cover). These mounted figures are just under 6” tall. Foot figures scale out at… Read more
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ETHIOPIA 1935-1936, THE UNCLAIMED COLONY
Introduction In October 1935, Italian Armies invaded Abyssinia (Ethiopia) from their existing colonies of Eritrea andItalian Somaliland, beginning an eightmonth war and a six-year occupation. This was an Italian adventure to expand Italy’s control of the region, as well as to impress European nations. By 1932 Mussolini was already committed to an eventual war of… Read more
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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