Sayanora WW2 (1 Viewer)

[Currahee Chris]

" This is the end, My Beautiful friend........."

Well, KC WW2 collecting has DOMINATED my collecting purchases since 2000. I think, dare I say it, I think I have accomplished all I wanted to get out of the WW2 line. In truth, I really only see myself grabbing some of the single and 2 man German Infantry and US/ British paras any more. Vehiclewise, all I really need anymore would be another Tiger, Hanomag, Landing craft, and perhaps a PAK40. Otherwise, with the exception of perhaps another personality piece, I think I have run as far as I want to go with this. I have 50-60% of both DDay and WS lines and just cannot see any further purchases being made with this period of time.

I am certainly not giving up on KC- not at all- but my interests have shifted significantly- I am really loving the Egyptians and the AWI lines. I see those sets being my big dollar KC priorities in the future- otherwise, Battle of the Bulge infantry is a distant third and the Market Garden single figures are close behind them.

Here's my thoughts on KC's WW2 offerings and I think a lot of this has been echoed in previous posts by many many people.

1.) War in the Pacific- let's face it- KC has done a great job with these figures but they don't seem to be as popular as I would think they would have been. I sold my couple sets earlier this year and am going to go 1:18th scale for this range. With all the other offerings, I just can't afford buying any more metal figures. From a historical perspective- the War in the Pacific is exciting because of the Naval involvement and all the great dogfights. Unfortunately, I don't think this translates very well in 1:30th scale. So, to diversify my collection, I dropped Pacific Iwo figures in deference to other lines like AE and AWI

2.) Eastern Front- for whatever reason, this just hasn't taken off either. I decided not to hold my breath on this one either and just cut my losses and sold my sets as well- again, to buy other lines I am interested in. KC is, in my opinion, the WW2 king and if they cannot make Eastern Front work, it just can't be done. I really think the T-34 is the best Allied tank they offered and if that cannot get people fired up, I don't know what will. Eastern Front will continue to be a very very popular wargaming line at 10, 15 or even 20mm but for whatever reason, just doesn't work with 54/60mm.

3.) War in North Africa- nice looking stuff, still believe it is too heavy on Germans but the new Big Red One's will cut that back of course. Ultimately, I decided to pass to focus on Normandy.

4.) Fields of Battle- just doesn't appeal to me- that's just me though

5.) Battle of the Bulge- just ordered my first grunts for this line. Really pleased to see that they are going to 1-3 man teams again. Makes it easier to purchase along with some of these other lines.

6.) Market Garden- tremendous looking figures- probably the best looking in the current inventory. I am buying single figures from this line as money permits. I am using them in connection with my Normandy dio.

So, it just looks like I have led my men from Normandy into Berlin and we are getting ready to accept the German surrender. I estimate I used to spend 50-75% annually on KC WW2 but, with a change in collecting focus, I really see that dropping to 10-25% annually for the next 5 years or so.

 

[Mister Dave]

Hi CC, funny thing how the collecting interests/excitement levels for certain lines evolve over time isn't it? I can certainly relate to your post. My collection now looks a lot different than it did about 2 years ago for sure, but still has heavy emphasis on British involved conflicts from 1750's to 1900 or so. I am buying more small, lets say better quality sets now and fewer larger, nice, but less detailed or uniquely posed sets. I enjoy being able to keep up with new lines rather than chasing after scarce retired items all of the time (though admit I wish I could do both). The above mentioned era will remain my focus for the forseeable future.

As a contrast to your particular situation however, I am finally allowing myself to also purchase a few select pieces from K&C's WWII offerings, because, as you said, they just are the best. I'll get the Ranger D-Day beach sets in the mail next week, and then will get some of the BR1 sets including the patrol jeep, some of the non fighting US BOB sets, and some of the MG figs...these are just classic scenes from the WWII history that I grew up reading about and looking at in movies. I don't usually buy vehicles so that makes my life easier, but will make an exception for the Willy's Jeep being such an icon.

Perhaps the evolving interests and focus is one of the most enjoyable parts of this hobby after all. Enjoy the transition...it's exciting in a way.

Mister Dave

 

[Capitolron]

Chris

Now is the time to make your transition complete .....

BUY NAPOLEONICS !

I will be glad to introduce you to the L' Emperuer Napoleon

Ron

 

[Major Major]

I think there's always something appealing to draw you into a range. I started off collecting K&C recently with Nap CG due to memories of actually enjoying school history because of the Battle of Waterloo, and OMG because of "A Bridge Too Far". More than anything though it is the depth of detail and quality of paintwork that comes out of these figures that gets me buying. On closer examination I bought the latest AK additions, EA SAS and German FJ, just simply because they looked good. I even got a couple of the new Hessians to sample because the work on them looked so good. It's very easy to get carried away I find and wanting to become a "completist", but that's where self-control has to kick in before the bank manager starts calling..

 

[wadepat]

Hi Chris,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings concerning your evolution of interests. Interests are not static and they demand to be satisfied. For some of us, the only way in which genuine satisfaction can occur is to increasingly specialize. I believe this holds true for many of those who restrict their collecting to a single era (i.e., WWII, Napoleonics, etc.). For some of the rest of us, the only way in which our interests can truly be satisfied is to expand the targets of our interests. From my own limited perspective, I know I cannot be truly satisfied by only collecting figures from one era or conflict. I require diversity in my collection, otherwise I become bored at only seeing GIs or Romans or Zulus or ACW figures or whatever.

To you I say, "Congratulations" for granting yourself permission to let your interests evolve. If you let your interests lead you, I think you will embark on a wonderful journey. Collect what you like and enjoy the adventure!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[Rob]

Hey Chris,

I think you are very wise mate,whatever you do don't let anything draw you back to the dark side.Hang on....can i hear something...a sort of rumbling in the distance...could it b.....BRITISH ARMOUR!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously though good luck in whatever you collect.

Rob

 

[Currahee Chris]

Thanks for all the kind thoughts fellas- admittedly, didn't know where I was going with this thread but just felt like buring sometime on a Sunday am

Truthfully, I am glad to see KC's Napoleonics line evolve as it has. Of course, I am not a Nappy collector but I think the diversity is good for KC- I think that KC may have, at one time, too many eggs in the WW2 basket and one or two slipups could have meant doom. The Napoleonics appear to be doing really well though for them.

When I stop into the shops here in GBurg, I always walk by the Romans and Caesar calls out to me!!! I have taken a second and third look on the sets and if EoI doesn't hurry up and get there sets to market, I have a sneaking suspicion that these Romans will bleed the defense budget dry. Oh well, I guess I could just resort to petty brigandry, sack my kids and take their allowance in the name of the Republic!!!

 

[kingtoot]

Sayanora WW2 ETO - talk about overkill, as if no one else fought in WW2 other than Germans. WW2 Pacific would be a nice change of pace even though K&C might not make the multi-multi-millions that they make on selling anything German. Andy - If you box it they will come. Korean War would be a great change of pace for everybody...

 

[Harrytheheid]

Sayanora WW2 ETO - talk about overkill, as if no one else fought in WW2 other than Germans. WW2 Pacific would be a nice change of pace even though K&C might not make the multi-multi-millions that they make on selling anything German. Andy - If you box it they will come. Korean War would be a great change of pace for everybody...

Ooooooooh.....If any of the German-Groupies on here see this.....

Cheers (In Total Agreement)
H

 

[Saber]

Sol Invictus! The Legions are calling.... buy me, buy me, buy me, Act now before your port is overun by Barbarian hordes leaving your war galley no place to dock.