Soldier Pac and Replica Models (1 Viewer)

[nospoj]

I'm trying to track down two casting suppliers from the past, perhaps someone can help. First, Soldier Pac, who used to do recasts and Britain's spares, I believe they have been sold on recently, and would like details of the new owners. Secondly, Replica Models, who also did recasts as well as originals. Owned by Pat Campbell. I've tried the web, but no joy.

 

[Obee]

Soldier Pac was set up and run by Chis Bartlett in the 1990's and in the mid 2000's he sold out the company with moulds and stock to another person in UK (sorry can't remember his name)

Subsequently he went AWOL and nothing has been head of him, or his moulds for about 5 years, much to the annoyance of collectors looking for recasts of Britains Toy Soldiers.

I met up with Chris last year in his home in Shropshire, and was amazed by his wonderful collection, well established in his top floor. He still is making and painting, and exhibits at the BMSS shows in UK.

He is a very nice guy, and it was great to meet him in person, after many years of email correspondence.

If you are looking for similar sort of figures, I'd suggest you ask GIles Brown of Dorset Soldiers for advice, he has some similar figures available.

regards,

John

 

[trooper]

David Bracey used to own the figures that eventually ended up as SoldierPac. He had a licence from Britains to recast their old hollowcast range. He developed this to a considerable size. When he died his wife, Margaret, who had no real knowledge of Britains, sold on the licence and the range to Chris. At some later date Britains revoked all the licences thus making it illegal to reproduce these items. As John says, Giles is about the only person producing his own range of figures and parts in this style. Trooper

 

[johnnybach]

Great shame about Soldier-Pac - as they did do some lovely replica models as castings. I am one of the disgruntled brigade that Obee mentions, as I for one would love to get hold of the model they made of The Coronation Coach - complete with horses riders and attendant footmen etc., to make up and paint for myself. Not available now - from anyone, darn it!

However, I can confirm that Giles still makes spares for some figures in that style, which can be made to fit broken TS - of many marques, not just old Britains, (often with a bit of jiggling, cutting and filing involved - but thank goodness for it). He is also a very accomodating chap - and will frequently go to great lengths in order to help you save even the most damaged old soldier. Do give him a try - he's a good listener too.

I'll be meeting up with him next week, and am going to discuss a proposed re-casting of a new head - in order to make up a new figure for a mounted soldier of the US Cavalry from one of his existing figures. Looking forward to that immensley........If we are succesful - I will of course post the results - eventually - and maybe some new figures will be added to his already extensive range............ johnnybach^&grin

 

[theBaron]

I had contacted SoldierPac in 2009, I think it was, when the business folded, and received an email reply from Chris. At that time, he had not yet found a buyer for the business. In the meantime, Forty-Third, Ltd acquired the Phoenix molds, I don't know if it was directly from SoldierPac or from a third party who had bought them from SP. Here is the URL for Forty-Third's homepage: http://www.forty-third.co.uk/index.htm. Hope that helps!

My interest is for the Phoenix 54mm Georgian figures, so I haven't browsed the entire site, to see what other lines they carry, or if they are a licensed Britains replacement parts vendor. Here in the States, Ron Ruddell's London Bridge Collectors Toys is a licensed Britains parts vendor, and he's local to me, so I avail myself of his excellent service.

Prost!
Brad

 

[johnnybach]

Thanks for the link into this company Brad. Looks like this will be a good one to keep an eye on, as they mention that their casting company ( S& D) will be bringing back into production, lines of figures purchased from SoldierPac. No Coronation Coach shows up in their range at the moment - but as stated, worth keeping an eye on for the future. Some nice looking pieces in there already, so you never know. jb

 

[nospoj]

Looks like I'll just have to wait until December and see what is available. So nice to see all the suppliers en-masse and able to ask them awkward questions face to face. I've booked the day as holiday to make sure I get there, and warned Mrs J well in advance (she likes looking at all the civilian figures).

 

[johnnybach]

I dashed off a quick email to 43rd - and asked whether the Coronation Coach was one of their casting company's (S&D) acquisitions from SoldierPac. Andrew Sutton kindly replied to my query, but unfortunately confirmed that the Coach wasn't one of the pieces purchased, as they only bought "The Pheonix Range". 43rd DO have some nice figures though, and looks like all the figures they did purchase will be fniding their way into the range on offer eventually. So, worth a look from time to time. As to the coach - I am guessing we may have to wait until the next coronation before that re-appears from somebody? (Britains maybe???).

I should live so long - lookout ebay - here we go again! johnnybach {eek3}

 

[theBaron]

You'ree very welcome, JB, and glad to help you both! I check the site, too, to see which of the Phoenix Georgian figures they've made available. I haven't abandoned my eBay searches yet, though, or digging through bins at the shows.

Prost!
Brad