Upcoming Lines and A Few Other Bits 'n Bobs (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

Greetings from “The Pearl of The Orient”… Re some your recent thoughts, ideas and comments…

1. Possible Future Lines

“Sand Pebbles”… love the movie, not sure about the commercial appeal of the subject to a wide audience though.

2. War of 1812

Sorry, it doesn’t really appeal to me as a subject. I much prefer the “larger landscape” of the Napoleonic Wars in general… and it sells better!

3. Barbary Wars

Please see above.

4. Korean War

Sorry to disappoint again… but this “Forgotten War” remains alas “Forgotten”…I personally like it but I don’t believe it is commercial enough… Although you never can tell…

5. “Zulus”
Again love the movie but… it’s been done to death by every toy soldier company out there. Yes, I know K&C could do it differently but there are so many other great battles and campaigns that cry out for tackling that appeal to me more.

Now before you ask me what they are… I’m not telling as that might give away the game to some of our competitors! Believe me though there are a ton of great ideas and concepts waiting in the wings.

6. Custer

That one I do like so who knows…?

7. FOB Pacific War

I love the Pacific Campaigns but if they are so popular why is Iwo Jima one of our slower K&C sellers and why are Figarti’s Pacific War figures at half price???

8. German Navy

Yes, I like that idea too!

9. More Buildings

We’ve working on it. Watch this space…


Love ‘n’ kisses,

Andy C

 

[jazzeum]

In looking over Andy's post, guess I'm not really surprised about Andy's comment about Zulus. Pity, but I understand.

Agree on Korean War. Doesn't do anything for me as a collectible. Kind of like Vietnam.

Guess we're not going to see too much Pacific War anytime soon.

Wonder what he might have in mind for German Navy.

 

[Louis Badolato]

It just goes to show how Andy's opinions change as time passes. A few months ago it was definitely "no" on German Navy, now it seems to be a probable yes. We'll just have to wait and see.

 

[desk11desk12]

Too bad on the WWII Pacific War sets, it’s sad to say that Andy is right about this series. Producing this series appears to be more of a labor love than profits. Too bad it’s a great story that most of the market isn’t interested in compared to other theaters of battles.

This is a big reason why I have so many vehicles and converted to this theme. I can’t imagine other manufacturers staying in this theme very much longer unless there is some kind of catalyst that triggers demand. However, if “Letters from Iwo Jima” and “Flags of our Fathers” doesn’t trigger demand what would? The reality of life is that, "profitability" is the life blood of companies and NOT the hopes and wishes of a few collectors (like me) unless both are in alignment.

Figarti and KC produce excellent examples of figures and vehicles in this theme and I have them all.

Sadly, I’m not even going to comment of the “Korean War” with more USMC forces deployed in a conflict people apparently most would like to forget. Enough with the negativity, this is still the best hobby around and I’m still having loads of fun with it.

Carlos

 

[tdubel]

One personal item I wish he would redo is the Huey Helicopter from Nam or for that matter, any other helicopters. I know though that it would probably have to be a limited which would probably put it out of the budget!!

Part of my collecting is looking for something unique, out of the ordinary, hence my love of the vehicles over anything. Here's hoping for a U Boat!!!!!!

TD

 

[debrito]

Concerning theses posts,

I still wonder why no one is really interesting on the war against the Soviets in WWII!

I know that this site is from USA and most of the participants are Americans or British. I understanding that they want to see Normandy, Bulge Market-Garden, Battle of France etc…but take in consideration that the war on the East was the greatest war in all times. Most of the colossal battles in military history happened on this front.

K&C and others could develop a variety of sets with so many different soldiers, armoured, tanks uniforms etc..

The real WAR happened on the East, the Battle of Stalingrad and Kursk decided the fate of Europe WWII. D-DAY took place for one reason only; to avoided the occupation the West Europe by Russians.

Take this on consideration.

