North Africa Fallschirmjager (1 Viewer)

[Njja]

I doubt it, HB is to small, they have had several price increases of late, they

have one US distributor, they have to get organized quickly and certainly will

pose little threat to King & Country.

I doubt NMA will fare much better, Andy C. is clearly in the drivers seat for

the moment. If he retires some items, keeps his Strictly Limited (to a limited

number) he will be unstopable.

If on the other hand he over produces his product line, takes on too many

dealers, or forces his customer base to alter their shopping habits, he could

open a door for a competitor to walk through.

Spiraling labor costs, potential tensions between China and the US......

its a real handful for a manufacter.

Njja

 

[Pierre]

How about a straight vote, but you have to be a Sargent or above, to show you have some experience. With the 'Get Real" movement growing, I think NMA and HB will be on even ground with K&C. By February 2007, after NMA and HB come out with more stuff. I think the best manufacturer will be apparent. I trust the members to be objective, it is in the best interest of the Hobby...Alex

Alex,

No rank. That means nothing except the number of posts. Quantity doesn't mean quality.

Also, was is experience? I have more experience than my father but less than you. Accordingly, I can vote if I am compare with him but what if compared with you?

Also, I am not sure that a lot of collectors put that much emphasis of the "get real" thing.

What I suggest (for the 1:30 range) is a three votes participation: first position vote gives 5 points, second position vote gives 3 points and third position vote gives 1 point. That way, everybody has the obligation to do it for the three companies (HB, K&C and NMA).

Pierre.

 

[Firebat]

OK....No rank......Keep believing that the "Get Real Experience" is not taking hold and I think in due time you will be suprised......And quantity will not matter, quality will. If a company does one great piece and wins, guess what they win. How could you deny HB's Panthers, and the NMA Sturmtiger looks like a Giant Killer. Open your horizions men take off the blinders. You remind me of a bunch of old Deputy Chiefs that retired a few years ago, stuck in their ways. Us new Battalion Chiefs got promoted, introduced new ideas, and blew them away, thats why they retired. Thats why I am now also in charge of Research and Development for the FD, with a dynamic progresive staff.......Firebat

 

[jazzeum]

I agree that HB could be a real threat to King and Country. However, I'm not sure NMA could be. The caveat is that I have to see their vehicles. You also have to say that these companies are just really getting started so you need to give them time to grow.

To me, NMA is similar to King and Country (e.g. tracked vehicles) whereas Honour Bound is going its way, and brilliantly I would say.

Quality is always the key. If consumers, in any field (e.g. automobiles) don't get quality, they will shift to the companies the companies that give them. I don't think this business is different than any others. Competition means adaptation.

 

[noli-poli]

I agree that HB could be a real threat to King and Country. However, I'm not sure NMA could be. The caveat is that I have to see their vehicles. You also have to say that these companies are just really getting started so you need to give them time to grow.

To me, NMA is similar to King and Country (e.g. tracked vehicles) whereas Honour Bound is going its way, and brilliantly I would say.

Quality is always the key. If consumers, in any field (e.g. automobiles) don't get quality, they will shift to the companies the companies that give them. I don't think this business is different than any others. Competition means adaptation.

HB is on the right track...pardon the pun
N-P

 

[Louis Badolato]

Enough with the "get real" B-S. It goes without saying that realism is important, but quite frankly, I don't know enough to care about the obscure little details Firebat keeps bringing up like whether a certain division fought alongside the 82nd Airborne.

As far as Honour Bound or NMA posing a challenge to K&C, its my turn to use the phrase "get real". They have made what, less than ten products and have been around for what, less than a year? Honour Bound has demonstrated good business sense by riding K&C's coat tails into 1/30 scale while occupying a nitch that K&C chooses not to occupy with vehicles K&C for the most part won't produce. I admire their Panthers, but the figures are not quite up to K&C's level. I suspect that they will very soon improve the figures, but will be more a compliment than a challenge to K&C. I only hope they goad K&C into improving its tracked vehicles.

As far as NMA, what I have seen in person was about the quality K&C was producing in around 1999 (i.e. not even close to K&C's figures today). And if you don't think K&C won't improve the quality of its vehicles if Andy senses he's loosing business to Honour Bound or NMA, you have another thing coming.

 

[Combat]

For good or ill not sure that quality will always take the day or we would all be driving Ferraris. I prefer figures and vehicles that look real - so HB is currently the best in my opinion. However, KC has the experience and manpower to churn out product in a timely manner. No small feat. Others can make the nicest product in the world, but if they can't get it to their customers in a timely manner it could be a problem. That's where KC has a sizable advantage at this point. We have three local dealers that sell tons of KC. None have been able to get any HB. Most have never heard of it.

