What's the appeal with "Non-action" poses (1 Viewer)

[theBaron]

I still want two French Naps roasting a pig!

How 'bout a Prussian musketeer, enjoying his lunch?

This series by Rylit is made up almost exclusively of non-combat poses. I have to post a pic of another pair from this set, which I have in the queue for painting, a Marketenderin and Prussian dragoon during the Seven Years War.

Prost!
Brad

 

[johnnybach]

Good Question! But it all depends on what you mean by "Action" doesn't it?

If you mean taking pot shots at other people - well - quite a lot of us humped a rifle around for donkeys years. We cleaned them - we practiced on rifle ranges with them sometimes - then we locked them away and stood outside with a pickhandle all night in case any naughty boys came to nick 'em!(never really understood that one!)

Then there were times when other "actions" had to be taken - like ducking under a table in a Cypriot Cafe when some guys in a taxi decided to shoot it up. That was an action allright - (had never drunk oozo under a table before that - it was usually the other way around!).

In between times we had meals, showers, swept up ( swept up a lot actually), and marched around shouting at other people and were shouted at in return! We drove around for miles and miles sending radio messages back and forth - then went back and washed the trucks - and swept up a bit more. We even had PT now and then and ran around assault courses - and shouted some more. Action men? Tough Guys? - we certainly were.

Weren't those "actions" then?

BUT in capital letters - BUT - Not many of us ever DID take pot shots at other people - even the very naughty ones. In fact quite a lot of the time when we were humping the bundooks around - they wouldn't give us any bullets to put in them - just in case we ever DID fancy taking pot shots at some naughty boys! I think some of the naughtier boys even knew that!

Spoilsports!


Nowadays, I mostly like to paint and collect military bands - and ceremonial soldiers - with the occasional so-called "Action" figures to remind me what soldiers are ultimately for. But I collect the ones I do - well - mostly 'cos I like 'em. %^V

 

[Currahee Chris]

.. then we locked them away and stood outside with a pickhandle all night in case any naughty boys came to nick 'em!(never really understood that one!)

that makes two of us then

 

[binder001]

It's a hobby - collect what you enjoy! Personally I like a mix. There's a lot to be said for "action" poses for some scenes. I also admire the scenes or figures with "impending action", the guy poised to run, the guy loading the weapon, etc. Firing poses are good, but the other make the scene come alive. I also like the "camp life" poses. As many others have said, a real soldier actually spends realitively little actually shooting at someone. Some of the soldier's time is spent in abject fear, but a LOT of it is pure boredom and monotony. I like WW2 and tanks. One has to realize that the tank crews spend almost as much time servicing or repairing their tank as they do actually driving it, even without combat. They are big, dirty complex machines that like to through their tracks, spit oil or get bogged down. Artillery is impressive but look at the gunners' lives - a lot of humping ammo, usually through mud and up hill, cleaning and greasing the gun, then trying to find a warm meal. Our "toys" reflect many of these activities. Lots of shooting poses in every range, but also soldiers running for their lives or just plain walking from Point A to Point B. Wars cause people to get hurt, so there's a place for medical teams and stretcher parties. Anyway, set up the scenes you finf appealing and collect the soldiers that you want to spend the money on. We can't tell YOU what to enjoy - that comes from within.

Gary B.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Whilst I do have some non action figures, officers, wounded, marching etc, I do always prefer in action figures myself. They just have more life in them for me, the recent British and Canadian D Day troops from K&C are prime examples of this, much more evocative of the hobby and what Toy Soldiers are all about.

Rob

Perhaps now but if you ask the average person (and I include non collectors) to draw or describe a toy soldier you wouldn't get today's toy soldier. You would more than likely end up with a Britains hollow-cast soldier.

 

[Currahee Chris]

I like WW2 and tanks.

Really?? I'd have never guessed ^&grin:tongue:

Not neccesarily asking you to help me to figure out what I want to collect, I'd hope I'd have that figured out by now:tongue: Just curious the appeal- I have shoot em ups and hum drum scenes in my collection.

 

[jazzeum]

How 'bout a Prussian musketeer, enjoying his lunch?

