What is a 54 MM Figure? (1 Viewer)

Of course it matters to someone, somewhere, maybe even to me sometimes. However, in the grand scope of the universe, I would say not too much.
 
You do realize that now you've opened up the possibilities of the toys versus collectibles discussion?
 
kilted vampire said:
Just wanted to weigh in on this.

THEY ARE TOYS! DOES IT REALLY MATTER????

If they look good together then they do . Have fun with them.I can understand the frustration of having some giant figures next to smaller ones. Buy them if you like them and have fun setting them up. There is a place for everything. Then post some pictures. Cheese and Crackers!:D:):D
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Hmmmm....Undead One, I couldn't have put it better myself.
Pedantics of the world beware. The Fanged One has spoken.
Cheers
H
 
Rivet counters beware! Your blood taste fine though a little metallic tasting! MUAHAHhahahahhaa:eek:
 
Sorry but when these "toys" start climbing into three figures and multiples thereof they've moved from the world of toys. Also, if "rivet counters" refers to people who want these "toys" to be as historically correct as possible, what's wrong with that? That's just a scornfully dismissive term in my opinion. This hobby should be big enough to cover all kinds of collectors.
 
I just wish the various manufacturers would standardize scales. That would mean you could mix and match a lot easier. No one manufacturer has an exclusive on good figures. Occasionally you see a really great figure or pose from a manufacturer you do not usually support. If it is compatible with your existing collection then you would add it in no porblem. However when scale becomes an issue you think twice. For example I have mostly Britains and Conte ACW stuff so if the K and C figures or even new Conte are too big I won't get them. With WWII I have mostly K and C so I am less keen to add Britains figures to this collection.
That is my only concern about scale.
Regards
Merry Christmas
Damian Clarke
 
jazzeum said:
Sorry but when these "toys" start climbing into three figures and multiples thereof they've moved from the world of toys. Also, if "rivet counters" refers to people who want these "toys" to be as historically correct as possible, what's wrong with that? That's just a scornfully dismissive term in my opinion. This hobby should be big enough to cover all kinds of collectors.
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Brad,
Sorry, gotta disagree with you on this one.
They are in fact marketed as "toys", whatever the price, like it or not.
No-one denies that we would prefer our "toys" to be historically accurate but there is a trade off. If you want a historically accurate and magnificent model replica, then go and buy a ~US$500.00 Tank. If you want something that looks almost as good, but may have a few inaccuracies and doesn't have the same snob value then go and buy a 21st C or FoV version of the same Tank for US$40.00. Like you imply, the hobby can cater for all kinds of collectors - except the dreaded rivet counters. I've always taken this to be a highly-accurate term that refers to the kind of sad snivelling wee mannie who will come out with (for example);
"Emmm, yeah, sniff, I'd buy brand XYZ's Sherman if only the arial was on the right-hand side like it should be instead of the left - look it says so here in my reference book, sniff".
I.E. Never had any intention of buying XYZ's Sherman in the first place. And why can't he just buy the thing, then re-position the arial anywhere he wants to stick it? ANSWER - cos he's found something to moan about and can then show off his "superior" knowledge. The sort of person in other words that needs to get out of the house more often and get a life.
Cheers
H
 
kilted vampire said:
Rivet counters beware! Your blood taste fine though a little metallic tasting! MUAHAHhahahahhaa:eek:
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Sorry Brad I forgot to add the smilies:):)
Not so dismissive. Maybe when others use it. But this is supposed to be fun.

If a rivet being a 1/16th out of place gets in the way of your enjoyment of a toy soldier or vehicle, Who becomes dismissive? I do not believe that the figures are being marketed as true to life.
Those expecting them to be so find themselves disaapointed at times and then cry foul!

Lots of shows and stores Still stylize themselves as "Toy"

I do not understand people who buy toys and get upset for not being completely accurate.

BTW I never met a toy soldier I did not like:)

Damian, I agree with you whole heartedly!
 
I posted this on another forum back in September:

"To expand the toy soldier market, I think there needs to be an industry-wide standard for scales developed so that different company's 1/35, 1/32 or 1/30 products will all work with each other rather than every maker and their mother guessing what the right size should be (i.e. is figure height measured from base to eye or foot to top of head etc.). Some people even think K&C are actually 1/28 scale. So perhaps it's time for a scale standards association to be created by all the manufacturers, like the model railroading hobby has. That doesn't mean the end of 54mm glossy or anything - it would be a separate recognized scale - in fact, I think glossy would be strengthened if everyone who still made them would settle on specific measurements so all their figures were 100% compatible. As the oldest surviving major toy soldier company, Britain's figures would serve as the standard for some of the scales.

