On Friday, October 21, I had the great honor to give a presentation on Toy Soldiers to Cub Scout Pack 2, Cedar Grove, NJ. Forty-five Cub Scouts, and their parents were in attendance.

The presentation consisted of two eight-foot tables, with toy soldiers on display from all era’s, including American Dimestores, Britains, G.I. Joes and even a vintage Marx Playset.

We originally planned to give the Power Point presentation, Collecting Toy Soldiers (Miniatures)provided by Bob Wintermeier of Spillway Toy Soldiers, but when we realized that the Cub Scouts were a bit too young and too active for them to sit still we had them stand in front of the displays where we enjoyed a lengthy question and answer session.

One question was very telling and that was when one Scout asked: “How do the Toy Soldiers on display move?” He couldn’t believe that they didn’t move on their own and that they had to be moved by hand.

The presentation began at 7:30 and ended at 8:30 pm. A great time was had by all. At the end of the evening each Scout received a current issue of OTS magazine, courtesy of OTS, and a toy soldier courtesy of The East Coast Toy Soldier Show. We hope to see some of the Scouts at our upcoming show, as we continue our policy of offering free admission to all Scouts in uniform.

posted by Bill

Through out the years, famous people and personalities have always been used as models for toy soldiers. And now toy and train model company Hornby is using Prince Harry of England as a model for a toy soldier that will go on sale next year.

The company is using a famous image of the prince on patrol in the Helmand Province in 2008 to ensure that the plastic soldier’s weapons, equipment and uniform are accurate. It is not expected the soldier will resemble the prince facially.

The figurine will be one of six soldiers in the British Army in Afghanistan range, which will go on sale next year. Toy tanks and helicopters will also be sold as part of the range. The soldiers will be produced in 1:48 scale and will be sold under the Airfix brand. Click here to read more….

posted by Bill

For the past 30 years, NJHMA has hosted thousands of military miniature enthusiasts who come together to celebrate our hobby.
Hundreds of talented modelers and painters from all over the country have displayed their work, competed and received awards.

A highlight of this year’s event is the large vendor room, which is always filled with a wide variety of vendors who specialize in toy soldiers, figures, model kits, militaria, books and all sorts of related items…all for sale!

NJHMA EXPO 2011 is on Saturday, October 8 2011 at the Wayne, PAL. Make plans now to visit EXPO 2011. For more information and directions visit the NJHMA website by clicking here…

posted by Bill

There is no shortage of Toy Soldiers being offered in on-line auctions, but buyers should acquire some wisdom before wading into on-line auctions’ murky waters. Wrong and inaccurate descriptions, the over-use of words “rare” and “scarce”, as well as repainted and restored figures being offered as mint condition original factory production, tend to confuse all but the most knowledgeable collector. Some over-used deceptive phrases such as’ “I really don’t know much about this piece,” or “What you see is what you get,” are always suspect. What’s your opinion?

posted by Bill

O.C. “Brit” Britton, 91, of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep, July 8, 2011. An U.S. Army Medical Corps veteran of WWII, Brit was an avid collector of American Dimestore Toy Soldiers, which he enjoyed repairing and restoring for his collector friends all over the world. Brit was always eager to share an idea or concept for a possible conversion.

Brit will be best remembered by the toy soldier fraternity for his conversion skills of giving a new and whimsical look to many battle-worn toy soldiers.

posted by Bill