Controversial Idea (1 Viewer)

[Old Guard]

I have noticed on the latest posting from New Model Army that they are planning on issuing the German 232 Armored car with 400 summer camouflage, 400 winter and 200 desert. Now this post is not here to open the debate on NMA vs. King and Country. What I would like is input from people if this idea would be something K&C should consider.

I for one can see pros and cons for Andy to consider this. On one hand as a collector of World War II Desert War I would love to pick up some more vehicles. By having vehicles done this way that served in multiple theaters of the war it would speed up when I could acquire a few things I want.

On the other hand by using the same sculpture for all three theaters I think you would lose some authenticity. My understanding is during WWII troops of all side modified their vehicles based on were they were serving. So a Sherman tank in Tunisia would look and be slightly different from one serving at Bastogne.

I am sure there are other things I have over looked but I would welcome all comments and suggestions. Of course at the end of the day I always realize that K&C has to make money, so if this idea does not make business séance it is dead in the water.

Thanks,
Old Guard

 

[OzDigger]

I recall seeing that post and I was suprised that a manufacturer would reveal that much information. It's good for collectors to know what is coming but I feel it would affect sales of the earlier pieces as many people would hold off until the more limited desert camo came out. It's in our 'collecting' nature to buy a piece made in lower numbers irrespective of if we intend to resell it or not, especially if it is made by K & C. I feel the New Model Army people are less interested in the idea of producing limited editions for the sake of promoting sales and maybe us collectors will buy the early stuff just because we like it. I guess we'll have to wait and see how sales go. And considering the different uniforms and equipment (soldier and vehicle) used in each theatre I would imagine some variations other than just the color would be expected.

I doubt very much if K & C would ever let us know how many recolors/reissues they intend to do on a vehicle, and you can't really blame them for that considering the competitive industry they are in. Much of their success is based on their low production numbers together with a mix of secrecy and surpises, and they would be foolish to change much there.

 

[gk5717]

Oz made a good point about releasing the number of vehicles being produced. After I read of the limited number of desert scheme NMA will release, I immediately contacted my dealer and pre ordered one, while holding off on the others.
I personally like the fact that NMA is telling it,s custmers of the limited numbers.
I also would not mind if K&C would release some of it,s vehicles and artillary pieces in different color schemes, however I would prefer that the figures be different.
Gary

 

[The New Model Army]

Oz made a good point about releasing the number of vehicles being produced. After I read of the limited number of desert scheme NMA will release, I immediately contacted my dealer and pre ordered one, while holding off on the others.
I personally like the fact that NMA is telling it,s custmers of the limited numbers.
I also would not mind if K&C would release some of it,s vehicles and artillary pieces in different color schemes, however I would prefer that the figures be different.
Gary

I won't hog the spot as I feel this is Andys part of the forum but as the threads posted referred to NMA I thought maybe people would like to hear why we did what we did. SS3 (desert) was released in a batch of 200 purely to test the market (in all honesty we were'nt sure if anybody apart from John Gambale would buy a desert version of the 232!!). However as the 232 (desert) has virtually sold out on preorders from dealers already (I know it's no big deal as there were only 200 made) then I will say i am pleased with the result. For those of you who collect the desert series, you will be very pleased with your model as there is something about those vehicles in that colour scheme that have a very real attraction, but it's all down to personal preference (I actually prefer the summer version). We certainly don't plan to flood the market and I am looking at ways to limit production and keep our products exclusive for the future. I am sure Andy will agree that trying to get a vehicle and crew to fit all 3 scenarios is very difficult from a historical and accuracy point of view. We certainly will not be releasing any more desert vehicles for the next 4 releases as logistically and historically it has proved a nightmare which is why we are behind schedule. However it's been a fun learning curve and I have to admit this must be one of the best jobs in the world
All the best Blake

 

[Njja]

As I have stated eariler I think limiting production numbers on releases would

stimulate the marketplace. Long runs like we are currently seeing on some

releases with thousands of items produced can only diminish market value.

Njja

 

[sceic2]

As I have stated eariler I think limiting production numbers on releases would stimulate the marketplace. Long runs like we are currently seeing on some releases with thousands of items produced can only diminish market value. Njja

I agree, especially since this is a new product line from a new company.

It makes sense to me that NMA should use a marketing method of limiting a product's production run to create an artificial demand for the product. This limiting of the available product will cause a conversation among collectors and make every one feel an overwhelming desire to purchase the product before it is gone. After all, who knows the future value of NMA AFV's, especially the first series and with a limited production run this creates that demand.

Call it an experiment if you will, but it is a wise way to begin an image for a company among a size-limited sales market. Toy soldier collectors must be one of the smaller collector markets and therefore the competition must be first rate for limited sales dollars. A few collectors equal’s a large market share. Compared to say sodas where a market share is made up of many tens of thousands of consumers.

Michael