KING & COUNTRY Dispatches -- March 2022 (1 Viewer)

[The Breaker]

The Crouching Apache is fantastic. The shirt is nicely done. You could raid farms and villages all day then hit the club at night in that shirt.
Great work K&C!!

 

[King & Country]

You went deep into that reply there, i had to have a sit down and triple read your reply. You have supported and legitimised my argument i feel, by playing the man and not the ball, as i was trying to stop it turning personal by wanting a discussion on the opinions in the post. By 'setting up the rules of engagment' as you call them the post is looking at having a discussion on the merits of my opinion.

Slamming is a very emotional word to use, have you been on YouTube or watching too much awful US news. As that is a word used by the shock jocks or sensationalist TV anchors and someone trying to get clickbait. I simply stated my opinon on the merits of one TS company against other TS companies with whom they share a common marketplace.

Was there anything in the post defamatory? Or in a factual sense wrong? On the opinons and the details in the post you were very silent, come on lets have a discussion on the merits of the toy soldiers not the person that posted it, same goes for 2 of the 3 people who liked your post, they are not normally quiet when anyone is critical of K & C releases. Lets not turn this into the awful thread about the historically inaccurate British D-Day releases. As that turned into a pitched battle [everyone came out of that badly] and there was a failure to get any constructive argument, descussion or answers to the questions raised in the thread. There was a great job done by some on TF to deflect the critics with personal attacks.

Why don't you put in another reply countering the arguments in the post, instead of trying to deflect by attacking the individual. what is your opinion on below,

1- K & C Hurricanes and Spitfires having the same camo pattern [Hurricanes have 1 pattern and Spitfires have 1 pattern], is this historically accurate? Why do you think they are same, ask Andy, you know him.
2 - Do you agree or disagree that K & C are becoming more like caricatures? More cartoon like? That is a talking point opinon not a fact, which is open to discussion, what a forum is for, discussion. For example some of the figures are what we used to term 'a snipers dream', they have huge heads when compared to their bodies.
3 - Are K & C releases of the same amounts as they were in the past, 5 to 10 years ago? Is that wrong?
4 - Are the other manufacturers releasing more in terms of volume and different eras/series that K & C? Yes or No.
5 - Are K & C more US focused, thats an interesting one for me, as living in two different countries our outlook could be different. My argument for it is there appears to be a shift to more American themed releases in the last few years. Vietnam, Pacific, Cowboys, US Civil War etc. Plus we have far fewer direct sellers in the UK [only 1 with decent stock] and mainland Europe since K&C UK went bust in 2016 and the lack of representation at the main European Toy Show in London seems to also back up my opinion.

Well Mr. Goldman maybe I can answer at least some of your questions…In reply to the above:

1. RAF Camo Patterns…
I picked the two I liked best and have utilised those particular ones for our ‘Spits’ & ‘Hurricanes’ for several years and they have been extremely popular, going by overall sales which go into four figures for both aircraft…So some collectors seem to like what we are doing …even if you don’t.
FYI we are working on a new edition of our Battle of Britain ‘Hurricane’ which does have an alternative ‘camo’ pattern and belongs to a different Fighter Command Squadron.

2.K&C caricatures..?
Really! That will be news to many K&C collectors who collect a lot of different ranges including ‘Vietnam’…’Arab/Israeli Wars’ …’The Real West’… and virtually every other series K&C makes!!!

3. Producing same amounts as 5 or 10 years ago..?
In some series we are producing more…in others less… That is normal in any business you alter your production in response to demand and interest. That’s called…Being sensible!
You also consider what is happening around the world and how it may affect your business and the pockets and buying power of your collectors and dealers.

4.Are other Makers releasing more items and different eras and series..?
Personally, I don’t care if other Makers are releasing more items…That’s up to them…Nothing to do with me…K&C releases what we’re happy with and what we believe will appeal to the great majority of our collectors.
As for different eras and other series..? WE already cover the widest range of historical subject matter out there…Could we do more…perhaps but we have plenty on our plate already, thankyou very much!

5.I’ll answer that one later…I’m going for dinner now…
Adios for now and ‘Hiyo Silver!’
Andy.

 

[Northgate Woods]

Monthly K & C dispatch time has traditionally been an opportunity for collectors to praise the new releases while others complain that 'their' collecting ranges are being ignored. I can relate to the later complaint as I mainly collect Australian based sets plus the occasional German 'Normandy' and Afrika Korps item. However they do appear from time to time, and as Andy has often said, you can't please everyone. Even if there's nothing new in 'my' range interests, I am still interested in new releases for other ranges despite not having the space, and of course unlimited resources to collect a wider variety of themes. As I haven't worked for several days due to inclement weather I do have some spare time to provide some comment regarding your listed gripes.

