villagehorse
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You have done a brillant job with your coverage Gazza. Will need to view many times in the coming months to take in these stunning items. Robin.
London Toy Soldier Show June 2017 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Gazza
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villagehorse
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2 fine elephants one of which will be travelling down under. Robin.
Sahara
Command Sergeant Major
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Thanks for the great photos. I really enjoyed the JJD Celts. They will be my first venture into JJD. Unless the jagdpanther comes out first
Glad to also see some more Romans from TGM. I can never have enough of those. I'm caught up on FL so hopefully I can focus on the JJD and TGM releases. But first I need to make it through a tough week ahead.
Glad to also see some more Romans from TGM. I can never have enough of those. I'm caught up on FL so hopefully I can focus on the JJD and TGM releases. But first I need to make it through a tough week ahead.
Normandy1944
Sergeant Major
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As always a fantastic show report.
Thanks for sharing
Harrie
Thanks for sharing
Harrie
thebritfarmer
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Great coverage of the show Gazza, thanks !
nysoldiers
Command Sergeant Major
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Thanks for the great photos and show coverage!
The JJD "Celts" and new WOR mounted Knights, artillery and archers will be welcome additions.
JJD's "Enemies of Rome" should obviously be compatible with K&C Romans. Side by side comparisons
of K&C Romans with TGM and FL show they are compatible with TGM but could also work with FL.
Due to the fact that K&C's Roman Legion XX Valeria Vixtrix fought in Britain I hope we see JJD produce
some "British Celts" with their distinctive woad tattoos, hair spiked with clay and lime and stripped to the waist.
The JJD "Celts" and new WOR mounted Knights, artillery and archers will be welcome additions.
JJD's "Enemies of Rome" should obviously be compatible with K&C Romans. Side by side comparisons
of K&C Romans with TGM and FL show they are compatible with TGM but could also work with FL.
Due to the fact that K&C's Roman Legion XX Valeria Vixtrix fought in Britain I hope we see JJD produce
some "British Celts" with their distinctive woad tattoos, hair spiked with clay and lime and stripped to the waist.
Obee
Captain
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- Aug 27, 2009
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One more picture from the show ...
the pub lunch ......
unfortunately the Treefroggers were 'thin on the ground' this year, much like the collectors who attended, and some of the sellers.
Still Roy, Paul, Andy and I were there to report on 'the action' as well as some of the dealers and makers, like Thomas Gunn (in person).
The last 2 'men standing' for lunch are below, enjoying a pint, after a fine pub lunch, at 'The Steam Passage' great to meet up again with you Andy,
Hope to meet up with more of you at the new venue on my next trip back to London,
John
the pub lunch ......
unfortunately the Treefroggers were 'thin on the ground' this year, much like the collectors who attended, and some of the sellers.
Still Roy, Paul, Andy and I were there to report on 'the action' as well as some of the dealers and makers, like Thomas Gunn (in person).
The last 2 'men standing' for lunch are below, enjoying a pint, after a fine pub lunch, at 'The Steam Passage' great to meet up again with you Andy,
Hope to meet up with more of you at the new venue on my next trip back to London,
John
Dragoon
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Thanks for the info. I think the facial sculpting is terrific. Best portrayal of Japanese facial features I've seen in miniature figures.
modelbaron
Private
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- Feb 10, 2010
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- 20
For me the show was a total 'Bust'
Possibly one of the worst for footfall and number of exhibitors with too much space left in the centre of the exhibition hall due to poor table sales. When the show first moved to Islington, downstairs was packed and most of upstairs was full. Now, upstairs was almost empty and thank goodness for Andy and a few others, otherswise you would not bother to climb the stairs. Downstairs, lots of space in the centre and isles. Guideline haven't even caught on to the idea of changing the table layout to make the collectors actually 'LOOK' for what they want instead of going thier predetirmed route straight to the one or two stands they wish to visit.
Although the sellers did their best, and there were some very good displays, the 'Buzz' has now left this show. I even had one chap, and very keen collector, who I have known for years saying this was his last show as it now does nothing for him.
As for some exhibitors, including one of the largest there by number of tables taken, have gotten used to just putting their figures which are fixed to the showroom bases without any thought of trying to create interesting displays or dioramas.
I have been attending this show for the last six years, a novice compared to some, but in this time I have seen the number of attendees and exhibitors fall dramatically as well as the quality of display,
We all miss the K&C stand and their displays, but there are also others who have now gone or changed hands, who contributed variety and visual presentation. Times are hard for the Retailers in the UK , much of it due to the poor exchange rates, but what has happened to the collectors in the UK and the enthusiasm for this hobby.
Perhaps the new December venue may help save this show with it being a smaller venue, but I know a lot of the exibitors have reservations about the location, being split up into four separate halls. Some of the collectors are looking forward to it and for some they think this may be the end of the show.
