10 Reasons Why I Love K&C (2 Viewers)

[WesternOutlaw]

Over the last few weeks, there has been some discussion regarding King & Country quality, historical accuracy, price, and a few not-so-positive comments here on the forum. It is certainly easy to complain not always understanding the many facets of operations that have a direct impact on a company as a whole. I was reminded of this by reading some thoughts by Andy in the topic, Photos from older Afrika Korps stuff. Andy's comments got me thinking that I would like to share something on a more positive note, especially since I enjoy collecting K&C so much.

I put together my Top 10 Reasons Why I Love K&C. I think everyone needs to hear why others appreciate them from time-to-time, even the best of us. Please feel free to add to the list as a message to K&C.

1. 
   Variety of Themes: no other toy soldier company offers as many themes/campaigns as K&C. From Afrikakorps to World of Dickens, what a diverse variety of products.
2. Broadest Collection of WWII: no other company offers the sheer amount of WWII items (my personal favorite!)
3. Monthly Dispatches: consistent monthly dispatches that usually have a little bit for everyone. I look forward to them every month!
4. Engagement with Collectors: Andy/K&C frequently visits the forum and participates in shows all around the world. I especially appreciate when he comments on others' topics.
5. Company that Listens: not only does K&C remain engaged with the community, they listen to collectors. Suggestions/ideas are incorporated into K&C design as well as changes based on our feedback, esp. to uphold historic accuracy.
6. Gordon’s Custom Dioramas: I think everyone would agree that these custom dioramas incorporating K&C items are amazing and some of the best among the community!
7. Inspirational Pictures: with Gordon and Andy’s custom work as well as pictures contained in K&C leaflets and flyers, they provide an abundance of inspirational pictures to create your own diorama. Interesting stories and historic information also add interest when collecting.
8. Themes are Easily Integrated: consistent scale and style offer the opportunity to integrate pieces from different themes (ie. Afrikakorps, Life of Jesus, and Desert Village).
9. Diorama Accessories: a nice variety of accessories to add to your vehicle and figure collections.
10. Nostalgia: collecting K&C brings back some of the fun I had as a kid who played with Marx and Britains. I may not “play” anymore, but I certainly love setting up different scenes and photographing the dioramas to be shared among the community.

I salute King & Country for all that they do! :salute::

 

[Larry Allen]

Good list W.O. and I agree on all of your points.

However, to me, I think that you left off one (reason) that truly set Andy, Gordon and the entire K&C staff apart from the rest.
AND that is the ability to consistently adopt and adapt changes into their entire product offerings.

I have approximately 1750-1775 K&C AWI figures ... obviously my favorite era. When I first started collecting I was amazed at the detail of those early sets AR01-AR032 and BR01-BR022. K&C then re-sculpted the next set from newly acquired skills or ideas offering, new and relaxed poses, finer level of painting and a expanded set of buying options. The third and fourth releases followed suit and have been spectacular.

The same truths hold with the new JN series that are filling up my space as well as my new AF series with Pappy Boyington and USN Corsair sets.

As Andy mentioned in another thread just a few days ago, Collectors, Manufacturers, Dealers all make mistakes now and then, since we are not robots.
(Although, being a software embedded device engineer for 30 years has allowed me to see even robots messing up big time)

K&C has learned the lesson that; standing firmly on one spot really means that the rest of the world is going to pass you by!

Thanks Andy and crew for giving me many enjoyable hours!

--- LaRRy

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Rob,
Great idea for a thread as some positive comments for a change are well deserved and over due.Since I first discovered the brand and the world of metal, finely painted
soldiers 10 years ago I have not lost interest, not for a moment. Monthly dispatches are Huge as collectors get fresh new products to view and decide upon each and every
30 days ! We have all seen from other companies previews of upcoming releases and a year later the product still has not come out yet ! Not the case here....ever.
A WWII collector myself there is more than plenty to choose from coming from K&C. Awaiting delivery tomorrow of the newest addition to my K&C collection....
The "Fury" Tank ! {sm4}

Wayne

 

[King & Country]

Over the last few weeks, there has been some discussion regarding King & Country quality, historical accuracy, price, and a few not-so-positive comments here on the forum. It is certainly easy to complain not always understanding the many facets of operations that have a direct impact on a company as a whole. I was reminded of this by reading some thoughts by Andy in the topic, Photos from older Afrika Korps stuff. Andy's comments got me thinking that I would like to share something on a more positive note, especially since I enjoy collecting K&C so much.

