The Huge Popularity of Zulu War Figures (1 Viewer)

[jazzeum]

Nicely put Simon.

 

[damian]

WWII is a new comer to the world of metal toy soldiers. In the 1970's and 1980's it was a very popular theme amongst plastic model builders (Tamiya, Airfix) etc. However WB never got into it in a big way. Similarly the new toy soldier manufacturers such as Trophy and Steadfast etc focused on colonial themes. I think where Andy deserves a huge amount of credit was for creating the market for metal WW II toy soldiers. The Arnhem matte series lead the way but I feel it was the decision to manufacture polystone tanks starting off with that Stug back in 1997. Since then WWII has become a dominant theme in the world of metal toy soldiers. However the Zulu theme has always been popular and it's popularity seems to be taking off in a major way. There can be very little doubt about that. When considering the fact that it was a relatively minor war involving a remote colonial people and the forces of the Britis Empire I think that is quite an achievement. WWII, Napoleonics involved many nations and geographic locations and changed the world in a lot of ways, whereas the effects of the AZW were very localized, even though they were quite profound for the Zulu people. The AZW has had two very famous movies which have caught the public imagination. Once again this is an achievement. Custer's Last Stand, The Alamo and the ACW have all had famous movies made about them as well, but it seems that even this is still not enough to elevate the popularity of these conflicts above that of the AZW. So I agree with Reb. The AZW seems to becoming ever more popular and it is difficult to explain exactly why this should be the case.

 

[Spitfrnd]

WWII is a new comer to the world of metal toy soldiers. In the 1970's and 1980's it was a very popular theme amongst plastic model builders (Tamiya, Airfix) etc. However WB never got into it in a big way. Similarly the new toy soldier manufacturers such as Trophy and Steadfast etc focused on colonial themes. I think where Andy deserves a huge amount of credit was for creating the market for metal WW II toy soldiers. The Arnhem matte series lead the way but I feel it was the decision to manufacture polystone tanks starting off with that Stug back in 1997. Since then WWII has become a dominant theme in the world of metal toy soldiers. However the Zulu theme has always been popular and it's popularity seems to be taking off in a major way. There can be very little doubt about that. When considering the fact that it was a relatively minor war involving a remote colonial people and the forces of the Britis Empire I think that is quite an achievement. WWII, Napoleonics involved many nations and geographic locations and changed the world in a lot of ways, whereas the effects of the AZW were very localized, even though they were quite profound for the Zulu people. The AZW has had two very famous movies which have caught the public imagination. Once again this is an achievement. Custer's Last Stand, The Alamo and the ACW have all had famous movies made about them as well, but it seems that even this is still not enough to elevate the popularity of these conflicts above that of the AZW. So I agree with Reb. The AZW seems to becoming ever more popular and it is difficult to explain exactly why this should be the case.

I think that is a very comprehensive assessment Damian. I would observe that the movie Zulu was head and shoulders above those made about Custer, the Alamo and the ACW (although some of the Duke's contributions were rather good and are among my favorites). The same goes for the Napoleonic war (again although the Sharpe series has made a delightful contribution).

Interestingly though, I think there is some correlation between book sales and the popularity of the relative figure periods. In this regard, I would venture WWII is the run away winner, followed by the Napoleonic War and the ACW. I have a feeling that if you tallied all figure companies sales, it would shake out about the same, although I have no doubt there would be significant differences between various countries. Even if that is the case, the AZW is still extraordinarily popular for its relative size and scope.

 

[lancer]

I think the point about popularity being depedent on what country you are talking about is excellent. When I was involved in the military book business there was WW2, ACW, and the rest were also rans. This still holds true for books in the U.S. Other countries will be very different. The number of books published in the U.S. on WW2 and ACW continues to dwarf other wars and understandably so. I suspect, purely from what other friends have collected, that this is true for toy soldiers as well. JMHO. -- lancer

 

[Showman]

In the US - It's the ALAMO

In the UK - It's their ALAMO

The movie was the Catalyst for me.
Then Conte made those plastic Zulu's , Church and compound. Now I collect mainly Trophy Zulu's and Wm. Britains Zulus. I have a few Little Legion.

 

[Deitz]

To me it is the mystique of it.

You have a modern force being defeated in a major battle by a native force armed for the most part with spears and this native force could move twenty thousand or more troops in formation over many miles and attack in a coordinated manner.

The defeated leader of the Zulus is taken to Great Britain and becomes a hero of sorts with the British population and has an audience with the Queen.

The Zulus end a European Dynasty.

This is also one of the last major campaigns that the British go to battle in brightly colored uniforms with banners flying.

Which era sells more, who knows for sure does it really matter. All are popular in their own right and all have their devotees and hopefully, all eras will be available of the collectors.

