My ah-ha moment; going from 1:6 to 1:32 (K&C). (1 Viewer)

[ollie_drab]

Well, fellas,
As I write this, I'm having an "ah-moment," so forgive me for wasting about 2 mikes, (2 minutes to you civilians{sm2}), of your life to read my essay, of which you may never get back. My "ah-moment," was a self realization, where I have more or less "transitioned" from being an avid 1:6 collector, to a King and Country 1:32 collector. Being a 1/6th collector entails the pain of waiting forever between releases at the mercy of Dragon, CalTek, DID, or Cyber-Hobby; competing for a limited scope, expensive action figure with other collectors; also the frustration of modifying a one-sixth action figure to represent something true-to-life, and huge vehicles that occupy massive amounts of space; going from 1:6 to to collecting 1:32, in effect meant arriving at the crossroads between two hobbies, whose worlds are virtually apart.


First, I found less frustration collecting K&C pieces, at a fraction of the cost of one of my 1:6 action figures. I found more offerings of any given piece; less competing with other 1:32 collectors because of a wider-range of choices in the genre, or theater of my choosing, and more soldier/vehicle combinations that take up less real estate. Moreover, I found the pieces ready-to-display out of the box, with no modification required. To summarize, some of K and C's larger pieces are a little expensive. But I feel one day those pieces, (especially strictly limited pieces), will exponentially increase in value; more-so than one of my 1:6 figures, which may decrease in value, because I have modified it to display a battle-worn, weathered, more realistic look. It's good to be King (King and Country, that is).
That's my "ah-ha moment," Thanks for your time...Ollie_D.

 

[Mike97]

Ollie,
Well said and welcome to this scale. I came from 6th scale about five years ago (still dabble 'a little' in 1/6th), because of the detail, the variety and mainly the fact that all I could afford (and make room for) was a few well detailed 6th scale vehicles vs. a bookcase full of this scale.
My exposure was actually surfing the 'Monkey Depot' site for 6th scale loose parts-and stumbled into KC and the Panzer Meyer 251 set. The rest is history.
Enjoy !
mike

 

[ollie_drab]

Ollie,
Well said and welcome to this scale. I came from 6th scale about five years ago (still dabble 'a little' in 1/6th), because of the detail, the variety and mainly the fact that all I could afford (and make room for) was a few well detailed 6th scale vehicles vs. a bookcase full of this scale.
My exposure was actually surfing the 'Monkey Depot' site for 6th scale loose parts-and stumbled into KC and the Panzer Meyer 251 set. The rest is history.
Enjoy !
mike

Hi Mike,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Although I'm not completely detached from the 1:6 scale hobby, it's probably healthier anyway for my sanity, to expound my tastes and examine other ventures. I discovered fortuitous thrill, much like you, while perusing vendors sites trying to satisfy my craving 1:6th sweet tooth, only coming up short or dissatisfied. Figuratively speaking, when surfing the 1:6th realm, I experienced a form of hobby-attrition, with virtual vultures quibbling over the bones of a literal 1:6th corpse. Going from that, to a vast sea of new prospectus available with one-click, was, and is, quite refreshing!
Best...Ollie_D.

 

[Mike97]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Although I'm not completely detached from the 1:6 scale hobby, it's probably healthier anyway for my sanity, to expound my tastes and examine other ventures. I discovered fortuitous thrill, much like you, while perusing vendors sites trying to satisfy my craving 1:6th sweet tooth, only coming up short or dissatisfied. Figuratively speaking, when surfing the 1:6th realm, I experienced a form of hobby-attrition, with virtual vultures quibbling over the bones of a literal 1:6th corpse. Going from that, to a vast sea of new prospectus available with one-click, was, and is, quite refreshing!
Best...Ollie_D.

LOL...suffice to say, I was one of those vultures, always browsing the various 6th scale parts sites to grab those hard to find (Dragon Expo/Cyber Hobby) parts for my kitbash figures (Building a fig from scratch and then detailing them was my favorite part of the hobby). I even used to 'speculate' on Cyber-Hobby releases, buy multiples and re-sell 'em on ebay to fund my hobby-until everyone figured out how to buy 'em as well.

