Hi Bama ,
I can give you my experience with coming to collect First Legion . I guess we all started in this hobby as youngsters for me it was some flats my Dad gave me and the Britians
he would treat me to and the 1/72 Airfix boxes I would buy with my allowance .I can remember dreaming of buying the British horse guards set by Britians .
I First stumbled on to First Legion when at a show buying Aeroart figures from Mr Thor and Russian figures from Mr Aleksey Dyakov . I was shocked when i picked up one of their Bavarians to find out it was only 34 bucks . I have been hooked ever since as they have continued to improve , buying all the Napoleonic line most of the Stalingrad line and all the Crusaders released so far . Its comparing First Legion with the Russian figures costing upwards of 100 to 140 US that makes First Legion IMO a bargain as First Legion are similar in some respects and better in others . Its also when comparing First Legion with figures that cost less that IMO First Legion also look like a bargain .
I have nothing but respect for what the name Britians stands for and the quality they have brought to this Hobby , and have never had a bad word to speak about them . I always love to look at their displays at shows and always pick up a catalog to take home to enjoy .
I will just say that its a matter of taste and IMO the extra cost of a First Legion figure is more then justified in the return I receive in sculpting and painting . I guess it depends somewhat on if you are accustomed to paying $25.00 or $135.00 as to how you rate whether First Legion are a bargain or not .
Looking at your quotes below I would think your on your way to becoming hooked also
I think your last quote says it all
I have said just about the same things before myself .
"My point is not to say that the figures are not GREAT!!"
" I will be buying more!!!"
"They are very well done."
"They seem to be a step above most any other figure for sure."
"I love that the poses are somewhat different from any other figure."
" They are not a huge variation from other poses, mind you. But subtle differences that make them, STICK OUT. I really, really like the officers. They are my favorite!"
"Maybe that is my problem I am comparing them to Britians instead of the Russian made soldiers."
"Again, they are great figures. Some of the best!! I will be getting more soon!!!"
All the best and Happy collecting Gebhard