My Favorite Army

Happy New Year!!

Down at the Post Sutler........(click to enlarge)

Close in action!!!

An old favorite 

A Day, or two Late

Dec. 25th 1776 - Washington crosses Delaware & surprises & defeats 1,400 Hessians

Now wait a minute

When the Colonist gathered on Lexington Green not one Minute Man was present.  Lexington had no such contingent but rather they had Militia called the Training Band.  This is one historical error will most likely we will never see corrected.  Do not look for Barzso to change his boxes LOL LOL

Is it really over ?

Dec. 25th 1868 - Despite bitter opposition, President A Johnson grants unconditional pardon to all persons involved in Southern rebellion (Civil War)

Music

Dec. 25th 1896 - "Stars & Stripes Forever" written by John Philip Sousa

More Christmas....Marx style.

1. .............................Click to enlarge

EBAY Dealers

You know how much I love EBAY dealers who are ...ah silly.   I even have a TAB for them.  Here is a new story.

One has an Atlantic Davy Crockett set listed.   It is listed as USED but in the description he states it is MINT and has  only one missing  piece and this is MINT ?   The set actually came with  several  more pieces.   I have been told by an acquaintance (no, not one of MY very good friends) that the seller has been NICELY notified of his piece count error  and was even offered one of the missing pieces!!!  Still he has not changed his auction details.  This is NOT a new dealer either but rather a self proclaimed  plastic expert.  He also recently listed some accessories from Cohn I am told as excellent and in the details stated except one is cracked.    So beware of silly dealers from Pennsylvania.

Sticks and stones.......

Dec. 23rd 1862 - Union General Ben "Beast" Butler is proclaimed a "felon, outlaw & common enemy of mankind" by Jefferson Davis. 

Christmas

13 Followers !!!

No, no, no!........ Such a bad number !!!   There must be a 14 out there somewhere LOL LOL

Buildings

I am not a big fan of foam.  Not sure why.  Perhaps I just do not feel it will hold up well.  I don't know.  In any case I do like plastic buildings and they are few and far between.  The Cabin below from the Marx Yogi Bear Playset is a great piece.  Works well in many areas such as Fort Quarters, Pony Express/Western, and more.  Lately it seems to be available again and in a new color.   My friend purchased a dozen of these years ago in a nice brown that matches the Fort Apache stand alone Blockhouse.

Riding Shotgun or more properly riding with a shotgun

Ok here is a picture of what a shotgun would have/should have looked like during the ACW and yes mainly Rebs carried them early in the war.  After that Union Cavalry arms were easy to come by.
So please cut down that silly full size TSSD shotgun  they got their Cavalrymen carrying.  LOL LOL Thanks.  I don't care for this man's hat but that is another rant.  And the fact TSSD and Paragon have poses with the reins in the wrong hand is also another rant. LOL LOL

ACW 54mm Cavalry

I have always felt my ACW Cavalry to be lacking.  The fault partly mine and partly the manufacturers.  Imex made IMHO some great Union cavalry and Rebs .  Italeri did the same in reverse.  A great set of Confederate  cavalry but no run in blue.  I have all of them  and of course added a few Marx and a BMC pose or two.  But I never felt satisfied,  I even added the Airfix 7th and a few Britians deetail cavalry.  Then TSSD released  ACW cavalry in both colors but in that new larger 54mm size that just didn't match in my mind.   But know if reports are true the new Expeditionary Forces (aka Xforce) seem to be an answer to filling out those regular 54mm ACW Cavalry.  In fact one reader tells us that the horses match the Italeri ones quite nicely.

What  do you do with the TSSD Cavalry ?  Why Custer of course,  but you may have to sacrifice other cavalry you have been using for Custer era such as Airfix, BMC etc.  Do not forget Paragon.  This were intended specially for the Indians Wars and not meant to embrace the ACW as TSSD intends for their ACW/Indian War Cavalry.  

Mount up!
Column of Twos
Column Left
March ........

Random Indian Photos

On the Plains and in Arizona. (Click on Photos to enlarge)

 Apache Raid on a small town..............Paragon Scouts work well as enemy Apaches too.........

 Guard the Mule Train....................... (Marx  and Replicant Pack Mules)

New Ray Building

New Ray is the company that has turned out some nice WW2 vehicles at reasonable prices.  ON EBAY I recently ran across their Country Life series.  The item picture is Item B, Shed.  It is 1/32 scale and quite detailed.  Each side has a window and one side has a working door.  The front doors are large because this building is meant to house a tractor or in my case a wagon.  Check it out!