Here, the 'treasure hunt' starts when a set is retired-and at that point I'll realize I really wanted it {sm4}{sm4}{sm4}.
Enjoy, it's a great hobby and a great board.
mike

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

Glad report that the 1:6 world is alive and well

 

[Fusilier]

Well, fellas,
As I write this, I'm having an "ah-moment," so forgive me for wasting about 2 mikes, (2 minutes to you civilians{sm2}), of your life to read my essay, of which you may never get back. My "ah-moment," was a self realization, where I have more or less "transitioned" from being an avid 1:6 collector, to a King and Country 1:32 collector. Being a 1/6th collector entails the pain of waiting forever between releases at the mercy of Dragon, CalTek, DID, or Cyber-Hobby; competing for a limited scope, expensive action figure with other collectors; also the frustration of modifying a one-sixth action figure to represent something true-to-life, and huge vehicles that occupy massive amounts of space; going from 1:6 to to collecting 1:32, in effect meant arriving at the crossroads between two hobbies, whose worlds are virtually apart.


First, I found less frustration collecting K&C pieces, at a fraction of the cost of one of my 1:6 action figures. I found more offerings of any given piece; less competing with other 1:32 collectors because of a wider-range of choices in the genre, or theater of my choosing, and more soldier/vehicle combinations that take up less real estate. Moreover, I found the pieces ready-to-display out of the box, with no modification required. To summarize, some of K and C's larger pieces are a little expensive. But I feel one day those pieces, (especially strictly limited pieces), will exponentially increase in value; more-so than one of my 1:6 figures, which may decrease in value, because I have modified it to display a battle-worn, weathered, more realistic look. It's good to be King (King and Country, that is).
That's my "ah-ha moment," Thanks for your time...Ollie_D.

Ollie, I completly understand your thoughts here. Just like you, I made the transition from the 1/6th world to the 'toy soldier' world. I say that with quotes, because I don't think most of us view these figures as toys, but instead highly-detailed miniatures. I too, was tired of the long wait between 1/6th figures, plus the endless need to add after-market parts to make them 'complete' or accurate. Also, the lack of interchangeability between parts from the same companies was frustrating. Nothing quite as irritating as purchasing loose parts from a company, only to find the part has been changed. For example, this happened all the time with helmets, as companies would alter the size or materials. If you wanted the latest and greatest, you had to replace the items you already had in order to keep up. This was especially in the last couple years, when amazing new pieces came out, such as real wood and metal weapons. That made the plastic versions I had worthless. Then, I had to invest more money into figures I had previously assumed were finished. In the end, it just wasn't worth the hassle. The toy soldier market is much more satisfying.

Ollie,
Well said and welcome to this scale. I came from 6th scale about five years ago (still dabble 'a little' in 1/6th), because of the detail, the variety and mainly the fact that all I could afford (and make room for) was a few well detailed 6th scale vehicles vs. a bookcase full of this scale.
My exposure was actually surfing the 'Monkey Depot' site for 6th scale loose parts-and stumbled into KC and the Panzer Meyer 251 set. The rest is history.
Enjoy !
mike

Mike, I did the same thing! I used to buy from Brady at Monkey Depot all the time. Then, when I was trying to find some Revolutionary War figures, I stumbled across the K & C offerings at the Depot. Now, I have fully made the transition! It wound up being a lot easier to sell off the 1/6th stuff that I expected.

As you mention, the physical requirements for display space is much easier too!

Noah

 

[Mike97]

Glad report that the 1:6 world is alive and well

Glad to hear this. TSB has been one of my very favorite sites ! I've especially been a big fan of the OSU custom caps.
mike

 

[Mike97]

Ollie, I completly understand your thoughts here. Just like you, I made the transition from the 1/6th world to the 'toy soldier' world. I say that with quotes, because I don't think most of us view these figures as toys, but instead highly-detailed miniatures. I too, was tired of the long wait between 1/6th figures, plus the endless need to add after-market parts to make them 'complete' or accurate. Also, the lack of interchangeability between parts from the same companies was frustrating. Nothing quite as irritating as purchasing loose parts from a company, only to find the part has been changed. For example, this happened all the time with helmets, as companies would alter the size or materials. If you wanted the latest and greatest, you had to replace the items you already had in order to keep up. This was especially in the last couple years, when amazing new pieces came out, such as real wood and metal weapons. That made the plastic versions I had worthless. Then, I had to invest more money into figures I had previously assumed were finished. In the end, it just wasn't worth the hassle. The toy soldier market is much more satisfying.