This series by Rylit is made up almost exclusively of non-combat poses. I have to post a pic of another pair from this set, which I have in the queue for painting, a Marketenderin and Prussian dragoon during the Seven Years War.

Prost!
Brad

Interesting figure Herr Baron. Seems as if he'd done too much marching or solidering and it's time for a well deserved break!

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Good Question! But it all depends on what you mean by "Action" doesn't it?

If you mean taking pot shots at other people - well - quite a lot of us humped a rifle around for donkeys years. We cleaned them - we practiced on rifle ranges with them sometimes - then we locked them away and stood outside with a pickhandle all night in case any naughty boys came to nick 'em!(never really understood that one!)

Then there were times when other "actions" had to be taken - like ducking under a table in a Cypriot Cafe when some guys in a taxi decided to shoot it up. That was an action allright - (had never drunk oozo under a table before that - it was usually the other way around!).

In between times we had meals, showers, swept up ( swept up a lot actually), and marched around shouting at other people and were shouted at in return! We drove around for miles and miles sending radio messages back and forth - then went back and washed the trucks - and swept up a bit more. We even had PT now and then and ran around assault courses - and shouted some more. Action men? Tough Guys? - we certainly were.

Weren't those "actions" then?

BUT in capital letters - BUT - Not many of us ever DID take pot shots at other people - even the very naughty ones. In fact quite a lot of the time when we were humping the bundooks around - they wouldn't give us any bullets to put in them - just in case we ever DID fancy taking pot shots at some naughty boys! I think some of the naughtier boys even knew that!

Spoilsports!


Nowadays, I mostly like to paint and collect military bands - and ceremonial soldiers - with the occasional so-called "Action" figures to remind me what soldiers are ultimately for. But I collect the ones I do - well - mostly 'cos I like 'em. %^V

Actually...all the little "mundane" scenarios you describe from your own experiences would make excellent non-action vignettes. I would definitely buy the ducking under the table one!

 

[Sans Culotte]

Like a number of others, I feel that I can do so much more with figures in non-action poses. Can't tell you how pleased I was to see the upcoming K&C Egyptian figures for that very reason. Crash recovery (I served at a fighter base) and base parades took up very little of my time, next to the day-to-day mundane stuff. Similarly, I believe it's in Shelby Foote's Civil War narrative where he uses a telling quote by a Union sailor, summing up the sheer boredom & stir-craziness of blockade duty. While I have a lot of action-posed figures, I also appreciate those engaged in down time.

 

[wadepat]

Gentle Friends,

I have followed this thread with the greatest of interest. This thread is one of those special discussions that make me look inward and explore the reasons underlying some of my preferences. Let me explain.

I assume the term "non-action poses" references figures that do not depict soldiers engaged in combat. From my frame of reference, combat poses are exciting, I collect them, and I enjoy viewing them. They inspire the imagination with visions of desperate fighting, terror filled moments, and life and death struggles. In short, they tell an amazing story, but it is a story for which it is difficult for me to smile. I gaze at the action figures, the dioramas, and the vignettes with awe and respect, but...they do not make me smile inside.

As most of you know, I am, among other things, a Delhi Durbar collector. When I view these Durbar figures, I am able to imagine moments and events that brought joy to large numbers of people. The bright colors of these figures elevate my spirits and I can hear the bands in my head. And, the music of the bands is a far greater pleasure to me than the sound of the imaginary explosions that accompany the action figures when I view them. In short, many of the non-action figures make me smile internally. The combat figures, while very impressive, do not have this special effect on me.

I also collect Ancient Egyptians and when I view them, I am magically transported into much earlier times with people who feel and behave as we do in our everyday lives today, but they do so from a different cultural perspective, worshiping different dieties, and performing their customs and work with less sophisticated technology. Trying to imagine their lifestyles is a greater pleasure to me than trying to imagine the terror of burrowing deeply as possible in a foxhole in an attempt to survive the enemy's quest to kill you. The latter (combat poses) are exciting, but the former (non-combat poses) tell a completely different story, usually of more peaceful moments and, as with the Delhi Durbar, moments of celebration, relaxation, and great splendor.

And, that is why I like non-combat poses.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[VIRIATO]

Gentle Friends,

I have followed this thread with the greatest of interest. This thread is one of those special discussions that make me look inward and explore the reasons underlying some of my preferences. Let me explain.

I assume the term "non-action poses" references figures that do not depict soldiers engaged in combat. From my frame of reference, combat poses are exciting, I collect them, and I enjoy viewing them. They inspire the imagination with visions of desperate fighting, terror filled moments, and life and death struggles. In short, they tell an amazing story, but it is a story for which it is difficult for me to smile. I gaze at the action figures, the dioramas, and the vignettes with awe and respect, but...they do not make me smile inside.

As most of you know, I am, among other things, a Delhi Durbar collector. When I view these Durbar figures, I am able to imagine moments and events that brought joy to large numbers of people. The bright colors of these figures elevate my spirits and I can hear the bands in my head. And, the music of the bands is a far greater pleasure to me than the sound of the imaginary explosions that accompany the action figures when I view them. In short, many of the non-action figures make me smile internally. The combat figures, while very impressive, do not have this special effect on me.

I also collect Ancient Egyptians and when I view them, I am magically transported into much earlier times with people who feel and behave as we do in our everyday lives today, but they do so from a different cultural perspective, worshiping different dieties, and performing their customs and work with less sophisticated technology. Trying to imagine their lifestyles is a greater pleasure to me than trying to imagine the terror of burrowing deeply as possible in a foxhole in an attempt to survive the enemy's quest to kill you. The latter (combat poses) are exciting, but the former (non-combat poses) tell a completely different story, usually of more peaceful moments and, as with the Delhi Durbar, moments of celebration, relaxation, and great splendor.

And, that is why I like non-combat poses.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

I think you have just made a great case for non-action poses, which is not that much of a surprise because I do really enjoy the way you write at this Forum (and also your photos of what you've just said:wink2. These days I tend to agree with you: a great figure with a colorful uniform really makes my day, whether in a fighting pose or not.

Regards,
Paulo

 

[Currahee Chris]

Wonderful post Pat- thanks for saying this on my thread.

Gentle Friends,

I have followed this thread with the greatest of interest. This thread is one of those special discussions that make me look inward and explore the reasons underlying some of my preferences. Let me explain.

I assume the term "non-action poses" references figures that do not depict soldiers engaged in combat. From my frame of reference, combat poses are exciting, I collect them, and I enjoy viewing them. They inspire the imagination with visions of desperate fighting, terror filled moments, and life and death struggles. In short, they tell an amazing story, but it is a story for which it is difficult for me to smile. I gaze at the action figures, the dioramas, and the vignettes with awe and respect, but...they do not make me smile inside.

As most of you know, I am, among other things, a Delhi Durbar collector. When I view these Durbar figures, I am able to imagine moments and events that brought joy to large numbers of people. The bright colors of these figures elevate my spirits and I can hear the bands in my head. And, the music of the bands is a far greater pleasure to me than the sound of the imaginary explosions that accompany the action figures when I view them. In short, many of the non-action figures make me smile internally. The combat figures, while very impressive, do not have this special effect on me.

I also collect Ancient Egyptians and when I view them, I am magically transported into much earlier times with people who feel and behave as we do in our everyday lives today, but they do so from a different cultural perspective, worshiping different dieties, and performing their customs and work with less sophisticated technology. Trying to imagine their lifestyles is a greater pleasure to me than trying to imagine the terror of burrowing deeply as possible in a foxhole in an attempt to survive the enemy's quest to kill you. The latter (combat poses) are exciting, but the former (non-combat poses) tell a completely different story, usually of more peaceful moments and, as with the Delhi Durbar, moments of celebration, relaxation, and great splendor.

