Battle of Saratoga (1 Viewer)

[Running-Buddy]

I don’t know how many of you get the “Rivet” news letter but they have a picture of the Saratoga flag bearers. Maybe it’s the way it was photographed but it does not look real. Is it me?

Howard

 

[Lo1863]

Are those the flag bearers you are referring to? If so, I completely agree with you. I've always thought Jenkins flags look very stiff and not real. They need to be more flowing in my opinion. I don't own any Jenkins figures yet, but I do plan on starting a collection of their new 54th Massachusetts figures. I hope those flags will look more real.

 

[nysoldiers]

This is where price comes into play. If you are going to paint a metal flag with folds for realism the painting time increases. I believe that John is very aware that his market is very concerned about increasing prices. As the more paint intensive figures, e.g. Aztecs, are now in the $50+ range some collectors may opt out. Although I think they are selling well but like some of his Gauls they are selling out with lower production runs.
I do, however, agree that a more realistic flag would add to the realism of the figures. JJD's sculpting is world class and their painting is very good but not in the class of connoisseur figures. First Legion is up there with some of the Russian makers but those prices can be 30 to 50% higher than JJD.
The Saratoga range is really suited for larger scale vignettes and dioramas so cost becomes even more of an issue. I already have over 100 figures to show a realistic assault of the Breymann redoubt which I would not have done with $60 figures.

 

[Larry Allen]

As of yet, I do not have any of the Saratoga Flag sets.

But I do have the War of 1812 ..4 Flag bearers, the two USCH and the two BCH.
I believe they are really well done, but yes maybe a bit flat.

I don't know if the Saratoga flags are removable from the figures hand, but there is an alternative.

There is a company called … THE FLAG DUDE … http://www.flagdude.com
The company is owned by a gent named Rick O'Brian

His 1000's of flags fit 54mm figures and are real cloth, done to perfection.
Just about any era and army. Check them out.

--- LaRRy

 

[Napoleon1er]

I use Flag Dude as well. All the Jenkins flags I have are removable, so I suppose you could replace them with Flag Dude flags.

 

[Terp152]

I use Flag Dude as well. All the Jenkins flags I have are removable, so I suppose you could replace them with Flag Dude flags.

I was also going to recommend Flag Dude. I have several of his ACW flags and they are outstanding. However, when copying his web site link to post here I read he is closing his business and no longer taking orders. Too bad as his products were the most realistic I have found. Chris

 

[Larry Allen]

However, when copying his web site link to post here I read he is closing his business and no longer taking orders. Too bad as his products were the most realistic I have found. Chris

BUMMMER!

I hope that someone fills that void as they were a inexpensive yet positive way to enhance the figure.
I just went there and it looks like this is the last month … :redface2:

It does say that they plan to attend a couple of War Gaming shows so maybe that might be resource.
I know that George goes to 4-5 Gaming shows a year some of which Rich mentioned.

--- LaRRy

 

[Old Bill]

The flags look better in these two shots (to my mind) - pics from the Treefrog Treasures site.

 

[Terp152]

The flags look better in these two shots (to my mind) - pics from the Treefrog Treasures site.View attachment 246687View attachment 246688

Bill, I think the pics confirm they are not realistic looking, IMHO. WB does a much better job with furls and folds, etc. Notice the sewn panels in the example below. FL also articulates a better flag. I do like JJD figs very much, flags could be better. Chris



Here's a FL example.

 

[Running-Buddy]

Bill, I think the pics confirm they are not realistic looking, IMHO. WB does a much better job with furls and folds, etc. Notice the sewn panels in the example below. FL also articulates a better flag. I do like JJD figs very much, flags could be better. Chris
View attachment 246691
View attachment 246692

Here's a FL example.
View attachment 246693

I like the JJ figures but they should not skimp on the Flags even at the need to raise the price. The beauty of the 18th century is that all armies carried their colorful standards in battle. I think they should be the most attractive figure on the table. That is just my opinion.

Howard

 

[nysoldiers]

I like the JJ figures but they should not skimp on the Flags even at the need to raise the price. The beauty of the 18th century is that all armies carried their colorful standards in battle. I think they should be the most attractive figure on the table. That is just my opinion.

Howard

I tend to agree and will mention it to John. Unfortunately it is sometimes up to the factories and what they would charge. JJD's flags for other ranges were more realistic.

