K&C style. (2 Viewers)

[Simpson & his donkey.]

Chris, I think the whole track debate has been done to death over the past couple of years and has been the source of a great deal of discussion and the cause of numerous deletions and tension among members. Track issue aside, I'd be interested to hear what else you think K&C can improve on with their AV's?

Cheers.

I like the idea of open and closing hatch' s and I would like the painting to be a bit more weathered on some of there tanks. These are some little things that K&C can do to just make there tanks far better and of course maybe metal tracks would be hitting a home run. I am glad this thread hasn't turned into a bun fight and the people who posted wanted to and one's who didn't haven't tried to make this into a railway smash. Chris.

 

[Simpson & his donkey.]

I agree Simmo if they fix there tracks the AFV,s will be right up there simple as that but its there style so as we know it isn't going to change so the next thing they can do is have straight antennas.............^&grin

Yes Wayne some little changes but they would make there tanks better. Chris.

 

[Desertkiwi]

I like the idea of open and closing hatch' s and I would like the painting to be a bit more weathered on some of there tanks. These are some little things that K&C can do to just make there tanks far better and of course maybe metal tracks would be hitting a home run. I am glad this thread hasn't turned into a bun fight and the people who posted wanted to and one's who didn't haven't tried to make this into a railway smash. Chris.

Thanks Chris, yeah opening & closing hatch's are always a good thing as is weathering. Not sure how easy it would be to mix metal tracks with polystone though and sounds like it would cause problems from a manufacturers point of view not to mention the extra cost involved.

As Alex quite rightly pointed out each company creates it's own personal style and I think comparing models produced by different manufactures is interesting, but it's a bit like comparing apples with oranges.

In saying that there's always room for improvement and feedback & reviews are a good thing and should be encouraged.

 

[uksubs]

Each of the manufacturers of AFVs has their own pros and cons. Having at least several AFVs from each of the main manufacturers except FL (which I have seen close up), they are easy to compare in general across their ranges. The main advantages off K&C are the robust quality of the vehicles (very important to me); the reasonably good accuracy of the modelling, the consistency and accuracy of the 1:30 scale, and the quality control at the factory. You don't get that consistency from most of the other manufacturers. The disadvantages are sometimes reduced detail of fragile parts and a price that IMO is high for what you get. But in the end, most of my AFV purchases are still from K&C.

Terry

What interesting Terry the Figarti tank is £60.00 cheaper in the Uk than a K&C tiger tank so just go to show all this talk about it costing more for extra detail is not true , but the end of the day it depend what you want for your money

 

[TomNT]

This thread is quite interesting so thanks Simmo for starting it. My collection includes tanks and tracked AFV's from K&C, Figarti, TG, HB, CS and FL and I love the detail that goes into each and every one of them. They all have there different styles and I would also say faults and as it has already been mentioned, some brands are aiming more at the modellers market with the extra detail on the vehicles (FL and Figarti for example). K&C have there own style, especially on the tracks and obviously by the sales and high prices K&C vehicles get on the secondary market, it's not really an issue with most collectors. My personal take on mud on the tracks is, I think it looks good but I will also say that I would prefer a little bit less mud so it brings out more detail on the tracks. I understand the logic behind having mud on the tracks as it does strengthen that area and it provides a more "realistic" look for AFV's operating in muddy European conditions. One thing that does bother me though is mud on desert tracked vehicles. For obvious reasons mud is very rare in the desert so to have a lot of mud on a tracked AFV (The British M7 Priest for example) does look a little out of place. Again, I can understand why desert AFV's have mud on the tracks as many desert releases such as the Priest were also released in European colours (the US M7 Priest Normandy version for example) so it would cost more to have one version with mud and the other with little or no mud on the tracks. Perhaps a compromise could be made and K&C still puts mud on the tracks of their AFV's but not as much so they look realistic in all theatres of war. As far as opening and closing hatches, im not all that fussed about having this feature but I wouldn't mind if they started doing it. The bent aerials are also not an issue with me but again I wouldn't mind seeing more vehicles (not just tanks and tracked vehicles) having this feature.

