Picked up this Chinese made die-cast toy for only 50p in a local shop. It's a model of a Jaguar 1937 ss-100. The scale is not given but I would suggest 1/35. In perfect condition, it provides another vehicle for my WW2 street scene.
This is my record of collecting and gaming in this scale. Periods covered are Medievals in Italy, Saracens and Turks, the Schleswig Holstein Wars, 2nd Sino-Japanese War, WW2, and modern African conflicts. My on-going fictional campaign is set in North America c.1890 in which the United States invades the Dominion of Canada. Have also raised small collections for Ruritania, based on the 1952 Zenda movie. Also Zubrowka, based on the Grand Budapest Hotel film of 2014. MGB
Saturday 29 July 2023
SOME NEW ADDITIONS recently completed
Tuesday 25 July 2023
SOVIET NAVY ARRIVES
Decided to augment my Soviet WW2 naval forces by constructing a river craft. Variously described as a river gunboat, or a landing craft, it will make an interesting piece in any amphibious scenario. For gaming purposes it will have a crew of six.
Saturday 22 July 2023
PAINTED ARTILLERY PIECES
Working on a batch of Johillco die-cast howitzers. First up are a pair of French guns in their early WW1 grey-blue paint scheme. Had to construct the rear part of the carriage on one of the guns, using Milliput and plasticard.
Wednesday 19 July 2023
PAINTED ZOUAVES and TIRAILLEURS
Pleased to have completed two small battalions of French colonial troops. These were originally broken W. Britains figures I was fortunate enough to pick up quite cheaply. Decided it was best to paint strip, Milliput any holes, replace the broken rifles, and prime.
First up are some c.1860 Zouaves, at least one battalion initially wore green turbans. The ensign was a spare charging figure needing a purpose.
Tuesday 18 July 2023
AUCTION WIN, an old French cannon?
Just arrived is this box of old lead toys. Must admit, it was the broken gun which caught my eye. I am suspecting it is a French-made piece, but would welcome any further information on its manufacturer, or its portrayal. I intend to use it with my French and Danish 19th century armies. Total cost was £7.50. The seller kindly threw in a useful Deetail rearing horse.
Friday 14 July 2023
AUCTION WIN, Johillco Howitzers
Several years ago I picked up a couple of die-cast Johillco? howitzers quite cheaply, as they were missing their wheels. These toys have a splendid c.1900 look to them, which I was keen to include in my 54mm collection. Restored, they have also proved very useful to my gaming, and I have been keen to obtain some more.
In a recent auction I picked up another five, and a spare barrel. Unfortunately, only two of these are in full working order, the others are broken or with missing parts. I know these guns aren't rare, and were probably made as penny toys, but I like them! I will keep the two working models as they are, with their original paint, but will go to work converting the others and attach them to various armies. These guns came in two designs, one having a shield. Total cost was £10.