Figarti 2015 Overview (2 Viewers)

[katana]

Katana,

Are the three things you mentioned what you consider happened to Figarti? I never saw the quality decline. I have a lot of Figarti from inception to the last things they released Tiger I and Panthers. Everything remained at a high quality and detail.

Their prices were always relatively stable for standard releases (the shock and awe were different so, I don't include them) I cannot answer if sales went down but, they only really had to have one or two hundred collectors to please. Its not many really and I am not certain how we can see a drop in sales with such small relese numbers[/QUOTE ]

I must respectfully disagree. I have several Figarti pieces that I regard highly; but all of them have problems with quality and/or accuracy.

My T34-85 came with several parts missing. they were not in the box, so they were never installed at the factory. Rick Wang sent me replacement parts.

My Jagdpanzer is disproportionate. A Jagdpanzer is 6'1" high or 1859mm. 62mm at 1/30 scale would be the correct height; it measures 68mm high, too high by 6mm or .240 inch. 60mm figures are too small in relation. Very dissappointing in a $200.00 model.

My Panther G has a deck height of only 60mm; too low! A 60mm figure should stand lower than the deck. The paint is not the same quality and color shown in the advertising photos.

My comment on sales is based upon a quantity of their last releases i.e. M26, KV-1, SU-85, SU-100 and repaints of JS-2, T34-85 and ISU-152 on Ebay for the last two years from multiple sellers. Several years ago these would have sold off in 6 months; unless a lot more than 100 pieces per model are being made! I am sure the world ecconomy since 2008 has not encouraged a lot of collectors to invest in $200.00+ models. I was intending to purchase the last Panzer IV Figarti made with Panzer Lehr markings; but the cost had risen from $200.00 to 250.00; a 25% increase over the prior version. I have far better models that cost half as much!

I like Figarti products even with the defects and inaccuracies and every Toy Soldier manufacturer has problems with products; but three for three is a pretty bad record IMO.

 

[uksubs]

Katana,

Are the three things you mentioned what you consider happened to Figarti? I never saw the quality decline. I have a lot of Figarti from inception to the last things they released Tiger I and Panthers. Everything remained at a high quality and detail.

Their prices were always relatively stable for standard releases (the shock and awe were different so, I don't include them) I cannot answer if sales went down but, they only really had to have one or two hundred collectors to please. Its not many really and I am not certain how we can see a drop in sales with such small relese numbers[/QUOTE ]

I must respectfully disagree. I have several Figarti pieces that I regard highly; but all of them have problems with quality and/or accuracy.

My T34-85 came with several parts missing. they were not in the box, so they were never installed at the factory. Rick Wang sent me replacement parts.

My Jagdpanzer is disproportionate. A Jagdpanzer is 6'1" high or 1859mm. 62mm at 1/30 scale would be the correct height; it measures 68mm high, too high by 6mm or .240 inch. 60mm figures are too small in relation. Very dissappointing in a $200.00 model.

My Panther G has a deck height of only 60mm; too low! A 60mm figure should stand lower than the deck. The paint is not the same quality and color shown in the advertising photos.

My comment on sales is based upon a quantity of their last releases i.e. M26, KV-1, SU-85, SU-100 and repaints of JS-2, T34-85 and ISU-152 on Ebay for the last two years from multiple sellers. Several years ago these would have sold off in 6 months; unless a lot more than 100 pieces per model are being made! I am sure the world ecconomy since 2008 has not encouraged a lot of collectors to invest in $200.00+ models. I was intending to purchase the last Panzer IV Figarti made with Panzer Lehr markings; but the cost had risen from $200.00 to 250.00; a 25% increase over the prior version. I have far better models that cost half as much!

I like Figarti products even with the defects and inaccuracies and every Toy Soldier manufacturer has problems with products; but three for three is a pretty bad record IMO.

Funny the general opinion on figarti Panther is it best version made to date and maybe that the reason why you can't buy one at the moment !doubt your find a better
Panzer IV for $200.00 as the hobby in general has got more expensive across the board and do wonder why you Keep having a dig at figarti at every opportunity!?

 

[Baymax]

Katana,

Are the three things you mentioned what you consider happened to Figarti? I never saw the quality decline. I have a lot of Figarti from inception to the last things they released Tiger I and Panthers. Everything remained at a high quality and detail.

Their prices were always relatively stable for standard releases (the shock and awe were different so, I don't include them) I cannot answer if sales went down but, they only really had to have one or two hundred collectors to please. Its not many really and I am not certain how we can see a drop in sales with such small relese numbers[/QUOTE ]

I must respectfully disagree. I have several Figarti pieces that I regard highly; but all of them have problems with quality and/or accuracy.