A bit confused

This year Arizona is celebrating its centennial, or 100-year anniversary, as a state. Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912.

I like the State's views on Gun Control and their  handling of illegals and criminals in general. I do not understand the all the interest the OK Corral fight draws.   Heck Earp was not even a native son.   I do like most of the movies except perhaps Lancaster/Douglas one and the I never cared much for the TV Show. 

One thing this anniversary  has done in our hobby is sparked  interest in Wyatt Earp.  TSSD has churned out a line called "Tombstone" (Buildings and figures).  It includes the Earps and Doc vs. The Clantons so one can set up the OK Corral Fight.  Very nice figures that we label as part of the new 54mm scale.  In other words they are big.  Both sets will see double duty in the new TSSD Cavalry set.  The first will be Pinkertons/Spys and the second will be Drovers. 

Replicants to me has had the Pinkertons and  for that matter the Earps covered for years.  These figures are labeled as Pinkertons and Bounty Hunters.  When I first saw them I thought The Earps and Doc.


PM  Marx set coverage in the recent issue is a bit disappointing.  It didnt even contain a current photo of the actor Hugh O'Brien who the playset was named after.  PM claimed it was the only set to have the actors name in the title  (and also had the longest title of any playset) Seems to have over looked that Ricard Greene also has his name in title,,,,,,,

The Wheels go round and round......finaly

Hobby Bunker was continually amazing me with their Marx releases they issued from the molds they purchased.   One thing they did was issue some items in also the exact same color Marx had originally used. The German 88 with missing barrel,  Bomar Missile Launcher with no missile, the revered Marx Stage Coach with no wheels, axles, driver, horses and without the proper hitch.

Now it seems after a reported deal with CTS the Stage has been issued with wheels, axles, Buckboard hitch, two horse hitch, two horses and a driver.   Ah but they still don't have it right......the Driver is a MARX ACW Limber rider (as per the picture on the HB site).

More Scale Wars

A company in the Far East called Expeditionary Force, a maker to date of 40mm war game figures has entered the 54mm arena with some ACW and Ancients.  One dealer/manufacturer we see loosely quoted as stating they are more in scale with MARX, Imex, Accurate and Cunnyngham.  The are not in scale with TSSD and Conte ACW.  From the photos we have seen we have to agree in fact we will even go as far to say they look a bit smaller the Marx, Imex, etc.   However TSSD makes IMHO what I consider a confusing statement.  The say these figures are "A true 54mm" ? ? ? ? ?

This is a bit frustrating as I find the ACW one of my favorite eras.  Took me awhile to finally come to terms with the new larger 54mm.  They are all in storage LOL.  So do we need a "third" 54mm scale ? 

The your a little bit special

I have always connected the term "specialty figure(s)" to the metal world  or maybe to a larger scale plastic figure.  It kinda knocked me for a lope when I heard a set of plastic figures described as "Specialty Figures. and then some collectors label some produced in the past with the same  title.

These Specialty figures mean high costs we are told which is passed onto us the collectors.  We are told we asked for them.  I didnt, did you ? LOL

IMHO I can do without special sets.  I do not feel a company should place itself in jeopardy by making them. 

Paragon Scouts

We note that folks have rec'd the new Paragon Scout Set and overall are very happy with them.  As expected most ordered at least 2 sets.

New TSSD Playset

TSSD will have a new Civil War playset soon.   I remember when Conte launched their ACW playsets how collectors howled over his inclusion of other makers products such as MARX re-issues.  The TSSD playsets it seems will have much of other folks products included.  I wonder if folks will accept this this time around?

New Additions Fix

A few days ago we installed a gadget that allowed only members to post or comment.  Worked fine BUT members were then required to log in!   We set everything back to where it was. 

Paragon Paradox

 Paragon has addressed a Forum members thoughts on the New Scout Set costs

 Member stated
While these figs look fabulous, I'm assuming that the numerical demand for "scouts" is probably going to be less than for rank and file troopers or Indians simply because most folks won't be using more than a handful of scouts in any set-up. So if the producer can't anticipate selling multiple sets to customers, he'd really have to charge more than average to recover the costs.



Paragon Reply
Thank you, Plastic Fan, for your insight. Specialty figures are more costly to produce exactly for the reason you stated. Mold and production costs are even higher for Specialty figures than they are for rank and file troopers. The factory requires minimum orders and when you go below their minimum they slap on additional fees.

Our customers asked for these figures. We wanted to please them. We also want to stay in business. In order to do both we have to charge a price that will allow us to do both.

