Armored Cars (1 Viewer)

[nasirkasmani]

As HB doesn't make tanks anymore, i felt the armor market was there to be challenged. i was quite impressed with the recent improvements on certain K&C products, and felt that it as the Tunisian Tiger and King Tiger (with its inherent shortcomings) generally sell well that it might be worth K&C's effort to pursue this road.

saying that, i felt we have almost reached the ceiling in terms of pricing, but not a big hinderence. maybe a tank with a crew of 2/3 figures, and some independent sets selling extra panzer crews or tank riders might just do the trick.

my 2 cents.

 

[graycap]

I must confess I applaud K & C's willingness to do something different from endless German late war armour. The Panhard looks like a lovely piece of work and I will probably get one. I must confess I would have preferred one in its original 1940 "Field of Battle" markings, as it was quite a formidable vehicle -its 25mm could penetrate a PzKw IV's armour. But who knows what the future might bring!

 

[nmrocks]

I must confess I applaud K & C's willingness to do something different from endless German late war armour. The Panhard looks like a lovely piece of work and I will probably get one. I must confess I would have preferred one in its original 1940 "Field of Battle" markings, as it was quite a formidable vehicle -its 25mm could penetrate a PzKw IV's armour. But who knows what the future might bring!

You hit the nale on the head fro me as well, thats why FOB is my favorite line, something different from the constant flow of late war armor.
Ray

 

[Vezzolf]

With the continuing economic turmoil which is now "globle".......Most consumers will likely purchase "only what they really want". It will be less and less likely that most toy soldier collectors will spend already tight funds on obscure items or marginally desireable ones......Why not conserve the cash which could be used to purchase a future(???) K/C vehicle that they have been "waiting" for....eg a Winter Tiger or 88mm Flak gun etc etc.etc......I for one will give careful consideration to what I purchase.....the days of purchasing all and every item simply because K/C produced it; has long past for most of us.......It would be smart business for manufacturers to produce items that collectors really want, that are sure to sell in reasonble volume..........I for one will "HOLD-OUT" and not make impulsive purchases even if these marginal items are priced lower.......IMO

 

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

Many thanks for all your interesting thoughts and comments on the above subject.

Re a couple of points…
1. “Is it legal to sell anything with the German Cross or SS markings in France?”
The only European country that has an outright ban is Germany… And that is only on the SWASTIKA. France has no such restrictions and neither does any other European country.

2. “Businesses should exist primarily to please their customers”
True… True… but they also exi st to make money! Now, ideally they should do both… and that’s exactly what K&C have been doing for several years.
So far, touch wood, I’m not starving.

3. “What has not been done yet?”
Lots and lots… but (Andy’s favourite word) it takes time and it’s nice to have some kind of a plan to work on for future releases. If I live long enough I hope to produce virtually every WW2 vehicle of any interest (to collectors and me) by and by. But who, apart from our friend John G. wants to produce everything all at the same time! Patience is a virtue in these financially troubled times.

4. “The Upcoming German Panhard”
Fear not FoB fans we do have plans to release the French early war version later in 2009.

And that, boys and girls is that.
Best wishes and happy collecting!
Andy C.

 

[nasirkasmani]

well Andy,

if that's your intention,

then i sincerely wish you live long enough for you to produce virtually every WW2 vehicles in mind.

and i also wish all of us collectors will live long enough to see them all.

sincerely,

nasir kasmani.

 

[ExRanger]

Andy,
Well stated. I'm looking forward to point #3. There are still lots of WW2 untapped vehicles to chose from as you've stated. It's exciting to know that there's a very good possibility of these vehicles seeing the light of day.
If I may add my 2 cents for future thought.
A Panzer IV/70 W/ side skirts.
A Puma 234/2
A Stug III long barrel with side skirts.
Would love to see a repaint of the following vehicles.
Jagdpanther
A summer Hummel or Puma 234/3 both for Normandy.
A Normandy Sdkfz 222 in Camo.
Maybe an 88mm for let's say Arnhem. WOW The list of possibilities.

 

[nasirkasmani]

Andy,
Well stated. I'm looking forward to point #3. There are still lots of WW2 untapped vehicles to chose from as you've stated. It's exciting to know that there's a very good possibility of these vehicles seeing the light of day.
If I may add my 2 cents for future thought.
A Panzer IV/70 W/ side skirts.
A Puma 234/2
A Stug III long barrel with side skirts.
Would love to see a repaint of the following vehicles.
Jagdpanther
A summer Hummel or Puma 234/3 both for Normandy.
A Normandy Sdkfz 222 in Camo.
Maybe an 88mm for let's say Arnhem. WOW The list of possibilities.

easy mate..

but seriously though, some excellent suggestions you got there.

 

[lancer]

Glad to hear that the Panhard will be done in 1940 French colors. I'm in on that. -- lancer

 

[graycap]

Also thrilled to learn that the Panhard will be turing up in FOB colours later this year. Any chance that it might be going into action with a atilda I or II or even a A13 Cruiser? Whatever - anticipation is half the fun of collecting!

 

[Vezzolf]

As HB doesn't make tanks anymore, i felt the armor market was there to be challenged. i was quite impressed with the recent improvements on certain K&C products, and felt that it as the Tunisian Tiger and King Tiger (with its inherent shortcomings) generally sell well that it might be worth K&C's effort to pursue this road.

saying that, i felt we have almost reached the ceiling in terms of pricing, but not a big hinderence. maybe a tank with a crew of 2/3 figures, and some independent sets selling extra panzer crews or tank riders might just do the trick.

my 2 cents.

Unfortunately Nasir, Honour Bound IMO took a wrong turn regarding their tanks and WWII armour.....Pricing items so high that their purchase became unreasonable for most collectors.....however their increased quality set a new standard which compelled other manufacturers to step up the pace........this is the value of competition in any market place.....and gives incentive to other toy soldier competitors to produce products in response.....hopefully we will not see K/C 's initiative diminish......

 

[Go for Broke]

Frank, good thread. Most manufacturers must pay someone for market studies. On the forum, they get free input! And we collectors also benefit to post our wants. Andy, keep'um coming. I look at it this way, if you made everything I want, I would be one frustrated individual, not being able to buy everything. At least, I get a break now and then. Love the forum. Thanks Treefrog.

 

[Rob]

This is good news from Andy.I'm glad to hear K&C will continue to throw a wide net across all areas of WW2 Armour.Its by making items not so often seen that they can continue to expand their excellent catalogue of AFV's and give us collectors a wide choice from which to choose.Don't get me wrong i love the late war armour,but there is so much more to choose from.Just look how cool the French Char B and Renault Tanks are,wonderful models.

There is no doubt HB Tanks are very nice indeed,superb quality,however the truth is they are out of the price range of most collectors.So i think K&C should be both applauded and encouraged when they think outside the box and continue to give us Choice,quality and at a reasonable price.We can't lose guys!

Rob