Tom

 

[PanzerAce1944]

If we are talking Armored vehicles I own not a huge amount, 22 total 1/30 scale vehicles with 20 of them being King & Country. All 20 K&C vehicles arrived to my home only needing to be taken out of their box and
placed in the display cabinets. The 2 vehicles of other brands both arrived needing several parts to be super glued back on or to repair breakage. If we talk about the figures there are several brands in comparison as we
all are aware of but different people have their own preferences and reasons for what they prefer as their own favorite. I would think it safe to say by the sheer numbers and continual volume month after month K&C
is a popular favorite amongst many. Numbers speak louder than a lot of things. I would think K&C must be doing something right ! ^&cool

 

[uksubs]

Good point Panzerace:salute::

 

[Rob]

If we are talking Armored vehicles I own not a huge amount, 22 total 1/30 scale vehicles with 20 of them being King & Country. All 20 K&C vehicles arrived to my home only needing to be taken out of their box and
placed in the display cabinets. The 2 vehicles of other brands both arrived needing several parts to be super glued back on or to repair breakage. If we talk about the figures there are several brands in comparison as we
all are aware of but different people have their own preferences and reasons for what they prefer as their own favorite. I would think it safe to say by the sheer numbers and continual volume month after month K&C
is a popular favorite amongst many. Numbers speak louder than a lot of things. I would think K&C must be doing something right ! ^&cool

Excellent post, fully agree

Rob

 

[cnq]

This thread is quite interesting so thanks Simmo for starting it. My collection includes tanks and tracked AFV's from K&C, Figarti, TG, HB, CS and FL and I love the detail that goes into each and every one of them. They all have there different styles and I would also say faults and as it has already been mentioned, some brands are aiming more at the modellers market with the extra detail on the vehicles (FL and Figarti for example). K&C have there own style, especially on the tracks and obviously by the sales and high prices K&C vehicles get on the secondary market, it's not really an issue with most collectors. My personal take on mud on the tracks is, I think it looks good but I will also say that I would prefer a little bit less mud so it brings out more detail on the tracks. I understand the logic behind having mud on the tracks as it does strengthen that area and it provides a more "realistic" look for AFV's operating in muddy European conditions. One thing that does bother me though is mud on desert tracked vehicles. For obvious reasons mud is very rare in the desert so to have a lot of mud on a tracked AFV (The British M7 Priest for example) does look a little out of place. Again, I can understand why desert AFV's have mud on the tracks as many desert releases such as the Priest were also released in European colours (the US M7 Priest Normandy version for example) so it would cost more to have one version with mud and the other with little or no mud on the tracks. Perhaps a compromise could be made and K&C still puts mud on the tracks of their AFV's but not as much so they look realistic in all theatres of war. As far as opening and closing hatches, im not all that fussed about having this feature but I wouldn't mind if they started doing it. The bent aerials are also not an issue with me but again I wouldn't mind seeing more vehicles (not just tanks and tracked vehicles) having this feature.

Tom

Agree with most but "high prices K&C vehicles get on the secondary market". It may not be the case any more.

 

[Rob]

I like the idea of open and closing hatch' s and I would like the painting to be a bit more weathered on some of there tanks. These are some little things that K&C can do to just make there tanks far better and of course maybe metal tracks would be hitting a home run. I am glad this thread hasn't turned into a bun fight and the people who posted wanted to and one's who didn't haven't tried to make this into a railway smash. Chris.

Fully agree, we are always being told that no one is allowed to say anything negative re K&C without being shouted down by K&C collectors all the time, well this thread has shown that to be total hogwash. Everyone is having their say and this is clearly a calm and very interesting thread. No 'attack dogs ' here:rolleyes2:

As for K&C armour I think it very good indeed and always have. Figarti also make stunning AFV's and the new Tiger is a perfect example. The title of this thread kind of sums it up for me, it's K&C's style that appeals to me most in both figures and vehicles. They are still the best out there for me.

Rob

 

[Firebat]

K&C will not and probably should not change their "STYLE"

The manufacturers all have different approaches to the hobby......this basically started as a TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR HOBBY and now has a modeling element to it.


