A decade of collecting Thomas Gunn (1 Viewer)

[NZGary]

I confess I wasn't there at the start in 2006. When this fledgling company launched itself on an unsuspecting toy soldier collecting world. I saw their adverts and write ups in Toy soldier Collector magazine but ignored them, being drawn by the little treasures being produced by William Britain, King & Country and others. But things changed in around 2010 - as I was about to emigrate to New Zealand from the UK. A fantastic Focke Wulf plane caught my eye and it landed in my collection just as I took off to live the other side of the world.

I joined the collectors club as Tom and I exchanged words about living in the small NZ town of Greytown, where Tom had once visited and bought his first metal toy soldier. Strangely there are two toy soldier manufactures in this small town (population around 3,500). The only ones in the whole of Australasia.

But it was the French Foreign Legion range that really got me started as I sprinkled a few Luftwaffe figures to mix in with my K&C offerings. And its been a magical journey ever since.

 

[NZGary]

TG has never been big into Napoleonics but that has not stopped them with the odd dabble. Prussian blues, Russian green grenadiers, British Hussars, Kings German Legion and that strange RHA rocket battery all found a way into my collection. They go well with the WB, K&C, First Legion and Collectors Showcase figures that have been the backbone of the Naps part of the multitude of little guys that have come into my possession and make up my collection.

 

[NZGary]

The World War 1 anniversary was on the horizon in 2014 and together with John Jenkins, William Britain and K&C I added some great German, French (in their stunning horizon blue uniforms) and some unusual Yanks from the TG stable. For the first time a manufacturer was releasing figures in gas masks! Perhaps hinting at the true horror of this conflict.

 

[NZGary]

Further limited forays were made into the French Indian War (British infantry) and early stirings of the Anglo/Zulu War which now threatens to take off. Again these figures were a little more unusual with slouch hats and troops not presented in parade style uniforms. They added orginality and style to my collection.

 

[NZGary]

Now I have never been a big WW2 collector. But the ease of getting the TG relese email and reserving figures through Helen at TG HQ got me hooked in and while I do not get all the releases some are truely magnificant. I keep plugging away at WW2 to add to the mainly K&C figures I have from this most collectable of conflicts.

 

[NZGary]

I still kept plugging away at WW1. This time getting hold of TG's releases from the Middle East campaigns. Again the complementary nature if TG figures go so well with K&C offerings and I really liked the camel riding Lawrence figure.

 

[NZGary]

A big departure for me was collecting planes. I had a few K&C, Figarti and JJD but the wooden warbirds K&C produced were out of my price range. Entre TG. I have around 40 of their simply magnificent models from both world wars. Space means I have stopped adding but never say never to adding a few more down the line

 

[NZGary]

And the planes kept coming as TG also launched into my passion. An era of collecting that overrides all else for me.

 

[NZGary]

That passion was the world of the ancients. Perhaps an obvious start but the Romans were first up. But not just the traditional red shield design but designs from other legions.

 

[NZGary]

But TG didn't just stop at Roman infantry. Oh no then came cavalry, artillery and even elephants. We were so blessed.

 

[NZGary]

But those Romans needed some oposition. TG didn't let us collectors down!

 

[NZGary]

TG were not done with doing Roman. Next up were the Greco/Persian wars. An age of heros that TG did us proud.

 

[NZGary]

More limited expeditions were made into the world of ancient Egypt and the Punic Wars. TG has given us a taste and has promised more from the ancient land of the pharaohs. Will live in wonderous anticipation. While 7th century Byzantium was not overlooked.

 

[villagehorse]

Overwhelmed Gary and sure this is just the tip of the iceberg. I gather TG ask you first before producing a figure or series so they can guarantee sufficient sales to proceed {sm4}. You are one lucky person to command this collection. Robin.

 

[NZGary]

We have had Russian Revolution, post WW1 Germans and other choice offerings from this wonderful manufacturer of fine toy soldiers. I know I can't wait for the next instalments as I continue on my TG journey.

 

[NZGary]

And so as I sit down with a glass of rich Aussie red wine on this cold Saturday evening, in this southern isle of Tasmania. I can smile and thank my lucky stars I was drawn in by that Focke Wulf plane and have been collecting TG ever since - Here's to the guys and girls based in Warminster near to my home town of little old Exeter.

 

[NZGary]

Overwhelmed Gary and sure this is just the tip of the iceberg. I gather TG ask you first before producing a figure or series so they can guarantee sufficient sales to proceed {sm4}. You are one lucky person to command this collection. Robin.

Thank you Robin. I probably have around 75% of the TG releases over the past decade. For some reason they have always been my go to manufacturer. But I have a huge passion for toy soldier collecting so it dosn't just stop at TG. Really into JJD over the past year and I want to get more into K&C going forward.

Gary

 

[Gunn Miniatures]

A nice trip down memory lane there Gary, thanks for the memories!

 

[Andanna]

This is an amazing collection of photos. I think it brings out the best of the figures. Truly amazing.

 

[marco55]

Gary,
I have been watching your threads and I must say you have a terrific collection.Thanks for sharing it with us.
Mark