My T34-85 came with several parts missing. they were not in the box, so they were never installed at the factory. Rick Wang sent me replacement parts.

My Jagdpanzer is disproportionate. A Jagdpanzer is 6'1" high or 1859mm. 62mm at 1/30 scale would be the correct height; it measures 68mm high, too high by 6mm or .240 inch. 60mm figures are too small in relation. Very dissappointing in a $200.00 model.

My Panther G has a deck height of only 60mm; too low! A 60mm figure should stand lower than the deck. The paint is not the same quality and color shown in the advertising photos.

My comment on sales is based upon a quantity of their last releases i.e. M26, KV-1, SU-85, SU-100 and repaints of JS-2, T34-85 and ISU-152 on Ebay for the last two years from multiple sellers. Several years ago these would have sold off in 6 months; unless a lot more than 100 pieces per model are being made! I am sure the world ecconomy since 2008 has not encouraged a lot of collectors to invest in $200.00+ models. I was intending to purchase the last Panzer IV Figarti made with Panzer Lehr markings; but the cost had risen from $200.00 to 250.00; a 25% increase over the prior version. I have far better models that cost half as much!

I like Figarti products even with the defects and inaccuracies and every Toy Soldier manufacturer has problems with products; but three for three is a pretty bad record IMO.

Katana,

I think we seem to be on different pages when it comes to detail. Missing parts/broken parts factory or transit damage are completely different to the intrinsic detail you need to have the tank, truck aircraft classed as highly detailed.

Deck height also is unimportant because you don't calculate that by looking at the model on a shelf. To be classed as detailed and correct you use your eyes to see it has the equipment in the correct place the right amount of exhausts gun, barrel, mg's, hatches. They should be where they should be in replicating a real tank.

Figarti seem to have consistently produced accurate models over the years. I am not sure on numbers of releases but, it seems they have been pretty consistent in releases

compile a table for all manufacturers on these points and non would do well

 

[OzDigger]

The earlier photo of the Panther reminded me of a Winter New Model Army product, which was of course a factory paint job. Opinions vary and It's good you are happy with the repaint.

We have pretty drastically different definitions of what type of paint jobs/weathering look realistic then. I wish more factory paint jobs were done this "poorly", it would save me a lot of money! :salute::

 

[katana]

Katana,

I think we seem to be on different pages when it comes to detail. Missing parts/broken parts factory or transit damage are completely different to the intrinsic detail you need to have the tank, truck aircraft classed as highly detailed.

Deck height also is unimportant because you don't calculate that by looking at the model on a shelf. To be classed as detailed and correct you use your eyes to see it has the equipment in the correct place the right amount of exhausts gun, barrel, mg's, hatches. They should be where they should be in replicating a real tank.

Figarti seem to have consistently produced accurate models over the years. I am not sure on numbers of releases but, it seems they have been pretty consistent in releases

compile a table for all manufacturers on these points and non would do well

Errors in the proportions and scale of a model become apparent when the model is displayed with figures. A too low or too high deck make the display look unrealistic. When I purchase a 21st Century or FOV model for $50.00 I am not concerned by minor errors. When I spend $200.00+ for a model I expect the model to be accurate in details, colors, proportions and size. Also I expect to have all the bits and pieces attached where they are supposed to be and not left at the factory or rattling around in the box. If these basic conditions are not met the model goes back to the company and I look elsewhere for models. My problems with Figarti models are minor compared with problems with other companies products; but they are problems none the less and need to be corrected.

 

[Baymax]

Errors in the proportions and scale of a model become apparent when the model is displayed with figures. A too low or too high deck make the display look unrealistic. When I purchase a 21st Century or FOV model for $50.00 I am not concerned by minor errors. When I spend $200.00+ for a model I expect the model to be accurate in details, colors, proportions and size. Also I expect to have all the bits and pieces attached where they are supposed to be and not left at the factory or rattling around in the box. If these basic conditions are not met the model goes back to the company and I look elsewhere for models. My problems with Figarti models are minor compared with problems with other companies products; but they are problems none the less and need to be corrected.

I would want all the parts on a £50 model to be in place never mind a higher priced item.

 

[Vezzolf]

Most Figarti AFV's have been VERY GOOD:salute::....Correct 1:30th scale and for the most part very detailed.:salute::....The Figarti Winter Tiger (with the kill rings) and the Desert Tiger are the best Tigers ever made so far in this hobby and they were fairly priced under $275.......I have them both{sm4}.....and there cannon/ artillery pieces are second to none.

