Too bad HB isn't making vehicles anymore. (2 Viewers)

[desk11desk12]

I’m packing up my belongings and getting ready to sell my house. Can you imagine the challenge it is to dismantle eleven (11) large dioramas and put away all of the toy soldiers and accessories properly? I sure accumulated a lot of toys; no complaints here just commentating.

Well, I’m at the end of this task and with just a few items to put away and I find myself amazed once again at the Honour Bound “HB12a - Sherman M4A1 - 76 mm – Ardennes”. It sold originally for $195 and by today’s standards it was a steal; especially considering the model detailing and texture. I’m glad I started collecting Honour Bound early and often and yes like Louis, I laminate the fact that HB stopped making vehicles.

Below are some shots from there website of this vehicle. Frankly, it's looks much better in person.

Carlos

 

[jazzeum]

I'd have to agree there. I have three HB vehicles, not to mention the Field Kitchen, one of the best releases ever done (period) and they're all first rate. It's too bad the economics weren't there.

 

[nasirkasmani]

i agree carlos.

HB makes fantastic vehicles.

 

[Rob]

Yep its a real shame.I was hoping HB would make a Calliope

Rob

 

[lancer]

I also have three of their vehicles, two Panthers and a Jagdpanther in ambush paint that I consider the best AFV I own. I have several figure sets as well and like them all. My biggest regret is that I could not afford HB's Gold Edition Tigers. I would have loved a Normandy Tiger. Oh well, I can always dream that HB may start up AFV's again. -- lancer

 

[Rob]

I have their Winter Panther and its a wonderful model.

Rob

 

[sceic2]

Carlos you said exactly how I feel too. I feel fustrated that the quality and types of tanks they were making are'nt available and that so far not in the future either.

 

[OzDigger]

HB vehicles are the best on the market imo, what a shame they are no longer in production.

 

[Rob]

Do you think if enough of us ask they will restart?.

Rob

 

[OzDigger]

Do you think if enough of us ask they will restart?.

Rob

I hope so Rob, but from what Ana said I think freight costs were one of their problems which is why they dropped the vehicles to concentrate on figures.

 

[Peter Reuss]

Do you think if enough of us ask they will restart?.

Rob

The problem wasn't demand for their products...the problem was Argentina! The materials needed for production weren't as readily available as they needed, causing sharply higher costs and delays. The AR economy is not built for production and export.

That said, the Donzinos have the production of figures down to a science. There's a lot less material, etc in a figure, allowing them to be competitive on a world market for figures.

 

[Rob]

Thanks Pete,they really did make some fine vehicles.

Rob

 

[Vezzolf]

I own the HB Winter Panther (retailed for $185).....and it is an excellent version.....I would have liked to purchase an HB Gold Edition Tiger...... but at $375 plus shipping....the prices were out of control....NO WAY.....If HB can return to the "non-customized" tank vehicles that they first produced and sell them for $185-225 range......that would be a welcome return for their tanks for collectors......

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

I also thought that 375.00 plus 80.00 shipping was a lot for a tiger tank. But then I purchased an HB Gold Edition Tiger on eBay. It is hands down the nicest tank in my collection. Now I wish I had ordered a few more when they were still in production. I am constantly checking eBay to see if any others ever are listed.

 

[Louis Badolato]

I also thought the price for the Gold Edition vehicles was too high, until I saw the photos of the Snorkel Sherman, and had to buy one. In no uncertain terms the Gold Edition vehicles (I now have the Snorkel Sherman and a Gold Edition Normandy Tiger our good friend Nasir was kind enough to pass along to me, and which, sadly, arrived damaged but which I was able to repair) are works of art along the same lines as the K&C wood Warbirds, the K&C classic wood, metal and resin vehicles and the Figarti "Shock and Awe" items. All of these items are expensive, but, you do get what you pay for . . . I for one would buy any further Gold Edition vehicles made available.

 

[OzDigger]

High Detailing with Low Production runs = Big dollars. Gold Editions cost more money than I would pay for a model but other collectors seem happy with their Gold Editions, and that's the important thing.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I'd have to agree there. I have three HB vehicles, not to mention the Field Kitchen, one of the best releases ever done (period) and they're all first rate. It's too bad the economics weren't there.

I was unaware of the HB vehicle quality until I joined this Forum at the beginning of the month. On reading comments about the HB product, I ordered US Amphibious Ford G.P.A. Jeep - Green & black Camo - late version and German Field Kitchen & Food Line-Summer, on sale from Treefrog and was very pleased at their quality when they arrived.

I regret having missed the era of HB armour and consider myself fortunate to find an HB Panther for sale yesterday. I will keep a lookout for one of their Shermans.

Terry

 

[Phantom Warrior]

An HB Panther 424 just went up on e-bay

http://cgi.ebay.com/HONOUR-BOUND-KING-AND-COUNTRY-PANTHER-TANK-424_W0QQitemZ200342962684

Terry

 

[Vezzolf]

I also thought that 375.00 plus 80.00 shipping was a lot for a tiger tank. But then I purchased an HB Gold Edition Tiger on eBay. It is hands down the nicest tank in my collection. Now I wish I had ordered a few more when they were still in production. I am constantly checking eBay to see if any others ever are listed.

I agree the HB Gold collection was very well done but if HB wishes to produce a product that is marketable ($) to most of us......I think they should bring back the the "non- customized" armour like the HB Panther, Jadgpanther,and Sherman......These were EXCELLENT........and........The price of these items were within reason......IMO the prices for the Gold Edition Tigers was a bit over the top at $375 plus 80 shipping....I personally could not justify spending that much.....I think that most folks would be willing to sacrifice a little detail or customization for affordability.

 

[fmethorst]

The "Gold Series" was Honour Bound's attempt to keep vehicle production viable. The original non customizable series was a money loser.

Ana has explained many times the economics of producing vehicles in Argentina and it just doesn't work. If they are priced high enough for HB to actually make some profit then they won't sell.