First Legion ACW Rebels (1 Viewer)

Rob

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Guys, can anyone give me an opinion on these?. I have seen them online and they look terrific, I've not yet purchased a product from FL and this is the closest I've been, I have a big interest in the subject especially Gettysburg and as a result am so tempted by these figures. Any first hand impressions before I hit London would be most gratefully received.

Rob
 
Guys, can anyone give me an opinion on these?. I have seen them online and they look terrific, I've not yet purchased a product from FL and this is the closest I've been, I have a big interest in the subject especially Gettysburg and as a result am so tempted by these figures. Any first hand impressions before I hit London would be most gratefully received.
Rob
Obviously your best resourse will be those who have bought them and unfortunately I don't collect this period. However in the interim, I can say I saw these in the "metal", as it were, at a recent show and found them easily as nicely posed, sculpted and painted as the Napoleonic or AWI figures, both of which are rather stunning for me. I really don't think you would be disappointed with these if you like the period. Of course, one sure test that you can observe first hand is how many Bob buys.;):D
 
Obviously your best resourse will be those who have bought them and unfortunately I don't collect this period. However in the interim, I can say I saw these in the "metal", as it were, at a recent show and found them easily as nicely posed, sculpted and painted as the Napoleonic or AWI figures, both of which are rather stunning for me. I really don't think you would be disappointed with these if you like the period. Of course, one sure test that you can observe first hand is how many Bob buys.;):D

:D

Then I'll keep an eye over his shoulder Bill, thanks;)

Rob
 
Rob,

I do collect these. In fact I am about to order some 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!

That was the good stuff. Now the not so good. I do think that they are a little overpriced considering how historically accurate and good Britains ACW seem to be. Example; your normal Inf. or Officer of Britains will run you anywhere from $20-32. First Legion will all run you $55. Plus the shipping is very expensive as well.

So what I am saying is this. First Legion is GREAT!!! I will continue to get selective figures. However the price difference compared to Britains, does not show up with the overall "Look" of the figure. I would suggest, unless your loaded, is to do what I did, although I am loaded haha. Get one or two of your favorite poses. I believe, for 2 figs, it will run you about $125.00 or so with shipping. Then compare with your own eye. Then you will know for sure if they are for you. Hope that helps.

Guys, can anyone give me an opinion on these?. I have seen them online and they look terrific, I've not yet purchased a product from FL and this is the closest I've been, I have a big interest in the subject especially Gettysburg and as a result am so tempted by these figures. Any first hand impressions before I hit London would be most gratefully received.

Rob
 
Thanks very much for your reply, it is a big help:)

Rob
 
I think it was actually around $132.00 for the two officers I got. Shipping and all.


Rob,

I do collect these. In fact I am about to order some 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!

That was the good stuff. Now the not so good. I do think that they are a little overpriced considering how historically accurate and good Britains ACW seem to be. Example; your normal Inf. or Officer of Britains will run you anywhere from $20-32. First Legion will all run you $55. Plus the shipping is very expensive as well.

So what I am saying is this. First Legion is GREAT!!! I will continue to get selective figures. However the price difference compared to Britains, does not show up with the overall "Look" of the figure. I would suggest, unless your loaded, is to do what I did, although I am loaded haha. Get one or two of your favorite poses. I believe, for 2 figs, it will run you about $125.00 or so with shipping. Then compare with your own eye. Then you will know for sure if they are for you. Hope that helps.
 
I think it was actually around $132.00 for the two officers I got. Shipping and all.

Thanks again, I think over here the figures come in at around £50 each.

Cheers

Rob
 
Thanks again, I think over here the figures come in at around £50 each.

Cheers

Rob

Rob,

50 GBP is approx AUD$80 per figure, that’s pretty tough no doubt!!! Although, with the Aussie dollar buying USD$101.5, there has never been a better time us to buy these “little guys” (of all makes). It is a great looking range, hefty decision though. Cheers, Alby
 
Rob,

50 GBP is approx AUD$80 per figure, that’s pretty tough no doubt!!! Although, with the Aussie dollar buying USD$101.5, there has never been a better time us to buy these “little guys” (of all makes). It is a great looking range, hefty decision though. Cheers, Alby

Little guys! If by that you mean accurately and proportionally sculpted with delicately fine detailing, then you are absolutely correct. :D:D If you mean "short", then I'm not so sure! They're basically the same size as our Napoleonics I think.

acwsize.jpg


As for the comment comparing them to Britains and value, well, Britains make a nice toy soldier at a very attractive price point. They're W. Britains after all, possibly the most recognized name in toy soldiers in the world. However, based on the simple catalog shots below, it seems pretty evident to us where the extra cost comes from. Whether or not the added sculptural detail and painting quality is worth the extra cost is up to the individual collector. Our figures are not inexpensive relative to toy soldier makers, but they are inexpensive relative to high end russian figures which is typically a better comparison for them. Really, it all depends on what each collector is used to and what they want in their collection. There are no wrong choices, only personal preferences!

flwb.jpg

Please note these are not to scale, just crops of catalog images!

