“Fun…Friends…and Toy Soldiers” (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

The many reports from both the recent London and Texas Shows were proof, if any were still needed, that collecting toy soldiers is a lot, lot more than just collecting toy soldiers!!!

Over the years I have been privileged to meet and make friends with dozens (maybe hundreds) of collectors in Europe, the States, Australia and right here in Asia. I have found the vast majority to be extremely knowledgeable and huge fun to be with whether for a few minutes…a couple of hours or indeed several days.

I am extremely jealous that I could not journey to London to be with Clive, Howard, Louis, Steve, Ed, Rob and quite a few more guys that I’ve met at past London Shows. However, I did get to meet up with most of our “Texas” friends in San Antonio (plus Howard & Jen as well) . Plus, many of the “Texas Gang” and yours truly got to meet Colonel Richard E. Cole, an original “Doolittle Raider” and a real American hero! How lucky can you get?

After San Antonio it was on to New York where I was also fortunate to link up with great collectors (and occasional treefroggers) such as Larry Lo…Louis Badolato…Hans Hedrich…John & Jo Jo Bennett…and not forgetting the ubiquitous Howard & Jen from OZ!!! All this and much, much more from this little hobby of ours called…Toy soldiers.

So, what I’m saying is…Value good friends, share your perspectives and different viewpoints and at the same time…have lots of fun doing it.

Life is far too short and valuable to waste time on anything or anyone who wants to “rain on your parade” or spoil the sheer, unadulterated fun that all of us overgrown schoolboys get to have every morning, noon or night when we view or play with our collections be they big, small or somewhere in between.

Thanks again my friends and best personal wishes to one and all, ​

Andy C.​

 

[Rob]

Hi Guys,

The many reports from both the recent London and Texas Shows were proof, if any were still needed, that collecting toy soldiers is a lot, lot more than just collecting toy soldiers!!!

Over the years I have been privileged to meet and make friends with dozens (maybe hundreds) of collectors in Europe, the States, Australia and right here in Asia. I have found the vast majority to be extremely knowledgeable and huge fun to be with whether for a few minutes…a couple of hours or indeed several days.

I am extremely jealous that I could not journey to London to be with Clive, Howard, Louis, Steve, Ed, Rob and quite a few more guys that I’ve met at past London Shows. However, I did get to meet up with most of our “Texas” friends in San Antonio (plus Howard & Jen as well) . Plus, many of the “Texas Gang” and yours truly got to meet Colonel Richard E. Cole, an original “Doolittle Raider” and a real American hero! How lucky can you get?

After San Antonio it was on to New York where I was also fortunate to link up with great collectors (and occasional treefroggers) such as Larry Lo…Louis Badolato…Hans Hedrich…John & Jo Jo Bennett…and not forgetting the ubiquitous Howard & Jen from OZ!!! All this and much, much more from this little hobby of ours called…Toy soldiers.

So, what I’m saying is…Value good friends, share your perspectives and different viewpoints and at the same time…have lots of fun doing it.

Life is far too short and valuable to waste time on anything or anyone who wants to “rain on your parade” or spoil the sheer, unadulterated fun that all of us overgrown schoolboys get to have every morning, noon or night when we view or play with our collections be they big, small or somewhere in between.

Thanks again my friends and best personal wishes to one and all, ​

Andy C.​

Well said Andy couldn't agree more. Its the friends , producers and fellow collectors that you know in this hobby that make it so enjoyable. We could all just sit at home and click the order button but that would mean to miss out on the most enjoyable aspect, the friendship, laughter and ' collecting comradeship' that is so much fun. This last weekend in London was surely the best so far, friends and collectors enjoying each others company with a shared passion for our little metal (or plastic) friends. Sorry you couldn't join us Andy but look forward to seeing you in December my friend. (glad you had a great trip).

By the way, saw the 'P' figs for the first time in person and they look terrific, I'm in for those!^&cool

Best

Rob

 

[Guy]

Andy, Rob, hope to see you both in London in December !!!!
guy

 

[Rob]

Andy, Rob, hope to see you both in London in December !!!!
guy

Look forward to it Guy:salute::

Rob

 

[UKReb]

Well using last week-end in London as a yard-stick then I concur with Andy & Rob's comments

Obviously the catalyst will always be our little metal men and AFV's but- if you want there to be- there is a whole lot more to enjoy with this hobby of ours and the various TS shows such as London would seem to prove that.

Bob

 

[wayne556517]

Got to agree with Andy i had a beer with a good mate ive made through this hobby today and its something i always look forward to
a beer a chat about TS,s and to look at his latest projects.

