Steven Chong
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2005
- Messages
- 1,365
First, I would like to thank Mike & Myszka Hall of Sierra Toy Soldier for sponsoring Andy's talk. The gift figure is a Royal Navy sailor in white uniform standing at attention with rifle on shoulder -- looks like a guard figure to go with D-Day Minus 1 theme.
Andy started by talking about the concerns last year that business would be affected by the economy since toy soldiers were "luxury items." There was a little dip at the start of the year, but sales then increased.
Andy then touched about the history of K&C for the new collectors at the talk. K&C started in 1983. Andy's interest arose from a gift of a toy soldiers from his brother Gordon. Like a 2nd childhood, he started collecting but soon was disappointed by the 6-8 month waits even when payment was made in advance. His former wife, Laura, suggested they make their own toy soldiers since Hong Kong was the center of toy manufacturing.
In 1995, production moved from Hong Kong to China. K&C was first to produce toy soldiers in China in a meaningful way, but definitely the first to produce in matt finish. K&C has great staff.
In 2010, where do we go? Competition is always healthy, though sometimes he is annoyed. However, competition has driven the price up since everyone is trying to do one better than the other guy.
Andy then invited questions:
1. Ancient Greeks? Production schedule has become tighter. K&C launched 3 series last year: Real West, Life of Jesus and Australian Light Horse. As existing ranges expand, there is simply no production capacity unless something is retired. Yes, want to do it but no window of opportunity [at this time].
2. Kreigsmarine U-Boat? This idea talked about on Treefrog. Some things are impractical. A U-Boat would be over 7 feet long. People have no concept of production problems creating something like that. But he is always looking for alternatives like the small sub. When Andy saw it, knew K&C could do that. Made 750 pieces as strictly limited and was happy that it had sold out in HK. "Andy makes what Andy likes" and he doesn't like sections. If can't be made whole and uncut, then rather do something else.
3. Turkish opposition? Turkish army opposition will be announced on 3/1. Artillery, more infantry and Lighthorse will be coming before end of year.
4. USN opposition? Chinese bandits, pirates and a Chinese junk like the one in forming the river barrier in Sand Pebbles coming in 6-8 months.
5. More Desert Village sections? Desert Village incredibly successful, so "yes," will be doing more. When designing Life of Jesus, wanted to do stable, then added to that. Visited many movie backlots and like idea of buildings having two different types of sides. Other themes go with buildings: Life of Jesus -> Crusader Line -> Napoleonic War in Egypt -> WWII North Africa. Buildings appeal to wide audience. Will do buildings that can be used for many themes for other geographical areas.
6. Bridges? K&C did German pontoon bridge and may do Bailey Bridge or US type bridge. Accessories becoming expected but many collectors lack space for a proper bridge. Figarti made a fantastic bridge but fragile and expensive. Have to do more research.
7. Preference for 1/30 scale vs. 1/32 scale? K&C primarily 1/30 scale, so of course prefer 1/30. Thanks to K&C, 1/30 scale most popular for new collectors and many competitors have moved to 1/30. Bigger scale also equals more detail. K&C got to 1/30 by accident.
8. What is purpose of retail specific figures (like exclusive Kings X U.S. calvary figures)? K&C owns Kings X and business had been run down. Purpose was to build up the business by releasing figures only available at the store. However, picked a subject that did not compete like west and not WWII. Want to attract more customers without hurting existing dealers. Future figures will be Wild Bill Hiccock and new calvary figure.
9. Color of boxes affect rarity? No intent to use different type of boxes for the same set. Sometimes near the end of production, run out of specifically printed boxes and it is cheaper to use generic boxes than have a small number of boxes printed.
10. Union calvary for American Civil War? In May or June, more ACW Union figures. Preparing paint samples right now. Lots of calvary, some mounted, lots fighting on foot, and Union personalities forthcoming.
11. ACW artillery? 6 horses, limber, gun, riders and outriders makes a big and expensive set. Better to use production to do 20 figures instead of 1 gun.
12. USAF personalities? Personalities tend to sell more. Told story of Patton and legal problems -- only likeness and Patton name copyrighted.
13. North Africa Australians and U.S.? Yes (Andy implied there is no current plans but sometime in the future.)
14. K&C Book? Wants to tell story of K&C but no time. Will do it one day.
15. New D-Day diorama? LCVP will have two versions with different numbers and different crew figures. LCM will have USN crew. Some USN figures will also be added to DD line.
Unfortunately, I had to leave for a dinner reservation and could not stay for the rest of the Q&A.
I am told that Andy mentioned 4 Mexican Lancers for Alamo line.
Andy started by talking about the concerns last year that business would be affected by the economy since toy soldiers were "luxury items." There was a little dip at the start of the year, but sales then increased.
Andy then touched about the history of K&C for the new collectors at the talk. K&C started in 1983. Andy's interest arose from a gift of a toy soldiers from his brother Gordon. Like a 2nd childhood, he started collecting but soon was disappointed by the 6-8 month waits even when payment was made in advance. His former wife, Laura, suggested they make their own toy soldiers since Hong Kong was the center of toy manufacturing.
In 1995, production moved from Hong Kong to China. K&C was first to produce toy soldiers in China in a meaningful way, but definitely the first to produce in matt finish. K&C has great staff.
In 2010, where do we go? Competition is always healthy, though sometimes he is annoyed. However, competition has driven the price up since everyone is trying to do one better than the other guy.
Andy then invited questions:
1. Ancient Greeks? Production schedule has become tighter. K&C launched 3 series last year: Real West, Life of Jesus and Australian Light Horse. As existing ranges expand, there is simply no production capacity unless something is retired. Yes, want to do it but no window of opportunity [at this time].
2. Kreigsmarine U-Boat? This idea talked about on Treefrog. Some things are impractical. A U-Boat would be over 7 feet long. People have no concept of production problems creating something like that. But he is always looking for alternatives like the small sub. When Andy saw it, knew K&C could do that. Made 750 pieces as strictly limited and was happy that it had sold out in HK. "Andy makes what Andy likes" and he doesn't like sections. If can't be made whole and uncut, then rather do something else.
3. Turkish opposition? Turkish army opposition will be announced on 3/1. Artillery, more infantry and Lighthorse will be coming before end of year.
4. USN opposition? Chinese bandits, pirates and a Chinese junk like the one in forming the river barrier in Sand Pebbles coming in 6-8 months.
5. More Desert Village sections? Desert Village incredibly successful, so "yes," will be doing more. When designing Life of Jesus, wanted to do stable, then added to that. Visited many movie backlots and like idea of buildings having two different types of sides. Other themes go with buildings: Life of Jesus -> Crusader Line -> Napoleonic War in Egypt -> WWII North Africa. Buildings appeal to wide audience. Will do buildings that can be used for many themes for other geographical areas.
6. Bridges? K&C did German pontoon bridge and may do Bailey Bridge or US type bridge. Accessories becoming expected but many collectors lack space for a proper bridge. Figarti made a fantastic bridge but fragile and expensive. Have to do more research.
7. Preference for 1/30 scale vs. 1/32 scale? K&C primarily 1/30 scale, so of course prefer 1/30. Thanks to K&C, 1/30 scale most popular for new collectors and many competitors have moved to 1/30. Bigger scale also equals more detail. K&C got to 1/30 by accident.
8. What is purpose of retail specific figures (like exclusive Kings X U.S. calvary figures)? K&C owns Kings X and business had been run down. Purpose was to build up the business by releasing figures only available at the store. However, picked a subject that did not compete like west and not WWII. Want to attract more customers without hurting existing dealers. Future figures will be Wild Bill Hiccock and new calvary figure.
9. Color of boxes affect rarity? No intent to use different type of boxes for the same set. Sometimes near the end of production, run out of specifically printed boxes and it is cheaper to use generic boxes than have a small number of boxes printed.
10. Union calvary for American Civil War? In May or June, more ACW Union figures. Preparing paint samples right now. Lots of calvary, some mounted, lots fighting on foot, and Union personalities forthcoming.
11. ACW artillery? 6 horses, limber, gun, riders and outriders makes a big and expensive set. Better to use production to do 20 figures instead of 1 gun.
12. USAF personalities? Personalities tend to sell more. Told story of Patton and legal problems -- only likeness and Patton name copyrighted.
13. North Africa Australians and U.S.? Yes (Andy implied there is no current plans but sometime in the future.)
14. K&C Book? Wants to tell story of K&C but no time. Will do it one day.
15. New D-Day diorama? LCVP will have two versions with different numbers and different crew figures. LCM will have USN crew. Some USN figures will also be added to DD line.
Unfortunately, I had to leave for a dinner reservation and could not stay for the rest of the Q&A.
I am told that Andy mentioned 4 Mexican Lancers for Alamo line.
![maniacal-laughter-780375[1].jpg](/data/attachments/36/36961-be82be71edda04f5fd6a811365851b69.jpg)
