What if Figarti made their......? (1 Viewer)

[desk11desk12]

What if Figarti over the last two years produced WWII US Army, Rangers and Paratroopers instead of USMC Pacific figurines?

What they have been more successful compared to the Conte, ONWTC, Britains and Frontline in the metal 1/32 scale since its’ ETO and not the Pacific?

This question is targeted to the 1/32 market and not the 1/30 market because Figarti does NOT produce in 1/30 scale.

Carlos

 

[Louis Badolato]

I think we'll soon find out. With the new pegasus bridge range and the SAS jeep, I think Figarti is venturing into Europe/North Africa.

 

[desk11desk12]

Yes, we'll see and if the answer was yes, would they have sold even more vehicles and tanks?

Carlos

 

[Steven Chong]

I think Figarti would have sold only a few more sets. At 1/32 scale, they would have been competing with Conte, Britains, and Old Northwest Trading Co. 2 to 3 years ago, their sculpting and painting was only average, with nothing to distinguish their work from these companies. With the Pacific theater, there was no competition at 1/32 scale. Any European theater vehicles would have been compared to the much better priced FOV and 21st Century, with collectors constantly commenting that they could get 4 or 5 of these vehicles for the price of one Figarti vehicle. At most, collectors might get one Figarti vehicle, and fill out their display or dioramas with cheaper FOV or 21st vehicles. Figarti decided not to do a modern Abrams tank because their version would have been much more expensive than the FOV one. With the Tiger tank, they decided to do a complete interior to distinguish it, but this feature probably priced it beyond most collectors.

We have to remember that Figarti has been around for less than 4 years. In that short time, their painting and sculpting has improved dramatically. They know what areas need improvement and are constantly trying to get better. Since they have their own factory, they have an advantage over every other company that outsources production to China -- Figarti can create products that other companies think is not commercial enough like the Pegasus Bridge. I am sure we will be stunned and awed in the coming years.

 

[Louis Badolato]

I think Figarti would have sold only a few more sets. At 1/32 scale, they would have been competing with Conte, Britains, and Old Northwest Trading Co. 2 to 3 years ago, their sculpting and painting was only average, with nothing to distinguish their work from these companies. With the Pacific theater, there was no competition at 1/32 scale. Any European theater vehicles would have been compared to the much better priced FOV and 21st Century, with collectors constantly commenting that they could get 4 or 5 of these vehicles for the price of one Figarti vehicle. At most, collectors might get one Figarti vehicle, and fill out their display or dioramas with cheaper FOV or 21st vehicles. Figarti decided not to do a modern Abrams tank because their version would have been much more expensive than the FOV one. With the Tiger tank, they decided to do a complete interior to distinguish it, but this feature probably priced it beyond most collectors.

We have to remember that Figarti has been around for less than 4 years. In that short time, their painting and sculpting has improved dramatically. They know what areas need improvement and are constantly trying to get better. Since they have their own factory, they have an advantage over every other company that outsources production to China -- Figarti can create products that other companies think is not commercial enough like the Pegasus Bridge. I am sure we will be stunned and awed in the coming years.

I don't know if I agree with you on your assessment of the effect of releasing more popular German stuff on the sales of Figarti vehicles. So far, Figarti only made that wonderful (but prohibitively expensive for some collectors) Tiger Tank. What if, at the time the shock and awe of the Tiger was in full force, Figarti had released a hanomag, Panzer IV, Kubelwagon, Sdkfz 232 Armored Car and eight ton Half Track, all at the slightly lesser (but still superior) quality of its Stuarts and LVT's and at the Stuart/LVT prices? I think everybody who bought a Tiger would have bought the other vehicles, along with many people who couldn't afford the Tigers. Figarti might have cornered the market on 1:32 scale vehicle for metal Toy Soldier Collectors (as opposed to die cast collectors or plastic toy soldier collectors).