My two cents from behind the mealie bag wall.

Brian

 

[Harrytheheid]

[/B]

Mine neither! Primarily because there is little demand for them- according to the owner.

Hi Reb,

Sorry I'm late to the party - have not had the best of internet connections these past few days.
All I would add to what's been another interesting thread, is I picked up my replacement Britain’s ZW matte figures when I visited Beijing recently. These were to replace the ones that were ruined during a flight from Hong Kong to Dalian last year. The 24th foot figures are good, but they go into the "Ho-Hum" category when I compare them to the Zulu figures which are magnificent.
I think its easy to see why this small war is so popular with miniature figurine collectors; Two brilliant films, some excellent books and some fantastic figures on the market. Nothing like this conflict happened in other countries colonized by Great Britain such as Australia, or New Zealand. Although on reflection that's not quite true - I wonder how a Maori War release of figures would be received. I'd certainly be interested.
Incidentally, I do wish the Conte ZW figures were available.

Regards
Harry

 

[damian]

Harry you are quite right.
There were lots of interesting wars in Africa during the colonial period.
AZW, Boer Wars, Sudan campaign and the Ashante Wars. Another interesting aspect is WWI in Africa you know with Asakari's and King's African Rifles and British and Commonwealth forces. It would be great to see a return to the Sudan by one of our current toy soldier manufacturers.

 

[GICOP]

Harry you are quite right.
There were lots of interesting wars in Africa during the colonial period.
AZW, Boer Wars, Sudan campaign and the Ashante Wars. Another interesting aspect is WWI in Africa you know with Asakari's and King's African Rifles and British and Commonwealth forces. It would be great to see a return to the Sudan by one of our current toy soldier manufacturers.

Agreed Damian

I love the Zulu War period, some of you may have guessed My fascination started after watching “ZULU” for the very first time, way back when. I think the continued interest is thanks to a number of things not least being the WBritains matte series of figures.

Now what about the Matabele Wars of 1893 and 1896, the Matabele are related to the Zulu since they originally broke away from the Zulu Nation of Shaka in 1823?

Cheers

Martyn

 

[The Military Workshop]

I am also a big Zulu War fan.
The combination of a great movie with two strong actors (Baker and Caine) and a good script, 11 VC's and survival against heavy odds contrasted against what happened at Isandhlwana make it a favourite for me.
An Aussie Vietnam told me he was shown it as part of his training. I asked if it was because of the discipline and he said no it was mainly for the bayonet use !!
Regards
Brett

 

[The Lt.]

Hopefully this post won't be deleted like my last two. In my humble opinion the popularity of the Zulu War Figures and the post and views on the forum come from the figures and sets that have been offered over the years by those who provided them and the way they attracted the attention of many on the forum in the photos in which they appeared. Granted the Movies Zulu and Zulu Dawn along with the many books written on the subject play an important part in their popularity but the figures themselves are the stars and leading factor of their popularity. It's nice seeing what's recently been done by all of the providers of the period and what's now headed our way along with what else they have in store for us. Now I'll return you to the other periods that been a added to the thread for discussion.........The Lt.

 

[eborris]

In my humble opinion I think the Zulu War is popular mainly because of the movie Zulu. A heroic stand by a few against vastly overwhelming odds on the heels of a major catastrophe. It's like the Alamo except this time the Texans win.

 

[thebritfarmer]

In my humble opinion I think the Zulu War is popular mainly because of the movie Zulu. A heroic stand by a few against vastly overwhelming odds on the heels of a major catastrophe. It's like the Alamo except this time the Texans win.

While that may be quite possible in my case it is not. I wasn't even born when Zulu was made. I got into the AZW collecting because of the LT excellent phots of the WB Zulu series. It was only a few months ago that I actually watched the Zulu movie for the very first time.

 

[The Lt.]

In my humble opinion I think the Zulu War is popular mainly because of the movie Zulu. A heroic stand by a few against vastly overwhelming odds on the heels of a major catastrophe. It's like the Alamo except this time the Texans win.

Had the topic of this thread been The Huge Popularity of The Zulu War instead of The Popularity of Zulu War Figures your 100 % right an on the money as well as the numerous books done by Ian Knight and others along with the Movie Zulu Dawn and others TV Special on the subject which have appeared on the History Channel. Let's not forget the number of times the movie Zulu has beeen brought up as a favorite with various comments on it. So your point is very well made...The Lt.

