Plastics/resin?? (1 Viewer)

[sammy719]

Hi all, since First Legion offers a type of resin soldier I figured I would start this thread here, and the last time I started a topic on K&C on a issue I was accused of everything but Watergate cover up!! So just wanted to get some views from Fl collectors if this or any other company came out with a pre-painted soldier would you be interested in buying?? When I personally heard of a possible K&C new line I was excited but after looking at what I have in my collection, and realizing I have been down the painted Conte, and other plastics, I upgraded to metal for a reason and enjoy the look of it in my collection, so I will probably pass on any plastic, I'm sure companies will have much success with this older/newer idea, but the only plastics for me are my Marx Battlefield play set ...Sammy

 

[Gebhard]

Hi Sammy,
If First Legion where to ever decide to produce resin versions of their fine figures in the same scale that are painted to the same quality at a cheaper price I'd have no trouble at all with adding them to my collection. I'm not concerned in the least about the weight of a figure, but with the quality of the sculpt and the level of the painters skill that finishes it. I personally don't see this as being possible as most of the cost is in the finish. regards Gebhard

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Hi all, since First Legion offers a type of resin soldier I figured I would start this thread here, and the last time I started a topic on K&C on a issue I was accused of everything but Watergate cover up!! So just wanted to get some views from Fl collectors if this or any other company came out with a pre-painted soldier would you be interested in buying?? When I personally heard of a possible K&C new line I was excited but after looking at what I have in my collection, and realizing I have been down the painted Conte, and other plastics, I upgraded to metal for a reason and enjoy the look of it in my collection, so I will probably pass on any plastic, I'm sure companies will have much success with this older/newer idea, but the only plastics for me are my Marx Battlefield play set ...Sammy

As I posted on threads now closed in the K&C section, there are many variations of resins including plastics which is also a resin. Since no one knows the composition of the new K&C "resin" don't expect old style greasy plastic figures with little detail. I think K&C has a winning product - but not one that will turn the industry on it's head. I probably will get some for use with NAPs and British empire because they will be affordable.

Terry

 

[marco55]

I think I fall in to Gebs line of thinking.In my kit collection I have some resin and like them as much as the metal ones.
Mark

 

[kogu]

Hi Sammy,
If First Legion where to ever decide to produce resin versions of their fine figures in the same scale that are painted to the same quality at a cheaper price I'd have no trouble at all with adding them to my collection. I'm not concerned in the least about the weight of a figure, but with the quality of the sculpt and the level of the painters skill that finishes it. I personally don't see this as being possible as most of the cost is in the finish. regards Gebhard

I very much agree with this post.
On several occasions I had Resin kits in my hands and was amazed about the crisp detail. I am sure that Mark (marco55) and Gebhard can agree.
When a quality figure is placed in a cabinet, the weight of it will not influence the view you have. It's the sculpt and the paint finish of a figure that counts for quality.
An advantage would be that you can place a whole bunch of figures on any glass shelf without worrying about the weight.
Be it metal, be it resin, I'll be interested as long as they are good.
Happy Collecting and Cheers!
Konrad

 

[HistoryfortheAges]

Hi Sammy,
If First Legion where to ever decide to produce resin versions of their fine figures in the same scale that are painted to the same quality at a cheaper price I'd have no trouble at all with adding them to my collection. I'm not concerned in the least about the weight of a figure, but with the quality of the sculpt and the level of the painters skill that finishes it. I personally don't see this as being possible as most of the cost is in the finish. regards Gebhard

I believe you have to look at the total cost to the manufacturer "as a package" to see if this move into painted resin/plastic figures makes sense. The average cost per figure should be reduced considerably if you factor in shipping, breakage, insurance, etc. and hopefully, these lower costs can be passed on to the collector in a lower price entry point per figure. As long as the quality remains, I believe you may be able to increase the number of buyers. As mentioned in other threads, I am not sure if this will bring in a lot of young collectors as the interest in toy soldiers or in history, for that matter, may be in decline... but it can't hurt. I have no problem acquiring resin/plastic figures if the quality is the same or is as close as possible to their metal counterpart. Once they are on a shelf or diorama, the weight issue makes no difference to me!

 

[jazzeum]

I prefer metal so this would be of little appeal to me. Moreover, resin would be attractive to collectors who require multiples of a figure. However, as I don't collect Napoleonics this wouldn't be something I need or want, although I wish companies making them the very best of luck.

Brad

 

[braddinpa]

Since I collect CW. I would collect them. I don't care about weight. What I care about is detail and paint quality. Imagine being able to create a company of Civil War soldiers. Pretty cool. Brad

 

[artmabigor]

hello to all
my point of view on the topic for a collector like me PAN.
in my youth Historex the French brand has produced and still present (50 years that the company exists). Virtually all fans figurines known or started their passion with their products (even the master painters) in international competitions.
So why FL or another manufacturer make the same quality with that lead??
For me it is OK if the purchase price is a winner.{sm4}
To better understand me, I attached some pictures of achievements with Historex to argue ...
Best.:salute::
Guy.

