The Latest News! 2-07-2021. Toy Soldier Previews & News!!! Lost Barzso Sculpts. Conte Romans. Warhammer III.

It has been a while since my last post. I have been busy working extra and dealing with the weather for the most part in January. I have gathered some things that have occurred over the last month into one post. So let us begin with some news from Airfix.

Airfix is releasing 6 of there classic World War II sets this summer. British Paratroops, German Infantry, US Infantry, US Paratroops, German Paratroops and British Infantry. I think these are now being produced in India. I wonder if they will be in a soft plastic again?

Conte’s plastic Romans are in production and should be available before the end of this year. Hopefully by the summer if we are lucky we shall see Roman Legion Set #1. They will come in bagged sets of Gold, Silver & Red.

Some of the figures require assembly. You will have a some choices with the poses. This is a nice feature when building armies. Also the hot & cold water solution to straighten the spear might be needed. Head over to the Conte website over here, https://contecostore.myshopify.com/.

Next we visit CHELOVECHEK / LITTLE MAN. Set №8, which is called “The Missing Expedition of Franklin – EREBUS (1845-1847).” In the set are 6 men in 1/32 scale made in rubber plastic. Here is a short description: – Captain John Franklin with Capuchin the monkey, Private of the Marine Corps armed with a capsule shotgun, Ice Master with hook and pistol, Diver with bogor, Cook with a heavy look, and an old sailor with a ice ax.

Plastic Platoon is very busy these days. They have a new set coming out soon. It is Indian Warriors of the Battle of Little Bighorn #3.

Plastic platoon. Soviet scouts 1943. 1/32 + Master model. Planned for release in Spring 2021.

Here are some 3D rendered Indian figures for the new American Revolution theme sets being developed.

Here are more renders of the figures of the series American Revolution. This time, the figures are from the Artillery Revolution set. The girl is Molly Pitcher.

Next we see what Publius is up too. Here are a few of the new sets being released. There is a crusader set, Greeks and Knights.

Plus some of the older WWII Russian Soldier sets cast in the rubbery resin. These WWII Russian Sets can be found at https://micshaunscloset.com/collections/publius.

The last thing I have to report about Publius is the prototype of an Amazon.

Mars has two new sets coming out later this year. They are World War II German Paratroop Artillery and Mortar sets.

David and Kim at MicShaun’s Closet have some new foam pieces in development. Here are the photos of their new North Africa Building in three paint schemes.

Plus Palisade Walls for the Alamo and other dioramas.  Three different pieces – plain wall, angled section (more for Alamo) and and artillery section. Check out more of their products at https://micshaunscloset.com/.

Last time I previewed the English Archer set by Warhansa. They have continued with some new medieval themed sets. They are English medieval themed sets. I really like these sets.

They also have a new Viking themed set. You can see more at their website over here, https://www.warhansa.com/.

FOUND AFTER 14 YEARS

One of my favorite projects was the Robin Hood Set. After the set came out in 2007 I had 5 more Merry Men sculpted by the brilliant Jay Richardson of Ft. Worth , Texas. They were to be the basis for a small add on set called the Men of Sherwood Forest. The figures were in various camp poses , seated , standing around, etc. One guy was designed to carry a variety of items , like firewood , a cask, etc. I got involved with other projects and put the originals away for safe keeping. I put them away in such a safe place that I forgot where they were! From time to time I would mount a determined search , but always without success. Years went by, with no Merry Men in sight.

Fast forward to last Saturday night. I was moving some boxes around and found one labeled ” Original Sculpts .” even though I had looked in the box before , I thought I would check each small box inside. Each box contained a set of original figures that I sent to the mold makers and which they had returned, Aztecs, 1805 Marines, Hurons …and then I opened a box labeled British Grenadiers figures #1-#4. But within the box was the set of long lost, misplaced , missing in action Merry Men in Camp ! I immediately called my old buddy Jim Clouse and told him the happy news . We met the next day at a McDonalds parking lot so I could hand them over for some professional photographs. (In addition to his sculpting skills Jim is also an accomplished photographer.

Finally, I communicated with the new owner of Barzso Playsets, Ken Ciak. Ken was excited too and plans to finally produce these figures along with maybe a surprise or two. ( I had planned to include a Maid Marion and Ken makes great female figures and , well, you get the idea.

So there is the story of the missing Merry Men. I can hardly wait until they come out. Can you ?

~ Ron Barzso

Photos were taken by Jim Clouse. These figures will probably be out sometime in the summer or early fall. You can see more of the LOD products over here, https://lodtoysoldiers.com/.

Total War announced that they will be releasing Warhammer III late this year. It is a PC video game. Game Workshop is also developing new miniatures bring back the Warhammer Fantasy tabletop game.