I think Figarti has the right idea putting stickers on their boxes telling what scale the set is. But it would be even better if those stickers were issued by an industry-wide association rather just what Figarti defines as 1/32. So every company that made a figure or vehicle set that fell within a certain standardized size range would qualify for the Association's blue 1/32 sticker and you would know it would be compatible with your other 1/32 stuff (and red for 1/30, green for 1/35 and 54mm etc.). Sometimes, if a company botched the scale on a vehicle like K&C has done, then not all of its products would qualify for the sticker.

If the consumer had more confidence in the scale of what they were buying, they would be likely to buy more, in my opinion. There would be less frustration about scales."
 
A TOY by definition is a childrens plaything. If you are into collecting early toy soldiers such as Britains that were made for children to play with. Then yes, you do collect toys. However most military models and figures made today are targeted at the adult collector which places them outside the TOY category.

As I said in my earlier post, 54mm is the average height of a 1/32 scale soldier, and shouldn't be refered to as a "scale" - because it isn't. You see the same error in model trains where some ignorant people refer to O "scale" when in fact O refers to the track gauge (the width between the two tracks). For example American O gauge stuff is usually 1/48-50 scale whereas most UK and European O gauge stuff is usually 1/43 scale, so they do not mix well together. You such scale variations in most of the different model train gauges, so you have to be careful that the GAUGE gear you buy is made to the SCALE you collect.

In most counties there are currently enough trade laws to ensure action can be taken against people that market their products at the "wrong" scale as it is simply false advertising and or misrepresentation. But clearly it would be in everyones interest to adopt some industry SCALE standard.
 
The great debate continues...

I don't care if you call them "toys" or "collectibles" with the price of tanks, etc running in the $125+++ range I think we have crossed a line. Back "in the old days" I didn't worry if my Marx tanks were M47s or my Auburn tanks were M46s - I was 10 years old and they really WERE toys. They got played with. Now we have nice "military miniatures" that are marketed for collectors or displayers. How many of you regularly set out your K&C armies and attack and defend a hill made out of piled up blankets?

Unfortunately the "military collectible" hobby is made up of entrepeneurs who are fiercely independent. Each one is justifiably proud of their product line and has their own hopes, dreams, and business plans. We will NEVER see any common scales in the "toy soldier" market. We are lucky that we have them as close as we do.

As far as "nit pickers" - let's see what happens when your favorite ox is gored! If a fellow put out fine, quite expensive, Napoleonic line infantry and painted them pink "because I thought they's look nice" wouldn't somebody complain? How about a beautifully executed figure of a Crusader knight armed with a Tommy Gun? Most of us just ask that our producers read a $%^&* book or even ASK SOMEONE! It doesn't matter to some that we have a very collectible bunch of US soldiers that are marketed in a "DDay" range wearing a patch of a division that was nowhere near Normandy - to me it does and I reserve the right to cry "foul". You don't have to read it if you don't care to - it's a free forum.

Gary
 
We'll have to agree to disagree. You should strive to be as accurate as possible but not necessarily take it to the nth degree. I'm somewhere in the middle but my point was also that "rivet counters" is a pejorative term. While we may not always agree with those seeking maximum accuracy, I won't say their arguments have no validity. Sometimes a little extra research can eliminate possible criticisms.

Anyway, let's just agree to disagree, as noted above.
 
Canadian Samurai said:
I posted this on another forum back in September:

"To expand the toy soldier market, I think there needs to be an industry-wide standard for scales developed so that different company's 1/35, 1/32 or 1/30 products will all work with each other rather than every maker and their mother guessing what the right size should be (i.e. is figure height measured from base to eye or foot to top of head etc.). Some people even think K&C are actually 1/28 scale. So perhaps it's time for a scale standards association to be created by all the manufacturers, like the model railroading hobby has. That doesn't mean the end of 54mm glossy or anything - it would be a separate recognized scale - in fact, I think glossy would be strengthened if everyone who still made them would settle on specific measurements so all their figures were 100% compatible. As the oldest surviving major toy soldier company, Britain's figures would serve as the standard for some of the scales.

I think Figarti has the right idea putting stickers on their boxes telling what scale the set is. But it would be even better if those stickers were issued by an industry-wide association rather just what Figarti defines as 1/32. So every company that made a figure or vehicle set that fell within a certain standardized size range would qualify for the Association's blue 1/32 sticker and you would know it would be compatible with your other 1/32 stuff (and red for 1/30, green for 1/35 and 54mm etc.). Sometimes, if a company botched the scale on a vehicle like K&C has done, then not all of its products would qualify for the sticker.

If the consumer had more confidence in the scale of what they were buying, they would be likely to buy more, in my opinion. There would be less frustration about scales."
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Now this post - I like.
Excellent suggestion CS. I agree that there seems to be a lot of frustration about scales. Personally, I don't particularly care if scales on figures and vehicles are slightly out, but other people obviously do care, and care passionately about it given the posts I've seen on the subject. Therefore, I think your sticker suggestion offers a simple solution to the issue of compatibility of scales from different manufacturers.
Cheers
H
 
binder001 said:
The great debate continues...

