Hanomag 251 ausf c pictures (2 Viewers)

[The Collectors Showcase]

Absolutely beautiful looking Hanomag, I love the fact that it doesn't have the squeaky clean look, need to be a little dirty to keep it realistic, and the paint job on the soldiers looks to be more on page with K&C soldiers, I know the guys at C.S. get tired of having to respond to or read about being compatable with K&C but most of us WWII guys have put alot of money into K&C products and having another company that we can match them up with is a big plus for us collectors, with that said, will we be getting any American armour from C.S.?? also will we see anymore WWII soldiers on the 1:30 scale?? thanks again to Collectors showcase for some great sets...Sammy

I fully understand the need for our pieces to fit into existing collections.

While I absolutely appreciate why collectors would wish to own KC pieces, I myself tend to see combat through the lense of extreme realism. KC pieces offer a more colorful toy like appeal, rather than an extremely detailed highly realistic product. Its simply a matter of preference: toys vs. military miniatures.

Also its a demographic as well. I find alot of folks that collect our pieces are younger ( 30-60 ) and yearn for that gritty diorama style: highly realistic.

But its true, your very insightful. We have made an effort to pump up the color a bit and scale perfectly with our competitors, so that collectors can fit these new pieces into existing collections with ease. We're also seeing our WWII figure starting to sell through very well now, to us that's a fabulous green light. You'll be seeing an increasingly fast growth of WWII infantry sets, Allied and Axis. In regards to Allied armor, the way our vehicles are now selling its inevitable at this point.

Brian

 

[joesgis]

Wow! All can see say is I'm on it! Thanks for posting the pics, Brian. Yet another superb looking creation; congratulations. The 251's are certain to do very well for you. I'm looking forward to seeing the pics of the unique soldier booster packs as well. Having them jumping from the vehicle is a masterful touch, especially when considering the innovations you described in development of the rigid yet discreet hanger & boot mounting innovation. I love how CS doesn't rest on their laurels and is hell bent on military miniature evolution and redefinition. The latest edition of a disabled vehicle option is really a fun, creative idea. Furthermore, the news of "inevitable" US armor releases is exciting as well. German armor are becoming the dominant force in the man cave; US armor additions are needed to even the playing field! Thanks for all the fun CS is making this wonderful hobby, and at a price less than my first born! Moving parts, implied action in unique poses, finished interiors, etc.... I know I'm going on and on, but I have a passion for the hobby as we all do, and CS, because of their leading edge mentality and product, stokes the enthusiasm big time. Fun stuff Brian!

Joe

 

[Rob]

Absolutely! David and Mark are good friends and fantastic fellows. Im sure you can pre-order from them.

regards,

Brian

Thanks Brian.

Rob

 

[Olly Read]

Well I take my hat off to you Brian that is a nice looking release!

 

[kilted vampire]

I am going to look closely at the Hanomag. I know I am going to add some of the Polish Lancers. What is next?

 

[Firebat]

Brian

I like where Collectors Showcase is going " Extreme Realism ". You have Battle Scene Productions seal of approval. Alex

 

[Mike97]

Come to Daddy ! The winter 251 will go just fine with my CS Winter Tiger and Winter StuG. You keep building 'em like this and I'll keep buying 'em.
Can't wait for more pics.
mike

 

[tdubel]

I fully understand the need for our pieces to fit into existing collections.

While I absolutely appreciate why collectors would wish to own KC pieces, I myself tend to see combat through the lense of extreme realism. KC pieces offer a more colorful toy like appeal, rather than an extremely detailed highly realistic product. Its simply a matter of preference: toys vs. military miniatures.

Also its a demographic as well. I find alot of folks that collect our pieces are younger ( 30-60 ) and yearn for that gritty diorama style: highly realistic.

But its true, your very insightful. We have made an effort to pump up the color a bit and scale perfectly with our competitors, so that collectors can fit these new pieces into existing collections with ease. We're also seeing our WWII figure starting to sell through very well now, to us that's a fabulous green light. You'll be seeing an increasingly fast growth of WWII infantry sets, Allied and Axis. In regards to Allied armor, the way our vehicles are now selling its inevitable at this point.

Brian

I think a lot more goes into it than your points here. I have never quite seen K&C items described as toys, I grew up with Britains, those were toys, all glossies for the most part still have the toy feel. The first realism introduced to toy soldiers on a large factory production scale was the Matte King White figures made out of Hong Kong. Not to give a history lesson here, but that is where it began. Most matte K&C pieces are not toys. Not knocking your efforts, but I think you are making a poor comparsion. I don't find anything toy like about K&C tanks, your statement would also put Conte and Frontline in the same category (as they are same style) and I don't think that's true.

