JJDesigns April 20th, 2020 News Update (1 Viewer)

[Julie]

JJDESIGNS APRIL 20[SUP]th[/SUP] 2020 NEWS UPDATE

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[FONT=&quot]I hope that all of you and your families are safe and well, and our thoughts are with the people and their families who have lost the battle with the COVID 19.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I’m sure everyone is looking forward to some semblance of normality returning soon, and for many of us this is a difficult and challenging time. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]To maintain a constant flow of monthly new releases, takes a lot of forward planning. Despite recent developments I have tried to maintain a creative work force and production facilities. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I thank everyone for their support, from collectors to dealers, and am confident that as long as the postal/courier services are functional we can continue to supply the JJD product throughout the world.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Normally by now, several Toy Soldier shows would have taken place, and new JJD protoypes would have been previewed.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]To help relieve the boredom of the “lockdown”, I will send out some previews of new prototypes on a weekly basis.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]THE AGE OF ARTHUR[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]THE NORMAN ARMY[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]We start today with an update on the Age of Arthur series, specifically with the Norman army.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]The main part of the Norman army were cavalry, and as you can see from the attached picture they are well underway![/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Apart from those shown in the above picture, there are also another 7 different poses in the pipeline.[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]NORMAN INFANTRY[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot][/FONT][FONT=&quot]We know that the English forces were deployed in a dense shieldwall formation at the top of a slope, (which newer sources suggests was Caldbec Hill), with their flanks protected by woods, and with marshy ground in front of them.[/FONT]

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[FONT=&quot]What is known about the Norman deployment, is that Duke William appears to have arranged his forces in 3 groups or “battles”. The left “battle” consisted mainly of Bretons, and was led by Alan The Red.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The Centre was held by the Normans, under direct command of the Duke, and the right was commanded by William Fitzosbern and Eustace II of Boulogne, and consisted of Frenchmen. and mercenaries from Picardy, Boulogne and Flanders.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The front lines of the invading force were made up of archers, with a secondary line of foot soldiers armed with spears and swords. The cavalry was held in reserve.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The Norman disposition of forces implies that the plan was to open the battle with archers, weakening the enemy with arrows, followed by infantry who would engage the shieldwall in close combat. The infantry would create openings in the English lines that would then be exploited by cavalry charges.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]It is believed that the early barrage of arrows, probably had very little effect on the English shieldwall, due to the higher position of the English on the ridge.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]NORMAN ARMOURED AND UNARMOURED BOWMEN[/FONT]

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[FONT=&quot]There are currently 8 Norman bowmen in production. Hopefully these will start to be available around August this year. There will be 2 colour schemes of each figure. At this time am not sure if there will be any Crusader variations. Please let me know if there is any interest in some Crusader bowmen.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]NORMAN ARMOURED INFANTRY[/FONT]

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[FONT=&quot]There are currently 10 Norman armoured infantry in production. Hopefully these will start to be available around August this year. There will be 3 colour schemes of each figure, including a Crusader variant.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]BRETON CAVALRY[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]At this time, work has started on some Breton Cavalry. Previewed is a preliminary concept drawing of one of 6 Breton cavalry figures in development.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]SOME THOUGHTS FROM JOHN[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The first time I came across the Battle of Hastings was in my first year at secondary school. My history teacher, Mr. Thomas was not only the first person to introduce me to history, he was also the first person who went into such detail, about battles, and how the armies were composed and set up. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]He was an inspiration, and that class is probably the main reason why 45 years later I decided to work on a 1066 series.[/FONT]

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[FONT=&quot]The Bernard Cornwell novels, have also always fascinated me, and his detailed descriptions of his characters in the heat of battles were always fascinating and inciteful. The “Saxon Chronicle” books were especially informative on how combat in a “shieldwall” would have been like.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Despite the success of the TV series, “The Last Kingdom”, which is based on the series of Cornwell’s books, I didn’t really expect the new Saxon range to be that popular. (I have to thank both Pete and Roy from the UK for continually “bugging” me to produce Dark Age “shieldwall” figures!)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I’ve therefore been pleasantly surprised, with schools, museums and collectors from all around the world, contacting me to let me know how much they were enjoying this series.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]It is with that same enthusiasm I had as a 12 year old, that I hope to continue to add to this range for a good while yet.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Many thanks[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot] [FONT=&quot]john jenkins[/FONT]

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[mestell]

Just absolutely spectacular. The Age of Arthur range keeps getting better and better . . . So glad I decided to collect this range. I almost feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz but instead I'm in the Wizardry of Jenkins, Norman infantry, archers, and cavalry oh my! Norman infantry, archers, and cavalry oh my! I'm in for it all . . . There goes my toy soldier budget for the year.

 

[Dragoon]

Thank you Julie, That was great to see. - Will be looking forward to those future JJD previews.