Thanks to all for your feedback.

Gene 

My Thoughts
If Paragon didnt think they would sell then they should have explained that to their customers and not do them.   It seems that the fact they ordered a minimum run was the reason for the higher costs.  I myself do not think of these as Specialty figures.  They can easily be used as rank and file. 

Paragon Figures

After a member on a FORUM indicated he seemingly had inside info regarding problems at Paragon(?)  This post appeared from the company itself/

Just wanted everyone to know that the Cavalry and Apache Scouts are on their way and should be available for purchase very soon. There will be 8 figures to a blister card - 4 Cavalry Scouts and 4 Apache Scouts. (including 2 poses that have never been seen on the website). They will be available in 2 ways. All buckskin OR Cavalry Scouts in light blue and Apaches in buckskin. $22 per blister card.

http://www.paragon-scenics.com/miniatures/Home.html

Good news but does this mean that in adding the TWO additional figures the card will have just the 8 figures?? If so that will be a shame.  For example Barzso's new boxed sets offer 16 figs at this same price.  We will have to wait and see ......  Bad news to me at least is that it appears their will be no Medium Blue figures available.  I love Paragon figures of this era.

TSSD New Cavalry

Just as I got my hands on this set TSSD  posts some photos,  Half the set has pose using their right hand to hold the reins and you know I do not care for that.  No guidon bearers or sword wavers in this set. The man cradling the rifle and  the man firing a FULL sized shotgun also turned me off.   Folks of course can convert what they do not like.   I think it is great that you will not need glue for the plug arms.  These are the best (plugs) I have seen.  Also TSSD is to be commended for what are actually very nice figures and for holding down the price.  They are a bargain at $24.00 for 8 figures, 8 horses and 16 plug arms.

Disagree

I read on a forum that Steve Weston Dealer/Manufacturer of some really excellent figures stated that MARX figures were always smaller then others.  Hmmm I am not a Marx collector per say but I do have most of the re-issue figure sets and accessories.  I have always found MARX fit great with Airfix, Britains, Reisler, Gung-Ho Timpo solids and a few others.  Even Mr. Westom's First attempt which were cowboys many label the Mag 7 fit right in.  Of course then he joined the ranks of TSSD and Conte in using this "new" 54mm scale.

 Is it me or are these new MAKERS always trying to detract from MARX  and/or the "Old" 54mm scale.
Of course I do buy some of the new "scale" but if they do not mix well with the old I pass on them.  I am so happy CTS and Barzso seem to have decided to stick to the old 54mm.

Conte News

Ho hum....... more metal coming ........Whoopee!!!!!.

Additions

We added a few gadgets to the blog.   On the right you can now subscribe to the Blog via email.  At the bottom of the Home page you now view a summary of recent comments.  This saves having to go thru all of the Posts.  Also in order to POST or Comment you must be a member. 

EBAY Elephants

Had some great luck in obtaining 4 Elephants on Ebay (One is not pictured here).  All are Asian.  They will join the ranks of my British Expeditionary Force (my own creation).  (Click to enlarge)

Alert! Alert!

The British are going ..........!!!!!!!  (click to enlarge)

Leftovers

Here are a few photos I didn't post in the Campaign Tab.  Click to enlarge as always.

The right and center BEF flanks move forward together

SOldiers of the right flank clear the wall firing platform of the village from the rear.

Arabs atop the "Church" continue to snipe at the BEF as they enter the village.

Elephants in War

Hmmm I always wondered about this and as I was planning on adding a few to my British Colonial Army I did some simple research.  It seems that very few African ones were ever used in WAR.  The Asian was the common one.  The differences to look for is small ears on the Asian.  Now I am off to the Elephant Auctions on EBAY!!!

New Cavalry

Finally saw some photos of the NEW TSSD Cavalry.  Looks like one is firing a full size shotgun on horseback no less!  And it looks like at least 2 are using the reins of their mount in their right hand.  IMHO the sculptor does not have a very good grasp of American cavalry despite claims.  See the site for pictures!

Thanks for the Tanks

Although I am  not into WW2 era I find it nice that someone offers alternatives to what are IMHO the overpriced offering of FOV and others.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Classic-Toy-Soldiers-Inc/118666221499349?ref=ts

Check them out.  Three brand new German vehicles.  So far they have not appeared on their Web Page.  Released date is Oct 2012.

New Cowboys

Austin Miniatures were at OTSN and displayed prototypes of what will be their new line of 54mm Plastic Cowboys.  Yeah more over sized cowboys!!!!!