I also think your demographic is off, I see a wide range of ages buying all types of stuff. For instance I am 35, lower end of your graphic, and I spent the most money buying retired Trophy items over the last 6 months.

Bottom line is, people buy/collect for a lot of different reasons and it doesn't all have to do with the product.

I think the perfect miniature to produce is one that lends itself to a diorama, but also something that can stand on its own.

IMO
TD

 

[The Collectors Showcase]

I think a lot more goes into it than your points here. I have never quite seen K&C items described as toys, I grew up with Britains, those were toys, all glossies for the most part still have the toy feel. The first realism introduced to toy soldiers on a large factory production scale was the Matte King White figures made out of Hong Kong. Not to give a history lesson here, but that is where it began. Most matte K&C pieces are not toys. Not knocking your efforts, but I think you are making a poor comparsion. I don't find anything toy like about K&C tanks, your statement would also put Conte and Frontline in the same category (as they are same style) and I don't think that's true.

I also think your demographic is off, I see a wide range of ages buying all types of stuff. For instance I am 35, lower end of your graphic, and I spent the most money buying retired Trophy items over the last 6 months.

Bottom line is, people buy/collect for a lot of different reasons and it doesn't all have to do with the product.

I think the perfect miniature to produce is one that lends itself to a diorama, but also something that can stand on its own.

IMO
TD

We agree to disagree, me sentiments actually are a sort of " parroting " I hear continually at various shows, from ex-KC collectors etc.

I get phone calls on a daily basis from collectors delighted to see crisp concise models. Figures with not only detail but animation as well. We listen and then we execute based on that input. And no one can argue that the divergence between KC pieces and CS is striking. That being said we are getting alot of requests from collectors to brighten our paint a bit so that they can add our pieces seamlessly: this we are doing.

Both address two different markets, however as the younger set ( 30-60 ) gets involved I see a definate body of collectors desiring diorama like pieces and not toys.

No worries! Enjoy your KC pieces , I think they're lovely, not for me but colorful and full of fun! Smiling happy soldiers aren't bad they just don't evoke a very stressful combat situation I prefer to see in the work product, but again your enjoying and that's what its all about at the end of the day.

But make no mistake,There is an evolution, no a revolution! in the hobby happening now, and not just from my company: forward men FORWARD! Over the barricades your liberation is at hand!

Cheers!

Brian

 

[Rob]

I think all companies should stick to what they are doing and avoid bad mouthing the competition it smacks a little of desperation.Let the product speak for itself.So far i think CS have had an interesting journey,firstly they had the 222 and the Marder.Now i am being honest here i really thought these two vehicles were excellent very nicely done and would easily fit in with an existing collection in my view,but i missed out on them.But then the Tigers and the Stugs,sorry but both were let downs for me.Far too prominent Zimmerit (although Brian did say this was a deliberate move)and the Winter Stug looked too 'Minty' for me.Just when i think maybe they've gone off the boil,back they come with the previous armd car,a lovely looking vehicle which looked terrific in AK colours.And now the 251/1 which i think is their best release to date,i know of at least one other collector along with myself who is thinking this will be their first CS purchase.The damaged track is a great idea and will make for some wonderful dio's,can't wait to get one.

Rob

 

[The Collectors Showcase]

I think all companies should stick to what they are doing and avoid bad mouthing the competition it smacks a little of desperation.Let the product speak for itself.So far i think CS have had an interesting journey,firstly they had the 222 and the Marder.Now i am being honest here i really thought these two vehicles were excellent very nicely done and would easily fit in with an existing collection in my view,but i missed out on them.But then the Tigers and the Stugs,sorry but both were let downs for me.Far too prominent Zimmerit (although Brian did say this was a deliberate move)and the Winter Stug looked too 'Minty' for me.Just when i think maybe they've gone off the boil,back they come with the previous armd car,a lovely looking vehicle which looked terrific in AK colours.And now the 251/1 which i think is their best release to date,i know of at least one other collector along with myself who is thinking this will be their first CS purchase.The damaged track is a great idea and will make for some wonderful dio's,can't wait to get one.

Rob

I think a bit more weathering is whats called for on the winter vehicles, such as the Stug. We achieved this with the AB43 and we now increased this a bit with the 251. Its tough, one collector wants one thing one collector another. But I am partial to the " grit " so " grit " it is.

That being said we are delighted at the sales of the vehicles they really are incredible.

