June 2009 London Show (1 Viewer)

[trooper]

A few pictures from today's show. Couldn't get more, back problems made stooping too painful. Some from Mountford and some from ATS. They show Mountford's Canadian militia artillery gun team in summer dress. This is also now available with the foreign service helmet for the Zulu War. Then there is "Achtung, Flugzeug!" depicting a German gun team having just heaved the gun out of a ditch being warned of approaching aircraft. The officer is a real character having only one arm and sporting a black eye patch and a viscious scar on his left cheek. The gun and limber of this set is also available seperately.
From ATS characters from Newbury Street make a busy scene around ATS's new pub, The Rose. This comes complete with internal lighting and looks fabulous in the dark. A general view of just one part of Nik's eight table display of his Napoleonic range, quite possibly the largest selection of this period anywhere. A french gun emplacement is followed by one of my favourite characters, a kid and his dog entitled "My bestest friend in all the world"

 

[trooper]

And the last two.

 

[Warrior]

The Firefly, 88mm gun and prime mover are just incredible. At first glance, I thought those were pictures of DML 1/35th scale model kits that someone built and painted; the fact that these are in fact production models of the vehicles which can be purchased at the show is mind boggling.

These vehicles and others of their ilk can no longer be referred to as "toy soldier vehicles", they are works of art..............

 

[Rob]

The Firefly, 88mm gun and prime mover are just incredible. At first glance, I thought those were pictures of DML 1/35th scale model kits that someone built and painted; the fact that these are in fact production models of the vehicles which can be purchased at the show is mind boggling.

These vehicles and others of their ilk can no longer be referred to as "toy soldier vehicles", they are works of art..............

Well said George.The quality of these items just lept out at me today.The 88 mm is firing whilst still on its wheels,one guy is stood on the chassis and he has a little foothole to hold him there.The prime mover has equip lockers on which the doors open,these little things help make this a very well observed and realistic model and like the Firefly i think will be gone in a flash.

Rob

 

[panda1gen]

A few pictures from today's show. Couldn't get more, back problems made stooping too painful. Some from Mountford and some from ATS. They show Mountford's Canadian militia artillery gun team in summer dress. This is also now available with the foreign service helmet for the Zulu War. Then there is "Achtung, Flugzeug!" depicting a German gun team having just heaved the gun out of a ditch being warned of approaching aircraft. The officer is a real character having only one arm and sporting a black eye patch and a viscious scar on his left cheek. The gun and limber of this set is also available seperately.
From ATS characters from Newbury Street make a busy scene around ATS's new pub, The Rose. This comes complete with internal lighting and looks fabulous in the dark. A general view of just one part of Nik's eight table display of his Napoleonic range, quite possibly the largest selection of this period anywhere. A french gun emplacement is followed by one of my favourite characters, a kid and his dog entitled "My bestest friend in all the world"

Mountford have been just about the only ones to tempt me into buying out of 1/30 scale, I have a few of their pieces.

I bought a 75mm German infantry gun today with two blokes, one of them pumping up a flat tyre - it might not sound much but it was outstanding concept and sculpting!!!! Reasonable price. Pics in due course.

The camel medic was also brill imo amongst others. Great show!!!!

 

[panda1gen]

The Firefly, 88mm gun and prime mover are just incredible. At first glance, I thought those were pictures of DML 1/35th scale model kits that someone built and painted; the fact that these are in fact production models of the vehicles which can be purchased at the show is mind boggling.

These vehicles and others of their ilk can no longer be referred to as "toy soldier vehicles", they are works of art..............

spot on George

 

[the 999th]

THEY SO DID!!!

The Firefly is simply one of the best Tanks i've seen,so good i just had to get one.The finish on it is superb and it's Joe Ekins Tank the guy who got rid of Wittman,comes with details of the battle.The Sherman is only rivalled by the 88mm,another cracker of a set.Great figures and this is going to sell like hot cakes,again i had to!I also got the Cambrai,great model and i'm so glad i did,but if you think the Grant is good wait until you see the Firefly!.

I also got my hands on the K&C Landing craft and the superb figures that come with it.I cam home loaded and very happy!.

Also saw FL's Stalingrad figures today.Absolutely superb craftmanship on these,the painting weathering etc on the uniforms is spot on.They scream realism from that battle and would grace any collection.No they don't fit size wise with K&C and Figarti,but would make superb collection on their own.Unfortunately i'd spent my money.Clive at Figarti really caught us on the hop with the releases today.I almost forgot!.The Winter Prime mover is anothe excellent release,Figarti are on fire right now.

Great catching up with all the guys today and also very nice to meet Molloy

Rob

Have to echo Rob's comments on the FL Stalingrad figures. First time I'd seen them and was very impressed. I don't collect WW2 but not sure for how much longer.

 

[UK_BOD]

Well what a day in London today, besides the good weather, the lovely ladies, there was a Toy Soldier show with a number of surprises.

