“A Difference of Opinion…” (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,
Elsewhere in the Forum some of the members have been discussing “Scale Matters” which always makes for a lively discussion.
One member has opined, rather forcefully, that “he will not tolerate this… he will not apologize for that and that he is personally in the hobby for detail and scale which he will push for and support… with no compromises!”
All of these points are indeed worthy and I am sure all manufacturers, in our own way, strive to achieve these goals. However, these little figures and vehicles are more of an “art” than a science.
And being an art they are open to a degree of individual interpretation as seen and executed by the different companies designers and sculptors.
So, there will be variations in style and content and sometimes… scale. That’s part of the joy in collecting different work by different companies. And these differences will remain as long as there are different producers.
Writing personally I got into this hobby because it was fun… pure and simple. I got into the business side because I wanted to make all of the things I liked to collect but were not readily available in the market at that time. I remain in this business because it’s the most enjoyable and rewarding business I’ve ever been involved with and… the most FUN!
Enjoy your collecting… whatever it might be and… lighten up…

Adios for now,

Andy C.

 

[Hatman]

You know, that is really what I enjoy most about this hobby, sure I find myself comparing the same vehicles and planes from different manufacturers and to be honest, I usually find some that have some minor detail that another might be missing. Or the model is a bit longer or shorter then another... But hey, in the end it's up to you what you want to buy or pass on. Point well taken Andy!

 

[Mitch]

Nice reply!! Though I really don't know how you have all of this time to post when you should be beavering away with that pencil drawing the sturmtiger!!!LOL
Mitch

 

[Guy]

Different scales never have been a problem to me . There is always a way around this so called big problem. That's where your creativity has to take over !!!!! I use the products of two Toy Soldier manufacturers in one dio without any problem whatsoever, I use 1/35 scale buildings and transform them to 1/30 scale through simple tricks of the trade . That is imo what the hobby of dio making and collecting is all about .
Having fun while learning about the figures, AFV's, theatres of operation, battles , etc ..is important. Well to me it is !!!!!
guy:smile2:

 

[waynepoo]

Different scales never have been a problem to me . There is always a way around this so called big problem. That's where your creativity has to take over !!!!! I use the products of two Toy Soldier manufacturers in one dio without any problem whatsoever, I use 1/35 scale buildings and transform them to 1/30 scale through simple tricks of the trade . That is imo what the hobby of dio making and collecting is all about .
Having fun while learning about the figures, AFV's, theatres of operation, battles , etc ..is important. Well to me it is !!!!!
guy:smile2:

Well said Guy, you got it in one...now get on with it and make some more of your wonderful dios.....:wink2:{sm4}
Wayne.

 

[Mitch]

Guy..

That's great where people are able to make dio's and build models etc. There are a plethora of products that I know you use in your dio's on the market. However, it is a problem to folks and, you forget that a huge number just cannot do what we see as simple or, take for granted. Thus, the ''big'' problem you mention while not big to you is big to others
Mitch

Different scales never have been a problem to me . There is always a way around this so called big problem. That's where your creativity has to take over !!!!! I use the products of two Toy Soldier manufacturers in one dio without any problem whatsoever, I use 1/35 scale buildings and transform them to 1/30 scale through simple tricks of the trade . That is imo what the hobby of dio making and collecting is all about .
Having fun while learning about the figures, AFV's, theatres of operation, battles , etc ..is important. Well to me it is !!!!!
guy:smile2:

 

[Rob]

Different scales never have been a problem to me . There is always a way around this so called big problem. That's where your creativity has to take over !!!!! I use the products of two Toy Soldier manufacturers in one dio without any problem whatsoever, I use 1/35 scale buildings and transform them to 1/30 scale through simple tricks of the trade . That is imo what the hobby of dio making and collecting is all about .
Having fun while learning about the figures, AFV's, theatres of operation, battles , etc ..is important. Well to me it is !!!!!
guy:smile2:

When it comes to mixing figures of differing scales it really can be done, just look at these pics (different era of course);

http://www.treefrogtreasures.com/forum/showthread.php?6347-The-American-Civil-War-Diaries/page141

 

[Cyber Field Marshall]

I generally avoid the heated debates on historical accuracy or scale because I too believe that these creations to a large degree are artistic and that's why certain brands appeal to a variety of collectors. I like to view others collections and have fun with mine. The hobby should always be first and foremost an enjoyable passtime to escape the day to day grind.
Now if there is a glaring mistake on a piece that's a different thing but frankly none of the manufacturers have made a model that I would consider grossly misrepresented. In my home I'm really the only "expert", most of my friends and family that might view my collection wouldn't know the difference ( or care ) between an M1A1 Abrams tank or a Tiger tank let alone the details that make up the model. {eek3}
Good post Andy. {bravo}}