And, for what it's worth, Alby is right - there has never been a better time for Australian collectors to buy figures from the USA, be them First Legion or others. Of course, for you Alby, they'd only be $55 AUD or thereabouts. ;)

Rob, have fun in London. I'll be curious to hear what you think of the figures when you see them in London.

Best,

Matt
 
Not trying to be combative at all. Please forgive me if it sounded so. Please forgive me if what I'm about to say seems combative.

BEING a massive collector for about 20 years, I do think they are somewhat over-priced. AND the question was to collectors of First Legion, not First Legion itself. The entity selling cannot always see what the entity buying may see. Sellers always want to sale. In my business I do the same. For myself, I am constantly asking if what I am selling is worth the price!!

My point is not to say that the figures are not GREAT!! I will be buying more!!! My point is not that they are the same as Britains. In fact, and i quote, "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!"

My point is that I do not think that they are worth more than double of what you can get Britains for. Maybe that is my problem I am comparing them to Britians instead of the Russian made soldiers. After I ordered the figures and I opened the package/box I was expecting to be knocked down by the figure, and frankly that did not happen.

Again, they are great figures. Some of the best!!
But as FL says each individual has to count the cost and make a decision on their own. AGAIN, if FL will let me after this, I will be getting more soon!!!




Little guys! If by that you mean accurately and proportionally sculpted with delicately fine detailing, then you are absolutely correct. :D:D If you mean "short", then I'm not so sure! They're basically the same size as our Napoleonics I think.

acwsize.jpg


As for the comment comparing them to Britains and value, well, Britains make a nice toy soldier at a very attractive price point. They're W. Britains after all, possibly the most recognized name in toy soldiers in the world. However, based on the simple catalog shots below, it seems pretty evident to us where the extra cost comes from. Whether or not the added sculptural detail and painting quality is worth the extra cost is up to the individual collector. Our figures are not inexpensive relative to toy soldier makers, but they are inexpensive relative to high end russian figures which is typically a better comparison for them. Really, it all depends on what each collector is used to and what they want in their collection. There are no wrong choices, only personal preferences!

flwb.jpg

Please note these are not to scale, just crops of catalog images!

And, for what it's worth, Alby is right - there has never been a better time for Australian collectors to buy figures from the USA, be them First Legion or others. Of course, for you Alby, they'd only be $55 AUD or thereabouts. ;)

Rob, have fun in London. I'll be curious to hear what you think of the figures when you see them in London.

Best,

Matt
 
Not trying to be combative at all. Please forgive me if it sounded so. Please forgive me if what I'm about to say seems combative.

BEING a massive collector for about 20 years, I do think they are somewhat over-priced. AND the question was to collectors of First Legion, not First Legion itself. The entity selling cannot always see what the entity buying may see. Sellers always want to sale. In my business I do the same. For myself, I am constantly asking if what I am selling is worth the price!!

My point is not to say that the figures are not GREAT!! I will be buying more!!! My point is not that they are the same as Britains. In fact, and i quote, "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!"

My point is that I do not think that they are worth more than double of what you can get Britains for. Maybe that is my problem I am comparing them to Britians instead of the Russian made soldiers. After I ordered the figures and I opened the package/box I was expecting to be knocked down by the figure, and frankly that did not happen.

Again, they are great figures. Some of the best!! But as FL says each individual has to count the cost and make a decision on their own. AGAIN, if FL will let me after this, I will be getting more soon!!!
I certainly don't take your post as combative mate. It is your money to spend and certainly you need to decide if the differences are worth it to you. I personally like Britains figures and happily enjoy several of their Napleonics. To me, there is a great difference in the NAP poses, painting and sculpting and, from what I have seen, the same is true for these. But then I do compare the FL figures to the Russian figures and am most impressived by what I see. The enjoyment one derives from their collection is what counts though so have you have to find the combination that works for you and if in includes some FL figures I am certain they will be pleased to accomidate you.;)
 
Again, they are great figures. Some of the best!![/B] But as FL says each individual has to count the cost and make a decision on their own. AGAIN, if FL will let me after this, I will be getting more soon!!!

Hi, Bama Boy,

First off, thanks and glad you like the figures. I wasn't reading your comments as combative at all, nor was I trying to be combative in return, so no worries there at all. I think we both agree that decisions like this really do come down to the individual collectors and their preferences. After all, at the end of the day, whether it is a $25 W. Britains figure or $150 true Russian studio figure, they are both just miniature metal statues that are hand painted. How much detail you want on it and how intricate you want the painting to be is how the decision is made to go with the lowest priced or the highest priced or perhaps something in the middle. As I said, and I think all on the forum would agree, there aren't any wrong choices, merely preferences.