The big releases today were Figarti's Firefly and the 88mm and tractor. The Storch was also available as as a British Infantry set. You have already seen the images already so I won't upload more. Just can't wait for my Firefly in a couple of days time. The big decision now is do I get the 88mm - I'm sure Clive will advise me.

The debate now as I and many others have been following on these pages will be the head to head between Figarti and First Legion. The price is going to one of the main issues and at £229 for the 88mm and £165 for the Firefly, the prices equate to K&C vehicles . This I believe is the issue that FL will have, will they be able to match the price of Figarti (£150-£180) or will the vehicle be of such quality that thay will be able to sell them at £300+ (Note the 2 full figure crewmembers if comparable to the cost of the infantry will be £45 each, thats £90 plus the cost of the Stug). At present I think I'll go for the Firefly (got already) and the 88, but Matt if you can, prove me wrong...

So what is K&C going to hit back with now, Figarti (and FL) have raised the bar another level, certainly Figarti have at the same price as an equivalent K&C vehicles. What K&C have still got over the competition is the name, and this can be seen in the auction sites selling retired vehicles. These new releases have finally put Figarti on the map (in my opinion, I have already own a number of their sets) and I wish them the best of luck (as I do FL, I did buy some of their stuff today as well). So Clive, how about a Comet?

 

[UK_BOD]

I think me and Jeff are publishing at the same time - apologies for any similar images. But here are some different ones.
TM Terrain's Stalingrad.

 

[Leadmen]

Thanks for the photos Andy. The Figarti mover and gun is really nice. I hope their is one left to view in person at the next show here. Leadmen

 

[UK_BOD]

Trophy Imagery

 

[UK_BOD]

Scarlet and Gold (just like their figures)...

 

[UK_BOD]

A couple more Mountford figures (different shots to Trooper).

 

[aujj65]

I think me and Jeff are publishing at the same time - apologies for any similar images. But here are some different ones.
TM Terrain's Stalingrad.

Andy - no worries post all you can for these ever hungry TS addicts! The quality of the products that we witnessed today deserves maximum photo exposure.

Jeff

 

[Louis Badolato]

Between the TM Terrain Stalingrad Factory Complex and the JG Miniatures Hugomont, I think the diorama makers did themselves proud as well . . .

 

[UK_BOD]

I won't post any more as Jeff is doing a sterling service.

The show seemed pretty thin on the ground in terms of visitors when I arrived, however is seemed to pick up as time went by. So what did I get, well besides the Firefly (if you're going to get it, get it quick) I got 6 First Legion Stalingrad figures (thanks TM Terrain), a corner of an Arnhem Building (JG Miniatures), 8 single Britains Zulu figures and the 3 box sets which had been saved for me from the Ltd Ed Defending the Wall series. I also added 3 more TRL and a Charging Cossack to my Crimea War collection.

FL figures

My first impression on seeing them was "they're small" but they are excellent figures and I hope to add to them at each subsequent show. I have plans to have a small Barikady diorama with about 8 or so on each side, but looking at the quality of these figures there may be more. Congrats Matt you certainly have a great product and I hope this series goes well for you - I look forward to seeing the Stug and any subsequent vehicles you produce. To other collectors - you cannot mix'n'match these figures with any others on the market.

Figarti

As I have already alluded to, these are the best in the business (today - it may change again shortly) the Firefly and the detailing on the 88 are worth seeing live and up close and very personal. The price is the same as their major present competitor and that is the winner for me. I can't wait for the nest batch of new releases - Clive - See British Armour does sell, how about a flail tank or a DD.

Britains

Happy with my Zulu sets, the new Washing of Spears and the Melvill set are both must haves' for a Zulu collector. I just wish I could afford other ranges. Liked the Camel Corps set.

King & Country

My Crimea collection continues to grow - I think I'll continue to add to these on a 1 or 2 basis. Don't know about the new Christmas figures bar the Piper yet.

Tank of the Day - Figarti Firefly (wanted a Firefly for years)
Figure of the Day - First Legion German NCO (Classic pose - superb detail)

Regards

Andy

 

[joesgis]

Thanks for posting the great pics Andy! Looks like an AMAZING show w/ all the incredible new stuff from FL, Figarti, JG, etc... Thanks for taking the time to make us feel as part of the show. I can see that I need to find a way to come up with some serious cash in a hurry! You gotta love this hobby!!!!

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Thanks to everyone posting pictures from the London show and sharing the excitement of new pieces coming out.

Terry

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I'm curious as to which show is the biggest in terms of manufacturers and dealers being there - London, Chicago or the West Coaster. I am thinking of going to one as the Toronto show is very small and it's the only way to meet some of the Treefroggers and see product which I can only buy sight unseen online

Terry

 

[Warrior]

spot on George

And I noticed you wasted no time in getting that Firefly worked into your Arnhem display, XXX Corps to the rescue, nice job as always............