 

[Captain Smart]

Some superb JJ models, very impressive detail and the late Dark Age history right up my street. This series is going to be a sure hit.. Just wish I could afford them all!{sm2}

 

[Old Bill]

The age of Arthur series goes from strength to strength :salute:: - The Normans...……… {eek3}………. Boooooooooooo…… (The usual crowd reaction at the annual Battle of Hastings re-enaction - and quite right too ^&grin )

Lovely stuff (especially the Archers ) - shaping up to be an (THE?) epic JJD series. Many thanks John, much appreciated here in the UK...… but please don't forget Harold's other two Housecarls

Roy

 

[mestell]

The age of Arthur series goes from strength to strength :salute:: - The Normans...……… {eek3}………. Boooooooooooo…… (The usual crowd reaction at the annual Battle of Hastings re-enaction - and quite right too ^&grin )

Lovely stuff (especially the Archers ) - shaping up to be an (THE?) epic JJD series. Many thanks John, much appreciated here in the UK...… but please don't forget Harold's other two Housecarls

Roy

. . . Or the other Bannerman.
Mike

 

[BHogan]

Not my particular era of interest but great figures! Looking forward to possibly learning what John has up his sleeves for the American War of Independence, Peninsular War, and War of 1812.

Brendan

 

[nysoldiers]

Not my particular era of interest but great figures! Looking forward to possibly learning what John has up his sleeves for the American War of Independence, Peninsular War, and War of 1812.

Brendan

Great to see updates from John, it does help in these challenging times to have a hobby and love of history.

 

[egonzinc]

I love this range and it keeps getting better and better. I was hoping for Normans, but these surpass my expectations. As a youngster drooling over Elastolin figures, to 20 years later in the 80s finding the unpainted Elastolin/Preiser castings and painting several of them, to seeing these wonderful miniatures 30 years later come to life. Great stuff!

 

[Captain Smart]

Does anyone know the main UK Dealer for John Jenkins Designs now? Is grey-goose collectables Ltd still operating as a business? Website appears to have new figures shown but News and other sections of website have no new updates since 2011? Which is strange?
I have sent a couple of emails but have had no reply..

 

[Jedburgh]

Grey Goose Collectibles are certainly still in business ordered from Clive last month and received it.

 

[sfarrelly]

Clive at Grey Goose is definitely still working - just had emails from him recently on this address;

enquiries@grey-goose.co.uk

sometimes it takes him a few days to reply but he always does.

Cheers,

Stefan

 

[Old Bill]

Does anyone know the main UK Dealer for John Jenkins Designs now? Is grey-goose collectables Ltd still operating as a business? Website appears to have new figures shown but News and other sections of website have no new updates since 2011? Which is strange?
I have sent a couple of emails but have had no reply..

Obviously I can only go by my own experience - I have dealt with Clive and Sue continually since they took over the UK JJD Dealership from James and Adam – JJD UK four years ago.
Any minor problems I have had have been dealt with swiftly and courteously. Yes, they definitely an ongoing concern - I received my April order and have placed one for May.

Their full site may not be fully up to date but they always have the new releases posted within a few days and considering the situation we all find ourselves in – (and indeed, if you look at the JJD Hong Kong site itself you will find that it too is never up to date ) I personally don’t think anything is particularly strange.

I must say though what I have found strange – is that I have noticed a few postings here on Treefrog Forums and on the JJD Collectors Group facebook page that seem to be bent on subtly “undermining” (don’t know if that is the right word…) Grey Goose Collectables’ trading reputation.

Just an observation and I hope you hear from Clive and Sue soon

Bests,

Roy

 

[Lurchio]

Hi All,
Clive here from Grey Goose, I rarely post on here but peruse the posts to see what's going on. Hence the name Lurchio. For those who remember the UK TV series "Up Pompeii" it starred Frankie Howard as the slave Lurchio who "lurked" around the forum.
Just thought I should reiterate that we are certainly still in business and the contact email is "enquiries@grey-goose.co.uk" don't forget the hyphen or you'll be talking with someone trying to sell you vodka!!
I've pm'd the Cap'n so hopefully we can connect.
Thanks Stefan ,Roy etc., for the support and clarity. As always we're happy to help.
Regards
Clive

 

[Guest]

Does anyone know the main UK Dealer for John Jenkins Designs now? Is grey-goose collectables Ltd still operating as a business? Website appears to have new figures shown but News and other sections of website have no new updates since 2011? Which is strange?
I have sent a couple of emails but have had no reply..

Hi

I can vouch for Clive still going, wobbling a bit on his knees, strong. I bought from him last month and got my figures quickly and efficiently.

 

[Pathfinder216]

Obviously I can only go by my own experience - I have dealt with Clive and Sue continually since they took over the UK JJD Dealership from James and Adam – JJD UK four years ago.
Any minor problems I have had have been dealt with swiftly and courteously. Yes, they definitely an ongoing concern - I received my April order and have placed one for May.

Their full site may not be fully up to date but they always have the new releases posted within a few days and considering the situation we all find ourselves in – (and indeed, if you look at the JJD Hong Kong site itself you will find that it too is never up to date ) I personally don’t think anything is particularly strange.

I must say though what I have found strange – is that I have noticed a few postings here on Treefrog Forums and on the JJD Collectors Group facebook page that seem to be bent on subtly “undermining” (don’t know if that is the right word…) Grey Goose Collectables’ trading reputation.

Just an observation and I hope you hear from Clive and Sue soon

Bests,

Roy

I've bought and had delivered over 85 pieces from Clive in the past six weeks with no issue, he keeps his website upto date with all the latest releases and can be contacted by either email or on the mobile number listed on the website, he normally gets back to you within one-two days. Just drop him a line or give him a call.

regards
J