Now for some news. I will not be attending the Midwest Toy Soldier Show this year. I will be at the Gettysburg and Columbus Toy Soldier Shows. Maybe some other shows too. But we shall see. I will have some of the Russian based figure sets at these shows. Companies like Prikaz, Warhansa and Publius. Plus the LOD resin sets and some foam products. I should also have my figures ready sometime late spring. That is all for now. Thank you for reading.

The Latest News!! Happy Thanksgiving 2020, Black Friday Sales. Plus Reviews, Previews & News!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope every one is doing well. Hopefully we are able to spend some time with our Friends & Family and to be grateful for what we have.

Tomorrow starts the Black Friday sales. I have gathered what I could find about them. So let us begin….

Check out the sale that Armies in Plastic is having over here, https://www.armiesinplastic.com/.

Classic Toy Soldiers is also having a sale for Black Friday. You can see what they have over here, https://www.classictoysoldiers.com/.

Ken over at LOD is having a sale and pre-orders for his new figure sets. You can head over to his page here, https://lodtoysoldiers.com/.

Head over to MicShaun’s Closet to check out the sales. Here is their website here, https://micshaunscloset.com/.

That is it for the sales and time for some reviews, previews & news.

I received this set about two months ago. Today I found some time to take some pictures of the Tlingit War Set from Chelovechek or Little Man.

The set includes 12 native Tlingit warriors in 12 poses. The are about 1/30 in scale. They are made out of a hard resin. If you are interested in this set you can contact Ivan at evanspud@mail.ru.

This week I received the latest set from Prikaz Toys Soldiers.

“There are six figures in a set: a Russian warrior with an ax, a Russian warrior with a two-handed ax, a fallen Saxon, a seriously wounded warrior, a Slav and a Dane (or a Saxon, whichever is more interesting).
Shapes are combined into vignettes and can also be used individually.” ~ Alexey Pisarev

The new Medieval set includes 6 figures. Called the “Clash”, Danes versus Rus. They were made to interact with each other. They are paired into 3 groups. The scale of these figures is 1/32. The are about the same size as the Conte Medieval figures. Made out of a rubbery resin. You can see more Prikaz Toy Soldiers over here, https://warhorseminiatures.com/prikaz-toy-soldiers/.

Over at Warhansa they have finished working on a few projects. They have some new terrain accessories sets and new figures. You can see their products over here, http://warhansa.com/.

HIGHLAND COMMAND FIGURES
FRENCH LINE INFANTRY FUSILIERS

Nino has been busy over at Petite Guerre Toy Soldiers. He recently released some new figures. You can read all about it at, https://petiteguerretoysoldiers.com/.

It has been a few years since this project was started to create Seven Years War Austrians in 1/32 scale by Hat. They are getting closer now to finish this. Here are some test shots of the Command set. Next will be the Marching & Action sets. Maybe it will be finished next year????

Well folks that is it for now. Thank you for reading.

I just saw this after I finished the post. I need to get a couple few of these. It looks really nice.

The Latest News!!!! 11-03-2020. Toy Soldier Previews & News.

If you are like me you are probably sick of wearing a mask and politics. So what better way to avoid all of that by reading about toy soldiers 🙂

We will begin with Mars plastic toy soldiers. They have been releasing new sets like every 3 to 4 months. Here are some of their latest World War II sets. These figures are about 54mm in size.

World War II American Paratroopers
World War II German Paratroopers
World War II German Paratroopers in Winter Uniforms
World War II German Volksstrum Infantry 

Next we will take a look at some of the latest Publius sets. The set of Trappers really nice and so is the Woodland Indian set. They are cast in a rubbery resin and are 1/32 in scale.

Trappers
Woodland Indians

Here are some of the Runecraft figures that Publius makes too. Right now the best place to find these would be on eBay. They are 1/32 in scale and made in the rubbery resin or tin alloy.

Here are two new sets from our friends at CHELOVECHEK. Both are based on the Tlinkits. Set No.6 “Tlinkits – Paddle” and No.7 “Tlinkits – Peace”! They are 1/32 in scale and are cast in the rubbery resin. If you are interest in these sets you can contact Ivan at evanspud@mail.ru

No.6 “Tlinkits – Paddle”

The Canoe set is really nice and the so is the Peace set.

No.7 “Tlinkits – Peace”

Next we will see what Plastic Platoon is up too. They are working on a World War II Japanese Infantry set. This set looks really nice. I can’t wait to get this set.

Plastic Platoon World War II Japanese

Here is the latest news from Warhansa. The Medieval English Archers look excellent. Very detailed. They are about the same size as the Conte 1/32 Medieval figures. They are should be cast in the rubbery resin.

Besides the Medieval figures Warhansa is working on some terrain add on sets. The figures shown are just for scale comparison. If you are interested in any of the Warhansa sets you can go over to there website, https://www.warhansa.com/.

Here are what the Skeletons look like. Also made by Warhansa.