 

[binder001]

Andy,

I too enjoy "The Sand Pebbles". Unfotunately the USS San Pablo would have to be about 3-4 feet long in K&C scale. Some interesting figure possibilities, too. Chinese peasants, US sailors in white shorts uniform, or regular whites with khahi leggings and web gear or "black gang" in blue dungarees, Chinese coolie/sailors in US uniforms, etc. You would have to decide if you wanted to do the pristine SanPablo or the vessel as it appeared in its combat - all rusty and weathered, but with the crew at action stations - don't forget Holman's sandbag BAR position. It probably wouldn't sell very well, but would be quite interesting to see! I understand that the "USS San Pablo" was actually a Taiwanese ferry that was altered for the film. The real vessel was diesel-powered so they had to burn tires to get the black smoke coming out of the funnel. The engine room scenes were filmed elsewhere.

Gary

 

[jazzeum]

Debrito,

Historically, you're quite correct but I think Andy, if asked, would say, that Eastern front doesn't sell.

 

[Capitolron]

Gentlemen - See those Collector Club figures can sometime be the warning signal of more to come !!

It will be interesting which way he goes with the German Navy - like I said on the other thread - the base of the CC #13 is a LAH base - so probally we will have Marching Figures - you know how Andy loves those Marching figures

 

[aujj65]

Well if it's no to the Zulu War, let's hope that sometime in the future it could be a yes to The Sudan!

That would be great IMO.

Jeff

 

[Louis Badolato]

Andy,

I too enjoy "The Sand Pebbles". Unfotunately the USS San Pablo would have to be about 3-4 feet long in K&C scale. Some interesting figure possibilities, too. Chinese peasants, US sailors in white shorts uniform, or regular whites with khahi leggings and web gear or "black gang" in blue dungarees, Chinese coolie/sailors in US uniforms, etc. You would have to decide if you wanted to do the pristine SanPablo or the vessel as it appeared in its combat - all rusty and weathered, but with the crew at action stations - don't forget Holman's sandbag BAR position. It probably wouldn't sell very well, but would be quite interesting to see! I understand that the "USS San Pablo" was actually a Taiwanese ferry that was altered for the film. The real vessel was diesel-powered so they had to burn tires to get the black smoke coming out of the funnel. The engine room scenes were filmed elsewhere.

Gary

If the San Pablo was the U.S. Navy ship that first engaged the Japanese in China in the 1930's and got sunk on the Yalloo River, then I actually knew one of the survivors. When I was a teenager I got a job on the docks painting bollards, and running errands for the dock master. I would take my lunch and breaks in the dock master's shanty, where a bunch of old retired sailors and stevedores would hang out. There was an old gentleman who was career navy (to the toon of something like 30+ years) who was blinded in one eye and had been wounded in combat several times and had 4 ships shot out from under him, the first being the ship on the Yalloo River. He was covered in tattoos, and told amazing stories which were more interesting than the usual Mob-related scuttlebutt. His blind eye was very sensative to light, and he always wore a pair of sunglasses with a piece of carboard taped to the side with the blind eye. I had a beat up old pair of Glacier Cat sunglasses, with the leather side pieces to block out the light, and when I got a new pair of Wayfarer sunglasses, I gave the old pair to him. He was so grateful, it was like he had never gotten a gift before. The dock master must have appreciated it, because from then on my job was pretty easy, and I got to spend a lot more time hanging out with the old gents and hearing their stories.

 

[rws591]

wow andy just killed most of dreams but maybe he will still do halo and bond

 

[nmrocks]

It just goes to show how Andy's opinions change as time passes. A few months ago it was definitely "no" on German Navy, now it seems to be a probable yes. We'll just have to wait and see.

I'll bet selling "Tons" of the collectors German Navy figures might have caught his eye.
Ray

 

[Rob]

I can't see him doing Bond to be honest mate.I'm actually glad Andy is not doing the Zulu war as i couldn't afford it!.As for the other conflicts like 1812/Korea etc they hold no interest for me i'm afraid so its steady as she goes for me.However i could be tempted by German Naval or indeed Custer.

