First Legion web site. (2 Viewers)

[VIRIATO]

I have been to toy soldier stores but not to any shows. With FL it took me some time to take the leap, but I had an idea of the type of figure from looking at photos either here or at their website and from knowing the Russian style figures which undoubtedly inspired FL. Found an European dealer (Hadrian) and started to buy from him. Here in Europe we have several FL dealers, which I find is very important from an European perspective: smaller shipping costs and no customs, which would be a heavy factor if having to buy these expensive figures from the US.
To me they are now a major player, although I can only wonder how much they are really selling worldwide. I hope to be with them for the long run.

Paulo

 

[Gebhard]

Just been having a bo peep at the web site and what is for offer there.

There are some fine looking items to tempt us for sure. I do think First Legion will become a major player in the future. Still waiting to see them in person but soon for sure. Simmo.

Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Brisbane Australia.
Posts: 818
Default Re: Stalingrad sFH 18 150mm Howitzer Set and German Hauptmann!
Hi I love the painting of First Legion soldiers. I am going to finally see some in person on the weekend as a bloke is coming over to buy some K&C off of me and will bring some WW2 soldiers to show me. . Simmo.

Simmo
You made the above post back on 11/11/10 I'm guessing the bloke you were talking about never showed yet

 

[Simpson & his donkey.]

Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Brisbane Australia.
Posts: 818
Default Re: Stalingrad sFH 18 150mm Howitzer Set and German Hauptmann!
Hi I love the painting of First Legion soldiers. I am going to finally see some in person on the weekend as a bloke is coming over to buy some K&C off of me and will bring some WW2 soldiers to show me. . Simmo.

Simmo
You made the above post back on 11/11/10 I'm guessing the bloke you were talking about never showed yet

Yes you are correct in what you say. He rang and came over from work on a Saturday and didn't bring them. He has rung again about buying some FOV off of me but he lives down the Gold Coast and being so close to Christmas we can't seem to have the same free time as each other. I will post photos of the First Legion figures with my collection when he finally gets here. He is a expat form England so you can't rush these things. Simmo.

 

[Spitfrnd]

Well, My Thought again is, How can a person, Know about First legion??, If they Are not a part of any forum, . It is an untapped Market, That might just lower the prices a bit ( Its like If you are brewing your own beer, and selling it. I will bet you. That if you have only a few dozen ( I know its more in the toy industry) people buying it. It will cost more for each person to get it. but, if you have a little more people buying it then, it costs a little less). another example would be, if you are buying anything, If you see something that you s you like in person, like jewelry. then chances are you will get it.
But if you saw it on TV, Or in the Internet, Will You be Buying it, Or have reservations. If you see something in person, and you like it, then there will hardly be any reservation.

I know they advertise in many modeling and figure magazines for one thing. Many folks who read those never see these forums.

 

[Simpson & his donkey.]

Yes you are correct in what you say. He rang and came over from work on a Saturday and didn't bring them. He has rung again about buying some FOV off of me but he lives down the Gold Coast and being so close to Christmas we can't seem to have the same free time as each other. I will post photos of the First Legion figures with my collection when he finally gets here. He is a expat form England so you can't rush these things. Simmo.

I just phoned him and he is coming over this Saturday. He said he will bring the First Legion soldiers to show me so I will take photos .I am as keen as a kid to touch and look closely at these figures. I have seen some Naps up close but as I don't collect these I really didn't take much notice. Simmo.

 

[Gebhard]

I know they advertise in many modeling and figure magazines for one thing. Many folks who read those never see these forums.

They also advertise on another forum that revolves around the other half of my figure collecting interest pro painted figures and vehicles http://www.planetfigure.com/forums/all_albums.php .
They know their target audience and it seems are reaching them . I just can't understand the need by some to hold it in their hand first before buying a figure . I think most people can recognize the quality of First Legions product from the pictures on their site . If not you would at least think members of a Toy Soldier forum especially this one could due to the Fantastic photo's of Frank , Sotnik , Artmabigor , Rod , Andanna, just to name a few .

Come on guys what happened to the Adventurous spirit of our Australian Allies... Simmo and Wayne I'd be shocked if after buying your First First legion Product you were not 100% satisfied . Regards Gebhard

 

[wds0855]

This is an interesting conversation. I frequent many toy soldier shows and miniature wargamming shows, but just realized I have never seen a First Legion figure for sale at any of them. I am not a FL collector so I do not have any of there figures. I became aware of and admire thier product because of what I have seen in ads in toy soldier magazine and on their website.
I would not consider FL a major player though, because unlike other brands, which I see for sale ALL the time at shops, shows, conventions, I have never seen the FL brand in the "flesh". So I would consider them a more obscure brand that you would not even know existed unless you were already involved in the toy soldier world to a very good extent.