Over at Facebook Evan Oelrichs posted these pictures of a future set by Expeditionary Force. Exclusive sneak peak of the upcoming Medieval longbowmen set to be released in December. You can see more over here, http://www.expeditionaryforce.com.sg/catalogue-c-9.html.

Our last information is news from MicShaun’s Closet. David is working on a a new foam building. Here is the Porotype.

Besides that here is what I was told. “We have received the latest Mars sets. Viet Cong with heavy weapons set in gray and green and The German Volksstrum set. Plastic Platoon we have received the Indians set 2, the 7th cav figure w/horse and German Wehrmacht w/ mortar. Basevich latest Russian Red Army set. The Mars and Plastic Platoon have been flying off the shelves!

You can see more at their website over here, https://micshaunscloset.com/.

Well that is it for now. Thank you for reading.

Latest News!! 09/15/2019 ~ Chicago Toy Solider Show, Pre-Show Information & New Publius & MAN sets!!!

CTSS

It is less than a week now until the Chicago Toy Show begins. Next Sunday is the official show. But collectors will be arriving on Wednesday. Room trading starts on Thursday and goes on until Saturday. I will not be attending. But I am thinking about going next year. Check out the Chicago Toy Soldier Show Website for more information.

CTSS 2019

Some of the Vendors have sent me some information about new products, what they are bringing and the room they will be at.

 

 

Kirk Larson: I’ll be in Room 4105 selling: Britain’s Deetail, Marx toy guns, Die cast vehicles, Playmobil, Misc plastic Wild West stuff & more!

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Stephen Connell: I will be in Room 5412, with my general mix of Plastic and Metal….larger mix this year than most.

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Here are some of the things that Todd Nace is bringing. Looks like a lot of vintage plastic. He will be in Room # 5428.

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Ed Borris will be in room # 5203. He and Mike Kutnick will have vintage plastic sets & toy soldiers. Plus some Barzso Playsets & figures too. He also has his own line of toy soldiers, Beast Productions. They are limited run figures. I will get one of the John Stengel Sr. figures which is in the last picture above.

Ed sent this while I was writing up the article.

We will good stuff we will also have the large Davy Crockett Alamo with 5 firing cannons and cream Mexicans.

a Fort Apache stockade with unfolded tin
plus the two Barzso sets. Treasure Island and New Orleans.
2 sets of matched tan Marx 60mm Rin  tin tin cavalry

1 matched set of Marx 60mm powder blue Rin tin tin cavalry

plus hundreds of 60mm Marx Indians

Mint in Box Andy Gard cowboys and Indians never been opened
good quality stuff
plus surprises, meaning i don’t know what (Mike) he is packing
not to mention the Beast production figures and John Stengel memorial figure
plus my conversions
I will also be giving a demo on how to convert
Friday or Saturday I don’t know

There will be tons of stuff can you dig thru.

Hobby Bunker

Hobby Bunker: I’ll be in the Sage room all week, lobby level. They should have a little of everything. Both plastic and metal.

Austin Miniatures

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Austin Miniatures is getting their new WWII figures ready for the show. I hoping to hear about the details about the playset before the show.

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Bloody Lane

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Burnside’s Bridge

Custer's Battlefield

Custer’s Battlefield

Reno's Last Chance Low ResReno 6Reno4Reno7

 

Montana Bluffs

Reno’s Last Chance and the Montana Bluffs

Covered Wagon 1Covered Wagon 2Wagon and Accessories

Gene of Paragon will be in room 5110. Here has a bunch of new foam terrain products. They look really nice. 

Here are some photos of a diorama I will be displaying during the show.

I call it “Reno’s Last Chance.”

The base is a new piece that I am bringing to the show. We call it Montana Bluffs. I have also done a covered wagon with accessories.

It is not a playset. The scenic piece comes in two pieces that form a 36 x 24 x 4.5 diorama piece. It comes completely painted and flocked and sells for $235.00.

The Wagon sells for $42.00 and comes with the cover and a removable insert (crates and sacks)

The barriers sell for $12.00 a piece.

You can inquire with Gene about the Custer’s Battlefield, Bloody Lane and Burnside’s Bridge pieces.

micshauns-closet1

We are excited to be a part of the 2019 Chicago Toy Solider Show. Room trading will begin on Thursday, September 19th through Saturday, September 21st. We are looking forward to meeting more of our amazing customers.

We are in Room 5201 and our tables are in the Lower Level Main Room South. Tables 301A, 302-305.

We will accept cash, credit cards and checks!

At the show, we will have two (2) new prototype Alamo buildings – the Kitchen and the Lunette! We will have the painted/finished buildings available for purchase. Below are the photos of the prototypes:

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The Kitchen. The right side of the kitchen designed to be placed next to the Main Entry Gate Building #TS222. The kitchen will be painted to match the current Alamo buildings.

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The Lunette. The Lunette goes in front of the Main Entry Gate Building #TS222. It will be painted in earth tones similar to what you find in Mark’s Lemon’s Book – The Illustrated Alamo 1836.

