Toy Soldier Art

Another British Castle

This castle is a type made from the 1960s to about the 1980s. We know its approximate earliest age because folks on our Homecasting forum recognized it. Terry from the UK had one in 1966. Our example was probably made for the export market in the 1970s, judging by the box. The box art shows it displayed with Britians' Deetail Knights which were first sold in 1971. This castle uses pressed wood for the walls and towers and plain wood for the base. In all respects, it is similar to earlier wooden toy castles with the drawbridge in front center. This one does not have a ramp across the moat. There is a board painted blue that goes in front. It has raised pieces that hold the base of the drawbridge at the level of the castle. We did not use it in this situation.

Situation? Every year during the Yule season we participate in a train display at Ocean Grove, NJ. We run the old O gauge and O27 trains, hence the odd track. This castle is a popular part of the display. Knights and trains? The children like it.

The top photo is from 2007. Bottom photos are from the 2006 show.

The gates of this castle are wide enough for a knight on horseback. The walls and towers are large enough to accommodate knights as tall as 60mm (2 3/8 inches). In these pictures, the 50mm (2 inch) knights are shown. The read facade is particularly nice. There is plenty of room for knights on it. Additionally, the high walls all have walkways on which to place knights.

The painted stone and windows is almost stylized. The bright sandstone color gives this castle a warm and bright feeling. It is colorful, attractive, and a real show stopper. The knights in these pictures come from Castings Inc. mold #5677 "Knights of the Round Table." They are crude, but a little paint goes a long way. And perhaps you noticed Santa Claus in the top picture on the facade tower. He is from the Castings Inc Victorian People series.

As far as Toy Soldier Art, the trick is how one places knights in the castle. Good placement makes an exciting scene. It is a matter of art.