Should I even hope for anything in the May Dispatches? (1 Viewer)

[jazzeum]

People should purchase what they like but I'm not a CS fan. The track feature was a nice and interesting idea but I find that constant use of it makes it gimmicky. I'm not a big fan of their AFVs and although their figures have made some improvements, they're not there yet for me. For example, in my current collecting interest, not counting retired items, my purchases of choice would be FL, K & C and then CS. To me their figures are too Conte-ish.

 

[Mitch]

spartan....

Why Have your buying habits changed cost, quality, or other that would have made this more interesting. I think there has been another choice for collectors for many years in relation to matte 1/30th Honour bound, NMA, CS, Figarti, TG, JJD, FL, so, the choice is out there. If one manufacturer does not do it then another may. I think there is choice but, across the board in the WWII range its pretty much inside the box thinking from all the manufacturers.

I have yet to meet a collector who only has one manufacturers products there are always an eclectic mix some keep them seperate some combine but, they spread their cash around many.

If a collectors personal choice and manufacturer changes then thats life if he buys prolifically from K&C then switches the only person who should worry is K&C in your case or, whoever the manufacturer is as they will lose sales.

Even if there were a thousand manufacturers they could still not produce every set wanted by the collectors. I just don't get why this is important who buys what as long as one is buying new stuff will be produced.

CC....

I don't see the thread getting shut down by 65 but, I am surprised the usual mantra has not been ralled out ''buy what you like'' I would put odds on that.... Forget that as I was writing thats been put to bed.
Mitch

As april Is drawing To a close, I have been looking at the Collection, That I have Accumulated During the past 4 months. Sadly, Out of 16 plus purchases I have had. Only One The M3 Grant, is King And Country. I realized That K&C will bring out one or two Items, and lets me hope that there will be more. But keeps me hanging, always something is missing (like Another set or two.) to make it complete.
I Found (and probably 300 plus other Buyers). That there Is another Choice past K&C, A manufacturer that will give You An 88, plus the Crew, plus the Caisson, Plus the Halftrack and Riders At the same time. Where you are served a complete buffett ( a lot of choices) at the same time, Without waiting and hoping(that a particular piece would be made) and Will take years to complete if I stayed with K&C. I was a loyal strickly K&C buyer, before. But not anymore. There is a new and more flavorful choice, out there. And it will be if it is not already, Be at the Top of WW2 Arena, And the Napoleonic Arena. GO CS, GO FIGARTI!!!

 

[Currahee Chris]

People should purchase what they like but I'm not a CS fan. The track feature was a nice and interesting idea but I find that constant use of it makes it gimmicky.

and constant retirements and setting and re-setting limited edition or strictly limited runs/thresholds isn't gimmicky?? hmmm. six one way, half a dozen the other???

 

[Rob]

One other point I'd like to make guys. My original post to Spartan was in reply to his point about CS and why I do not think they will replace K&C as number 1. Now we all know that some of these discussions can take on a life of their own and before we know it folk are upset. I still think we have the biggest choice out there now than I've ever had since I picked up my first plastic soldier aged about five. There are many producers out there and good luck to anyone who collects from any of them, thats what freedom is about and I did not mean this thread to turn into ' mine is better than yours' sort of thing.

I will just disagree with my friend Al on one point he raised. He mentioned ' Blind Adherence' in collecting from one producer. I do not think it should be described a such as many people only collect one producer, FL,K&C, Britains etc, I do not think it means these people have blind adherence its probably more about a preference for one company and a certain even look to ones collection. I like my collection to really look like it all goes together (anal my wife says{eek3}:rolleyes2:^&grin) but it does not mean I don't appreciate the work of other producers. I believe only TG for instance produce figures that go near enough naturally with K&C, but its just my view.

Rob

 

[jazzeum]

and constant retirements and setting and re-setting limited edition or strictly limited runs/thresholds isn't gimmicky?? hmmm. six one way, half a dozen the other???

I wasn't making comparisons but talking in absolute terms, without reference to other companies. In addition, as far as that it goes, CS uses the concept of limited runs quite effectively :rolleyes2:

 

[Rob]

spartan....

