Our changing hobby-the decline of shows and possible alternatives (3 Viewers)

[OzDigger]

The Toy Soldier hobby certainly has changed and will continue to change, each year brings different challenges, and opportunities for stakeholders in the hobby.

For example the Covid Scare caused the demise of TS Shows but increased Online sales, since then TS shows have returned, some apparently bigger and better, which is good to know.

Toy Soldiers and Tanks etc continue to improve in detail, and price, nothing new there. Perhaps improvements in technology etc will reduce TS prices, allowing less affluent members to increase spending, time will tell. Personally I don't buy nearly as much as I used to, but that's mainly because I already have most of the TS I desire. That said I still enjoy the hobby and most of the people involved.

As for attracting new (younger) collectors that don't attend some type of Hobby show. The changes in our society, schools, media etc continues to make that less likely, however I still see some potential in online gamers. Have any Toy Soldier dealers sort to display their wares in Gaming stores?

 

[paxtoysoldier]

As for attracting new (younger) collectors that don't attend some type of Hobby show. The changes in our society, schools, media etc continues to make that less likely, however I still see some potential in online gamers. Have any Toy Soldier dealers sort to display their wares in Gaming stores?

I think it's worth a try. There is some interest in Military History there.
Paddy

 

[Warrior]

The Toy Soldier hobby certainly has changed and will continue to change, each year brings different challenges, and opportunities for stakeholders in the hobby.

For example the Covid Scare caused the demise of TS Shows but increased Online sales, since then TS shows have returned, some apparently bigger and better, which is good to know.

Toy Soldiers and Tanks etc continue to improve in detail, and price, nothing new there. Perhaps improvements in technology etc will reduce TS prices, allowing less affluent members to increase spending, time will tell. Personally I don't buy nearly as much as I used to, but that's mainly because I already have most of the TS I desire. That said I still enjoy the hobby and most of the people involved.

As for attracting new (younger) collectors that don't attend some type of Hobby show. The changes in our society, schools, media etc continues to make that less likely, however I still see some potential in online gamers. Have any Toy Soldier dealers sort to display their wares in Gaming stores?

Just curious; what shows are now apparently bigger and better than they were pre COVID?

And yes, COVID forced people to buy online, no other option and I've found once they figured that out, it became a habit and my online/Ebay/Facebook/Pinterest/other forms of online retail have proven that out.

And as others have stated, the only thing constant in life is change, that applies to everything including the toy soldier hobby/business.

When I started as a full time retailer almost 30 years ago (wow does time fly), I used to attend north of 20 toy soldier/wargaming/militaria shows per year from 1996 through 2019; since COVID blew up in 2020, I've been to a grand total of five shows in five years and guess what; business in total has never been better for me, 2020-2024 were very, very good, 2025 is starting out strong as well one month in.

Retailers/dealers who have embraced change vs fighting it/proving Einstein's definition of insanity (doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result) are the ones who will continue to thrive moving forward.

The sad reality is we lose collectors virtually every day; priced out/decide they are done and have had their fun/have to go into assisted living/sadly pass away, but there are and will always be new collectors who come into the hobby, maybe not through the way others did in the past, but they are coming into the hobby nevertheless.


Look no further than aside from retirement/sadly passing away, dealers are not going out of business in this hobby, nor are manufacturers aside from one here or there, all manufacturers still have skin in the game, the dealer ranks are still full, which are two good signs.

 

[OzDigger]

Just curious; what shows are now apparently bigger and better than they were pre COVID?

And yes, COVID forced people to buy online, no other option and I've found once they figured that out, it became a habit and my online/Ebay/Facebook/Pinterest/other forms of online retail have proven that out.

And as others have stated, the only thing constant in life is change, that applies to everything including the toy soldier hobby/business.

When I started as a full time retailer almost 30 years ago (wow does time fly), I used to attend north of 20 toy soldier/wargaming/militaria shows per year from 1996 through 2019; since COVID blew up in 2020, I've been to a grand total of five shows in five years and guess what; business in total has never been better for me, 2020-2024 were very, very good, 2025 is starting out strong as well one month in.

