Thoughts on the new Romans. (1 Viewer)

[Mitch]

not often I agree with Gazza but, the support your manufacturer at all costs and the constant RAH Rah and way matters which, are important to collectors and the hobby are obfuscated in Fun fun fun is a major drawback to making things right. CS do make good products but, I am quite concerned at this current trend that seems to be filtering into the hobby where quality takes the hit to save costs or price raises or, both.

Surely, colour packaging and similar should be some of the first things that get binned before you start reducing the quality. I cannot speak for anyone else but myself but would be happy to see plain brown or white boxes without artwork to save manufacturers and collectors save.

Frank...

I wonder how many really will take the compromise you allude to. we certainly are coming to an interesting junction in the hobby.

Terry...

Not so sure I would agree that collectors would easily pay more for FL figures. I have seen many say they are expensive so, its hard to say they would accept price rises or, think there is flexibility in the pricing. I do think that as prices are at the moment and, a drop in quality coming from two makers some could be drawn to a company that is not miles ahead in price but, seems to be constant in what they release.

Interesting discussion non the less
Mitch
Mitch

 

[The Collectors Showcase]

I just brought this series into the shop. I opened a bunch of the figures and with the naked eye I did not see any major imperfections. I think instead of panicking some might want to head to a shop with inventory and check them out for themselves. Chester

I also opened a large portion of our remaining inventory last night, again the figures looked excellent and I am very proud of them. I'm so sorry that Sahara got unlucky in regards to his quality issues ( they are pretty much sold out at this point, no joke ) . Having gone through the sets I'd say this release is truly one of our better.

But in regards to this thread I am amazed at its energy ( I believe it could light up a small Chinese commercial facility ^&grin ) and smile a bit to myself because as our new Romans work their way to the factory I know how pleased our collectors will be with them upon their release in some months.

Enjoy the new sets and thanks for all of the input: I think ^&grin

Cheers! Tally Hoo!

Brian

 

[lancer]

I like Mitch's statement in regards to the boxes. I don't care a bit about the boxes, as long as they serve the purpose to transport and protect the product. Fancy color design may look great but plain white or brown serves the purpose at a cheaper price. I don't want to pay extra for a fancy box! I also want to agree with and emphasize, again, about how these figures are displayed/viewed. I have noticed that all the figures with the extreme close-up pictures seem almost 'sloppy' in paint finish. BUT, this is not how the figures are viewed with the naked eye. My eyes can almost never pick out these faults when viewing the figures from even a foot away. I need a magnifying glass to notice any problems like what are being exposed by the close-up photography. I think all the manufacturers are doing an excellent job, (I, of course, have my favorites), with the product that is being presented, at their price-points. For me and my eyes, extra detail or high-end expensive paint jobs are a waste, as I cannot pick out the differences at a regular viewing distance. I have a few Russian figures but won't add to them for those reasons. Maybe if my eyes were 20 years younger, but not now. -- Al

 

[marco55]

Brian,
I believe you when you say they are sold out,but I think the reason for that is because of the excellance of the first release.Now will the third release sell as quickly because the second got bad reviews?Who knows,time will tell.I personally think you will solve any problems as you have in the past.Best of luck.
Mark

 

[VIRIATO]

I like Mitch's statement in regards to the boxes. I don't care a bit about the boxes, as long as they serve the purpose to transport and protect the product. Fancy color design may look great but plain white or brown serves the purpose at a cheaper price. I don't want to pay extra for a fancy box! I also want to agree with and emphasize, again, about how these figures are displayed/viewed. I have noticed that all the figures with the extreme close-up pictures seem almost 'sloppy' in paint finish. BUT, this is not how the figures are viewed with the naked eye. My eyes can almost never pick out these faults when viewing the figures from even a foot away. I need a magnifying glass to notice any problems like what are being exposed by the close-up photography. I think all the manufacturers are doing an excellent job, (I, of course, have my favorites), with the product that is being presented, at their price-points. For me and my eyes, extra detail or high-end expensive paint jobs are a waste, as I cannot pick out the differences at a regular viewing distance. I have a few Russian figures but won't add to them for those reasons. Maybe if my eyes were 20 years younger, but not now. -- Al

Very true!

Paulo

 

[MC BOWEN]

Mitch,

So good to get your feedback and I appreciate all of your support ( Sahara, Marco ) I guess that's what we need to get a : shove.

We will start working on the first round of price increases effective immediately ( we've been absorbing them until now ). This will also make our workers and suppliers happy too!

Its a real sigh of relief to know that you guys are supportive of a hike in prices to maintain good quality.

Cheers!

Brian

Hi Brian i am 100% -for higher per figure cost to keep quality.Thanks for all the great stuff.Mike B.

 

[LordAnhausen]

I'm don't know why anybody should tout or discuss other figures on this Collector's Showcase thread...especially to comment how superior they are...I'm sure Brian would prefer FL praise to stay on FL's thread...but since you mentioned how FL was the exception to the rule on magnifying...I need to disagree...and while I own only 2 of them...here's a couple of close ups for you of one of them...while this detail looks good to the naked eye...I don't think it looks as good magnified...but that's just my opinion...this figures seems to be in need of a dentist and a podiatrist...

ps...note the holes in the base...

am in total agreement with your post. Seems this thread is in danger of being hijacked.
FL discussion and touting belongs IMHO on the FL section of the forum . Thanks for speaking up and saying what needed to be said

 

[nysoldiers]

These Romans are in a different class than FL but that's not to say they are bad figures. For dioramas and for those who don't want to spend what is needed for connoisseur figures they fit the bill.
In this case (FL vs CS) you get what you pay for.
The new releases are somewhat inferior to the first Romans CS produced but acceptable to me as "toy soldiers".