Why Have your buying habits changed cost, quality, or other that would have made this more interesting. I think there has been another choice for collectors for many years in relation to matte 1/30th Honour bound, NMA, CS, Figarti, TG, JJD, FL, so, the choice is out there. If one manufacturer does not do it then another may. I think there is choice but, across the board in the WWII range its pretty much inside the box thinking from all the manufacturers.

I have yet to meet a collector who only has one manufacturers products there are always an eclectic mix some keep them seperate some combine but, they spread their cash around many.

If a collectors personal choice and manufacturer changes then thats life if he buys prolifically from K&C then switches the only person who should worry is K&C in your case or, whoever the manufacturer is as they will lose sales.

Even if there were a thousand manufacturers they could still not produce every set wanted by the collectors. I just don't get why this is important who buys what as long as one is buying new stuff will be produced.

CC....

I don't see the thread getting shut down by 65 but, I am surprised the usual mantra has not been ralled out ''buy what you like'' I would put odds on that.... Forget that as I was writing thats been put to bed.
Mitch

Mitch, you may have hit on something here, here are some more of the most common terms on TF;

' Your top ten '

' we need '

' Question for Andy'

' I love a Stuka'

Someone else suggested ' Forthcoming Dispatches' but I can't remember ever reading that one.





:wink2:

Rob

 

[Currahee Chris]

just curious but what is it with the coloring differences between CS and KC that seem to make collectors shy away (in terms of ww2) AFV's when compared to KC??

@Jazzeum- I believe CS limits their production runs to cover anticpated inventory levels- not to create some sort of exclusivity like KC (initially) did with the SL moniker. I may be wrong though, wouldn't be the first time. I believe that KC is now being forced to do that however- based on the official??? word we got with last dispatches.

The only critique I offer with some of these companies is that they haven't taken a bold step forward and "owned" a time period. For example:

Britains- they "own" WW1, Zulu and Victorian and other British heritage eras.
KC- They own WW2
JJD- They "own" Americana and the pre AWI Americas
Conte- almost got there on a couple lines- zulu and medieval but then sort of sputered.

Figarti- I guess they own Modern?? FOV is certainly a competitor

Honor bound, CS, FL, etc. these guys all have excellent processes and make excellent pieces but the time periods they represent are already being done. The fact that they are making it a viable business is very impressive to say the least. As Louis alluded to, the breadth and diversity of products being offered sort of precludes some of these companies from stepping up and going out on a limb and offering some completely new period. Until some of these companies break away, and I believe some of them are in certain niches, then they will still sort of be second tier companies in general, in the collector's eye. Time periods are very similar/important to branding in this business. I guess..... that's based on my extensive toy soldier prodcution experience {sm4}{sm4}

 

[Currahee Chris]

Mitch, you may have hit on something here, here are some more of the most common terms on TF;

' Your top ten '

' we need '

' Question for Andy'

' I love a Stuka'

Someone else suggested ' Forthcoming Dispatches' but I can't remember ever reading that one.

in addition to

was that unit/ piece of equipment ever in Normandy???

why does it tail sit?

why is a WW1 map being used on a WW2 set??

where on earth did those WW1 vehicles come from??

{sm4}

 

[Rob]

just curious but what is it with the coloring differences between CS and KC that seem to make collectors shy away (in terms of ww2) AFV's when compared to KC??

@Jazzeum- I believe CS limits their production runs to cover anticpated inventory levels- not to create some sort of exclusivity like KC (initially) did with the SL moniker. I may be wrong though, wouldn't be the first time. I believe that KC is now being forced to do that however- based on the official??? word we got with last dispatches.

The only critique I offer with some of these companies is that they haven't taken a bold step forward and "owned" a time period. For example:

Britains- they "own" WW1, Zulu and Victorian and other British heritage eras.
KC- They own WW2
JJD- They "own" Americana and the pre AWI Americas
Conte- almost got there on a couple lines- zulu and medieval but then sort of sputered.

Figarti- I guess they own Modern?? FOV is certainly a competitor

Honor bound, CS, FL, etc. these guys all have excellent processes and make excellent pieces but the time periods they represent are already being done. The fact that they are making it a viable business is very impressive to say the least. As Louis alluded to, the breadth and diversity of products being offered sort of precludes some of these companies from stepping up and going out on a limb and offering some completely new period. Until some of these companies break away, and I believe some of them are in certain niches, then they will still sort of be second tier companies in general, in the collector's eye. Time periods are very similar/important to branding in this business. I guess..... that's based on my extensive toy soldier prodcution experience {sm4}{sm4}

Good post Chris.

