Has wbritains lost its way (3 Viewers)

[zulucollector]

What has happened with wbritains in the past year.... I just got my summer,fall and winter brochures all at the same time at my local dealer this weekend. I have listed my thoughts below and tried to keep a balanced approach as I collect only AZW and Nile series so don't hate me ACW collectors lol

Going way over the top on ACW in 2013 and basically letting all the other series get delayed or rightsized has annoyed many loyal customers and dealers

The recently released brochures seem to have a lot of the previously released figures in them.

Extended delays are becoming the norms. For example in my sphere of interest only 2 of the 12 AZW sets and none of the Nile sets in the summer catalogue have been released todate.

Feast or famine. You often get a ton of items in at once and than wait months for the next batch

Stock outs of non retired items even recently released items has become an increasing occurrence based on their website.

Increasing number of limited edition sets which tells me limited production runs are becoming a sign of the times including selling out before they reach the market (not sure it is demand but lower production runs plus the time to market has increased)

Communication - remember when wbritains would have sneak previews or answered questions on the tree frog forum similar to what Andy does for K&C. (BTW don't always agree with his views but definitely appreciate them plus his sense of humour)

Quality - I believe the recent pope and goodwin set per my earlier email looks under-sized relative to other pieces

New Collector club figs - not going to debate as it is subjective to what each collectors collects

While I give them credit they have kept their prices in check unlike most of the other TS companies, some of their recent releases have been the most creative in years and they handled the Modelzone issue well and even found a new exclusive dealer for that series but not sure they offset what has been happening overall in my opinion.

 

[jomartvr]

What has happened with wbritains in the past year.... I just got my summer,fall and winter brochures all at the same time at my local dealer this weekend. I have listed my thoughts below and tried to keep a balanced approach as I collect only AZW and Nile series so don't hate me ACW collectors lol

Going way over the top on ACW in 2013 and basically letting all the other series get delayed or rightsized has annoyed many loyal customers and dealers

The recently released brochures seem to have a lot of the previously released figures in them.

Extended delays are becoming the norms. For example in my sphere of interest only 2 of the 12 AZW sets and none of the Nile sets in the summer catalogue have been released todate.

Feast or famine. You often get a ton of items in at once and than wait months for the next batch

Stock outs of non retired items even recently released items has become an increasing occurrence based on their website.


Increasing number of limited edition sets which tells me limited production runs are becoming a sign of the times including selling out before they reach the market (not sure it is demand but lower production runs plus the time to market has increased)

Communication - remember when wbritains would have sneak previews or answered questions on the tree frog forum similar to what Andy does for K&C. (BTW don't always agree with his views but definitely appreciate them plus his sense of humour)

Quality - I believe the recent pope and goodwin set per my earlier email looks under-sized relative to other pieces

New Collector club figs - not going to debate as it is subjective to what each collectors collects

While I give them credit they have kept their prices in check unlike most of the other TS companies, some of their recent releases have been the most creative in years and they handled the Modelzone issue well and even found a new exclusive dealer for that series but not sure they offset what has been happening overall in my opinion.

I have to agree. I collected the Nile range and the two new sets are disappointing. Frankly the camel corp figure thrusting a rifle with one arm (set 27057) looks totally unrealistic. Yeah perhaps it might have happened but it does not look right to me. Frankly, I have moved on to Gunn's FFL range which I really enjoy, and the sets are what I consider to be limited editions.

 

[Rob]

Purely from my own experience I'd have to say no. I only collect WW1 and ACW but am more than pleased with the products. Yes there may be a wait sometimes for releases but they are always worth the wait. I have never purchased a WW2 release but am being very much tested by their new RAF observation post.

Rob

 

[thebritfarmer]

I have so far been happy with the Zuu releases. However the projected date of release and the actual release has never been the same. The feast or famine of releases does bug me and it makes it hard to budget. I believe Richard was working to address this when he was in command.
Regards to the ACW it was a key anniversary so I understand the push on that series.


As for the collectors club I realize they have to switch up the figures to attract new collectors.

 

[Gazza]

I collect the AZW range and am increasingly frustrated with W Britains for the following reasons:

(1) No AZW figure this year for Collectors Club and this is a flagship range !!! Talk of AZW exclusives to come does not wash with me, so I have not renewed my membership.