 

[Gebhard]

I believe you have to look at the total cost to the manufacturer "as a package" to see if this move into painted resin/plastic figures makes sense. The average cost per figure should be reduced considerably if you factor in shipping, breakage, insurance, etc. and hopefully, these lower costs can be passed on to the collector in a lower price entry point per figure. As long as the quality remains, I believe you may be able to increase the number of buyers. As mentioned in other threads, I am not sure if this will bring in a lot of young collectors as the interest in toy soldiers or in history, for that matter, may be in decline... but it can't hurt. I have no problem acquiring resin/plastic figures if the quality is the same or is as close as possible to their metal counterpart. Once they are on a shelf or diorama, the weight issue makes no difference to me!

The last part of your statement looks like a Mirror of what I said but, I'm not sure I can agree with all your points except the HOPE part:wink2:. Its been my experience in life that for the most part when companies do things to cut their cost it rarely is passed onto the customer but goes into propping up the bottom line that is making more profits that is what drives Business I've no problem with that. I would love to see First Legion do figures to their same standards in Resin much cheaper but I'm not so sure it would be possible as for me your paying for the paint job and the quality sculptor who sculpted it. But hey I'd love to be proved wrong, just food for thought say you have a FL resin figure and Metal figure done to the same standards exactly the same unable to tell them apart and one is 20 or so dollars cheaper I'd think the metal part of their business would not last long.
Think of this FL already make their ATV's in Resin...How much cheaper are they then other companies ATV's made of much heavier materials ??? All those savings you mention ??? Well I stand behind my position that your paying for and would be paying for the paintjob, sculptor and the quality of the product not the weight. regards Gebhard

 

[Gebhard]

hello to all
my point of view on the topic for a collector like me PAN.
in my youth Historex the French brand has produced and still present (50 years that the company exists). Virtually all fans figurines known or started their passion with their products (even the master painters) in international competitions.
So why FL or another manufacturer make the same quality with that lead??
For me it is OK if the purchase price is a winner.{sm4}
To better understand me, I attached some pictures of achievements with Historex to argue ...
Best.:salute::
Guy.

Hi Guy,
Historex :salute::ah the memories your bringing back my painting days. Guys who understand get it that weight only matters when dealing with precious metals, and BIG WOMEN if you like that sort of thing{eek3}..Its the skill of the sculptor and painter that counts. Great pictures regards Gebhard

 

[Mitch]

superb figures.

Hold the phone though I have just read that weight does not count??? I thought if it was not heavy then it must be pants!!!!
Mitch

 

[Harper (aka Spitfrnd)]

To me the material used for the figure is totally irrelevent. It is eclusively about the sculpting detail and painting, which can be achieved with various materials. Weight may be germane if you intend to place your display in areas subject to wind but otherwise why does it matter. As someone has already said, once they are on the shelf, it is only how they look that matters. If a restort to a non metal medium can lower the price with the same relative quality of appearance, I am totally for it. Why would you not be?

 

[Vezzolf]

The last part of your statement looks like a Mirror of what I said but, I'm not sure I can agree with all your points except the HOPE part:wink2:. Its been my experience in life that for the most part when companies do things to cut their cost it rarely is passed onto the customer but goes into propping up the bottom line that is making more profits that is what drives Business I've no problem with that. I would love to see First Legion do figures to their same standards in Resin much cheaper but I'm not so sure it would be possible as for me your paying for the paint job and the quality sculptor who sculpted it. But hey I'd love to be proved wrong, just food for thought say you have a FL resin figure and Metal figure done to the same standards exactly the same unable to tell them apart and one is 20 or so dollars cheaper I'd think the metal part of their business would not last long.
Think of this FL already make their ATV's in Resin...How much cheaper are they then other companies ATV's made of much heavier materials ??? All those savings you mention ??? Well I stand behind my position that your paying for and would be paying for the paintjob, sculptor and the quality of the product not the weight. regards Gebhard

Excellent Post{bravo}}....I completely agree there will not be much savings in plastic....especially after the intial frenzy dies down....I'll stick with metal Toy Soldiers....For WWII AFV's plastic resin with metal photo-etched parts is OK by me as it results in excellent detail.....However....No plastic Toy Soldiers for me..........Thank you

 

[marco55]

I am like others in that it's the sculpting and painting that's paramount.I don't care what medium it is in as far it looks good.The upside for me in resin is the detail can be better and if you stage your figures in dios being lighter is a benefit if you have to move it.To me whatever medium it is if the collectors like it that's great,the more choices the better.
Mark

 

[HistoryfortheAges]

Well, I guess we will need to be patient and see how this all plays out...

Definitely, the greater cost is in the sculpting and painting but the other costs involved in distribution should be lowered with a much lighter weight material. If manufacturers want to see some longevity in this hobby, then something has be done with the constant rise in prices. If they can cut their costs without jeopardizing quality to reduce prices for buyers then they may be able to widen their base of sales to include war gamers, museums and a broader market of new collectors. I would think a growing market for them is better than a shrinking one.

I had forgotten about those plastic/resin Historex figures, they look amazing! Thanks for posting those pictures!