The future of SOHK / USN / USMC series (1 Viewer)

[jules118]

Having been tempted by the Figarti HMS Victory ship, but really wanting something that fits into my 'exotic east' / Indochina / SOHK theme I thought I'd email K&C about the long rumored Chinese Pirate Junk.

Got a response today from Yan Chan saying that it's not happening

Also not much to report re new releases in the near future for SOHK... specifically asked about the likelihood of some of the 'seedy' types that were found loitering around ports ... gangsters, pimps, prostitutes, drunks etc. But the reply I got gave me the feeling that there isn't much in the pipeline atm. Guess this also means that the bulk of the USN and USMC series has now been produced, with any new releases being less likely and more infrequent. Plus no armed 'opponent' for them to shoot those guns at, I assume.

Am hoping that Andy may read this, say that I have misinterpreted the response and give some direction/hints of what may be in the pipeline for these series.

But, failing that I guess I'll use this opportunity to get the few sets that I am interested in that will complete my setup and then look elsewhere to satisfy my collecting urges. A pity, because I have been really impressed by K&C and their team. It's a great product and the service that I have had has been exceptional.

 

[mestell]

While at the Chicago OTSN show I had heard that the Chinese Junk was put on the back shelf for a variety of reason - very disappointing. I really enjoy this range and with the addition to the US Navy and USMC figures it really got me interested in collecting it. Without the seedier wharf figures and some apt adversaries for the Navy and Marines interest among collectors might be minimalized. I will still continue to collect the sets I want to complete my street scenes, however not with as much "zeal" as it could have been . . . .
Mike

 

[Mitch]

I remember the pirate ship in one of the collector mags and its a similar thing with the sand pebbles thing making these large ships seems to be problematic. Was the latter not hived out to someone else to make? I suppose you can look around for one to be made to your own specs. SOHK is a really nice range but, came to it late and missed a few of the really early sets which were very nice.
Mitch

 

[jules118]

I remember the pirate ship in one of the collector mags and its a similar thing with the sand pebbles thing making these large ships seems to be problematic. Was the latter not hived out to someone else to make? I suppose you can look around for one to be made to your own specs...
Mitch

Yes, I think that is what I am going to do, daresay it will be cheaper than buying that tempting HMS Victory model and it will fit into my area of interest. Anybody have any suggestions on who could build this for me? Preferably in Australia.

After that... who knows where I'll head with K&C, but atm I don't see it as continuing to be a 'regular' hobby for me. Have got a few of the Crimea figures and will place an order with K&C UK shortly, but that's also drawing to a close. Sons of Empire looked promising but it's a (very) occasional release, apparently... I am being drawn to the Britains Delhi Durbar series, so that may be the way to go. I don't know. I really like K&C but I'm not getting the regular hits and highs for my addiction, just taunts as I see really stunning models being released every month, for every series but mine. So it's just about time to make the break I think.

 

[jazzeum]

Jules,

Are you saying, more or less, that SOHK is on the back burner or does not have much priority nowadays? If so, that's a little surprising; I always thought it was one of their big sellers.

 

[Mitch]

I recall reading in K&C literature that SOHK was about to be stopped or similar and a collector asked for a very large order and... the rest is history.
Mitch

 

[jazzeum]

If true, that would be a shame. I hope Andy addresses the topic.

 

[jules118]

Jules,

Are you saying, more or less, that SOHK is on the back burner or does not have much priority nowadays? If so, that's a little surprising; I always thought it was one of their big sellers.

I'm guessing that it is the latter. Here is the reply from K&C
"...we will expand the series, though there is no new product right now. However, I am afraid that we do not plan to do the pirate junk. "
The reply wasn't from Andy and Yan Chan may not be privy to future intentions or what may be planned for the next series of releases, which would account for its brevity in response to my questions. But, considering the comparative lack of releases over the past year I get the feeling that there may be other priorities atm.

Maybe the market isn't there any more? But that could be even more of a reason to generate a new interest in the SOHK civilians by introducing a related armed opposition for the USN / USMC range. I don't know, am just guessing and hoping

 

[g18]

I hope I am not giving fans of SOHK any false hopes but when I was in HK earlier this year, Andy told me that it is a popular series. If that is the case, there is cause for optimism yet

 

[marksable]

It's funny, I was about to comment yesterday that the pirate junk is not a "rumor" because Andy sounded pretty definitive about it at the West Coaster in a room full of people.

Regardless, I'd be disappointed if the junk was canceled. It's not that I'm unhappy with the USN and HK releases, the launch and the sampans were great...but I've always wanted some opposition for USN.

There may very well be a good reason why the junk can't be made, or can't be made now...but I don't see why pirates, rebels or other unsavory characters couldn't be introduced. Right now, it looks like my USN figures are about to massacre civilians.

I'm hoping Andy will come on here and clarify things.