"At the end of the day… Buy what you like and… What you can afford" (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

On the First Legion thread of the Forum there has been an ongoing discussion about “The Finest WWII Figures I have ever seen…”

The reason I am about to throw my tuppence worth in is because K&C has been mentioned and discussed frequently in connection with First Legion and their WWII releases… So… here goes…

First of all, toy soldiers and military miniatures attract a wide and growing audience. Although still relatively small these collectors have a very broad variety of likes and dislikes. It’s a truism to say that “One man’s meat is another man’s poison”.

Over 25 years I’ve learned that it is impossible to please and satisfy everyone in this hobby so don’t even try!

That having been said however I would state that most of the manufacturers involved in the business side of the hobby do try, to the best of our collective abilities, to continue to develop and improve our products and still keep them affordable for the majority of our collectors.

Throughout these years every company develops its own distinctive style… K&C included. Some of our own “style” has happened by happy accidents other parts by clear intention. So, at present, it is what it is. Some collectors will love it… others will loathe it!

Much as I would like to be universally loved and our products appreciated I have learned to accept the fact that “it ain’t gonna happen anytime soon”… C’est la vie, C’est la guerre!

Where discussions get more than a wee bit personal is when statements are issued either by a company (K&C included) or by individuals that product “A” is the greatest thing since sliced bread or product “B” is just a piece of junk and everyone who bought it must be a moron that is so easily influenced by past reputation or slick advertising or… whatever.

The fact of the matter is… Collectors cover a very, very wide spectrum of interests, tastes and financial abilities.

Companies also cover an increasingly broad range of sculpting, painting and subject matter styles.

All of that means there is a huge range of choices and prices available to the buyer… nothing wrong that. In my humble opinion it brings even more people into a vibrant hobby and that’s always a good thing.

First Legion design and produce a very distinctive product line and sell it and promote it in their own unique way.

King & Country also have our own very distinctive line of products and choose to sell them and promote them in our own unique fashion.

Just as they have chosen to go down a certain kind of path we have in turn chosen our own direction. You collectors have an enviable choice… You can go one way… you can go another… or you can go with neither and go elsewhere. At the same time, you can pick and choose as and when the mood takes you.

How other companies will grow and develop in the future is their business and only they know themselves.

As for King & Country, we will continue to grow, develop and improve to the very best of our collective abilities. Something we’ve done, on a regular basis, since 1995 and the introduction of World War Two subjects like “ARNHEM’44” and the matt style painting which now dominates the hobby.

New competition and fresh challenges will continue to surface as they always have and always will… And K&C will be there to meet them … head on!

As I wrote in my heading… Collectors… You guys… will buy what you like… when you like it…and if you want to afford it.

And that, my friend, is that!

Best personal wishes to one and all and… Happy Collecting (whatever your heart and pocket desires)
Andy C.

 

[SteveDavid]

Sorry, but can you explain what you really want to say?!

As I don't see any message except common sense, what some here clearly lack!

 

[theBaron]

...Over 25 years I’ve learned that it is impossible to please and satisfy everyone in this hobby so don’t even try!....

C'mon, Andy-if you would just produce all the pieces John G asks for, you'd achieve that seemingly impossible goal.




Prost!
Brad

 

[Spitfrnd]

Well that is a truism and I do; thankfully I can afford both but chose First Legion. Should I have posted this reply in the K&C forum or was this thread inadvertently duplicated here?

 

[The Breaker]

I find it quite refreshing to have the First Legion Stalingrad line available. Each time someone would bring up the Russian Front on this forum a few members start the " It doesn't sell... stop asking... it won't be produced." The subject must have some interest because there are volumes upon volumes of books written on the subject. Well now it has been produced and at a very high quality. I like the bold move by First Legion, the high detail far outweighs the price.
I'll still get my K & C sets, HB sets and Britains sets, and now FL has the Eastern Front covered. The size issue is irrelavent as the line is made to be a stand alone. The scale has never been a secret as it is well covered on the website.

