London Show June 2008 (4 Viewers)

[UK_BOD]

Hi everyone,

Well just back from London, uploaded the phots and here we are...

Very good weather in London today, sunny, mid/late 20s and loads of ladies sunbathing in Russell Square. Oh yeah and a toy soldier show.

Today was fairly packed with what seemed to be a large number of European and American visitors, but also it seemed that the average age of the visitors were getting younger compared with previous shows.


Firstly the Britains store, the main thing catching most peoples eye was the mounted Napoleonic figure, what I believe Britains will call their Connoisseur range. The price will be about £120 -£130/figure, but the figures will be limited editions of 200. The range will not be just Napoleonic but will cover different periods. I can't tell you what regiment the figure is as I'm not into Napoleonics but I'm sure someone will. The rest of the table covered this years new releases and it seems that Britains has considerable improved since the "new (or old) guys" took over. The museum quality series looks very good as does the new AWI figures (yep, guess what two new series I'm starting). The Zulu series though is still number one in my books.

 

[UK_BOD]

The next stop was to Little Legion, a company which specialises in Closs Zulu War, napoleonics and a small number of other conflicts. The new items here were the Zulu war buildings and the figure which were also part of the set. If you are into the new Britains Zulu War glossies have a look at this company.

I also saw some Camel Corps/Ansar figures which after reading a number of books on Victorian Wars took my interest however glossies they are and I'm a matte bloke which a shopping list already too long.

 

[UK_BOD]

A couple more Little Legion ZW shots and some new Frontline ZW figures.

The NNH I haven't seen before...

 

[UK_BOD]

On to TM Terrain, who bought a number of new buildings to the show including a Arnhem building as their centrepiece (see imagery £450) and a couple of smaller buildings. The boards which these guys create are true works of art and would really show off a collection to its best. I particularly like their Battle of Snowshoes diorama, it's just trying to find a space to put it. I bought JJD BOS Captive set here to continue my 100% collection. The JJD seies of figures are best when seen in numbers and I only wish I couls start the Quebec series...

First Legion figures were on display, and do look good as does the Collectors Showcase figures (I bought the 232 in March) but I already had my list and wasn't going to change it.

 

[Dickbuttons]

Thanks for the photos -- some nice figures.

 

[UK_BOD]

On to Clive at Grey Goose (Figarti), I had already told myself that I had a buying plan and was sticking to it.... no matter what.

As usual Clive had a good set up on display including the new AK Pz IV, the "Test" V2" and control vehicle although these were'nt for sale today. Very impressed with the PZ IV but personally I don't think it's for me (I already have the Winter one and love it). I need more Zulus...... The control vehicle is very detailed and I will certainly look at this when it comes on the market. The only problem I find with Figarti is that if you don't buy a vehicle/rocket etc when it first comes out you will only get it later on ebay for a far inflated figure. The same however holds true with K&C and soon Britains so, looking at the bright side collections will retain their value.

Clive, liked the V-1 bunker, and can't wait for the upcoming British tank.

 

[UK_BOD]

Next to the show hosts King & Country UK. The displays as always were good but I came here on a mission and bought 6+1 TRL figures. Seeing the massed line of highlanders gives you a "I want" attitude and if I wasn't going away next month overseas it would have been a lot more. I think these figures are the best I've seen and I already have my plans for Christmas. It really depends on what comes out for the Market Garden series. I already have a preplanned JJD (BOS) and Britains(Zulu,ACW,AWI,Museum) reserve which I try not to break with K&C.

 

[UK_BOD]

A different avenue now as for the first time at the show was a Anglo/French company called Walkerloo Toy soldiers who specialise in cardboard stand-up Napoleonic figures. The figures for an infantryman stand about 4-5 inches and with the endless debate about introducing kids into military history and/or collecting I think there on to a sure winner here. The stall itself was doing endless business and by the time I decided to buy my 8-year old a couple of sets they were nearly sold out. Price is about £1 a figure(ish - abit more for cavalry), I bought 2 sets of Black watch and 2 sets of 54eme regiment. Now Ill find out what Jack makes of them. Website is Walkerloo.com and will be fully up and running next month, according to the company's owner there will be additional sets coming out including Prussians with rules and histories on the web page. I wish him well.

 

[UK_BOD]

On the whole a rather good show with a number of pointers to what's coming. It will be interesting to see how the new Connoisseur range from Britains will develop as pricing figures at that amount will be a new venture for them. It is true to say that Britains are now back up there with K&C. The staff today at Britains were very helpful, I just can't wait for my pre-orders to become orders. The new AWI figures which have already been commented on (Washington) are well worth a look, even if you are not interested in this period. As always the big companies our continuing to push the detail boundaries out and it has become harder to choose between the various brands/periods. I do think the K&C Crimean War series has really taken off and the new TRL are in my opinion the best out there (feel free to disagree). What else did I get besides the TRL and JJD... a whole forest worth of trees/bushes for my ACW collection and some dry brush and bushes plus tents for my Britains Zulus, all from JG Miniatures.

See you in December

Andy

 

[Spitfrnd]

Thanks for taking and posting these interesting photos. It is fascinating to me that many of the photos you folks post from the shows are more detailed and useful than many of the manufactuer and dealer photos. Keep up the good work lads.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Thanks for the report and photos Andy. Looks like there were many top rate products there.

 

[panda1gen]

One of my favourites today, - Alexanders Toy Soldiers - made in England - I don't collect it but I was sorely tempted to start. I will try to show some more of their stuff, I loved the RN boats.

A really good show, I have missed a couple, maybe that helps?

The King and Country layout was as superb as ever, but I took no photos - sorry guys - as I was too busy catching up with collectors and the Nevilles, a really good day - but I didn't have to organise the show, poor ol' Mike!

 

[panda1gen]

Here are Alexander Toy soldier RN Boats - just superb.

 

[panda1gen]

Up closer, note the keen micro-collector with nose to shelf in the picture..

...had some problems reducing the picture so sorry about the quality, it only came on the website at the third attempt so the quality has been degraded.

 

[panda1gen]

Maison Militaire had a great display.......this shot also had to be reduced twice so I am getting better but it has still lost some quality - hope the figures come through OK.

 

[panda1gen]

If you are looking for a work of art however, I think Da Vinci painted this!!!!!!

 

[panda1gen]

Or for the many lawyers out there.........or people who want lawyers in their dioramas The other Forward March sets looked great too.

 

[panda1gen]

Plenty of great artillery sets - this one comes with a cuppa....

 

[panda1gen]

Errol Garner Studios have some different pieces......complete with parasols.....

 

[panda1gen]

From 54mm to 124mm - these guys were big!