 

[Mitch]

I don't know if I agree with you get what you pay for. CS have consistantly produced quality sets across the board and, kept the price point at a very low level. These figures are whichever way one wants to look at it less quality for the same price. even, stevie wonder would see this!!!!! so, thats a change in pay for what you get get in terms of what many CS collectors are used to. Again, not sure why we are discussing the quality or not of FL who have issues as all do when there is a clear issue here with CS.

What you find acceptable as toy soldiers is why I moved away from collecting toy soldiers as I see them in that bracket as poorer in quality plastics, gloss and the like, which cover what many think of traditional toy soldiers. Thats not what I want to collect and, speaking for myself, don't want to see a significantly visible drop in quality.

Don't know what the anwser is but, other alternatives should be tried before going for the less quality road just seems a mistake for any manufacturer to do this IMO
Mitch


nt class than FL but that's not to say they are bad figures. For dioramas and for those who don't want to spend what is needed for connoisseur figures they fit the bill.
In this case (FL vs CS) you get what you pay for.
The new releases are somewhat inferior to the first Romans CS produced but acceptable to me as "toy soldiers".[/QUOTE]

 

[MC BOWEN]

I don't know if I agree with you get what you pay for. CS have consistantly produced quality sets across the board and, kept the price point at a very low level. These figures are whichever way one wants to look at it less quality for the same price. even, stevie wonder would see this!!!!! so, thats a change in pay for what you get get in terms of what many CS collectors are used to. Again, not sure why we are discussing the quality or not of FL who have issues as all do when there is a clear issue here with CS.

What you find acceptable as toy soldiers is why I moved away from collecting toy soldiers as I see them in that bracket as poorer in quality plastics, gloss and the like, which cover what many think of traditional toy soldiers. Thats not what I want to collect and, speaking for myself, don't want to see a significantly visible drop in quality.

Don't know what the anwser is but, other alternatives should be tried before going for the less quality road just seems a mistake for any manufacturer to do this IMO
Mitch


nt class than FL but that's not to say they are bad figures. For dioramas and for those who don't want to spend what is needed for connoisseur figures they fit the bill.
In this case (FL vs CS) you get what you pay for.
The new releases are somewhat inferior to the first Romans CS produced but acceptable to me as "toy soldiers".

[/QUOTE]

Great points Mitch,thanks.I agree and would rater see a small price increase rather than a quality drop.I just ordered all the new CS Rome 43 AD sets and will let you guys know what mine look like when they arrive.Mike B.

 

[Sahara]

Finally got the catapult today. For those of you who are interested the catapult is very nice. The detail and paint job seem to be spot on. I posted some pics so everyone can have a look for themselves.

 

[mikemiller1955]

Joe...thanks for the pictures on the catapult...I just ordered mine yesterday...it does look very nice...

 

[Mitch]

Mike..

Look forward to hearing your opinion as you have a large number of romans from all makers
Mitch


Great points Mitch,thanks.I agree and would rater see a small price increase rather than a quality drop.I just ordered all the new CS Rome 43 AD sets and will let you guys know what mine look like when they arrive.Mike B.[/QUOTE]

 

[marco55]

The catapult looks very nice.
Mark

 

[villagehorse]

Happy with the 3 figures with the catapult set, look fine, recommend. I have a 2nd set ordered. Cheers, Robin.

 

[villagehorse]

Now have them all, very happy after close inspection, nothing to worry about, come on the 3rd release. Cheers, Robin.

 

[The Military Workshop]

Just my thoughts but it appears better to go on the feedback and comments (positive or negative) of those who have physically seen and or bought them than some who do not even collect Romans.

 

[marco55]

Well the guy who started the thread did SEE them and the rest of us have eyes.
Mark

 

[marco55]

When I commented on the Romans I didn't do it to down Brian or his company in any way.I have seen many of his products and commented on them positively many times.I thought his Polish Lancers were superb.I like many of his civil war and WWII products.I think they are great.I only collect one period at this time and Brian doesn't do this period.I have bought a couple of sets of civil war but didn't keep them not because I didn't like them but because I decided I wasn't going to collect civil war at that time.What bothers me is that people think they can dictate my opinion because I don't agree with them or have no "right" to because I'm not buying that product at this time.I'm sure Brian want's to hear his customer's opinions but I think he would want to hear potential customers also.Some people have said that not many members post here.Maybe the reason is that they think their opinions will be blasted by the "self appointed"moderaters of this forum.If the Reuss's or Pat or Scott flag me for something that's fine but don't anyone else try to tell me what I can say.Brian I am a fan of your products,love your animation and maybe someday you will do a range I want to collect.The best to all.
Mark

 

[Currahee Chris]

Hey Mark-

you're aces in my book, always have been always will be. Don't sweat what others say or think, this is your platform to voice your opinions- I dont seem to recall you ever blasting the other end of the forum's favorite King & Country bromance whenever he feels the need to defend KC critics so dont feel like you owe him or anyone else an explanation.

I think we can all safely say that Joe (Sahara) and Brian have rectified the situation and moved on. I think it's time we all follow in that example and look forward to future quality releases from the folks at Collectors Showcase.