1) In the European theatre most British single engined aircraft used either Pattern A camo or pattern B being the reverse of Pattern A, be they Spitfires, Hurricanes Typhoons etc, similar policy was applied to Two winged or Four winged aircraft. Different camo patterns and colours were applied to aircraft serving in different theaters and operational specifics such as Night Fighters, Recon etc. Of course there are exceptions to every policy, and the patterns and some colours changed throughout the war, however I feel that explains why there is a lot of similarity in aircraft camo you mentioned.

2) Some early K & C figures did have relatively large heads, some early Jenkins figures had heads like cavemen, similar issue with early figures from most TS companies. I have noted significant improvements in the figures from K & C and JJD as well as most other companies.

3) I suspect (don't know) that K & C have reduced the production numbers for sets compared to earlier times, lets face it there seems to be fewer collectors each year. And of course JJD and TGM have never released large numbers, say around 100 to 150 of each set. Limited numbers create collector interest and reduces the potential for old stock remainders.

4) IMO K & C continues to have a wider number of ranges. However if interest in a range declines commercial imperatives require reduced releases or cancellations, such policies are used by all wise TS manufactures. I have seen the ALH range cancelled recently, sad but that's the way it is.

5) I understand most TS collectors, especially matt painted sets live in the US, and most K & C dealers are US based. However if you take the time to check the history of K & C Toy Soldier production you will notice that US based ranges, figures and vehicles, are actually underrepresented and suspect that will continue.

Matt mate,
I could not have said it better. K&C have continually released new figures on the first working day of the month for as many years as I can remember and in large numbers with gives the collector at least 12 months or more to budget and get these sets into their collections. Once a range has started it continues for many months and years giving the collector friendly and enemy forces, a range of vehicles and diorama accessories.

I also like other manufacturers especially John Jenkins, but with some ranges you only have to blink after their release and they are sold out. I can fully understand in these times the commercial reasons for not wishing to hold a warehouse full of stock and in John's case appreciate that he does do re stocks of fast moving sets.

Thomas Gunn figures are also a fly in fly out case. Before I am labelled a TG basher I advise that I have a full range of TG Aussies In the Pacific in my collection.

Then of course you have to say during these tough times where has First Legion, Collectors Showcase, Britains, etc gone. Once again as a retailer of over 40 years I can understand their commercial problems.

Finally, ask yourself this question. Which manufacturer gives to the hobby so much of his personal time and love???

Cheers Howard

 

[Terp152]

Well Mr. Goldman maybe I can answer at least some of your questions…In reply to the above:

1. RAF Camo Patterns…
I picked the two I liked best and have utilised those particular ones for our ‘Spits’ & ‘Hurricanes’ for several years and they have been extremely popular, going by overall sales which go into four figures for both aircraft…So some collectors seem to like what we are doing …even if you don’t.
FYI we are working on a new edition of our Battle of Britain ‘Hurricane’ which does have an alternative ‘camo’ pattern and belongs to a different Fighter Command Squadron.

2.K&C caricatures..?
Really! That will be news to many K&C collectors who collect a lot of different ranges including ‘Vietnam’…’Arab/Israeli Wars’ …’The Real West’… and virtually every other series K&C makes!!!

3. Producing same amounts as 5 or 10 years ago..?
In some series we are producing more…in others less… That is normal in any business you alter your production in response to demand and interest. That’s called…Being sensible!
You also consider what is happening around the world and how it may affect your business and the pockets and buying power of your collectors and dealers.

4.Are other Makers releasing more items and different eras and series..?
Personally, I don’t care if other Makers are releasing more items…That’s up to them…Nothing to do with me…K&C releases what we’re happy with and what we believe will appeal to the great majority of our collectors.
As for different eras and other series..? WE already cover the widest range of historical subject matter out there…Could we do more…perhaps but we have plenty on our plate already, thankyou very much!

5.I’ll answer that one later…I’m going for dinner now…
Adios for now and ‘Hiyo Silver!’
Andy.

Well said Andy. I have quite a few of your acft and they are all outstanding in my opinion.

And you know, seems like "Mitch" has been re-incarnated. {sm2} Chris

 

[Nelson1976]

Here we go, here we go , here we go.......... ^&grin It's been a long wait - SO good to see the Falklands series getting into it's stride -

:salute:::salute:::salute:::salute:::salute::

My Falklands shelf awaits.