Figarti could then just turn around, annouce they were doing another spectacular Tank with interior detail (obviously some form of Sherman) and simulataneously release the support vehicles one would see in a U.S. armored division (M3 Halftrack, Chaffee Light Tank, Greyhound Armored Car, Hellcat Tank Destroyer, Deuce and Half Truck) and all the folks who bought the German vehicles would probably buy these as opposing forces. The Figarti figures, which have greatly improved over the short period of Figarti's existence, would be carried along with the vehicle sales. I think that, should Figarti choose to pursue this type of strategy, it would quickly become as dominent in 1:32 scale WWII sales to metal toy soldier collectors (who don't really buy 21st Century stuff) as K&C is in 1:30 scale WWII sales.

That's just my opinion as a collector, not a business man. But I really believe in Rick and James. I think with the right products, and their commitment to quality, Figarti may very quickly establish itself among the leaders in the Toy Soldier community.

 

[desk11desk12]

I don't know if I agree with you on your assessment of the effect of releasing more popular German stuff on the sales of Figarti vehicles. So far, Figarti only made that wonderful (but prohibitively expensive for some collectors) Tiger Tank. What if, at the time the shock and awe of the Tiger was in full force, Figarti had released a hanomag, Panzer IV, Kubelwagon, Sdkfz 232 Armored Car and eight ton Half Track, all at the slightly lesser (but still superior) quality of its Stuarts and LVT's and at the Stuart/LVT prices? I think everybody who bought a Tiger would have bought the other vehicles, along with many people who couldn't afford the Tigers. Figarti might have cornered the market on 1:32 scale vehicle for metal Toy Soldier Collectors (as opposed to die cast collectors or plastic toy soldier collectors).

Figarti could then just turn around, annouce they were doing another spectacular Tank with interior detail (obviously some form of Sherman) and simulataneously release the support vehicles one would see in a U.S. armored division (M3 Halftrack, Chaffee Light Tank, Greyhound Armored Car, Hellcat Tank Destroyer, Deuce and Half Truck) and all the folks who bought the German vehicles would probably buy these as opposing forces. The Figarti figures, which have greatly improved over the short period of Figarti's existence, would be carried along with the vehicle sales. I think that, should Figarti choose to pursue this type of strategy, it would quickly become as dominent in 1:32 scale WWII sales to metal toy soldier collectors (who don't really buy 21st Century stuff) as K&C is in 1:30 scale WWII sales.

That's just my opinion as a collector, not a business man. But I really believe in Rick and James. I think with the right products, and their commitment to quality, Figarti may very quickly establish itself among the leaders in the Toy Soldier community.

Well put Louis, I agree with you 100%.

Yes, Figarti has only been in business for maybe 4 years and yes, their initial Japanese-Chinese WWII sets weren’t good but I can’t think of another company that has advanced so quickly in the quality of figurines and even more so with armor and vehicles.

IMO, there is an opportunity for Figarti to continue there momentum and be the masters of 1/32 scale without much regard to 1/30 market that will likely be owned by KC for the for seeable future; especially since Figarti is in total control of all means of production (concept, sculpting, painting, production, etc.) unlike Conte, Frontline, Britains and especially ONWTC.

Figarti (IMO) shouldn’t worry about the committed KC Collector but instead attract the new collector (30-45 years) discovering the market for the first time.

It’s truly an exciting time for collector.

Carlos

 

[Showman]

I don't know if I agree with you on your assessment of the effect of releasing more popular German stuff on the sales of Figarti vehicles. So far, Figarti only made that wonderful (but prohibitively expensive for some collectors) Tiger Tank. What if, at the time the shock and awe of the Tiger was in full force, Figarti had released a hanomag, Panzer IV, Kubelwagon, Sdkfz 232 Armored Car and eight ton Half Track, all at the slightly lesser (but still superior) quality of its Stuarts and LVT's and at the Stuart/LVT prices? I think everybody who bought a Tiger would have bought the other vehicles, along with many people who couldn't afford the Tigers. Figarti might have cornered the market on 1:32 scale vehicle for metal Toy Soldier Collectors (as opposed to die cast collectors or plastic toy soldier collectors).