Retailers/dealers who have embraced change vs fighting it/proving Einstein's definition of insanity (doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result) are the ones who will continue to thrive moving forward.

The sad reality is we lose collectors virtually every day; priced out/decide they are done and have had their fun/have to go into assisted living/sadly pass away, but there are and will always be new collectors who come into the hobby, maybe not through the way others did in the past, but they are coming into the hobby nevertheless.


Look no further than aside from retirement/sadly passing away, dealers are not going out of business in this hobby, nor are manufacturers aside from one here or there, all manufacturers still have skin in the game, the dealer ranks are still full, which are two good signs.

"Just curious; what shows are now apparently bigger and better than they were pre COVID?"

That's a good question George, I don't know, perhaps I was influenced by optomistic Show Promoters, please note I did include the term 'apparently' to indicate a personal reservation regarding that assertion.

As for the future of Toy Soldier Shows. Personally I believe they will continue to be part of the hobby, at least I hope so, perhaps not so many 'stand-alone' TS events, more likely to combine with other hobbies. Sadly, in Australia we don't have the population/numbers to warrant larger shows, and this is exacerbated by the greater distances between Australian cities compared to most other countries. And to clarify 'larger shows', I mean events that attract hundreds/thousands of people, not 50 or so.

Yes, there are new collectors entering this hobby globally. However when I started collecting Toy Soldeirs, sets were produced in larger numbers, as in the thousands. Production numbers have reduced since then for a variety of reasons, such as competition, demand for better detail, etc. However I believe it's mainly because of the reducing customer base. Yes, new collectors are entering the hobby, but IMO we need more new collectors to cover the increasing loses as the collecting base leaves the hobby due to age etc.

How do we do that? Well, I don't know exactly but I will say (again) that there's a huge potential customer base in Online Gamers. Anyone heard of 'World of Tanks'

In any case, Online Sales were a significant percent of TS soldier sales well before the Covid event, and will no doubt become more important going forward.

 

[Warrior]

"Just curious; what shows are now apparently bigger and better than they were pre COVID?"

That's a good question George, I don't know, perhaps I was influenced by optomistic Show Promoters, please note I did include the term 'apparently' to indicate a personal reservation regarding that assertion.

As for the future of Toy Soldier Shows. Personally I believe they will continue to be part of the hobby, at least I hope so, perhaps not so many 'stand-alone' TS events, more likely to combine with other hobbies. Sadly, in Australia we don't have the population/numbers to warrant larger shows, and this is exacerbated by the greater distances between Australian cities compared to most other countries. And to clarify 'larger shows', I mean events that attract hundreds/thousands of people, not 50 or so.

Yes, there are new collectors entering this hobby globally. However when I started collecting Toy Soldeirs, sets were produced in larger numbers, as in the thousands. Production numbers have reduced since then for a variety of reasons, such as competition, demand for better detail, etc. However I believe it's mainly because of the reducing customer base. Yes, new collectors are entering the hobby, but IMO we need more new collectors to cover the increasing loses as the collecting base leaves the hobby due to age etc.

How do we do that? Well, I don't know exactly but I will say (again) that there's a huge potential customer base in Online Gamers. Anyone heard of 'World of Tanks'

In any case, Online Sales were a significant percent of TS soldier sales well before the Covid event, and will no doubt become more important going forward.

Toy soldier shows will always be part of the hobby, just like store fronts will always be part of the hobby; both provide the opportunity to view items up close and personal, some things have to be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

As far as attracting new collectors; not sure what method will work the best, but anything is worth a shot.

I've tried a few things on my own that have had mixed results for me, for as long as I'm in the business, I will continue to look for new platforms from which to sell/promote.

Thanks for your input.

 

[The Major]

I have tried to decipher the contents of your posts, however they are heavily laden with obscure detail, much of which is opinion based lacking in evidence and seem more like a trip down memory lane.

Which of course is totally fine, however feels more like a series of moans about the alleged decline of the hobby.

