I think that every single piece that has been made are limited editions, because every piece will eventually get retired. So your statement that some manufacturers don't do this is misleading.
Now if your point is that no manufacturer, Should ever make something that is very limited. Well, I think that most collectors love that idea of exclusivity, That they have a piece , that only a few has. Essentially their Centerpiece for that particular side of their collection. First Legion made it known from the start on those limited editions. That only a handful will be made from the start. So there was ample warning. I read someplace that Almost all First Legion pieces, that they only made 550 pieces. So I guess all collectors must buy what pieces they can not have without first.
Hi Spartan. I have been buying and painting castings for 18 years now from several Toy Soldier manufacturers/suppliers. The first pieces I bought were Royal Welch Fusiliers. These are still available from the same supplier. I also have a mounted Scots Greys set made up from castings - which I added figures to three times over 5 years from another company - and which are also still available today. As far as I'm aware - most of my collection is like this - though some small firms have inevitably gone out of business - so maybe some aren't available anymore.
I guess it may be true that any company may finish someday - but as I am now nearly 70 - and both the owner of the company I bought the RWF from and the other Scots Greys, are both younger than me - I confidently expect that they will still be supplying them in my lifetime.
True - I'm not keen at all on short runs of anything - as it forces me towards purchasing the whole lot in one go - or risk losing out. Good for the supplier - but not always convenient for the purchaser. As to most collectors loving the idea of "exclusivity" - well...........clearly some of them don't like the downside of that ( from the posts on here) - which is that supplies of some run out before they can complete a given set or project - and they get left open to speculators who charge them high prices to get hold of the pieces that they want.
Now, if that's what you or anyone else want to do - that's fine by me. But what I have said - still holds - for those who don't want to do this.
There are MANY companies who don't do that - and all that I am suggesting is that IF a collector doesn't want to be exposed to the chance of this sort of thing happening - then choose a supplier who will always be able to supply what you want - because they don't put a limit on a run.
I note that this company (FL) are now doing at least one range as unpainted resin castings - which they say is in response to many collectors asking them to do so. Excellent news - for people like me - and shows they DO listen to what customers want. I hope it spreads to other parts of their ranges eventually, as I would love to paint other parts of their range myself. So.....as I said before.....if you don't like it - tell them. They do listen sometimes.
If a collector just can't live without a set from a limited edition run however, I guess that another option is to ASK a supplier (maybe a Shop - if available) IF they would put aside the remainder of a set for you - until funds allow the other parts to be purchased. It's a pretty big ask though - and I know that some shops get stuck with parts of sets that people never collect. You can but ask.
My favoured option has always worked for me - so far, however. All the best - whatever you decide to do - it's your choice. johnnybach