Roy

Quite right! They look excellent!

 

[WesternOutlaw]

A nice variety of pieces with a lot of character (as always). So glad to see the new AE figures make it out this month. The water sellers are fantastic with a lot of personality. Can't wait to add to my Tomb of the Mummy collection. Fine additions in fact.

Keep up the fantastic job in trying to meet the diverse interests of those of us who collect!

 

[mikemiller1955]

I love the new Ancient Egypt sculpts...
at first I thought they were Life of Jesus...
and could probably go either way...
I'm getting them!

 

[The Military Workshop]

Why don't you put in another reply countering the arguments in the post, instead of trying to deflect by attacking the individual. what is your opinion on below,

1- K & C Hurricanes and Spitfires having the same camo pattern [Hurricanes have 1 pattern and Spitfires have 1 pattern], is this historically accurate? Why do you think they are same, ask Andy, you know him.
2 - Do you agree or disagree that K & C are becoming more like caricatures? More cartoon like? That is a talking point opinon not a fact, which is open to discussion, what a forum is for, discussion. For example some of the figures are what we used to term 'a snipers dream', they have huge heads when compared to their bodies.
3 - Are K & C releases of the same amounts as they were in the past, 5 to 10 years ago? Is that wrong?
4 - Are the other manufacturers releasing more in terms of volume and different eras/series that K & C? Yes or No.
5 - Are K & C more US focused, thats an interesting one for me, as living in two different countries our outlook could be different. My argument for it is there appears to be a shift to more American themed releases in the last few years. Vietnam, Pacific, Cowboys, US Civil War etc. Plus we have far fewer direct sellers in the UK [only 1 with decent stock] and mainland Europe since K&C UK went bust in 2016 and the lack of representation at the main European Toy Show in London seems to also back up my opinion.

A few thoughts as a dealer.

As a dealer in KC and TG I was surprised to learn that TG has been releasing more than K&C. Jenkins has been releasing more although do a lot more A and B versions and sets of 3 and singles etc. K&C still has the largest selection.

Common sense would suggest that K&C would put more emphasis on USA especially in relation to number of dealers there and a far larger population. K&C cant control how many dealers there are in UK or K&C dealers who attend London shows. If K&C can be criticised for too much emphasis on USA subjects then the same would apply to John Jenkins who as a proportion of his production has produced more North American subjects. Same scenario for him regarding more dealers and population. Seems like John and Andy might actually know something. I dont see John doing English Civil War any time soon (I hope not !).

It may come as a surprise but Australian collectors are very happy with the Vietnam series. Most popular of K&C series here and has been for 2/3 years. I think some US collectors have complained about how many Aussie Vietnam items been but they are getting plenty themselves after the initial Aussie wave. As UK was not in the Vietnam war it probably has less interest for collectors there than say USA or Oz. Cowboys and ACW also popular themes with Australian collectors. See posts by Waynepoo and Rusty for example.

I note no advice about what UK related items K&C should do that have not been covered already.

 

[TeamMiniatures]

Andy was great in my mind for nearly 20 years in the field of Toy Soldiers! Because he trained a group of very excellent engravers in these 20 years. In the last 5 to 10 years, the figures’ carving skills of JJD and other companies have improved significantly. It all thanks to the engravers Andy has trained over the years.


Of course, Andy and John are able to bring so many excellent works to collectors all over the world, which is due to their superhuman efforts. Andy is old enough to enjoy a leisurely life, but he still chooses to work hard, in order to design more and better excellent works for everyone! We should thank him!


Best regards,
T.M. Jack

 

[sammy719]

Totally disagree with 007 as I think K&C quality has greatly improved mostly by removing the black outlines on WWII soldiers, the sculpting (poses) are very well done as seen in the German soldier in the photo...keep up the great work K&C.

 

[joesgis]

Totally disagree with 007 as I think K&C quality has greatly improved mostly by removing the black outlines on WWII soldiers, the sculpting (poses) are very well done as seen in the German soldier in the photo...keep up the great work K&C.

View attachment 285742

Sammy,
I like that figure too and the whole group of classic Germans it was part of, but it is not a recent figure. It was released many years ago. As far as the the black outlines on K & C figures, I actually preferred having the black outlining vs not having it. When I think back to the prior discussions on the subject I remember some collectors wanted the black lines removed and replaced with a dark outlining color that was more complimentary to a given figure. Ultimately I think the outlining production step was dropped altogether, but maybe not across all ranges?

