Gloss Figures (1 Viewer)

[WBritain]

The first two new History of the British Army figures arrived today. Which brings up an interesting question. How do American collectors feel about a History of the American Army in Gloss? Any other ideas or feedback concerning gloss figures?

 

[fishead19690]

I think that gloss figures are something that the older collectors are into from what i see the new collectors and the future are in matt finish. Maybe you could make them in both matt and gloss and let the sales numbers speack for themselfs. I myself think the more lifelike and realistic the figures are the more i like them but, the older guys don,t seem to care as munch about detail. So the question is I guess what are your target buyers the new younger buyers and the future or the older buyers that have been with britains for years??? You could also do both styles and keep everyone happy also. But i guess that the final sales will give you your answers.

 

[vandilay]

Hi
I like both styles to be honest,Some of the nicest sets i,ve seen are gloss
they have a certain charm i suppose you would say.
For WW 2 and newer i prefer matte for the realism ,variety is the spice of life as they say.

 

[REVWARBUFF]

I prefer the matte figures over gloss any day. They are more life-like and the detail can be better appreciated.

Mark

 

[jazzeum]

I prefer matte over gloss. However, I have some pre 2000 King and Country figures in gloss and I like them too. So call me wishy washy

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi All,

I think the pre WWII should be in Gloss and WWII to now would be more suited for matte unless you are doing dress uniforms. But most of my collection is glossy I guess it sort of depends on the soldier and era it is depicting.

Dave

 

[wellington]

Matte For Me As Well The More Realistic The Better!!!!!!! BRAD IF YOU ARE THAT WISHY WASHY THEN PERHAPS ANDY CAN START DOING WW2 IN GLOSSY......



Cheers
Wellington

 

[jrsteel]

I think people who collect Britains glossy figures want the British Army. The uniforms are so different and colorful. American uniforms have always been extremely dull and I don't think they would look as good. I hope the new glossy British Army figures do well. It does seem there is a new breed of collector who is into WW2 European Theater and all of the weapons and gear that goes with that. It seems to me they're toy soldier buying is only an extension of that interest. They're not really into toy soldiers and the history of toy soldiers and all of the different types of figures out there. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, it's just the way it strikes me. Sometimes I worry the only figures to be produced in the future will be matte WW2 Europe figures.

 

[maddadicus]

My ACW are glossy marching sets ( Edmunds and Trophy ) My WW1 are all glossy...........WW2 matte, Napoleonics matte. I believe my tastes were formed by the mfg. that I liked to collect as opposed to specific finish per historical period.... Michael

 

[OzDigger]

Imo all figures should be matt finish irrespective of the period as it is more true to life. Early toy soldiers were made glossy to appeal to children, they weren't meant to be collected by adults. Therefore they had a shiny toy like appearance and of course lacked the detail of todays figures. They are attractive as collectable toys representing a past era and that's it imo.

Military uniforms in early times such as the Napoleonic and Victoriam era were not as bright (glossy) as some may think because uniforms were made in large numbers as cheaply as possible. For example the dye often ran and it's said that most of the red jacketed British soldiers soon ended up with faded red jackets and pink stained white trousers. On top of that you had battle field grime and smoke as well as limited washing facilites. So all those lines of glossy red or blue coated figures in displays represent an ideal not reality. You may as well sell them all now guys and beat the rush

 

[jazzeum]

JR may keel over when he sees this but I think glossy should continue to be made. Matte doesn't appeal to everybody and I can understand his collecting interests. If we all collected the same thing or were all the same thing that would be pretty boring.

 

[BlackHat]

For lack of any specific reason, other than tradition, I tend to prefer glossy finish for British colonial soldiers and matte for my American troops. Why draw the line at WWII? Almost all of my Rev War and ACW figures are matte.

On the other hand, an interesting point has been raised. Namely, what are you intending to portray? Soldiers in regulation uniform on dress parade, or soldiers in the field? Glossy could work for the former, but the latter definately should be matte.

 

[jomartvr]

I would purchase the Soldiers of the British Army series if they were painted in matt. Gloss is nice but looks dated and unrealistic.
Benjamin

 

[sceic2]

Matte, my kingdom for Matte. Michael

 

[Leadmen]

I prefer both styles. I would like to see more glossy figures like the Sudan-1880's and other campaigns and crew weapons. I like the matte in Rev War and WWll and military miniatures. Yes glossy has an ideal and tradition so I don't think I will get out my brown, grey or mud colors just to be more "realistic". I will save that for dioramas and Dragon model figures. I like both styles and depends on my mood when I see something I like. Sometimes I go weeks walking by basement cabinets full of drab tanks and olive drab figures. I see cabinets with colorfull Britains foot, Cavalry and other glossy Napoleonics and find them pleasing to look at. Hard shot to call for me. J

 

[OzDigger]

If we all collected the same thing or were all the same thing that would be pretty boring.

Oh no, so I'll have to put up with more painted aircraft canopies and cab windows

 

[OzDigger]

On the other hand, an interesting point has been raised. Namely, what are you intending to portray? Soldiers in regulation uniform on dress parade, or soldiers in the field? Glossy could work for the former, but the latter definately should be matte.

Ok, that seems a reasonable agreement, lets sign the contract, where are those lawyers when you need em

 

[Eazy]

I really like matte for WW2. The detail is fantastic which really adds realism

I now have some glossy Zulu war figures and I like those a lot too. They seem very traditional, shiny and attractive.

There's definitely a place for both just like there's a place for different scales.

 

[jrsteel]

Obviously for WW2, figures should be matte. I like the WW2 matte figures also. I'm going to start collecting K&C British 8th Army and the Britains new WW1. Just for certain periods gloss looks better to me . Especially Napoleonics. I think gloss represents the pomp and paegentry of that era better. When I look at my matte Britains Napoleonics and then look at my Imperial Napoleoncs, the Imperial figures just stand out more. I think all figures whether matte or gloss are nostalgic and represent an era that is past.

 

[OzDigger]

I was just checking my only parade ground figure (so far) being a flag carrying SS guy (LAH-27). It has a matt black uniform and glossy helmet and boots. I feel all over glossy products will keep dwindling as the more realistic matt and sometimes part glossy figures continue to improve on their strong position. The main reason being that few new collectors are interested in traditional glossy figures.