These are just my thoughts and as such some of you may not agree from me, so I would also like to hear from others to get their view on this show.
Possibly one of the worst for footfall and number of exhibitors with too much space left in the centre of the exhibition hall due to poor table sales. When the show first moved to Islington, downstairs was packed and most of upstairs was full. Now, upstairs was almost empty and thank goodness for Andy and a few others, otherswise you would not bother to climb the stairs. Downstairs, lots of space in the centre and isles. Guideline haven't even caught on to the idea of changing the table layout to make the collectors actually 'LOOK' for what they want instead of going thier predetirmed route straight to the one or two stands they wish to visit.
Although the sellers did their best, and there were some very good displays, the 'Buzz' has now left this show. I even had one chap, and very keen collector, who I have known for years saying this was his last show as it now does nothing for him.
As for some exhibitors, including one of the largest there by number of tables taken, have gotten used to just putting their figures which are fixed to the showroom bases without any thought of trying to create interesting displays or dioramas.
I have been attending this show for the last six years, a novice compared to some, but in this time I have seen the number of attendees and exhibitors fall dramatically as well as the quality of display,
We all miss the K&C stand and their displays, but there are also others who have now gone or changed hands, who contributed variety and visual presentation. Times are hard for the Retailers in the UK , much of it due to the poor exchange rates, but what has happened to the collectors in the UK and the enthusiasm for this hobby.
Perhaps the new December venue may help save this show with it being a smaller venue, but I know a lot of the exibitors have reservations about the location, being split up into four separate halls. Some of the collectors are looking forward to it and for some they think this may be the end of the show.
These are just my thoughts and as such some of you may not agree from me, so I would also like to hear from others to get their view on this show.
Obee
Captain
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Well for me the show was one of the highlights of my trip to Europe this year !!!!
I do not have any toy soldiers show to attend here in Australia, so I always make sure that any holiday to UK will include the show, as it has on 5 trips in the past 17 years! After a 20 hour flight to Europe I need something to look forward to
Yes, the numbers were down, but for me that meant that I could easily get around and see all of the tables a couple of time in the 5 hours I spent there. One of the main reasons for me to visit it to rummage amongst the older second hand figures and castings and kits to find some 'lost gems' from the 1970-2000's that I take home, strip and assemble and repaint to and I wasn't disappointed this time
Another 'joy' of the show is meeting up with many collectors, treefrog members (who were a bit thin on the ground), and makers whom I only can have email conversations. Speaking 'one to one' renews the acquaintance, and being able to discuss our hobby and find out want they are doing and planning.
Yes, there was a general sense of uncertainty in the market, but its not all toy soldiers, its also on the street with the economics of UK, uncertainty regarding Berxit, the falling value of the pound, and the ever present threat of terrorism that has so recently occurred in the streets of this city !!!!!!
But, even though it was a subdued show, most sellers told me they had covered costs, and met many friends so I feel that the social aspect of this event is the best part for me and many !!
Anyway, that's my '2 bob's worth' and I'll sure to be going to another show, wherever its held in London on my next trip 'back to Blighty' ,
John
Angusprune
Private 2
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[I attended the show on the 10th and realised that its starting to lose anything it had going for it.
It was obvious that the loss of K&C had an effect on income from table booking and the attendance through the doors was pretty abysmal.
I think it would have made more sense to move the traders from the mezzanine into the main hall as there was plenty of space and would have made the area far more interesting with no real loss.
Its obvious that the purpose of the show was to boost Toy Soldier Collector magazine. The magazine mainly consists of slightly rewritten press realeases from makers and an "everything is lovely" outlook.
Going from a prestige site to a local school hall can and does appear as a loss of face and kudos.
Some of the traders I spoke to were in two minds about attending in December and there was a general lack of enthusiasm about the move.
Maybe Guideline should grasp the nettle and combine the Soldier and modelling show ?
I think that collectors are all getting older and very little new blood is coming into the hobby and there has been a slow and steady decline.
I will certainly give the December show a chance but I think the lack of enthusiasm will seep into this one too
It was obvious that the loss of K&C had an effect on income from table booking and the attendance through the doors was pretty abysmal.
I think it would have made more sense to move the traders from the mezzanine into the main hall as there was plenty of space and would have made the area far more interesting with no real loss.
Its obvious that the purpose of the show was to boost Toy Soldier Collector magazine. The magazine mainly consists of slightly rewritten press realeases from makers and an "everything is lovely" outlook.
Going from a prestige site to a local school hall can and does appear as a loss of face and kudos.
Some of the traders I spoke to were in two minds about attending in December and there was a general lack of enthusiasm about the move.
Maybe Guideline should grasp the nettle and combine the Soldier and modelling show ?
I think that collectors are all getting older and very little new blood is coming into the hobby and there has been a slow and steady decline.
I will certainly give the December show a chance but I think the lack of enthusiasm will seep into this one too