King & Country
Captain
- Joined
- May 23, 2005
- Messages
- 5,089
Hi Guys,
Just a few replies to points and threads on the forum…
1. Russian Front
Like many of you I love the Eastern Front and find it a fascinating subject as well as an alternative to all that D. Day stuff (which I still am addicted to as well).
However, from a commercial point-of-view it’s not as hot as D. Day or even North Africa. At the end of the day all companies (or at least most successful ones) design and produce what sells best to their collectors.
That’s not to say we’re giving up on the Eastern Front…we’re not but it just means that other wars, campaigns, battles and ranges have a higher priority on the release schedule. For fans of the East we do have a few great ideas but you’ll have to wait until 2007.
2. Re “Andy the Messiah”
To be honest, I know it’s meant in fun, but as a Christian I find it a wee bit blasphemous.
Whilst I appreciate the genuine sentiment behind it I consider myself to be one of the luckiest guys in the world…I’ve been able to turn my hobby and passion into a successful business that, I hope, brings a lot of pleasure to a lot of collectors.
I also get to design and make most (but not all) of the kinds of toys I wanted as a kid back in Scotland a long, long time ago.
Obviously my folks couldn’t afford them even if they had been available on the market at that time – which most were not.
I’ve been blessed to be given the opportunity to do what I love doing – how lucky is that?
So, if there’s a Messiah around…it sure it ain’t me but everyday I thank the one that is.
3. Shrinking Toy Soldier Market?
Sorry to disagree with my friend Gideon but I believe, and from sales figures know, that this hobby and the number of collectors is growing not falling!
I can’t speak for other companies but K&C has been enjoying double digit growth for almost the last 10 years every year. I see no end in sight either as the number of new and younger collectors coming into the hobby is far more than the number leaving or, sadly, passing away.
As one correspondent put it the internet has been a great way of introducing brand-new collectors to toy soldiers.
Bricks ‘n’ mortar stores are also vitally important to the hobby as well. This allows first-time buyers to see and touch the figures for themselves and to see large displays and dioramas. At least that’s my experience in our retail store in Hong Kong and our “new” KingsX store in San Antonio, Texas.
When I got seriously back into the hobby and business just over 20 years it seemed almost like a private club. Nowadays it is much more inclusive and exciting. I believe there are more choices and selections than ever before and that is healthy for everyone dealers…collectors…and manufacturers.
Best wishes and…happy collecting!
Andy C. Neilson
Just a few replies to points and threads on the forum…
1. Russian Front
Like many of you I love the Eastern Front and find it a fascinating subject as well as an alternative to all that D. Day stuff (which I still am addicted to as well).
However, from a commercial point-of-view it’s not as hot as D. Day or even North Africa. At the end of the day all companies (or at least most successful ones) design and produce what sells best to their collectors.
That’s not to say we’re giving up on the Eastern Front…we’re not but it just means that other wars, campaigns, battles and ranges have a higher priority on the release schedule. For fans of the East we do have a few great ideas but you’ll have to wait until 2007.
2. Re “Andy the Messiah”
To be honest, I know it’s meant in fun, but as a Christian I find it a wee bit blasphemous.
Whilst I appreciate the genuine sentiment behind it I consider myself to be one of the luckiest guys in the world…I’ve been able to turn my hobby and passion into a successful business that, I hope, brings a lot of pleasure to a lot of collectors.
I also get to design and make most (but not all) of the kinds of toys I wanted as a kid back in Scotland a long, long time ago.
Obviously my folks couldn’t afford them even if they had been available on the market at that time – which most were not.
I’ve been blessed to be given the opportunity to do what I love doing – how lucky is that?
So, if there’s a Messiah around…it sure it ain’t me but everyday I thank the one that is.
3. Shrinking Toy Soldier Market?
Sorry to disagree with my friend Gideon but I believe, and from sales figures know, that this hobby and the number of collectors is growing not falling!
I can’t speak for other companies but K&C has been enjoying double digit growth for almost the last 10 years every year. I see no end in sight either as the number of new and younger collectors coming into the hobby is far more than the number leaving or, sadly, passing away.
As one correspondent put it the internet has been a great way of introducing brand-new collectors to toy soldiers.
Bricks ‘n’ mortar stores are also vitally important to the hobby as well. This allows first-time buyers to see and touch the figures for themselves and to see large displays and dioramas. At least that’s my experience in our retail store in Hong Kong and our “new” KingsX store in San Antonio, Texas.
When I got seriously back into the hobby and business just over 20 years it seemed almost like a private club. Nowadays it is much more inclusive and exciting. I believe there are more choices and selections than ever before and that is healthy for everyone dealers…collectors…and manufacturers.
Best wishes and…happy collecting!
Andy C. Neilson
I can hardly wait for the rest of the Napoleonics due out! Any chance you will come to the 2007 West Coaster?