 

[uksubs]

My problems with Figarti models are minor compared with problems with other companies products; but they are problems none the less and need to be corrected.

If the hobby so bad why do you still collect them as To be honest all your post are on the negative side of the hobby , as for figarti why are worried as like you told us before they not made anything new for two years ^&confuse

 

[katana]

If the hobby so bad why do you still collect them as To be honest all your post are on the negative side of the hobby , as for figarti why are worried as like you told us before they not made anything new for two years ^&confuse

Neil; all things can be improved, nothing is perfect. I have said in the past that the Figarti Panther G is the best Polystone Panther to date; excelling the venerated Honor Bound Panther A. I did not say it was without faults! I am not the only collector to voice disappointment with the colors and finish on the Figarti Panther G. A better Polystone Panther may be made in future, absent the defects of the Figarti Panther. Until a better model is produced I have my Figarti and Honor Bound Panthers side by side on the same shelf. I constructivly criticize so that future products will be improved. Also not all my posts are negative, many are positive. I have praised the quality of the new W. Britains Fallschirmjager, The Thomas Gunn Hetzer, The Collectors Showcase Jagdpanther, Stug III, and The Figarti T34-85, Jagdpanzer IV, and Panther G!

My biggest complaint with Toy Soldier manufacturers is not quality; but false advertising i.e. not the right size, not the right color, etc. The manufacturer says one thing and what you receive is entirely different; a 60mm figure is 68mm and will not be compatable with the Armor model you wanted to display it with. Photos of products are deceptive and many collectors have no local shops to view the products first hand. The only option is to return the item for a refund or credit and eat the return costs.

The higher cost of Toy Soldiers places greater demand on manufacturers to provide quality products that meet the criteria that they advertise! Product photo should not be a photoshopped artists prototype; but a photo of a typical production product.

 

[Jack]

If Figarti is in fact doing a Conte and is not long for this world, I wonder what they did 'wrong' and whether holding them up as an example to be emulated serves a valuable purpose. If their vehicles are indeed the best examples around, and many people seem to agree that at the very least they are among the best, the company's demise, impending demise, rumoured demise or hiatus, would seem to suggest that, on the whole, something has indeed gone wrong, at least in a business sense. Was their 'fair price' unsustainable, was the quality exaggerated or not enough to tempt an alteration in buying patterns, were the majority of collectors unaware of what the company offered, were the shortcomings in their figures a killer, were people just not interested in what they were doing ... If I was a maker I would use the example of Figarti to ask what went wrong rather than using them as a template for my decisions. There are many ways, I am sure, to judge a company and their product. Some concentrate on scale, others paint jobs, others compatibility within and between ranges. One measure of a company's success is surely the question of whether they are still in business, regardless of the family context.

 

[Gebhard]

We have pretty drastically different definitions of what type of paint jobs/weathering look realistic then. I wish more factory paint jobs were done this "poorly", it would save me a lot of money! :salute::



Brad,

The Panther in question is supposed to be 1. SS-Pz.Div. LAH in early '45 around the Lake Balaton area (although there will be a GD winter Panther coming in the near future). The picture below of a Das Reich Panther in the same area was inspiration. Here's also another pic of it next to a Tiger.

Those are really nice :salute:::salute:::salute:::salute:::salute:::salute::

 

[Gebhard]

Yes, HR had Mitch repaint it based on historical photographs. I can't remember if it is supposed to be Grossdeutschland in East Prussia in the winter of '45 or another unit. I think it is the GD.

Supposed to look beaten up and been through hell. So, I think it is a great paint job of worn whitewash, but I prefer that look over factory fresh. As you can tell by how I had Alex (Firebat) redo my Figarti Tigers to be the remnants of GD Tiger Battalion during the same period:

Very impressive collection, also really nicely done :salute:::salute:::salute::

 

[OzDigger]

Make the most of your Figarti toys boys, you won't be seeing many more.

 

[waynepoo]

If Figarti is in fact doing a Conte and is not long for this world, I wonder what they did 'wrong' and whether holding them up as an example to be emulated serves a valuable purpose. If their vehicles are indeed the best examples around, and many people seem to agree that at the very least they are among the best, the company's demise, impending demise, rumoured demise or hiatus, would seem to suggest that, on the whole, something has indeed gone wrong, at least in a business sense. Was their 'fair price' unsustainable, was the quality exaggerated or not enough to tempt an alteration in buying patterns, were the majority of collectors unaware of what the company offered, were the shortcomings in their figures a killer, were people just not interested in what they were doing ... If I was a maker I would use the example of Figarti to ask what went wrong rather than using them as a template for my decisions. There are many ways, I am sure, to judge a company and their product. Some concentrate on scale, others paint jobs, others compatibility within and between ranges. One measure of a company's success is surely the question of whether they are still in business, regardless of the family context.