I put together my Top 10 Reasons Why I Love K&C. I think everyone needs to hear why others appreciate them from time-to-time, even the best of us. Please feel free to add to the list as a message to K&C.

1. 
   Variety of Themes: no other toy soldier company offers as many themes/campaigns as K&C. From Afrikakorps to World of Dickens, what a diverse variety of products.
2. Broadest Collection of WWII: no other company offers the sheer amount of WWII items (my personal favorite!)
3. Monthly Dispatches: consistent monthly dispatches that usually have a little bit for everyone. I look forward to them every month!
4. Engagement with Collectors: Andy/K&C frequently visits the forum and participates in shows all around the world. I especially appreciate when he comments on others' topics.
5. Company that Listens: not only does K&C remain engaged with the community, they listen to collectors. Suggestions/ideas are incorporated into K&C design as well as changes based on our feedback, esp. to uphold historic accuracy.
6. Gordon’s Custom Dioramas: I think everyone would agree that these custom dioramas incorporating K&C items are amazing and some of the best among the community!
7. Inspirational Pictures: with Gordon and Andy’s custom work as well as pictures contained in K&C leaflets and flyers, they provide an abundance of inspirational pictures to create your own diorama. Interesting stories and historic information also add interest when collecting.
8. Themes are Easily Integrated: consistent scale and style offer the opportunity to integrate pieces from different themes (ie. Afrikakorps, Life of Jesus, and Desert Village).
9. Diorama Accessories: a nice variety of accessories to add to your vehicle and figure collections.
10. Nostalgia: collecting K&C brings back some of the fun I had as a kid who played with Marx and Britains. I may not “play” anymore, but I certainly love setting up different scenes and photographing the dioramas to be shared among the community.

I salute King & Country for all that they do! :salute::

Believe me my friend your kind and appreciative words mean a lot, not only to me and Gordon but to the whole team at K&C that work to bring the best we can do to the guys who enjoy what we do and how we do it...month after month on a regular basis and in a timely fashion.
Obviously, our work does not please some folks out there...and I regret that. BUT I learned a long time ago that in this hobby (just like most other things in life) you are never ever going to please all of the people all of the time...And some, alas, you will never please any time at all!
One of the saddest aspects of this particular hobby which should be all about FUN is how seriously a relatively small group of collectors enjoy deriding and denigrating the choices and collecting tastes of others... Like many of you I got into this hobby to enjoy myself and my Collecting tastes are to say the least, pretty eclectic...If I like it I buy it, pure and simple.
I don't try to change anyone else's mind or choices or suggest they must be blind, deaf and dumb if they happen to collect or buy something I personally dislike.
As I've said many times before....All companies make errors, none of us are perfect, and K&C is no exception however I honestly believe we get more things right than wrong. And the reason I believe that statement so strongly is I actually go out to meet and talk with collectors all over the world, often on a one-to-one basis, throughout the year.
Here in Hong Kong, which is one of the great crossroads of the world, K&C welcomes collectors up to our Head Office on almost a daily basis if and when they visit this great city. Just yesterday we welcomed young Max and his Mum from Houston, Texas out here visiting Max's uncle.
From all these meetings and this particular Forum K&C has been the grateful recipient of a wealth of terrific suggestions, ideas and comments that have resulted in some of the finest and most successful figures, fighting vehicles and aircraft that King & Country has ever produced.
All thanks to guys like you and younger collectors such as Max...Our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to you all....Happy Collecting and happy Easter!
Andy, Gordon & The entire K&C Team.

 

[enricoquinto]

Over the last few weeks, there has been some discussion regarding King & Country quality, historical accuracy, price, and a few not-so-positive comments here on the forum. It is certainly easy to complain not always understanding the many facets of operations that have a direct impact on a company as a whole. I was reminded of this by reading some thoughts by Andy in the topic, Photos from older Afrika Korps stuff. Andy's comments got me thinking that I would like to share something on a more positive note, especially since I enjoy collecting K&C so much.

I put together my Top 10 Reasons Why I Love K&C. I think everyone needs to hear why others appreciate them from time-to-time, even the best of us. Please feel free to add to the list as a message to K&C.