We will also be carrying many more Expeditionary Force figure sets, Chin Toys/Engineer Basevich. We will definitely have the Ex Force sets in Chicago and hope to have the Chin Toys/Engineer Basevich as well.

We have received a large restock of the Atherton Scenics diorama pieces.

New stock of our TSSD Foam pieces and have arrived and we expect more over the next week.

We will be bringing many of these pieces with us to Chicago.

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LOD

Ken of LOD: I will be in Room 5101 this year. Ron and I swapped rooms and he is in 5104.

Short post today but excited for the events over the next couple of weeks.

Amazons are in the Midwest and arriving at LOD headquarters tomorrow. Figure sets will be on the website on Thursday (9/19) and available at the Chicago Toy Soldier Show the same day.

New foam Santa’s Workshop will also be available at the Show and online now.

We look forward to seeing friends and collectors next week in Schaumburg.

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Here are the New Amazons.

Christmas Workshop1Christmas Workshop2Christmas Workshop3

Santa’s Workshop can be the centerpiece of your Christmas display. This finely crafted foam piece is the hub where the elves are hard at work building the toys that Santa delivers every year to good boys and girls.

The Workshop will be available on its own ($125 plus shipping) or as part of an LOD display set ($160 plus shipping).

The display set includes the following – Santa’s Workshop, Santa’s Christmas Delivery figure set, a bag of decorative snow, five assorted sisal trees, and eight LOD gifts in four colors (blue and pink shown).

This set will be on the website this weekend and available for pre-order. I will also have them at the Chicago Toy Soldier Show.

Merry (early) Christmas from LOD 😊

 

barzso-playsets

barzso8

Ron Barzso will be at the show too. He will be in Room # 5104 this year. Even though he is retired he still has some products to sell. He even has a couple things to surprise us sometimes too!!

 

That concludes any information that I have about the show from the vendors. I should have another post up next weekend about the show itself. I will update this article if I have anything new to add. I hope to attend next year. 

cropped-warhorse-miniatures-1

I was just going to do this post about the show. But I was informed about some more new sets coming from Russia. 

Publius Ancients1Publius Ancients2Publius Scythians1Publius Scythians2Publius Scythians3

Here is Publius latest set, Ancient Scythians. They are 1/32 in scale. Another 8 figure set. Well sculpted as usual. They are up for sale on eBay now. 

Man Logo

 

MAN is the company that came out with the set of Tlingit Natives earlier this year. 

VatBlAzUcww

Man-made monument to HUMANITY

Workshop on the creation of plastic men.

Project goals: through contemplation of the “little men” through the game, to convey as much as possible the originality and colorfulness of historical cultures and ethnic groups born in the process of forming a single human race.

Ancient Arias Set2Ancient Arias Set1

They now are releasing two new sets about the natives of Aria or Ancient Aryans. You can read more about Aria here, https://www.ancient.eu/aria/. Also you can read about the Ancient Aryans here, https://www.ancient.eu/Aryan/. Check out the video below to see all the figures.

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Chariot

These sets are 1/32 in scale. I will try to find out more information on when they will be available and what the cost of these sets will be.

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That is it for now. Thank you for reading.

 

 

 

 

Latest News!! 09-02-2019 ~ Austin Miniatures, Conte, FOV updates. Chicago Toy Soldier Show. Plus some vintage TSSD items.

FOV 007 Tiger VI Whittmann

I hope everyone is enjoying the Labor Day weekend. Now that the summer is over I am returning to my normal work schedule and will have more time to do some things. In this post I have a few updates and some pictures of some items that I have picked up over the summer. We shall start with some news first.

CTSS

THE CHICAGO TOY SOLDIER SHOW IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! Join us at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg Chicago, Sunday, September 22nd, 10 am – 3:30 pm. This show is the biggest show in the world. All the newest products, prototypes and news can be found here. Plus hard to find vintage toys, custom one of a kind and limited edition sets. You can read more about the show at their website over here, https://chicagotoysoldiershow.com/.

CTSS 2019

conte-logo1

Conte Romans Set1aConte Romans Set1a1Conte Romans Set1a2

Here is what Conte had post on his FB site in his words below.

Thought you’d like to see 6 ( of 8) poses from Roman Set 1 ‘in action’ .
Please note that the ‘gobs’ supporting shields and such are only ‘there’ to temporarily hold up separately molded parts. They will NOT (obviously) be part of the finished product.

Also, the pila/spears have been artificially made a tad thicker than we’d wanted and designed( so that they inject properly and do not bend or twist) We are hopeful that their thickness will be reduced a bit for the final production while still avoiding any bending…it’s all about compromise when the functioning of the molds vs. playability & original design come into debate….