But watch out WWII figure sets are about to achieve a new height. We got locked in with our last sets CS00299 CS00300 and the 82nd sets. They are almost sold out and that's a first. So brace yourselves!

Good comments Rob!

best regards,

Brian

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I think all companies should stick to what they are doing and avoid bad mouthing the competition it smacks a little of desperation.Let the product speak for itself.So far i think CS have had an interesting journey,firstly they had the 222 and the Marder.Now i am being honest here i really thought these two vehicles were excellent very nicely done and would easily fit in with an existing collection in my view,but i missed out on them.But then the Tigers and the Stugs,sorry but both were let downs for me.Far too prominent Zimmerit (although Brian did say this was a deliberate move)and the Winter Stug looked too 'Minty' for me.Just when i think maybe they've gone off the boil,back they come with the previous armd car,a lovely looking vehicle which looked terrific in AK colours.And now the 251/1 which i think is their best release to date,i know of at least one other collector along with myself who is thinking this will be their first CS purchase.The damaged track is a great idea and will make for some wonderful dio's,can't wait to get one.

Rob

I have a few of the CS pieces and in my opinion, the two best ones are the AB43 followed by the Marder III. Obviously I have not seen the 251/1 in the flesh, but I hope Rob is right that it will be their best release to date.

Terry

 

[Rob]

I think a bit more weathering is whats called for on the winter vehicles, such as the Stug. We achieved this with the AB43 and we now increased this a bit with the 251. Its tough, one collector wants one thing one collector another. But I am partial to the " grit " so " grit " it is.

That being said we are delighted at the sales of the vehicles they really are incredible.

But watch out WWII figure sets are about to achieve a new height. We got locked in with our last sets CS00299 CS00300 and the 82nd sets. They are almost sold out and that's a first. So brace yourselves!

Good comments Rob!

best regards,

Brian

Hey Brian,

I must say that is very refreshing,to have a producer come on and say we could have done this or maybe that is very much appreciated.I wish you all the best with your forthcoming figures and if i can persuade the wife i need all three 251's i'm there!(but i'll settle for a Normandy version )

Rob

 

[tdubel]

We agree to disagree, me sentiments actually are a sort of " parroting " I hear continually at various shows, from ex-KC collectors etc.

I get phone calls on a daily basis from collectors delighted to see crisp concise models. Figures with not only detail but animation as well. We listen and then we execute based on that input. And no one can argue that the divergence between KC pieces and CS is striking. That being said we are getting alot of requests from collectors to brighten our paint a bit so that they can add our pieces seamlessly: this we are doing.

Both address two different markets, however as the younger set ( 30-60 ) gets involved I see a definate body of collectors desiring diorama like pieces and not toys.

No worries! Enjoy your KC pieces , I think they're lovely, not for me but colorful and full of fun! Smiling happy soldiers aren't bad they just don't evoke a very stressful combat situation I prefer to see in the work product, but again your enjoying and that's what its all about at the end of the day.

But make no mistake,There is an evolution, no a revolution! in the hobby happening now, and not just from my company: forward men FORWARD! Over the barricades your liberation is at hand!

Cheers!

Brian

Brian,
I think your focus is too much on K&C. While I have a large collection, I have an even bigger collection of other stuff including Figarti, Frontline, Conte, Britains, Trophy, Tradition, Marlborough, Ducal, Dorset, Kingcast, Northeastern Miniatures, CS (yes you) Civil War and 88 Gun, and the premier collection in the country of Reeves (if I do say so myself). Point being I like a lot of stuff, I just think your characterization of K&C is a little off, my opinion.

Go with what you are doing if its working, that is great for you.

As for revolution, not sure we are there yet, I love Figartis (realistic, museum vehicles), but Rick only makes about 100 to 150 pieces of each. You are making 300 of each, how many do you think K&C makes and sells? Britains? I think the industry as a whole is getting better, which is good for all, but a revolution, every manufacturer is making good stuff.

TD

 

[The Collectors Showcase]

Brian,
I think your focus is too much on K&C. While I have a large collection, I have an even bigger collection of other stuff including Figarti, Frontline, Conte, Britains, Trophy, Tradition, Marlborough, Ducal, Dorset, Kingcast, Northeastern Miniatures, CS (yes you) Civil War and 88 Gun, and the premier collection in the country of Reeves (if I do say so myself). Point being I like a lot of stuff, I just think your characterization of K&C is a little off, my opinion.

Go with what you are doing if its working, that is great for you.

As for revolution, not sure we are there yet, I love Figartis (realistic, museum vehicles), but Rick only makes about 100 to 150 pieces of each. You are making 300 of each, how many do you think K&C makes and sells? Britains? I think the industry as a whole is getting better, which is good for all, but a revolution, every manufacturer is making good stuff.