1. 
   Variety of Themes: no other toy soldier company offers as many themes/campaigns as K&C. From Afrikakorps to World of Dickens, what a diverse variety of products.
2. Broadest Collection of WWII: no other company offers the sheer amount of WWII items (my personal favorite!)
3. Monthly Dispatches: consistent monthly dispatches that usually have a little bit for everyone. I look forward to them every month!
4. Engagement with Collectors: Andy/K&C frequently visits the forum and participates in shows all around the world. I especially appreciate when he comments on others' topics.
5. Company that Listens: not only does K&C remain engaged with the community, they listen to collectors. Suggestions/ideas are incorporated into K&C design as well as changes based on our feedback, esp. to uphold historic accuracy.
6. Gordon’s Custom Dioramas: I think everyone would agree that these custom dioramas incorporating K&C items are amazing and some of the best among the community!
7. Inspirational Pictures: with Gordon and Andy’s custom work as well as pictures contained in K&C leaflets and flyers, they provide an abundance of inspirational pictures to create your own diorama. Interesting stories and historic information also add interest when collecting.
8. Themes are Easily Integrated: consistent scale and style offer the opportunity to integrate pieces from different themes (ie. Afrikakorps, Life of Jesus, and Desert Village).
9. Diorama Accessories: a nice variety of accessories to add to your vehicle and figure collections.
10. Nostalgia: collecting K&C brings back some of the fun I had as a kid who played with Marx and Britains. I may not “play” anymore, but I certainly love setting up different scenes and photographing the dioramas to be shared among the community.

I salute King & Country for all that they do! :salute::

Dear Rob,
that’s is a good idea. I’d like sharing my story with all of you. When I ‘ve started to collect toy soldiers, for me is Del Prado only one company, then I’ve “looked into” that most of the pieces have been made by K&C. I’ ve had a brainstorm!!! I ‘ve got about 900 K&C figures .I dont’ like bending the truth. I’ve been collecting other company toy soldiers but, anyway, I completely agree with you on all of your ten points.
In a nutshell,… K&C is the best!
Happy Easter

Enrico :smile2:

 

[rekp]

Believe me my friend your kind and appreciative words mean a lot, not only to me and Gordon but to the whole team at K&C that work to bring the best we can do to the guys who enjoy what we do and how we do it...month after month on a regular basis and in a timely fashion.
Obviously, our work does not please some folks out there...and I regret that. BUT I learned a long time ago that in this hobby (just like most other things in life) you are never ever going to please all of the people all of the time...And some, alas, you will never please any time at all!
One of the saddest aspects of this particular hobby which should be all about FUN is how seriously a relatively small group of collectors enjoy deriding and denigrating the choices and collecting tastes of others... Like many of you I got into this hobby to enjoy myself and my Collecting tastes are to say the least, pretty eclectic...If I like it I buy it, pure and simple.
I don't try to change anyone else's mind or choices or suggest they must be blind, deaf and dumb if they happen to collect or buy something I personally dislike.
As I've said many times before....All companies make errors, none of us are perfect, and K&C is no exception however I honestly believe we get more things right than wrong. And the reason I believe that statement so strongly is I actually go out to meet and talk with collectors all over the world, often on a one-to-one basis, throughout the year.
Here in Hong Kong, which is one of the great crossroads of the world, K&C welcomes collectors up to our Head Office on almost a daily basis if and when they visit this great city. Just yesterday we welcomed young Max and his Mum from Houston, Texas out here visiting Max's uncle.
From all these meetings and this particular Forum K&C has been the grateful recipient of a wealth of terrific suggestions, ideas and comments that have resulted in some of the finest and most successful figures, fighting vehicles and aircraft that King & Country has ever produced.
All thanks to guys like you and younger collectors such as Max...Our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to you all....Happy Collecting and happy Easter!
Andy, Gordon & The entire K&C Team.

OK so sycophantic posting is accepted . I appreciate there are kick backs involved but hey that is part of big business. The slightest derogatory or shall we use wadepats description - rude post - and it gets deleted without fail.

 

[thebritfarmer]

OK so sycophantic posting is accepted . I appreciate there are kick backs involved but hey that is part of big business. The slightest derogatory or shall we use wadepats description - rude post - and it gets deleted without fail.

It was rude and there is no need for it. Remember this is a family forum.