 

[Vezzolf]

I find it quite refreshing to have the First Legion Stalingrad line available. Each time someone would bring up the Russian Front on this forum a few members start the " It doesn't sell... stop asking... it won't be produced." The subject must have some interest because there are volumes upon volumes of books written on the subject. Well now it has been produced and at a very high quality. I like the bold move by First Legion, the high detail far outweighs the price.
I'll still get my K & C sets, HB sets and Britains sets, and now FL has the Eastern Front covered. The size issue is irrelavent as the line is made to be a stand alone. The scale has never been a secret as it is well covered on the website.

Absolutely agree......First Legion has taken the initiative in an area where there has been past reluctance to commit......I hope to see an "eastern front winter tiger" and other eastern front artillery released by First Legion.....and I hope it's NOT a "limited item".........As most of us are tried of item unavailability......and sell outs before they are even made available on the websites.......Those who are committing to this line hope things will be different with First Legion......

 

[jazzeum]

Well that is a truism and I do; thankfully I can afford both but chose First Legion. Should I have posted this reply in the K&C forum or was this thread inadvertently duplicated here?

I believe it was intentional.

 

[Rob]

I find it quite refreshing to have the First Legion Stalingrad line available. Each time someone would bring up the Russian Front on this forum a few members start the " It doesn't sell... stop asking... it won't be produced." The subject must have some interest because there are volumes upon volumes of books written on the subject. Well now it has been produced and at a very high quality. I like the bold move by First Legion, the high detail far outweighs the price.
I'll still get my K & C sets, HB sets and Britains sets, and now FL has the Eastern Front covered. The size issue is irrelavent as the line is made to be a stand alone. The scale has never been a secret as it is well covered on the website.

Couldn't agree more.FL has chosen a theatre of war not covered by the other leading producers and done it brilliantly.If someone will now do the Pacific the main WW2 areas will be covered and maybe will will all be happy!.

Rob

 

[nasirkasmani]

Couldn't agree more.FL has chosen a theatre of war not covered by the other leading producers and done it brilliantly.If someone will now do the Pacific the main WW2 areas will be covered and maybe will will all be happy!.

Rob

the pacific is an underated front.

however, from which time period will the manufacturers take? (if they intend to do at all)
from what i gathered, the US based collectors regards the pacific campaign really kicked off after the battle of midway. (pearl harbor is a declaration of war)

whilst the brits probably will regard the invasion of Hong kong as the starting point of the pacific campaign.

pls correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[Spitfrnd]

the pacific is an underated front.

however, from which time period will the manufacturers take? (if they intend to do at all)
from what i gathered, the US based collectors regards the pacific campaign really kicked off after the battle of midway. (pearl harbor is a declaration of war)

whilst the brits probably will regard the invasion of Hong kong as the starting point of the pacific campaign.

pls correct me if i'm wrong.

It may be. It certainly seems to have gotten more relative attention in model building and gaming then in metal figures and weapons. It does have the issue you note and is less of a multinational allied effort. Of course the same could be said of Russia.

 

[lancer]

the pacific is an underated front.

however, from which time period will the manufacturers take? (if they intend to do at all)
from what i gathered, the US based collectors regards the pacific campaign really kicked off after the battle of midway. (pearl harbor is a declaration of war)

whilst the brits probably will regard the invasion of Hong kong as the starting point of the pacific campaign.

pls correct me if i'm wrong.

While I love the history of the island-hopping campaign, I really find the most interesting aspects of the Pacific war to be the six months after PH thru Midway when our backs were against the wall. The valiant and desperate fight against odds, the defeats, the inferior equipment all adds up to incredibly interesting study. Problem is, there is no way to really convey the naval aspect of the war thru TS. Guess we will have to stick to the Marines. -- lancer

 

[Spitfrnd]

While I love the history of the island-hopping campaign, I really find the most interesting aspects of the Pacific war to be the six months after PH thru Midway when our backs were against the wall. The valiant and desperate fight against odds, the defeats, the inferior equipment all adds up to incredibly interesting study. Problem is, there is no way to really convey the naval aspect of the war thru TS. Guess we will have to stick to the Marines. -- lancer

Actually the army had a fair hand in things; you can ask my father.

