sets or single figures (1 Viewer)

[redhugh]

Happy new year to everyone,
just wondering what people thought of the recent trend to release single figures rather than sets of four figures. There is the obvious cost issue but what impact does this have on the type of figures we get. There are some sets from past issues that wouldn't have been made if they were sold as single figures and perhaps this could reduce the diversity of the figures that are coming out. When a set has four figures there is a tendency to throw in one thats just that bit different or quirky or with an unusual pose, rather than having to think of the figure being able to sell itself. Also with four figures there can be a story or scene that goes along with them being a set

 

[Eazy]

I quite like the single figures as it gives you more scope to pick and choose and not have to buy poses you aren't so keen on. I also like the way you can buy a single figure as an impulse purchase rather than having to shell out big bucks for a four figure set.

Having said all that though my favourite figures recently have been the 3 man advance to attack set from the Arnhem releases. Go figure.

 

[Mister Dave]

I always appreciate the ability to choose single figures. Cost is definitely an issue, and it is nice to be able to select exactly what you need or want, especially if you are putting together a large or complex scenario. My favorite sets are ususally 2-3 figures at most, and I will at times pass on sets if 1 of the 2 or 3 figures is not to my liking. I have different feelings about older glossy merchandise, but that is for a different thread.

Dave

 

[Rob]

Both!.There are some excellant single figs available now and they are very collectable.However i would hate to see larger figure sets disappear too.If you look at the History of K&C they really have made some wonderful sets (check out the UK/US D day sets)and i think they are essential collecting.Just my opinion of course

Rob

 

[Capitolron]

I am personally in favor of Single Figures as well. Sometimes sets have figures which dont do much for me and you have to "buy the set" to get that one or two that you really want. Thats my two cents.

 

[aujj65]

As I mainly collect Napoleonics and Crimean War, the single figure sets are the best approach as you can pick and choose which ones and how many. Having said that the Artillery and special ones like 'Seizing the Colours' have to be sets anyway, but I prefer the single method.

Jeff

 

[kilted vampire]

It depends on the sets really. But I love being able to pick and choose. I am very discriminating after allnudge,nudge. Say no more!

 

[The Lt.]

Currently my prefernce is for single figures over sets. I found in the two figure hand to hand sets one figure dose not alway compliment the other. When creating a firing line either standing or kneeling firing or loading their rifles in a six piece set the faces are identical but wouldn't have a problem if each figure had a different face. So I'd cast a vote for single figures........The Lt.

 

[binder001]

Right now I think Andy has the right approach - some subjects need a four-man set, some a three-man set and some as single figures. I really like the single figure approach as it allows me flexibility in planning scenes I want to create. I was able to add the combat photographer to my "gang", but I might not have been able to get him if he was buried in a four-figure set. Same for casualties. One might not need four "dead or wounded" figures, but one adds interest to a scene - same for POWs.

I still hope we might see some single figure add-ons of US tankers (summer or winter) to add to our vehicles.

Gary

 

[Canadian Samurai]

I like the single figures for all the reasons mentioned above, plus the fact that if one arrives damaged, it is a lot easier to replace or send back to the dealer in its own box rather than having to deal with 1/4 of a 4 figure set being defective. I think the only thing K&C could stand to improve on with their single figures is to make sure they work well together in scenes with each other like their multiple figure sets often do.

 

[debrito]

single figurine it’s easier to display and can mix with different set ups.

 

[Showman]

IMO I prefer larger sets, the old fashioned way. Four to a set at the least. But , I think with prices going up everywhere it is a way to hold the line a bit on prices. I know they are going up in price , but it seems easier for Andy to sell one figure for $29, then FOUR for $116. It seems better from a marketing point of view. Also - as mentioned here, customers can choose what they want. I think some manufacters have followed suit such a John Jenkins.

My two cents....

 

[Leadmen]

Hi Greg: How is it going? You have not posted much since Chicago. Nice meeting your son and talking. Leadmen

 

[Louis Badolato]

I like a nice blend of sets and individual figures. I think K&C has an excellent mix of the two.

 

[Warbuff26]

I'd like to see a "Super Set" that is when a big release is done like Market Garden we have the option to buy the whole thing in one box. I'm not saying that i dont like the individual figures....but I do not like having to open all those boxes when I know I am going to buy the whole release. Plus I think it would be cool to get everything packed in one big box. I bet that would be collectable too like the Strictly Limited boxes.

 

[Harrytheheid]

I'd like to see a "Super Set" that is when a big release is done like Market Garden we have the option to buy the whole thing in one box. I'm not saying that i dont like the individual figures....but I do not like having to open all those boxes when I know I am going to buy the whole release. Plus I think it would be cool to get everything packed in one big box. I bet that would be collectable too like the Strictly Limited boxes.

Sheesh WB.....wish I had the same bank manager as you...??? Aaaaaiiiieeee......Don't give him these ideas.
Only kiddin'.....maybe .

Cheers
H

 

[Louis Badolato]

I'd like to see a "Super Set" that is when a big release is done like Market Garden we have the option to buy the whole thing in one box. I'm not saying that i dont like the individual figures....but I do not like having to open all those boxes when I know I am going to buy the whole release. Plus I think it would be cool to get everything packed in one big box. I bet that would be collectable too like the Strictly Limited boxes.

You mean like K&C's "The Last Stand of the Seaforths"?

The “Last Stand of the Seaforths Connoisseur Edition”, which was available in either Khaki or Red coated Seaforths, consisted of following figures: 4 Standing firing, 4 Standing at the ready, 4 Kneeling firing, 4 Kneeling at the ready, 3 prone dead Highlanders, 2 Standing at the ready wounded corporals, 1 Piper, 1 Mounted Officer, 1 Dismounted Field Officer firing sidearm, 1 Drummer Boy, 1 Lieutenant holding Queen's Color, 1 Lieutenant holding Regimental Standard 72nd Foot, and included the following accessories: 2 Medical cases, 2 Large ammunition crates and lids, 3 Small crates, and 2 Horses - one for mounted officer and one dead horse for the dismounted field officer.

Yeah, I would totally buy a modern version of the super set!

 

[Halo]

I like both. Its a good combination.

 

[Mr Man]

Andy seems to be trying to strike a balance (at least in the WWII range) between sets and individual figures. Some things absolutely have to be done as sets, artillery crews etc... In sets, there tend to be a couple of very desirable figs and a couple that you couldn't give away but, that may be nessessary to the scene that the set depicts. It's a difficult balancing act when putting sets together. I like them both, there is a certain economy to a set as they tend to have a lower per figure cost but, they are a larger up front cost. Individuals figure costs can be spread out over a longer time period (provided they don't get retired before you get around to all of them). I like both.

 

[eborris]

Since to date I have only purchased two figures, I prefer the single figures.

I know this isn't overwhelming evidence, but had those two figures been part of a three or four man set, I may not have purhcased any.

I have purchased three and four man sets in the past from other makers and wasn't crazy about spending the cash just to get one or two poses that I actually wanted.

That being said I am looking forward to seeing the new Alamo figures.