Is it OK to become addicted to toy soldiers?! (1 Viewer)

[jazzeum]

As a Hobby Facilitator (!) I have come across a couple of guys who I would say let their hobby get out of
control. One ended up with 300 unopened 12" action figures in his garage despite conversations where I advised
him he could not, for financial reasons, buy every one that came in. He thought he was "investing". If he had
been collecting a certain brand of TS's at that time he would have done very well and could have displayed them.

Did Jack listen to you? :rolleyes2: ^&grin

 

[The Military Workshop]

Did Jack listen to you? :rolleyes2: ^&grin

Brad,

Some credit for getting Jack "addicted" goes to Larso who was kind (depending upon how you look at it) enough
to introduce him to his local dealer.

As far as buying K&C, TG, Jenkins, Britains he has been listening. However I dont recall encouraging him to
get into glossies and when he got a CS Tiger I was quite surprised. However the WW2 N Africa interest may have come from the free AK figure he got at the K&C Dinner and the AK Italian tank he "won" in the lucky draw (all part of a cunning plan worthy of Blackadder - now there is a series where figures would be good).

He and Phil seem to collect the same things so while his is away I am going to encourage Phil to think "Grey".
I think it is called "peer pressure".

Brett
PS Jack does have the added advantage in that he has one of those wonderful wives (Hi Marg !!!) who actually
thanks his dealer for selling her husband TS's.

 

[Desertkiwi]

I am really enjoying the hobby of collecting soldier figures and creating scenes. I am starting to stay up way to late and spending way too much. Is there an AA meeting for this? Mike :smile2:

Flyboy mate, you enjoy your Dad's collection and adding to it when it takes ya fancy. As you've discovered it's a wonderful hobby, lots of fun and to be fair a lot healthier than some past-times......:wink2:

You go for it and soak it all up. You'll find it's amazing how your interest grows and is forever changing as you learn new stuff along the way.

I find one of the many benefits is that you can pick it up or take a break from it when ever it suits, there's no pressure and no real commitment, other than to yourself.......and of course the other half.^&grin

I have to say it's nice hearing a new guy being so open and engaging with members.{sm4}

Cheers!!

 

[TomNT]

Flyboy mate, you enjoy your Dad's collection and adding to it when it takes ya fancy. As you've discovered it's a wonderful hobby, lots of fun and to be fair a lot healthier than some past-times......:wink2:

You go for it and soak it all up. You'll find it's amazing how your interest grows and is forever changing as you learn new stuff along the way.

I find one of the many benefits is that you can pick it up or take a break from it when ever it suits, there's no pressure and no real commitment, other than to yourself.......and of course the other half.^&grin

I have to say it's nice hearing a new guy being so open and engaging with members.{sm4}

Cheers!!

Good advice Toddy and I would suggest Mike that you pay your bills, pay off your credit card, buy food (and beer if you drink), fill up your car (if you have one), keep your girlfriend or wife happy (if you are unfortunate to have one {sm4}), have the money to spare and then go for it and get addicted!!! It's a wonderful hobby so long as it's not an obsession.

Tom

 

[snowyowl]

I'm in much the same situation as Flyboy in that I came to the hobby late in life. I'm enjoying every aspect of it from reading history to scratch building diorama components to photographing the models. I think that some people are taking Flyboy's question a lot more seriously than he intended it to be taken but at the same time I can see how it might become an obsession. Apart from money being a problem, I can see space being an issue, I have visions of every surface in the house being covered with dioramas. Wow! My wife would be so pleased! Of course, before I could do that I would have to move some of her jug/restaurant wear collection.{eek3}

 

[Jack]

Brad,

Some credit for getting Jack "addicted" goes to Larso who was kind (depending upon how you look at it) enough
to introduce him to his local dealer.

As far as buying K&C, TG, Jenkins, Britains he has been listening. However I dont recall encouraging him to
get into glossies and when he got a CS Tiger I was quite surprised. However the WW2 N Africa interest may have come from the free AK figure he got at the K&C Dinner and the AK Italian tank he "won" in the lucky draw (all part of a cunning plan worthy of Blackadder - now there is a series where figures would be good).

He and Phil seem to collect the same things so while his is away I am going to encourage Phil to think "Grey".
I think it is called "peer pressure".

Brett
PS Jack does have the added advantage in that he has one of those wonderful wives (Hi Marg !!!) who actually
thanks his dealer for selling her husband TS's.

Yes ... it was Larso who introduced me to the hobby but I would never have purchased as much had I not had a bricks and mortar store to visit or a dealer and a group of collectors to share the joy with. As for the tanks, I do love them but I must draw the line somewhere. That CS Tiger is probably one of my favourite pieces and I think Brett has a winter version as well but I will stick with the desert campaign or it will just get crazy. Brett - who does not worship the devil, why would he when the devil worships him? - is, however, quite right about the need for some figures to go with the vehicles. In fact every return home from the TS shop is followed by Marg saying 'Why didn't you buy more'?