Lastly, the spearchucker is not holding his pilum at the proper angle as it came loose for the photo-shoot

Can’t wait to show you photos of these fellows mixed with additional poses from sets 2 and 3…

 

Conte Romans Set1bConte Romans Set1b1Conte Romans Set1b2

A different view which gives some idea of the full-round nature of these figures. The photos were sent to us this morning BY THE FACTORY. These are actual photos of prototypes for RC’s approval/comment sent to us from THE FACTORY.

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7th & 8th poses from Set 1

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Centurion almost complete; might make some adjustments to the cape ; also working on alternate head and alternate arms. Hope you’ve enjoyed seeing this fellow progress…the problem always is that the large shield hides so much detail.

Austin Miniatures

Austin Miniatures2Austin Miniatures1

Austin Miniatures will have the new Japanese Infantry & US Marine figures and playset available at the Chicago Toy Soldier Show. I will have more information soon about the details of these sets. 

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Forces of Valor is starting to release more new products in 1/32 scale now. The new Russian tanks will available this month. The German tank above should be released next year in March. We should see new items come out on a regular basis now. Next year will see a lot of German, American and some more Russian armored vehicles. There will be more items released other than the ones shown below. 

FOV T34 36 BoxedFOV T34 36 Day1FOV T34 36 Day2FOV T34 36 Day3FOV T34 36 Day4FOV T34 36 Day5 

Soviet T-34/85 Model 1944 Medium Tank – 55th Guards Tank Brigade, 7th Guards Tank Corps, Berlin, 1945 [Bonus Model V-2 Diesel-Fueled 12-Cylinder Engine] (1:32 Scale)

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Soviet T-34/85 Model 1944 Medium Tank – 95th Guards Tank Brigade, 9th Tank Corps, Berlin, 1945 [Bonus Model V-2 Diesel-Fueled 12-Cylinder Engine] (1:32 Scale)

FOV 007 Tiger VI Whittmann

Here is the famous “Whittmann” Panzer. German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – Michael Wittmann, “007”, schwere SS Panzer Abteilung 101, Cintheaux, France, 1944 [Bonus Maybach HL 230 TRM P45 Engine] (1:32 Scale)

FOV 173 Jagdpanther Tank Destroyer2

German Sd. Kfz. 173 Jagdpanther Tank Destroyer – “332”, schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 654, Normandy, 1944 [Bonus Maybach HL230 P30 Engine] (1:32 Scale)

FOV Flak 88

German 88mm Flak 36 Anti-Aircraft Gun with FLaK Rohr 36 Gun Barrel and Sd. 202 Towing Vehicle – Unidentified Unit, Stalingrad, 1942 (1:32 Scale)

FOV 186 Jagdpanzer VI Jagdtiger Heavy Tank DestroyerFOV 186 Jagdpanzer VI Jagdtiger Heavy Tank Destroyer2

German Sd. Kfz. 186 Jagdpanzer VI Jagdtiger Heavy Tank Destroyer with Henschel Suspension – schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 653, Germany, 1945 [Bonus Maybach V-12 HL 230 P30 Engine] (1:32 Scale)

FOV 184 Elefant Heavy Tank Destroyer

German Sd. Kfz. 184 Elefant Heavy Tank Destroyer with Zimmerit – schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 653, Italy, 1944 [Bonus Two 300 PS Maybach HL 120 TRM Engines] (1:32 Scale)

FOV Tiger 203

German Mid Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank with Zimmerit – 3/schwere Panzer Abteilung 501, Orsha, Russia, June 1944 [Bonus Maybach HL 230 TRM P45 Engine] (1:32 Scale)

Logo2

You can find these new Tanks at https://www.themotorpool.net/Forces-of-Valor-Tanks-and-Diecast-Military-Vehicles-s/50.htmhttps://www.hobbybunker.com/products/forces-of-valor-16/mfg or eBay, Amazon and other places. Also https://www.michtoy.com/vendors-Forces%20of%20Valor.html sells them too.

 

The Find

Here are some items that I picked up over the summer. In my last post I mentioned that I picked up a Barzso/TSSD “Road To Stalingrad” playset. After I picked up that set I found a few die cast tanks to add to it. Most of them were made by Ultimate Soldier, 21st Century, Unimax or Forces of Valor.

TSSD Russians & Tanks

Here are two WWII Russian tanks by Unimax and Forces of Valor. Plus WWII Russian Infantry by TSSD. All of them are nicely detailed. They are all in 1/32 scale.

TSSD Russians GreenTSSD Russians Green2TSSD Russians Green3TSSD Russians Green4TSSD Russians Green5TSSD Russians Green6TSSD Russians Green1

Here are the TSSD Russians in olive green. The T34 tank is made by Unimax.

TSSD Russians MaronTSSD Russians Maron1TSSD Russians Maron2TSSD Russians Maron3TSSD Russians Maron4TSSD Russians Maron5TSSD Russians Maron6TSSD Russians Maron7TSSD Russians Maron9

Here are the TSSD Russians in Maroon. The KV-1 tank is made by Forces of Valor. 

