Need some opinions on figarti! (2 Viewers)

[Firebat]

 

[Firebat]

 

[Firebat]

 

[jbonzo1]

Spectacular work Firebat!

 

[joesgis]

Love those pics Firebat, especially the Pacific one....that could be blown up and framed!!!! BTW, the buildings you made for Figarti's Westcoaster display were really spectacular!! Your style mixes very well w/ Figarti.

To answer the initial question of this thread, I mix my K & C and Figarti figures, and they typically mix pretty well. But there are some K & C's figures that are a little larger than their norm and some Figarti figures that are a little smaller than their norm. In these cases, they don't work well side by side, but work well if you can position them at different perspective points in a setting w/ depth.

Regarding this very interesting discussion, I like Figarti's figures as I have stated here before. I have quite a few of them. Like Tom pointed out, just look at the German medic (or pics of it if you don't have the figure); it is a very nice figure, IMHO. Last I checked, someone is selling one on ebay, and has already broken the $100.00 mark w/ several days to go.

The issue I have w Figarti's figures, echoing the sentiments of Louis, is sculpting consistency. Some of the figures are sculpted very nicely, and IMO Figarti has come a long way in this department in a relative short period, as Louis emphasized. However, other figures, are sculpted very poorly IMO (I guessing this to be the work of one particular sculptor who I'm speculating is stuck or won't budge off of an artistic plateau). No paint job can save a bad sculpt. I know Figarti is still experimenting a lot w/ their Figure's too. They are a brave outfit who are eager to try new methods and styles. But I would like to see them settle in on a particular "design" w/ their figures; thereby defining themselves and then being able to implicitly market this new found format. It's always nice for a consumer to have reliability perhaps more so than anything else. Too much stylistic variety can be problematic, IMO, especially when you have sculptors who styles don't always compliment one another. But in the interim, due to the subjectivity inherent in all of this, there seems to be much mixed opinion on which way Figarti should go w/ their figures. Indeed they have displayed many different stylistic variations. For instance, I really like the personality of the figures that came w/ the Russian JSU-152 Beast, but others found the appearance too animated and over the top. So who's to say which way is best for Figarti to lean stylistically w/ their figures? It appears for now to be a bit of hit and miss as a company works to define the characteristics one will eventually associate w/ their specific product. Sometimes I wonder if Figarti feels like it's almost a case of "****ed if you do, ****ed if you don't" w/ their figure production. But that's the stage I think Figarti is at w/ their figures, and until they narrow their stylistic attributes, they may very well continue to experience this.
But one thing is for sure, w/ Figarti the motivation and ability is there; these things are there in abundance. In terms of their figures, Figarti just needs accentuation on focus. With that will come the vision that can be used to eliminate inconsistencies w/ the right choices.
A good first step, IMO, along the lines of what Louis said, I think Figarti might want to reinforce the efforts of their best sculptors only.

Regarding figure painting style, I enjoy Figarti's efforts and results in this department overall. In particular, I really like the painting of the USMC's from the Wake Is. series and the painting of the Lost in the Desert set to name a few. I see the intricacies and subtleties Louis associates w/ Russian figure painting techniques in these figures. I even like some of the dark and dramatically painted figures, but some of the face shadowing is too thick and harsh. Still, as mentioned before, other figures are doomed from the get go w/ poor sculpts. No paint job can fix a poorly sculpted face or unnatural pose or disproportionate limbs, as Mitch mentioned.

But a great thing about Figarti is their genuine desire to improve. They don't get defensive when they see discussions about such topics. In fact, they want the criticism. How many other "big boy" toy soldier producers can we say that about? I can only think of one other. Figarti would rather hear the truth, because they know within these discussions comes clarity and maybe even answers that can lead to the boosting of Figarti's figures over the hump.

