Why are we so German Crazy (2 Viewers)

[TomNT]

I think this jeep looks ok....:wink2:

Awesome mate!

Andy, please make this jeep loaded with the girls and i'll buy at least 2! {sm3} I know all the figures will load the price up but I reckon my Allied troops will be happy!!{sm4}

Tom

 

[Guy]

Perspectives are always a fascinating subject. Funny, when I was at West Point in the 60's I never saw all those brilliant accounts written by brilliant German officers, nor did I see anything but a footnote in the tactics section by Rommel or Manstein. Illusions are indeed intoxicating. As I have said before, perhaps so many of our "European Allies" who post on the Forum, have other motivations for the German products than 'They sell best"
h. hammer

For your information Mr Hammer, German stuff is more popular outside than inside Europe !!!!!!
guy

 

[wayne556517]

Awesome mate!

Andy, please make this jeep loaded with the girls and i'll buy at least 2! {sm3} I know all the figures will load the price up but I reckon my Allied troops will be happy!!{sm4}

Tom

Mate you do need a woman.........................:wink2:^&grin^&grin

 

[blue max]

Awesome mate!

Andy, please make this jeep loaded with the girls and i'll buy at least 2! {sm3} I know all the figures will load the price up but I reckon my Allied troops will be happy!!{sm4}

Tom

Yes ,Yes Andy we need some of these to help the troops effort...Ron :salute::{sm4}{sm4}

 

[binder001]

So how about:

The Dragon Wagon trailer
M29 Weasel
Dodge WC 56 Command Car ( Closed Version )
GMC CCKW 352 GMC short wheel base
GMC CCKW Workshop Vehicle
GMC CCKW 353 Wrecker
GMC CCKW 353 Tanker
Autocar U 7144T Truck Tractor
Federal 94X43A Truck Tractor
Refrigerated Semi Trailer
Diamond T 960A Wrecker
Ward La France Wrecker
Forward Control GMC AFKWX

Neat ideas Firebat. My favorite from your list would be the M29 "Weasel". That's the kind of vehicle that K&C can do a great job with. The vehicle is realtively small, and many photos show them with troops in or around them. The basic M29 (not the amphibious M29C) was used from Normandy through the end of the war. It served as a medevac, carried supplied across mud and snow, and helped lay commo lines across country, etc. Second choice would be the Dodge WC56, open or closed (hopefully both versions?).

Firebat, I can't say that I'd buy the refrigerated trailers, but I agree that some of the most fun dioramas and scenes don't involve actual fighting. In the not too far past we had a nice staff car with Eisenhower, but to help with the scene we need some extra staff officers (always toadies around generals), commo guys, etc. We also had some figures of Monty and Churchill, but again no staff types to pose with them. Add in the various MPs from both nations and other support vehicles and one can have an interesting scene.

 

[ExRanger]

Perspectives are always a fascinating subject. Funny, when I was at West Point in the 60's I never saw all those brilliant accounts written by brilliant German officers, nor did I see anything but a footnote in the tactics section by Rommel or Manstein. Illusions are indeed intoxicating. As I have said before, perhaps so many of our "European Allies" who post on the Forum, have other motivations for the German products than 'They sell best"
h. hammer

As somebody who lives near the Point and interacts with the cadre on the Point I have first hand knowledge that these are taught at the Academy. It may not be advertised as Manstein 101, but tactics of certain German commanders are discussed at great length. Even used during the first Gulf War. Being ex-military and having served in Germany myself, I have a great interest in the European battles of WW2 and having discussions with the staff. I've also had the honor and pleasure to have walked many of the European battlefields that we discuss. Not knocking your time at West Point, but the early 60's may have been too early to discuss German tactics since the end of WW2 was still close behind.

 

[Firebat]

Hi Guys,

Thanks to Firebat (Alex) for raising this interesting topic. If I may let me give you another perspective…

As both a collector and manufacturer I am interested in all fighting vehicles of World War Two – both Axis and Allied. I do my best to listen and read all kinds of suggestions and ideas from collectors, dealers and, occasionally, other manufacturers on what should, or indeed, could be produced at some later time. Then, when and where possible, I consult actual previous and current sales details and other data plus future release info on particular figures before deciding what our collectors and the market will most readily buy. Sometimes we get it wrong…most times, I humbly believe, we get it just about right.

Like all of you I also have my own preferences and prejudices however I try and contain these in the light of real facts and figures not just personal opinion.

To suggest, as Alex does, that some of us have our own mind about things is actually very true…Who on this forum and others does not? However to go on to say that “we don’t really listen” is perhaps an exaggeration based on the supposition that we may not always produce exactly what is in accordance with his or someone else’s particular wish.