TSSD Germans

Here are some of the TSSD WWII Germans in long coats for the Russian Invasion. 

TSSD Germans3TSSD Germans4TSSD Germans5TSSD Germans6TSSD Germans7TSSD Germans8TSSD Germans9TSSD Germans10TSSD Germans11TSSD Germans12TSSD Germans13TSSD Germans14TSSD Germans15TSSD Germans16TSSD Germans17TSSD Germans18TSSD Germans19

These are early set cast in white gray color.

TSSD Germans1TSSD Germans22

The first Tank is made by W. Britain. I found it for $34. It was damaged, but I was able to fix some of it. The barrel on the gun turret was warped. Probably from some accident when it fell and hit the ground. There was a small crack on the bottom of the track. I was able to heat up the gun barrel and straighten it out.

TSSD Germans2

Here is another German tank. I think this one is a Panther. It was made by 21st Century toys.

TSSD Germans20TSSD Germans21

FOV1FOV2FOV3FOV4FOV5

The half-track is made by Forces of Valor. The figures that came with this set are really nice. They make an epic piece in any collection. The look nice with other brands of toy soldiers in 1/32 scale.

Tree1Tree2Tree3Tree4

I ordered some trees about a month ago from Micshaun’s Closet. Each tree was $12.99. The details are great. It is a nice size. The tree measures about 9 & 1/2 inches tall.

FOV6

So if you need any Germans, Russians or trees head over to https://micshaunscloset.com/they carry plenty of different sets from multiple companies.

Germanss-l1600T34Ultimate Germans1Umimax T34

These die cast tanks are great. But they can also cost a lot of money. But if you are patient you find these die cast vehicles at good to fair prices. The Forces of Valor are the best in my opinion.

Russians2

Over the summer I have purchased a few figure lots. In these lots there was either different sets from the same brand or different brands mixed together. I picked up a few vintage WWII Russian Infantry figures in different colors.

Airfix Russians

Here are some of the orange Airfix Russians that I think were made in the late 1980’s. 

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These Marx recast Russian figures I think were cast in the 1990’s??

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I have never seen these in yellow before until I got them in a figure lot. They are nicely cast. They are marked Marx on the bottom. They are 1/32 in scale.

cropped-warhorse-miniatures-1

It is a few weeks away from the big show. I can’t wait to hear about and see the newest products that are going to be released. I should have a post before or maybe two post before the show. That is it for now. Thank you for reading.

Interview with Nick & DeAnna Versteeg of TSSD. Plus Mars WWII Japanese Paratrooper Review & some Barzso News.

TSSD

Well it is almost September and the Chicago Toy Soldier Show. One of the biggest plastic makers will not be there this year. If you have been collecting plastic toy soldiers over the last 20 years you probably heard of Toy Soldiers of San Diego or TSSD. When I first started looking for toy soldiers on the internet Nick was one of the first dealers that I found. I remember chatting with him about some hobby related topics and getting few things. He was very helpful.

Nebelwerfer TSSD

Last year TSSD was sold to Dave & Kim Cook of https://micshaunscloset.com. They are now re-stocking older sets if you need something.

 

TSSD #1

I had stopped collecting for a bunch of years and TSSD started producing their own plastic figures. A bunch of years later I started collecting again. This was around the time their Plains Indian Sets were being produced. The have always been a favorite of mine.

TSSD Plains Indian2

Last year I was planning on setting up to do an interview with Nick & DeAnna, but waited when I heard that they were talking about selling their company. Recently after purchasing some items from them we set up an interview.

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Hi. Nick & DeAnna. It has been a pleasure to purchase your products over the years. I hope that both of your a doing well. 

Warhorse Miniatures: I remember purchasing some things from you before you started producing your own products. Can you tell us how you got started?

TSSD: Hello Mike. 

I started collecting again, perhaps 25 plus years ago after seeing an ad in a civil war history magazine from “The Toy Soldier Company”. Then Conte Collectibles arrived on the scene. I had visited with Richard when he was still in Las Vegas. I was very impressed with what he had already done in the hobby and what he had planned to do.

I wished to design & manufacture figures at least as good as Conte Collectibles had already released. The two keys to our manufacturing success was the sculptor David Lea and Bill McMaster of BMC Toys. He introduced us to his Hong Kong connection for the manufacturing.

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Warhorse Miniatures: You started producing plastic figures in the 1990’s. Your first sets were American Civil War figures. What was the main reason you started with this theme?

TSSD: DeAnna and I could not afford to “Lay an Egg” on our first attempt. So we went with something safe, the American Civil War. At the time, it seemed that the most popular historical period was the Civil War.

TSSD War Elephant

Warhorse Miniatures: You have produced figures from the Alamo, American Civil War, Cowboys & Indians, Romans & Barbarians, Vietnam War and World War II themes. If you were going to start making figures in new theme, what would that be?