 

[RWFigarti]

Hi Guys,

Yes, I do read the threads and appreciate such passionate discussion from all sides of subjective and objective opinions. Truth is, I agree with everything both sides are saying and nothing said offends me nor do I take comfort from. The bottom line is that we are not perfect, and there is always room to improve. What I want to stress is that Figarti will continue to improve, be more consistent, and if we have not shown "Potential" in that, then perhaps we're not working hard enough. So we will work harder. I know we are capable of producing "WORLD CLASS" figures but its not about capability, its about "WANT", and we WANT to produce world class figures. Thank you Mitch for your honest opinion as well as all others and I think this is what makes our hobby interesting, this is what makes our hobby improve, not to mention it keeps the forum alive. As for the German medic figure on ebay...

Rick
RWFigarti

 

[Vezzolf]

Love those pics Firebat, especially the Pacific one....that could be blown up and framed!!!! BTW, the buildings you made for Figarti's Westcoaster display were really spectacular!! Your style mixes very well w/ Figarti.

To answer the initial question of this thread, I mix my K & C and Figarti figures, and they typically mix pretty well. But there are some K & C's figures that are a little larger than their norm and some Figarti figures that are a little smaller than their norm. In these cases, they don't work well side by side, but work well if you can position them at different perspective points in a setting w/ depth.

Regarding this very interesting discussion, I like Figarti's figures as I have stated here before. I have quite a few of them. Like Tom pointed out, just look at the German medic (or pics of it if you don't have the figure); it is a very nice figure, IMHO. Last I checked, someone is selling one on ebay, and has already broken the $100.00 mark w/ several days to go.

The issue I have w Figarti's figures, echoing the sentiments of Louis, is sculpting consistency. Some of the figures are sculpted very nicely, and IMO Figarti has come a long way in this department in a relative short period, as Louis emphasized. However, other figures, are sculpted very poorly IMO (I guessing this to be the work of one particular sculptor who I'm speculating is stuck or won't budge off of an artistic plateau). No paint job can save a bad sculpt. I know Figarti is still experimenting a lot w/ their Figure's too. They are a brave outfit who are eager to try new methods and styles. But I would like to see them settle in on a particular "design" w/ their figures; thereby defining themselves and then being able to implicitly market this new found format. It's always nice for a consumer to have reliability perhaps more so than anything else. Too much stylistic variety can be problematic, IMO, especially when you have sculptors who styles don't always compliment one another. But in the interim, due to the subjectivity inherent in all of this, there seems to be much mixed opinion on which way Figarti should go w/ their figures. Indeed they have displayed many different stylistic variations. For instance, I really like the personality of the figures that came w/ the Russian JSU-152 Beast, but others found the appearance too animated and over the top. So who's to say which way is best for Figarti to lean stylistically w/ their figures? It appears for now to be a bit of hit and miss as a company works to define the characteristics one will eventually associate w/ their specific product. Sometimes I wonder if Figarti feels like it's almost a case of "****ed if you do, ****ed if you don't" w/ their figure production. But that's the stage I think Figarti is at w/ their figures, and until they narrow their stylistic attributes, they may very well continue to experience this.
But one thing is for sure, w/ Figarti the motivation and ability is there; these things are there in abundance. In terms of their figures, Figarti just needs accentuation on focus. With that will come the vision that can be used to eliminate inconsistencies w/ the right choices.
A good first step, IMO, along the lines of what Louis said, I think Figarti might want to reinforce the efforts of their best sculptors only.

Regarding figure painting style, I enjoy Figarti's efforts and results in this department overall. In particular, I really like the painting of the USMC's from the Wake Is. series and the painting of the Lost in the Desert set to name a few. I see the intricacies and subtleties Louis associates w/ Russian figure painting techniques in these figures. I even like some of the dark and dramatically painted figures, but some of the face shadowing is too thick and harsh. Still, as mentioned before, other figures are doomed from the get go w/ poor sculpts. No paint job can fix a poorly sculpted face or unnatural pose or disproportionate limbs, as Mitch mentioned.

But a great thing about Figarti is their genuine desire to improve. They don't get defensive when they see discussions about such topics. In fact, they want the criticism. How many other "big boy" toy soldier producers can we say that about? I can only think of one other. Figarti would rather hear the truth, because they know within these discussions comes clarity and maybe even answers that can lead to the boosting of Figarti's figures over the hump.

