Had a long chat with Len today (1 Viewer)

[Iron Brigade]

Dear Gary,

You were very lucky to have had the opportunity to visit Len Taylor in his workshop in Penarth, Wales in the mid 1990s.

If you had taken the photos of your visit using a digital camera, I could try post these memorable shots on the forum for you.

Thanks for your input about the Trophy name.

Best Wishes, Raymond.

Dear Raymond:

Thank you for your reply back to me. Yes, it was a splendid trip to Wales on a nice Summer day on July 12, 1995 and we enjoyed our visit with the "Old Welsh Wizzard" Len Taylor very much. I am at least pretty sure my input on how Trophy Miniatures got it's name after Len was in business full time at least is correct.

Best regards,

Gary

 

[Iron Brigade]

Dear Gary,

You were very lucky to have had the opportunity to visit Len Taylor in his workshop in Penarth, Wales in the mid 1990s.

If you had taken the photos of your visit using a digital camera, I could try post these memorable shots on the forum for you.

Thanks for your input about the Trophy name.

Best Wishes, Raymond.

Dear Raymond:

Just another note about when "Trophy" got started. I believe it was in 1972/1973 period under name of "Harlach" and then with "Trophy by 1976 when he really got going on a full time basis.

Cheers!

Gary

 

[Iron Brigade]

Hi Martyn,

Thanks for the answer about the coloured dots on the bases.

I guess only Len would know the who's who of the colour code system.

Len did ask a question which I have no clue as to the answer ie how the name Trophy came to be ?

Maybe the next chat ?

Raymond.

Dear Raymond and others regarding how the name "Trophy" got started:

Just for clarification I dug out my Decemeber 2007 issue of Toy Soldier & Model Figure magazine which had a 6 page article entitled "TRIBUTE TO TROPHY" by Jim Hillestad the well known dealer from Creco, PA USA area. In addition to many photos and general summary of Jim Hillestad's relationship with Len Taylor there was a Q&A section at the end. The first question was "How did the name of Trophy come to be"? Per Len Taylor's answer it was noted that his figures (and Mike John his partner/sculpter) back in early 1970's were sold in small numbers under the name "Harlech Models". But then they were informed by an UK dealer that the name Harlech was registered to him! So they looked for another name. Per Len Taylor while talking & drinking tea with his partner Mike John, Len looked up at his toy soldier cabinet & saw all the trophy cups he had won at toy soldier shows over the years. And per Len: " Not seriously, I said to Mike, 'Trophy Miniatures' - every one a winner. Mike kisssed me and that was it!" So that is how and about when "Trophy Miniatures Wales, Ltd" got it's name.

Best regards, Gary / "Iron Brigade"

 

[W T Allison II]

Dear Raymond and others regarding how the name "Trophy" got started:

Just for clarification I dug out my Decemeber 2007 issue of Toy Soldier & Model Figure magazine which had a 6 page article entitled "TRIBUTE TO TROPHY" by Jim Hillestad the well known dealer from Creco, PA USA area. In addition to many photos and general summary of Jim Hillestad's relationship with Len Taylor there was a Q&A section at the end. The first question was "How did the name of Trophy come to be"? Per Len Taylor's answer it was noted that his figures (and Mike John his partner/sculpter) back in early 1970's were sold in small numbers under the name "Harlech Models". But then they were informed by an UK dealer that the name Harlech was registered to him! So they looked for another name. Per Len Taylor while talking & drinking tea with his partner Mike John, Len looked up at his toy soldier cabinet & saw all the trophy cups he had won at toy soldier shows over the years. And per Len: " Not seriously, I said to Mike, 'Trophy Miniatures' - every one a winner. Mike kisssed me and that was it!" So that is how and about when "Trophy Miniatures Wales, Ltd" got it's name.

Best regards, Gary / "Iron Brigade"

What was his first toy soldier figure?

 

[Iron Brigade]

What was his first toy soldier figure?

