I think I had a visit from the late great Larry Lo last night . . . (1 Viewer)

[Louis Badolato]

Over the years, in addition to a number of Andy and Gordon's wonderful dioramas, I have managed to obtain every papier mache structure King & Country regularly produced from when Andy and Laura opened shop in 1984 until they switched to polystone circa 2000, except for one: the Streets of Hong Kong Walled Garden. Last night, I was telling my son Alec, who asked me why we didn't have every one of the buildings, about the one time I saw one for sale, during room trading at the OTSN, when as I was about to say "I'll take it" my wonderful friend, the late Larry Lo, told the seller, Chris (the gentleman who assists Andy Neilson at the shows, and makes the "Sand Pebble" steam boats), that he wanted everything Chris had. You snooze you lose! {sm4} My son asked if I was angry at Larry, and I told him not chance, we were great friends, and Larry had always been very generous with me. After I told him the story, I did something I haven't done for years, look for the Walled Garden on ebay. There it was, with an affordable buy-it now. I snagged it, thinking, "thanks for the heads-up, Larry!" as I did so. Call me superstitious, but for me to discuss the story of how Larry beat me to the draw on the one Walled Garden I had ever seen for sale the night it popped up on ebay is more than a coincidence. Larry was looking out for me.:salute::

 

[villagehorse]

Spooky. Fantastic when you are able to complete a collection, priceless. Robin.

 

[jazzeum]

I have several of Larry’s pieces in my collection, from Trophy to AeroArt to King & Country.

By the way, his albums are a great resource. The link for anyone who wants to look at what was a great collection, https://forum.treefrogtreasures.com/album.php?u=430

I believe his kids kept the Streets of Old Hong Kong collection.

 

[WesternOutlaw]

Excellent Louis!

 

[King & Country]

Over the years, in addition to a number of Andy and Gordon's wonderful dioramas, I have managed to obtain every papier mache structure King & Country regularly produced from when Andy and Laura opened shop in 1984 until they switched to polystone circa 2000, except for one: the Streets of Hong Kong Walled Garden. Last night, I was telling my son Alec, who asked me why we didn't have every one of the buildings, about the one time I saw one for sale, during room trading at the OTSN, when as I was about to say "I'll take it" my wonderful friend, the late Larry Lo, told the seller, Chris (the gentleman who assists Andy Neilson at the shows, and makes the "Sand Pebble" steam boats), that he wanted everything Chris had. You snooze you lose! {sm4} My son asked if I was angry at Larry, and I told him not chance, we were great friends, and Larry had always been very generous with me. After I told him the story, I did something I haven't done for years, look for the Walled Garden on ebay. There it was, with an affordable buy-it now. I snagged it, thinking, "thanks for the heads-up, Larry!" as I did so. Call me superstitious, but for me to discuss the story of how Larry beat me to the draw on the one Walled Garden I had ever seen for sale the night it popped up on ebay is more than a coincidence. Larry was looking out for me.:salute::

Great story Louis and a very fond memory of a great guy and wonderful friend!
We shall not see his like again...
all the best and congrats on your acquisition!
Andy.

 

[joesgis]

Awesome, uplifting story Louis!! Thank you for sharing it and congratulations on finding the Walled Garden after so many years! Everyone loved Larry Lo so much. I think he must have assisted you in acquiring this.

Joe

 

[GICOP]

Great story Louis, thanks for sharing it :salute::

Unfortunately I never met Larry face to face but did have a very enjoyable telephone conversation with him when he visited London before he so sadly passed away. Like Brad, I have several of Larry's Trophy sets in my collection.

Stay safe

Martyn

 

[wwiibuff]

Nice story Louis. Glad you finally got this piece and thanks for sharing.

 

[Louis Badolato]

My son Alec and I rearranged our Streets of Hong Kong set up (based on an oversized custom Dockside Quays and Bridge diorama base made by our late friend Gordon Neilson, and the smaller standard production Dockside Quays and Bridge), to add the Garden, and took a few photos (more on the K&C Glossy forum):

 

[King & Country]

My son Alec and I rearranged our Streets of Hong Kong set up (based on an oversized custom Dockside Quays and Bridge diorama base made by our late friend Gordon Neilson, and the smaller standard production Dockside Quays and Bridge), to add the Garden, and took a few photos (more on the K&C Glossy forum):

LOTS AND LOTS OF HAPPY MEMORIES, LOUIS!
Well done and all the best,
Andy.

 

[amund]

Louis,

This is a wonderful story about Larry. I had the opportunity to sell him a Honour Bound Sherman many years ago. It was a very pleasant transaction and I was glad that Larry purchased the model from me.

By the way, your collection of the Streets of Hong Kong is impressive!

Best regards,

Alex ^&cool

 

[Louis Badolato]

LOTS AND LOTS OF HAPPY MEMORIES, LOUIS!
Well done and all the best,
Andy.

You and Gordon made those happy memories for all of us, particularly Larry Lo, Hans Hedrich and myself. I only wish you (and especially Gordon and Larry) could come and see how fantastic your figures, vehicles, aircraft and dioramas look displayed alongside north of 50 real period uniforms and militaria (although the old K&C Museum has become a bit overcrowded over the years).:salute::

 

[mikemiller1955]

nice story Louis...congrats on the rare find!