World's Top Maker of Toy Soldiers, Announces Major Additions to Its Line

From 15th-century knights to 20th-century fighting men, historically accurate 1:32-scale lead-free pewter figures by Wm. Britain have dominated the metal soldiers category for more than 100 years. Now, with the unveiling of its lineup for 2001, the company, a long-standing brand of Racing Champions Ertl once again proves it's number one. New for 2001 are exciting releases in the following categories.

THE CONNOISSEUR COLLECTION (Matte Finish)- American Revolution A total of nineteen new sets of figures featuring famous Revolutionary War participants and events will be released in 2001 in honor of the 225th anniversary celebrating the founding of the United States. In addition to vignettes of Washington Crossing the Delaware and The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, the line includes figures of Lord Cornwallis, William Howe, Daniel Morgan, and The Swamp Fox (Francis Marion), as well as rank-and-file American and British soldiers.

Civil War- Continuing the Art of War series, the company is introducing two new six-piece sets-Forward with the Colors and Hold At All Costs-and two three-piece add-on sets, all based on art by the renowned Civil War artist Dale Gallon of Gettysburg. Two three-piece add-on sets based on these prints will be released mid-year, 2001. The sets will be issued in limited editions of 2,500 each. In addition, figures of two Civil War leaders and ten regiments will be added to the line, allowing the collector to create authentic dioramas of Civil War battle scenes.

World War II- Expanded in January with the release of figures featuring famous World War II leaders-Churchill, Montgomery, Halsey, Nimitz, Marshall, and Von Rundstedt- Wm. Britain's World War II series will be further enlarged with the March 2001 addition of nine squads featuring heavy weapons and artillery.

Napoleonic Wars- The company's Napoleonic Wars category acquires some major additions for 2001 with the introduction of five leader figures featuring Bonaparte himself, the Duke of Wellington, Marshall Ney, Field Marshall Blücher, and Sir Thomas Picton. It will be further augmented with eight new sets that include major regiments and casualty sets.

G.I. Joe- Following last year's successful introduction of 54mm pewter replicas of G.I. Joe, America's original movable fighting man, Wm. Britain will be adding four new sets to the line this spring. Representing all branches of the military, each will include three talking action figures and a miniature package based on the popular talking action figures from 1967.

TOY SOLDIERS (Glossy Finish)- This is the category that made Wm. Britain an industry leader more than 100 years ago, and for 2001 the company is reintroducing Hollowcast soldiers-the product that launched the business. Created using original molds, these richly traditional pieces will include ten new sets.

In addition, the company is expanding its Delhi Durbar, Ceremonial, and Zulu War categories, and adding even more interest to the Tournament Knights line with new decoration based on specific heraldry.

The new introductions will include six knights on foot and three mounted. According to Dell Torgerson, director of boys' marketing for Racing Champions, "By any standard, this is a stellar line-up of new products for 2001. This line of toy soldiers is by far the most extensive in the industry, and it more than lives up to Wm. Britain's enviable reputation for meticulous attention to detail. Toy soldier collectors demand the best-and Wm. Britain always gives it to them.

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	Toy Soldiers
World's Top Maker of Toy Soldiers, Announces Major Additions to Its Line