Lost interest in toy soldiers (1 Viewer)

[ccdc11]

I am curouis if anyone has had this happen to them. I seem to have lost all desire to collect toy soldiers for 7 or 8 months now. Bit of background. Played with marx sets as a kid. Picked them back up after finding a old box of 1/72 within a year or so of getting out of the Corps. So I was maybe 22 or 23. Remembering the fun of Marx playets led to Chicago show, auctions and a few years later the new garage sale that was early Ebay. Richard Conte talked me into switching to painted metal from plastic and from then it's been non stop my main hobby outside of few sports for the last 30 years.

There has been a time or two that I've not "played" with toy soldiers for a month or two but never this long. I have read the forum a little, but not commented at all really, I have purchased a few items but not much. And while some of the less buying has to due with a planned move to the coast and a serious lack of space. I should still look and want to buy, however I have no desire to buy anything on at all. I saw Brad's post selling the JJD Jeremiah sets 10 minutes after he posted it (great sets great price) and last summer I would have snapped it up so quick,Yesterday I thought about it for 2 minutes and went Na.

At the start of this stay at home order I pulled out my frontline Normandy village and was going to set some old Britain and Conte figures on it. Shoot a few pics and put them on the forum to force myself to keep active on the forum.If you own one and keep it broke down you know it's a pain to set up. I did it and it still sits here empty of figures on my downstairs table 5 weeks later.

Has this happened to anyone after this long in the hobby. And have you bounced back? I know of a few people on here who have sold their collection but most of them seem to be people in their later years who are getting to the point of having to sell. I have only seen a few who quit collecting to move to a different hobby or other reasons.

Thanks in advance,
Chuck

 

[jazzeum]

Yes, it happens. I used to be a bigger collector than I am now but am slightly bored with it now. I used to post a lot of photos of my collection and although I have a lot of things I could post photos of I haven’t felt the motivation to do so. I haven’t lost complete interest as I’m still interested in collecting Somerset’s Lawrence figures and I just added a few of those. My main interest these days is not on toy soldiers but focusing on my jazz collection and re-discovering 60-70s rock (or as my son calls it, taking a trip down memory lane). As you get older interests change. It’s part of growing, part of life. Nothing wrong with that. Perhaps you will re-acquire the interest later on.

 

[Alexander the Great]

...I think collecting toy soldiers is a circle like everything else in life. I started collecting about three years ago after spending a life time as a modeler of 1/48 scale airplanes.
I remember back in the day that I would jump at the opportunity to buy the latest airplane model, related publications etc....not anymore....everything has a beginning and an end

 

[theBaron]

I collect other things, and while I haven't lost interest in those things, I've stopped acquiring new pieces.

For example, I collect beer steins and glasses, and "breweriana", over 200 pieces. I still enjoy my collection, but I don't buy new pieces, because I just don't have the room to display and to store more. Most of my collection is packed away.

I also build models, but the lack of space limits me in that hobby, too. And in the case of my scale models, I am approaching something like a loss of interest in some of the subjects I bought, with an eye to building them some day. Part of that feeling is caused by visiting modeling websites and seeing the work of guys who are first-class modelers, who compete and consistently win 1st place in IPMS contests. I think that works on my subconscious to discourage me. But I also remind myself that it's for my own enjoyment, and I focus on that. I may start selling off parts of my stash, though, so someone else who wants to, can enjoy building those kits.

For toy soldiers, I'm a little different from the rest of you, in that I don't buy commercially-finished figures, not too often, that is. Because I can paint, and I can cast, my toy soldiers are akin to my models. They represent something I made, not just something I collected. I don't intend ever to get rid of any part of my collection, except at the point of death. Whatever's left over, I'll bequeath to surviving friends, or clubs and societies, or museums.

Prost!
Brad

 

[lancer]

I'm now 67 and a lifelong collector of two things, books and toy soldiers. My interest in books, military history and sci-fi, has never waned and my purchase of books has never really wavered as I am always adding to my library. My toy soldier interest did wane in my 20's and 30's as I raised a family and was heavily involved in multiple jobs to accomplish that. My TS collecting picked up again in my 40's and accelerated up to about 5 years ago when I literally ran out of display space and disposable income. I still buy TS but now it is restricted to bargain hunting on the forum and mainly Evil-bay (something I thought I would never do, but retail prices have just gone far beyond my financial ability). Even now, I still want all kinds of new TS, but am simply unable to buy them. Quite honestly, with careful shopping, I can purchase several books for the cost of a single retail priced TS. I love my TS but I love my books and reading them more than I do collecting TS. But, given better funding, TS would still pile up all over my abode. -- Al

 

[jazzeum]