TD

No doubt!

Cheers Tom!

 

[sceic2]

Brian,
I think your focus is too much on K&C. While I have a large collection, I have an even bigger collection of other stuff including Figarti, Frontline, Conte, Britains, Trophy, Tradition, Marlborough, Ducal, Dorset, Kingcast, Northeastern Miniatures, CS (yes you) Civil War and 88 Gun, and the premier collection in the country of Reeves (if I do say so myself). Point being I like a lot of stuff, I just think your characterization of K&C is a little off, my opinion.

Go with what you are doing if its working, that is great for you.

As for revolution, not sure we are there yet, I love Figartis (realistic, museum vehicles), but Rick only makes about 100 to 150 pieces of each. You are making 300 of each, how many do you think K&C makes and sells? Britains? I think the industry as a whole is getting better, which is good for all, but a revolution, every manufacturer is making good stuff.

TD

Like you Tom, I too collect a wide variety of eras and companies and not all n matte. IMO, even with the loss of vechicles resulting from the closure of New Model Army (who knows what level they were going to achieve) and Honour Bound's inability to produce them in the Argentine economy, I believe that we are still in the "Golden Age" of vehicle collecting. And not so much a revolution.

K&C is still the standard and the first I look to purchase whenever the lastest releases are available. Figarti is just off my scale when it comes to tanks. CS is moving rapidly into a position of equality with both.

Now about those CS 251/1's in panzer grey?????????

 

[johngambale]

CS/Brain! "GO for Broke" Make it ALL! MARDER II---SDKFZ-232-8-WHEEL ARMORED CAR---ELEPHANT---PUMA ARMNORED CAR---NASHORN---JADGTIGER----PANTER---KING TIGER II---PANZER I-II-II-, AND IV!! ( How Sweet It Is )!

 

[maddadicus]

I think all companies should stick to what they are doing and avoid bad mouthing the competition it smacks a little of desperation.Let the product speak for itself.So far i think CS have had an interesting journey,firstly they had the 222 and the Marder.Now i am being honest here i really thought these two vehicles were excellent very nicely done and would easily fit in with an existing collection in my view,but i missed out on them.But then the Tigers and the Stugs,sorry but both were let downs for me.Far too prominent Zimmerit (although Brian did say this was a deliberate move)and the Winter Stug looked too 'Minty' for me.Just when i think maybe they've gone off the boil,back they come with the previous armd car,a lovely looking vehicle which looked terrific in AK colours.And now the 251/1 which i think is their best release to date,i know of at least one other collector along with myself who is thinking this will be their first CS purchase.The damaged track is a great idea and will make for some wonderful dio's,can't wait to get one.Rob

If you have not picked up that DAK armored car yet, run, do not walk to buy it. Fantastic piece, scaled to match up with K/C's pieces..I did upscale the paint on my CS commander to match the K/C color palette, but other than that, a must have item, for any Africa corp fan....Michael

 

[maddadicus]

Dear Brian, like a number of collectors, my stuff is only 20% K/C, 45% matte, 55% glossy...But having said that, as good as any vehicle from any mfg. might look as a stand alone, I will pass on it ,if the paint scheme or scale is not K/C like..I just love my CS Tiger ( dumping my K/C one ) and the Autoblinda armored car. The color was brightened up ,in both cases, making the purchase that much easier. I would have bought another armored car in a camo scheme, but did not like my choices. I would have liked a Stug, but again the camo schemes were not my first or second choices..The figures will always seem too un K/C like for me, but I am more of a vehicle guy, prone to sell off my excess footsloggers anyway..Keep up the good work and am anxious to see the camo for the new releases.......Michael

 

[The Collectors Showcase]

Dear Brian, like a number of collectors, my stuff is only 20% K/C, 45% matte, 55% glossy...But having said that, as good as any vehicle from any mfg. might look as a stand alone, I will pass on it ,if the paint scheme or scale is not K/C like..I just love my CS Tiger ( dumping my K/C one ) and the Autoblinda armored car. The color was brightened up ,in both cases, making the purchase that much easier. I would have bought another armored car in a camo scheme, but did not like my choices. I would have liked a Stug, but again the camo schemes were not my first or second choices..The figures will always seem too un K/C like for me, but I am more of a vehicle guy, prone to sell off my excess footsloggers anyway..Keep up the good work and am anxious to see the camo for the new releases.......Michael

Cheers to Maddadicus: Huzzah!!! Huzzah!!! Huzzah!!!