Figarti could then just turn around, annouce they were doing another spectacular Tank with interior detail (obviously some form of Sherman) and simulataneously release the support vehicles one would see in a U.S. armored division (M3 Halftrack, Chaffee Light Tank, Greyhound Armored Car, Hellcat Tank Destroyer, Deuce and Half Truck) and all the folks who bought the German vehicles would probably buy these as opposing forces. The Figarti figures, which have greatly improved over the short period of Figarti's existence, would be carried along with the vehicle sales. I think that, should Figarti choose to pursue this type of strategy, it would quickly become as dominent in 1:32 scale WWII sales to metal toy soldier collectors (who don't really buy 21st Century stuff) as K&C is in 1:30 scale WWII sales.

That's just my opinion as a collector, not a business man. But I really believe in Rick and James. I think with the right products, and their commitment to quality, Figarti may very quickly establish itself among the leaders in the Toy Soldier community.

I too agree here. I just wonder if the theater of operations they have choosen in 1:32 scale could have been better. Whether you agree or not it appears the the German WW2 items still top the charts for sales. I jsut think Figarti may have been a little tenative to compete with KNC. Just my two cents..Greg

 

[Wraith]

I have found it good that different companies branck out in to different areas. For instance, I recently picked up a good chunk of the Figarti Iraq War figures, which I'd been toying with getting for some time (couldn't stop myself when Treefrogs slashed the price on them). I was very impressed with the quality, which, and it's been said many times, is much better than the photos would lead you to believe.

It may not be a huge seller, but they are the only company to do a sustained range of this era.

That said, a more 'common' range of Normandy onwards figures would be good. It would be interesting to see how they faired up with the likes of Britains, ONWTC and Conte.

It would also be interesting to see if they continue with the N. Africa theme, which isn't covered by the other companies (to the best ofmy knowledge). This era is certainly popular in 1/30, so there is a potential gap in the market that I suspect would be pretty financially viable.

Simon

 

[RWFigarti]

My Dad and I have always wanted to do different things, so picking less popular theaters to do was trying to cover a part of history others don't do. But reality is that if no one buys it, we can't continue to focus on that particular theater (China Battlefield is a great example).

WWII Europe is definitley a direction we want to go towards, BUT we have to be different. Hence, the Pegasus bridge, something no one else attempted to do which we will launch early June. We also want to improve our sculpting and paint standards (I think our SAS Jeep speaks for the result of our committment). This is a small industry, but we are not going to be able to please everyone and won't be able to do everything. But Figarti Miniatures WILL continue to change the way our toy soldier industry in terms of detail (Manufacturing Process), quality, fresh ideas. And its all because it is FUN for us.

Rick
RWFigarti

 

[ExRanger]

I am excited with the upcoming release of the Pegasus bridge. This bridge
will open up alot of possiblites with the current 1/32nd vehicles and figures
on the market.Figarti could compete in the figures market of 1/32 in two
ways. One major way is in the style of poses.The door on this is still wide
open in regards to this. Examples.
Eastern/Western Front WW2 Germans.
Soldiers on the move with combat gear.
Soldiers advancing thru Cities,towns and villages weapons at the ready.
Weapon platoons. I.E. Mortar, MG 42, 88MM crews.
Officers/NCOs w/Maps,field glasses.Leading the attack.
Different branches during the war Luftwaffe Paratroops, Waffen SS w/Camo.
Time frames Italy, Russia, Staingrad, Kursk Etc. Normandy. Arnhem.
The list is endless and could keep a company busy for quite sometime.
The other is sculpting and apperance which has greatly improve.
The playing field is still WIDE open in 1/32nd and with really only two
others out there W.Britains/ONWTC, Conte is just not reliable anymore
Figarti has a great chance in this market.
As for vehicles at an affordable price their is still alot not covered yet.
Hummels,Wespe's,Nashorns, Armored cars etc.


