O (Miniature) Christmas Tree, O (Miniature) Christmas Tree!

As we get closer to the holidays, I finally did something I've been wanting to do for a long time: set up a miniature Christmas tree for my hobby space. I actually ordered it last year, but it was backordered and didn't arrive until mid-January 2021. 

But this year, after finding some miniature glass ornaments and tinsel from Target (the lights are built into the tree), I finally got a chance to set it up! Shortly afterwards, I found a set of four Dept56 pewter toy soldier ornaments from their Tiny Trimmings line. I immediately snatched them up. As you can see in the photo below, they're not very tall....maybe 1.5" at most. 

I also found some artificial poinsettias at Michaels for 40% off...

The set consists of four toy soldiers, of which three are distinctly British: a Grenadier Guard, a Life Guard, and a Yeoman Warder (popularly known as a Beefeater). The last figure appears to be George Washington holding a musket. It's an interesting choice, but I'm not complaining.  

They came in plastic boxes that say "Made in Taiwan." I don't know exactly how old they are, but I estimate them to have been made in the 1970s-1980s based on that fact alone.

The paint jobs are a little sloppy in places, but I still appreciate the fact that these are nonetheless hand-painted. They're unique because of that. I'm still in search of appropriately-themed miniature ornaments for the War Room but I feel that this is the start of a nice little collection.

Mannie's Toy Soldier Studio

About a month and a half or so ago, I had the pleasure of visiting my good friend (and recently retired colleague) Mannie at his home near Frederick, MD in a socially distanced manner. The two of us bonded over the years over many shared interests, including military history, cartooning, Star Trek, and - of course - toy soldiers. You should also check out his awesome blog too!

After years of hearing about his toy soldier studio, it was great to finally see it in person. Of course, I realized after I got home that in my excitement I completely forgot to take photos. Mannie was kind enough to send me these, as well as allow me to do a write up about the studio.

To the envy of many a hobbyist I'm sure, Mannie has his own little building in the backyard. It's decorated in an appropriately patriotic and military manner, complete with miniature toy cannons guarding the door. This is just a taste of what's to come.

Once you step inside, you're in a whole other world. Toy soldiers line the shelves and display cases. But there's way more than that. If you look up you'll see there's a "hole" in the ceiling (complete with stars!) to represent "imagination going through the roof," as Mannie said. The entire space is decorated in such a way that I was transported back to a time when I played "Civil War" with the kids on my street and was just getting interested in military history.

Of course, what would a toy solider studio be without toy soldiers?

Lots of really cool stuff, right?

Mannie's latest project centers around the Battle of Guam in World War II, fought from July 21 to August 10, 1944. He was stationed on Guam in the 1970s and spent many hours exploring the island and finding relics from the battle. Mannie's making great progress, and you can keep track of developments on his blog. So stay tuned!

Overall, I was very much inspired when I left the toy soldier studio. It's a space dedicated to the fun and imagination that drew many of us to toy soldiers (be they 54mm, 28mm, or 15mm) in the first place all those years ago. It's a wonderful place and I feel really privileged to have had the chance to see it. 

Thanks again, Mannie! My imagination was certainly going through the roof the entire time! And I definitely feel we can all use a little inspiration going into 2021.