Here is a new Napoleonic Rule Book i got at the London Toy Soldier Show. One of our customers who now lives in London and works for the Stephen Ambrose historical Tours Group set us up with the author. We have the books on line and in the store.

New Games Workshop shipment has arrived. it goes on sale Saturday!

Plus Boxed Orcs and Goblin Armies!

London Show

March 23, 2024

I had a great time in London this past weekend. Above I am with my old pal Sam Watson from Belfast and Stefano from Italy.

I picked up some Italian themed figures from Stefano and a pretty good haul from the Tommy Atkins/Fusilier Miniatures. I will offer the items in the shop to some regulars and then bring to some shows this Spring.

Above is a view from my booth. It was a mixed model and toy soldier show. Attendance was higher than when I usually go in June. The first 2 hours were quite busy and then the show slowed down pretty quickly. Unlike the shows over here people were still showing up and buying right up to the end of the show.

Below is a picture of Stefan Farrelly's massive 1/30 Scale German Train Diorama that was on display at the show. Further down is part of my London adventure.

One of the Pubs I went out of my way to see in London was The Prospect of Whitby. It is a historic public house on the northern bank of the River Thames at Wapping, in the East End of London and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It lays claim to being the site of the oldest riverside tavern, dating from around 1520. It was a place for smugglers, pirates, hangings and Captain Kidd.

Another place I stopped in after The Prospect of Whitby was the White Hart in Whitechapel.

A hidden gem in the heart of Whitechapel’s historic East End, this traditional British pub boasts unique characteristics dating back to 1721. Popular with locals, city workers, tourists and students, the pub has historic links to the Jack the Ripper era, with one of the main suspects George Chapman having lived in the cellar of the pub.

There are nightly tours of the area in the alley next door.

Nothing like a little history while enjoying a meal or a pint!

Wow! Check out this amazing diorama. One of our long time customers asked me to make a diorama for him. I said I just didn't have the time. I put him in touch with another long time customer and friend in the same area. This was the result!

The diorama mainly consists of John Jenkins Designs Viking and Saxons which we supplied. all 1/30 scale and most of the terrain used was Woodland Scenics which we also sell. Joe and Alan discussed the project and after about 2 years it has been completed.

Here the Saxon Shieldwall tries to repel the Viking invasion!

This is one of my favorite time periods. I am a big fan of all the shows and movies that are out there about the Dark Ages. "The Last Kingdom" on Netflix is by far my favorite.

Here is the beginning of the diorama. Laying it out to see what fits and works.

Attack and Defend. I think this picture has a few Conte Collectible figures in it. The diorama is about 90% made up of John Jenkins Designs.