CannonFodder1971
Guest
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2005
- Messages
- 439
Doubtless much of the talk on the board centres around Chicago's OTSN but for those of you interested in events on the other side of the pond would be well advised to consider London's Toy Soldier Show on 3rd December 2005 in the Imperial War Museum.
See: http://www.thetoysoldiershow.com/
Previous shows (19th March 2005 and 11th June 2005) have proven to be hugely successful, with a good write up in most toy soldier and modelling magazines, and the bulk of the admission fees are donated to the British Legion.
As you're probably aware, there was quite a bit of sparring earlier in the year: Vectis Auctions used to organise the British Toy Soldier and Figure Show. Separately, Ian Carrick's London Toy Soldier Show used to run until bought out by Vectis. Now Vectis argued that there was pressure from all sides - ie the public, the dealers and the auction houses - to rationalise the toy soldier show calendar. Many dealers didn't see it that way, and so with Ian Carrick's show having been bought out and shut down, there was much speculation that a show would be organised regardless.
In the end, K&C UK stepped in and kept the show on the road, as "The Toy Soldier Experience". Most of the dealers looked at it as an opportunity to put something back into the hobby, and there were re-enactors, scale model enthusiasts and a carnival dimension to the proceedings. As you can see from the above link, and from numerous online articles, the March and June shows proved to be an enormous success. (For Vectis' perspective see their website, as I can remember they put a posting on the subject).
Well it looks like the December show could be the biggest and best yet. (The thoughts of being able to roam freely around the Imperial War Museum without the incessant clicking of cameras is in itself worth the admission price). Obviously for K&C fans, the attendance of Andy is to what most are looking forward, but there promises to be several interesting aspects to the event for K&C collectors ... (There is talk of an exclusive K&C vehicle for K&C UK members, auctions of rare and retired pieces). More info to follow as it becomes available.
Spread the word amongst any friends you have on this side of the pond (and to whom you could trust to fill suitcases with K&C product, new and old).
See: http://www.thetoysoldiershow.com/
Previous shows (19th March 2005 and 11th June 2005) have proven to be hugely successful, with a good write up in most toy soldier and modelling magazines, and the bulk of the admission fees are donated to the British Legion.
As you're probably aware, there was quite a bit of sparring earlier in the year: Vectis Auctions used to organise the British Toy Soldier and Figure Show. Separately, Ian Carrick's London Toy Soldier Show used to run until bought out by Vectis. Now Vectis argued that there was pressure from all sides - ie the public, the dealers and the auction houses - to rationalise the toy soldier show calendar. Many dealers didn't see it that way, and so with Ian Carrick's show having been bought out and shut down, there was much speculation that a show would be organised regardless.
In the end, K&C UK stepped in and kept the show on the road, as "The Toy Soldier Experience". Most of the dealers looked at it as an opportunity to put something back into the hobby, and there were re-enactors, scale model enthusiasts and a carnival dimension to the proceedings. As you can see from the above link, and from numerous online articles, the March and June shows proved to be an enormous success. (For Vectis' perspective see their website, as I can remember they put a posting on the subject).
Well it looks like the December show could be the biggest and best yet. (The thoughts of being able to roam freely around the Imperial War Museum without the incessant clicking of cameras is in itself worth the admission price). Obviously for K&C fans, the attendance of Andy is to what most are looking forward, but there promises to be several interesting aspects to the event for K&C collectors ... (There is talk of an exclusive K&C vehicle for K&C UK members, auctions of rare and retired pieces). More info to follow as it becomes available.
Spread the word amongst any friends you have on this side of the pond (and to whom you could trust to fill suitcases with K&C product, new and old).