Bits 'n' Bobs... This 'n' that (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

Quite a few recent threads need a few answers…

1. The upcoming half-track mounted 88 is an 88mm FlaK18 (Sfl) auf Zugkraftwagen 12t better known as the Sd.Kfz.8 DB9… what a mouthful! It is indeed mounted on a 12 ton halftrack not the 18 ton FAMO. I think Oz got it correct on this one… well spotted! And here’s the plans to prove it… from George Bradford’s German Early War Armoured Fighting Vehicles… great book!

2. Balkans and Italians – I think not gentlemen… if Russian Eastern Front is not such a big seller none of us at K&C can see even lesser known Balkan campaigns doing better. Italians in the desert offer much more exciting possibilities.

3. Bulk Buying – I’m sorry to say that ‘Desert Fox’s’ suggestion does not make much sense to us… Exactly how does making 6-8 figure sets lower the costs of actual production? Sadly the economics are that labour… materials… transportation… and increased detail (on both figures and fighting vehicles) have drastically increased over the last 18 months. At the same time, the US dollar has hit all time lows against foreign currencies. Put it all together and that’s why all of us are paying more for almost everything. Now tell us how we can lower the price on 6-8 figure sets (never mind individual figures) and stretch your dollar further. If together we can find the answer then the US government will be mighty grateful!

4. Planned Production Runs – Our good friend Steven Chong suggested a while back that in some cases, we let collectors know what our estimated number of production is on certain pieces, especially some of the bigger items. So for the upcoming 88 we thought 750 might be a respectable number… if we got orders for 800 or 900 or even 1,000… we’ll let our factory know to ‘up’ the production. If the orders are less than 750… we still produce 750 as I firmly believe 88’s usually sell out ‘sooner or later’. Hope this helps.
Sometimes as was the case of the King Tiger we might alter the camo or paint scheme for an additional order.

5. Overseas Visitors – The past two weeks in Hong Kong has seen visits from both Sierra (Mike and Myzska and daughter) and Treefrog (Pete, Shannon and Ben). It’s been an absolute pleasure to meet and spend time with both parties. Meeting up at shows in the States is great but actually spending ‘real’ time in our office and going out for lunches is even better. Lots of valuable feedback that’s great for K&C and ultimately you, the collector!
A very big thank you to Mike, Myzska, Pete and Shannon for taking the time and making the journey.

Best wishes to one and all and…
Happy Collecting!

Andy C.

 

[Capitolron]

Andy

Thanks for the information - I look forward to the "rivet counters" responses - I am sure there will be a few

Now lets talk about that next great seller for King and Country:

AMERICAN DESERT TROOPS !

Regards, Ron

 

[Harrytheheid]

Andy

Thanks for the information - I look forward to the "rivet counters" responses - I am sure there will be a few

Now lets talk about that next great seller for King and Country:

AMERICAN DESERT TROOPS !

Regards, Ron

And Italians.
And Early 20th Century Pacific Range.

 

[Pierre]

Andy

...I look forward to the "rivet counters" responses...

Ron

On what?

Pierre.

 

[Vezzolf]

Hi Guys,

Quite a few recent threads need a few answers…

1. The upcoming half-track mounted 88 is an 88mm FlaK18 (Sfl) auf Zugkraftwagen 12t better known as the Sd.Kfz.8 DB9… what a mouthful! It is indeed mounted on a 12 ton halftrack not the 18 ton FAMO. I think Oz got it correct on this one… well spotted! And here’s the plans to prove it… from George Bradford’s German Early War Armoured Fighting Vehicles… great book!

2. Balkans and Italians – I think not gentlemen… if Russian Eastern Front is not such a big seller none of us at K&C can see even lesser known Balkan campaigns doing better. Italians in the desert offer much more exciting possibilities.

3. Bulk Buying – I’m sorry to say that ‘Desert Fox’s’ suggestion does not make much sense to us… Exactly how does making 6-8 figure sets lower the costs of actual production? Sadly the economics are that labour… materials… transportation… and increased detail (on both figures and fighting vehicles) have drastically increased over the last 18 months. At the same time, the US dollar has hit all time lows against foreign currencies. Put it all together and that’s why all of us are paying more for almost everything. Now tell us how we can lower the price on 6-8 figure sets (never mind individual figures) and stretch your dollar further. If together we can find the answer then the US government will be mighty grateful!

4. Planned Production Runs – Our good friend Steven Chong suggested a while back that in some cases, we let collectors know what our estimated number of production is on certain pieces, especially some of the bigger items. So for the upcoming 88 we thought 750 might be a respectable number… if we got orders for 800 or 900 or even 1,000… we’ll let our factory know to ‘up’ the production. If the orders are less than 750… we still produce 750 as I firmly believe 88’s usually sell out ‘sooner or later’. Hope this helps.
Sometimes as was the case of the King Tiger we might alter the camo or paint scheme for an additional order.