 

[Running-Buddy]

I tend to agree and will mention it to John. Unfortunately it is sometimes up to the factories and what they would charge. JJD's flags for other ranges were more realistic.

I have the same opinion on their other ranges. I only noticed on this range how fake they look. Make them more realistic and I for one will pay the price if that is the issue.

Howard

 

[Napoleon1er]

I just spoke with Nick Cameron of Crown Toy Soldiers, and he told me that while Flag Dude will no longer be attending shows, he will co to us making his products and selling them through Crown.

 

[Terp152]

I just spoke with Nick Cameron of Crown Toy Soldiers, and he told me that while Flag Dude will no longer be attending shows, he will co to us making his products and selling them through Crown.

Thanks for the good news. I saw their mention of Flag Dude's products on their web site. Good to know they will still be available. They will make any flag custom to order. Chris
https://www.crowntoysoldiers.com/flag-dude

 

[spartan71]

..Flag Dude is great way!!, After I got the Regimental Flag From George in Minutemen Toys I Bought the kings colours for the 92nd Gordons, through Crown and have been very happy with it.

 

[nysoldiers]

John is going to address this for future releases but for now we can enjoy these colorful additions at competitive prices.
Maybe the Colonials put some starch in their flags!

 

[Blackbob]

Thanks for this info. I have bought 54mm flags from Rick O'Brian in the past, and although he has earned his quiet time, he would have been a hard person to replace re flags. I have added Crown Military Miniatures to my favourites list. Great to see that you can get a flag custom made. Huzza! Many thanks to Crown and Rick and the world of Treefrogers.

 

[Larry Allen]

John is going to address this for future releases but for now we can enjoy these colorful additions at competitive prices.
Maybe the Colonials put some starch in their flags!

I do NOT know the financial considerations that go into the Toy Soldier Design <>Manufacture<> Distribute process.

However, maybe an alternative is for John to continue to design the Flag Bearers with the "normal" flag for a completive price offering and as an option offer a more detailed flag as a replacement …. for an additional cost?

John's figure ID numbers frequently have an "A" or a "B" selection.
So simply make the flag bearer set "A" with the existing type of flag and the "B" version with an enhanced type of flag...:rolleyes2:

Just a thought!

--- LaRRy

 

[Running-Buddy]

I do NOT know the financial considerations that go into the Toy Soldier Design <>Manufacture<> Distribute process.

However, maybe an alternative is for John to continue to design the Flag Bearers with the "normal" flag for a completive price offering and as an option offer a more detailed flag as a replacement …. for an additional cost?

John's figure ID numbers frequently have an "A" or a "B" selection.
So simply make the flag bearer set "A" with the existing type of flag and the "B" version with an enhanced type of flag...:rolleyes2:

Just a thought!

--- LaRRy

The sad part about these flags is that the American Rev. is my favorite period and I was very happy when JJD came out with this range. But I am very disappointed in the Flags and I hope that he redoes the flags to your suggested "B" version and not just stay with what he has offered. I think every collector would choose the upgrade if it was available.

Howard

 

[Larry Allen]

The sad part about these flags is that the American Rev. is my favorite period and I was very happy when JJD came out with this range. But I am very disappointed in the Flags and I hope that he redoes the flags to your suggested "B" version and not just stay with what he has offered. I think every collector would choose the upgrade if it was available.

Howard

Afternoon Howard,

I was excited to hear the John entered the AWI arena as well. {sm4}

Like you, I am a huge AWI collector, but was frustrated when I realized that the K&C AWI series had run a VERY SUCCESSFUL course, but K&C sadly went on to other era's. First Legion offered an astounding set of figures, but weren't compatible with my collection. Collector Showcase was close, but still not quite there, although very nice sets.

I am not disappointed in the JJD flags and I can (somewhat) see John's logic in his design choice.
His AWI figures are 100% the best available (IMO).

However, for me, when I go after a Flag Bearer the critical component is the ..... <wait-for-it> ..... THE FLAG!
When someone looks at a display most people notice the flags first off, generally being colorful and generally leading the troops!

I will add the JJD Saratoga figures and Flags, regardless of the design style, but like you, I will be willing to toss in a few more dollars to get a spectacular flag.

--- LaRRy