(2) Delays in production. Whilst some advance warning of new releases enables one to budget I ordered "Stuck" British 24th Foot Private and Zulu Hand-to-Hand Set in May 2013 !!! It has been delayed again and again and now looks like March. After several years of this when are they going to get this right?

(3) Some of the recent releases are poor. The Hobby Bunker exclusive Brothers in Arms - Hand-to-Hand Set, the arm just does not look right. I saw some of the new Zulu releases in December and thought they looked poor and not to the standard of the early releases.

(4) I disagree about the Modelzone exclusive – Down but not out – as they were retaining all the profit W Britains made a nice tidy sum on this. As it was only for Collectors Club members (are we not the loyal customers?) they chose to gouge us again with rip off P&P (UK only I accept)

Consequently, seeing the quality vary, slow releases and lack of customer focus I have also put my WW1 purchases on hold.

In today’s toy soldier market there is plenty of choice and my W Britains purchases have scaled back significantly.

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Guys,

I would laugh out loud if it wouldn't make all the ACW and Zulu War collectors go ape on me. But bear with me because I am an Indian Army/Raj/Durbar collector and I have had nothing to pick from for a very long time but I am also a guy who has been collecting for a long time and I can change my spots a little so I am also into the Nile Series and when they are being produced Crimean War figures. So guys if you think not having a Zulu War figure represented in the Collectors Club offerings is bad imagine how it is for a lot of other guys who don't even get a figure a year from their favorite maker. I will say that I am getting the WWI Club Figure just because its nice looking and I can use it some where. If WBritain's would hit India the Raj or the Crimean via the Collectors Club I would be sitting pretty but it will likely be a long time before they revisit any of these areas. As for the delays I am not sure what they can do to fix it but I am sure they are trying. I know Ken has been over to China to work some of these issues so give him a little time and lets see what transpires.

Dave

 

[Rob]

Hi Guys,

I would laugh out loud if it wouldn't make all the ACW and Zulu War collectors go ape on me. But bear with me because I am an Indian Army/Raj/Durbar collector and I have had nothing to pick from for a very long time but I am also a guy who has been collecting for a long time and I can change my spots a little so I am also into the Nile Series and when they are being produced Crimean War figures. So guys if you think not having a Zulu War figure represented in the Collectors Club offerings is bad imagine how it is for a lot of other guys who don't even get a figure a year from their favorite maker. I will say that I am getting the WWI Club Figure just because its nice looking and I can use it some where. If WBritain's would hit India the Raj or the Crimean via the Collectors Club I would be sitting pretty but it will likely be a long time before they revisit any of these areas. As for the delays I am not sure what they can do to fix it but I am sure they are trying. I know Ken has been over to China to work some of these issues so give him a little time and lets see what transpires.

Dave

Well said mate, sometimes a little patience is needed, Britian's produce an excellent product on the whole and well worth waiting for on occasion.

Rob

 

[jazzeum]

I'm not a Britains collector per se (although I do have a few pieces and may be interested in their WW I offerings) so you can take what I say with a grain of salt. Whenever there is a transition in leadership in a company, any company, it takes time to get things going the way you want them to be heading (not to mention budgeting, forecasting, etc., all the things that come with running a business), so I think we should give Ken and his team a chance.

Brad

 

[thebritfarmer]

I collect the AZW range and am increasingly frustrated with W Britains for the following reasons:

(1) No AZW figure this year for Collectors Club and this is a flagship range !!! Talk of AZW exclusives to come does not wash with me, so I have not renewed my membership.

(2) Delays in production. Whilst some advance warning of new releases enables one to budget I ordered "Stuck" British 24th Foot Private and Zulu Hand-to-Hand Set in May 2013 !!! It has been delayed again and again and now looks like March. After several years of this when are they going to get this right?

(3) Some of the recent releases are poor. The Hobby Bunker exclusive Brothers in Arms - Hand-to-Hand Set, the arm just does not look right. I saw some of the new Zulu releases in December and thought they looked poor and not to the standard of the early releases.

(4) I disagree about the Modelzone exclusive – Down but not out – as they were retaining all the profit W Britains made a nice tidy sum on this. As it was only for Collectors Club members (are we not the loyal customers?) they chose to gouge us again with rip off P&P (UK only I accept)

Consequently, seeing the quality vary, slow releases and lack of customer focus I have also put my WW1 purchases on hold.

In today’s toy soldier market there is plenty of choice and my W Britains purchases have scaled back significantly.

Had to look for this, you mean Sierra Toy Soldiers? I agree the arm does look odd!

