Greetings and Introduction (1 Viewer)

[chiefs70]

Hello all-

I am a new collector to the K&C world as I have been most active in diecast aircraft and armor for the last several years but always had an inclination to move into figures. When my younger brother was born he spent the first few months of his life in Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City so my parent's and I spent a lot of time at the facility. I distincly remember the walls of the waiting room being lined with painted toy soldiers which I found fascinating as a 5 year old. One of my brothers doctors would often come out to see me on arrival and give me his box of soldiers to play with as my parents spoke with them and visited my brother. Fortunately, my brother eventually recovered - almost too much as he outgrew me by 3 inches and 35 lbs of muscle! - but the soldiers stuck with me until I decided to scratch my itch. After reading the forum and visiting a few shops I decided to focus on the K&C lines. I am a huge fan of the Napoleonic era and my 6 year old loves knights so the Napoleonic and Crusader series are my main focus for now - I don't know how long I can maintain the discipline, however.

So, now that I have rambled a bit I have a few questions. If any of these are out of line please forgive me and apply the appropriate lashings with the wet noodle. I am quite familiar with the diecast aircraft industry but the figures are a bit different.

1) I have found that prices on figures are consistent across the board. I expect this is due to the popularity but in the diecast world some manufacturers restrict dealers from selling for less. Is this the case when it comes to figures? Just curious.
2) How do you find the collector's club? I have joined the US club and it seems to be a well-organized outfit compared to some other manufacturers but I see the UK club is a bit different. Do any of you have any insight as to your preference?
3) Could someone explain the limited/retired model? In the aircraft world they release X number of models resulting in a limited release. I see the K&C world limit runs via retirement but is there anyway to ascertain if this is consistent number or is it purely related to collector response?

Once again, I apologize for any newbie ignorance. I have enjoyed browsing the forum thus far and am quite impressed not only with your knowledge but your sense of fairness when folks cross the line of good taste and look forward to any contribution I can make in the future.

Eric

 

[SPICK0001]

I am also a newbee, so welcome. I will leave your questions to some of the more experienced members of the forum. There are some pretty intelligent and knowledgeable members who are always willing to help. Not that you would always know it from some of the comments made. Quite an exceptional group though, more like friends than members.

 

[wadepat]

Hi Eric,

Welcome to the Treefrog Forum! I am pleased that you have decided to join the fun and education that occurs here. I think you will soon find many friends who share your passion for toys soldiers.

I will allow some of the other members, who specialize in King and Country figures, answer your questions. While I collect several King and Country lines (Battle of the Bulge, Ancient Egyptians, and Napoleonics), I prefer diversity in my collection. I find much merit in a variety of manufacturers and I collect accordingly.

I could not help but notice your Forum ID (Chiefs70) and your reference to Kansas City. Do you still live in the Kansas City area and is your Forum ID related to an interest in the Kansas City Chiefs Football team? The reason I ask is because I live in Kansas and it would be exciting to connect with another collector in the region.

Again, welcome to the Treefrog Forum. Doubtless you will soon have your questions answered!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[jazzeum]

Eric,

Welcome to the club and I will try to answer your questions.

1) I have found that prices on figures are consistent across the board. I expect this is due to the popularity but in the diecast world some manufacturers restrict dealers from selling for less. Is this the case when it comes to figures? Just curious.

The prices are consistent on current items, that is they do not rise although sometimes people sell current items on ebay, starting an auction at less than its retail value. K & C does not allow dealers to discount current items and Andy Nielson, the co founder of K & C had terminated dealerships for that. The prohibition actually applies to dealers selling retired items as well.

2) How do you find the collector's club? I have joined the US club and it seems to be a well-organized outfit compared to some other manufacturers but I see the UK club is a bit different. Do any of you have any insight as to your preference?

The only collectors club that I'm aware of is through the company web site, www.kingandcountry.com. I don't know too much about the UK club although I'm sure that's fine as K & C UK is run by the Neville family, as fine a bunch of people as you'll ever want to meet.

3) Could someone explain the limited/retired model? In the aircraft world they release X number of models resulting in a limited release. I see the K&C world limit runs via retirement but is there anyway to ascertain if this is consistent number or is it purely related to collector response?

Retired means that Andy, at some point, will decide to no longer produce a particular item and that once current inventories are depleted that's it. This could be due to the fact that he no longer wants to make the item any more, feeling that more than enough has been produced, or that he want to use his available factory space to make different models. K & C produces a few limited editions a year. This means that when it's announced, K & C says they will produce, for example, 1,250 of an item and no more. This year K & C produced two such items: The Assassination of Heydrich and the Tunisian Tiger. All of the Strictly Limited items that have been produced have been WW II but Andy has said that maybe someday he will do Napoleonics.

I hope that answers your questions. As a newbie, there is one site that is indispensible and that is www.toysoldiersusa.com, run by Bill Sager, a King and Country dealer. It's got a wealth of knowledge: pictures of practically K & C item ever produced plus all the old brochures and Collector magazines.