I don’t see it that way at all to be honest.

Nothing ever stays the same and I find lamenting the past doesn’t really achieve anything positive.

Businesses come and go for whatever reasons and prices rarely go down. I’m just thankful we have this hobby and still around to enjoy it.

Cheers.

No its not a series of moans. Remember if things continue going the way they really are, the hobby just wont be around for people to enjoy becuase the decline in customers pushed new taent out the industry. I dont feel there is any "obscure detail".

 

[The Major]

{sm4}{sm4}{sm4}....To catch up the thread is....lack of adequate history classes to our kids and a bias teaching inefficiency on part of some ill prepared teachers, side track our sons from getting interested in History and as a direct consequence on TS collecting and this leads to a decline to hobby collecting and therefore new venues for fairs....Guess this sums it...
Cheers
Artillery_Crazy:salute:::salute:::salute::

yes thats it you got it

 

[jomartvr]

Public school education? With a 50% dropout rate how will "everyone "go to college?

As someone who is in the business, I can tell you that "everyone" can go to college, because administrators want people in seats. State funding is largely based on that. So admissions admits virtually everyone who a pay, and classes are dumb down so that everyone is a winner, and continues to pay tuition. In many respects, "higher education" is dead and gone, it has been replaced by the purchase of a credential, over a four-six year installment plan. Extreme statement, not really, I have been in the trade since 2005.

 

[OzDigger]

This thread has diverged from the intended subject somehwat, but that's not unusual, and I will contribute more to the divergent discussion, perhaps hoping for some diversity funds from our government

The Toy Soldier Hobby can be divided into numerous interests and scales, especially if you include Wargamers etc.

However for simplicity lets say that most forum members are interested in the following Two (collecting either or both):

1) Traditional Toy Soldiers, usually 1/32 scale and painted in gloss colours.

2) Military Miniatures: More detailed, usually Matt finish, covers several scales but mainly 1/30 scale.

Traditional Toy Soldiers were in decline over 50 years ago and continues to decline. Sorry but there's not much you can do about that, there's no use trying to blame the economy, politics, education or whatever. I don't have any Traditional Toy Soldiers, they hold no interest for me as I never played with them as a child, my Toy Soldiers were Airfix and similar plastic sets. The only guys I know in Australia that collect Traditional Toy Soldiers came from Britain, usually England. If you like these, that's great, I'm happy you enjoy collecting and displaying them. However I guess you know it's not a hobby that's expanding. If you own a company(s) selling these sets and expecting a high income, well good luck with that buddy.

Military Miniatures have enjoyed an increased interest, however I suspect collector numbers have, and will continue to decline. At what rate? We'll have to wait and see. That said, I believe the Military Miniature section has a better chance of increasing collector numbers than the Traditional Toy Soldiers section.

 

[Desertkiwi]

No its not a series of moans. Remember if things continue going the way they really are, the hobby just wont be around for people to enjoy becuase the decline in customers pushed new taent out the industry. I dont feel there is any "obscure detail".

That's totally fine, however I stand by my comments. I'm really not sure how you draw your conclusions and assume the hobby is in decline?

Comparing the past to the current collecting environment has limited value given the many variables involved.

For example, while some main-stream manufacturers stick to producing mainly WW2 themed products, others have diversified and spread their wings and are exploring other historical periods and offering the customer new collecting options.

To me this is an exciting period in our hobby and far from being in decline.......

 

[Panzer ace]

That's totally fine, however I stand by my comments. I'm really not sure how you draw your conclusions and assume the hobby is in decline?

Comparing the past to the current collecting environment has limited value given the many variables involved.

For example, while some main-stream manufacturers stick to producing mainly WW2 themed products, others have diversified and spread their wings and are exploring other historical periods and offering the customer new collecting options.

To me this is an exciting period in our hobby and far from being in decline.......

Toddy:

Your post really sums it all up perfectly.

Also, as much as I love this forum it is no way representative of the entire hobby.

There are countless collectors who do not participate here.

