Toy Soldier Realism (1 Viewer)

[katana]

I like the Winter stripes! Great Diorama.

 

[Hunter Rose]

Both of the replicas above have barrels that are (visibly) solid. In a model that costs $300, I consider this to be unacceptable. It would be one thing if the tube had a muzzle-break to hide that reality, but none is present. To the extent that KC doesn't always bother to model volds, they are guilty as well. If a collector wants to go all out terms of accuracy, then kits remain their best alternative.

-Moe

There's never been a model yet in this hobby by any manufacturer that didn't have a solid barrel. Muzzle brakes hide this fact but every tank I have owned by TGM, Figarti, FL, K&C had a solid barrel.

Can you name a tank that doesn't have a solid barrel?

 

[katana]

FOV and Minichamps also have solid barrels. RC 1/24 & 1/16 scale armor have hollow barrels as most of them fire an IR Beam or 6mm pellet through the barrel.The detail and accuracy of some of the RC Tanks put polystone models to shame and the cost is far less!

 

[ivanmoe]

There's never been a model yet in this hobby by any manufacturer that didn't have a solid barrel. Muzzle brakes hide this fact but every tank I have owned by TGM, Figarti, FL, K&C had a solid barrel.

Can you name a tank that doesn't have a solid barrel?

You're just making my point. The thread title is "toy soldier realism." Where's the realism (or value) in a three or four hundred dollar tank replica with so VISIBLY solid a main-gun barrel? The answer of course is that visual accuracy is sorely lacking in this regard, particularly when viewed in terms of the model's cost. If fidelity to detail and scale is TRULY paramount among "military miniature" collectors, then kits are undeniably the way to go. I'd add also that all of the brands that have been mentioned in this thread publicly acknowledge that they are in the TS business, not scale modeling. For some folks to insist that the sets are something other than TS-product is a wanton attempt at pounding a square peg into a round hole. That's not my gig, mind you, but it would appear to constitute something of religion among a small handful of other posters.

-Moe

 

[Hunter Rose]

The question wasn't whether toy soldier vehicles were as detailed as bespoke scale models or if they were the best value for the money. The question was which toy soldier vehicles and figures were the most realistic. It's a pretty straightforward question.

Within the toy soldier hobby First Legion's vehicles and figures are the most realistic.

They look like miniature people and miniature vehicles. Just look at some of FMEThorst's pics. I've yet to see anyone else create the same level of realism using other companies figures or vehicles (with the exception of Figarti's vehicles).

 

[katana]

A very realistic photo. Shift it to B&W and add some smoke from the T-34 and you are looking at a news photo circa 1941. I believe Toy Soldiers became Military Miniatures when the prices became equivalent to a bespoke probuilt 1/35 scale model. Check Ebay for probuilt models; typically $200 for everything you can imagine adding to a 1/35 scale model. Contest winning quality models for less than a polystone model. First Legion Panzers are not as good and cost a lot more. Figarti was making an equivalent Panzer for less money than First Legion. First Legion shoud buy Figarti and bring to market all those superb Armor and Artillery pieces. Think of the Ostfront battles to be staged with Figarti T34-85, JS-2 ISU-152, SU-100, SU-85 against Tiger I, Panther G, Panzer IV H, Jagdpanzer, Nashorn etc. First legion armor is very good and very expensive. Figarti armor is very good and less expensive; so you can buy more First Legion figures! Win for the companies. Win for the collectors. Doom for the competition if prices are competitive!

 

[uksubs]

A very realistic photo. Shift it to B&W and add some smoke from the T-34 and you are looking at a news photo circa 1941. I believe Toy Soldiers became Military Miniatures when the prices became equivalent to a bespoke probuilt 1/35 scale model. Check Ebay for probuilt models; typically $200 for everything you can imagine adding to a 1/35 scale model. Contest winning quality models for less than a polystone model. First Legion Panzers are not as good and cost a lot more. Figarti was making an equivalent Panzer for less money than First Legion. First Legion shoud buy Figarti and bring to market all those superb Armor and Artillery pieces. Think of the Ostfront battles to be staged with Figarti T34-85, JS-2 ISU-152, SU-100, SU-85 against Tiger I, Panther G, Panzer IV H, Jagdpanzer, Nashorn etc. First legion armor is very good and very expensive. Figarti armor is very good and less expensive; so you can buy more First Legion figures! Win for the companies. Win for the collectors. Doom for the competition if prices are competitive!

On a different thread your moaning about figarti making repaints of there old armour but here your saying how good figarti armour is ^&confuse

 

[katana]

I like Figarti a lot as you can see from the photos. The Hetzer is TG and the Sd.Kfz.231 is NMA. The Fallschirmjager figure is W. Britains Osprey Art Series from 2009. The figure measures 60mm tall. The Panzers all measure at 1/30-1/29 scale. All of these vehicles are compatable with the figure and would be compatable with First Legion figures. I only wish Figarti had produced figures compatable with their own vehicles.

Repaints only bother me when they are produced instead of new products. FOV and Minichamps have produced mostly repaints for over 10 years. I hope Figarti does not go that route.

 

[sammy719]

Yeah i know mate but I'm yet to see any BT,s or rail guns for sale in the US for all of us not just show goers,not arguing mate just discussing a fact.
When was the last time FIGARTI released something 100+ in numbers mate for sale in the US or any where else except China ??

I hear what your saying Butch, and understand your frustration, Figarti has produced some of the best Armor tanks/vehicles/artillery sets in the metal world and for everyone's who a collector of their product let's hope they return to the glory days of old at some point here in 2016, hopefully the West Coaster will bring some news or sets from the new management...Sammy

 

[wayne556517]

I hear what your saying Butch, and understand your frustration, Figarti has produced some of the best Armor tanks/vehicles/artillery sets in the metal world and for everyone's who a collector of their product let's hope they return to the glory days of old at some point here in 2016, hopefully the West Coaster will bring some news or sets from the new management...Sammy

Bet you a beer there will be new stuff their,show goers buy it and that is that.

 

[katana]

I really look forward to seeing what turns up at the West Coaster vis a vie Figarti! I hope the new owners get it togather sooner rather than later.

 

[uksubs]

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I like Figarti a lot as you can see from the photos. The Hetzer is TG and the Sd.Kfz.231 is NMA. The Fallschirmjager figure is W. Britains Osprey Art Series from 2009. The figure measures 60mm tall. The Panzers all measure at 1/30-1/29 scale. All of these vehicles are compatable with the figure and would be compatable with First Legion figures. I only wish Figarti had produced figures compatable with their own vehicles.

Repaints only bother me when they are produced instead of new products. FOV and Minichamps have produced mostly repaints for over 10 years. I hope Figarti does not go that route.

I had all the minichamps armour and never found it a issue ?

 

[bradleyl30]

Brad; I agree that at this point in time the opinion that Figarti is deceased is speculation. I suggest we should consider Figarti in a deep coma and on life support! Rick Wang could very easily put these speculations to rest by coming on the Form and explaining the situation. I have received no replies to inquires on the Figarti website. Who is the spokesperson for the New Figarti?

If the transition is still underway it would be inappropriate to make a statement on Rick's part.

When businesses are going through a major change it is not unusual for them to go into stealth mode.

As a matter of fact, the business I help run is in that exact state right now as we make a major strategic shift in our business focus.

 

[katana]

I had all the minichamps armour and never found it a issue ?

Not an issue at all unless you are hopeing for new armor and all they do are repaints! Boring!
UKSUBS; Look at the Figarti Jagdpanzer and the WB figure and tell me if you notice anything unusual.