Neglected Collectors? (1 Viewer)

[highrailjon]

As stated, the latest 8th Army Band offering is the first one in 12 years concerning ceremonial sets. Although I'm glad the "action figure" sales are thriving, I think it's sad that K&C have pretty much abandoned the ceremonial collectors. If K&C considers ceremonial sets "old school" why do sets like the Royal Marine Band and the Black Watch Pipes & Drums still command top prices in shops and on Ebay?
Not to mention a certain monetary loss to the company as ceremonial collectors like myself seek alternative sets to round out our collections.
Please excuse my rant. I just miss the option to add sets like the one included here:

 

[Mitch]

I love ceremonial and bands and, had the RM band until as I mentioned last year it was stolen by a so-called friend. It was a effort and costly to replace.

I think they will always command good prices as they attractive and superb releases. I would like to see a K&C guards band with marching troops but, then I would probably end up living in a tent!!!!

Hopefully this will be addressed soon
Mitch

 

[jazzeum]

I have many of the K & C glossy bands as well as the one Jon recently purchased. Yes, it would be nice to see more of these but I don't know that we will.

 

[Obee]

I love these sets, pity that yours haven't survived very well, maybe you need to see an armourer to get ther rifles staightened?

John

 

[highrailjon]

I love these sets, pity that yours haven't survived very well, maybe you need to see an armourer to get ther rifles staightened?

John

I have a small hand drill with a drill bit the same diameter as the rifle barrels. I drill into the rifle stock and with a touch of epoxy on the end of the barrel seat it in the hole. Then they're back to parading!^&grin

 

[HAWKEYE]

I love the 8th army band, its on my must have list but keeps getting pushed back because of retirements or sl and 250 series offerings.one day i will get it though

 

[Larry Allen]

I wonder if the ceremonial and bands soldiers market space is caught in a sorta' no-win cycle.
As you mentioned the price of these is always high, which in turn means that the new collector doesn’t get a chance to enter that area and the veteran collector spends his $$$ on what he can afford. The TS vendors don’t see a lot of ‘demand” for the ceremonials and are afraid to take the risk of manufacturing a series. ……… So the cycle continues. I mostly collect American Revolution (K&C / Conte / Britain's /..) but many of the soldiers that I enjoy the most is the marching, drummers, pipes, flag bearers, ect.

Okay, not (exactly) the same but still very popular.
Did the 8th Army marching bands do well????

 

[highrailjon]

I wonder if the ceremonial and bands soldiers market space is caught in a sorta' no-win cycle.
As you mentioned the price of these is always high, which in turn means that the new collector doesn’t get a chance to enter that area and the veteran collector spends his $$$ on what he can afford. The TS vendors don’t see a lot of ‘demand” for the ceremonials and are afraid to take the risk of manufacturing a series. ……… So the cycle continues. I mostly collect American Revolution (K&C / Conte / Britain's /..) but many of the soldiers that I enjoy the most is the marching, drummers, pipes, flag bearers, ect.

Okay, not (exactly) the same but still very popular.
Did the 8th Army marching bands do well????

The sales of the 8th Army Bands would be a question better answered by dealers then me. But one thing that answers one of your "no win cycle" comments is the 8th Army Band is sold as a "set" or "individual pieces" that allows a person to put together his own band depending on money and size needs. (Just like the K&C SS band)
I applaud the idea as it enabled me to assemble my 8th Army Band a few pieces at a time. I hope the sales results are good and the process of band/marching sets and individual piece purchases tailored to the buyers needs continues.

 

[johnnybach]

The reason that the prices for bands and ceremonials is so high - is that they take an age to put together and paint - which is expensive in hours. It would cost the TS companies a fortune to produce them. The answer is blindingly obvious. - do them yourself.

I know - " I cant do it!"

YES YOU CAN. If you take your time - and practice.

I used to say that - and it stopped me collecting - DEAD! - when I had a growing family to support.

