TROPHY. (1 Viewer)

[GICOP]

"THE SPEARS ARE WASHED" pt 2

Cheers

Martyn

 

[theBaron]

I’m still trying to figure out what he was promoting.

Looking past the complaints and attacks in his content, I took it that he was sounding out interest if he revives the brands he now owns. But you're right, Brad, and I made the same point-if he wants to start selling his figures, talk about the castings, and avoid the negative comments, which really just amount to gossip in forums like ours.
I was surprised to see him at PF, because it's really more of a site for connoisseur painters. There are a couple of us traditional toy soldier painters there, but we're a small minority. There were some positive replies, but I don't know how much new business a toy soldier maker might get from there. Apparently he joined PF back in 2023, but as far as I could tell from his stats, he didn't post till now.
Certainly has made for some interesting reading, if nothing else.
Prost!
Brad

 

[theBaron]

Here are some Trophy and Little Legion and Guards Corp...

Do you mean Guard Corps, the joint venture between Ed Lober and Alan Silk back in the 90s, that produced "The Kaiser's Birthday Parade/the Alexander Grenadiers" among other sets? Or did Trophy have a line or catalog that it also called Guard Corps?
Prost!
Brad

 

[jazzeum]

Brewers Dray Cart

 

[Louis Badolato]

Brewers Dray Cart

Brad,

That's a very cool set!

 

[Louis Badolato]

Here are some shots of another of my favorite Trophy sets, the Boer War Era Steam Tractor:

 

[TheDurbarMan]

Hi. Thanks for sharing photos of your amazing displays. I have the Trophy Arabian Dhow and recently came across some dhows made by First Legion. Photos attached. One is large and the other is small. The larger dhow is similar to the Trophy version. Does anyone have these? Do you know if these were sold with figures of the crew? If yes, I would very much appreciate if you can share photos.

 

[damian]

This is the larger Arab Dhow by Little Legion.
I do not own the Trophy version.

 

[damian]

Here are some shots of another of my favorite Trophy sets, the Boer War Era Steam Tractor:
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The Boer War steam tractor is superb

 

[damian]

Brewers Dray Cart

I think there is a version with four horses. Wonderful model

 

[panda1gen]

Ever since I started in this hobby I tried to be disciplined to WW2 Matt 1/30, as there is just too much good stuff to buy. I have to say though, I love seeing these great glossies and I really like this cart!

 

[jazzeum]

Hi. Thanks for sharing photos of your amazing displays. I have the Trophy Arabian Dhow and recently came across some dhows made by First Legion. Photos attached. One is large and the other is small. The larger dhow is similar to the Trophy version. Does anyone have these? Do you know if these were sold with figures of the crew? If yes, I would very much appreciate if you can share photos.

I’m not aware that FL made a dhow. What was the range?

 

[Louis Badolato]

Hi. Thanks for sharing photos of your amazing displays. I have the Trophy Arabian Dhow and recently came across some dhows made by First Legion. Photos attached. One is large and the other is small. The larger dhow is similar to the Trophy version. Does anyone have these? Do you know if these were sold with figures of the crew? If yes, I would very much appreciate if you can share photos.

Yes, I have a Trophy Arab Dhow, and it does come with a crew. I will take and post a couple of photos later.

 

[Louis Badolato]

This is the larger Arab Dhow by Little Legion.
I do not own the Trophy version.

Damian,

That is a terrific boat. I had never seen the Little Legion Dhow before your photographs, and it is quite good! I have the Trophy and Hicks Atwell Arab Dhows, or I would definitely have to get one of these!

 

[theBaron]

Brewers Dray Cart

It is a nice piece indeed!
Remember our late forum brother johnnybach? I think he repainted one as the wagon from his hometown brewery, if I remember correctly.

Prost!
Brad

 

[theBaron]

So have you added another floor to your attic yet, @Louis Badolato ?

Prost!
Brad

 

[HAWKEYE]

Some of the last hand to hand sets were great. There were some Zulu War ones and some Napoleonic ones. I think it was aruund 2005-2007.

ACTUALLY 2002 ON THE REVOLUTIONARY CAVALRY AND THE LAST ZULU SETS WERE 2003 LIKE THE TWO TROOPERS ON ONE HORSE WHICH CRAIG MCLAIN ALWAYS TRIED TO GET ME TO BUY BUT I SAID I ONLY DID RORKES DRIFT.
NOW BEING A COMPLETEST I KICK MYSELF OVER THAT ONE

 

[HAWKEYE]

I completely agree with OZDigger — to successfully revive a good or even great toy soldier brand, you need demand, talent, and, I would add, money and the use of new technologies.


Under Two Flags, in my opinion, will never make a comeback, no matter what you do. Their sculpting was poor at the time and even worse by 2025 standards. Len gave Under Two Flags a boost through his choice of genres, creativity, and ability to create a fully developed, operational TS ranges. These ideas later found further development in his Trophy venture. However, even Len's early sets were very close in style to UTF figures and attract little to no demand in today’s market.


Trophy truly gained momentum when Len started working with a new sculptor, producing sets for Trophy of Texas and later through the Elite Series and Dragon Crest productions. These sets remain in high demand, and I believe they will continue to be for a long time.


As for reviving the Trophy brand or producing fan-made copies, many have tried — and in my view, all have failed. Regal of New Zealand came close, but lacked the talent to create playable ranges, and the slightly larger scale did no favors for Trophy collectors.


Ken Jackson, who had gold in his hands — meaning the original molds — chose instead to develop his own range. It wasn’t bad, but the Trophy specials I’ve seen do not come close in paint quality to the originals, even when using the same molds. Citadel Academy figures is a good example.


Mike from the Little Legion did a great job continuing Len's legacy with his new ranges and specials. But his sculpting style is different, and I wouldn’t group them with Trophy figures (though I know Martin completely disagrees with me). Even his Trophy recasts don’t have the original Trophy charm.


Just my two cents.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY TROPHY RECASTS?

 

[damian]

ACTUALLY 2002 ON THE REVOLUTIONARY CAVALRY AND THE LAST ZULU SETS WERE 2003 LIKE THE TWO TROOPERS ON ONE HORSE WHICH CRAIG MCLAIN ALWAYS TRIED TO GET ME TO BUY BUT I SAID I ONLY DID RORKES DRIFT.
NOW BEING A COMPLETEST I KICK MYSELF OVER THAT ONE

Big mistake. I think I have that. It is a nice set

 

[damian]

I’m not aware that FL made a dhow. What was the range?

Little Legion not First Legion