 

[DCN1898]

My uncle was in New Guinea and the Philippines, with the 33rd Infantry Division. The Army besides fighting in New Guinea and the Philippines, Relieved the Marines on Guadalcanal, and faught on Okinawa with the Marines. 175,000 Soldiers fought in the Philippines with the 6th and 8th armies.
Then there was Merrill's Marauders in Burma.

 

[Spitfrnd]

My uncle was in New Guinea and the Philippines, with the 33rd Infantry Division. The Army besides fighting in New Guinea and the Philippines, Relieved the Marines on Guadalcanal, and faught on Okinawa with the Marines. 175,000 Soldiers fought in the Philippines with the 6th and 8th armies.
Then there was Merrill's Marauders in Burma.

Indeed, my father was in New Guinea and the Philippines and cued up for the mainland invasion plans.

 

[lancer]

Actually the army had a fair hand in things; you can ask my father.

No offence was meant by my excluding the Army in my post. It was a shot at the perception that the Marines were THE Pacific war. I have studyed many aspects of the Pacific war and I well appreciate the Army, Navy, Air Forces, and all the supporting echelons that it took to win a war over such a huge area. The Pacific war offers limitless areas of study for all service branches but it just seemed to me that the Marines get the largest share of publicity, thus my post. -- lancer

 

[Spitfrnd]

No offence was meant by my excluding the Army in my post. It was a shot at the perception that the Marines were THE Pacific war. I have studyed many aspects of the Pacific war and I well appreciate the Army, Navy, Air Forces, and all the supporting echelons that it took to win a war over such a huge area. The Pacific war offers limitless areas of study for all service branches but it just seemed to me that the Marines get the largest share of publicity, thus my post. -- lancer

None taken and you are absolutely right about the perception, at least for the land (or island) battles. Similarly Naval Airpower gets almost all the credit for air superiority, there was an Army Air Corps in the Pacific.

 

[lancer]

None taken and you are absolutely right about the perception, at least for the land (or island) battles. Similarly Naval Airpower gets almost all the credit for air superiority, there was an Army Air Corps in the Pacific.

I find my favorite reading in the arena of the Pacific air war. I just read all I can on the naval air war, the China air war and the Army air war. Enjoy accounts from the Japanese POV also. I love the many different aircraft in use on both sides. I have a huge interest in the 475th FG with Bong, Mcquire, Macdonald, etc. Also fascinated by 5th AF history in general. I find it hard to understand how any air war reader could not find something of interest in the Pacific. It is much the more interesting airwar IMO. -- lancer

 

[DCN1898]

Also noe taken on my part. I am the only Marine in an Army family. We always have lively discussions, and I can appreciate all views. I also like the Japanese perspective. IMO Letters From Iwo Jima was a great movie.

 

[Spitfrnd]

I find my favorite reading in the arena of the Pacific air war. I just read all I can on the naval air war, the China air war and the Army air war. Enjoy accounts from the Japanese POV also. I love the many different aircraft in use on both sides. I have a huge interest in the 475th FG with Bong, Mcquire, Macdonald, etc. Also fascinated by 5th AF history in general. I find it hard to understand how any air war reader could not find something of interest in the Pacific. It is much the more interesting airwar IMO. -- lancer

Well the air war is the part of WWII that I have found most interesting and I have also read extensively about both theaters but favor the European one, especially for the use of that most perfect of fighter aircraft. Interestingly enough, my father was stationed with Bong and McGuire and I grew up on personal stories about both. McGuire even gave him a ride in a P-38. There is much of interest in the Pacific airwar for sure.

 

[lancer]

Well the air war is the part of WWII that I have found most interesting and I have also read extensively about both theaters but favor the European one, especially for the use of that most perfect of fighter aircraft. Interestingly enough, my father was stationed with Bong and McGuire and I grew up on personal stories about both. McGuire even gave him a ride in a P-38. There is much of interest in the Pacific airwar for sure.

I might as well confess, I'm a sucker for any of the theaters, WW1 & WW2, when it comes to the air war. Fokkers or Lockheeds, I love 'em all. -- Al