Walt

 

[Fusilier]

They also advertise on another forum that revolves around the other half of my figure collecting interest pro painted figures and vehicles http://www.planetfigure.com/forums/all_albums.php .
They know their target audience and it seems are reaching them . I just can't understand the need by some to hold it in their hand first before buying a figure . I think most people can recognize the quality of First Legions product from the pictures on their site .

A couple of excellent points here my friend. I have seen First Legion figures in a number of magazine ads. In fact when I saw them, my reaction was "What magazine is this?", not "What figures are these?" So they do a lot more advertising than I think most of us realize.

Secondly, I agree the quality of thier products is very obvious. To be sure, when some of us first began purchasing First Legion three years ago, there were not any examples to 'hold in hand'. It was a brand new company then, but the quality of thier figures was so obvious that I bought the whole line of British Guards. I did that based off thier website pics alone. And, needless to say, I haven't regretted it.

Noah

 

[MapleLeaf]

I got into FL by this forum
Never eard of it before that
Never seen on ebay
Browsing this forum came up on FL
Ask some members about it, can't go wrong they said
Well i decided to go for it . One figure won't clear my mind
so i ordered the British artillery set cause the French set was sold out
a grouping would do more justice to appreciate.
AWSOME i coul'n beleive the sculpting and painting
Then arrive the First Guard and Colonel followed by the Highlanders.
They need help so the Prussians and Nassau arrived
Lord Uxbridge and Wellington with Vandeleer came in
Waiting for Highlanders reinforcement with Brunswickers
The Brits and allies are here because of this forum
otherwise i still would'n have a clue about FL
BY THE WAY STILL WAITING FOR BLUCHER

 

[Spitfrnd]

This is an interesting conversation. I frequent many toy soldier shows and miniature wargamming shows, but just realized I have never seen a First Legion figure for sale at any of them. I am not a FL collector so I do not have any of there figures. I became aware of and admire thier product because of what I have seen in ads in toy soldier magazine and on their website.
I would not consider FL a major player though, because unlike other brands, which I see for sale ALL the time at shops, shows, conventions, I have never seen the FL brand in the "flesh". So I would consider them a more obscure brand that you would not even know existed unless you were already involved in the toy soldier world to a very good extent.

Walt

Well like many things I think this one depends on your definition of "major". By total volume or shelf space in the US, they may not be. By quality for the price, there is simply NO DOUBT that they are. Their market also seems to be increasing, which is always a good sign.

IF you wanted to see them first here, there are multiple opportunities thanks to George. I think he does at least a couple of shows near the Phillie area for example and even two up here in the Northland.

 

[Gebhard]

This is an interesting conversation. I frequent many toy soldier shows and miniature wargamming shows, but just realized I have never seen a First Legion figure for sale at any of them. I am not a FL collector so I do not have any of there figures. I became aware of and admire thier product because of what I have seen in ads in toy soldier magazine and on their website.
I would not consider FL a major player though, because unlike other brands, which I see for sale ALL the time at shops, shows, conventions, I have never seen the FL brand in the "flesh". So I would consider them a more obscure brand that you would not even know existed unless you were already involved in the toy soldier world to a very good extent.

Walt

Hi Walt ,
Being a Wargamer and living in PA you must have gone to Historicon , or the Great MFCA Toy Soldier Show in your back yard . Mr George of Minutemen Toy Soldiers has First Legion products in the flesh and he has been at both of these shows in the past . He always has a good selection of First legion figures on hand . Here is a link to his site and shows he attends http://www.mmtoysoldiers.com/shows.html . He is also a big into Wargaming along with Mr Matt one of the owners of First legion or at least he used to be , not sure how much free time he has with all his First Legion duties . All the best Gebhard

 

[Alex]

My 2 cents

I was a little chicken at first when ordering FL figures since I had always been afraid of figures getting damaged during shipping. However early this year I took the plunge.. I'm leaving in Canada by the way.. So I picked up many figures at the same time.. around 1000$ worth... the best 1000$ worth of Toy soldiers I have bought in my life ! And now I'm ordering every 6 to 8 weeks... !

Alex

 

[spartan71]

I would Love them to be More, Again. I have said this before. When I first started in Buying First Legion, They chose to strickly do online/ phone sales. Which is hindering them, from reaching one part of collectors. The Ones that Goes into a store, out of curiosity. And buys out of impulse ( Like what Happened to me), out of seeing something that is so spectacular, that there is no second thought. Right now First legion is relying, strickly in 2 phases of what is out there. You will not know about them not unless. the buyer is part of some forum.
An example I have to give is, I was In the sierra toy soldier store, and was picking up A "snow tiger". Father and son walks in, Father sees something for himself, Bought something for Son. Possible start of a new hobby for both. Instantaneous. How are you going to get that, if you are strickly doing Computer/ phone sales. when people are not aware/ looking for you. Of people finding you, just by chance.