Dear "W T Allison II":

My review of the 6 page article on Trophy Miniatures in TS&MF magazine of December 2007 did not say just what was the first figure made by Len Taylor under the name Harlech Models or Trophy Miniatures. However, my review of the article disclosed again that Len Taylor started making his figures commercially in 1972. Apparently his production of model figure kits was his "forte". One of the earliest of these was a mounted Polish winged hussar. You would have to ask Len taylor for more exact information as to what was his very first figure or set sold under the "Harlech Models" in 1972 or a little later with the change to "Trophy Miniatures". I do not know the exact date that "Trophy Miniatures" became the brand name, but I would assume that it was circa 1975 or 1976. Some splendid questions for Len Taylor to reply back to!
Best regards, Gary M. / "Iron Brigade"

 

[W T Allison II]

Dear "W T Allison II":

My review of the 6 page article on Trophy Miniatures in TS&MF magazine of December 2007 did not say just what was the first figure made by Len Taylor under the name Harlech Models or Trophy Miniatures. However, my review of the article disclosed again that Len Taylor started making his figures commercially in 1972. Apparently his production of model figure kits was his "forte". One of the earliest of these was a mounted Polish winged hussar. You would have to ask Len taylor for more exact information as to what was his very first figure or set sold under the "Harlech Models" in 1972 or a little later with the change to "Trophy Miniatures". I do not know the exact date that "Trophy Miniatures" became the brand name, but I would assume that it was circa 1975 or 1976. Some splendid questions for Len Taylor to reply back to!
Best regards, Gary M. / "Iron Brigade"

Hi Gary: When Len was about to sell out, he sent me an order and included a figure and the notation that it was his first figure(not the original of course). It is an Afgan chieftain with a telescope in his right hand, a sword in his left hand and a rifle slung across his back with cartridge belts crisscrossed on his chest, complete with robe, coat and turban. His left foot is on a rock. Colors vary on other figures I have seen.

 

[Iron Brigade]

Hi Gary: When Len was about to sell out, he sent me an order and included a figure and the notation that it was his first figure(not the original of course). It is an Afgan chieftain with a telescope in his right hand, a sword in his left hand and a rifle slung across his back with cartridge belts crisscrossed on his chest, complete with robe, coat and turban. His left foot is on a rock. Colors vary on other figures I have seen.

Dear "W T Allison":

Thanks for reply back. Yes, I remember seeing sets from Trophy's Afgan War series. I believe the British Army was represented by the 59th Infantry Regiment. I mainly purchased Trophy Zulu War & Sudan War sets back in 1990's. I sold off all my Trophy Sudan War sets in 2005 to 2007. But I still have "tons" of Trophy Zulu War sets.

I have not seen any comments made by Len Taylor for some months now on The Forum. I hope he is doing well health wise!

Best regards, Gary M / "Iron Brigade"

 

[W T Allison II]

Dear "W T Allison":

Thanks for reply back. Yes, I remember seeing sets from Trophy's Afgan War series. I believe the British Army was represented by the 59th Infantry Regiment. I mainly purchased Trophy Zulu War & Sudan War sets back in 1990's. I sold off all my Trophy Sudan War sets in 2005 to 2007. But I still have "tons" of Trophy Zulu War sets.

I have not seen any comments made by Len Taylor for some months now on The Forum. I hope he is doing well health wise!

Best regards, Gary M / "Iron Brigade"

Dear Gary: I actually had a long chat with Len today. He has been slow to recover from his second knee replacement but is doing much better. I know he will appreciate your interest and concern. Warmest regards, Tommy

 

[GICOP]

Dear "W T Allison":

Thanks for reply back. Yes, I remember seeing sets from Trophy's Afgan War series. I believe the British Army was represented by the 59th Infantry Regiment. I mainly purchased Trophy Zulu War & Sudan War sets back in 1990's. I sold off all my Trophy Sudan War sets in 2005 to 2007. But I still have "tons" of Trophy Zulu War sets.

I have not seen any comments made by Len Taylor for some months now on The Forum. I hope he is doing well health wise!
Best regards, Gary M / "Iron Brigade"

Hi Iron Brigade

I spoke to Len last Thursday and he is well and steadily getting his strength back after his operation.

Cheers

Martyn

 

[Iron Brigade]

Dear Gary: I actually had a long chat with Len today. He has been slow to recover from his second knee replacement but is doing much better. I know he will appreciate your interest and concern. Warmest regards, Tommy

Dear Tommy:

Please pass on my warm regards to Len Taylor!

Sincerely, Gary of Wisconsin, USA

 

[W T Allison II]

Dear Tommy:

Please pass on my warm regards to Len Taylor!

Sincerely, Gary of Wisconsin, USA

Dear Gary: I will do so. He is very excited and appreciative of everyone's interest in Trophy. Best regards, Tommy