Excellent Post....Well Said...I think Figarti has not yet completely established their style of sculpt and figure painting.....I hope that they will follow their own path with commitment to excellence and not follow the "status quo" of another manufacturer in an effort to "match up".....If quality figures and AFV's are produced collectors will buy them; not because they match the "big boy" but because they are GOOD QUALITY

 

[wayne556517]

I mix n match all companys and yes figarti are up and down take the V2 figures they are huge compared to say winter surprise set but they are improving,you got to love there vehicles and WHEN they get the figures right,well at the same consistent scale they will be on a winner i reckon.
Yellow arrow Jan 2008
Red arrow Dec2009
a big difference look at the rifle?????

Red arrow Winter surprise Dec 2009
Yello arrow V2 set Mar 2008

But unfortunatley i don't live near or having any TS retail shops in my state so i rely on the net and this forum,i have to take a chance and buy it and just hope its good when it gets here.Yes i've been dissapointed but then again some are spot on,either way each has its on personality and history.Totally up to the individual but i like figarti figures a bit skinny and fragile but they go well with there vehicles etc,the V1 sets are amongst my favourites and i use them with the K+C Lufftwaffe range and IMO go well together they uniforms look dirty and they look like they are working hard.

 

[Firebat]

FIGARTI & K&C

 

[glossman]

Hi Guys,

Yes, I do read the threads and appreciate such passionate discussion from all sides of subjective and objective opinions. Truth is, I agree with everything both sides are saying and nothing said offends me nor do I take comfort from. The bottom line is that we are not perfect, and there is always room to improve. What I want to stress is that Figarti will continue to improve, be more consistent, and if we have not shown "Potential" in that, then perhaps we're not working hard enough. So we will work harder. I know we are capable of producing "WORLD CLASS" figures but its not about capability, its about "WANT", and we WANT to produce world class figures. Thank you Mitch for your honest opinion as well as all others and I think this is what makes our hobby interesting, this is what makes our hobby improve, not to mention it keeps the forum alive. As for the German medic figure on ebay...

Rick
RWFigarti

IMHO, this is an impressive reply by Rick Wang of Figarti. The future will augur well for Figarti if the company can take the criticism in a positive way and pro-actively respond to improve.

May I suggest to Figarti to focus on improving on the facial features and dentition of its figures. The angry scrowled look (with "Dracula" teeth) is better replaced by a steely look of determination and resolve (mouth closed). In addition, the torso and limbs need to be better proportioned with no oversized/undersized parts.

I am duly reassured that Figarti will spare no effort to improve on its figures.

Sincerely, Raymond.

 

[Firebat]

FIGARTI & K&C

 

[RWFigarti]

Alex,

Great photos!!! You guys really make everyone's figure come alive... Well done!! Thanks for the support.

Rick
RWFigarti

 

[Currahee Chris]

Since Figarti is nosing around here....figure I'd throw in my two cents...

WHERE'S THE BRADLEY??? ^&grin Should have been released before the Stryker.....and the Stryker would have been a tad more relevant as infantry squad vehicle rather than the Anti tank, guided missle vehicle...

I personally love what you guys are doing for modern- keep up the great work!! %^V

 

[thebritfarmer]

From the photos that have been posted I don't see what the fuss is about. Looks like a lot of "much ado about nothing".

 

[Mitch]

I have to say, its refreshing for a critique to have remained sensible and seen as just that a constructive critique of products on the market which, is what I thought the forum was all about. I also think Rick's comments were excellent and show a manufacturer able to see that critique is a valuable part of the hobby.

Just a few final points that have been raised. Firstly, I think a military background has no relevance in whether one can run and release quality military miniatures. If this was so then only those with a military background would be successful so, HB, CS, TG etc must be a fluke. I think Andy's background in art and graphic design is a bigger influence so, the two are just not comaptible IMO.

I think there is such a plethora of military literature that could assist Figarti with their figures that the seven years in the business is a rather false argument. I could accept it were they making average AFV's but, they are not, probably, some of the best and innovative sets to hit the market so, they must be working with the right sculpters etc or, this would not be happening so, Figarti's 10% time spent if, this is right, is working very well.
Mitch

 

[Firebat]

It is for this reason Battle Scene Productions is doing THE GREAT CRUSADE. No words, conjecture or opinion can replace visual evidence. Throughout the 10 Episodes you will see most of the major manufacturers figures and vehicles side by side.