And you can buy as many of our figures as you like! :D I'll be curious to hear your thoughts on the next figures you purchase. If you are looking to be "knocked down" by one of them, may i suggest 5, 15, 16, or 19 (my personal favorites!). That being said, as with all of our ranges, while the individual pieces are great, the whole is typically greater than the sum of the parts and where the ACW range really shines is when they are setup together. :D

I too am also curious to hear what other folks who collect the range think. You make a good point, that perhaps I'm too close to it, so I'm going to recuse myself at this point and listen with pad in hand. I may have responded back on value and preferences, but I've also registered your comments as feedback to be contemplated!
 
Little guys! If by that you mean accurately and proportionally sculpted with delicately fine detailing, then you are absolutely correct. :D:D If you mean "short", then I'm not so sure! They're basically the same size as our Napoleonics I think.

And, for what it's worth, Alby is right - there has never been a better time for Australian collectors to buy figures from the USA, be them First Legion or others. Of course, for you Alby, they'd only be $55 AUD or thereabouts. ;)


Matt,

Mate by “little guys”, I was simply & generically referring to miniature solders, the comment was in no way relation to their actual scale size.

By the way, I have also just received my initial “sample” order, which has arrived at home a few days ago. My bride has inspected them to ensure they have arrived safe and sound after their travel (all good news there). I am looking forward to seeing them in person when I return to Australia, next week. :D

Regards,

Alby
 
By the way, I have also just received my initial “sample” order, which has arrived at home a few days ago. My bride has inspected them to ensure they have arrived safe and sound after their travel (all good news there). I am looking forward to seeing them in person when I return to Australia, next week. :D

Hi, Alby,

Please forgive me, I sometimes have a foxhole mentality when it comes to figure size! :D:D

I hope you enjoy the figures. I'll be curious to hear which of the releases you sampled is your favorite.

Have a safe trip home!

Best,

Matt
 
Bama,

I collect a lot of nap figures (and WWII too) and there are many differences between FL figures and other figures made by other manufacturers. I'm at a point in my life where I want the best there is for my money. FOR ME, FL answers that wish. As Matt said, this all comes to personal preferences. For whatever reason in my case, it looks like I can't get satisfied anymore with K&C Nap figures and the like. Even if I could get 3 K&C figures for 1 FL figure, I would chose the FL Nap figure. Same thing for a custom kit painted by a pro even though one 90 mm painted will cost me at least 10 FL figures. That's a choice. But we all have what I will call a psychological price threshold. For me it's around 50$ for a not one of a kind foot figure and 100$ for a mounted one. Sometimes I cheat of course :) Also, I try to buy whenever our canadian dollar is closer to the US dollar. This helps. And I also compare FL figures against each other... Why is this one 10$ more, is it worth it, this mounted one is only 89$.. looks like a steal, etc... I trully 'love' FL Naps and Samurais. I own at least 100 FL figures now and I can say that FL way of doing 54 mm figures really shines in those two periods where the uniforms were so colourful and diverse.

Happy collecting !

Alex
 
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...I'm at a point in my life where I want the best there is for my money. FOR ME, FL answers that wish. As Matt said, this all comes to personal preferences. For whatever reason in my case, it looks like I can't get satisfied anymore with K&C Nap figures and the like. Even if I could get 3 K&C figures for 1 FL figure, I would chose the FL Nap figure. Same thing for a custom kit painted by a pro even though one 90 mm painted will cost me at least 10 FL figures. That's a choice. But we all have what I will call a psychological price threshold. For me it's around 50$ for a foot figure and 100$ for a mounted one. Sometimes I cheat of course......

Alex-
Excellent post. My situation is very nearly a carbon-copy of yours, just replace Naps with AWI.;)

Noah
 
i'm at a point in my life that i want the best there is for my money
Alex , u said it all my freind
And like u FL gives me that
So i pay more but i'm more satisfied
 
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 :D 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
 
Hi, Alby,

Please forgive me, I sometimes have a foxhole mentality when it comes to figure size! :D:D

I hope you enjoy the figures. I'll be curious to hear which of the releases you sampled is your favorite.

Have a safe trip home!

Best,

Matt

Matt,

No problems mate, nothing to forgive … I decided to sample a few your Flagship range, first time I have ventured out of the WWII period. I must say, I actually have quiet an interest in the Civil War period as well. I have been stationed twice in the US over recent years, predominantly Virginia, which gave me great access to numerous battlefields. So I will watch this range with some interest. Good luck with it all.

Cheers

Alby
 
Was just looking at these good ol boys again and have decided I can no longer totally stay away from this range.:eek: I will be picking up four figures just as a little side display as I really don't collect ACW per say. They are just too good to ignore any longer :eek: . Mr Matt , why don't I just get my direct deposit put into your bank account and be done with it all :mad: . Best regards Gebhard
 

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