Right to answer your question and this is just my opinion you understand, no offence intended to ANYONE, blimey this is almost Health and Safety law before posting these days!. K&C are often accused of having their AFV's too brightly painted, and I find CS do just this. Their Reds for instance are very vibrant, their Panther was too bright for me by far, whilst they are producing very good battle damage and wear and tear on their Tanks I still think they need to 'Dirty down' the colour tone a bit. Now what I do think they do very well is listen to comments etc. I remember when they released their first Winter Stug, the white wash paint job was so minty fresh it just didn't look good, but they listened and toned it down. I would like to see them add more dirt and grime, paint loss etc.

I must say its good to have an open and calm discussion like this and in my comments I do try and put in the positive as well as the negative, and for that reason I would finally add that I just love their dead Tank crew sets, a very good idea indeed.


Rob

 

[Rob]

in addition to

was that unit/ piece of equipment ever in Normandy???

why does it tail sit?

why is a WW1 map being used on a WW2 set??

where on earth did those WW1 vehicles come from??

{sm4}

And;

' I've gotta have all three'

' My orders in already'

' sold out already'

' Who else gives us such choice'

:wink2:

Rob

 

[thebritfarmer]

I have yet to meet a collector who only has one manufacturers products there are always an eclectic mix some keep them seperate some combine but, they spread their cash around many.

Mitch

We do exsist Mitch, ^&grin^&grin^&grin^&grin

Although I recently picked up 2 figures (from Asset) to have a go at painting myself.

Everything I own is Britains ranging in date from 1901 - 2011, plastic & metal.



I don't feel as I am missing out on anything, there is some lovely stuff being made but nothing really to tempt me.

 

[Currahee Chris]

Ha!!! Yeah Rob, it does feel that way at times huh?? ^&grin

Nice answer and I believe many will appreciate it for exactly that- your opinion. I have gathered that a lot of collectors have shy'd away from their vehicles due to size, rather than the troops being too big, it seemed as if the vehicles were more the problem.

At the end of the day, what I enjoy most about this hobby is the happiness it brings to people. Over the years, my collection has brought me great enjoyment (tomorrow I am being asked again to give another guest presentation at the local high school Latin 3 class- battle of Pharsalus{eek3}), and introduced me to a cast of very interesting characters that my otherwise normal life wouldn't put me near. You can always see when someone is happy with the care they take to photograph their dios or discuss the "hunt" to acquire a piece- that is something I can truly enjoy from the hobby and really more important to me than the chuckleheads that produce this stuff.

Cheers
CC

 

[Rob]

Ha!!! Yeah Rob, it does feel that way at times huh?? ^&grin

Nice answer and I believe many will appreciate it for exactly that- your opinion. I have gathered that a lot of collectors have shy'd away from their vehicles due to size, rather than the troops being too big, it seemed as if the vehicles were more the problem.

At the end of the day, what I enjoy most about this hobby is the happiness it brings to people. Over the years, my collection has brought me great enjoyment (tomorrow I am being asked again to give another guest presentation at the local high school Latin 3 class- battle of Pharsalus{eek3}), and introduced me to a cast of very interesting characters that my otherwise normal life wouldn't put me near. You can always see when someone is happy with the care they take to photograph their dios or discuss the "hunt" to acquire a piece- that is something I can truly enjoy from the hobby and really more important to me than the chuckleheads that produce this stuff.

Cheers
CC

Well said my friend, this hobby really does make people Happy and introduce you to some very nice people while you're at it.:smile2:

Cheers
Rob

 

[Wraith]

Mitch, you may have hit on something here, here are some more of the most common terms on TF;

' Your top ten '

' we need '

' Question for Andy'

' I love a Stuka'

Someone else suggested ' Forthcoming Dispatches' but I can't remember ever reading that one.
:wink2:
Rob

in addition to

was that unit/ piece of equipment ever in Normandy???

why does it tail sit?

why is a WW1 map being used on a WW2 set??

where on earth did those WW1 vehicles come from??

{sm4}

And;

' I've gotta have all three'

' My orders in already'

' sold out already'

' Who else gives us such choice'

:wink2:

Rob

And:
'Bradley!'
'Bradley {sm3}'

'Bradley!'