As far as "nit pickers" - let's see what happens when your favorite ox is gored! If a fellow put out fine, quite expensive, Napoleonic line infantry and painted them pink "because I thought they's look nice" wouldn't somebody complain? How about a beautifully executed figure of a Crusader knight armed with a Tommy Gun? Most of us just ask that our producers read a $%^&* book or even ASK SOMEONE! It doesn't matter to some that we have a very collectible bunch of US soldiers that are marketed in a "DDay" range wearing a patch of a division that was nowhere near Normandy - to me it does and I reserve the right to cry "foul". You don't have to read it if you don't care to - it's a free forum.

Gary
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Well, no Gary. I wouldn't complain. I just wouldn't buy the things.
I do understand your grouse about "US soldiers that are marketed in a "DDay" range wearing a patch of a division that was nowhere near Normandy" - But if you're not happy with them then doen't buy them. or if you must buy them then paint out the offending patch and substitute your own. Besides that's not the kind of nit-picker or rivet counter I'm referring to in my earlier post. I'm talking about the kind of person, and they do exist cos I know one, who's never happy with what's on offer. They'll moan and grump about the slightest inaccuracy - even if its an easy fix - just for the sake of moaning and showing off how clever and eagle-eyed they are.
Maybe the manufacturers ought to issue a trial of a new figure/vehicle/whatever. We could then go through a series of A, B, C, D,,,,,Etc. revisions of that figure/vehicle/whatever until everyone and his dog is satisfied......and that figure/vehicle/whatever ends up costing an arm and a leg by the time we've reached PERFECTION with revision X, Y, Z.....Of course all that'll then happen is the same old people will start moaning about the base, or the paint, or the facial expression, or the colour of mud on the figures boots......and so on, and on , and yawn...on and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Cheers
H
 
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Once again a pictures worth a thousand words and I'm pefectly happy with them all....The Lt.

CSBourne005.jpg
 
OzDigger said:
A TOY by definition is a childrens plaything. If you are into collecting early toy soldiers such as Britains that were made for children to play with. Then yes, you do collect toys. However most military models and figures made today are targeted at the adult collector which places them outside the TOY category.

As I said in my earlier post, 54mm is the average height of a 1/32 scale soldier, and shouldn't be refered to as a "scale" - because it isn't. You see the same error in model trains where some ignorant people refer to O "scale" when in fact O refers to the track gauge (the width between the two tracks). For example American O gauge stuff is usually 1/48-50 scale whereas most UK and European O gauge stuff is usually 1/43 scale, so they do not mix well together. You such scale variations in most of the different model train gauges, so you have to be careful that the GAUGE gear you buy is made to the SCALE you collect.

In most counties there are currently enough trade laws to ensure action can be taken against people that market their products at the "wrong" scale as it is simply false advertising and or misrepresentation. But clearly it would be in everyones interest to adopt some industry SCALE standard.
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Well, thanks to the encouragement and assistance of several members of this forum, I've discovered the new (for me) hobby within a hobby of taking photographs of our TOY figurine collection. I shall be taking a visa run to Singapore within the next 2~3 weeks and intend buying my new camera in duty free. Once I get home, I'll be taking photo after photo of our SOHK collection of TOY figurines, which are no doubt woefully inaccurate for turn of the century Hong Kong, and shall take great pleasure in posting them on the forum. Much to certain people's enjoyment - and certain other people's intense annoyance, hopefully.
Have a Nice Day
H
 
jazzeum said:
We'll have to agree to disagree. You should strive to be as accurate as possible but not necessarily take it to the nth degree. I'm somewhere in the middle but my point was also that "rivet counters" is a pejorative term. While we may not always agree with those seeking maximum accuracy, I won't say their arguments have no validity. Sometimes a little extra research can eliminate possible criticisms.

Anyway, let's just agree to disagree, as noted above.
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my point was also that "rivet counters" is a pejorative term.

Well, so what? They deserve every piece of pejorative they get for being such sad, lonely, pedantic creatures.
H
 
Harrytheheid said:
Well, thanks to the encouragement and assistance of several members of this forum, I've discovered the new (for me) hobby within a hobby of taking photographs of our TOY figurine collection. I shall be taking a visa run to Singapore within the next 2~3 weeks and intend buying my new camera in duty free. Once I get home, I'll be taking photo after photo of our SOHK collection of TOY figurines, which are no doubt woefully inaccurate for turn of the century Hong Kong, and shall take great pleasure in posting them on the forum. Much to certain people's enjoyment - and certain other people's intense annoyance, hopefully.
Have a Nice Day
H
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Other people buying and photocopying TOY soldiers doesn't annoy me Harry, in fact I find those posts entertaining. But then I also get a laugh out of posts where rivet counting guys are arguing about nothing.
 
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