"W. Britain has a toy soldier for the child in every one of us," says Walker, who admits to setting up his own soldiers in dioramas at home. "As one of our retailers is fond of saying, all his customers are little boys--some are doctors or lawyers, and still others are really in fourth grade."

The list of activities this weekend should interest veteran collectors and children alike:

Unveiling of the new W. Britain/Hudson Allen Studios dioramas of the Battle of Fredericksburg

The first opportunity to see the new winter/Fredericksburg line of soldiers up close

Meet Ken Osen, W. Britain master sculptor, and the man behind all the Civil War figures and dioramas that W. Britain produces

Lecture by Osen on how he makes dioramas and figures

Special promotions at the Eastern National store

Free W. Britain figure for the first 100 children to attend

W. Britain door prizes

Silent auction of exclusive, one-of-a-kind W. Britain figures

Free paint-and-take kids' toy soldier painting class, sponsored by W. Britain

"For the collector," says Walker, "I hope this event provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at what goes into making toy soldiers.

"For children, it will be a priceless hands-on experience in painting and playing with toy soldiers, for free."

Dave Smalley is a Fredericksburg-area writer and former Weekender editor.