This blog is about “toy soldiers”. This is a generic designation that seems to be self explanatory. However there are many types of figures, some really “toy soldiers” whilst other are true art pieces. I’m going to try to give here an overview on this theme as complete as I can. It advisable to consult […]
Paratroopers were one of elite soldiers of the IIWW. In spite of their fame their operational exits were scarce. In the invasion of Crete, German casualties were so high that Hitler refused more para-shooting until the end of war. More often paratroopers were used as elite infantry. Airfix UK Paratroopers Airfix made 7 poses very […]
Nowadays it is possible to buy many ready made elements to add to figures improving their appearance or to make a diorama. Some elements like houses and trees can look very nice on a battle field. In this chapter I’m going to show what I’ve done using what could be looked as garbage. Materials that […]
United States cavalry was an important element in the rush to the west. There are many versions of this army branch made by toy soldier makers. Comansi The figures made by this Spanish company are elegant and nicely done even if they are not up to the level of most modern makers. The officer, on […]
Many toy soldier makers included in their production Indians or Native Americans. The huge production of Hollywood films with far west theme is probably the main reason for this option. Bibliography: Johnson, Michael G. & Jonathan Smith. American Indian Tribes of the Southwest. Men-at-Arms 488. Osprey Publishing. 48pp. Johnson, Michael G. & Jonathan Smith. North […]
Antiquity solders are nowadays a theme very common in toy soldiers production. In this post the armies of ancient civilizations are shown. Bibliography: Wise, Terence & Richard Hook. Armies of the Carthaginian Wars 265-146BC. Men-at-Arms Series 121. Osprey Military. 1982 Wise, Terence & Angus McBride. Ancient Armies of the Middle East. Men-at-Arms Series, 109. Osprey […]
Robin Hood is probably the most represented fictional character of all in toy soldiers. Many television series and films help to spread the interest on that story. Barzso The figures of this maker are of the generalist type not directly related to Robin Hood characters. The figure with the stick could be related to the […]
German Infantry is an obligatory theme for WW II figures. I have a few versions from different makers. Bibliography: Lee Turner (2007) Twentieth Century Retro. German Army by European Makers. Plastic Warrior, 119: 6-8 p. Airfix Very nice figures. I add some static grass on bases. The officer aims very carefully. The kneeling soldier is […]
Airfix The British infantry box includes an Official and a small mortar. The soldier with the Bren light machine gun is a very nice figure. The figures were painted by me and I added a bit of static grass on the bases. More recently Airfix launched a series of figures in kit form with 6 […]
The Viking raids are an important part of European history. The name “Viking” does not relate to a people but to a way of life. The poor agricultural capacity of Scandinavia soil forced some inhabitants to migrate, sometimes peacefully other times not so. Scandinavian people occupy large parts of British Isles and a region of […]