King & Country database & book? (1 Viewer)

[Kurt]

Does anybody maintain a K&C database that they would be willing to share? I started a spreadsheet database containing Item numbers, Description, cost, month released and image. However, I have a long way to go and don't have a way to determine release dates on older pieces. So, I was wondering if someone else has something similar so I don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Also, I was reading some old threads a while back and there was talk of someone (I think Louis) writing a book on the history of K&C. What ever happened to that?

 

[jazzeum]

Kurt,

I think your questions will be answered by Louis' book. However, have you consulted Bill Sager's site, www.toysoldiersusa.com

 

[sceic2]

Kurt,

I think your questions will be answered by Louis' book. However, have you consulted Bill Sager's site, www.toysoldiersusa.com

Ah the promised BOOK. Once again I listened to an attorney That book is never going to be done (a little reverse play for Louis' motivation)

 

[Capitolron]

Sager's website is the BEST !

I use it often for references and it is just a masterpiece ! I think we all agree on that !

 

[Kurt]

Kurt,

I think your questions will be answered by Louis' book. However, have you consulted Bill Sager's site, www.toysoldiersusa.com

Yes, I have used his to get costs and images of retired pieces, but he doesn't have release dates and it's just a website not a database.

I like the Treefrog site better because it shows thumbnails and has the 'View All' option. Bill's site doesn't have thumbnail previews.

 

[jazzeum]

Release dates will probably be in the book. However, are you looking for all K & C or just World War II. Even with WW II, you need to look at the brochures that Bill has on his site as some of the early issues will be found in the brochures only. In addition, you should know that there are some releases that are not on his site at all such as the glossy 82nd Airborne, the glossy MP or the glossy Free French.

Also, the brochures will give you year release dates but not month by month if that's what you're looking for.

While I love Treefrog, they don't have the early retired pieces like Bill does. It is truly the one indispensible K & C you need to have. I would be lost without it.

 

[Beaufighter]

I must agree! An absolute labor of love & passion for a hobby that provides relaxation and sanity although at times things might appear differently. Thanks Uncle Bill!

 

[Currahee Chris]

I have an excel spreadsheet that I tried to attach but it didn't seem to take- operator error I am sure. Feel free to shoot me a PM with an email address for you- I think it would make a good start for you.

I have Waffen SS, DDay, AK, Eight army, Fallshirmjager, Scenices, American Revolution. I also have the East of India collection on it as well.

It ain't much but it might work for you.

CC

 

[Kurt]

I'm just working on WWII now but might expand later and don't care about glossy. Is there any estimate on when the book will be done?

I've used Bill's website and the Official K&C website to collect images of the old leaflets and collector magazines. These publications have really improved especially in the last year. In addition to the database, I've started my own private catalog based on those images. (I confirmed with K&C that it's okay to print these out if it's for personal use only.) My favorite images to use for my catalog are those sent out in the "Now Available" emails from K&C marketing. Having a catalog is a great way to enjoy pieces you don't have and to make that long hard decision of what to buy next.

 

[Louis Badolato]

The book is fully written, and I have been (with the help of Andy) pressuring Hans and Larry (who were supposed to handle photography and formatting) into getting it ready for Andy to have it published in China. As I couldn't get anywhere with them, I have opened the field to Kevin (Panda1gen), one of the gentlemen from Battlescene Productions and the Lt. to help out with the photography. Earlier today, I asked Hans to call Andy tomorrow and work out some of the details for arranging publication. If our volunteer photographers jump on the photography, and we can find some one to help out with computer formatting of the text, maybe we can get the book out to Andy by summer's end.

 

[jazzeum]

Louis,

You said you needed help with formatting. What exactly do you need?

 

[Louis Badolato]

Louis,

You said you needed help with formatting. What exactly do you need?

Once we have the photographs done, we need to put the text into columns and insert the photos. Do you know how to do this? If so Brad, join the team.

 

[jazzeum]

No, I don't, but let me see if I can find out and see what I can learn.

 

[Capitolron]

Is it time to break out the Wooden Warbirds??

 

[Steven Chong]

Once we have the photographs done, we need to put the text into columns and insert the photos. Do you know how to do this? If so Brad, join the team.

Dear Louis,

I know how to format text into columns and insert photos using Word -- have been helping my son with his school projects. If you need help, contact me. I would also be interested in reviewing the Streets of Old Hong Kong section written by Lawrence.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Dear Louis,

I know how to format text into columns and insert photos using Word -- have been helping my son with his school projects. If you need help, contact me. I would also be interested in reviewing the Streets of Old Hong Kong section written by Lawrence.

Steven,

That is exactly what we need. If you would like to join the team, once we get the photography going, we would love your help. I sent all but one of the chapters to Kevin this morning, and hopefully we can all get going on this sooner rather than later.

 

[jazzeum]

Sounds like Steven is the man for the job

 

[Louis Badolato]

Kevin has sent me some unbelievable photographs, and has offered to come over to this side of the pond and do the photography sometime towards the end of July. If we can get all the other interested people together (Hans, Larry, and anybody who wants to help with photography and/or formatting) maybe we can get this book ready for publication by the end of the summer. Once Kevin gives me solid dates for his visit I will post them, and anybody interested in helping out should let me know their availability. I would love for the Lt. and George to join in, as well as our friends at Battle Scene Productions.

 

[jazzeum]

I am willing to do anything that you need to meet this schedule.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Thanks Brad. I definitely would like you involved in a couple of ways - I would like you to bring some of the pieces in your collection like your warbirds and glossy Napoleonics to be photographed, as well as your input on how the sets should be photographed. This could make for a fun process.