Mike, I did the same thing! I used to buy from Brady at Monkey Depot all the time. Then, when I was trying to find some Revolutionary War figures, I stumbled across the K & C offerings at the Depot. Now, I have fully made the transition! It wound up being a lot easier to sell off the 1/6th stuff that I expected.

As you mention, the physical requirements for display space is much easier too!

Noah

Too funny, it's a small world isn't it ? I see on Brady's site that he's selling a complete KC dio from one of the shows. I wish had the $$$ to grab that beauty, but then I enjoy doing my own (lower level of skill) dios. I still do the occasional 6th scale kitbash and stay active with the 6th scale club in Denver because they're a great bunch of guys and gifted modelers.
But in the end...KC and this scale is where most my time/money goes.
mike

 

[ollie_drab]

Too funny, it's a small world isn't it ? I see on Brady's site that he's selling a complete KC dio from one of the shows. I wish had the $$$ to grab that beauty, but then I enjoy doing my own (lower level of skill) dios. I still do the occasional 6th scale kitbash and stay active with the 6th scale club in Denver because they're a great bunch of guys and gifted modelers.
But in the end...KC and this scale is where most my time/money goes.
mike

I'm just trying to figure out where I'm going to put my jetty, Famo and Seehund combination, let alone, a scaled-down full blown Belgian township, complete with canals! Although, I must admit that monstrosity is mighty sweeeet!!!{sm4}

 

[ollie_drab]

Ollie, I completly understand your thoughts here. Just like you, I made the transition from the 1/6th world to the 'toy soldier' world. I say that with quotes, because I don't think most of us view these figures as toys, but instead highly-detailed miniatures. I too, was tired of the long wait between 1/6th figures, plus the endless need to add after-market parts to make them 'complete' or accurate. Also, the lack of interchangeability between parts from the same companies was frustrating. Nothing quite as irritating as purchasing loose parts from a company, only to find the part has been changed. For example, this happened all the time with helmets, as companies would alter the size or materials. If you wanted the latest and greatest, you had to replace the items you already had in order to keep up. This was especially in the last couple years, when amazing new pieces came out, such as real wood and metal weapons. That made the plastic versions I had worthless. Then, I had to invest more money into figures I had previously assumed were finished. In the end, it just wasn't worth the hassle. The toy soldier market is much more satisfying.



Mike, I did the same thing! I used to buy from Brady at Monkey Depot all the time. Then, when I was trying to find some Revolutionary War figures, I stumbled across the K & C offerings at the Depot. Now, I have fully made the transition! It wound up being a lot easier to sell off the 1/6th stuff that I expected.

As you mention, the physical requirements for display space is much easier too!

Noah

Hi Noah,
It's great to have so much in common with collectors/enthusiasts, and being able to share thoughts with you and the others on this forum. I maybe mistaken, but I kind of get the impression things are more laid-back here, than the 1:6 community in general...most of the folks, at least from what I have read here seem more friendly and a little less "stressed-out." But maybe that's just me, I don't know?
Anyways, All the best...Ollie_D.

 

[Fusilier]

Too funny, it's a small world isn't it ? I see on Brady's site that he's selling a complete KC dio from one of the shows. I wish had the $$$ to grab that beauty, but then I enjoy doing my own (lower level of skill) dios. I still do the occasional 6th scale kitbash and stay active with the 6th scale club in Denver because they're a great bunch of guys and gifted modelers.
But in the end...KC and this scale is where most my time/money goes.
mike

Mike, I had to check out the dio since you mentioned it. That is a great piece, but out of my price range too!