-Jason

 

[theBaron]

...1) Traditional Toy Soldiers, usually 1/32 scale and painted in gloss colours...


...Traditional Toy Soldiers were in decline over 50 years ago and continues to decline...

Oh, yes. I think we mentioned that before. The interest in collecting classic hollowcasts declined as the number of people who grew up playing with them declined. They've really become antiques, rather than collectibles, with the accompanying change in who buys them, sells them, how they are distributed, etc. Plastic toys became more popular, in contrast, as those who played with plastic toys, from Marx and similar to "green army men" got older and reached the age where they would start to buy back their childhood. I'm in that age cohort; I was born in 1964. I'm old enough to remember seeing Britains Swoppets in stores at Christmas, 1967, but the hollowcast metal were gone. And now, as people my age and within 10 years younger than my age (or so) have reached middle age or seniority, we see the people who played with the toys of the late 70s and early 80s buying those items. It's a cycle.

As far as hollowcasts go, that's why I don't care too much about the condition of any given figure. Unless it's a full set, mint, nearly mint, or new, in the original box and with some certification or provenance. I can appreciate such an item. But otherwise, I see them more as johnnybach did, as raw material to be cleaned up and refurbished or modified for my own enjoyment. It's amusing to think about. When I started in the hobby, back in 1992, I remember talking to one of the old members of the MFCA about repairing or repainting Britains. Because I'm a painter primarily. His immediate thought was that anyone who did that was trying to take a used or damaged piece and hide the damage, then pass it off as mint. And in the 20 years after the end of the hollowcast era, I supposed that's what many did. But another 20 years on, and it means more what I said, to create something new from something worn out. Maybe in another 20 years, the work of this or that painter of today might have its own specific value. "John Smith's toy soldiers are beautiful pieces and sought after by collectors. They command high prices at auction!"

Prost!
Brad

 

[OzDigger]

Oh, yes. I think we mentioned that before. The interest in collecting classic hollowcasts declined as the number of people who grew up playing with them declined. They've really become antiques, rather than collectibles, with the accompanying change in who buys them, sells them, how they are distributed, etc. Plastic toys became more popular, in contrast, as those who played with plastic toys, from Marx and similar to "green army men" got older and reached the age where they would start to buy back their childhood. I'm in that age cohort; I was born in 1964. I'm old enough to remember seeing Britains Swoppets in stores at Christmas, 1967, but the hollowcast metal were gone. And now, as people my age and within 10 years younger than my age (or so) have reached middle age or seniority, we see the people who played with the toys of the late 70s and early 80s buying those items. It's a cycle.

As far as hollowcasts go, that's why I don't care too much about the condition of any given figure. Unless it's a full set, mint, nearly mint, or new, in the original box and with some certification or provenance. I can appreciate such an item. But otherwise, I see them more as johnnybach did, as raw material to be cleaned up and refurbished or modified for my own enjoyment. It's amusing to think about. When I started in the hobby, back in 1992, I remember talking to one of the old members of the MFCA about repairing or repainting Britains. Because I'm a painter primarily. His immediate thought was that anyone who did that was trying to take a used or damaged piece and hide the damage, then pass it off as mint. And in the 20 years after the end of the hollowcast era, I supposed that's what many did. But another 20 years on, and it means more what I said, to create something new from something worn out. Maybe in another 20 years, the work of this or that painter of today might have its own specific value. "John Smith's toy soldiers are beautiful pieces and sought after by collectors. They command high prices at auction!"

Prost!
Brad

Yes, it has come up before, however I was hoping to remind some members that there are different niches/sections in the 'Toy Soldier Hobby', and that is was incorrect to suggest that the Entire hobby was failing due to obscure factors such as education etc.

Some sections of the TS hobby are certainly in decline and there's not much that can be done to bring them back to the glory days. However other sections of this hobby such as expensive sets with lots of detail are the latest 'must haves'. This hobby continues to evolve and change, the same as other hobbies, collectors and more so sellers, should accept and adapt rather than complain.