lack of figure poses in various rangers (1 Viewer)

[johno2412]

here's a question i asked on a other members tread and was hoping for some insight and fellow members feelings on the matter and maybe from Andy himself,so here's my question.

king country keep releasing new figures in a lot of ranges with some excellent poses for each period they belong too,for instants the new civil war sets cw48 helping a friend, cw49 battlefield surgeon and cw5o carried off are all first class figures that are a most for any collector collecting that range but for me a range that seems to be kept being over looked is the Napoleonic range,the new dragoon figures are good figures but they are the same poses as what are already available.
the Napoleonic range in my view is crying out for figures like the cw49 etc Britain's released a surgeons set last year that was a excellent add on ,so come on Andy grab a corner of the market that's screaming out for these poses in this range.


johno

 

[Mascleo]

Johno,

Yes, I see what you mean. The Napoleonics are a bit generic. It would be nice to have some different poses such as soldiers carrying wounded, troops crouching behind barricades, or something different. K&C did do a few nice unusual sets such as the French Calvary troops sitting around a table. But these variety sets are only extras to the generic poses that sell the most.

I believe that the majority of Napoleonic collectors are formation collectors. I like to buy several figures with the same poses and place them in squares, lines or columns. That is one of the fun part of having a Napoleonic display. There are only limited poses that fit into formations such as marching, firing, charging or loading. So, I think the majority of the releases should be the generic poses that fit well in formations. However, having some one off pieces will be nice every once in a while.

Ken

 

[Saber]

For my part I collect larger formations of the Napoleonics but I also really like the unusual or one-of sets such as the command tent or the French Cav figures sitting around the table. I would think the occasional supply wagon or surgeon figure would work into the larger formation displays I have quite well. I guess support troops, quartermaster and such, may not sell enough to warrant producing to many of them. Whenever they do come out I usually try and acquire them. I also notice that the wounded figures in the Nap ranges also seem to retire a bit faster then the regular poses. I'm not sure if that is really the case or it just seems that way but I also try and make casualty figures amongst my first purchases when they are released.

Saber

 

[cantinetozzo]

Completely agree with your point..there' s a lack of fantasy for some range...and reading many books regarding military you can see that in war happen many strange and funny things other than saluting officers, standing at attention, shooting your opponents , getting wounded or killed..if i'd have my own company i'd produce "Funnies"(i know to some of you this can remind the 79th armored division or maybe the Monty Python!):Unusual poses..i think they'd sell well.

 

[Spitfrnd]

...I believe that the majority of Napoleonic collectors are formation collectors. I like to buy several figures with the same poses and place them in squares, lines or columns. That is one of the fun part of having a Napoleonic display. There are only limited poses that fit into formations such as marching, firing, charging or loading. So, I think the majority of the releases should be the generic poses that fit well in formations. However, having some one off pieces will be nice every once in a while.

Ken

I think there is ample room for much more variation in most Napoleonic formations. Yes there are limits on marching or standing but fighting in formation is much less static than some lines, including this one, would suggest. Despite the best discipline, shooting and loading alone have many variations that are not shown here. There are examples in some of the other Napoleonic ranges appearing in on this site, as I recall you aptly suggested in at least one of those forums recently Ken.

 

[nysoldiers]

K&C's early Voltiguers had some interesting poses as did the grenadiers.
French light infantry could be done crouching and even prone to snipe at the oncoming enemy columns.
Also noted is that there are no running/charging figures in the Napoleonic line.
Looking forward to any new Napoleonic releases.

 

[OldDragon]

To be fair ... I believe that K&C has noted our comments on " limited poses" from before. I see that the latest Foot Dragoons, has up to 4 variations of marching troopers, and that's excluding the officer, flagman & drummer. So that helps to build a more varied & realistic looking column.

Naturally, the latest ACW releases has topped that, by providing various dead and wounded ... and tending to the wounded, compared to the much earlier single token dead or wounded figure.

I am sure K&C will shift towards where the market takes it ... so, I look forward to the day ... when say, we get scouting/advancing troops with up to 6 or 7 slightly differing poses IMHO, having variations, actually help to sell multiples.

OD

 

[Saber]

To be fair ... I believe that K&C has noted our comments on " limited poses" from before. I see that the latest Foot Dragoons, has up to 4 variations of marching troopers, and that's excluding the officer, flagman & drummer. So that helps to build a more varied & realistic looking column.OD

Excellent point. I believe the second round of French Old Guard also offered some varied poses. Unfortunately I'm still trying to acquire more of the "boring" marching and standing at attention figures before I start on the action poses.

Saber

 

[Capitolron]

I have seen with every release more and more interesting figures - K&C is doing fine in my book.

Someone already mentioned the fact these troops fought in formations and you are a little limited in those positions - however, the recent marching Dragoons are very interesting IMHO.

I would like to see some casualty figures and dead troops to add a little something to my battle scenes - understanding that they are a little slow in sales - but, very important for the collector.

I also think you guys are forgetting some of these pictured below which were great additions and out of the box as well !

 

[Capitolron]

Actually - this whole thing about King & Country not doing enough different poses is way off base - I was pull the pictures together in the other post and ran across these below - these are GREAT ACTION and DIFFERENT !

I guess I just have so many of these guys they all run together - but, these French Line Troops are wonderful - movement - action and not run of the mill.

I tell you sometimes we just take for granite all the outstanding figures K&C does in Napoleonics. We really shouldn't be complaining at all !

 

[Capitolron]

Here are a couple more ..... to further my point.

 

[johno2412]

Actually - this whole thing about King & Country not doing enough different poses is way off base - I was pull the pictures together in the other post and ran across these below - these are GREAT ACTION and DIFFERENT !