A collectors opinion

 

[maddadicus]

I am excited with the upcoming release of the Pegasus bridge. This bridge
will open up alot of possiblites with the current 1/32nd vehicles and figures
on the market.Figarti could compete in the figures market of 1/32 in two
ways. One major way is in the style of poses.The door on this is still wide
open in regards to this. Examples.
Eastern/Western Front WW2 Germans.
Soldiers on the move with combat gear.
Soldiers advancing thru Cities,towns and villages weapons at the ready.
Weapon platoons. I.E. Mortar, MG 42, 88MM crews.
Officers/NCOs w/Maps,field glasses.Leading the attack.
Different branches during the war Luftwaffe Paratroops, Waffen SS w/Camo.
Time frames Italy, Russia, Staingrad, Kursk Etc. Normandy. Arnhem.
The list is endless and could keep a company busy for quite sometime.
The other is sculpting and apperance which has greatly improve.
The playing field is still WIDE open in 1/32nd and with really only two
others out there W.Britains/ONWTC, Conte is just not reliable anymore
Figarti has a great chance in this market.
As for vehicles at an affordable price their is still alot not covered yet.
Hummels,Wespe's,Nashorns, Armored cars etc.


A collectors opinion

I agree to the Figarti touch ,that is perfectly suited for nicely detailed Armored Cars from WW1 and WW2 as well as auxilery vehicles..your Vietnam gunboat will be an instant hit when it comes out. It would be an added nice touch to have wheels that roll on your vehicles and turrets that turn on the gunboat.......Thanks, Michael

 

[Louis Badolato]

I believe that the best course for Figarti would be to focus on North West Europe and North Africa, and revolve its releases around one "shock and awe" piece like the Tiger it previously produced for $399, suported by about 7-8 vehicles in the quality level of the excellent LVT's it recently produced for $140 (perhaps a Panzer IV, Panzer III, Stug III, Hanomag, 8 Ton Prime Mover, 8 Wheeled Armored Car, Kubelwagon and Schwimwagon to support the Tiger; or a "shock and awe" Sherman [available in both British and U.S. Markings] supported by a Chaffee, M10 Tank Destroyer, Grayhound Armored Car, M3 Halftrack, Priest or Sextant, Jeep and Bren Gun Carrier or Dodge Weapons Carrier), and one exceptional diorama piece (like the Pegasus Bridge) as well as maybe a related aircraft (like a P47 Thunderbolt, Hawker Typhoon, FW190 or an ME 109), enabling collectors to set up an entire display with production pieces. I think releases of reasonably priced exceptional quality Figarti vehicles like the Chi Ha Tank, Stuarts and LVT's produced to date, related to a "shock and awe" piece like the Tiger, and a really special diorama piece like the Pegasus Bridge, will permit Figarti to dominate the 1:32 scale WWII market the way K&C dominates the 1:30 WWII market.

 

[binder001]

Here's a quick suggestion for the nice folks at Figarti - the good old US GMC CCKW-353 6X6 2 1/2 ton cargo truck! Over the years this truck has been made in multiple scales from 1/30th through 1/87th (and even down to 1/285th Micro Armor), but has never been released in two popular scales - 1/48th and 1/32nd. Tamiya Models will address the 1/48th version this summer as a plastic model, but I haven't heard any rumors of a coming 1/32nd US truck. Here is a chance to do an item that was vital to the war effort, offers multiple repaint possibilities, and has not been released in 1/32nd scale yet. A big PLUS is that there are a number of beautifully restored CCKWs in the US, Asia and Europe to they can be seen and measured. Options could include - hard cab (early production trucks) or soft cab (standard production trucks) - both were seen in the ETO and other theaters clear through the end of the war, rear canvas cover, or a cover partly rolled up, or an open bed, and with or without winch on the front bumper. Trucks could be painted for the US Army (in schemes from North Africa, Sicily, Italy, the Pacific, Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, etc), the Free French (compliments the M3A3 already released), the British, the Navy and the USMC (even though the USMC preferred the IHC 6X6 - they did have some GMCs).