I'm now 67 and a lifelong collector of two things, books and toy soldiers. My interest in books, military history and sci-fi, has never waned and my purchase of books has never really wavered as I am always adding to my library. My toy soldier interest did wane in my 20's and 30's as I raised a family and was heavily involved in multiple jobs to accomplish that. My TS collecting picked up again in my 40's and accelerated up to about 5 years ago when I literally ran out of display space and disposable income. I still buy TS but now it is restricted to bargain hunting on the forum and mainly Evil-bay (something I thought I would never do, but retail prices have just gone far beyond my financial ability). Even now, I still want all kinds of new TS, but am simply unable to buy them. Quite honestly, with careful shopping, I can purchase several books for the cost of a single retail priced TS. I love my TS but I love my books and reading them more than I do collecting TS. But, given better funding, TS would still pile up all over my abode. -- Al

I couldn’t agree more with Al: my appetite for books hasn’t slowed down; I just need to find the time to read them all. I don’t look that much at eBay for toy soldiers anymore, except for Somerset. In addition, for the price of a set I can buy several cds or LPs. It just doesn’t make any sense anymore to pay the price for toy soldiers.

 

[Malcolm Britain]

I think it is one of those natural things that happens with interests (or most things). If there is nothing new or there is no underlying theme or idea then interest wanes. I collect other things and I love my sport and reading as well as walking and music. So it is just phases. When i have watched enough cricket I will be reading or switching to collectables.

I don't pay exorbitant prices for painted soldiers although i have a fair few really as paint examples to see if I can match or better the finish myself but these are all simple gloss toy soldiers. So yes the interest waxes and wanes or waits semi-dormant for new inspiration. Just as we like variety in food I think we need variety in everything we do. Painting is a creative thing and I enjoy using my hands..the by-product is gleaming shiny toys soldiers ready to obey without question (save when they topple on parade -put em on a fizzer!).

 

[cnq]

I started collecting 1/30 TS 10 years ago, and the last 1/30 item I bought was 6 years ago ^&grin , about the same time I've started to do plastic models in all scales...
The main reason I stopped collecting TS was the constant inscrease in price, and I had to stop somewhere. I'm still interested in TS and have started to collecting diecast in 1/32 scale mainly from Force of Valor..etc..And still visiting the forum to admire new released from TS manufacturer and collectors.

 

[ccdc11]

Really good points Al, I know I have a space issue after downsizing and the projected move. I am at the point where to buy something I would have to sell something to display something. I won't keep stuff in boxes. I even stood in the toy soldier room and thought if you decide to sell could you? and what would I keep. (Somerset LOA, Monarch samurai,KC Eygpt, and JJD WW1 german aircraft)

My other main hobby that I spend money on is that I am a audiophile but I have FINALLY gotten to point of not needing to upgrade anything.
And as far as source material with discogs and amazon you can find anything you want so it's not like I go to record shows or stores any longer.
So that has slowed down as well. Brad I was going to say please tell me your getting reacquainted with 60's and 70's rock and roll on vinyl.
But if your a jazz guy you likely are. Jazz fans almost always get audio and how it should sound.

I think I worry that this is over as a hobby for me and to be honest I don't want it to end as a hobby. I love the hobby and the people in it. Hopefully it's a phase and will pass.

 

[ccdc11]

I started collecting 1/30 TS 10 years ago, and the last 1/30 item I bought was 6 years ago ^&grin , about the same time I've started to do plastic models in all scales...
The main reason I stopped collecting TS was the constant inscrease in price, and I had to stop somewhere. I'm still interested in TS and have started to collecting diecast in 1/32 scale mainly from Force of Valor..etc..And still visiting the forum to admire new released from TS manufacturer and collectors.

I get the price thing it has gotten a bit crazy, quality has also increased as well though and offsets some of the price imo. So I don't think it's just price or saving money to move to the coast. I could always play with plastic if it was that. I have Conte and few others but even that does nothing for me right now.


Brad, sorry I read your post correctly and spotted the LP's.

 

[Warrior]

Much like Al, I collect two things; books and toy soldiers, that's it.

Been that way since I was a kid, will always be that way for me, both are in my blood, I can never see a situation where I'd stop collecting either.

I recently ordered a two volume set on the FPW, can't wait to get it, it's long overdue, been almost a month now, also just today ordered some new 20mm FPW Prussian Cuirassiers, Uhlans, French Chasseurs D'Afrique, French and Bavarian infantry.

For me, half the fun is ordering/waiting for that package to arrive the other half is reading the book/unpacking the soldiers and admiring them.

One of the highlights for me as a kid was Christmas morning and what would be under the tree in the way of toy soldiers, my parents and one of my Aunts and Uncles would get me all the latest and the greatest toy soldiers. When my Dad died in 2017, I decided in his memory every year, I'd put in an order for some painted 20mm figures, when the box arrives, they go under the tree to be opened on Christmas morning to keep that tradition from my childhood going.

Being in the business, I see collectors come and go, I know why they come, I'll never understand why they go, but the bottom line is it's an individual choice, we all have to decide what we do and do not collect.

