Battle of Hong Kong toy soldiers, 19th century streets in miniature – toy shop owner revels in city’s history
After talking to Canadian second world war veterans, toy-soldier maker Andy Neilson promised to commemorate their bravery in defence of the city. Years later, he’s ready to release first battle figures on anniversary of battle’s launch
It’s hard work running a successful business in Hong Kong, but for Andy Neilson it’s child’s play.
The former British Royal Marine is the man behind toy shop King & Country, in Pacific Place, Admiralty, which sells a wide range of miniature figures, including historically accurate military figures and a range that brings the streets of old Hong Kong back to life.
The shop has been in business for four decades, constantly introducing new figures. Its latest series, the Battle of Hong Kong, combines Neilson’s interest in both those themes.
“We’ll be the first company that’s ever produced miniature figures based on the Battle of Hong Kong, starting with the Canadian regiments – the Winnipeg Grenadiers and Royal Rifles of Canada,” Neilson says.
The outgoing Scotsman has his own reasons for making the Canadian regiments the first to be made.
History buffs re-enact Battle of Hong Kong on the streets to remind city of home-grown heroes’ defence against Japanese
In the mid-1980s he joined the Royal Hong Kong Regiment – a pre-handover British military volunteer organisation – and eventually became the regimental adjutant.