Hi Noah,
It's great to have so much in common with collectors/enthusiasts, and being able to share thoughts with you and the others on this forum. I maybe mistaken, but I kind of get the impression things are more laid-back here, than the 1:6 community in general...most of the folks, at least from what I have read here seem more friendly and a little less "stressed-out." But maybe that's just me, I don't know?
Anyways, All the best...Ollie_D.

Ollie, I do think it is a little more relaxed on this forum. I think part of it is due to the fact that there are more companies to choose from, along with so many periods to collect. Not to mention all the subgroups of matte, glossy, ect allows people to branch out more. The 1/6th stuff was cool, but as you know, it was truly dominated by WW2. Here, there is a little more variety.

Noah

 

[Mike97]

Mike, I had to check out the dio since you mentioned it. That is a great piece, but out of my price range too!




Ollie, I do think it is a little more relaxed on this forum. I think part of it is due to the fact that there are more companies to choose from, along with so many periods to collect. Not to mention all the subgroups of matte, glossy, ect allows people to branch out more. The 1/6th stuff was cool, but as you know, it was truly dominated by WW2. Here, there is a little more variety.

Noah

Noah, I think you've hit it dead-on, so many great choices in this scale: great figures (matte and glossy), vehicles of all kinds, planes, ships, even mini submarines...variety makes this hobby a blast. Not mention great dio accessories.
mike

 

[oberstoskar]

I agree with all you wrote.

I also downsized my 1:6 collection for my K&C collection!

Well, fellas,
As I write this, I'm having an "ah-moment," so forgive me for wasting about 2 mikes, (2 minutes to you civilians{sm2}), of your life to read my essay, of which you may never get back. My "ah-moment," was a self realization, where I have more or less "transitioned" from being an avid 1:6 collector, to a King and Country 1:32 collector. Being a 1/6th collector entails the pain of waiting forever between releases at the mercy of Dragon, CalTek, DID, or Cyber-Hobby; competing for a limited scope, expensive action figure with other collectors; also the frustration of modifying a one-sixth action figure to represent something true-to-life, and huge vehicles that occupy massive amounts of space; going from 1:6 to to collecting 1:32, in effect meant arriving at the crossroads between two hobbies, whose worlds are virtually apart.


First, I found less frustration collecting K&C pieces, at a fraction of the cost of one of my 1:6 action figures. I found more offerings of any given piece; less competing with other 1:32 collectors because of a wider-range of choices in the genre, or theater of my choosing, and more soldier/vehicle combinations that take up less real estate. Moreover, I found the pieces ready-to-display out of the box, with no modification required. To summarize, some of K and C's larger pieces are a little expensive. But I feel one day those pieces, (especially strictly limited pieces), will exponentially increase in value; more-so than one of my 1:6 figures, which may decrease in value, because I have modified it to display a battle-worn, weathered, more realistic look. It's good to be King (King and Country, that is).
That's my "ah-ha moment," Thanks for your time...Ollie_D.

 

[Iron Brigade]

Dear "Ollie":

I have been a collector of metal 1:32 and later 1:30 scale as well for now nearly 20 years. Between 2004 and 2006 I did get #8 "action Figures" (NOT DOLLS!) @ the 1/6 scale as a sidebar collection and displays. However, between 2006 & 2008 I reduced my 1/6 collection to just one figure of a circa 1776 American First Delaware Regiment Infantryman. The 1/6 scale is not useful for making up indoor dioramas for sure which is my main interest. However, there is nothing wrong with having a few of the the 1/6 scale figures or ONLY 1/6 scale items if this is what any given collector really likes. Many of the 1/6 scale figures can be very realistic looking. I wonder about how many 1/6 scale collectors there are in the USA or the world?

"Iron Brigade"

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

The 1/6th figure phenomenon is world wide. I ship everywhere Talking to my customers I have found that most of them have actually come from modeling in the smaller scales to one sixth because of the detail you are able to get in this scale, and that they are getting older and just can't see the smaller figures as well. I know this was my case. I am an avid collector of both scales. I prefer ACW 54mm, and WWII in 1:6.