The M10 Tank Destroyer also offers many new opportunities for repainting, can be done in early, late or British Achilles versions with minor changes to the turret, and is NOT available in 1/32nd scale. This vehicle went to the US and many Allied armies and served in all theaters - too many repaint opportunities to even list! Doing an M10 doesn't "steal the thunder" from the Shermans that are out or are soon to come in 1/30th. I realize that 1/32nd is a different market, but many of us collect both, and you don't want a new product to be "just another Sherman this year". Again, many preserved examples still exist and there are a number of good references for them.

Another choice is the good old M3/M3A1 halftrack APC. Although it does have competition in 1/32nd scale, a good halftrack offers multiple opportunities for variants and many repaint possibilities. Perhaps an M3 Gun Motor Carriage, the first Tank Destroyer, would be the way to go? They were used by the US in NOrth Africa, by the British and Free French in Italy, by some British armoured car regiments in Europe and by the Marines in the Pacific.

Hope this gives you some food for thought.

Gary Binder

 

[Chuck Harris]

I believe that the best course for Figarti would be to focus on North West Europe and North Africa, and revolve its releases around one "shock and awe" piece like the Tiger it previously produced for $399, suported by about 7-8 vehicles in the quality level of the excellent LVT's it recently produced for $140 (perhaps a Panzer IV, Panzer III, Stug III, Hanomag, 8 Ton Prime Mover, 8 Wheeled Armored Car, Kubelwagon and Schwimwagon to support the Tiger; or a "shock and awe" Sherman [available in both British and U.S. Markings] supported by a Chaffee, M10 Tank Destroyer, Grayhound Armored Car, M3 Halftrack, Priest or Sextant, Jeep and Bren Gun Carrier or Dodge Weapons Carrier), and one exceptional diorama piece (like the Pegasus Bridge) as well as maybe a related aircraft (like a P47 Thunderbolt, Hawker Typhoon, FW190 or an ME 109), enabling collectors to set up an entire display with production pieces. I think releases of reasonably priced exceptional quality Figarti vehicles like the Chi Ha Tank, Stuarts and LVT's produced to date, related to a "shock and awe" piece like the Tiger, and a really special diorama piece like the Pegasus Bridge, will permit Figarti to dominate the 1:32 scale WWII market the way K&C dominates the 1:30 WWII market.

How about a 18 Ton Prime Mover like the one used at end of the movie the Dirty Dozen.
The Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 18 also know as Famo,,Bulle'' ( Sd.Kfz.9 )
I think the one used in the movie was the Artillery Version, there where many variants from towing to flak.
This thing is a monster. I don’t care who makes one as long as they do a good job and maybe make one or more variants.
The Paperback book Vol. 12 NUTS & BOLTS is about this Prime Mover. 1/32nd Scale drawings 96 pages of photo’s and info on one that’s been rebuilt.

 

[Louis Badolato]

How about a 18 Ton Prime Mover like the one used at end of the movie the Dirty Dozen.
The Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 18 also know as Famo,,Bulle'' ( Sd.Kfz.9 )
I think the one used in the movie was the Artillery Version, there where many variants from towing to flak.
This thing is a monster. I don’t care who makes one as long as they do a good job and maybe make one or more variants.
The Paperback book Vol. 12 NUTS & BOLTS is about this Prime Mover. 1/32nd Scale drawings 96 pages of photo’s and info on one that’s been rebuilt.

Good suggestion, Chuck.

 

[RWFigarti]

Hi Guys,

We are having a production meeting this Friday, I will bring up all the suggestions you all made and have my Dad take a look. Thanks for all the input.

Rick
RWFigarti

 

[Wraith]

How about a 'dismounted' LRDG figure set? Would look pretty neat next to the jeep.

Simon