Praises for Ron Barzso

OTSN attendees report Ron had Imex and Accurate figures on his table to illustrate the fact the figures in his new playset "Battle of Lexington Green" are 54mm.  Thank goodness he hasn't heard we have poor eyesight and prefer the new larger version of 54mm.    Way to go Ron!!

More Free Postage

Just when ya thought it was safe to go in the water Armies in Plastics issues offer of Free Postage for a limited time on orders of $100.00 or more.  Will a rant from TSSD be forth coming soon ?

By the way after his last one we and several friends looked around and the only FREE postage offer we found at the time was from Cunnyngham Collectables  as part of a sale.

Soon after we noted the little Corn Belt dealer/Manufacturer asked for forgiveness and ended his offer with the free shipping. 

The Last of the Indian Wars

History tells us the Last of the Indian Wars were the campaigns against the Apache.  Here a small Army patrol is ambushed by an Apache band.  Ambushes were a favorite tactic of the Apaches.

"Pony soldier, I am Sierra Charriba . Who you send against me now?"

OTSN and Barzso

The room trading will end soon and the show will be tomorrow.  But already EBAY seller NAVYDAVYJONES seems to broken up Barzso;s new set "The Battle of Lexington Green" and is selling it piecemeal on good old EBAY.  He has the bagged figs too!  Good old internet...LOL LOL

Campaigns

Please check out the Campaign tab... We have wrapped up our first one with a series of photos.....

Postage

So a Dealer/Manufacturer is ranting on his site (and someone re-posted it to a forum)  that he will not offer FREE shipping.  In summary he states he wishes whoever started this practice never had and he is hurting others,  and he will not give up his hard earned  profits.

 A little research of several other Dealers (some of which also manufacture) seems to indicate they all charge LESS shipping then our friend.  It also looks like he only ships UPS which may or may not be a cost factor.  We do find it strange that Dealers can afford to ship his products cheaper and in a few rare cases sell them cheaper.   They only make maybe 30-35% profit whereas  our friend earns that and more when you buy direct from him..

So my method is to find the product I want at the cheapest price including shipping.   I am not gonna pay higher prices to support any Dealer/Manufacturer.  

OTSN

Or for you purists OTS....is a few mere weeks away.   Lots of new plastic soldiers, most of which we already know about will finally be released or partially released  at the show.  Get those wallets out the new stuff is coming!!!

Injuns

Back in the day the only Indians I could find were MARX re-issues and some Airfix.  We are talking unpainted here so although Britains were around they were not for me.  Actually I wasn't all the interested in the Plains War era.  I figured I had plenty of US Cavalry figures from my huge ACW armies to press into service if I ever got the bug.  Over the years I picked up some Reisler, Reamsa and Dulcop Indians that weren't all that bad.  Then CTS released their Mtd Sioux.  Great Indians but so-so ponies.  The years passed while these guys all gathered dust and then TSSD released their Plains Indian sets.  WOW.  Foot and Mounted.  Except for a pose or two of my other Indians nothing really compared to these.  None that is except the Timpo Plains Indians.  A bit smaller overall and not as highly detailed, they still to me at least made the grade and joined the ranks of my Plains War Indians.  Check them out as they appear on EBAY from time to time.  As for the Plains War....the bug has bitten me.  Forward....Ho!!!!  (Photo from ATS TOYS EBAY Auctions of Timpo Indians)

Bad Pose

Just saw the Paragon Mtd Set.  My much beloved Apache battling figures it seems have one really eyesore of a pose.  (At least to me).  One figure is fighting with sword and pistol!!!!  Oh shame, shame, shame.   Set also has a few poses firing their carbines!  In my world those guys are halted, standing still.

One really great thing I noted is that the buckle on all of the carbine slings is in the back.  Take note TSSD.  When in the field this is how the Cavalry wore the sling.

Conte Musings

With no news from CONTE other then Sale Notices we wonder when the "Going out of Business" gossip will start?   No new plastic in years it seems.  We have been told that when collectors inquire about new plastic his reply has been "Send $$$" . Do his fine plastic figures cost more then CTS, TSSD and others who have continued to make plastic despite the economy? 

Can it be done ?

Can a set of  "AMERICAN CAVALRY HORSE SOLDIERS"
 actually be made that will span a period of 20 yrs with out looking too much like Civil War or Indian War Cavalry ? To many this will no doubt mean a lot. IMHO they cannot.  We will see come this Fall.