 

[maddadicus]

For good or ill not sure that quality will always take the day or we would all be driving Ferraris. I prefer figures and vehicles that look real - so HB is currently the best in my opinion. However, KC has the experience and manpower to churn out product in a timely manner. No small feat. Others can make the nicest product in the world, but if they can't get it to their customers in a timely manner it could be a problem. That's where KC has a sizable advantage at this point. We have three local dealers that sell tons of KC. None have been able to get any HB. Most have never heard of it.

Hey Combat,
I sure hope that you are giving John, some of your KC business. His shop may be small, but his heart is as big as the great outdoors. Michael

 

[Combat]

Hey Combat,
I sure hope that you are giving John, some of your KC business. His shop may be small, but his heart is as big as the great outdoors. Michael

Yes, John is a good guy. I spread the wealth around a little - particularly in the off season when these guys don't get a lot of walk in business. Anyone who comes to GB should check them out.

 

[Firebat]

Enough with the "get real" B-S. It goes without saying that realism is important, but quite frankly, I don't know enough to care about the obscure little details Firebat keeps bringing up like whether a certain division fought alongside the 82nd Airborne.

As far as Honour Bound or NMA posing a challenge to K&C, its my turn to use the phrase "get real". They have made what, less than ten products and have been around for what, less than a year? Honour Bound has demonstrated good business sense by riding K&C's coat tails into 1/30 scale while occupying a nitch that K&C chooses not to occupy with vehicles K&C for the most part won't produce. I admire their Panthers, but the figures are not quite up to K&C's level. I suspect that they will very soon improve the figures, but will be more a compliment than a challenge to K&C. I only hope they goad K&C into improving its tracked vehicles.

As far as NMA, what I have seen in person was about the quality K&C was producing in around 1999 (i.e. not even close to K&C's figures today). And if you don't think K&C won't improve the quality of its vehicles if Andy senses he's loosing business to Honour Bound or NMA, you have another thing coming.

We are not talking about a challenge to K&C as far a productivity, we are talking about voting for the Best product of the year. We all win with the competition becase everything will improve, HB's figures. K&C Tracks and NMA whatever. I am so happy you are fed up with "Get Real" now you know how we feel when we see expensive Clown Cycles and Psychedelic paint jobs. When my "Museum" is done it will accurately display the men who fought and died for our freedom, and without them we would not be playing with our toys today, And don't you forget that. I couldnt care less about loosing or gaining business. I am in this to honor and respect these wonderful men. www.veteranshistory.org To each his own................Alex

 

[jazzeum]

We are not talking about a challenge to K&C as far a productivity, we are talking about voting for the Best product of the year. We all win with the competition becase everything will improve, HB's figures. K&C Tracks and NMA whatever. I am so happy you are fed up with "Get Real" now you know how we feel when we see expensive Clown Cycles and Psychedelic paint jobs. When my "Museum" is done it will accurately display the men who fought and died for our freedom, and without them we would not be playing with our toys today, And don't you forget that. I couldnt care less about loosing or gaining business I am in this to honor and respect these wonderful men. To each his own................Alex

Many of us collect King and Country because we like the stuff and don't care whether it's spot on. Belittling what Andy did in the past serves little purpose. I and many others happen to like these motorcycles and what you call "psychedelic" paint job. If people didn't like the early stuff, why is it fetching the prices that it does? You don't like it? No problem. No is asking you too but many K & C collectors do. You want to go with this "get real" thing. That's fine. This hobby is big enough so people can do whatever they want with their soldiers. I also think the constant proslyetizing is what's making many of us roll our eyes. Also what's the point of saying "And don't you forget that." You don't think anybody who collects soldiers or participates in this board doesn't realize this. We don't need to be constantly reminded.

 

[Firebat]

Many of us collect King and Country because we like the stuff and don't care whether it's spot on. Belittling what Andy did in the past serves little purpose. I and many others happen to like these motorcycles and what you call "psychedelic" paint job. If people didn't like the early stuff, why is it fetching the prices that it does? You don't like it? No problem. No is asking you too but many K & C collectors do. You want to go with this "get real" thing. That's fine. This hobby is big enough so people can do whatever they want with their soldiers. I also think the constant proslyetizing is what's making many of us roll our eyes. Also what's the point of saying "And don't you forget that." You don't think anybody who collects soldiers or participates in this board doesn't realize this. We don't need to be constantly reminded.