TSSD: Perhaps World War One. There are so many different ways to go. WWI had everything from Cavalry to Tanks!

Tarawa Playset

Warhorse Miniatures: It seems that the cost of producing plastic figures these days has really increased since when you first started. Can you give us your insight into this?

TSSD: It has been years since we first started manufacturing. I think it is logical to assume that all costs to produce new figure set would have increased by now. That being said, it still seems very reasonable to me. The key to keeping the costs down is to manufacture enough sets the first time out.

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Warhorse Miniatures: My favorite sets that you produced were the American Indian sets. They are really great to paint too. What are some of your most favorite sets and why?

TSSD: I agree, David did a great job with the American Indians. I have always like the long coat winter Union Civil War Infantry. They are different from most other Civil War sets made by anyone. They came out very well and they also look great when painted.

Also our very first set the Civil War Confederates have always been some of my favorite figures. I remember when we first released set # 1 they were very well received. Collectors had really not seen anything like them at the time.

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Warhorse Miniatures: Along the way you worked with Barzso Playsets and Paragon Scenics. Was there any other companies that you worked with or wanted to work with?

TSSD: It was really great teaming up with Ron Barzso on “The Road to Stalingrad” playset. It was a big hit!! Today if we were to make something new, I would like to team up with Ken Ciak the owner of LOD Enterprises. I like what he is doing and what he plans to do.

TSSD ACW

Warhorse Miniatures: What are some of your favorite things in your collection? And are you still collecting?

 

TSSD: My favorite TSSD set is Set # 1, the Civil War Confederates. The sculptor did an amazing job. I also named each figure pose, which people really enjoyed. To this day they still are a hit with collectors. Over 10,000 sets sold world wide!

I also really like some of our foam pieces. Most made by Gary Fournier in SoCal. The 12 pieces that we added to the “Conte Collectibles” Alamo are some of my favorites too. With the Conte pieces and the TSSD Alamo pieces & TSSD Chapel building. You can easily make a great looking Alamo diorama.

Today I mostly collect “King & Country” metal figures. Years ago we were also a metal dealer. I have some metal figure sets from K & C, Frontline, Conte, W. Britain and other older companies. 

TSSD NA3

Warhorse Miniatures: If there was one more set of toys soldiers or a foam piece that you could make what would it be?

 

TSSD: I would like to do something different. Like “The Charge of the Light Brigade” or If money was no object a Massive “Picketts Charge” type of playset or similar! 

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Warhorse Miniatures: One of the reasons you retired was because of your health. How are you feeling these days?

 

TSSD: I’m doing ok. I had a stroke several years ago. Plus several other heath issues since then. I feel lucky to still be here and still a part of the hobby. My Amazing wife DeAnna has been through all of this with me as well, Unfortunately! DeAnna ran TSSD while I still had my real job and she learned the business. She has done a Great job.

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Warhorse Miniatures: Your journey in this business has been an inspiration to me, the Cooks and to others. What advise would you give to any one thinking about trying start there own toy soldier company?

 

TSSD: I would say “Go For It!!” Make a good business plan and follow it. Find the best sculptor that you can. It all starts there. Visit with other toy soldier companies as well. I wish everyone working in the hobby and anyone wanting to manufacture all the Best & Good Luck.

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Warhorse Miniatures: Thanks again for taken your time in answering the questions. Would you like to share anything with the collectors?

 

TSSD: I would like to Thank Everyone in this Great Hobby that helped us and supported us all these years. And I want to Thank my business partner & Wife who made all this possible! DeAnna has been the perfect “Toy Soldier Wife” and business partner!

Thank you everyone and keep on collecting!!

Nick VerSteeg

FORMERLY ‘TOY SOLDIERS OF SAN DIEGO

TSSD

Well that concludes the interview. Thank you Nick & DeAnna for all everything you have done for the hobby. Now we will start with some news.

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Barzso Sculpts

Ed Borris has acquired these original Barzso sculpts that were never made. He has plans to have them cast for a limited run mini set. These were supposed to go with the Bushy Run set Ed says.

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I read on Stad’s page that X-Force is getting ready to release a medieval set again. Here are what look like some peasant militia. You can read more over here, Stad’s Stuff.

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Mars Japanese Paratroopers

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I recently got these Mars World War II Japanese Paratrooper from Kent of Toy Soldier HQ. You can check out his page over here, http://toysoldierhq.com/. He also sells on eBay, Kent on eBay. Mars is getting better with there sets. I would give them a B for this set. The grade of B is mainly for a missed opportunity of this set being so much better.

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I like the subject matter and most of the poses they did chose. The main thing that I dislike is the scale of these figures. If they were just a little thicker, it would have been a great set. They do look good when you mix them in with Marx & MPC Japanese figures. MPC is there best match. Some of the Marx figures look ok mixed, some not that good. TSSD are bigger that these figures and Airfix are thicker. Like the Marx figures, the Airfix figures look ok with some poses and not that good with others.