Another Rant or Question

A dealer on EBAY seems to me is asking crazy prices for single poses of re-issue MARX Untouchable and Arctic Explorers. 
Why ?  They are still available...I checked and they are not worth  $5.00 to $10.00 each.

Color Rant

Did I mention this already ?  I dont know how this got by me.  A manufacturer of Plastic 54mm figures who apparently been around quite awhile sells a set of the ACW Irish Brigade in......green plastic   (sigh). 

CTS German Assult Set

My friend got his set and I hurried over to see them.  They are to me very much 54mm.  Nice poses including a flame thrower!  You will note much better and detailed reviews elsewhere soon I assure you.  The one thing thing that did catch my eye was that most of the lower torsos seem to be out of proportion to the upper parts.  But hey maybe they just have long legs.  Make your own  call. 

Evil Shipping Costs!

We noted some concern out there for the HIGH shipping costs some dealers ask.   Paying almost the same cost for the product in shipping fees is crazy.   Perhaps these guys do not want to be bothered with small orders and hope the high cost of shipping/handling will encourage buyers to order more.  Or perhaps it is the USPS, UPS, etc.

 Collectors who have most of what they want and simply buy new items as they are released  I would think are impacted by this.  I know I am.  The solution ?  Shop around the dealers or buy at a show.   I hear in the UK the shipping is really bad thanks to the Government.

Cavalry Rant.........

In the US Cavalry at least,  the left hand was to be used solely for the reins of the mount.  The right hand was used for the Saber and revolver.  Carbines were fired when dismounted but at a halt (stopped dead) they could be utilized.  They were almost never used in any other situation when mounted and certainly never fired ONE handed.   Manufacturers please take note.

More New, but not now

Barzso site has more photos of their Rev War set.  And TSSD is showing some of one of their new sets.......US Cavalry!    These items along with the Paragon Set of US Scouts are all due to be released at OTSN

More from CTS

CTS has released 2 new sets of 54mm  WW2 Germans,  One is an artillery crew and the other an Assault group.   Again these are done in the scale most prefer.

No Clue

FORCES OF VALOR..... some new releases on the way.  WW2 is not one of my fav eras but I do have some figure sets and a 21st Century vehicle or 2.  When I see the prices that FOV charges I am blown away.  To each his own I guess.

Bah!!!!

Do the editors of magazines like PLAYSET Mag reduce their standards so as not to offend those dealers/manufactures that advertise therein ?   I get emails about how supposedly dis- honest the Official Marx Museum is .... Hell from what I am told it  is a fake who has hoodwinked Louis Marx Jr.   I am also told of  numerous shady dealings yet they still enjoy the support of Marx magazine editors ?  Why? Do they take out HUGE ads ?  One dealer appears to have spoken out but yet no mention of the man is question by NAME has been printed.

I have stated time and time again that I do not really consider my self a MARX collector but I read PM and PW and keep up on this stuff.  Can we get some honesty here ?  SUPPORT the MUSEUM in WHEELING as the other guy IMHO is questionable.

Comment

One of my fav things to do is read Playset Magazine and Plastic Warrior Magazine.  I really like as I do not buy them I read my friend's issues.  One article that appears every year is one by a UK dealer based on the plastic released.  I noted with interest this year  that the author pointed out that CTS continues to make new figures in the MARX scale of 50mm.  Typo ?  We think not as he is one of the Large Figure advocates as evidenced by his own line of figures.  As I have stated here in the past I like MARX.  Truth be known I even have a few (a very few) playsets and loads of the reissues and accessories.  So to each (manufacturer) his own.  And please take note that in that very same issue was article on Barzso's coming Rev War set and figures all done in plastic and  "designed to be compatible in scale ( oh their is that dirty word) with MARX and ACCURATE.   Needless to say this once again shows that the larger figures are not the wave of the future as some claim.

Happy Birthday America!

Very off topic but funny

CONTE

The CONTE site has been updated twice in the last week or so.  Oh my!  Calm down ...no mention of NEW plastic. Come on you didn't really think their would be did you ?

Words of Warning ?

As collectors most of us dislike the above words.  We are an impatient lot.  And what is worse once a new item arrives we are demanding the next.  Such is human nature.  But to make matters worse some manufacturers seem to never deliver.  I know their are no time parameters for 'Coming Soon"  but.......   Many manufacturers  turn out their products as stated.  But they have faults too in that these guys  expect their products  to be welcomed with out criticism.  We get the impression lately that manufacturers/dealers stating thanks for your support actually mean Buy All Our Products!  This is too funny but others agree with us.  Coming soon is a Catch-22

In the Greasy Grass

June 25, 1876 - Indian Chief Crazy Horse won the two-hour Battle of the Little Bighorn, Montana, wiping out the army of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer. Custer, who led the battle against the Sioux Indian encampment, was among the 200+ casualties. Ironically, the only survivor of Custer’s forces was a horse, Comanche.