And, that is why I like non-combat poses.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[MapleLeaf]

I agree with u widepat
My biggest collection so far is
Beau Geste Delhi Durbar
My son calls it the non firing no tank collection
Very colorful very peaceful
Alwar carriage with the four elephants is awsome

 

[bromhead]

I enjoy the new Viet series,,remf warriors,,1st being the two fng types burning the full ,overflowing half barrels

 

[Al Fisher]

My father-in-law was killed in action during action in the Colmar Pocket in February 1944. (He was awarded the Silver Star posthumously.) My wife was only one at the time and, of course, has no memory of him. In deference to her, I have no troops in combat poses . . . only in parade formations.

So let me add an opposing thought. Who in the world would want to collect nazis given all the misery they caused. Hitler? Gestapo? Himmler? Have people no respect for history and all those who perished and otherwise suffered? End of sermon . . . please take the collection.

Al

 

[BLReed]

I like the behind the scenes look.......

I agree. I still laugh at some of the things my troops did. Here is one behind the
scene grouping I would like some manufacture to do. I'd get this one, but it is
a plastic kit and Germans.

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

My father-in-law was killed in action during action in the Colmar Pocket in February 1944. (He was awarded the Silver Star posthumously.) My wife was only one at the time and, of course, has no memory of him. In deference to her, I have no troops in combat poses . . . only in parade formations.

So let me add an opposing thought. Who in the world would want to collect nazis given all the misery they caused. Hitler? Gestapo? Himmler? Have people no respect for history and all those who perished and otherwise suffered? End of sermon . . . please take the collection.

Al

Hi Al...let me respond with the greatest respect for vets, and the sacrifices of service men and women and their families of any conflict. The question of manufacturing and collecting Nazi figures has been visited a number of times in various threads, but I think you will find that neither manufacturers nor collectors design or collect (respectively) these because of admiration for the political views and subsequent actions of this or any other group depicted in figure ranges.

If we were to eliminate ranges based on ideology or levels of brutality, there probably wouldn't be much left in any of the toy soldier ranges. I suspect that given national and cultural perspectives, some collectors from different parts of the world would find almost every nation (or military force) repugnant in some way...with the possible exception of Canadians (whom no one ever seems to despise ) Nazis are, of course, an extreme example, and I can understand why they generate such a strong emotional response. I think it is also important to make the distinction between the German World War II soldiers figures and Nazi political ideals, as being an enlisted German soldier did not necessarily reflect a political agenda.

There is an enormous following of collectors of WWII German armour. You can see from the many responses and expanding offerings of several manufacturers, and I believe (just guessing) that collector interest in this genre is partly due to the astonishing technological advancements made by the Germans during this period. Many of the vehicles depicted were innovations leading to global changes in warfare and from a historical perspective very engaging to collectors.

However, toy soldier collecting is many things to many people, and owning or displaying figures from any range rarely signifies a high regard for what war ultimately means or what particular armies represent. And this is where the emotional impact of our experiences (either direct or secondary) often conflicts with the intention of the manufactured range. If we are to be fair and objective to historical depictions, then all sides need to be represented. I can remember as a child playing with toy soldiers, and even then there had to be "good guys" and "bad guys"...just part of my cultural orientation, but I would have been at a loss without the "bad guys."

From a ceremonial perspective, there are some historical ranges that are difficult to ignore for their attention to pageantry (i.e., French Napoleonics and LAH Germans). And as ceremonial representations are an enormous part of the toy soldier tradition, it does not surprise me that these ranges continue to be popular.

So the one thing I would suggest is that those ranges that folks collect may have little to do with their admiration for the individuals, nations, or political parties depicted.

Most respectfully,

 

[thebritfarmer]

Could I perhaps turn the question on its head?

What's the appeal of the "Action" poses? Once you have (say) a dozen in Khaki or cammo, kneeling, firing, standing firing - well you all know the poses!

Would you want a roomful of such "samey" characters?

Hmmmm??? Boring?????

johnnybach:salute::

That's good Question jb !! (I am gonna split it and make it a seperate thread)

 

[Captain]

I collect both and like them both. Non-action figures are a nice diversion from the usual fighting scenes. I like to set up a scene of non combat figures around my armored vehicle collection to enhance them on display. It allows you to display them with hatches and doors open etc. And without opening up the can of worms about the cost of manufacturing plastic figures; I wish more non-action poses were available in plastic.