'Bradley'

:wink2:

 

[jazzeum]

@Jazzeum- I believe CS limits their production runs to cover anticpated inventory levels- not to create some sort of exclusivity like KC (initially) did with the SL moniker. I may be wrong though, wouldn't be the first time. I believe that KC is now being forced to do that however- based on the official??? word we got with last dispatches.

Generally Mr. Currahee, I believe that making limited editions, whether you call them or not, are just marketing ploys to get the consumer to purchase their product.

K & C has probably reduced proposed product runs because, among other reasons, they were confronted with this problem: other manufacturers were making limited amounts of product and the consumer decided that they would wait on a K & C product at the risk of losing the opportunity to purchase a limited product. Now, the consumer won't have that option any more with K & C products.

 

[lancer]

One other point I'd like to make guys. My original post to Spartan was in reply to his point about CS and why I do not think they will replace K&C as number 1. Now we all know that some of these discussions can take on a life of their own and before we know it folk are upset. I still think we have the biggest choice out there now than I've ever had since I picked up my first plastic soldier aged about five. There are many producers out there and good luck to anyone who collects from any of them, thats what freedom is about and I did not mean this thread to turn into ' mine is better than yours' sort of thing.

I will just disagree with my friend Al on one point he raised. He mentioned ' Blind Adherence' in collecting from one producer. I do not think it should be described a such as many people only collect one producer, FL,K&C, Britains etc, I do not think it means these people have blind adherence its probably more about a preference for one company and a certain even look to ones collection. I like my collection to really look like it all goes together (anal my wife says{eek3}:rolleyes2:^&grin) but it does not mean I don't appreciate the work of other producers. I believe only TG for instance produce figures that go near enough naturally with K&C, but its just my view.

Rob

I understand, Rob. Blind adherence was a bad choice of words. I was trying to make the point that with so many great choices, those that only collect one maker (and I know there are many who like the looks or whatever of just one maker), were likely to miss some great stuff by just sticking to one maker. But, as in everything about this hobby, it is purely personal choice. It was a sort of obscure praise to the huge selection we have available. At any rate, it is just my opinion. As I have said many times before, I wish I could buy everything from all the makers that I like, but I would need a home on a somewhat bigger scale than I am in currently.^&grin -- Al

 

[spartan71]

Forgive me for possibly over stating, the point. with CS having a limited run in most of not all their products. they will never compare to possibly a thousand plus castings of a particular set.
I am a completist (if there is such a word), with me if a particular area/ arena. interests me. I want the whole shebang bought and done (88, prime mover, Caisson, figures, all there. ). So I can go to another arena. With CS, that can be easily done. But with KC, I Really have to wait months if not years, to make that happen. One particular instance, With The M-3 Lee( which I really love), It came out with French Legionaires ( which is great), But we (the 8th army followers) was screaming for The british/ Australian sets to be made(And that would take possibly years, for that wish. to happen now). I just wonder how many Legionaire sets was bought?? Would it Be as many, As. If they would have made the Australian/ British sets.
I am not disagreeing with the Figures/Armour that KC makes, being real great looking! AS Rob And Brad are stating. Because they are great looking. But when they release something, It shouldn't be just a scratch in the surface (like The Lee) If it came with The British/ Australian Troops, Quite possibly a lot more m3 tanks would have been bought.

 

[Currahee Chris]

The Lee you are referring to is a fairly recent release isn't it?? I'm sure there will be eight army guys to go with it- I am sure KC takes a moment to make sure they can meet anticpated demand, boxes are ready, etc before making an announcement that stuff is going to be released. Nothing is more painful than being told something is going to be released and it never materializes.

 

[uksubs]

At the end of the day, what I enjoy most about this hobby is the happiness it brings to people.

Well I will be Very happy tomorrow as I'm picking up my K&C Fw 190 from the post office ^&grin , I think were very lucky to have so much choice & people should not forget these company's are business that need to make money

 

[Warrior]

Sprinkle in some comments about the ACW being the fault of the south and this thing drops to closure by post 40.

Now THAT is LOL funny.

Wait; ACW, I thought it was called The War of Northern Aggression fought over the noble cause of "states rights"..................{sm2}