 

[The Breaker]

After collecting the Ral Partha 25mm Colonial line years ago and not having any real Matte 54mm I was delighted to see the Zulu War and the War Along the Nile lines.
Britains has put out a ton of Zulu War figures and a good number of War Along the Nile figures. Iam happy to have the figures available so I personally don't fret over a few months delay.
As for the size of the "Back to Back set the figure in the scarlet jacket is a bit smaller than previous figures. I will add that the face sculpts on the Younghusband charging set are superb.

With the exception of some of the delays I think Richard did a great job moving the line along with his choices of units and poses. I also think we are in good hands with Ken Osen. Just have to give him a chance.

And Ken....how about some dismounted or mounted Natal Native Horse!

 

[camel corps]

I collect War along the Nile, Zulu War and have recently started with WW1 ,delays can be disappointing but it helps me catch up with buying the older sets . and I have strayed into buying Thomas Gunn FFL whilst waiting for the delayed Zulus
I hope there will be lots of new sets and some surprises in the spring catalogue

Kev,

 

[jomartvr]

I realize that there's a transition in the leadership of Britain's, however, I believe that Richard Walker was more in front of the situation than Ken. This just my impression, right or wrong.

After collecting the Ral Partha 25mm Colonial line years ago and not having any real Matte 54mm I was delighted to see the Zulu War and the War Along the Nile lines.
Britains has put out a ton of Zulu War figures and a good number of War Along the Nile figures. Iam happy to have the figures available so I personally don't fret over a few months delay.
As for the size of the "Back to Back set the figure in the scarlet jacket is a bit smaller than previous figures. I will add that the face sculpts on the Younghusband charging set are superb.

With the exception of some of the delays I think Richard did a great job moving the line along with his choices of units and poses. I also think we are in good hands with Ken Osen. Just have to give him a chance.

And Ken....how about some dismounted or mounted Natal Native Horse!

 

[Jack]

I really like WBritains and am currently collecting WW1 and AZW. The delays suit me because I collect other makers as well and this gives me time to catch up on their product. That is not good for WB but it suits me.

One thing I will say is that though I love the figures, if I were to make a criticism, it would be that the gulf between their best figures and their ... let's say their least best rather than bad figures ... is a touch wider than some other manufacturers. Comparisons between manufacturers are fraught at the best of times, but I do find that most of the other major players are more consistent in their quality. That is not to say they are better, just what you get is generally what you always get. One of my figures in the AZW range - and I have in excess of 75 - is the worst figure in my cabinet. I would add, however, that I am very happy with the other 70 odd, love the range, believe that they are worth every cent that I paid, but there you have it. I saw the figure in the flesh, bought it anyway because he was a personality figures, but I look at him rather fondly as I would a three legged dog. One 'off' figure across that number is good going, but I wonder what other people think.

I will repeat, however, I am a fan of their product just as much as the other makers I collect. It is merely an observation and the comparison with other makers is only in the one issue that I have identified rather than intended to be part of a 'who is best' discussion.

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

I am a big fan of WB. I only collect the Civil War range, and have almost every release since the matte figures were introduced in the late 90's. I can't even imagine being in Ken's shoes right now. Being the creative director plus the lead sculptor two big jobs on their own. Then add all the other responsibilities he inherited.

Now there are always a few places for improvement in any company.

I agree with the feast or famine scenario. I don't like it. If the releases hit the streets closer to when they are announced to, this would lessen the pain. Especially with limited editions. Maybe the expected release dates should be more realistic so the dates don't have to constantly changed. Example "The Death of Cushing" Artillery set. Its almost the 151 anniversary of Gettysburg ! It annoys me when the release date is changed to something like "Now expected early in 2014" King & Country has no problem getting releases out when they say they will be.

Why no ACW 2014 collectors club figure ? I haven't seen one announced yet.

My biggest fear is that Ken is overworked, and others start sculpting the new figures. Like what happened when Ken went to Conte. The non Ken figures were crap. It's like when Captain Kirk is made an Admiral and he should have stayed a Captain all along.

I do feel that Britain's picked the best man for the job. I am looking forward to seeing that first new catalog.

 

[thebritfarmer]

I really like WBritains and am currently collecting WW1 and AZW. The delays suit me because I collect other makers as well and this gives me time to catch up on their product. That is not good for WB but it suits me.

