Sixth Scale Blog the Joe Report features a wonderful profile of sixth scale structure builders. The realism and detail that goes into some of these is astonishing. Check it out.
Sneak Preview: Pictures of the First 1:6 WWI Figure from CalTek and Timewalker Toys
As many of you know, Timewalker Toys has been collaborating with CalTek on a World War I figure line.
The first figure from that line–a German infantryman from the opening days of the war–is in the final stages of development, and we have some pictures for you!
This figure line is a study of the material culture of the First World War in one-sixth scale. It was developed based on an in-depth study of actual WWI artifacts.
We believe that you will find a level of detail and historical accuracy as yet unseen in 1/6 scale military figures.
Battle of Liege, August 1914
Imperial German Infantryman
27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Company, Gefreiter
More information including pictures, pricing and estimated release date for this figure will be available soon at TimewalkerToys.com.
Prototype pictures – not final product.
Our thanks go to CalTek, whose innovative construction technique made this figure possible, to the National World War I Museum in Kansas City for special assistance in research and conceptual design, and to our friends and colleagues who donated collections, time and advice to the project.
Figure in Focus: 3R’s Herbert Otto Gille
3R’s Herbert Otto Gille 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure is available for pre-order now at TimewalkerToys.com. Place your pre-order today for a 5% discount!
The new 3R Herbert Otto Gille one sixth scale figure features a lifelike sculpt, standard officer uniform, two overcoats, and his signature twisted wooden cane.
About Herbert Otto Gille
Herbert Otto Gille (1897-1966) was a German general in the Waffen SS during World War Two. As commander of the Wiking Division on the Eastern front, he achieved victories in the face of overwhelming Soviet forces.
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Herbert Otto Gille, 1897-1966
Gille was the most highly decorated Waffen SS member in World War II, and ultimately earned the Knight’s Cross with Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds, and the German Cross in Gold. Before the end of the war he achieved the rank of SS-Obergruppenfuhrer und General der Waffen SS, the highest achievable rank below Reichsfuhrer-SS (until the creation of SS-Oberstgruppenfuhrer in 1944).
During World War II, he was an extremely successful commander, leading the Wiking Division on the eastern front against overwhelming Soviet forces until the fall of Berlin in 1945.
Though he joined the Nazi Party and the SS in 1931, he was widely considered by his peers and subordinates to be a-political, and was often referred to as nur-Soldat (only a soldier). A popular story about Gille has him threatening a political indoctrination officer with a disrobing squad, saying a brownshirt has no place in an artillery regiment.
See the wikipedia article on Gille.
Read about Gille’s battles in Knight’s Cross With Diamonds Recipients: 1941-45 By Gordon Williamson, Ramiro Bujeiro
Before the Second World War
Gille was born in Gandersheim (upper central Germany) in 1897 to a factory owner. He attended cadet school and became an Ensign at the age of 17. During the First World War he served as a Leutnaut in an artillery unit, and exited the war as a decorated officer, earning both the Iron Cross First and Second class. After the war he had an unsuccessful civilian career in agriculture and insurance sales. During this time he became a member of the Stahlhelm, a paramilitary veterans organization formed in December 1918. In the early 1930s he joined the NSDAP and Himmler’s SS organization.
See this AxisHistory post for uncited information (in French) on his early years. Also, reported text from his diaries that talks about his exit from WWI.
An article in German with a short biography.
His tenure with Himmler’s nascent police forces was rocky, and he was fired twice before finding his place in the military wing. Gille “… was judged by his superior officer [in the SS] Jeckeln as ‘unsuitable for a leading role in the higher echelons’.”
Read about his beginnings in the Waffen SS at Heinrich Himmler: A Life – Peter Longerich – Google Books.
After World War II
After the war, Gille spent 18 months in military captivity. In later life, he opened a bookshop and published a newsletter for veterans of the Wiking Division. He died of a heart attack in 1966.
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3R’s Herbert Otto Gille sixth scale figure is available for pre-order now. Remember, pre-order from Timewalker Toys for a pre-order discount!
Sideshow’s Modern Collector series profiles Hot Chix Cool Toy Review
We met Wendy from the Hot Chix Cool Toy Review at the Frank and Sons show in LA last year, and I’ve watched her funny and original toy reviews on YouTube ever since.
Sideshow has a video profile of Wendy Olafsun and Jason Rodriguez, creators of the series, in their Modern Collector series. I had to smile when they talk about how collecting brought them together.
Hot Toys announces upcoming Back to the Future figures
Sixth Scale blog One Sixth Republic landed an exclusive interview with Hot Toys’ Howard Chan. Among the tidbits, Hot Toys has acquired a license for Back to the Future, and a Delorean is in the works! Read the full article at OSR.
Research makes it right!
Research makes it right!
In 2011 Timewalker Toys began our first development project: a study of the material culture of World War I in one sixth scale.
The first figure in the new product line, created in collaboration with CalTek International, will be released in 2012.
We would like to thank CalTek, the National World War I Museum, and all of the colleagues, customers and friends who have supported us in this project, and throughout our nearly ten years in business.
Come back to this blog for the latest news from Timewalker Toys and WWI in one-sixth scale.