But - I had another go - much later - ONE AT A TIME ( and thats the secret - do them ONE AT A TIME!).

Took forever - to begin with - but then it got quicker.

PLEASE - give it a try - the hobby is so much more rewarding if you do. Honest - you can do it - if you persevere. I promise ! - johnnybach

 

[chasbo]

Highrailjon, very nice pieces. Never seen them before. Something very appealing about the style of earlier K&C to me. Thanks

 

[highrailjon]

Highrailjon, very nice pieces. Never seen them before. Something very appealing about the style of earlier K&C to me. Thanks

The sets came out some time ago. They were advertised on a K&C leaflet called the Pipes & Drums. I believe these were the first parade sets to come in a matte finish as opposed to the gloss series. The leaflet used to be listed on K&C's home site but for some reason has been dropped.^&confuse It should be noted the sets were of the Black Watch and the Gordon Highlanders. A historical note: The uniforms represented in the sets are from the "handing over" ceremonies when England gave back Hong Kong to Communist China. Sorry for the crummy pictures as I'm currently over here in Iraq with the Army and don't have access to taking pictures of my sets. Just a note: I'm always interested in adding on to what I have so please drop me an email.
highrailjon@comcast.net

 

[chasbo]

Whoa, Highrailjon, you're in a tight spot. Hope all is, and stays well and you can get out of there soon. Don't worry about the photos they look fine with whatever camera you're using . Again terrific pieces and sets. Hang in there.

 

[highrailjon]

LOL, Mitch!!!! Seeing as I already live in a tent, I've got that part covered already!!!!!!^&grin

I came across a picture of the Pipes & Drums leaflet on my laptop:

 

[jazzeum]

Try to keep a low profile Jon

You can also see the marching band sets if you go to toysoldiersusa.com. It's under King & Country and then go to ceremonial military.

 

[Mitch]

I know where to come for a tent should they releases these sets!!!!
Keep safe
Mitch

 

[lancer]

Perhaps KC will consider making some SOE band, both horse and foot, in matte and gloss. It is a fantastic range for bands and such. -- Al

 

[MapleLeaf]

That would be AWSOME Al
I'll buy every band they would make

 

[oberstoskar]

The sets came out some time ago. They were advertised on a K&C leaflet called the Pipes & Drums. I believe these were the first parade sets to come in a matte finish as opposed to the gloss series. The leaflet used to be listed on K&C's home site but for some reason has been dropped.^&confuse It should be noted the sets were of the Black Watch and the Gordon Highlanders. A historical note: The uniforms represented in the sets are from the "handing over" ceremonies when England gave back Hong Kong to Communist China. Sorry for the crummy pictures as I'm currently over here in Iraq with the Army and don't have access to taking pictures of my sets. Just a note: I'm always interested in adding on to what I have so please drop me an email.
highrailjon@comcast.net

I am with you on this thread, I have always wanted more ceremonial figures 1997 HK handover ceremony to China. I participated in the beating retreat farewell parade as a spectator.

How about 1. Royal Navy ceremonial figures and RAF with the Queen's standard?

2. China's PLA re-do (K&C made a few of these before)

 

[Lawrence Lo]

Highrailjon,

A Happy Early Fourth of July to you and thanks for your service. Here are some photos of the matte bands.

Unfortunately with the Gordon Highlanders and the Black Watch, many of the rifle tips broke off, so it is hard to find them in mint condition. Let me know what you are looking for as I have a few extra figures. Thanks again for your service and all the best to you and your unit. Lawrence

 

[highrailjon]

WOW, Lawrence!!!! Thanks for sharing the great photo's!!! that's the type of scene I've been working towards! Sure, I'm interested in any figures you might have to offer, and soldiers with broken rifles are welcomed as I've figured out the repair.
Please contact me at: highrailjon@comcast.net
Happy Fourth, everyone!!!!