Dog gone camera. This will have to do until I can take another photo.

Status

Summer is taking its' toll and as you see I have not posted much as of late. Very HOT here. To recap news from our emails we noted AIP has some new releases and some re stocking. TSSD has 3 new sets coming among them more of those HUGE Romans and Barbs. The mini-sets had some bugs ? And they have combined all of their Civil War cavalry into one set. Paragon will have its' next release at OTSN in the Fall.

The Marx Convention (in Wheeling) has come and gone and collectors and dealers all have reported on the web they had a great time. That's great.

Must be more news out there but this is just about the stuff I like.

Update

June 19th 1536 - Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, is beheaded.

Happy Days

June 17, 1872

George M. Hoover begins selling whiskey in Dodge City, Kansas–a town which had previously been "dry."

Giddy Up

June 12, 1862 - Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart begins his ride around the Union Army outside of Richmond, Virginia.

EBAY SIlliness

For sale is a EMPIRE TOYS BLUE PIONEER FRONTIERSMAN FIGURE. This toy is in excellent condition. It has some light edge wear as can be seen in the photos. He is also missing the rifle butt which is broken off. Otherwise this toy is complete and is in very nice condition.

New AIP

Given the advertisement info we assume the NEW AIP playset is a World War I Trench system. But considering the definition of a trench and the pictures supplied by AIP this is IMHO just a emplacement or earthworks. Your call and your money.

A What ?

Battleboard. I have seen these for quite some time now in the pages of Playset Magazine. Now on closer examination I find I just do not get it. They are bases. Just bases. Ok so you can switch "displays". But I mean who buys these. Well to each his own.

Heads Up!!!!! or down.......

June 11, 1509 - Henry VIII of England marries Catherine of Aragon. Many years later..........


OK ....wait for it.........No No ...He divorced this one. Anne Boleyn his second wife got the axe.

No Spoils System yet

June 6, 1833 - The first U.S. President to ride in a railroad car was Andrew Jackson. President Jackson boarded a B&O (Baltimore & Ohio) passenger train in Baltimore, MD.



Please click to read.

Gold

June 3, 1911 - Gold is discovered in Alaska's Indian Creek.

Rock bottom pricing

Saw this in 2 places on the web regarding Cunnyngham Collectibles.......

We're reducing our Confederates in price to $6.99 a bag! That's extremely low!! As in, that's about what they cost us to make! But it's time to clear out the last of the inventory. One bag is $3 shipping. Two and Three bags is $5 shipping. You order 4 or more, and the shipping is on us!!


Good deal but also a bit of a shame. TSSD stated collectors need to support the VERY few manufacturers out there. Of course we do not agree with this literally UNLESS, one the product is good and two it is something YOU want. But we feel this product is quite good and given the reportedly vast number of ACW collectors we would have thought the sales would have been strong. So if you didn't get these the first time around give them another look see.

Maybe not such a good move ?

I love to use MARX figures in my Dioramas and photos but I do not spend big bucks on the old stuff. I do like to read about those great playsets. And I love the re-issues otherwise I would never own many items. But I got to mention I find it strange when someone produces re-issues in what seems to a guy like me to be the original color and material. I guess folks just do not care.

More AIP

Armies in Plastic will release on or about June 15 some of their Camel Corp (Gordon Relief) sets with RED plastic riders by popular demand. The 'demanding folks" most likely being us ignorant Yanks who think all British troops wore RED prior to WWI. Oh yes for the record the British Artillery didn't wear BLUE in that time period either. I think I complained about that before.

Restock at BARZSO

All of you who love the FIW will be happy to know Barzso has restocked most of his French sets. Check out his website. At present they are the best around. The AIP French were IMHO just too big.

Sick Nick

NICK of TSSD RETURNED from the Texas Show WITH PNEUMONIA!

His wife has listed a LINK on the TSSD site for viewing pictures of the show.

Keep Nick in your thoughts. He has had a few tough years we are told.

Batter Up

June 3m 1888 The classic baseball poem "Casey at the Bat," written by Ernest L. Thayer, is published in the San Francisco Examiner.

Could not locate my Lido Ball Players so we decided to use this cool photo.