K&C still plays more to the TOY soldier collector whereas Figarti, FL and to some extent TCS play a bit more to the modeler as of late.

So just BUY the "STYLE" that suits you.

For example I love the new K&C Jagdpanther , but I CAN'T buy it, because it does not fit my profile ........ It is too small and it has the treads that lack detail, but it is a quality product and the paint is excellent....

I would love to say to Andy, make the tank bigger, so it is proper scale and clean up those treads, but I now realize many COLLECTORS love it that way, so I bought the TCS Jagdpanther, because it is the correct scale and the treads are crisp...BUT...The paint is not as good, so I will weather them...

I have 4 TCS Jagdpanthers...K&C misses out on my money, but I am sure they got the money of many others


WHHHEW

Alex

To those who only have K&C

I first need to refer to my own post to put me on safe ground so I don't show favoritism or support to any manufacturer.

If K&C is your style...go for it......

BUT................

I would keep my eye on some of the other manufacturers products, because there are some beautiful items out there you may be missing out on by not giving them a chance, ( As I look at the Figarti Tiger sitting on by desk that sends chills up my spine, because it is so captivating and well done at an incredible price )


On the other end I envy one who collect from a single manufacturer there is a uniformity to that.


Alex


Pics from my review for your observation

 

[Phantom Warrior]

What are the features that keep me buying K&C AFVs more than other brands.

Consistency in scale and overall proportions
Durability in shipping
Durability in displaying and handling
Reasonable historical accuracy
Reasonable detail
Wide range of selection
Resale usually close to current retail prices and name brand recognition

The drawbacks for me are

Price - comparatively expensive
Variations in quality (mostly in figures - not so much in AFVs)
Not as detailed as I would like

If one were to create a table of pros and cons for the features of AFV models comparing the manufacturers, K&C would score pretty high overall. And it's the reason why K&C sells more toy soldiers each year than anyone else. They must be doing something right.

This does not mean I will buy anything that K&C produces. There are some items where I don't like the quality, or the historical accuracy or the price. I stick to the ones that appeal to me, that are reasonably accurate, that are made at the better K&C quality, and that are priced OK.

Terry

 

[Rob]

What are the features that keep me buying K&C AFVs more than other brands.

Consistency in scale and overall proportions
Durability in shipping
Durability in displaying and handling
Reasonable historical accuracy
Reasonable detail
Wide range of selection
Resale usually close to current retail prices and name brand recognition

The drawbacks for me are

Price - comparatively expensive
Variations in quality (mostly in figures - not so much in AFVs)
Not as detailed as I would like

If one were to create a table of pros and cons for the features of AFV models comparing the manufacturers, K&C would score pretty high overall. And it's the reason why K&C sells more toy soldiers each year than anyone else. They must be doing something right.

This does not mean I will buy anything that K&C produces. There are some items where I don't like the quality, or the historical accuracy or the price. I stick to the ones that appeal to me, that are reasonably accurate, that are made at the better K&C quality, and that are priced OK.

Terry

A very wise policy that ensures you have a collection of releases that you very much want and not things you regret buying.

This is not a cheap hobby by any means so speaking for myself I am very choosy (especially re armour/aircraft) these days , if I buy it I am sure it will fit and look good in my collection.

Rob

 

[uksubs]

What are the features that keep me buying K&C AFVs more than other brands.

Consistency in scale and overall proportions
Durability in shipping
Durability in displaying and handling
Reasonable historical accuracy
Reasonable detail
Wide range of selection
Resale usually close to current retail prices and name brand recognition

The drawbacks for me are

Price - comparatively expensive
Variations in quality (mostly in figures - not so much in AFVs)
Not as detailed as I would like

If one were to create a table of pros and cons for the features of AFV models comparing the manufacturers, K&C would score pretty high overall. And it's the reason why K&C sells more toy soldiers each year than anyone else. They must be doing something right.