One thing I will say is that though I love the figures, if I were to make a criticism, it would be that the gulf between their best figures and their ... let's say their least best rather than bad figures ... is a touch wider than some other manufacturers. Comparisons between manufacturers are fraught at the best of times, but I do find that most of the other major players are more consistent in their quality. That is not to say they are better, just what you get is generally what you always get. One of my figures in the AZW range - and I have in excess of 75 - is the worst figure in my cabinet. I would add, however, that I am very happy with the other 70 odd, love the range, believe that they are worth every cent that I paid, but there you have it. I saw the figure in the flesh, bought it anyway because he was a personality figures, but I look at him rather fondly as I would a three legged dog. One 'off' figure across that number is good going, but I wonder what other people think.

I will repeat, however, I am a fan of their product just as much as the other makers I collect. It is merely an observation and the comparison with other makers is only in the one issue that I have identified rather than intended to be part of a 'who is best' discussion.

If I was to take a guess I would say it was the older version of Dalton. He is the odd ball in my collection and I have nearly every figure. He does appear to have the hand of a fiddler crab !:tongue:

 

[Terp152]

Why no ACW 2014 collectors club figure ? I haven't seen one announced yet.

My biggest fear is that Ken is overworked, and others start sculpting the new figures. Like what happened when Ken went to Conte. The non Ken figures were crap. It's like when Captain Kirk is made an Admiral and he should have stayed a Captain all along.

I do feel that Britain's picked the best man for the job. I am looking forward to seeing that first new catalog.

The ACW club fig is supposed to be announced/available at a later date. Chris

 

[Gazza]

Scott - you are right I meant Sierra piece.

I also want to be clear the feedback is for Britains; it is not directed at Ken so please do not make this a personal thing. I have had the pleasure of meeting Ken (as I did Richard) and talk about AZW.

In terms of the Collectors Club for the past 4 years (at least) there has been an AZW figure; so it is not unreasonable to expect one. I know things change but then the communication could be better.

Delays are my biggest gripe. With speculators getting into WB, you have to pre-order. Recently, my dealer called to say my AZW were in - I had to ask which ones because they were ordered months and months ago.

As I said, I collect WB (have a sizeable AZW collection) and am frustrated; as such WB is starting to lose my interest (and sales).

Gazza

 

[thebritfarmer]

Scott - you are right I meant Sierra piece.

I also want to be clear the feedback is for Britains; it is not directed at Ken so please do not make this a personal thing. I have had the pleasure of meeting Ken (as I did Richard) and talk about AZW.

In terms of the Collectors Club for the past 4 years (at least) there has been an AZW figure; so it is not unreasonable to expect one. I know things change but then the communication could be better.

Delays are my biggest gripe. With speculators getting into WB, you have to pre-order. Recently, my dealer called to say my AZW were in - I had to ask which ones because they were ordered months and months ago.

As I said, I collect WB (have a sizeable AZW collection) and am frustrated; as such WB is starting to lose my interest (and sales).

Gazza

I just received a parcel from my dealer yesterday and I wasn't sure what was in it either. There are also two figures which seem to have eluded me

20122 - British 24th Foot Standing at the Ready No.2
20118 - Zulu iNdluyengwe Falling Back Wounded No.1

The 1st one is sold out, does anyone even have one?

This month I received 2 schedules released sets. Next month 5 are being released, who can budget that way !!

 

[zulucollector]

Feast or famine ... it looks like 4 separate AZW pieces will be appearing within the next two weeks.....


PS I also should give wbritains credit for recently creating a new line (clash of empires) which I omitted in my original post in this thread....

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

Scott - you are right I meant Sierra piece.

I also want to be clear the feedback is for Britains; it is not directed at Ken so please do not make this a personal thing. I have had the pleasure of meeting Ken (as I did Richard) and talk about AZW.

In terms of the Collectors Club for the past 4 years (at least) there has been an AZW figure; so it is not unreasonable to expect one. I know things change but then the communication could be better.

Delays are my biggest gripe. With speculators getting into WB, you have to pre-order. Recently, my dealer called to say my AZW were in - I had to ask which ones because they were ordered months and months ago.

As I said, I collect WB (have a sizeable AZW collection) and am frustrated; as such WB is starting to lose my interest (and sales).

Gazza

I can only speak for myself. My comments are not directed at KO, and are only the frustrations of a long time Britain's collector. If you don't bring a company's shortcomings to their attention how will they know if anything is wrong