Probably the best post about this whole Figarti saga, nails it for me a least.

 

[Hunter Rose]

If Figarti is in fact doing a Conte and is not long for this world, I wonder what they did 'wrong' and whether holding them up as an example to be emulated serves a valuable purpose. If their vehicles are indeed the best examples around, and many people seem to agree that at the very least they are among the best, the company's demise, impending demise, rumoured demise or hiatus, would seem to suggest that, on the whole, something has indeed gone wrong, at least in a business sense. Was their 'fair price' unsustainable, was the quality exaggerated or not enough to tempt an alteration in buying patterns, were the majority of collectors unaware of what the company offered, were the shortcomings in their figures a killer, were people just not interested in what they were doing ... If I was a maker I would use the example of Figarti to ask what went wrong rather than using them as a template for my decisions. There are many ways, I am sure, to judge a company and their product. Some concentrate on scale, others paint jobs, others compatibility within and between ranges. One measure of a company's success is surely the question of whether they are still in business, regardless of the family context.

Probably the best post about this whole Figarti saga, nails it for me a least.


Do you guys even read the posts on these Figarti threads? You act like Figarti was some struggling business that just couldn't make it in this hobby. Their tanks and planes sold just fine.

Figarti is in it's current state because Rick Wang, who really ran Figarti as a hobby, simply moved on. Pretty simple.

See Carlos' detailed previous post#75.

Be careful with your conclusions, You weren't there...

Rick Wang’s father had a heart attack some time ago and during his recovery took an keen interest in toy soldiers. Fortunately, his father made a full recovery and a few years later Rick decided to exit out of the business but not without making a huge impact in the hobby. Remember “Shock Awe” debuts at Chicago and Westcoster Toy Soldier Shows. Those models (German e-boat, K5 Leopold Rail Gun, LCT, HMS Victory and more) will never be done again.

If he wanted to compete with King & Country the toy soldier world may have looked differently today. He liked poking fun at Andy Neilson (King & Country) at the shows but the truth was, he liked Andy.

Figarti was a very small part of the Wang’s business empire in China and was only meant to be a hobby. Therefore a couple of years ago he sold Figarti to their master modeler for an extremely modest sum of money.

Rick thanks for the memories!!!!

Carlos

 

[jazzeum]

Do you guys even read the posts on these Figarti threads? You act like Figarti was some struggling business that just couldn't make it in this hobby. Their tanks and planes sold just fine.

Figarti is in it's current state because Rick Wang, who really ran Figarti as a hobby, simply moved on. Pretty simple.

See Carlos' detailed previous post#75.

Exactly. When Rick was active in the business, Figarti, in its later years, was not a money losing business; Rick told me this.

Figarti was so much Rick and his father that it couldn't survive without them; Rick is a dynamic leader.

It really helps if you know what you're talking about before posting.

 

[katana]

Whatever the cause of Figarti's current situation; it is regrettable and a great potential loss to the hobby. Figarti will be fondly remembered as is Honor Bound and their products will be respected, for their quality and innovation; both now and in the future.

21st Century Toys followed a similar path; innovation, expansion, overextension and finally oblivion. As in life, so in business; everything has its cycle of birth and death. A new company will arise to take its place and perhaps even exceed Figarti's accomplishments.

 

[Jack]

There is actually a little bit more in my post than some seem to acknowledge. I wonder if people read it all the way to the end. It was not, I believe, a criticism of Figarti but an opening comment about the way people see the 'Figarti situation' as a teachable moment and as something that other manufacturers can emulate. A shame no one really engaged with that. I think it is interesting and is actually quite different from a 'Figarti - do we love them or not' discussion. I did add that the issue of their survival was beyond just who lost interest. That was an opinion. I am sorry for the aggravation I have caused for those whose currency is confined to universal truths.

 

[uksubs]

Probably the best post about this whole Figarti saga, nails it for me a least.


Do you guys even read the posts on these Figarti threads? You act like Figarti was some struggling business that just couldn't make it in this hobby. Their tanks and planes sold just fine.

Figarti is in it's current state because Rick Wang, who really ran Figarti as a hobby, simply moved on. Pretty simple.

See Carlos' detailed previous post#75.

Well said :salute::

 

[uksubs]

Exactly. When Rick was active in the business, Figarti, in its later years, was not a money losing business; Rick told me this.

Figarti was so much Rick and his father that it couldn't survive without them; Rick is a dynamic leader.

It really helps if you know what you're talking about before posting.

Well said :salute::