Joe

 

[sammy719]

Sammy,
I like that figure too and the whole group of classic Germans it was part of, but it is not a recent figure. It was released many years ago. As far as the the black outlines on K & C figures, I actually preferred having the black outlining vs not having it. When I think back to the prior discussions on the subject I remember some collectors wanted the black lines removed and replaced with a dark outlining color that was more complimentary to a given figure. Ultimately I think the outlining production step was dropped altogether, but maybe not across all ranges?

Joe

Thanks Joe,...my mistake as I've only recently started collecting some K&C WWII sets.... I guess we can all agree to disagree as far as the black outlines.

 

[HAWKEYE]

goldman,

nice job there....you slam a release and a company, then you set up the rules for engagement. Then, you'll judge the content of replys to demonstrate your virtue and righteousness under the guise of seeking agreement of your point on recent releases.

Heck, it's an invitation to joust from higher ground of your making.

Shame on you!

Carlos

classic response carlos

 

[HAWKEYE]

many thanks, carlos…i could not have said it better!
It was also great to meet up once more at last weekend’s ‘west coaster’….a very enjoyable time was had by a whole lot of people, including myself, thankyou again,
and… happy collecting,
andy.

carlos i missed you at the west coaster , i was out visiting my daughter in l a on a last minute trip, , i have not seen you in a couple of years since the chicago shows a few years back.
Maybe this year at ostn, i always enjoyed your company

 

[Desertkiwi]

Poor month, for me nothing, poor monthly releases from K & C, which has been a trend for a while.

Not very diverse, 2 of the ranges only have a single set release. Very US focused, but as some other TFers have said, you can see why, US main market for K & C. European collectors have become a bit of a backwater. No vehicles of any kind this month, there has been few tanks/vehicles/planes released in the last couple of years. When both compared with T Gunn or John Jenkins, as well as compared to what K & C released in their heyday. The amount of releases has fallen, with T Gunn or John Jenkins Design month on month releasing more ranges and amount of figures than K & C.

Quality level are roughtly the same for me, but i agree when someone pointed it out on the forum K & C are becoming more like caricatures, the new Cowboy range looks more like Blazing Saddles than Shane or The Searches, whereas JJDs Fur Trade look 'real' and gritty. K & C Romans remind me of Asterix the Gaul cartoon rather than Gladiator or Centurion.

John Jenkins Design are way ahead of K & C at the minute and have been for 2/3 years. More releases, greater ranges and pushing quality. Thomas Gunn have also moved on leaps and bounds, diverse ranges and affordable tanks, the new Panzer IVs are great [sold out very quickly], the Brummbar was special, the Hetzer is a joy, while a new multi thearte/version Matilda will sell out quickly, as new Allied armour is as rare. Thomas Gunn planes are outstanding, as opposed to the recent K & C releases, we got yet more Hurricanes and Spitfires with different markings, yet the camo pattern is the same on all Spitfires, as it is on the Hurricanes. Check them out, i did not notice until it was pointed out to me by a TF member. Thats either a bit lazy or taking collectors for granted, just churning out the same old 'wet smelly brown sticky stuff'. Their new strapline when compared with the TS market leaders, JJD and TG, might as well be "That will do'

Had my whinge, will now contradict myself by looking at some of the WSS and WH0 stuff i am missing and order them.

When replying please do not show your weak argument by playing the man and not playing the ball. Argue the points, concerning recent releases, not how they were 5 or 10 years ago.

Well who sucked the cream out of your donut mate...??

Seriously, what's tickled you? "Wet smelly sticky stuff'......Given the present world economic climate and all the covid BS you really have ants in your pants.

I'm all for constructive criticism but there's no need to be rude about it.

Dude you do yourself no favours....

 

[arnhem44mad]

Yet another thread where someone who made a critique comes under fire from all angles.

The world moves on and adapts, but not the forum.

 

[paxtoysoldier]

I think any critique is valid if it was meant to be constructive.
I think Andy gets the most critiques because he is on top now.
I think we can be both critical-of and grateful-for K&C.

Personally, I like all of this months releases, which were impressive in that Andy made anything while travelling to boost the TS/MF Hobby. As far as heads go, a big (Irish{sm2}) head has been a thing since Trophy and probably far before: bigger heads give better facial expressions, period. But it is better to do those expressions in a "scale" noggin.

Anyway Best Wishes to All,
Please don't mind my occasional rant because I wish our Community only the Best,
Paddy (for Pat Sr. & Jr.(Paddy)).

 

[arnhem44mad]

I think any critique is valid if it was meant to be constructive.
I think Andy gets the most critiques because he is on top now.
I think we can be both critical-of and grateful-for K&C.

