Really Boring show (1 Viewer)

[Angusprune]

I recently attended the London Toy Soldier Show ( my Third ) and I have to say that I found it a bit dull - no atmosphere, excitement, nothing really new on sale, a depressing chat with a rep from WBritains and most of the stall holders packing up by 3p.m - almost as dismal as Norman Joplin's effort last year. The only bright spot was Steve Weston.
Perhaps this is one show too many and K&C should consider going back to two shows annually

 

[gus macrae]

I have to agree. Had been to the show twice previously, I travelled down from Glasgow and had an overnight stay at the Ibis hotel. Brought plenty of money to spend, but found nothing to spend it on. As you say no atmosphere, got there just after 11am and left at 1pm, didnt go back. Bit of a waste of time for me

I recently attended the London Toy Soldier Show ( my Third ) and I have to say that I found it a bit dull - no atmosphere, excitement, nothing really new on sale, a depressing chat with a rep from WBritains and most of the stall holders packing up by 3p.m - almost as dismal as Norman Joplin's effort last year. The only bright spot was Steve Weston.
Perhaps this is one show too many and K&C should consider going back to two shows annually

 

[Jay]

I've been there a few times, and have enjoyed it. There are a lot of shows in London and surrounding, including the Plastic Warior Show,

 

[trooper]

Re comments by Gus and Angus ie "nothing really new" and "found nothing to spend it on", what exactly were you looking for? I was at the show and admittedly there were a lot of familiar faces missing among the customers but the bulk of the usual makers were there and they all had new items on their stands, some more than others. The demonstrations in London on the day obviously cast a gloom over the show and the anticipation of travel problems no doubt caused many of the stall holders to leave earlier than usual, but there was still plenty of variety on show so again I ask, what exactly were you looking for? Trooper

 

[joesgis]

From the pics I saw, I wish I could have been there. I saw some items in pics from the show that I would have been clamoring for! I certainly would have left there with a lot of new goodies myself.

 

[wayne556517]

I wish i could go to a toysoldier show so just be happy with what you have..................{sm2}

 

[Angusprune]

Interesting new and old items. Friendly atmosphere, a general level of interest from the dealers, an excited crowd. Not too much to ask.
I'm looking forward to the PW show. Really enjoyed it last year.

Re comments by Gus and Angus ie "nothing really new" and "found nothing to spend it on", what exactly were you looking for? I was at the show and admittedly there were a lot of familiar faces missing among the customers but the bulk of the usual makers were there and they all had new items on their stands, some more than others. The demonstrations in London on the day obviously cast a gloom over the show and the anticipation of travel problems no doubt caused many of the stall holders to leave earlier than usual, but there was still plenty of variety on show so again I ask, what exactly were you looking for? Trooper

 

[Rob]

Re comments by Gus and Angus ie "nothing really new" and "found nothing to spend it on", what exactly were you looking for? I was at the show and admittedly there were a lot of familiar faces missing among the customers but the bulk of the usual makers were there and they all had new items on their stands, some more than others. The demonstrations in London on the day obviously cast a gloom over the show and the anticipation of travel problems no doubt caused many of the stall holders to leave earlier than usual, but there was still plenty of variety on show so again I ask, what exactly were you looking for? Trooper

Have to agree here, I've always found it a very friendly atmosphere, always good to catch up with both collectors and dealers alike, and March was no different. Looks like we will have more troops on parade in the bar in June, and no TUC march to spoil it this time :smile2:

Rob

 

[glossman]

I wish i could go to a toysoldier show so just be happy with what you have..................{sm2}

I fully agree with Wayne.

Despite having being a collector for several years, I have never attended a toy soldier show. It sounds pathetic, but that is the truth.

Some of us would have to travel a few thousand miles to attend one of the big shows like OTSN Chicago and the London Show.

I would be happy if I manage to make at least one visit to each before my time is up.

Raymond.{sm2}

 

[trooper]

You say you had a dull chat with the Britains rep and complain of a general lack of interest. The Britains reps are not actually hands on in the game, perhaps you should have talked to some of the other dealers who get their hands dirty in the production process. You didn't find anything of interest but fail to say what type of figure, period or country that does interest you. As for friendly atmosphere the UK Treefroggers hold open house in the bar at lunch time, I don't recall you coming up and introducing yourself, and as for excited crowd I fail to see how that would register or how it would add to your own enjoyment. Come to the June show and make yourself known, there will be enough people there to keep you interested I am sure. Trooper

 

[gus macrae]

What EXACTLY I was looking for, was to enjoy myself, I didnt, no ones fault but my own. I should never have brought my granny with me, she has been dead for thirty years and is teetotal, ruins your day every time.

