Treefrog Treasures and Conte (1 Viewer)

[jac28]

Jim, Yes, I'm fine thank you. I can't remember, but do you paint your plastic figures?

Jeff

When and IF I have time I like painting them.. Having said that - most of mine are still unpainted.. Of course, any vintage Marx plastic will remain unpainted... I think I would be more interested in metal if more castings were available.. so sense in purchasing painted metal just to paint over them.

Jim

 

[The Breaker]

I collect both metal and plastic figures. At times manufacturers get the colors or patterns of camo wrong and with plastic you can paint them the way you wish.

It is funny to see some of the metal collectors post in an "elitist" tone as if there is something wrong with collecting plastic. I hope it is in jest because at the end of the day we are all collecting " toy soldiers."

And as much it is their right to show their discontent for plastic it is our right to point out how silly it is for them (metal collectors) to talk down to the plastic collectors because of the substance of the figures; plastic or metal.

In the words of the great Rodney King " Can't we all just get along"?

 

[theBaron]

The plastic vs metal debate has been with us for a long time, going back to the immediate post-war years, and the popularity of Beton here in the US, and Herald and Malleable Mouldings, to name some of the more prominent. Marx and dozens of contemporaries exploded on the market, and because plastic was cheaper to use than metal, it meant more of the toys, for lower cost.

Garratt has looked down his nose and sniffed disapprovingly of plastics, in some of his books.

The same sort of phenomenon took place in the world of scale modeling, as plastic replaced wood for airplane and ship kits. Even venerable Monogram made wood kits, before switching to plastic for its models.

Others have posted the very wise sentiment: Everyone's got his preference, there's no need for one to disparage the other (which I'm sure was not anyone's intent). But there are some very nice toy soldiers and military miniatures in plastic (and today, in resin), that rival some of the best metal figures for detail of sculpt. Compare Historex or Preiser, for example, and Britain's new lines.

Either way, this is a golden age, for all of us collectors.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Spitfrnd]

...But there are some very nice toy soldiers and military miniatures in plastic (and today, in resin), that rival some of the best metal figures for detail of sculpt. Compare Historex or Preiser, for example, and Britain's new lines.

Interesting to hear of those, do you per chance have any links mate?

 

[thebritfarmer]

That was the reason why I created this poll.

http://www.treefrogtreasures.com/forum/showthread.php?p=128379#post128379

 

[theBaron]

Interesting to hear of those, do you per chance have any links mate?

Good question, I've actually never tried searching for a website for either Preiser or Historex.

I just ran Google searches on both. The search for Presier didn't return any website belonging to Preiser--though I only looked at the first page of returns--but there are numerous links to vendors who sell Preiser's model railroad figures of various scales. In my previous post, I was thinking of the styrene kits Preiser made of SYW Prussians. I'm not sure, but I think they are out of production. They were made of styrene, if I am not mistaken, to the same detail as Tamiya's figures, or Historex' line of figure kits. I also think that they were off-scale, maybe a hair larger than 1:32, but I can't remember. They turn up at shows and on eBay every so often.

For Historex, here is thier own site:

http://www.historex.com/

all in French, however (Capitalron, a little help with the translations? )

And here are Historex Agents UK, and this link shows the catalog page featuring the classic white-plastic figure kits:

http://www.historexagents.com/shop/hxsearchresults.php?SupplierCode=HI

Historex Agents sell a lot more than just the Historex line, though, so if you go to the main page, you can do a lot of browsing.

These really are models, military miniatures in the truest sense of the word, and I think it's accurate to say that when they were introduced, they represented the pinnacle of injection-molded figure kits.

Hope those links help!

Prosit!
Brad

 

[thebritfarmer]

Wow some great stuff on that site. I would deny anyone to say they are not as detailed as metal figures.

 

[theBaron]

You know, talking about the Preiser figures reminds me that I want to add them to my wish list. Have to keep an eye open for them at the shows this summer....

 

[Harrytheheid]

I collect both metal and plastic figures. At times manufacturers get the colors or patterns of camo wrong and with plastic you can paint them the way you wish.

It is funny to see some of the metal collectors post in an "elitist" tone as if there is something wrong with collecting plastic. I hope it is in jest because at the end of the day we are all collecting " toy soldiers."

And as much it is their right to show their discontent for plastic it is our right to point out how silly it is for them (metal collectors) to talk down to the plastic collectors because of the substance of the figures; plastic or metal.

In the words of the great Rodney King " Can't we all just get along"?

Good question, I've actually never tried searching for a website for either Preiser or Historex.

I just ran Google searches on both. The search for Presier didn't return any website belonging to Preiser--though I only looked at the first page of returns--but there are numerous links to vendors who sell Preiser's model railroad figures of various scales. In my previous post, I was thinking of the styrene kits Preiser made of SYW Prussians. I'm not sure, but I think they are out of production. They were made of styrene, if I am not mistaken, to the same detail as Tamiya's figures, or Historex' line of figure kits. I also think that they were off-scale, maybe a hair larger than 1:32, but I can't remember. They turn up at shows and on eBay every so often.

For Historex, here is thier own site:

http://www.historex.com/

all in French, however (Capitalron, a little help with the translations? )

And here are Historex Agents UK, and this link shows the catalog page featuring the classic white-plastic figure kits:

http://www.historexagents.com/shop/hxsearchresults.php?SupplierCode=HI

Historex Agents sell a lot more than just the Historex line, though, so if you go to the main page, you can do a lot of browsing.