Personally, I like all of this months releases, which were impressive in that Andy made anything while travelling to boost the TS/MF Hobby. As far as heads go, a big (Irish{sm2}) head has been a thing since Trophy and probably far before: bigger heads give better facial expressions, period. But it is better to do those expressions in a "scale" noggin.

Anyway Best Wishes to All,
Please don't mind my occasional rant because I wish our Community only the Best,
Paddy (for Pat Sr. & Jr.(Paddy)).

He's big in this area if the forum; because it's the K&C section.

Over the past 20 years, Andy had made some great and not so great stuff. I don't collect as much as I used to and don't really Latch onto the new Dispatches thread as much as i would have 10 years ago. With this detachment comes an appreciation for the varied ranges that Andy actually does.

I mean the Falklands War is an original series, can't say anyone else has done that.

The Film Figures have been great.

RAF - there are only so many planes Andy can produce other than Spits and Hurries! But the big man makes them for people who may just be discovering the series but also for people who maybe want rows of planes on an airfield.

I appreciate all that Andy does but the theme on here (not made by Andy but by collectors) is that someone critiques k&c and they get tarred and feathered. It's just a bit unhealthy for a toy soldiers forum.

I think k people need to realise that:

A) Andy is Scottish, therefore thick skinned. Hell, he grew up in Renfrew so he's harder than me! - He can take some criticism

B) K&C has been a main player in the toy soldier world for 30+ years - one bought of criticism won't kill them.

C) Just because you disagree with someone, don't make it personal. We can all have disagreements but come on guys, keep it professional and Roy soldier based.

Yous are all bloody mental but we are a family. If our friend Harrie were here he'd be making an amazing diorama Post, not getting involved in peeing contests.

Be like Harrie.

Respects to all,

Scott

 

[King & Country]

Yet another thread where someone who made a critique comes under fire from all angles.

The world moves on and adapts, but not the forum.

Hi Guys,
Here are a few more thoughts on this thread from Texas…

The last three years have been ‘challenging’ to say the least in Hong Kong. Back in2019 we had major civil disturbances on the streets of the city that lasted for almost an entire year… More than a few of these humongous demos took place right on the doorstep of Pacific Place where our store is and our Head Office in nearby Wanchai.

As 2020 dawned ourselves and the whole world woke up to the Pandemic and all the upheavals and crisis that has caused all of us everywhere.
For K&C the dreaded Covid and the restrictions that have been put into place have prevented myself and our team from going into mainland China to meet and work on projects face-to-face with our sculpting team and factories… for over two whole years. Previously we went into China every 2 or 3 weeks!

Presently I am in San Antonio, initially for three weeks, but now considerably longer because of the restrictions of flying back into HK. Fortunately that has given me the opportunity of working directly with our great team at ‘King & Country Texas’…Laura, Amber and Gil while I wait to find out when I can return to Hong Kong.

On the even more ‘positive’ side, this trip to Texas has been a ‘breat of fresh air’ providing me with a huge wealth of inspiration and ideas that will be showing up in all kinds of K&C figures, fighting vehicles and many other items in the coming months and beyond.

Add to that the friendship and continued support from K&C Collectors and Dealers both here in the ‘States and around the World has been truly heartening and helpful!
That goes a long way to explaining why I still love to do what I do and why I look forward to going to work every day at King & Country designing and making these little toy soldiers and all the things that go with them.

It also goes a long way to explain what I often say to myself at the end of the day…
”Just how lucky can one wee boy from Scotland be!”

Adios Amigos for the moment,
Andy

 

[Goldman007]

Totally disagree with 007 as I think K&C quality has greatly improved mostly by removing the black outlines on WWII soldiers, the sculpting (poses) are very well done as seen in the German soldier in the photo...keep up the great work K&C.

View attachment 285742

Did you even read what i wrote or just saw a bandwagon to jump on? I wrote in my post 'Quality level are roughly the same for me'. I did not mention poor quality, K & C, in my opinon are the same quality as others i buy, namely T Gunn and J Jenkins, where did you get the leap from my comments to yours on 'blacklines on figures' of did you just fancy a quick moan on what was upsetting you? The 'blacklines' is not something that has crossed my mind and i have never commented on them.

On another but connected point, i have that figure, i use it with and like the whole WW2 German field hospital sub series, i am a couple missing but will buy, i wish there could be a few more figures and vehicles.

For me, across all TS manufacturers, there is a lack of damaged and/or destroyed vehilces and tanks. To use figures like this.