With this great hobby that we have, And thrilled in the figures that we get from FL. But, I for one has decided to really pull back on spending on FL. Items. Any Item I get from any manufacturer, I have always found Joy in acquaring them. And that has been my problem, with me it is the constant and steady acquisition of each item. The constant smile as each item comes.
But it does fade, And have to buy more.
With FL, Not having any dealers, It has become prohibitive, With me it is the steady diet of getting something every 2 to 3 days, But always in small acquisitions,That means paying of $15.00 for shipping every time (And it came to, after a month. That I figured , I could have had 1 or 2 more figures)
with the shipping I payed . (And I am also a person that can not stay away from peeking at what I buy, So the choice of making a large acquisition, and opening it a little at a time, Is not option) The two dealers that I get from, They offer free shipping. So I am just paying Straight up for the items, nothing else ( I also get a $ 25.00 coupon, for every $500.00 I spend). Last month I spent Just under $750.00. By the way the easy eight sherman looks Fabulously great!!.
Which if FL had Dealers, I could have spent some or all of it on them.

 

[Vezzolf]

Well, Well.... image that ...That Said......Some of us prefer "quality over quantity" of acquisitions....Yes you could purchase more of other manufacturers items for less...but the quality of First legion products is MUCH Better.....I and many others have decided instead to "cut back" on other manufacturers products in order to purchase more First Legion....Many on this side of the forum would agree....Very Willing to wait for something better.....and be satisfied with the purchase.

 

[spartan71]

Well, Well.... image that ...That Said......Some of us prefer "quality over quantity" of acquisitions....Yes you could purchase more of other manufacturers items for less...but the quality of First legion products is MUCH Better.....I and many others have decided instead to "cut back" on other manufacturers products in order to purchase more First Legion....Many on this side of the forum would agree....Very Willing to wait for something better.....and be satisfied with the purchase.

I just demand both, tell me that with all the purchases you had, and all the shipping and handling charges that amounts to one or two more pieces, You will not take it. Its never about the money, But what we can get more out of it. would you not take more bang for the buck? By having dealers that offer that free shipping, Matt will make more figures and more profits.
I just wonder with the two companies, CS and FL. one has online and dealers. and the other ones relies on just online/telephone sales ,who made more a profit this year and made their backers happy, Who will have a bigger factory by the end of the year 2011.
If FL does not change, and have dealers. they will get left behind. just because, they are not expanding, to every corner of the market., What other business does not want to cover all parts of the market, when they can.
Matt, may elaborate and prove me wrong, But I like to hear about it.

 

[spartan71]

If given the Choice, of a shipping charge with a manufacturer, or free shipping with a dealer. what does the person choose, Honestly.

 

[Gebhard]

If given the Choice, of a shipping charge with a manufacturer, or free shipping with a dealer. what does the person choose, Honestly.

Honestly That depends on what the dealer has for sale and what you choose to grace your display case with You could offer free shipping on a turd all day long and I'm still not buying I personally would rather eat the 15 bucks and have something nice Thats just my take on it , by the way what are you talking about are we comparing manufactures here Regards Gebhard

 

[Rob]

Sorry for quick diversion of thread guys, but just wanted to wish all you FL collectors a very happy Christmas and a great 2011

All the best

Rob

 

[Vezzolf]

If given the Choice, of a shipping charge with a manufacturer, or free shipping with a dealer. what does the person choose, Honestly.

The "Free" Shipping you are talking about is "NOT FREE"....Don't be naive ......It is built into the price....Those are the facts.....Also there are minimal dollar purchases that must be satisfied to qualify for free ship or a coupon discounts from dealers or manufacturers.....I have not found it not difficult at all to make purchases thru the FL website......no difference in method of ordering and great service....If a dealer network results in nothing more then higher prices for products passed onto consumers; then I'm glad that FL is direct buy...Lastly the FL product lines are simply "fantastic".....I would rather "buy quality" even if it means buying somewhat less.....First Legion is more pricey....But is the BETTER BUY for the money in my book....Simply the BEST toy soldiers out there......www.firstlegionltd.com

 

[Vezzolf]

Sorry for quick diversion of thread guys, but just wanted to wish all you FL collectors a very happy Christmas and a great 2011

All the best

Rob

Thanks Rob, Wishing you also a Blessed Christmas....John 3:16....That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown