April Dispatches Are Up (2 Viewers)

[jazzeum]

I do agree that you can (emphasize can) have too many Tigers but when was the last time there was an European tiger? Quite a long time ago, even taking into account the HB Tiger.

In the meantime there are a lot of new collectors who haven't had the opportunity to buy one. Whether you like this one or not stylistically, collectors do now have the option to purchase one.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

The Firefly and the Arnhem releases look a must,but how many more Tigers do we need

As an armour collector, I have to disagree about too many Tigers. Louis Badolato mentioned the same thing to me recently, and he does have a lot of Tigers going back to the very early K&C wooden ones. But that is not true for most collectors.

In fact, there are only 2 full sized 1:30 scale Tigers out there - the K&C Tunisian Tiger for North Afrika and the CS model.

The Figarti and earlier K&C Winter Tiger are all expensive and in the case of the K&C models, hard to get. They are also only 1:32 scale and do not go well with the current 1:30 models. NMA Tigers were only 1:32 and they are out of business. FOV Tigers are 1:32. HB Tigers were 1:30 but their production was limited and costly and they don't make them anymore.

So if a new collector wants a full sized 1:30 Tiger, there are now just 2 from K&C and some from CS and that's it.

Terry

 

[10TH LA.]

WOW...I was debating whether to to say that I was disappointed in this months new releases .....there was nothing there for me even though I do collect the Waffen series......but I see that already there are few collectors with the same opinion as myself ......sorry King & Country ....I will wait for next months releases......

 

[OldDragon]

well .. sometimes months with no new releases .. are months to re-group and save up. Got a new RHA gun set .. so am happy enuf.

Meanwhile saving up .. for the expected Unioin cavalry, which will likely add up to a pretty penny when they come.

OD

 

[gk5717]

Being a WWII fan I am a little disapointed in the new releases. I like the Tiger but, it is not as detailed for me especially around the wheels area as the SL Tiger and, why do we always have to have the marching, at ease, plus how many more Feldgendarmie do we really need? Also, I know the tiger is popular amongst collectors but, we are due a Jagpanther, a new 8 wheeled armoured car, Nebelwerfer and, the list goes on.

I would also appreciate a little less saluting, especially, from the named officers and, officers in general and, a bit more reality as these are field poses and, in the SS there was not as much saluting as goes on at K&C. Field poses for me, include: Tank crew resting and, have another camp fire (like WSS70SL) proper german mechanics etc. I have, and I am sure K&C must have thousnds of WWII refernce books and, we do seem to be getting stuck in a rut with the poses and, the narrowness of vehicle release.
I appreciate that he has to release what he thinks will sell but, it seems to have lost that bit of daring that was apparant years ago it seems with just a small variation we are staying along the tried and trusted route. I also appreciate that he is in this to make money and, thats fair enough but, I think that a fair few other makers at the moment are taking that leap and producing top WWII afv's figarti for one.

I know that you cannot please everyone all of the time but, lots of collectors I deal with and speak with are saying the same stuff and, are buying from other companies due to this very point.

I think, and I am a K&C collector, but this month has been one of the poorest that I can remember for many a year.

Also being a huge K&C WW2 collecter I could not have said it better!
My sentiments exactly.
Gary

 

[Cyber Field Marshall]

This month's releases seem lighter than normal however last month's were exceptionally large so everything balances out and the content is good especially if you collect eastern front WWII. I'm still impressed that they release like clockwork every month and we shouldn't forget that. The standouts for me are the much improved detail on the tanker uniforms compared to the earlier tanker releases such as (WS 099). I'll be picking up a few. Standouts are the Feldgendarme (WS 159), Standing Tank Officer (WS 155) and additional tankers (WS 153). I prefer the individual figure releases to the sets of the past because I can really pick and choose what I want and its more economical.
The price of the Tiger is indeed troubling. Normally an iconic piece like that is a must however it doesn't fit with my western europe collecting theme and so I'm considering passing until another comes along that fits that campaign. Personally this Tiger is different than anything I've seen however I prefer the three tone camo patterns. One of my main likes with K&C is that their price points are lower than some other grossly overpriced manufacturers while still maintaining exceptionally detailed pieces. I hope they don't forget that and become a high priced connoisseur boutique! The continuing lack of retirements is indeed an interesting development.
I'm enjoying the respite here and looking forward to the many wonderful releases to come.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I was initially surprised at the $215 price for the Kursk Tiger with only 2 partial figures. I expected something below $200. Add a few (3) of the extra tanker figures to complete the crew, and the cost is up to $315.