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Some of the figures look clean and some less. You can see what I am talking about by looking at the pictures. The weapons look better than the earlier Japanese set. For the price it is worth getting to add these figures to you vintage Banzai!!!

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It has been a busy summer with work. I have picked up a few more figure sets and playsets the last couple of months. While writing this article I purchased the TSSD/Barzso “The Road To Stalingrad” playset, lol. In my next post I hope to have some pictures of the things that I have been getting. Plus a few more reviews of new or older products. That is it for now. Thank you for reading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Latest News!!! July 5th 2019 ~ MicShaun’s Closet Re-Stock, LOD Sale, Plastic Platoon German Paratroopers!!! & More…

 

Geogre Washington

Well I hope everyone enjoyed themselves on the 4th of July. Happy & Healthy. It is the day we Americans celebrate our triumph over Tyranny.  We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation.

 

latest-news

Well I thought this would be a short post a few days ago. But it looks like it will not, lol. I have a few updates to share with everyone today.

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Yes I know this is not about toy soldiers. But the Walking Dead it is an iconic part of pop culture. In an unexpected move on July 3rd. Robert Kirkman decide to end the main Walking Dead comic book series. The issue before Rick Grimes died. He was the lead character of the story. Everyone thought the story would continue and that it would focus more on his son. Anyway, being the collector that I am. I ran out to look for the last comic, but didn’t have any luck…..

 

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MicShauns

I was informed by the fine people at MicShaun’s Closet. David & Kim Cook are pleased to bring back some out of stock sets.

“Here’s what is being delivered tomorrow.  These items we have been out of pretty much since we purchased the business:”

TSSD Set 3 – WWII US Infantry

TSSD Set 5 – WWII Russian Infantry

TSSD Set 6 – Union Great Coats – Blue

TSSD Set 9 – WWII US Fire Support

TSSD Set 11 – German Elite Troops

TSSD Set 13 – Plain Indians

TSSD Set 17C – Dismounted Calvary with Casualties Gray

WWII Single Seated Figure from Set 9

Set of 2 Riders from German Elite Set 11

You can find these sets and their many others at https://micshaunscloset.com/.

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TSSD Set 3 – WWII US Infantry

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TSSD Set 3 – WWII US Infantry

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TSSD Set 3 – WWII US Infantr

 

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TSSD Set 5 – WWII Russian Infantry

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TSSD Set 5 – WWII Russian Infantry

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TSSD Set 5 – WWII Russian Infantry

 

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TSSD Set 6 – Union Great Coats – Blue

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TSSD Set 6 – Union Great Coats – Blue

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TSSD Set 6 – Union Great Coats – Blue

 

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TSSD Set 9 – WWII US Fire Support

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TSSD Set 9 – WWII US Fire Support

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TSSD Set 9 – WWII US Fire Support

 

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TSSD Set 11 – German Elite Troops

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TSSD Set 11 – German Elite Troops

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TSSD Set 11 – German Elite Troops

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TSSD Set 11 – German Elite Troops

 

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TSSD Set 13 – Plain Indians

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TSSD Set 13 – Plain Indians

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TSSD Set 13 – Plain Indians

 

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TSSD Set 17C – Dismounted Calvary with Casualties Gray

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TSSD Set 17C – Dismounted Calvary with Casualties Gray

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TSSD Set 17C – Dismounted Calvary with Casualties Gray

It is great to see some of these sets back in stock again. The WWII German Elite troops are nice, especially the Mounted ones. But my favorite has the be the Plains Indians from the set above and the other Plains Indians sets. They are some of the best Plains Indians figures ever made. If you like these figures head over to https://micshaunscloset.com/.

 

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Over at LOD Ken is having a 4th of July Sale. You can buy his figures at https://lodtoysoldiers.com/.

 

**** Fourth of July Sale! ****

LOD Enterprises is having a holiday sale in conjunction with the 4th of July. All of our unpainted Rev War sets (6 total) are 20% off for the next week. There is no coupon code necessary as the LOD website has the sale prices listed in the store.

This is a perfect time to build out your armies whether you need light infantry, Grenadiers, or additional Regular Army figures.

Have a great holiday and weekend!!

 

PP

Mikhail has sent me a sneak peak at some of his new WWII German Paratroopers. Here are some figures that will be part of the third set of Germans for the Battle for Crete series.

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These new figures should be out sometime in September. Here are some pictures of the second set of German Paratroopers below. I think I will have to get both sets this September.

Paratroopers Set2Paratroopers Set2aParatroopers Set2bParatroopers Set2cParatroopers Set2dParatroopers Set2eParatroopers Set2f

 

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That is it for now. I will have more this Sunday. Thank you for reading.