 

[jazzeum]

Yes ... it was Larso who introduced me to the hobby but I would never have purchased as much had I not had a bricks and mortar store to visit or a dealer and a group of collectors to share the joy with. As for the tanks, I do love them but I must draw the line somewhere. That CS Tiger is probably one of my favourite pieces and I think Brett has a winter version as well but I will stick with the desert campaign or it will just get crazy. Brett - who does not worship the devil, why would he when the devil worships him? - is, however, quite right about the need for some figures to go with the vehicles. In fact every return home from the TS shop is followed by Marg saying 'Why didn't you buy more'?

I think it's a time for a trip to the ear doctor. I'm sure she is saying "Why did you buy more?" or, just perhaps, you had a senior moment and Brett's words were ringing in your head: "Why didn't you buy more?"

Yes, the country air of olde England will do you well :rolleyes2:

 

[waynepoo]

I think it's a time for a trip to the ear doctor. I'm sure she is saying "Why did you buy more?" or, just perhaps, you had a senior moment and Brett's words were ringing in your head: "Why didn't you buy more?"

Yes, the country air of olde England will do you well :rolleyes2:

The Doc is really blessed Brad, I have heard Marg myself say ''Is that all you got, I think you should have gotten more darling", and she is a great cook to boot...blessed I tell you..:wink2:{sm4}
Wayne.

 

[Currahee Chris]

This is really a good story to read- that one man's hobby is entering it's second generation. I always say I can tell who my closest friends were in life because they have inspired me to take on a new hobby or interest. Best of luck in your collecting. I think as the years go by you will find that there are so many more interesting niches in the hobby than what this forum shows you.

And don't let yourself get turned off by the forums. There are a whole lot of negative things posted but thankfully this is still a people driven hobby. I have enjoyed numerous highlights whilst collecting, to name but a few-

1- I have witnessed one dealer send a young girl running away from his table at a show in New Jersey (once he told her the price of the item she was inquiring about) ^&grin

2- Same dealers father (different show albeit) thought I was Howie Long (former Raider and FOX Sports commentator) when he saw me {sm3}

3- One collector in New York has given me reason to be excited every time my wife wants to go to NYC and Tiffany's. This collector has introduced me to the delicacy known as sushi and served me the finest Peking Duck in the world. This collector is also one of the kindest and most humbling humans I have ever had the privilege to call friend.

4- One very well known New York collector humbled me when he saw me looking at his Heco BiPlane collection and told me to take one as his way of thanking me for my service. I recently ran into this collector again in London after my transatlantic flight and couldn't have experienced a more heart felt welcome once I got to the hotel.

5- One moderator who I've never had the privilege to shake his hand has sent me all sorts of German goodies, to include the occasional beverage or two and calls me seemingly out of the blue whenever I seem to be having a bad day. He always puts me back on course.

6- One collector from the UK never ceases to amaze me with the dizzying amount of knowledge he possesses about the American Civil War.

7- One collector from various parts of the globe just contacts me out of the blue sending me all sorts of unique, "one of a kind" or extremely rare toy soldier collectibles.

8- One collector from South Africa sends me pictures from the operating room (hint, he's a surgeon ) and usually tells me various war stories from the ER;

9- Received an instant library on all matters of the Roman Empire from a very generous collector in New Jersey who simply liked the enthusiasm I showed with my Roman collection. He continues to stay in touch and occasionally sends me Roman figures over the years.

10- Finally, my wife and I had the immense pleasure of meeting (and drinking with) the most motley crew of British collector's (and one silver haired Aussie {sm4}) that Her Majesty would allow to assemble in close proximity to an alcohol dispensing establishment (ie- a bar {sm4}). That was a day I will never forget.

Life is only as good as the memories you get from it. Enjoy the hobby and embrace the fun.

CC

 

[Rob]

I think this a superb post from Chris and he is absolutely spot on. You know me guys I love this hobby and collecting the little fighting men, have done since the age of about six, but the social side to this hobby is the dogs danglers. Its an absolute pleasure to know so many people in this hobby whether they be collectors, suppliers or producers. When I first picked up a K&C set in London all those years ago I had not the faintest idea of just what a network of friends and contacts I would have around the world in just a few years time. Chris is also right about the forums, they are great no doubt about it, but the ill feeling, suspicion and insults that you read are not the real thing, they are not what this hobby is about. Its about sharing a pastime we all enjoy with friends and fellow collectors.

As for point number 10 in Chris's post, I thank him very much. 'Motley' is the nicest thing anyone has ever said about us!:salute::

Rob

This is really a good story to read- that one man's hobby is entering it's second generation. I always say I can tell who my closest friends were in life because they have inspired me to take on a new hobby or interest. Best of luck in your collecting. I think as the years go by you will find that there are so many more interesting niches in the hobby than what this forum shows you.

And don't let yourself get turned off by the forums. There are a whole lot of negative things posted but thankfully this is still a people driven hobby. I have enjoyed numerous highlights whilst collecting, to name but a few-

1- I have witnessed one dealer send a young girl running away from his table at a show in New Jersey (once he told her the price of the item she was inquiring about) ^&grin

2- Same dealers father (different show albeit) thought I was Howie Long (former Raider and FOX Sports commentator) when he saw me {sm3}

3- One collector in New York has given me reason to be excited every time my wife wants to go to NYC and Tiffany's. This collector has introduced me to the delicacy known as sushi and served me the finest Peking Duck in the world. This collector is also one of the kindest and most humbling humans I have ever had the privilege to call friend.

4- One very well known New York collector humbled me when he saw me looking at his Heco BiPlane collection and told me to take one as his way of thanking me for my service. I recently ran into this collector again in London after my transatlantic flight and couldn't have experienced a more heart felt welcome once I got to the hotel.

5- One moderator who I've never had the privilege to shake his hand has sent me all sorts of German goodies, to include the occasional beverage or two and calls me seemingly out of the blue whenever I seem to be having a bad day. He always puts me back on course.

6- One collector from the UK never ceases to amaze me with the dizzying amount of knowledge he possesses about the American Civil War.

7- One collector from various parts of the globe just contacts me out of the blue sending me all sorts of unique, "one of a kind" or extremely rare toy soldier collectibles.

8- One collector from South Africa sends me pictures from the operating room (hint, he's a surgeon ) and usually tells me various war stories from the ER;

9- Received an instant library on all matters of the Roman Empire from a very generous collector in New Jersey who simply liked the enthusiasm I showed with my Roman collection. He continues to stay in touch and occasionally sends me Roman figures over the years.

10- Finally, my wife and I had the immense pleasure of meeting (and drinking with) the most motley crew of British collector's (and one silver haired Aussie {sm4}) that Her Majesty would allow to assemble in close proximity to an alcohol dispensing establishment (ie- a bar {sm4}). That was a day I will never forget.

Life is only as good as the memories you get from it. Enjoy the hobby and embrace the fun.

CC

 

[Harper (aka Spitfrnd)]

They certainly are in the "bet you can't stop with just one" category.

 

[Currahee Chris]

I think this a superb post from Chris and he is absolutely spot on. You know me guys I love this hobby and collecting the little fighting men, have done since the age of about six, but the social side to this hobby is the dogs danglers. Its an absolute pleasure to know so many people in this hobby whether they be collectors, suppliers or producers. When I first picked up a K&C set in London all those years ago I had not the faintest idea of just what a network of friends and contacts I would have around the world in just a few years time. Chris is also right about the forums, they are great no doubt about it, but the ill feeling, suspicion and insults that you read are not the real thing, they are not what this hobby is about. Its about sharing a pastime we all enjoy with friends and fellow collectors.

As for point number 10 in Chris's post, I thank him very much. 'Motley' is the nicest thing anyone has ever said about us!:salute::

Rob

Cheers Rob!!

And I can now officially add yet another "Brit-ism" with your introduction of the "dogs danglers" {sm3} Our young Cornwall exchange student will be here in 5 weeks so I can't wait to show him how I've mastered Brit-Wit and slide a "dogs danglers" in there!! {sm3}{sm3}

My eldest son picked up on "and Bob's your uncle" so we've been using that statement quite a lot round the house.

 

[Rob]

Cheers Rob!!

And I can now officially add yet another "Brit-ism" with your introduction of the "dogs danglers" {sm3} Our young Cornwall exchange student will be here in 5 weeks so I can't wait to show him how I've mastered Brit-Wit and slide a "dogs danglers" in there!! {sm3}{sm3}

My eldest son picked up on "and Bob's your uncle" so we've been using that statement quite a lot round the house.

^&grin

Chris, they talk a whooooole different language down there mate, maybe you should try ' The Goat's Goolies' :salute:: (although I should warn you I just made that up^&grin)

Best
Rob

 

[zblang]

For me, the addiction has actually been healthy!

I was overweight when I started collecting. I've been buying so much that I can no longer afford to eat!!!!! I get some great figures and I'm losing weight! Win WIN!

 

[Flyboy]

Flyboy mate, you enjoy your Dad's collection and adding to it when it takes ya fancy. As you've discovered it's a wonderful hobby, lots of fun and to be fair a lot healthier than some past-times......:wink2:

You go for it and soak it all up. You'll find it's amazing how your interest grows and is forever changing as you learn new stuff along the way.

I find one of the many benefits is that you can pick it up or take a break from it when ever it suits, there's no pressure and no real commitment, other than to yourself.......and of course the other half.^&grin

I have to say it's nice hearing a new guy being so open and engaging with members.{sm4}

Cheers!!

Wow! I had not been back to check this thread, time permitting and all. It sure went everywhere. I like so many of the posts and agree with so much of the information. One they can be sold later and travel the world and ace out your children! Joking{sm4} Keep the boxes is very good advice for resale. Do not spend money that is required for your family or go in debt. The part that I am running in to now is the space issue. When they were packed up, no issue. Unpacked, where do you store all the boxes where they will be protected from heat and displaying the soldier figures takes a keen insight to avoid upsetting the boss! Mike. I am lucky that so far the boss loves the Custer scene and is happy with how the other family and friends are reacting to it. But as someone else posted somewhere in here, purchasing a collection item for the wife looks to be good advice to avoid future issues! I am not above paying her off in retrospect! Carry on! :salute::