 

[MC BOWEN]

Ollie-d i never collected the 1/6 figures i came from the old 1930's composition camp to 1-30 metal in the last few years and love the change.Good luck in your collecting future,MIke B ^&grin{sm4}

 

[ollie_drab]

Dear "Ollie":

I have been a collector of metal 1:32 and later 1:30 scale as well for now nearly 20 years. Between 2004 and 2006 I did get #8 "action Figures" (NOT DOLLS!) @ the 1/6 scale as a sidebar collection and displays. However, between 2006 & 2008 I reduced my 1/6 collection to just one figure of a circa 1776 American First Delaware Regiment Infantryman. The 1/6 scale is not useful for making up indoor dioramas for sure which is my main interest. However, there is nothing wrong with having a few of the the 1/6 scale figures or ONLY 1/6 scale items if this is what any given collector really likes. Many of the 1/6 scale figures can be very realistic looking. I wonder about how many 1/6 scale collectors there are in the USA or the world?

"Iron Brigade"

Hello, I must admit you got a chuckle out of me, when you said "NOT DOLLS" lol! I've heard that before! I too, have a couple of of 1:6 Revolutionary war Sideshow collectibles, (though I think on the markets, they maybe long gone), the figures in the photo.



I agree with you, in the subject of dioramas, especially. And I can enjoy a 1:30th AFV, submarine or aircraft with a whole lot less money this way, thus found more enjoyment collecting King and Country, Collector's Showcase, Figarti, John Jenkins, from ancient Greece to modern day and everything in between. I will always treasure my 1:6 WWII collections, (DID/Dragon) motorcycles, Pak cannon, Rommel, Patton, assorted infantry, tankers and pilots. I put them away in plastic totes, in my hobby room; until I get a wild hair, and one day break them out. Still, I'm not satisfied; that I just don't know any 1:1, 1:6 or 1:30 scale collectors down here (west/central Florida), or hobby expos, that share my passions for militaria? I've often thought "big city like Tampa, with MacDill AFB close-by, and STILL, no enthusiasts that meet, or a brick and mortar that carry the goods?!?!" Anyway, all the best...Ollie_D.

 

[ollie_drab]

Ollie-d i never collected the 1/6 figures i came from the old 1930's composition camp to 1-30 metal in the last few years and love the change.Good luck in your collecting future,MIke B ^&grin{sm4}

Hello Mike,
That's a great place to start; 1930 composition. I wish the 1:30 bug bitten me sooner, as the money (we're talking literally thousands on my 1:6's like Ricky Foster, or prized Zundapp) would have been better spent in the (K&C, et'al) offerings, now long since retired. Had I done this early on, the pieces you know see on Ebay that fetch $999, would have been setting on my shelf, collecting dust. Until I dust them off!{sm4}{sm4}{sm4}

 

[notascoldasbastogne]

Reading all these post's and totally relate I started collecting TS around 99 first with 21st century ultimate soldier and then i got into Dragon, DID, soldier story, and Hot toys. And somebody mentioned
Monkey Depot. Their Awsome been ordering from them since 99. Seems its a small world, but now its
totally well as I look in my room its all been replaced by 1:30 KC.

 

[Currahee Chris]

I've always felt each scale really has their own merits. I've collected all scales over the years and feel 1:6th was the best out there for individual equipment fans- people who really like the authenticity of individual soldiers. I always enjoy them for the versatility of posing. You can take one figure and put him in an action pose, next day have him at rest, etc- with toy soldiers who lack movement, you may have to buy two figures to compensate for the lost movement.

1:18th is a great choice for action figure fans. Still have the versatility of 1:6th and you can buy a reasonable amount of vehicles without compromising space. I believe this is the new "toy soldier" scale as the 1:18th figures are priced so kids through adults can buy them equally.

1:30-35th etc- a great compromise between soldiers and vehicles. You can amass a respectable collection and portray a historical diorama.

1:72nd- sacrifice detail on the troops but can really create a massive, sprawling display. Very inexpensive to assemble as well- especially in comparison to 1:6-32nd.

Either way, I think collectors have a tremendous amount of options based on whatever factors they believe are important.