 

[Desertkiwi]

OK so sycophantic posting is accepted . I appreciate there are kick backs involved but hey that is part of big business. The slightest derogatory or shall we use wadepats description - rude post - and it gets deleted without fail.

Didn't see you're earlier deleted post, but then again nor would I want too based upon your previous derogatory comments about K&C.

No one says they're perfect and even Andy acknowledges that.

It's rather sad that you find such an enjoyable past-time so tedious and unsatisfying.

 

[King & Country]

OK so sycophantic posting is accepted . I appreciate there are kick backs involved but hey that is part of big business. The slightest derogatory or shall we use wadepats description - rude post - and it gets deleted without fail.

With respect 'rekp'...No one, K&C included, is 'big business' in this niche hobby of ours... Speaking personally we are a relatively small, company working hard in difficult economic times to produce various ranges and series on a regular basis for the majority of K&C collectors who appreciate what we do...and how we do it.

As for 'sycophantic posting'...Any regular, fair-minded reader of Treefrog and the other Forum would know that K&C get our fair share of 'criticism'...both constructive, which is very helpful and welcome...and the other kind which is, in your own words, 'derogatory' and occasionally demeaning.

However, many thanks for your input and have a very happy Easter!
Andy.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Really gentleman? We can't compliment a manufacturer? I for one happen to appreciate what Andy, Gordon and the rest of the K&C team have done for the matt toy soldier hobby. Frankly, without their innovation in trying to bridge the gap between traditional glossy toy soldiers (which they produced between 1984 and 1995) and Thor's Aeroart connoisseur figures (which they distributed during this period) it is doubtful that manufacturers like First Legion, John Jenkins Designs and Honour Bound (all of which I also collect) would exist. So thank you Andy, Gordon and K&C for being innovators.

 

[Panzer ace]

Really gentleman? We can't compliment a manufacturer? I for one happen to appreciate what Andy, Gordon and the rest of the K&C team have done for the matt toy soldier hobby. Frankly, without their innovation in trying to bridge the gap between traditional glossy toy soldiers (which they produced between 1984 and 1995) and Thor's Aeroart connoisseur figures (which they distributed during this period) it is doubtful that manufacturers like First Legion, John Jenkins Designs and Honour Bound (all of which I also collect) would exist. So thank you Andy, Gordon and K&C for being innovators.

Louis:

Great post. I too echo your thanks to Andy, Gordon and the entire K&C team (especially Helen) for what they have done for the hobby and my collection.

-Jason

 

[villagehorse]

K&C Ancient Egypt in 2007 started me in this wonderful hobby and has had a major impact on my life ever since . I am extremely grateful that they continue to be a respected player and long may they reign. I agree wholeheartedly with the ten reasons put forward and I am sure if I gave it some thought, I could come up with another ten. So ten out of ten. :salute:: Robin.

 

[King & Country]

Really gentleman? We can't compliment a manufacturer? I for one happen to appreciate what Andy, Gordon and the rest of the K&C team have done for the matt toy soldier hobby. Frankly, without their innovation in trying to bridge the gap between traditional glossy toy soldiers (which they produced between 1984 and 1995) and Thor's Aeroart connoisseur figures (which they distributed during this period) it is doubtful that manufacturers like First Legion, John Jenkins Designs and Honour Bound (all of which I also collect) would exist. So thank you Andy, Gordon and K&C for being innovators.

Many thanks Louis...as a collector of all kinds of toy soldiers, K&C included, and a major supporter of the hobby generally (thanks to the NY Symposium and those great books), your words mean a lot to me. Together with the late Larry Lo and our friend Hans Hedrich you guys went out of your way over the years to help promote the hobby and introduce it to many 'newbie' collectors...

You also were one of the very first guys to open your house and magnificent collection to the general collecting public and for that and your generous hospitality on numerous occasions both Gordon and myself say a very big THANKYOU!

A very happy Easter to you and your family from Andy & Gordon and K&C.

 

[Mark IV]

K&C Ancient Egypt in 2007 started me in this wonderful hobby and has had a major impact on my life ever since . I am extremely grateful that they continue to be a respected player and long may they reign. I agree wholeheartedly with the ten reasons put forward and I am sure if I gave it some thought, I could come up with another ten. So ten out of ten. :salute:: Robin.

Robin,

For me it was ALH whilst my wallet is worst for wear this hobby has allowed me to meet a great bunch of liked minded collectors here in Brisbane and started me on a fantastic journey.