This does not mean I will buy anything that K&C produces. There are some items where I don't like the quality, or the historical accuracy or the price. I stick to the ones that appeal to me, that are reasonably accurate, that are made at the better K&C quality, and that are priced OK.

Terry

Terry but that only your opinion on he subject mate to be fair ^&grin

 

[uksubs]

What are the features that keep me buying K&C AFVs more than other brands.

Consistency in scale and overall proportions
Durability in shipping
Durability in displaying and handling
Reasonable historical accuracy
Reasonable detail
Wide range of selection
Resale usually close to current retail prices and name brand recognition

The drawbacks for me are

Price - comparatively expensive
Variations in quality (mostly in figures - not so much in AFVs)
Not as detailed as I would like

If one were to create a table of pros and cons for the features of AFV models comparing the manufacturers, K&C would score pretty high overall. And it's the reason why K&C sells more toy soldiers each year than anyone else. They must be doing something right.

This does not mean I will buy anything that K&C produces. There are some items where I don't like the quality, or the historical accuracy or the price. I stick to the ones that appeal to me, that are reasonably accurate, that are made at the better K&C quality, and that are priced OK.

Terry

Well Terry you must have better luck than me as my KC Me 262 came with black finger marks on it and was a tail dragger ,RAF fuel truck came shipped broken in half and Sherman firefly gun barrel did not stay up ,to me it all down to how you like your toy soldier to look like accurate or toy like it is simple as that

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Terry but that only your opinion on he subject mate to be fair ^&grin

Yes Neil, it is my opinion. The first thing I said in my post was

"What are the features that keep ME buying K&C AFVs more than other brands." So clearly that is my opinion. And K&C doesn't satisfy my every want - I don't exclusively buy K&C. But the high volume of K&C sales must indicate that a lot of collectors have an opinion similar to mine.

Terry

 

[Rob]

Well I spoke too soon! Not sure what the rest of you guys think but I thought we were having an open honest discussion where all opinions were welcomed with no attempt to shut down anyone's point of view.But suddenly Alex is complaining on another thread he can't speak freely on this thread????^&confuse I think that disingenuous myself and does not reflect at all Chris's excellent thread. I think that point of view may in all truth be Alex's perception that I humbly suggest on this occasion is totally wrong.

If anyone thinks Figarti or anyone else's tanks are better they should just man up and say so, this is not nursery school , nobody is going to beat their chests in horror. To use a phrase my friend Bob just loves ' At the end of the day' someone else's opinion will make less than zero difference to my collecting choices:smile2:
Rob

 

[Firebat]

We know we all have to tread lightly ........So we must be smooth here and talk about reality else ware.

Again collect what you want, but look elsewhere and you might change your mind.


Changing minds is possible if you bring out the raw and truthful facts.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Well I spoke too soon! Not sure what the rest of you guys think but I thought we were having an open honest discussion where all opinions were welcomed with no attempt to shut down anyone's point of view.But suddenly Alex is complaining on another thread he can't speak freely on this thread????^&confuse I think that disingenuous myself and does not reflect at all Chris's excellent thread. I think that point of view may in all truth be Alex's perception that I humbly suggest on this occasion is totally wrong.

If anyone thinks Figarti or anyone else's tanks are better they should just man up and say so, this is not nursery school , nobody is going to beat their chests in horror. To use a phrase my friend Bob just loves ' At the end of the day' someone else's opinion will make less than zero difference to my collecting choices:smile2:
Rob

So far this thread seems to be "freely" opinionated. And I am not saying K&C doesn't have blemishes. But overall, they do a good job for my wants. But that is overall. On an individual AFV basis they have done some I really like, even above ones done by other "better" manufacturers. But they have also done some terrible ones (my opinion) and I do complain about them - sometimes in a PM to Andy and sometimes in a Post. (And I always get a response even if I didn't want one ^&grin )

Terry

 

[Rob]

Sorry Alex but look around you, nobody else is running off in petulance, everyone is just chatting about what they like and don't like. Look at me and Neil , we've disagreed a lot in the past, but he's not run off saying ' look at me look at me ' he's just putting his view and experiences.

Sorry Alex, but there is no drama here.

Rob