 

[Rob]

I generally avoid the heated debates on historical accuracy or scale because I too believe that these creations to a large degree are artistic and that's why certain brands appeal to a variety of collectors. I like to view others collections and have fun with mine. The hobby should always be first and foremost an enjoyable passtime to escape the day to day grind.
Now if there is a glaring mistake on a piece that's a different thing but frankly none of the manufacturers have made a model that I would consider grossly misrepresented. In my home I'm really the only "expert", most of my friends and family that might view my collection wouldn't know the difference ( or care ) between an M1A1 Abrams tank or a Tiger tank let alone the details that make up the model. {eek3}
Good post Andy. {bravo}}

Well said CFM, no one wants an orange Bedford truck, but as you say its meant to be fun this hobby of ours so sooner or later you have to decide whether you want the Olive camo truck whether its tyres are made by Michelin or Pirelli . Its fine to be a rivet counter and its fine not to be too. {bravo}}

Rob

 

[jazzeum]

A good friend once said to me and I find this to be true that when people go to shows he sees happy people but that when he comes here he just sees a lot of strife and discord and that it has turned him off completely to the Forum. This is more than a truism.

 

[Rob]

A good friend once said to me and I find this to be true that when people go to shows he sees happy people but that when he comes here he just sees a lot of strife and discord and that it has turned him off completely to the Forum. This is more than a truism.

Very much agree Brad.

Rob

 

[Mitch]

everyone is guilty of contributing to that even those who try to rail the happy flag all the time.
Mitch

 

[Rob]

A good friend once said to me and I find this to be true that when people go to shows he sees happy people but that when he comes here he just sees a lot of strife and discord and that it has turned him off completely to the Forum. This is more than a truism.

Brad, funny you mention the shows and the social side of them because its stated every time we meet up at the shows that its these meet ups that are the highlight now and at the same time the group is drifting from the forum. If you look at the ' core' (if you will) of the group that is James (Eazy), Simon, Bob,(UKREB) Jeff, Andy (UKBOD) and Alan (Trooper ) all these guys either a)don't post at all b)only post once in a blue moon or c) stay away from the K&C threads. Once upon a time these guys were all regulars , along with other guys missing in action such as Tony Neville and Clive from Grey Goose etc. When I ask them why they no longer post its always the same answer, arguments, constant contradiction etc etc. Now when you add these guys to some of the guys who are ' exiled' (either by choice or enforced) but lots of the exiles now on another forum combined with the guys I've named above were such a laugh, we used to have long threads of people just riffing with humour , it was real fun . That's all gone now and I suspect quite a few of us post out of habit .

Now I'm not sitting here saying there were no arguments because of course there were and the K&C V FL Wars ruined a lot of peoples enjoyment, its just a tad depressing now when I talk to the guys and they say ' nah , all the fun has been sucked out of it '. People who have been members and love their hobby don't just walk away for no reason.

My main point I guess is that each year the shows get more and more important

Rob

 

[PanzerAce1944]

This thread by Andy pretty much nailed it on the head. Each company does their own rendition of any given figure
Or vehicle, building, etc... Based on that buy and collect what you like from who ever puts out the best rendition
To suit your own individual taste. Those companies that make something you really like and are pleased with give
Some praise to show your approval. Everyone no matter what they do likes praise when they do something well.
Being on this forum for soon 2 years now to me it is quite apparant each company has their own group of dedicated
Supporters and haters. I never understood those taking constant pot shots at our Toy Soldier Makers. Without them
We have no hobby. ! I agree what Rob mentioned about attending the Toy Soldier Shows. Each show I attended everyone was happy, shaking hands,making friends, and having a great time. That is why I will be attending the Texas Toy Soldier Show again next May. all for the.............. FUN FACTOR. ^&grin

 

[Rob]

This thread by Andy pretty much nailed it on the head. Each company does their own rendition of any given figure
Or vehicle, building, etc... Based on that buy and collect what you like from who ever puts out the best rendition
To suit your own individual taste. Those companies that make something you really like and are pleased with give
Some praise to show your approval. Everyone no matter what they do likes praise when they do something well.
Being on this forum for soon 2 years now to me it is quite apparant each company has their own group of dedicated
Supporters and haters. I never understood those taking constant pot shots at our Toy Soldier Makers. Without them
We have no hobby. ! I agree what Rob mentioned about attending the Toy Soldier Shows. Each show I attended everyone was happy, shaking hands,making friends, and having a great time. That is why I will be attending the Texas Toy Soldier Show again next May. all for the.............. FUN FACTOR. ^&grin

