Help with this decision. (1 Viewer)

[Sahara]

Lately I have been toying around with the idea to start a ACW line in dedication to several of my ancestors that had fought for the North and South. I have really been hard pressed in which company is the best and most suited for me. I really like what Collectors Showcase is doing but on the other hand Conte, and Britains also have their own special quality as well. Any input or pictures would be helpful on this matter. I have ancestors that fought with Custer in the "Michigan Brigade" and also family from N.C. that fought in the 11th N.C. Infantry Regiment. I also have a Uncle who married into the family that has an ancestor that was a seminole scout for the South. If any of these manufacturers have produced any figures from these regiments/units please let me know since that would probably be the deciding factor. Its remarkable my uncle and I did this family tree and learned that all our ancestors were at Gettysburg at the same time (with the exception of my married in uncles ancestor). My son and I plan on making a special trip to Gettysburg this summer, can't wait!

 

[Mitch]

You could always by a small selection of all the manufacturers offerings and then if you wish, decide to concentrate on one to build into a larger collection. Then you at least have excellent sets and not have to think... should I have got X's?
Mitch

 

[VIRIATO]

As you mention Gettysburg why not take a look at what First Legion is offering and plans to offer for the future?

Paulo

 

[jazzeum]

First Legion is my rec. Not the 11th but they have the 55th. Their ACW figures are the best out there in my opinion.

 

[Sahara]

I forgot about First Legion. I have been so caught up with the hopes that they would put out a Roman line that I totally forgot that they had a ACW line. I'll have to take a closer look at them but if their detail and painting is anything like we have come to expect from First Legion then I'll probably go with them. However, I'll probably do what Mitch suggested and do a little mix and matching. I'm thinking I'll buy the Britains Farm House and some other scenics from Britains that should be pretty close in scale to First Legion. I might buy some of the CS ACW figures and make a smaller dio however I think I'm gonna focus on FL for the most part. Thanks guys.

 

[jazzeum]

I forgot about First Legion. I have been so caught up with the hopes that they would put out a Roman line that I totally forgot that they had a ACW line. I'll have to take a closer look at them but if their detail and painting is anything like we have come to expect from First Legion then I'll probably go with them. However, I'll probably do what Mitch suggested and do a little mix and matching. I'm thinking I'll buy the Britains Farm House and some other scenics from Britains that should be pretty close in scale to First Legion. I might buy some of the CS ACW figures and make a smaller dio however I think I'm gonna focus on FL for the most part. Thanks guys.

I posted a couple of photos of the FL ACW figures I have in this thread.

 

[thebritfarmer]

In regards to what is available (volume wise) it has to be Britains. I think each company has it's flagship range and ACW is one of Britains.
I would have a chat with (Mike) mestell on the forum and also browse the Britains matte section for some of his excellent diorama snaps. He is very knowledgeable in regards to ACW. His preference for ACW is Britains and he also uses Hudson and Allen scenic bases.

 

[Sahara]

In regards to what is available (volume wise) it has to be Britains. I think each company has it's flagship range and ACW is one of Britains.
I would have a chat with (Mike) mestell on the forum and also browse the Britains matte section for some of his excellent diorama snaps. He is very knowledgeable in regards to ACW. His preference for ACW is Britains and he also uses Hudson and Allen scenic bases.

I agree, I think Britains "bread and butter" is definetly their ACW line (with its zulu line close behind). By far they have gone the most in depth into this period of history. Their figures are relatively well priced, and have good paint quailty and sculpt. I think First Legion definetly has the best quality figure on the market right now but the range hasn't expanded as much as the Britains ACW line. I'll have to check out Mikes pictures.
At this point I'm leaning towards FL because of the subperb figures they are putting out. I'm also banking on FL expanding this range down the road. However, if FL produces a certain Roman line then that would create a budget problem since I probably could not support 2 FL lines. Therefore it might make more sense to buy a Britains, CS, Conte etc...

 

[Sahara]

I posted a couple of photos of the FL ACW figures I have in this thread.

Thanks checked out the newsletter and the the website. Good looking stuff!!

 

[thebritfarmer]

Decisions decisions FL are very nice and I am glad they do not have a Zulu line as I wouldn't be able to collect them all. I do think though that if you were doing a small vignette instead of a full scale war, FL might be the way to go. If however you are like me and want the whole battle, maybe Britains may be better. Could luck with whatever you decide and look forward to seeing some photos.

Forgot to add you may want to also speak to Ken Osen as he also has his finger on the pulse and may even be able to help with specially commisioned Britains conversions.

I agree, I think Britains "bread and butter" is definetly their ACW line (with its zulu line close behind). By far they have gone the most in depth into this period of history. Their figures are relatively well priced, and have good paint quailty and sculpt. I think First Legion definetly has the best quality figure on the market right now but the range hasn't expanded as much as the Britains ACW line. I'll have to check out Mikes pictures.
At this point I'm leaning towards FL because of the subperb figures they are putting out. I'm also banking on FL expanding this range down the road. However, if FL produces a certain Roman line then that would create a budget problem since I probably could not support 2 FL lines. Therefore it might make more sense to buy a Britains, CS, Conte etc...

 

[jazzeum]

The upcoming Union soldiers look very good. I can hardly wait (although my wallet can) until they do mounted riders.

 

[Jackaroo]

My 2 cents worth, I agree with Mitch’s and Brad’s sentiments buy a sample figure from a few manufacturers and decide what suits you best. I have just started to dabble in ACW and for my part I would endorse Brad’s recommendation of FL ACW line. Certainly worth the gamble to buy a figure as a sample. Good luck with you decision… Alby

 

[jazzeum]

Alby and I are on the same page about this. I know we all have our preferences, however.

 

[mestell]

Joe . . . PM sent . . .
:smile2: Mike

 

[Andanna]

Joe . . . PM sent . . .
:smile2: Mike

I would actually love to see that one .... ^&grin

Your tremendous collection of Britains' ACW is well known. Slowly to be matched by your admiration for FL's AWI line .... :smile2: