King & Country
Captain
- Joined
- May 23, 2005
- Messages
- 5,103
Hi Guys,
Just got back from New York two nights ago and thought I’d drop you a line or two on the recent “recce” trip by Gordon and me to the former colonies...
First, the LA Show...“The West Coaster”. Gordon and me arrived bright and early on Wednesday 28th February. All of our displays arrived safely thanks to Craig & Woody of The Old Toy Soldier Home in Vista where we had shipped them prior to the event.
By late Wednesday afternoon we were all set up and ready to go. At that time, not many collectors or dealers around but that gives us a chance to see “all the usual suspects” and get in some “quality time” talking about toy soldiers!
Our old West Coast friend Ed Ruby stopped by and kindly invited both of us to visit his home and see his amazing collection the following day. Ed is one of the true legends of our hobby and his collection has been featured in many publications and books. He is also a wonderful host and Gordon and myself spent 4 very happy hours in his company that day.
Later that evening another old friend, Thor Johnson of Aeroart (the premier St. Petersburg dealer) hosted a dinner that included Ed, Gordon, me and Matt Murphy of Hobby Bunker. Again much talk of the trials, tribulations...and joys of the hobby and business.
By Friday most of the dealers had set up in their rooms and were displaying their wares. Like Chicago, lots of interesting and unique items can be found during this “room-trading” period. Needless to say, both Neilson brothers found a wealth of books, models, magazines and other “sources of inspiration” during these room visits. You can look forward to seeing the results of some of them in the coming months!
On Saturday night our friends “Sierra Toy Soldiers” held a mini symposium for about 20 dedicated K&C collectors where I gave a little “overview” of the hobby and business from the K&C point of view. This was followed by a 75 minute question and answer session involving the participants and Gordon and me...great fun. Many thanks to Mike & Myszka!
The actual “Sunday” show was well-attended with about 700 collectors and around 150-200 kids. Sales were brisk, as far as I could see, and we were kept busy meeting and greeting lots of old K&C collector friends and making a few new ones.
In addition to the usual dealers it was nice to see fellow manufacturers like Britains and Figarti with showstands. Also there were 21st Century and the military painter Keith Rocco.
Congratulations all round...especially to Craig and Woody and everyone at The Old Toy Soldier Home...a great bunch of guys.
Monday after the show...5am on the road to LAX...Gordon flying to New York to see some of his in-laws...me flying down to San Antonio to see Kings X and our Texas operation.
As some of you know, K&C’s cofounder (ex wife) and business partner Laura McAllister Johnson lives in San Antonio. So after shows is the perfect time to review K&C’s past performance and results as well as plan our strategy and tactics for the future. Plus I love Texas, and particularly, San Antonio. In addition to Kings X we are also owners of “Mad Dogs” — a British Pub on San Antonio’s famous riverwalk . Whilst down in Texas Laura and me laid a wreath at the annual dawn commemoration ceremony held outside the Alamo each March 6th. Later that day we were out looking at a great new location for a second “Mad Dogs” in San Antonio.
I also took the opportunity to visit several S.A. hobby stores to stock up on more books, models, magazines and ‘building supplies’ for our new K&C Workshop.
Early on Friday of that week I flew up to New York to rejoin Gordon and prepare for the “K&C Symposium” jointly organized by our good friends...“The Three Musketeers”, Larry Lo, Hans Heydrich and, of course, Louis Badolato. This is now the third year this event has taken place and it has gone from strength to strength each time.
Our old pal Brad (Jazzeum) picked me up at the airport and we drove directly to Louis’ house in Long Island to inspect the “Museum”. Louis met us at the door of his house and led us up the stairs to the attic.
To say I was “gob-smacked” is, to put it lightly, a gross under-statement...Louis and his construction crew have done a magnificent job. The entire attic has been converted into a superb showcase to display the history of King & Country. In one space I could see over 20 years of my life...all the blood, sweat and tears that have made me one of the happiest and most fulfilled guys on earth. Louis has laid out a unique collection that really does span K&C’s entire existence from the earliest pieces to the very latest releases...and all points in between.
Much has already been written about his achievement and all I can add is to say, “I wish I had done that!”
The weekend’s many events followed close on the heels of each other...dinner at Louis’ private clubs in Greenwich Village on the Friday evening...A visit to a great hobby store on Saturday morning near Louis’ house...The Saturday afternoon talk and “Question ‘n’ Answer” session at “The Museum” and finally, dinner at Larry’s fantastic Chinese Restaurant in Manhattan in the evening.
On Sunday our little convoy of toy soldier fanatics headed over into darkest New Jersey for a toy soldier show and met up with more friends in the shape of K&C dealers...George Guerriero...Donna Celebi...and the ubiquitous Matt Murphy. More money changed hands...more rare and unique pieces were bought and more fun was had by all concerned.
Around mid day the troops departed and we headed back into Manhattan for lunch at “Smith & Wollensky’s Steak House” for K&C to say a big thankyou to Larry, Hans and Louis as well as some of our favourite K&C dealers...Bill Sager...Tim Tyler and Pete & Shannon of Treefrog plus some of our best known collectors...“Capitol Ron” and “RevWarBuff” and other friends. A great time was had by all.
At this point I really would like to thank Larry...Hans...and Louis for services to K&C above and beyond the call of duty (never mind collecting) during this great weekend. I also want to say how much Gordon and myself appreciated the many kind and supportive comments about what K&C is trying to achieve in this hobby and business. Believe me...it means a lot!
On the Monday after all the events had finished Gordon, myself met up with Louis (after he’d been in court) to explore Manhattan (or at least a little bit of it). We made time to also visit K&C collector Mark Hofman’s office to see his huge collection of toy soldiers (especially artillery pieces) and a massive K&C Normandy village. We had lots of fun rearranging this part of Mark’s display. Mark also took us out for lunch to the Carnegie Deli for lunch...delicious! That evening we went to see “300” — the Spartan movie...great flic lots of blood ‘n’ gore.
All too soon it was Tuesday...Gordon flew off to San Antonio for a couple of weeks of work down there...and I headed out to JFK for my 17 hour flight back to Hong Kong.
Well now I’m back in the “Pearl of The Orient” and there’s a pile of work on my desk...but it’s toy soldier work and I’m not complaining ‘cos I’m the luckiest guy in the world...doing what I love and able to make a decent living doing it!!!
Thanks again to the many, many great K&C collectors, dealers and enthusiasts we met on this trip. I look forward eagerly to seeing you all again in the not-too-distant future.
Very best wishes to one and all and...Happy Collecting!
Andy C.
Just got back from New York two nights ago and thought I’d drop you a line or two on the recent “recce” trip by Gordon and me to the former colonies...
First, the LA Show...“The West Coaster”. Gordon and me arrived bright and early on Wednesday 28th February. All of our displays arrived safely thanks to Craig & Woody of The Old Toy Soldier Home in Vista where we had shipped them prior to the event.
By late Wednesday afternoon we were all set up and ready to go. At that time, not many collectors or dealers around but that gives us a chance to see “all the usual suspects” and get in some “quality time” talking about toy soldiers!
Our old West Coast friend Ed Ruby stopped by and kindly invited both of us to visit his home and see his amazing collection the following day. Ed is one of the true legends of our hobby and his collection has been featured in many publications and books. He is also a wonderful host and Gordon and myself spent 4 very happy hours in his company that day.
Later that evening another old friend, Thor Johnson of Aeroart (the premier St. Petersburg dealer) hosted a dinner that included Ed, Gordon, me and Matt Murphy of Hobby Bunker. Again much talk of the trials, tribulations...and joys of the hobby and business.
By Friday most of the dealers had set up in their rooms and were displaying their wares. Like Chicago, lots of interesting and unique items can be found during this “room-trading” period. Needless to say, both Neilson brothers found a wealth of books, models, magazines and other “sources of inspiration” during these room visits. You can look forward to seeing the results of some of them in the coming months!
On Saturday night our friends “Sierra Toy Soldiers” held a mini symposium for about 20 dedicated K&C collectors where I gave a little “overview” of the hobby and business from the K&C point of view. This was followed by a 75 minute question and answer session involving the participants and Gordon and me...great fun. Many thanks to Mike & Myszka!
The actual “Sunday” show was well-attended with about 700 collectors and around 150-200 kids. Sales were brisk, as far as I could see, and we were kept busy meeting and greeting lots of old K&C collector friends and making a few new ones.
In addition to the usual dealers it was nice to see fellow manufacturers like Britains and Figarti with showstands. Also there were 21st Century and the military painter Keith Rocco.
Congratulations all round...especially to Craig and Woody and everyone at The Old Toy Soldier Home...a great bunch of guys.