PA, I agree, this hobby as always been a lot of fun, the forum has been a lot of fun, but meeting up with friends and fellow collectors at each London show is what its all about. {bravo}}

Rob

 

[sammy719]

I'll take the fun factor every day over the non-stop "critiquing" that seems to never end, as I enjoy what I collect I really don't care about scale issues, if I did then I just wouldn't buy that product and let all collectors enjoy what they buy form whatever company...Sammy

 

[Panzer ace]

I have never purchased or not purchased something based on its scale.

I come and go from the forum because over time it gets old. I love the discussions about toy soldiers but the bickering and attacks bore me. One thing I can’t stand is when someone tries to convince someone else that they are wrong for collecting a particular line or series. It makes me think of going to the pub. I walk up and order a beer. Now, if a guy is sitting at the bar and he does not like the beer I am ordering I can’t imagine him chiming in and telling me why my brand of choice is terrible and I should be drinking what he is drinking.

As far as the forum versus shows? I think that is pretty simple. Anyone can have ‘internet muscles’ and run their mouth on a forum. When you do that you are safe. Walking up to someone and saying it to their face is a whole different story and that reflects the mark of the man. Cowards attack from a position where they can’t be attacked. The forum provides the weak a chance to pretend like they are strong. In person events like shows etc., take that away.

 

[Northgate Woods]

A good friend once said to me and I find this to be true that when people go to shows he sees happy people but that when he comes here he just sees a lot of strife and discord and that it has turned him off completely to the Forum. This is more than a truism.

Brad and Rob, mates,
You guys as probably two of the longest serving members of this Forum. Your words of wisdom ring true. This Forum is starting to suck some of the FUN out of TS collecting. Not because of the members but because of some of the silly petty subjects that are raised and turn into heated arguements. A moderators dream.^&grin^&grin TS collecting as Andy and others have mention should be nothing but FUN. It has drawn me into reading more about Military History in wars that my knowledge was lacking. eg ACW, AWI, FIW, Naps, Sudan, Aztecs, Imperial China, etc.

TS collecting has also given me the opportunity to travel. I had never left the Land of OZ until two years ago when I travel to the US for the West Coaster Show and the NY Symposium, via San Antonio to see the Alamo and Kings X. I found the biggest FUN in this hobby to be meeting other collectors, manufacturers, dealers and chatting, enjoying dinner and beer together and making life long mates. Since that first trip I have been to another West Coaster and two Chicagos. The list of people I have met and chatted with is lengthy and I can honestly say great FUN. I try and make it a point each trip to met someone new. Last Chicago I met two new blokes in Konrad (Kogu) and Frank (fmethorst). Both known to me to be FL collectors. I wanted to see if these guys didn't have two heads because they collected FL. ^&grin They turned out to be top blokes and I hope now consider good friends. It totally changed my opinion of other collectors and manufacturers. I think next time I attend Chicago I would like to met my old sparring partners in Frank (vezzolf) and Paul (IXEC). Shake hands, enjoy a chat and maybe a beer. Probably agree to disagree on a lot of subjects but thats the FUN of it.

It is my hope that I may travel (health permitting) to London next June to meet up, chat and enjoy a beer with a lot of Old Country Forum members. Maybe even Mitch and Neil (Uksubs) could chat and agree to disagree on certain subjects. A long cold beer with Clive, my old mate the Grey Goose would be extreme FUN. Even meeting Rob, if I could get a word in would be FUN.^&grin

So guys the main message of this long winded post is one of my favourite Beach Boys' tracks.
FUN. FUN. FUN.:smile2::smile2::smile2:

Cheers from the Land Downunder and Enjoy your Collecting, Howard

 

[jazzeum]

everyone is guilty of contributing to that even those who try to rail the happy flag all the time.
Mitch

Maybe true but the comment is not helpful.

 

[Buster]

People who have been members and love their hobby don't just walk away for no reason.

Truer words were never spoken Rob. As a K&C collector I find reading this section of forum akin to having root canal. And as for the "everyone is guilty of contributing" to the strife comment, well maybe so, but some appear to be much more so than others .....

B.