How to get started collecting... Your thoughts? (1 Viewer)

[Sgt_Wildcat]

Hello everyone,

I am new to toy soldier collecting and I wanted to find out what are some things to know, remember, keep in mind, etc. etc., when it comes to collecting? I got into this because for Christmas last year, one of my dear friends got me a set of WW2 BARCLAY MANOIL lead figures (probably not the best material haha). My friend did this because I was in the Army and I love military history and things like that. They are really neat and I decided to look and research these a bit more. I came across treefrog treasures' site and found LTC Kilgore, Wardaddy (from Fury), and a few others that I thought were just amazing. Even that being the case, they are a bit more pricier than I had figured they would be. Anyone know of some really neat ones that would be less expensive? I seem to be drawn to pre painted metal figures (but any pre painted would be fine). I purchased a civil war cavalry figure from the Civil War Museum here in Virginia made by Americana (I believe). It's a LOT less refined than some of these fancy King and Country figures, but I love the little guy. Those are more of what I am looking for, but of famous personalities like Ike, Patton, Presidents, or famous units (101st Airborne, 1st Cav, etc.).

Let me know. I leave it to you, the experts, to help out a newbie at this great hobby. I look forward to hearing from you all!! :salute::

 

[theBaron]

Forget about price, forget about investments, forget about everything else but the question, "What do I like?" Because in the end, collecting something is about something you like.

Welcome to the forum!

Prost!
Brad

 

[Desertkiwi]

The Barons spot on. Collect what you like and the options are endless really. Right now you're probably like a kid in a sweets shop....so much to choose from. It can be quite overwhelming at first, but if you're just starting out take it slow and spend some time investigating and learning about the hobby.

Treefrog is a fantastic resource, stacked with loads of friendly hopeful members always keen to help.

Maybe choose an era? Or you may enjoy variety? With a little imagination you can have loads of fun with just a couple of figures.......

TS collecting can seem like an expensive hobby, but you'll be surprised at just what is affordable.

Welcome to the fold mate. :salute::

 

[paxtoysoldier]

Producers really should paint more plastics and provide other cheaper fully painted and finished alternatives to the current market. I believe that many try but what seems to work out best these days is:
What You're looking at.
K&C has some nice sales this year of which we wish we had taken more advantage. First Legion has a good sale still going too, as do many other great manufacturers if you research it (google & eBay & stuff we don't know about but others on this forum are experts). You can get opinions by searching with the option (top-right) when logged in.
A very good price these days is $40 for the kind of infantry figures we are talking about. $90 for cavalry. Don't ask about most elephants...{eek3}

I'd like to know what you want to collect. We started with Victorian Wars (a wide range) 25 years ago. Now we actually try to cover every period of History that we have ever liked (some much better than others).

Also, you should check out glossy past products. Many may fit your description of the quality you desire and some are cheaper now - though do research first.

Why not try some of the K&C items on sale? Then you can branch out if you want.

Sorry if I bored you, I had a boring lunch break today{sm4}.

Best Wishes & Welcome to the fray and the fun!

Paddy (Jr) for Pat & Pat Jr, collectors

O.K. this the edit as P.S.:
forgot to say,
you should go to a toy soldier show or at least to a (rare now) shop that will show you the tangible goods. Though NZGary and many, many others take better pics of new releases than most makers so check the forum too!
Pats

 

[Sgt_Wildcat]

Hey thanks everyone for your great insight. As for what I am thinking of collecting, I think you all hit it spot on: Basically anything I think is neat. I love some of the figures based on characters from movies (i.e. LTC Kilgore from Apocalypse Now, SSG Barnes from Platoon, Wardaddy from Fury, etc.), jobs I've done in the military, or just some fun random figures like Patton, a President, etc.

I'm not really trying to find an era specifically, more of just things I would like. Maybe this is part of the problem, I'm so scattered haha. I'd love to find a figure of Oddball from Kelly's Heroes. I found a set from Bolt Action but they're unpainted.

I'll definitely continue to do research and appreciate all of your responses! Here's to a fruitful hobby! {sm3}

 

[joesgis]

Even if you're scattered, you can still make collecting work. In fact, there are some benefits to having multiple interests, I think. I'm very scattered myself, but it hasn't hampered my ability to have tons of fun in this great hobby! Your collection will likely forge its own focus and refinement as you go.

I wish you good luck on your collecting journey. The beginning is a particularly fun time!

Joe

 

[Jedburgh]

Definitely do not think of investment. I would look at Del Prado the quality my vary but just look at the prices in Ebay and the periods they cover.

 

[marco55]

If you ever want to get into kits check this site out. https://www.planetfigure.com/
Mark

 

[theBaron]

...I purchased a civil war cavalry figure from the Civil War Museum here in Virginia made by Americana (I believe). It's a LOT less refined than some of these fancy King and Country figures, but I love the little guy. Those are more of what I am looking for, but of famous personalities like Ike, Patton, Presidents, or famous units (101st Airborne, 1st Cav, etc.)...

You've got the seeds of some collecting themes there in your post. A collection based around a theme used to be called a cameo collection. You could assemble such a collection of figures of famous personalities, for example, or of famous units; there is a lot out there on the market, both currently in production, and from makers who are no longer around. Those are good ways to start.

Prost!
Brad

 

[paxtoysoldier]

It seems that most small-scale and long-term collectors prefer to pick a field (or five) and go heavy into them.
I like the shotgun approach, personally. Then you can get more pieces/figures you like for good prices and worry less about dioramas. Del Prado and Ebay may be good starts. BTW, anything else you like on the forum? I have FL Platoon Movie figs but CS makes 'em too. If you are drawn to Hollywood, K&C & CS & FL aren't bad choices at all.
Still, dioramas & niche collections are always popular.
But you can always create a dio later from the sets you get.
Would love to hear what you decide on, glad to have you aboard,
Stay Safe Still
Paddy