Hallo (1 Viewer)

[BigEars]

Hallo,
Ive been collecting diecast cars for a lot of years, but I’m bored with them now.I have collected corgi cars because I lieke to drivefast.Ive decided to start coll ecting mo del soldiers instead.Can members onthis forum recomend accompany that makes good models of soldiers and horses?I might be interested in model armoured vehicles as well.Maybe modelaeroplanes too.Its difficult to decide bec ause I see so many marveluos companys on thishere forum.I like D-Day and films about the war.I amBritish.I don’t knoe what flats are so I ticked it in my profile any way.,Where can I but model soldiers in England?

Thank you
BE

 

[theBaron]

Hallo,
Ive been collecting diecast cars for a lot of years, but I’m bored with them now.I have collected corgi cars because I lieke to drivefast.Ive decided to start coll ecting mo del soldiers instead.Can members onthis forum recomend accompany that makes good models of soldiers and horses?I might be interested in model armoured vehicles as well.Maybe modelaeroplanes too.Its difficult to decide bec ause I see so many marveluos companys on thishere forum.I like D-Day and films about the war.I amBritish.I don’t knoe what flats are so I ticked it in my profile any way.,Where can I but model soldiers in England?

Thank you
BE

Wow, I can't wait to see the torrent of replies to these questions!

Welcome to the forum, BigEars!

I'll take the question on flats. Flats are thin, nearly two dimensional figures, most popular in Germany, where they originated. They developed from lead and tin tokens made to be sold to pilgrims at various religious shrines, in the late Middle Ages to early Renaissance. In the late 1700's, toy makers in Germany, notably Hilpert in Nurnberg, began making figures of contemporary subjects, such as Frederick the Great and his army.

Flats were originally made using molds of slate, with the image engraved on each half. Molds are still made this way today, but metal and silicon rubber are also used.

Originally, each maker had his own scale, but eventually some standards established themselves, such as 30mm and 40mm. Today, many collectors and painters prefer larger scales, from 54mm to 100 or 120mm.

Also, there is a huge variety of subjects that were and are still covered, from military to civilian, and from all periods of history, from the Stone Age to the present.

Here endeth the lesson.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Well, Big Ears...some good background there from Brad. If you don't know a lot about collecting model soldiers, my suggestion is before you begin purchasing anything, have a good look about these boards. You will see a lot of displays and many of the various ranges of figures available. This can be a costly hobby, and you will have to limit your focus a bit if you want to be a serious collector (unless you have unlimited space and financial resources). Here are a few things you may want to consider:

1) What scale do I want to collect?
2) Metal or plastic?
3) Glossy or matte finish?
4) What genre? (American Civil War, Napoleonics, WWII, etc)
5) Do I prefer certain manufacturers? (You can see images of figures from most popular manufacturers here.)
6) Do I want to just collect and display individual figures, create shelf displays, or large scale dioramas?

Everyone has his own preferences, but that doesn't mean you can't collect beyond your particular focus. No doubt many contributors here will tell you what their preferences are and why...I am sure many could go on for hours.

My suggestion is: go with your gut...what really gets you excited? Some of these figures are beautifully sculpted and painted. There are kits that you can build and paint yourself, and if you get adventurous, cast some yourself.

Take your time and do a little research. You also want to know what your figures are worth. Some have much better resale value than others; some are a very good investment and will appreciate in value over time. So take care of you figures (AND THE BOXES THEY CAME IN!). I don't recommend altering collector pieces. And if you have a question about a particular range, just ask.

Welcome to the boards and good luck with your new hobby!

-Nicholas

 

[Louis Badolato]

If you want one company that produces men, horses, armored vehicles and airplanes, you only have two choices: King & Country and Figarti. If you want to spend a bit more, and aren't worried about the airplanes, add First Legion.

 

[lancer]

I agree with Louis, but for figures, horses, and vehicles you should also add Collectors Showcase. -- lancer

 

[Spitfrnd]

I would also add that you get what you pay for with these top companies so that spending a little more for First Legion gives you the top quality of sculpting, painting and realism you can find without spending a great deal more for top Russian figures. For aircraft you also have to add Corgi and Hobbymaster and if you are interested in 1/72 scale, quite a few more that you can find at the Flying Mule website.

 

[BigEars]

Thank You all for very advise.I go look at limk agian.
Thank you
BE