If you want to see photos of a very K & C collection, check out this linkfor photos of Louis Badolato's collection. Louis has almost everything that K & C has ever produced in all the glossy as well as World War II, Streets of Hong Kong and many other ranges, not to mention 60 or so of the older airplanes that K & C once produced, as well as many of the newer ones that K & C started producing again this year.

Please let me know if you need anything else. Again, welcome.

 

[jazzeum]

Also, I don't know if you use a regular dealer. If not, I would highly recommend two, Shannon Reuss, the owner of Treefrog Treasures, one of the top dealers in the world and the host of this forum, and George Guerriero of Minutemen Toy Soldiers. I can get you George's contact information if you wish.

 

[Wraith]

Hi Eric,

Glad you're posting and welcome to the forum. I'll try and answer your quries, as best as I can

1) Yes, you are right on the mark in relation to K&C products. There is a fixed minimum price per item, which dealers sell for. One of the reasons you never see K&C January sales from the dealers (unfortunately). I suspect this is a veeery clever marketing decision by K&C.

2) K&C UK collectors club went down a slightly different route in terms of member benefits. They chose not to go for the collectors figures (already available via the K&C Collectors Club anyway), but choses to include a 5% reduction for all purchases from K&C UK. In addition, each year, they tot up your annual spend with them and award a money off voucher, dependant on how much you've shelled out.

3) Some products are sold as 'SL' or strictly limited pieces. The number for each differs and can range more recently from 500 - 1250 and any number in between. You tend to pay a premium for these sets, but they have invariably got a 'beefed up' set with them.
Other sets are retired at Andy's amusement .
There seems to be a natural shelf life of a few years, after which the guillotine hangs over the piece, and they can be retired at a moments notice. I suspect the decision to retire also takes in to account the popularity of the piece and perhaps even the condition of the mold. I can't be certain, but I'm sure that I was chatting with someone in the know who estimated that the molds were good for say 2000 - 2500 each. More than willing to be shot down on this last piece of info as my memory is not what it...er.....what was I saying again...

Have fun on the forum.
Simon

 

[Wraith]

Well, that's what comes of not being able to type fast enough .
I'm gonna go back and see if my answers match Brads. ish.

 

[chiefs70]

Thanks to all of you for the quick reply. I admit I do have a Conte vignette on order - Erin Go Bragh! - due to my interest in the ACW and Irish heritage so I am certain to branch out more eventually.

Wadepat - I live in Lawrence, KS - home of the Kansas Jayhawks - Rock Chalk Jayhawk! I chose my ID years ago as my first email address since it was the last year my beloved Chiefs won the Super Bowl (a year before I was born no less, ugh). I would love to get together sometime. I have a rather meager collection of figures thus far but it is sure to grow quickly and steadily.

Jazzeum (and Wraith of the slow fingers, lol) - Thank you for the informative reply - it covered my questions very well. I have ordered from Treefrog Treasures but always like to have several outlets to hunt down the items I seek so if you could PM me with the information for Minutement Toy Soldiers it would be appreciated.

Thanks for all of the responses and best wishes in the new year.

Eric

 

[Harrytheheid]

Thanks to all of you for the quick reply. I admit I do have a Conte vignette on order - Erin Go Bragh! - due to my interest in the ACW and Irish heritage so I am certain to branch out more eventually.

Wadepat - I live in Lawrence, KS - home of the Kansas Jayhawks - Rock Chalk Jayhawk! I chose my ID years ago as my first email address since it was the last year my beloved Chiefs won the Super Bowl (a year before I was born no less, ugh). I would love to get together sometime. I have a rather meager collection of figures thus far but it is sure to grow quickly and steadily.

Jazzeum (and Wraith of the slow fingers, lol) - Thank you for the informative reply - it covered my questions very well. I have ordered from Treefrog Treasures but always like to have several outlets to hunt down the items I seek so if you could PM me with the information for Minutement Toy Soldiers it would be appreciated.

Thanks for all of the responses and best wishes in the new year.

Eric

Hi Eric and welcome to the TF forum. I hope you have an enjoyable and informative experience here.
PS. Love the reference to Spinal Tap.
Cheers
H

 

[chiefs70]

Hi Eric and welcome to the TF forum. I hope you have an enjoyable and informative experience here.
PS. Love the reference to Spinal Tap.
Cheers
H

Thanks for the welcome, Harry - or should I say Jimmy Sr.

 

[angus]

Welcome Eric , You will find an incredible bunch on this form and a wealth of information . I am also new to collecting King & Country but the members on this form make make this hobby truly incredible

Regards,

Angus

 

[wadepat]

Thanks to all of you for the quick reply. I admit I do have a Conte vignette on order - Erin Go Bragh! - due to my interest in the ACW and Irish heritage so I am certain to branch out more eventually.

Wadepat - I live in Lawrence, KS - home of the Kansas Jayhawks - Rock Chalk Jayhawk! I chose my ID years ago as my first email address since it was the last year my beloved Chiefs won the Super Bowl (a year before I was born no less, ugh). I would love to get together sometime. I have a rather meager collection of figures thus far but it is sure to grow quickly and steadily.