 

[aujj65]

I think you only have to look at the number of companies making Zulu War ranges to appreciate the popularity of (both gloss and matt versions) figures. The films and books must have an impact on this as well - toy soldiers, books and films - all go together as part of my hobby anyway

Jeff

 

[OzDigger]

I am also a big Zulu War fan.
The combination of a great movie with two strong actors (Baker and Caine) and a good script, 11 VC's and survival against heavy odds contrasted against what happened at Isandhlwana make it a favourite for me.
An Aussie Vietnam told me he was shown it as part of his training. I asked if it was because of the discipline and he said no it was mainly for the bayonet use !!
Regards
Brett

Yes, I'm sure most people would agree that the two Zulu movies are the main cause for the popularity of the Zulu War despite there being a number of inaccuracies in the movies that resulted in some unlikely myths that are still believed by many to be true.

 

[Spitfrnd]

Many people believe Elvis was abducted by aliens. Zulu was a great movie whatever the inaccuracies, which can be excused as artistic license. It is also true that there are many very nice ZW figures.

 

[Harrytheheid]

Hopefully this post won't be deleted like my last two. In my humble opinion the popularity of the Zulu War Figures and the post and views on the forum come from the figures and sets that have been offered over the years by those who provided them and the way they attracted the attention of many on the forum in the photos in which they appeared. Granted the Movies Zulu and Zulu Dawn along with the many books written on the subject play an important part in their popularity but the figures themselves are the stars and leading factor of their popularity. It's nice seeing what's recently been done by all of the providers of the period and what's now headed our way along with what else they have in store for us. Now I'll return you to the other periods that been a added to the thread for discussion.........The Lt.

In common with you Joe, I have also had a contribution deleted from this thread.
Now, I want to make it perfectly clear here and now, I have no axe to grind or any hidden agendas with the individuals who own this site or the moderators who keep ALL the members in line. I could have been banned for life on a couple of occasions where I overstepped the mark in the sand in the past, but yet I continue to be allowed to post on this board – a pastime that I do in fact enjoy – (usually immensely).
However, the manner in which the rules of moderation are applied to certain posts by the administrators have always been, and indeed remain, a complete and utter mystery to me..??
My post was not detrimental, offensive, unpleasant, or negative in any way towards any individual, ethnic group, country or anything else – well, at least, not that I’m aware of. All I said – and this is from memory so I’m sure it’s not exact – “Other British Colonies such as [x] or [y] didn’t seem to have the same kind of wars with their indigenous populations as South Africa, although it would be interesting to see how a range depicting the Maori Wars might be received by collectors”. Like I say, I’m sure that’s not exact, but it was something like that I wrote anyway. (I’ve replaced the countries I originally used as an example with the letters x and y, just in case that was what caused the problem).
I then went on to praise the Britain’s Zulu War figures, stating that the 24th Foot was a wee bit ho-hum, but the Zulu figures were magnificent. Just my honest opinion, you understand.
Now, I’m not asking anyone to explain why my post was deleted. I’m only saying that, (to me), it’s inexplicable..?? And I’m now completely confused as to what is and what isn’t acceptable in a discussion about Toy Soldiers in general conversation.

I wanted to join in with what appeared to be an interesting discussion began by UKReb, that wasn't WWII-biased, but was in fact about the Anglo-Zulu War in general and miniature figurines depicting the same in particular, but it’s perfectly obvious that I must have offended someone (?) before my innocuous post was deleted.
Maybe it was some descendent of a member of the 24th Foot – Well okay then, the Britain’s 24th Foot are magnificent figures as well….!!!!

It’s completely beyond me folks.


I’m heading back to the Diorama, East of India, First Legion and Miscellaneous sections of this forum toot-de-sweet. I haven't had a single post deleted on those sections since I agreed to begin contributing here again on a regular basis.

Kindest Regards
Harry

 

[Harrytheheid]

Had the topic of this thread been The Huge Popularity of The Zulu War instead of The Popularity of Zulu War Figures your 100 % right an on the money as well as the numerous books done by Ian Knight and others along with the Movie Zulu Dawn and others TV Special on the subject which have appeared on the History Channel. Let's not forget the number of times the movie Zulu has beeen brought up as a favorite with various comments on it. So your point is very well made...The Lt.

And also in my VERY humble opinion, Zulu and Zulu Dawn are among my personal list of top 100 movies of all time - of any gendre.
Absolutely brilliant films - with some dialogue that's instantly recognisable.
As per your forum signature Joe.


Best Regards
Harry

 

[lancer]

As I mentioned way back at the start of this thread, IMO the popularity of these soldiers is due to the movie "Zulu" and the book "Washing of the Spears". These two near simultaneous events roused an interest in us for the AZW which naturally carried over to the soldiers. I would be willing to bet the interest in the AZW was present in near all of us BEFORE we purchased any AZW soldiers. Now, I am also sure that exceptions exsist and there may be someone in this toy soldier universe who hasn't seen or read the above book and movie (shame on you), but the interest had to come from somewhere. Anyway, it's a great interest and hobby to be part of. -- lancer