Monday after the show...5am on the road to LAX...Gordon flying to New York to see some of his in-laws...me flying down to San Antonio to see Kings X and our Texas operation.
As some of you know, K&C’s cofounder (ex wife) and business partner Laura McAllister Johnson lives in San Antonio. So after shows is the perfect time to review K&C’s past performance and results as well as plan our strategy and tactics for the future. Plus I love Texas, and particularly, San Antonio. In addition to Kings X we are also owners of “Mad Dogs” — a British Pub on San Antonio’s famous riverwalk . Whilst down in Texas Laura and me laid a wreath at the annual dawn commemoration ceremony held outside the Alamo each March 6th. Later that day we were out looking at a great new location for a second “Mad Dogs” in San Antonio.
I also took the opportunity to visit several S.A. hobby stores to stock up on more books, models, magazines and ‘building supplies’ for our new K&C Workshop.
Early on Friday of that week I flew up to New York to rejoin Gordon and prepare for the “K&C Symposium” jointly organized by our good friends...“The Three Musketeers”, Larry Lo, Hans Heydrich and, of course, Louis Badolato. This is now the third year this event has taken place and it has gone from strength to strength each time.
Our old pal Brad (Jazzeum) picked me up at the airport and we drove directly to Louis’ house in Long Island to inspect the “Museum”. Louis met us at the door of his house and led us up the stairs to the attic.
To say I was “gob-smacked” is, to put it lightly, a gross under-statement...Louis and his construction crew have done a magnificent job. The entire attic has been converted into a superb showcase to display the history of King & Country. In one space I could see over 20 years of my life...all the blood, sweat and tears that have made me one of the happiest and most fulfilled guys on earth. Louis has laid out a unique collection that really does span K&C’s entire existence from the earliest pieces to the very latest releases...and all points in between.
Much has already been written about his achievement and all I can add is to say, “I wish I had done that!”
The weekend’s many events followed close on the heels of each other...dinner at Louis’ private clubs in Greenwich Village on the Friday evening...A visit to a great hobby store on Saturday morning near Louis’ house...The Saturday afternoon talk and “Question ‘n’ Answer” session at “The Museum” and finally, dinner at Larry’s fantastic Chinese Restaurant in Manhattan in the evening.
On Sunday our little convoy of toy soldier fanatics headed over into darkest New Jersey for a toy soldier show and met up with more friends in the shape of K&C dealers...George Guerriero...Donna Celebi...and the ubiquitous Matt Murphy. More money changed hands...more rare and unique pieces were bought and more fun was had by all concerned.
Around mid day the troops departed and we headed back into Manhattan for lunch at “Smith & Wollensky’s Steak House” for K&C to say a big thankyou to Larry, Hans and Louis as well as some of our favourite K&C dealers...Bill Sager...Tim Tyler and Pete & Shannon of Treefrog plus some of our best known collectors...“Capitol Ron” and “RevWarBuff” and other friends. A great time was had by all.
At this point I really would like to thank Larry...Hans...and Louis for services to K&C above and beyond the call of duty (never mind collecting) during this great weekend. I also want to say how much Gordon and myself appreciated the many kind and supportive comments about what K&C is trying to achieve in this hobby and business. Believe me...it means a lot!
On the Monday after all the events had finished Gordon, myself met up with Louis (after he’d been in court) to explore Manhattan (or at least a little bit of it). We made time to also visit K&C collector Mark Hofman’s office to see his huge collection of toy soldiers (especially artillery pieces) and a massive K&C Normandy village. We had lots of fun rearranging this part of Mark’s display. Mark also took us out for lunch to the Carnegie Deli for lunch...delicious! That evening we went to see “300” — the Spartan movie...great flic lots of blood ‘n’ gore.
All too soon it was Tuesday...Gordon flew off to San Antonio for a couple of weeks of work down there...and I headed out to JFK for my 17 hour flight back to Hong Kong.
Well now I’m back in the “Pearl of The Orient” and there’s a pile of work on my desk...but it’s toy soldier work and I’m not complaining ‘cos I’m the luckiest guy in the world...doing what I love and able to make a decent living doing it!!!
Thanks again to the many, many great K&C collectors, dealers and enthusiasts we met on this trip. I look forward eagerly to seeing you all again in the not-too-distant future.
Very best wishes to one and all and...Happy Collecting!
Andy C.