5. Overseas Visitors – The past two weeks in Hong Kong has seen visits from both Sierra (Mike and Myzska and daughter) and Treefrog (Pete, Shannon and Ben). It’s been an absolute pleasure to meet and spend time with both parties. Meeting up at shows in the States is great but actually spending ‘real’ time in our office and going out for lunches is even better. Lots of valuable feedback that’s great for K&C and ultimately you, the collector!
A very big thank you to Mike, Myzska, Pete and Shannon for taking the time and making the journey.

Best wishes to one and all and…
Happy Collecting!

Andy C.

Andy, Is the 88 Gun removeable from the Half-Track and is the gun's angle adjustable to an up or down position..... will it hold its' position once adjusted?........also since this is a limited 750 peices will we possibly see this Half track in a weathered German Grey Version.........Thank you for your response.......

 

[redhugh]

Here's an idea for a sure fire way to do the Eastern/Russian front , specify a low but profitable production run and everyone will want one, sell like hotcakes, as long as I get my pre-order in first, lets see winter russians, russians in cammo, bedraggled german troops shuffling along, , german troops hauling artillery by themseleves in the snow, half figures hiding in foxholes in the snow or rubble.... other eastern axis forces (I like the del prado ones and the cossacks go well together from both ranges)
Can but daydream

 

[binder001]

Andy, Thanks for the information - I look forward to the "rivet counters" responses - I am sure there will be a few
Now lets talk about that next great seller for King and Country:
AMERICAN DESERT TROOPS !
Regards, Ron

Ron,

Did you read my comments on the upcoming DD093 M4A1 Sherman? Here's your desert Sherman - most of the features are quite right. The new "Big Red One" figures are also usable for Tunisia. The new figures are dressed in wool shirts and trousers with M1941 jackets. The officer has HBT trousers, which also were used in Tunisia. The tankers could also be used for the cooler weather in Tunisia. So until Andy starts a "Tunisia" series, these fellows will do just fine.

By the way, if you need the markings changed on the M4A1 - I can arrange to do it for a modestly overcharged fee!

Gary

 

[Rob]

This looks a fantastic beast and can't wait to get one,this will trundle up and try and stop my allies landing on the beach at Normandy,does anyone know if it fought there?

Rob

 

[Capitolron]

Ron,

Did you read my comments on the upcoming DD093 M4A1 Sherman? Here's your desert Sherman - most of the features are quite right. The new "Big Red One" figures are also usable for Tunisia. The new figures are dressed in wool shirts and trousers with M1941 jackets. The officer has HBT trousers, which also were used in Tunisia. The tankers could also be used for the cooler weather in Tunisia. So until Andy starts a "Tunisia" series, these fellows will do just fine.

By the way, if you need the markings changed on the M4A1 - I can arrange to do it for a modestly overcharged fee!

Gary

Gary

What about the netting in some of the helmuts on those guys??

I thought the clothes look good for the period - wasnt sure.

HEY - WHAT AM I DOING ? WE NEED TO TALK ON A PM - STILL WORKING ON ANDY FOR THOSE NA AMERICAN TROOPS

 

[debrito]

Here's an idea for a sure fire way to do the Eastern/Russian front , specify a low but profitable production run and everyone will want one, sell like hotcakes, as long as I get my pre-order in first, lets see winter russians, russians in cammo, bedraggled german troops shuffling along, , german troops hauling artillery by themseleves in the snow, half figures hiding in foxholes in the snow or rubble.... other eastern axis forces (I like the del prado ones and the cossacks go well together from both ranges)
Can but daydream

Everybody knows the reality to have East-fronts figs it is almost impossible, because of the unpopularity among the Americans and Commonwealth collectors.

But I am almost 100% sure if K&C produce a special order concerning the Paulus 6th Army (winter or summer camouflage) that I will be a big seller.

The variety of the equipment at this front is enormous, anyone interesting in German WWII, SS or Wehrmacht (doesn’t matter the battlefield) would be happy to have in they collection.

Rod.

 

[fmethorst]

This looks a fantastic beast and can't wait to get one,this will trundle up and try and stop my allies landing on the beach at Normandy,does anyone know if it fought there?

Rob

Hi Rob,

The vehicle appears to belong to the 116.Panzer-Division. If this is correct then that division was formed between March '44 and July '44. From July '44 to September '44 it fought in France. It was first deployed July 26 southeast of Caen so to answer your beach landing question I would say no.

This vehicle could only have been assigned to Heeres-Flak-Artillerie-Abteilung 281 since the Panzerjager-Abteilung 228 only operated Jagdpanzer IV, StuG and towed Pak guns. The Heeres-Flak-Artillerie-Abteilung 281 included 2 sFlak-Bttr (schwere Flak Battery) although my reference source states these were towed.

Frank

 

[Rob]

Hi Rob,

The vehicle appears to belong to the 116.Panzer-Division. If this is correct then that division was formed between March '44 and July '44. From July '44 to September '44 it fought in France. It was first deployed July 26 southeast of Caen so to answer your beach landing question I would say no.

This vehicle could only have been assigned to Heeres-Flak-Artillerie-Abteilung 281 since the Panzerjager-Abteilung 228 only operated Jagdpanzer IV, StuG and towed Pak guns. The Heeres-Flak-Artillerie-Abteilung 281 included 2 sFlak-Bttr (schwere Flak Battery) although my reference source states these were towed.