The Tunisian Tiger was released in December 2007 - 2-1/2 years ago for $199, with 2 full figures and 3 partial figures. The Kursk Tiger with 3 additional figures is effectively a $115 increase or 50%. Of course, one does not have to buy the extra figures so the price of the tank is similar to 2-1/2 years ago. And I thought the price of the Tunisian Tiger was a very good price.

Compare it to the price of the Figarti JS-2 plus tank riders - 4 full figures and 1 partial figure for $305 or to an FL AFV with 2 figures plus 3 tank riders at $450.

Perhaps a combination of a very good price for the Tunisian Tiger, 2-1/2 years of inflation, and a higher per piece manufacturing cost due to smaller production runs in today's market have all contributed to the increase?

Terry

 

[nysoldiers]

Only the RHA set for me this month.....
Looking forward to Crusaders and more Napoleonics....
Union cavalry would be great as well.
WWII figures a little "static" lately. The new landing craft should spruce things up when released.

 

[forlornhoper]

The highlights for me are WSS151,153,159 and 160,somewhat confused over WSS154,strange salute for a waffen SS officer,would have thought the nazi salute more appropriate for someone serving in one of the Germanic SS Divisions.Must say WSS160 the main highlight,those italian camo trews are so real,well done Andy.PS the tiger here retails for £215 /$348. ken

 

[panzeraces]

No detail it has a Antennae ...............

Wayne, my dear friend are you mocking me and having a little fun or do you think that this justifies the price? and, yes you can have too many Tigers as variety is the spice of life and, K&C must realise that not all its collectors are affluent and, professional they are normal people and, do not have money to burn especially, when the items are released on a regular basis.

 

[panzeraces]

Terry, completely agree with your points but, I do not think it is the fact that there are too many tigers as I am fortunate to have all K&C's Tigers. Its the fact that the price is totally going to put people off, at least by what has been said here and, that there are many better AFV's which could be developed and are not being done. It is a given that releasing a Tiger will sell as all other Tigers have but, just over two years ago we had another 1250 released and, many of these are going to go to the same collectors when my point was variety and, pose in the figures which, does not cost extra.

what I was getting at that we seem to have stayed on one safe road and, figures now do not have the animation one expects from field borne troops and, to much saluting, at ease, attention is now becomiong the norm at K&C. I am a collector of many years and, probably, what K&C see's as its bedrock of customers and, if I am noticing this worrying trend along with others it is indeed something which is occuring.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Terry, completely agree with your points but, I do not think it is the fact that there are too many tigers as I am fortunate to have all K&C's Tigers. Its the fact that the price is totally going to put people off, at least by what has been said here and, that there are many better AFV's which could be developed and are not being done. It is a given that releasing a Tiger will sell as all other Tigers have but, just over two years ago we had another 1250 released and, many of these are going to go to the same collectors when my point was variety and, pose in the figures which, does not cost extra.

what I was getting at that we seem to have stayed on one safe road and, figures now do not have the animation one expects from field borne troops and, to much saluting, at ease, attention is now becomiong the norm at K&C. I am a collector of many years and, probably, what K&C see's as its bedrock of customers and, if I am noticing this worrying trend along with others it is indeed something which is occuring.

You make some good points. I do not collect marching or parade figures with one or two rare exceptions. And when I look at the add-on figures I am puzzled.

I like WS160 - the ace tank commander with the Italian pants and the "Das Reich" cuff title, but the tank already has a commander with headphones on.??

I also like WS153 - the 2 tankers with the jerrycans - but they have no "Das Reich" cuff title??

Makes it hard to put together a 5 man crew.

As for WS 155 Standing Tank Officer and the 3 Das Reich tankers at attention with rifles - they have the "Das Reich" cuff title but I don't see how they go with the tank except as part of a larger scenario.

Terry

 

[Go for Broke]

With so many great releases, a month with nothing interesting is a welcome relief for me. Not to say there's nothing of interest in the latest dispatch.

 

[Beaufighter]

You make some good points. I do not collect marching or parade figures with one or two rare exceptions. And when I look at the add-on figures I am puzzled.

I like WS160 - the ace tank commander with the Italian pants and the "Das Reich" cuff title, but the tank already has a commander with headphones on.??

I also like WS153 - the 2 tankers with the jerrycans - but they have no "Das Reich" cuff title??

Makes it hard to put together a 5 man crew.

As for WS 155 Standing Tank Officer and the 3 Das Reich tankers at attention with rifles - they have the "Das Reich" cuff title but I don't see how they go with the tank except as part of a larger scenario.

Terry

I really like the "Das Reich" tanker boys! Since the unit made it to the Bulge/Ardennes party I will make some of them fit into my diorama. Although I believe that Major Hermann Von Oppeln - Bronikowski did not make it that far West, I like his personal history especially since he was an Olympian in Dressage which I found fascinating. I do like the Tiger too but from what I have read the Das Reich Tigers did not make it to the West either-mainly Jags, Panthers, Pz. IVs, etc. Keeping a little historical accuracy keeps the collection in check for me although I do love the "GREY" areas!

Having Fun,
Marc

 

[forlornhoper]

Perhaps WSS152 will be another Tiger ( Normandy),to accompany the footslogging DR tankers,sSSpz ABT 102 Tigers had a great camo scheme in Normandy as for WSS153,with no DR cuffs,perhaps the figures in the promo are incorrect and will be corrected in production,query for Andy really ?K&C website claims" all the tankers are from Das Reich".

 

[Rob]

Wow guys,I must have been reading another thread because this is an excellent dispatch for me.I think perhaps because we saw them at the westcoaster we are not counting the superb Arnhem and D Day releases,great Paras and Rangers(what an in depth and excellent group of Rangers-will look so good in an LCA),throw in a Tiger and Firefly and what more could you want.The new Panzer crew look nice too.Speaking only for myslf you understand,I am always happy to see another Tiger,in any of its many camo schemes.

Arnhem,D Day,Naps,Alamo,SOHK,WW1 Turks,sorry guys it looks a pretty varied and indepth dispatch to me.

Rob

 

[lancer]

Perhaps WSS152 will be another Tiger ( Normandy),to accompany the footslogging DR tankers,sSSpz ABT 102 Tigers had a great camo scheme in Normandy as for WSS153,with no DR cuffs,perhaps the figures in the promo are incorrect and will be corrected in production,query for Andy really ?K&C website claims" all the tankers are from Das Reich".

WS153 tankers are not SS as painted. They are regular army. Camo patterns, eagle placement, and collar insignia all confirm Heere, not SS, thus no Das Reich cuffbands. WS154 thru 160 all seem correct as SS with proper eagle placement and collar insignia. -- Al

 

[forlornhoper]

Dismounted Panzerwaffe Troops in combat poses would have been more useful,marching and standing about doesnt really give cause for much excitement but as Rob correctly says cumulatively the new releases due in April,May and June are quite significant,personally waiting for the Cossacks,great addition to the K&C Range imo, ken

 

[nasirkasmani]

Perhaps WSS152 will be another Tiger ( Normandy),to accompany the footslogging DR tankers,sSSpz ABT 102 Tigers had a great camo scheme in Normandy as for WSS153,with no DR cuffs,perhaps the figures in the promo are incorrect and will be corrected in production,query for Andy really ?K&C website claims" all the tankers are from Das Reich".

WS152...didn't realize that omission...

 

[lancer]

As a rivet counter aside, WS160 may or may not be correct for Das Reich Westfront operations. The Italian camo pants were issued to 12th SS although it is perfectly possible some ended up in other units, especially 1st SS. Have never scene evidence that the Italian camo unis made it to the Eastern front at all, but I can't confirm this, either. Perhaps some uniform expert will know? -- Al