I guess I just have so many of these guys they all run together - but, these French Line Troops are wonderful - movement - action and not run of the mill.

I tell you sometimes we just take for granite all the outstanding figures K&C does in Napoleonics. We really shouldn't be complaining at all !

ron

sorry if it seems like i come across as if i was complaining maybe i just worded my statement wrong.i collect k & c for one reason to me they make the best figures! that's my point of view other collectors like other brands for the same reason or for other reasons of there choosing.
the point i was trying to make, is in my view there a corner of the market that's crying out for figures/sets like surgeon sets, bands sets or logistics sets that other makers have touched on but have not have been of the same standard as k & c sets (again this is only my point of view).
granted Andy has released some excellent figures like what you have posted or even the napoleon command tent but there was a lot going on behind the battle as well as the fighting figures

 

[OldDragon]

ron

sorry if it seems like i come across as if i was complaining maybe i just worded my statement wrong.i collect k & c for one reason to me they make the best figures! that's my point of view ...

... there a corner of the market that's crying out for figures/sets like surgeon sets, bands sets or logistics sets that other makers have touched on but have not have been of the same standard ...

... but there was a lot going on behind the battle as well as the fighting figures

Dont worry Johno

I am sure the man is listening ... and will do right by his collector base. Sure will love to see a NAP supply/mule train to go with the marching Dragoons escort.

By the way ... the Cuirassier with the saddle, still needs to find his horse. His arms are getting tired

All the best
OD

 

[Capitolron]

ron

sorry if it seems like i come across as if i was complaining maybe i just worded my statement wrong.i collect k & c for one reason to me they make the best figures! that's my point of view other collectors like other brands for the same reason or for other reasons of there choosing.
the point i was trying to make, is in my view there a corner of the market that's crying out for figures/sets like surgeon sets, bands sets or logistics sets that other makers have touched on but have not have been of the same standard as k & c sets (again this is only my point of view).
granted Andy has released some excellent figures like what you have posted or even the napoleon command tent but there was a lot going on behind the battle as well as the fighting figures

Hey - On that point I agree - I think we can always expand the figures to different types and styles. No question a NAPOLEONIC BAND would be a big seller - especially if it was a limited edition.

I am not running down your point - I was speaking more to the general masses in particular who always want more, more and more - which in itself is fine - but, we should appreciate what has been provided because in the past couple of years it has been great - IMHO.

Too many times we simply don't realize how fortunate we have been as K&C Napoleonic Collectors - Great Figures and Original releases !

 

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you on this special topic… Well, here goes…

Let me go back to “Johno’s” original post… When K&C work on a particular series, like Napoleonics, we are very much aware that many collectors like to buy multiples of certain “generic poses” like marching… standing at attention… presenting arms… standing firing… kneeling firing… to name but a few.

Other more individualistic poses such as drinking… helping a wounded comrade… being shot… lying dead are usually sold singly.

As a manufacturer the sales of multiples helps support the much reduced sales of those individualistic poses…

Now, like many of you, from a creative point of view, its great fun doing lots of “one-offs”… but that does not keep a company in business. We need those great collectors who want to build a “British Square” or form a company of marching French Grenadiers!

As for my friend “Cantinetozzo” and his wish to only produce “funnies”… Well be my guest… but take my advice, for what it’s worth, you won’t be in business very long.

Of course, there is always room for those special poses that are not generic… but… they must be balanced by the kind of figures that accurately reflect the style and kind of warfare waged prior to the 20th.Century.

Here, at K&C we try to take this into account as often as we can… when it is relevant.

20th.Century Warfare by contrast is much more “individualistic”…

Best wishes and happy collecting!
Andy C.

 

[cantinetozzo]

Eh eh thanks for the answer Andy..i don't plan to enter the market with my "funnies" , by the way not in the immediate future !But obviously my post was not a critic to your figures , i really was astonished by the new ACW figures ..maybe a French grenadier with a pipe or some british rifleman with 2 chicken in the hands , or a Voltigeur chasing a pig could help and stop me to enter the toy soldier business!!!ah ah ah..Thanks Andy!Happy return to England!!!
Andrea

 

[King & Country]

Hi Guys and Cantinetozzo,

Don't worry I did not think you were being critical...only wanted to explain our position. Thanks, also for the ideas...nice one!

One other minor point...Happy return to Scotland!!!
I'm just passing through England (Heathrow) on the way back to "ma ain wee hame in the heather!"

Och Aye the noo!
Andy McC.

 

[cantinetozzo]

Ops!Sorry Andy!!!HAPPY RETURN TO SCOTLAND!!!!

 

[johno2412]

Hey -
Too many times we simply don't realize how fortunate we have been as K&C Napoleonic Collectors - Great Figures and Original releases !

never a finer word said ron thats why myself and many alike collect k&c,

as for the napoleonic band well we can wish
and as they say all good things come to those who wait,andy please take note

 

[nysoldiers]

Andy is right on........
I have managed manufacturing facilities for many years and economy of scale/mass production is critical for keeping costs down.
Generic figures for the Napoleonic range are neccessary to create dioramas and displays. Building a column of attack march line infantry is central to a realistic diorama. I don't know K&C's manufacturing methods so I wonder if they can incorporate different heads and arms on a basic marching figure.
For example to get some diversity in an attack formation Fusiliers can have shakos, covered shakos, soft caps, bare heads and bandaged heads. Arm positions can also be altered on the same torsos.
I would certainly look to purchase 100 or so figures in advancing or marching line infantry (over a reasonable timeframe). Then you add officers, drummers, flag bearers, casualties and other variations in smaller quantity runs.
First Legion has done a good job with their variations but the price is about 30% higher and I just prefer a more robust figure.