Frank

Thank you Frank thats very helpful and informative,perhaps i could have it engaging my allied Tanks around Caen.I think this is where K&C UK free postage will really come into its own,this thing will weigh a ton!!

Rob

 

[OldDragon]

Hi All

I just happy that "Bits n Bobs" is back .... a chance to interact with the maker himself.

Say Andy ... what about the upcoming Polish Lancers ? When are they due ?

OD

 

[PanzerTruppen]

Andy, Please - some Dead, Dying, Wounded, and Surrendering Russians. These set(s) are a must have to finish off any Eastern Front Diaramas. The Germans caused some damage too.
I would like to see the above in Western Allies also in Normandy summer wear too. Thanks, for the Great sets with Dead & Wounded & Surrendering Germans !

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Rob]

Andy, Please - some Dead, Dying, Wounded, and Surrendering Russians. These set(s) are a must have to finish off any Eastern Front Diaramas. The Germans caused some damage too.
I would like to see the above in Western Allies also in Normandy summer wear too. Thanks, for the Great sets with Dead & Wounded & Surrendering Germans !

Thanks,

Jeff

Not sure the Eastern front stuff sells so well these days,i thought it would be much more popular than it turned out to be.I have the T34 and its a lovely Tank.(if you can call a Tank lovely!)

Rob

 

[OzDigger]

Not sure the Eastern front stuff sells so well these days,i thought it would be much more popular than it turned out to be.I have the T34 and its a lovely Tank.(if you can call a Tank lovely!)

Rob

With the Eastern Front popularity, I guess it depends upon which side you are talking about. For example it's well known that the Russian sets are slow sellers and I suspect the 'Berlin' German sets aren't all that popular either.

However I reckon many of the white 'Winter' German sets would be good sellers despite many of them being based on Eastern Front use. For example the insignia on the Hummel and the Gepard Flak 38T tag them as being Eastern Front vehicles, but they no doubt see Battle of the Bulge service on many collectors shelves

 

[Rob]

With the Eastern Front popularity, I guess it depends upon which side you are talking about. For example it's well known that the Russian sets are slow sellers and I suspect the 'Berlin' German sets aren't all that popular either.

However I reckon many of the white 'Winter' German sets would be good sellers despite many of them being based on Eastern Front use. For example the insignia on the Hummel and the Gepard Flak 38T tag them as being Eastern Front vehicles, but they no doubt see Battle of the Bulge service on many collectors shelves

Thats true Oz,anything with a winter feel is going to the Bulge!.Also i see that some of the Berlin Germans are being retired now too.They are one of the few WW2 Lines that i never purchased anything from,never enough funds to go round i'm afraid.I wonder if the Berlin range will be retired altogether at some point in the near future,there have been no new releases for a long while now?

Rob

 

[OzDigger]

Thats true Oz,anything with a winter feel is going to the Bulge!.Also i see that some of the Berlin Germans are being retired now too.They are one of the few WW2 Lines that i never purchased anything from,never enough funds to go round i'm afraid.I wonder if the Berlin range will be retired altogether at some point in the near future,there have been no new releases for a long while now?

Rob

It's ironic that the Berlin Germans apparently weren't very popular because in some respects they were more appropriate for Battle of the Bulge use than the Winter Germans. For example most photos of German units at the Bulge depict them as being dressed in standard Gray uniforms with long (often muddy) coats rather than the white Winter outfits most perceive as being typical German Bulge uniforms.

Which brings me to another bug-bear of mine. Being the fact that K & C seems to limit the marketability of their products by branding the sets to more confined geographical areas such as 'Berlin', 'Iwo Jima' etc rather than giving them a broader appeal

 

[Rob]

I once collected 1/6 scale Dragon and they did quite a few Bulge/winter figures with long Grey overcoats etc and not so many in the white gear.

I guess if you name a batch of releases for a specific battle/ theatre it really does appeal to enthusiasts of those battles in question.As you know us History lovers get so into famous actions that as soon as you see a line by the name of 'Bulge'etc you are out selling the wife's rings before you know it!.I know the D Day and Arnhem titles pull me in straight away,but i'm a weak willed collector.Its good that the new BR1 Figs can be used in a Normandy or North Africa scenario though, as i know some (Ron i think)have been calling for US Participation in NA for some time.

Rob

 

[debrito]

It's ironic that the Berlin Germans apparently weren't very popular because in some respects they were more appropriate for Battle of the Bulge use than the Winter Germans. For example most photos of German units at the Bulge depict them as being dressed in standard Gray uniforms with long (often muddy) coats rather than the white Winter outfits most perceive as being typical German Bulge uniforms.

Which brings me to another bug-bear of mine. Being the fact that K & C seems to limit the marketability of their products by branding the sets to more confined geographical areas such as 'Berlin', 'Iwo Jima' etc rather than giving them a broader appeal

Oz I am with regarding the BBG clothes. In almost every picture I saw of the Battle of Bulge, there are more Germans in grey uniform than white. Beside be a Fall of Berlin collector, I think IMO, the Volkssurm sets has the best uniforms of K&C WWII.