Rob

 

[aujj65]

However i could be tempted by German Naval
Rob

Hi Rob

How's your Belly Button fetish???



Jeff

 

[Warbuff26]

Thanks for the update Andy...always appreciated. Being a good Midwestern boy like I am how about The Black Hawk War? Don't think many, or any, historical miniature companies have tackled that war yet! Just look at the historical figures that could be produced!! Not to mention the Chief Black Hawk figure! Oh I see it now......

Abraham Lincoln, the future US president, served in Reynolds' militia during the time of the Black Hawk War, but never saw action. Zachary Taylor, another future US president, commanded the troops under General Atkinson during the war.Jefferson Davis, future president of the Confederacy, was on leave during most of the war but returned in time to escort the surrendered Black Hawk, son Whirling Thunder, Neapope, White Cloud and others to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri in September 1832. Davis gave an interview in 1887 in which he indicated he was at the Battle of Wisconsin Heights, but this assertion today has been largely discredited.

The Black Hawk War was similar to other frontier wars fought in the United States in that in provided a boost to several political careers. Besides the notable involvement of Lincoln and Davis, four Illinois governors served during the war: Thomas Ford, John Wood, Joseph Duncan and Thomas Carlin. The conflict also helped in the political careers of a future governor in both Michigan and Nebraska as well as boosting at least 7 U.S. Senators. In 1836, Henry Dodge was appointed governor of the Wisconsin Territory.

I'm just kidding.....or AM I??

 

[Tex]

I understand how the War of 1812 has limited appeal (though I like it), but I stand behind my Yangtze Patrol idea! It doesn't have to be based on the movie Sand Pebbles; in fact, that might be hokey. But a Yangtze Patrol line would be dynamic. I could see sailors in the whites toting BARs and Springfields. As for a scale gunboat, I probably couldn't afford it.

No, the San Pablo was a fictional ship and the incidents depicted in the movie Sand Pebbles are fictional. The ship and situational circumstances were based on the real-life expiriences of the US Yangtze Patrol of the 20's and 30's. As mentioned, one of the gunboats was sunk by the Japanese in I think 1936. An "accident" they said at the time.

As an interesting aside, I think they built a full-sized gunboat to use as the San Pablo in Taiwan for the movie, but I do not recall.

 

[Tex]

Actually, if anything was to be taken directly from the movie for a line of soldiers, how about when the skipper of the San Pablo, in his choker whites, leaps onto the Chinese junk with his navy sword in one hand and a Colt .45 in the other? That would be a cool figure, in my humble opinion.

 

[debrito]

Debrito,

Historically, you're quite correct but I think Andy, if asked, would say, that Eastern front doesn't sell.

Maybe the Russians aren't really attractive, but some 6th Army Wehrmacht summer characters, , would sell very well, I think!

Cheers

 

[Canadian Samurai]

I agree 100% with Debrito - I think it's mainly a case of Russians not selling, NOT Eastern front Germans. After all, K&C's early cavalry figures and the whole WS GroBdeutschland series screams Eastern Front (though they work for West too), and they sell so well they're still in production. Look at K&C's best selling Winter German line from last year - all those guys are clad in eastern front SS parkas introduced at the Battle of Kharkov '43 which are technically called anoraks. They would look a bit out of place in the Bulge though many collectors are probably using them there. Their vehicles appear to be from Totenkopf division which never saw action on the Western Front after 1940. Also a lot of the rest of the WS SS range can double for Eastern Front, indeed it's often better suited to it. The last couple of months have seen a camo T34 and Heydrich's assassination, which is technically EF too.

The good news is that most German figures and vehicles (depending on insignia) can work for East or West. Nevertheless, focusing mainly on the West has meant a bit of a neglect for the middle part of the war - hence we have early and late war Wehrmacht but as Debrito said no dedicated summer 1942 or 43 soldiers in mid-war tunics that aren't Afrika. It would be great to see some more German combat engineers with demolition and mine detector equipment, as well as more snipers, gebirgsjagers, ski troops etc.