I think anyone who can't make up their mind who they do or don't like, will know when it is over.

Too short....Too tall....Too fat.....Too skinny.....Big heads......Small heads......Short torsos......Long torsos....Short legs.....Long legs.....Big helmets.......Small helmets.....Once BIG....Now SMALL.......Once SMALL.....Now BIG....In doing THE GREAT CRUSADE this is giving us fits....EVERY MANUFACTURER is guilty....why can't they have some kind of summit meeting and agree on a uniform code. Alex

PS ...Bright Paint....Muted paint.....Weathered....Not weathered......Uggggggh more problems.

 

[Mitch]

I certainly would not like to see a manufacturer code of uniformity I like the variation of individual unique styles offered by the main matt makers.

For me, the discussion here was all about figarti and a painting technique. Good diorama's fit the scene to the set thats the challenge and enjoyment
Mitch

 

[Firebat]

never seen the figures in person so don truly know how they look( if you know what i mean minor details),compared to king and country for say how do they stand up?

1) I was just basically trying to help this guy out.

2) Thanks to those of you who complemented our work, here and at Chicago and The West Coaster.

3) By uniformity, I basically meant scale. All 1/30th should be the same ball park height and stature and all 1/32nd should be the same ball park height and stature. Having the discrepancies I mentioned previously, took BSP out of a lot of scenes we were planning for THE GREAT CRUSADE. Alex

 

[Firebat]

never seen the figures in person so don truly know how they look( if you know what i mean minor details),compared to king and country for say how do they stand up?

My friend, let the pictures do the talking.....There was an absurd thread elsewhere that stated a particular manufacturers products make the best dioramas.....:rolleyes2:

That manufacturers figures were NOT used here.

So I guess this scene, and the rest we posted do not look as good

By the way the figures and vehicles used here are FIGARTI and KING and COUNTRY..............Let the pictures do the talking.

 

[Louis Badolato]

I have to say, its refreshing for a critique to have remained sensible and seen as just that a constructive critique of products on the market which, is what I thought the forum was all about. I also think Rick's comments were excellent and show a manufacturer able to see that critique is a valuable part of the hobby.

Just a few final points that have been raised. Firstly, I think a military background has no relevance in whether one can run and release quality military miniatures. If this was so then only those with a military background would be successful so, HB, CS, TG etc must be a fluke. I think Andy's background in art and graphic design is a bigger influence so, the two are just not comaptible IMO.

I think there is such a plethora of military literature that could assist Figarti with their figures that the seven years in the business is a rather false argument. I could accept it were they making average AFV's but, they are not, probably, some of the best and innovative sets to hit the market so, they must be working with the right sculpters etc or, this would not be happening so, Figarti's 10% time spent if, this is right, is working very well.
Mitch

Mitch,

Its funny that you should take the position that it doesn't matter whether a manufacturer has military experience when it comes to sculpting, because the three major Toy Soldier Manufacturers I have discussed the issue with would all disagree with you. Andy Neilson, John Jenkins and, just two weekends ago, Ken Osen, three of the most successful toy soldier manufacturers in the industry, have all stated to me that one of the biggest problem for toy soldier manufacturers without military experience, or at least re-enactment experience, is the ridiculous poses they sculpt their figures in, because they just don't understand how the weapons in question are handled. Ken actually put himself in an uncomfortable position to demonstrate how these sculptors, not familiar with firearms, sometimes sculpt soldiers in the standing firing position. Ken's point made sense to me, because, frankly, if you aren't familiar with the weight and heft of certain weapons, you won't necessarily understand how a soldier carrying or using said weapon has to stand or brace himself.

Rick Wang of Figarti pointed this deficiency out to me years ago, using one of his early Japanese troops firing a knee mortar as an example. The sculptor, unfamiliar with a knee mortar, assumed from the name that you braced it against your knee. It was only after the figure had been released that a retired soldier informed him that had the knee mortar been braced against the soldier's knee, his leg would have been broken.