Streets of Old Hong Kong Glossy Questions (1 Viewer)

[mestell]

I have very recently started collecting K&C's US Marines and Sailors in 1926 China. I have acquired the US Navy Steam Launch, and yesterday made an order with Treefrog Treasures for 2 Jettys, the foot bridge, USN003 Shore Patrol. As a result of this interest I have also been drawn to the Imperial China Collection and the Streets of Old Hong Kong Collection. I also have on order from TF HK174 and HK175 Sampans, HK136 Gate Gaurdian Lions, and HK071 Chinese Tea House. Today I received IC011 Chinese Opera Stage and I must say I am very, very impressed with this building and am glad I was able to find this retired piece. My anticipation of receiving the other items I have on order has heightened now because of this impressive item.

I can only hope that someday my "1926 China" display will be as nice as Gary's collection shared here. By the way, I really like the looks of the Chinese Pagoda and now have it on my priority list of items to find.

Mike

 

[Lawrence Lo]

Gary,

Wonderful collection!

All the best,
Lawrence

 

[Lawrence Lo]

I have very recently started collecting K&C's US Marines and Sailors in 1926 China. I have acquired the US Navy Steam Launch, and yesterday made an order with Treefrog Treasures for 2 Jettys, the foot bridge, USN003 Shore Patrol. As a result of this interest I have also been drawn to the Imperial China Collection and the Streets of Old Hong Kong Collection. I also have on order from TF HK174 and HK175 Sampans, HK136 Gate Gaurdian Lions, and HK071 Chinese Tea House. Today I received IC011 Chinese Opera Stage and I must say I am very, very impressed with this building and am glad I was able to find this retired piece. My anticipation of receiving the other items I have on order has heightened now because of this impressive item.

I can only hope that someday my "1926 China" display will be as nice as Gary's collection shared here. By the way, I really like the looks of the Chinese Pagoda and now have it on my priority list of items to find.

Mike

Mike,

Sounds like you have the SOHK bug. I know the symptoms all too well Looking forward to seeing photos of your great collection.

All the best,
Lawrence

 

[thebritfarmer]

This would be the one series I would consider getting into by K&C.

Very nice collection Gary, thanks very much for sharing it with us.

 

[Iron Brigade]

This would be the one series I would consider getting into by K&C.

Very nice collection Gary, thanks very much for sharing it with us.

Dear "Thebritfarmer" and all the others who made comments about my photos of "My Wife's Favorite Display" on K&C's Streets of Old Hong Kong:

Thank you all for your kind comments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gary / "Iron Brigade" 01/29/2010

 

[Steven Chong]

*
The King and Country website offers the SOHK series in either gloss or matte options.

I am confused about the scale.

Question 1:

Are all the gloss SOHK sets in 1/32 scale (54mm) ?

Is there a scale difference for early gloss sets (1990's) versus the current gloss sets ?

Question 2:

Are all the matte SOHK sets in 1/30 scale (60mm) ?

Was the switch to matte for SOHK sets made pari passu with a scale change for all ?

Question 3:

As there is no paint finish option for the building facades, are these in 1/30 scale and matte ?

Best Wishes, Raymond.

Dear Raymond,

I have not been checking the Forum too much lately and missed this thread. I have been collecting the Streets of Old Hong Kong series since 1986, and have watched the development of this series, which can be described as the longest, continually produced theme made by K&C.

The early K&C SOHK figures were a small 1/32 or 54mm and were only available in gloss. In 1996 and starting with HK40, SOHK sets were available in either matt or gloss finish -- the same 1/32 figure or casting painted in either gloss or matt. On occasion, K&C would reissue early SOHK sets in matt which is why HK02 and HK05 can be found in matt. However, not all the early sets were reissued. As K&C's sculpting style has evolved to the current more robust sculpting style, the SOHK figures have gradually gotten bigger and the difference in the height of figures in the entire range has become more pronounced. Compare the height and look of HK130 to anythng before HK100, I think the figures in HK130 are 1/30 or even 1/29 scale and available in either gloss or matt. In my opinion, the SOHK figures after HK100 vary from 1/31 to 1/29 with the majority 1/31 scale. The style of sculpting on the early figures were more "toy soldier-like" with thinner bodies and smaller heads, not the robust sculpting style presently found in K&C figures.

 

[glossman]

Dear Raymond,

I have not been checking the Forum too much lately and missed this thread. I have been collecting the Streets of Old Hong Kong series since 1986, and have watched the development of this series, which can be described as the longest, continually produced theme made by K&C.

The early K&C SOHK figures were a small 1/32 or 54mm and were only available in gloss. In 1996 and starting with HK40, SOHK sets were available in either matt or gloss finish -- the same 1/32 figure or casting painted in either gloss or matt. On occasion, K&C would reissue early SOHK sets in matt which is why HK02 and HK05 can be found in matt. However, not all the early sets were reissued. As K&C's sculpting style has evolved to the current more robust sculpting style, the SOHK figures have gradually gotten bigger and the difference in the height of figures in the entire range has become more pronounced. Compare the height and look of HK130 to anythng before HK100, I think the figures in HK130 are 1/30 or even 1/29 scale and available in either gloss or matt. In my opinion, the SOHK figures after HK100 vary from 1/31 to 1/29 with the majority 1/31 scale. The style of sculpting on the early figures were more "toy soldier-like" with thinner bodies and smaller heads, not the robust sculpting style presently found in K&C figures.

Dear Steven,

Thanks very much for your informative brief.

I am glad that you weighed in with your experience, especially as you have collected the SOHK range for close to 25 years now.

From your post, my understanding of the development of the SOHK range goes like this.

Prior to 1996, the early SOHK sets were in 1/32 scale, gloss.

In 1996 and starting with HK40, SOHK sets were offered in 1/32 scale, either gloss or matte.

From HK100 (?circa 2000), the SOHK sets had evolved to an average size of 1/30 scale, either gloss or matte.

This is very similar to the information that a fellow forum member Gary (Iron Brigade) kindly provided in answer to my questions.

The scale and paint finish differences are too minor to detract the overall charm and character of the SOHK range.

This is a fine range to be enjoyed and appreciated to the fullest.

Best Wishes, Raymond.