Jazzeum (and Wraith of the slow fingers, lol) - Thank you for the informative reply - it covered my questions very well. I have ordered from Treefrog Treasures but always like to have several outlets to hunt down the items I seek so if you could PM me with the information for Minutement Toy Soldiers it would be appreciated.

Thanks for all of the responses and best wishes in the new year.

Eric

Hi Eric,

It is a small world! I live just down the turnpike in Emporia. Only an hour and twenty minute drive! I would enjoy getting together in the future.

I have recently moved into a new home and have had a portion of our basement finished into a toy soldier display room. I am just starting to get my figures unpacked and displayed. Perhaps when I have finally filled my curios, you might be interesting in visiting and viewing my collection. In a few days, I will send you a PM (Private Message) with a few more details regarding what I collect. If you are interested, I am sure we can arrange a visit.

In the meantime, enjoy the Forum! Glad to have you aboard!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[Harrytheheid]

Thanks for the welcome, Harry - or should I say Jimmy Sr.

or should I say Jimmy Sr.


Only kiddin'
Cheers
H

 

[chiefs70]

Hi Eric,

It is a small world! I live just down the turnpike in Emporia. Only an hour and twenty minute drive! I would enjoy getting together in the future.

I have recently moved into a new home and have had a portion of our basement finished into a toy soldier display room. I am just starting to get my figures unpacked and displayed. Perhaps when I have finally filled my curios, you might be interesting in visiting and viewing my collection. In a few days, I will send you a PM (Private Message) with a few more details regarding what I collect. If you are interested, I am sure we can arrange a visit.

In the meantime, enjoy the Forum! Glad to have you aboard!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

Well, Pat you live in a nice little burg. In fact, I received my degrees in History, Philosophy and English from ESU and one of my lifelong friends manages your local Office Depot (too bad they don't sell models and figures, lol). As such, I actually hit your AO quite often so we'll have to get together in the near future.

Eric

 

[SPICK0001]

The 2 dealers mentioned are exceptional, you can also check out Sierra Toy Soldiers. I have bought a ton of stuff from them and their service is also excellent plus practically everything they ship is free of shipping costs.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Welcome aboard, Eric. You can't really go wrong with just bout all of the dealers, and you can find their contact information on the K&C website. The only thing I would add to the wealth of information provided so far is that you really should try to get to one or more of the big toy soldier events held each year: The Chicago Show, in Chaumberg, Illinois (September), the London Show (December and June), the West Coaster (first weekend in March) or the New York Symposium (second weekend in March). At these shows you can meet the big personalities that make this hobby so much fun (like Andy and Gordon Nielson of K&C, Rick Wang of Figarti, Gerard Prime of Frontline, Anna and the Honour Bound team, the Nevilles of K&C, UK, our hosts the Reuss', George Guerrero of Minutemen Toy Soldiers, Matt Murphy of the Hobby Bunker, Bill Sager of Sager's Toy Soldiers, Tim Tyler of Troops of Time and John Jenkins of John Jenkins Miniatures, just to name a few. You can also meet your fellow Treefroggers, whom you will shortly come to spend more time chatting with than your immediate family members.

 

[jazzeum]

Eric,

George Guerriero's email is gguerriero@msn.com, his phone number is 508 822 1084 and his website is www.mmtoysoldiers.com

I'm sure all dealers are fine but after dealing with a few when I got started, I just deal with Treefrog, George and Bill Sager. If I had to add anybody else, I would add Tim Tyler, who is a friend as are the above dealers.

 

[binder001]

Hi there,

1) welcome to the forum and to the strange but fun world of K&C collecting.

2) Lawrence, KS? I'm just a few hours north in Nebraska - just outside Lincoln.

3) Retirements and such. One major difference between the diecast aircraft market (at least what I've seen) and the K&C market - few repaints. In the aircraft field it's common for a manufacturer like Gorgi or 21C to invest in tooling for an aircraft model then issue that model in a number of different paint jobs. Andy rarely does that with K&C - he tries to keep each model unique. For instance, there have been several Sherman tanks issued by K&C and I can only think of a couple repaints. For instance the M4A3 105mm howitzer was issued as a US Army item, but did have a limited edition repain in British markings with a new figure.

Have fun with the figure hobby. Don't take us too seriously when we get off on a tangent on the forum - it happens once in a while. You will find this bunch to be an excellent resource. They are good folks.

I also agree with the idea of getting to a show like Chicago (in September). You get to meet the manufactureres, dealers and other forum members. Quite an experience.

Gary Binder

 

[panda1gen]

Welcome, hope you enjoy the forum, and apologise in advance for the 'across the pond' humour at times.

 

[Rob]

Welcome aboard Eric,hope you really enjoy the forum.Theres loads of wonderful people on here happy to help you out in anyway they can.Just keep a firm grip on your credit card when you see the monthly dispatches!

Rob