As rich as any ruby red wine (1 Viewer)

[NZGary]

Acquiring John Jenkins Designs figures has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my toy soldier collecting addiction. I am going to be honest and state I was not an early adopter in terms of delving into John’s miniature world. I had been collecting for six years basing my passion on the usual suspects of K&C, William Britain, Conte and even the odd excursion into Frontline Figures. Of course, I knew of John’s figures as they were displayed resplendent across Toy Soldier Collector magazine. The theme of The French Indian Wars also pricked my interest but, and it was a big but at the time, I was not enamoured by the slight nod to wargaming and faces that seemed a little too caricatured for my liking.

But then I saw an online video preview at one of the US shows of the ‘Battle of Snowshoes’ again in that highly collectable sphere of the French Indian Wars with figures knee deep in snow fighting it out in a harsh North American winter. Native Indians, French Marines, militia and those underprepared British supported by those masters of tough terrain Rogers Rangers. It was something different and my first tentative purchases were made. While frontline Figures remained my ‘go to’ for anything French Indian Wars as the years passed more figures from this conflict were added. How I wished now I had got some of those long sold out early releases.

 

[NZGary]

I was half way into collecting JJD but then the release of the Battle of Culloden range sucked me in like quicksand. Multiples of British infantry were purchased to produce yet another ‘thin red line’. While marauding highlanders made for a spectacular display. The realism of looking under those kilts was a little too graphic for my first wife! I procured these figures with the enthusiasm of the highland fling only to wait for a decade for the Bonnie Prince to be released and finally be part of my collection.

 

[NZGary]

Like a timelord I decided to venture back in time setting my sights on getting hold of US 1812 troops from the grey clad Scott’s Brigade. Contacting John direct I managed to get one of the last Spanish Civil War BF109 planes from the infamous Condor Legion as vehicles and figures from this most brutal of conflicts started to grace my shelves. My interest was certainly alive and kicking as those ruby red boxes started to come via parcel post, flowing like good wine on a Saturday night.

 

[NZGary]

I remember in 2010 moving in with a new partner into her 17[SUP]th[/SUP] century cob walled and thatched roofed cottage in the heart of Dartmoor National Park in glorious Devon. The little guys came with me of course and I can see in my minds eye our cosy love nest, that resembled something out of Hogwarts, liberally sprinkled with hundreds of John’s ruby red boxes. I don’t think she was too impressed at the time. But it appears she was fond of me enough to fake interest as I opened up boxes to show her the contents on cold winters nights by a roaring fire sipping on a good red. I confess to thinking about John’s figures and my next purchases as we took windswept bracing walks across deserted ruggedly beautiful moorland.

 

[NZGary]

Just before I emigrated to New Zealand, with the new girlfriend, John released WW1 planes. Again, something new for my collection as the Red Barons plane and Sopwith Camel landed at our homely cottage just before the 12,500-mile trip to live and work on the other side of the world. The toy soldiers would follow six months later once suitable accommodation in the ‘land of the long white cloud’ had been acquired.

 

[NZGary]

Once ensconced in surely one of the world’s great and most beautiful countries John’s figures started to land again particularly from his growing range of WW1 vehicles and figures as the commemorations drew near for the 100-year anniversary of the Great War. I dipped into the Sudan War (having already a large collection of Frontline Figures and WB from this conflict) as well as the Peninsular War when Napoleon’s armies were sent packing from those sweet Iberian lands.

 

[NZGary]

More recently John’s foray into the ancient world has stirred me up like a cat on a hot tin roof. Thracian Peltasts, Spartan Warriors, Persian light cavalry, Mid and late Republic Roman’s, Gaul’s, Iceni, Germanics and Celtic tribesmen together with Punic War ships the start of a Carthaginian army, timber forts and pontoon bridges have all found their way to my new abode in Tasmania. I confess to being an ancient world nut and so much more is promised from John not just concerning Greco/Persian, Punic and the Wars of Julius Caesar but also biblical encounters from far off lands in times now shrouded in exotic mystery.

 

[NZGary]

American War of Independence and American Civil War figures are now starting to populate my collection to add to the array of figures already collected from other manufacturers. I suppose the difference with John's figures is they tend to add something different to my horde like the early Civil War years with unique uniforms.

 

[NZGary]

And then there was the recent releases of Aztec and Conquistadors. Not for the faint hearted but this gutsy release proved to be extremely popular with collectors. I briefly hesitated having purchased, over a decade ago, a large amount of Morgan Miniatures figures from this most colourful, vibrant and world changing conflict. I got the first JJD Aztec Warrior and was instantly hooked and now have most releases from this range. Unfortunately, the Morgan Miniatures collection and my commission made Aztec Temple are in storage back in New Zealand. I pray one day to have them reunited in what I consider in my mind to be a spectacular display.

 

[NZGary]

I have a large medieval collection from other manufactures and contently left the Wars of Roses range alone. But seeing those English archers and metallic knights displayed on this forum drew me once again into John’s web and like a doomed fly I found myself struggling against purchasing more and more archers. They are so versatile and I have used them in Agincourt displays as the English longbowmen mowed down the French on a glorious St Crispin’s Day.

 

[NZGary]

And like a moth to the flame I was of course drawn into the 1066 Saxon/ Viking/ Norman range. As one dealer told me it would simply be un-British not to collect this range!

 

[NZGary]

I have steered away from most WW2 offerings together with those in-between wars Saratoga planes. Native Indians at work, rest and play have also not found their way into my collection but the way I see it is that one day the call of John’s figures may well entice me to acquire just a few more examples from these eras to further round out my collection and keep those ruby red boxes flowing.

The last 5 or so years of collecting JJD offerings has been a most rewarding experience and one I would like to continue with for many years to come as the ruby red boxes take that one flight a day into Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart on a regular basis. Like sipping a good red wine its very difficult to stop!

 

[villagehorse]

Just amazing as is the back story Gary. You certainly paint a vivid picture on how these little figures have worked their way into your life. You have done JJD proud. Robin.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Both your story and your collection are tremendous!:salute::

 

[lancer]

Great collection and quite varied. You can never have enough Fokker Triplanes.:wink2: -- Al

 

[mestell]

Absolutely outstanding Gary . . . .
:smile2: Mike

 

[tmanthegreat]

Amazing photos Of some exciting scenes that really show off the excellent quality of the JJD figures and vehicles

If John were to use these as promo photos on his site, he’d likely boost his sales big time!

 

[OzDigger]

Very impressive collection and pics Gary.

 

[NZGary]

Amazing photos Of some exciting scenes that really show off the excellent quality of the JJD figures and vehicles

If John were to use these as promo photos on his site, he’d likely boost his sales big time!

John can use them anytime he wants. Kronprinz did use some of my photos as promo shots a few years back.

 

[mikemiller1955]

Gary...I have followed your posts on both here and JJD's Facebook...you have an amazing collection!