Re comments by Gus and Angus ie "nothing really new" and "found nothing to spend it on", what exactly were you looking for? I was at the show and admittedly there were a lot of familiar faces missing among the customers but the bulk of the usual makers were there and they all had new items on their stands, some more than others. The demonstrations in London on the day obviously cast a gloom over the show and the anticipation of travel problems no doubt caused many of the stall holders to leave earlier than usual, but there was still plenty of variety on show so again I ask, what exactly were you looking for? Trooper

 

[theBaron]

Re comments by Gus and Angus ie "nothing really new" and "found nothing to spend it on", what exactly were you looking for? I was at the show and admittedly there were a lot of familiar faces missing among the customers but the bulk of the usual makers were there and they all had new items on their stands, some more than others. The demonstrations in London on the day obviously cast a gloom over the show and the anticipation of travel problems no doubt caused many of the stall holders to leave earlier than usual, but there was still plenty of variety on show so again I ask, what exactly were you looking for? Trooper

I have to say, Trooper, I had the same question in mind, when I first saw this thread, and its duplicate.

Rob, Raymond, and the others have the right ideas:

A show is what you make of it
It's nice to meet other collectors, and vendors, in person
Those of us who have shows held within traveling distance should appreciate them, because there are some folks who don't

Now, to these new guys (4 posts apiece, at this writing) who posted the thread and its first response, I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy yourselves, and hope you have a better time at the next one you visit, because the various shows throughout the year really do enhance the hobby.

Prost!
Brad

 

[wds0855]

I frequent many shows in the U.S on the East Coast every year. I have never made it to the Chicago show. But even the shows where I have not made any purchases, I have never found boring. Just being amid the other collectors, and all the "treasures" for sale and on view is exciting for me. I always find something of interest, even if it is only a magazine. Maybe I lead to dull a life.

Walt

 

[VIRIATO]

I fully agree with Wayne.

Despite having being a collector for several years, I have never attended a toy soldier show. It sounds pathetic, but that is the truth.

Some of us would have to travel a few thousand miles to attend one of the big shows like OTSN Chicago and the London Show.

I would be happy if I manage to make at least one visit to each before my time is up.

Raymond.{sm2}

Raymond, I do share your feelings, fortunately there are great guys at this forum that make us feel like we were there. Many thanks to them!

Paulo

 

[wayne556517]

Raymond, I do share your feelings, fortunately there are great guys at this forum that make us feel like we were there. Many thanks to them!

Paulo

Well said mate.

 

[damian]

With the barmaids the show had it did not look boring at all.

 

[VIRIATO]

With the barmaids the show had it did not look boring at all.

Great point Damian!^&grin

Paulo

 

[gus macrae]

I have been fortunate enough over the years to attend a number of Toy Soldier/Model shows both in the UK and Europe, all of which I travelled hundreds of miles to see. I have enjoyed most of them, in fact at some of them I had a ball, this one I didnt. The choice of figures and accessories available for people like us who play with toy soldiers has never been better, maybe I was jaded after a long journey which added to my sense of disappointment, I dont know. I did not think my comments would create such a strong reaction from members. I do remember the barmaids though!

With the barmaids the show had it did not look boring at all.

 

[steve weston]

I recently attended the London Toy Soldier Show ( my Third ) and I have to say that I found it a bit dull - no atmosphere, excitement, nothing really new on sale, a depressing chat with a rep from WBritains and most of the stall holders packing up by 3p.m - almost as dismal as Norman Joplin's effort last year. The only bright spot was Steve Weston.
Perhaps this is one show too many and K&C should consider going back to two shows annually

Sorry that you felt the show was boring - as usual, we were too busy to be bored but thanks for saying we were your "bright spot"!!!
As for there not being a lot of new stuff, let's be honest, in the face of one of the worst recessions we have known in modern times, anyone investing money into new production has got to be either very brave or very foolhardy! With plastics, the production numbers are in the 1,000's with the actual steel molds costing mega-bucks, whereas with metal, the mold costs are quite minimal but the costs of the metal are high, yet the production run can be in very low numbers. Either way, for the manufacturer, expenditure is not something to be considered lightly.
To be honest, if it were YOUR own money, ask yourself if you would be risking it under the present conditions?
Over the last 3 or 4 years, we have been spoilt with almost 50 new releases in just 54mm plastics alone - add to that the 1/72 releases, the 28mm releases and the myriad of metal releases, EACH year until now. That represents a huge investment by all involved in manufacturing.
On the brief trip that I managed to make away from our tables, I saw new products from Morgan Miniatures, White Tower and British Toy Soldier just for starters. Obviously, we had all the current new plastics with us as well.
The show is what YOU make it, although I must agree that some dealers tout the same old stuff placed in the same place on their table that it has always been in.
These are the guys that have a bad day - but we have noticed this at most shows including Chicago.
Just wish I could find time to review the barmaids as so many of you seem to have done!

 

[trooper]

I agree with everything Steve has said, but would add that the vast majority of makers attending the show, and I know a great many of them, all attempted to have something new for the day. Unlike Steve I was fortunate enough to be able to wander at will and saw new items for virtually every period, Napoleonic, ACW, Zulu War, Sudan, WW1, WW2, Crimea, ceremonial figures, civilian figures, and Romans to name just a few off the top of my head. Seek and ye shall find. Trooper