My intent is not to belittle anyone or any manufacturer, especially K&C because most of their stuff is outstanding. I have spoken to many people in the hobby privately, and we think everybody's old stuff is junk. The technology was not there. But that is our opinion. You have already granted me that. I don't constantly harp on it, I just mentioned it recently. We roll our eyes at how anyone would pay money for that stuff. I guess it is all in the eye of the beholder............... In our generation many people do forget about these men and events, and a reminder here and there doesn't hurt. How could you have respect for them, if you don't want to learn about what they did and where they fought. Some people have already forgotten about the World Trade Center, and our men in Iraq....... I'm done if you are now back to toys. Firebat

 

[Louis Badolato]

Hey Alex, when you question my taste in toys, that's one thing, but when you question my patriatism, you can go directly to hell. I have done everything within my power to honor veterans, especially WWII veterans. I have spent literally thousands of dollars honoring them at syposiums, donating money to veterans foundations, and giving gifts to vets. Many of my best friends are veterans, including Bruce Whitman, who flew B25 Mitchells (and whom I honored at the first Symposium, which cost me thousands), James Sotomeyer, a Vietnam dog handler, Rick Spinelli (another Vietnam vet) and Captain Chris Sybert, a Gulf War vet still serving in our armed forces. So don't go there.

 

[Firebat]

FIREBAT............... In our generation many people do forget about these men and events, and a reminder here and there doesn't hurt. How could you have respect for them, if you don't want to learn about what they did and where they fought. Some people have already forgotten about the World Trade Center, and our men in Iraq....... I'm done if you are now back to toys.

If you carefully read my statement above it is not directed to you personally it is directed at a generally non appreciative generation. And although you may have a large collection of old stuff, my dislike for it is not directed a you either, it is just a general statement, and I am sure your collection would be fantastic to see. I am sorry if you took it that way. As far as going to Hell, I do that every day at work, we call it the Red Devil and I love it......so thanks for the complement.......see we all have different ways of looking at things and that is what this Forum is all about. You guys just have to get used to the new blood and our opinions. Look at my new Diorama it will cheer you up..Alex

 

[sceic2]

Hay Alex,
Newsflash; your not new to the forum anymore. Now Steveo with one post, he's new blood.

You are now an NCO. Only about 600 more posts and you get commissioned.

 

[Firebat]

Hay Alex,
Newsflash; your not new to the forum anymore. Now Steveo with one post, he's new blood.

You are now an NCO. Only about 600 more posts and you get commissioned.

Let me grab him before he falls into the realm of the "Unreal" and guide him to the "Hell" we call the "Get Real". Boy there is destiny here, everything is falling into place. Maybe we are all headed for the "Surreal". I have got to get some of the lunatics at the Firehouse into this, they would love it, they are about ten times crazier than me, and they have no problem spending money, so I would be helping the Manufacturers.......Firebat

 

[Firebat]

Hey Alex, when you question my taste in toys, that's one thing, but when you question my patriatism, you can go directly to hell. I have done everything within my power to honor veterans, especially WWII veterans. I have spent literally thousands of dollars honoring them at syposiums, donating money to veterans foundations, and giving gifts to vets. Many of my best friends are veterans, including Bruce Whitman, who flew B25 Mitchells (and whom I honored at the first Symposium, which cost me thousands), James Sotomeyer, a Vietnam dog handler, Rick Spinelli (another Vietnam vet) and Captain Chris Sybert, a Gulf War vet still serving in our armed forces. So don't go there.

I just want to respond to your statement one more time. You have my deepest respect for your work with veterans. I received the greatest award in my life when Bill Guarnere made me a Honorary Member of the 101st Airborne, for my work with Veterans. He presented me with a Certificate signed by all of the remaining members of Easy Co. I cherish that more than the medals I have won on the Fire Department. Once again Good job, and lets hope the rest of our Generation appreciates their sacrifices. And lets bring it up periodically, to remind ourselves what this hobby represents. Because it can get lost in all of the rhetoric. We can never over do recognizing their efforts

Sincerly Alex

 

[Chuck Harris]

Everybody cool off. Don't start a war on this forum.
Alex you and Louis take a deep breath and stop slinging mud.
NOW EVERYBODY KISS AND MAKE UP.

PLAY NICE

 

[TORICDA]

Does anyone want to start a pool on how many times this thread will change topics. Please post your topis in the correct section Stop hijacking threads

 

[jazzeum]

Does anyone want to start a pool on how many times this thread will change topics. Please post your topis in the correct section Stop hijacking threads

As one who has participated in a few other boards, this always happens and sometimes there's not much that you can do about it. I kind of like it when discussions switch gears. That's what forums are all about.