Will always be grateful to Andy & K&C so fully agree with the ten reasons

Mark

 

[Louis Badolato]

Many thanks Louis...as a collector of all kinds of toy soldiers, K&C included, and a major supporter of the hobby generally (thanks to the NY Symposium and those great books), your words mean a lot to me. Together with the late Larry Lo and our friend Hans Hedrich you guys went out of your way over the years to help promote the hobby and introduce it to many 'newbie' collectors...

You also were one of the very first guys to open your house and magnificent collection to the general collecting public and for that and your generous hospitality on numerous occasions both Gordon and myself say a very big THANKYOU!

A very happy Easter to you and your family from Andy & Gordon and K&C.

Andy,

Happy Easter to you too! In the interest of full disclosure Andy and Gordon have been dear friends for years (as is John Jenkins and Rick Wang of Figarti) and while I do collect everything 75% of my collection is K&C.

 

[King & Country]

Robin,

For me it was ALH whilst my wallet is worst for wear this hobby has allowed me to meet a great bunch of liked minded collectors here in Brisbane and started me on a fantastic journey.

Will always be grateful to Andy & K&C so fully agree with the ten reasons

Mark

Believe me Mark & Robin & our Kiwi mate, I am the 'lucky one'!
Once a year I get to go 'down under' and spend a couple of weeks with some of the most enthusiastic toy soldier collectors in the world...and a great bunch of blokes too...

This last visit was one of the very best...Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne...Four fine cities each with its own distinctive character and 'characters' !!! At least as far as K&C collectors go.

To anyone who has never seen Australia or met an Aussie or a 'Kiwi'...You just have to go...take my word for it....'No worries' as the say...Have a happy Easter! Your old mate, Andy.

 

[sammy719]

Believe me Mark & Robin & our Kiwi mate, I am the 'lucky one'!
Once a year I get to go 'down under' and spend a couple of weeks with some of the most enthusiastic toy soldier collectors in the world...and a great bunch of blokes too...

This last visit was one of the very best...Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne...Four fine cities each with its own distinctive character and 'characters' !!! At least as far as K&C collectors go.

To anyone who has never seen Australia or met an Aussie or a 'Kiwi'...You just have to go...take my word for it....'No worries' as the say...Have a happy Easter! Your old mate, Andy.

I'm looking forward to my little symposium with TomNT from down unda next month!!! with his love for large dioramas and yours truly in the same mold, we're going to have a blast for a couple days at the local hobby shop, and messing around with my dioramas!! plus of course seeing the real OK Corral in Tombstone may inspire my good mate to top off a huge Western style dio once he returns to the northern territory

 

[WesternOutlaw]

OK so sycophantic posting is accepted . I appreciate there are kick backs involved but hey that is part of big business. The slightest derogatory or shall we use wadepats description - rude post - and it gets deleted without fail.

Now at this time, as the author of this topic, I'm going to politely ask you to leave and go share your negative thoughts somewhere else, perhaps even your own topic. Not sure if you saw my reply but I tried to chalk up your initial response to a differing opinion, of which everyone is entitled. A moderator chose to delete your comment because it was rude. Not that it is any of your business, but I have not gained nor am I benefiting in any way by sharing some positive thoughts about a nice company and good people here on the forum. Please do not insult my intent or troll my messages. Please post elsewhere!

 

[TomNT]

I'm looking forward to my little symposium with TomNT from down unda next month!!! with his love for large dioramas and yours truly in the same mold, we're going to have a blast for a couple days at the local hobby shop, and messing around with my dioramas!! plus of course seeing the real OK Corral in Tombstone may inspire my good mate to top off a huge Western style dio once he returns to the northern territory

Thanks Sam, I'm really looking forward to popping into your neck of the woods and yacking and viewing everything about dio's and toy soldiers. I'm also looking forward to seeing Tombstone and doing a stand off at the OK Corral ^&grin although I'm not to sure about doing a western style dio back here! Maybe I can get a few miniature croc's (crocodiles) and have some sort of western/outback theme...^&grin

Tom

 

[DMNamiot]

Hello Gents,

Please keep the discussion civil. If you have some constructive criticism to post create a thread and have at it, this thread was created in order to praise King and Country, plain and simple. So with that I bid you all a lovely Easter Weekend. Enjoy the time with your families.

Dave