 

[Rob]

Well using last week-end in London as a yard-stick then I concur with Andy & Rob's comments

Obviously the catalyst will always be our little metal men and AFV's but- if you want there to be- there is a whole lot more to enjoy with this hobby of ours and the various TS shows such as London would seem to prove that.

Bob

Well said Bob.

By the way I didn't get to see your purchases on Sat, what you get mate?

Rob

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Andy, Like we say here in Texas you are "Spot On" with your comments. It was enjoyable to meet up with you Saturday morning of the Texas Show in front of the K&C display area along with WWII Buff chatting with you
and viewing that wonderful WWII Russian/German Diorama in which both Gordon and yourself had worked on for many, many hours ! Meeting Col. Cole and getting to drink a cold one with this 91 year old hero in the Historic
Menger Bar is something I will cherish for years to come !!! Can't wait until next year to see what surprises are in store for the 2014 show. Even my lady Dora commented how much fun she had as it was her first Toy Soldier Show
and she doesn't even collect ^&grin
Great to meet up with Mike, Carlos, Duke, Steven, Paul, Howard & Jen, and all of the other good folks at the show. Howard hopefully we will see you again in San Antonio :salute::

 

[Rob]

Andy, Like we say here in Texas you are "Spot On" with your comments. It was enjoyable to meet up with you Saturday morning of the Texas Show in front of the K&C display area along with WWII Buff chatting with you
and viewing that wonderful WWII Russian/German Diorama in which both Gordon and yourself had worked on for many, many hours ! Meeting Col. Cole and getting to drink a cold one with this 91 year old hero in the Historic
Menger Bar is something I will cherish for years to come !!! Can't wait until next year to see what surprises are in store for the 2014 show. Even my lady Dora commented how much fun she had as it was her first Toy Soldier Show
and she doesn't even collect ^&grin
Great to meet up with Mike, Carlos, Duke, Steven, Paul, Howard & Jen, and all of the other good folks at the show. Howard hopefully we will see you again in San Antonio :salute::

Glad you had a great time PA, its really good to join up with friends and other collectors isn't it, it kind of puts some of the things you read on these forums into perspective. There is also nothing like seeing the figures/vehicles up close, pics never really do them justice.

Rob

 

[kogu]

The title of this thread is a really great combination {bravo}}, and hard to beat ^&grin
Happy Collecting!
Konrad

 

[wwiibuff]

Thanks for the post Andy. San Antonio was a tremendous show and it was a pleasure to be able to speak with you there. Also, meeting Col. Cole, Wayne and Dora, Howard & Jenny, Steven, Mike, and many other toy soldier enthusiasts was a lot of fun. Your title of this thread pretty much sums up how I felt about the show, "Fun, Friends, and Toy Soldiers".

 

[Rob]

For you guys that go to Chicago, wasn't there a decent bar in the hotel where some of you meet up?

Rob

 

[jazzeum]

For you guys that go to Chicago, wasn't there a decent bar in the hotel where some of you meet up?

Rob

Yes, right in the hotel. Might you be coming this year?

Brad

 

[Rob]

Yes, right in the hotel. Might you be coming this year?

Brad

I wish mate But I'm going to get there one day and to New York too.

Hope you have a blast my friend, if its anything like London or by the sound of it Texas, you'll have a great time.

Rob

 

[Lawrence Lo]

Photos of some old and recent K&C sets from recent visits to collections in the NY area

 

[Rob]

Photos of some old and recent K&C sets from recent visits to collections in the NY area

Great pics Lawrence, thanks for posting. How cool it is to share this hobby with friends^&cool

Best

Rob

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Photos of some old and recent K&C sets from recent visits to collections in the NY area

Looks like a terrific collection. Thanks for posting these pics

 

[Rob]

So the next date on the Soldier show 2013 tour is Chicago, anyone know what date that is and who is going?

Rob

 

[wadepat]

So the next date on the Soldier show 2013 tour is Chicago, anyone know what date that is and who is going?

Rob

Hi Rob,

The official date of the 2013 Chicago show is Sunday, September 22. However, if you wish to participate in the room trading, I would recommend arriving no later than Thursday, September 19. No matter when one arrives, he should do so with a generous budget. :rolleyes2:

I have already made my hotel reservations for the show. My wife, Diane, and I plan to attend.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[Rob]

Hi Rob,

The official date of the 2013 Chicago show is Sunday, September 22. However, if you wish to participate in the room trading, I would recommend arriving no later than Thursday, September 19. No matter when one arrives, he should do so with a generous budget. :rolleyes2:

I have already made my hotel reservations for the show. My wife, Diane, and I plan to attend.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

Thanks very much for that Pat, I hope you and Diane have a splendid time in Chicago and enjoy meeting up with the collectors there:smile2:

Rob