These really are models, military miniatures in the truest sense of the word, and I think it's accurate to say that when they were introduced, they represented the pinnacle of injection-molded figure kits.

Hope those links help!

Prosit!
Brad

At the risk of being thought of as contentious, I find both these posts to be quite refreshing in the sense of tolerance exhibited.
I have no plastics in my collection mainly cos I'm so cack-handed when it comes to the paintbrush. If I ever improve my painting skills, then I'd have no hesitation in adding Historex or Verlinden figures to my collection.
It's the same with snooty-type comment's that certain ranges within our collection have occasionally attracted. What gives anyone the right to look down their nose at other peoples collections?

Cheers
H

 

[The Lt.]

Now look at what ya'll done you've got these Zulus all fired up

 

[UKReb]

It's the same with snooty-type comment's that certain ranges within our collection have occasionally attracted. What gives anyone the right to look down their nose at other peoples collections?

Cheers
H

Well Harry it makes a change that my comments have attracted the flak instead of yours......just thought I'd take the pressure off you mate

Snooty Reb

 

[kilted vampire]

Bob, You are too good of a guy to take pop shots at. Plastic has its purpose. I collect both but would prefer metal. I know how you feel about the limpness. Plastic has all of the advantages and disadvantages you have mentioned.

It is all good. Plastic has one real advantage that I can see. If it falls nothing really happens! As you stated earlier mass armies on a budget.

 

[Spitfrnd]

Good question, I've actually never tried searching for a website for either Preiser or Historex.
For Historex, here is thier own site:

http://www.historex.com/
...
And here are Historex Agents UK, and this link shows the catalog page featuring the classic white-plastic figure kits:

http://www.historexagents.com/shop/hxsearchresults.php?SupplierCode=HI
...
These really are models, military miniatures in the truest sense of the word, and I think it's accurate to say that when they were introduced, they represented the pinnacle of injection-molded figure kits.

Hope those links help!

They did, thanks much Brad. They have some, if not the best, rendition of horses I have seen in this scale. Pity for me that they are kits, which require a painting skill I do not have, but more unfortunately their poses are very stiff and parade style which is not to my taste. They are indeed as impressive as metal to me. The horses are so nice though I may have to get one of the mounted figures and find a painter.

 

[Harrytheheid]

Well Harry it makes a change that my comments have attracted the flak instead of yours......just thought I'd take the pressure off you mate

Snooty Reb

Thanks for that my unsnooty rebellious friend. I must admit, the flak heading my way for my entirely innocent remarks regarding some entirely forgettable movie have hurt me to the quick.

Cheers
H

 

[Spitfrnd]

...
Speaking of boiling - dipping a droopy rifle, sword, pike, etc. will straighten right out - immediately dropping the figure into cold water will "set" the straightened plastic....

Jim

Now you got me curious since I see so many photos of plastic figures with "limp weapons". The new Conte Spartans do not seem to have that issue but for those that do, does that technique really work and is there more to it than that to get it right, without melting the figure etc?

 

[Spitfrnd]

Thanks for that my unsnooty rebellious friend. I must admit, the flak heading my way for my entirely innocent remarks regarding some entirely forgettable movie have hurt me to the quick.

Cheers
H

No doubt, Maybe you should write home for some more body armor.

 

[UKReb]

Now you got me curious since I see so many photos of plastic figures with "limp weapons". The new Conte Spartans do not seem to have that issue but for those that do, does that technique really work and is there more to it than that to get it right, without melting the figure etc?

Bill

I asked that on a previous thread and someone answered- it may have been Jeff (apologies for Gods sake if it wasn't) but someone here said you cannot successfully get the new plastics to stay straight using that method

Reb

 

[theBaron]

Now you got me curious since I see so many photos of plastic figures with "limp weapons". The new Conte Spartans do not seem to have that issue but for those that do, does that technique really work and is there more to it than that to get it right, without melting the figure etc?

Works with model kits, too, both plastic and resin. Boiling water isn't hot enough to melt the material, but to warm it enough to make a rigid piece a little pliable.

Often kits come with pieces that warped, for example, when cooling coming out of an injection mold. So, you'll have a P-40 with a warped wing, for example. A little dunking in hot water can give the piece the right amount of play to nudge it into the correct shape, so when it cools, it cools in that shape.

Of course, you have to be careful with the size and delicacy of the piece. As with a lot of modeling techniques, practice brings experience.

Prost, beianand!
Brad

 

[Spitfrnd]

Bill

I asked that on a previous thread and someone answered- it may have been Jeff (apologies for Gods sake if it wasn't) but someone here said you cannot successfully get the new plastics to stay straight using that method

Reb

Thanks Bob. To be honest, I was skeptical since if it works that well, why are there so many photos with bent thingies I think RC said something special was being done for the new Spartans, which in the photos have dead on straight weapons.

 

[theBaron]

Yes, the softness or hardness of the material is a factor, too. Aren't Contes made of a relatively soft plastic, akin to old Airfix figures, for example?

Looking at the Zulus in the thread about painting Conte converts, it makes me think that I would replace the molded spear shafts with some brass rod, to get a good, rigid shaft eek: there's a great line to take out context!)

Prost!
Brad