Questions for Andy (1 Viewer)

[Combat]

Andy-
I am a recent convert from the Russian St. Petersburg figures to mostly K&C products. This is due primarily to my interest in WWII. I had a couple of questions for you if you don't mind (anyone else should feel free to chime in as well):

1) Do you still collect toy soldiers and, if so, what type?
2) Have you seen the Russian figures (e.g. Aeroart) and what is your opinion?
3) Would K&C ever consider producing a limited "museum" quality line to compete with the Russians? Maybe a line of historical personality figures?

Thanks

 

[Louis Badolato]

In answer to one of your questions, Andy has not only seen the Russian figures, King & Country used to sell Aeroart St. Petersburg figures from its shop in Hong Kong and advertise them in its flyers. The 1997 flyer with the Edinburg Castle Facade and the Heraldry Tents depicts them with St. Petersburg figures of Knights and a King and the 1999 Roman flyer with the Triumphal Arch depicts them with a St. Petersburg figure of Jesus!

 

[Steven Chong]

When I was in Hong Kong in June, the K&C retail store was still carrying "Russian" figures, though I am not sure if they all were AeroArt St. Petersburg figures.

 

[jazzeum]

I suppose Andy should answer 1 and 3 but I think trying to compete with the Russian figures, even in a limited way, would be rather expensive, probably beyond the means of many of us.

 

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,



Just a note to answer a few different queries in a recent post.

Q1) “Do I still collect toy soldiers myself?”

A1) You bet, that’s another reason I go to Chicago, L.A. and London shows – the scope and variety of what’s on display and for sale in mind – boggling!

At this years Chicago Show I bought a set of Frontline’s Woodland Indians… a set of Britians’ Rev. War figures…several Russian pieces…Figarti’s new Stuart tank…a couple of 21st Century’s 1:32 airplanes and one of their tanks plus a whole bunch of great books and magazines.

Q2) “Have I seen the Aeroart figures?”

A2) Not only do I see them but K&C is the official distributor /dealer for them in the Far East. Thor and Nikki Johnson the power and the brains behind Aeroart are great personal friends and I’m proud and happy to be associated with them and their superb products.

They are simply the best Russian figures available and I am a great admirer.

Q3) “Would K&C consider producing a similar “museum quality” line to compete with the Russians?”

A3) Quite simply No. The way both of our companies operate is completely different. The Russians operate on a “studio” basis where individual painters paint individual figures – one at a time.

K&C is a “factory” operation where a whole team of female painters paint hundreds of figures each day. One person may paint the head, another the upper body, another the lower, yet one more the equipment, while another may do the final touches. More of a team, production line operation.

I want K&C to reach a broader market at a more affordable price.

That said, I want our figures, vehicles and diorama pieces to be the best in their segment of the market – for quality, originality and value for money!



Best wishes to all and …happy collecting.



Andy C Neilson