Our next show is on for Sunday, November 3, 2013. Please note that we will no longer be posting on this web site, using this domain name. Please visit our new site: www.eastcoasttoysoldiershow.com, by clicking the following highlighted text EAST COAST TOY SOLDIER SHOW.

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

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

Check out this video from 1956 of British actor Peter Cushing, enthusiastic member of British Model Soldier Society, collects, makes and plays with toy soldiers from all periods of military history. He plays with his toys in accordance to the rules laid down by H. G. Wells in his book ‘Little Wars’.

posted by Dale

Tootsietoy’s diecast miniature toy version of the Renault tank first appeared in Tootsietoy’s 1931 catalog and was numbered #4647. It was described as being a: “Reproduction in miniature of the latest Caterpillar Tank from specifications furnished by the U.S.
Govt. War Dept.”

The Renault T-17 tank was developed during the later years of the first World War. It was the brainchild of French General Jean-Baptiste Estienne and weighed seven tons, traveled at 6 mph and carried a two-man crew. It was the first tank to be fitted with a revolving turret.

Tootsietoy’s miniature Renault tank is fairly accurate in detail and close to being 3/16″ scale. Tootsietoy produced it in a variety of finishes, including various camouflages.

So many were produced back in the 1930s & 1940s that they still turn up today at toy shows, flea-markets and, of course, eBay; however, their original rubber tracks (treads) are invariably, either missing, rock hard or have been replaced. Many of them have either been fully restored or repainted. Often they are overpriced, so “caveat emptor” is the name of the game.

posted by Bill