It always pains me when we lose a collector, whether it be due to lack of funds, space, interest or death, mainly because there are fewer and fewer new ones coming through the front door to replace them, the hobby I love is slowly circling the drain and that is sad to me, something I never thought I'd see.

For me, the thing I love the most about toy soldiers and what keeps me going is all of the childhood memories, they are so special to me; when I got my Anzio Beach playset, my first Airfix figures, Airfix Waterloo French Infantry (I waited an ETERNITY for them), the stunning coffee table book 'Waterloo", my first painted figures at the wax museum gift shop in Gettysburg, the first time I saw the Gettysburg Panorama (it was literally a life changing experience), the Airfix Waterloo playset (Prussians!!), on and on it goes.

The childhood memories are great; looking forward to making new ones is great as well...……………………...best of luck to you Chuck whatever you ultimately decide...…………….

 

[marco55]

What really got me interested in 1/32-1/30 toy soldiers was Conte's Don Troiani ACW series as I really like the sets.Jenkins came along just as I was deeply interested in the FIW and I haven't really been interested deeply since then.I go through phases as I was collecting and having kits painted up.Now I'm more interested in 28mm for diorama purposes but haven't had the time or energy to actually do one and also I get interested in one period then I go get interested in another and end up selling figures.I have bought about 9 1/30 figures this year.Nothing quite matches the excitement I got with the Conte's sets.
Mark

 

[jazzeum]

Chuck, a lot of my jazz is on cd but a good portion of my rock is on LP or Japanese CDs. Since you’re an Audiophile, do you belong to Hoffman?

Brad

 

[Dragoon]

Have always had an interest in military history. Seeing ''Zulu'' as a kid in the theatre, was probably the initial spark.
Started collecting ''toy'' soldiers about 30 years ago; Imperial, Trophy, Soldiers of the World.
As the hobby shifted to mat finished figures my purchasing slowed.
It picked up again as the mat finished figures paint and sculping quality improved.
Today I only collect JJD, and within that only certain subjects, and I always make sure there is a wealth of reading for those subjects to keep my interest in the period going.

 

[Grognard]

I am in collecting for unique pieces and I think I have acquired from diverse TS manufacturers all the ones I like (IOW I never went for the number). For the past 3-4 years I haven't seen any net new NAP range produced that I don't have already or are indeed unique to my own eyes. This is why I started to acquire unique TS kits from all over the world and paint them myself :smile2:

 

[ccdc11]

Brad this is the only forum I am on. I find there is enough arguments on this one for me.

The thing about this lack of desire for me is that it's not being replaced with another version of the hobby. I have considered chucking it all and starting over with a few high end pieces. Every time I see some of the Russian pieces some of you collect I have a small desire to chuck it all, start over and only have a few amazing pieces. But I think that is just a pipe dream.

I am grateful for everyone's input and I guess we shall see if it's just a phase, Maybe it's my version of a midlife crisis

 

[nysoldiers]

Have always had an interest in military history. Seeing ''Zulu'' as a kid in the theatre, was probably the initial spark.
Started collecting ''toy'' soldiers about 30 years ago; Imperial, Trophy, Soldiers of the World.
As the hobby shifted to mat finished figures my purchasing slowed.
It picked up again as the mat finished figures paint and sculping quality improved.
Today I only collect JJD, and within that only certain subjects, and I always make sure there is a wealth of reading for those subjects to keep my interest in the period going.

Loved the movie "Zulu"! Saw it as a teenager during the summer. Must have watched it six or seven times over the years.

 

[nysoldiers]

I have been collecting and painting for over 60 years. Took several hiatus to concentrate on sports and girls. Built models for relaxation when I started working after college. Got back into it when I was 30 and could afford it more.

Now I concentrate on building dioramas for museums, schools and libraries. If a new series comes out I research the history and decide if a diorama would be popular with certain age groups or institutions.
I wasn't going to collect Vietnam as I knew too many friends and relatives who lost their lives, limbs and sanity. But several of my veteran friends wanted dioramas so I used Figarti, First Legion and now K&C.

JJD's new early Civil War has enticed me to do a Bull Run/Manassas diorama.

Will probably collect as long as I can breathe.

 

[desk11desk12]

Loss of Interest…NOPE!

Still collecting, but not as much due to price increases, size of existing collection and lack of space.

Current interest are Pacific Marines, Vietnam War, and of course WWII GI’s (Summer & Winter).

Yeah, I am a bite egocentric American. However, I do have some Germans.

I also, collect Strat-O-Matic baseball cards. Yeah, it’s pretty obscure but fun.

Carlos

 

[Go for Broke]

Like a lot of people here, I still have interest, but increased pricing and lack of space caused me to curb my spending. I remember when I thought $25 per figure was a lot. So I started buying plastics from my childhood, but found out that when I got them, I'd look at them for a minute then put them in a box. Now I buy the occasional FOV tank, if I can get a good deal. I enjoy the Forum everyday, along with the TS magazines.