Finally, as this great thread is in the King & Country section I am proud of the fact that our little company has, over the years, produced more Allied and Axis vehicles than the rest of our competitors combined!

Once again, Happy New Year guys and thankyou Alex for bringing the subject to the fore again.

With best wishes for 2014 and beyond!

Andy C.

Andy

I have to give credit where credit is due.


You have produced more than anyone else and I have all of them...Thanks.


I ask that you look at my list any maybe take a chance on one of the items I mentioned. Supply and maintenance is not glamorous on any side of a conflict, but for a diorama builder it can provide for interesting scenes. A maintenance truck, wrecker or one of the larger tractor trailer supply trucks would be really cool.


Thanks for Listening
Alex

 

[Poppo]

This is an excellent insight and one I think of often. As a student of history, I truly embrace the axiom that history is written by the victors, and I think that influences how we perceive historic events. We would all agree that the horrors perpetrated by the Nazi regime were inhuman and barbaric, and Hitler is used as the poster boy of evil incarnate. Why then, are the US Presidents in office during the Indian Wars in the west not viewed in the same light? There are shocking parallels. Like the Nazis, the US waged a war of aggression against an indigenous population widely viewed at the time as sub-human/Untermensch to gain living space/Lebensraum and natural resources. The US systematically brutalized, rounded up, and placed Indians on reservations/concentration camps. The casualty figures are probably pretty similar as well. However, since the US won, the stigma for these acts is not horrible and those in power at the time are not generally characterized as evil.

Anyway, food for thought and maybe too much of a thread drift.

Thank you! Nice to hear that, an historical consideration! And about the indians it is possible to use the word "genocide".

 

[johnnybach]

Awesome mate!

Andy, please make this jeep loaded with the girls and i'll buy at least 2! {sm3} I know all the figures will load the price up but I reckon my Allied troops will be happy!!{sm4}

Tom

Looks like the "shocks" are gone on the passenger side. ^&grinjb

 

[jager7080]

As somebody who lives near the Point and interacts with the cadre on the Point I have first hand knowledge that these are taught at the Academy. It may not be advertised as Manstein 101, but tactics of certain German commanders are discussed at great length. Even used during the first Gulf War. Being ex-military and having served in Germany myself, I have a great interest in the European battles of WW2 and having discussions with the staff. I've also had the honor and pleasure to have walked many of the European battlefields that we discuss. Not knocking your time at West Point, but the early 60's may have been too early to discuss German tactics since the end of WW2 was still close behind.

Don't see why the 60's would have been too early to discuss german tactics ? The USA had no problem with all the German scientist's taking over & running NASA...

Joe

 

[Jack]

Always on dangerous ground if the choice of range is assumed to to coincide with a political viewpoint. I collect Britains' Zulu range which I have been able to do without any mention from friends, family or other collectors of what that might mean in terms of my personal politics or attitudes toward race. I suspect some (many? most?) Zulus might see the subjugation by the British as an invasion little different from that experienced by various peoples throughout history. That said, I do understand why the Nazis are particularly reviled and why their actions are a byword for brutality and terror in a way that ensures that the deeds perpetrated in their name stand apart from many, if not most, other historical events. Nevertheless, an interesting question but one that may heat up rather quickly if assumptions are made too lightly.

Just to clarify what I mean here - I did not intend to suggest that I believe that British imperialism was comparable in a moral sense with Nazi Germany. I am not in the habit of downplaying what was certainly one of the great evils of the twentieth century by comparing it with an event from the previous century. The 'we did bad too' should not limit us from recognising the scale and moral bareness of the events of 1933 - 1945. Just thought I would add this. Not too sure if anyone took my comments that way but I just wanted to be sure.

 

[Desertkiwi]

Mate you do need a woman.........................:wink2:^&grin^&grin

.....I think he could do with a jeep-load just quietly{eek3}:wink2:{sm3}

 

[Desertkiwi]

Just to clarify what I mean here - I did not intend to suggest that I believe that British imperialism was comparable in a moral sense with Nazi Germany. I am not in the habit of downplaying what was certainly one of the great evils of the twentieth century by comparing it with an event from the previous century. The 'we did bad too' should not limit us from recognising the scale and moral bareness of the events of 1933 - 1945. Just thought I would add this. Not too sure if anyone took my comments that way but I just wanted to be sure.

All-good to me Jack, your original post made perfect sense to me mate!^&grin

 

[Desertkiwi]

This is an excellent insight and one I think of often. As a student of history, I truly embrace the axiom that history is written by the victors, and I think that influences how we perceive historic events. We would all agree that the horrors perpetrated by the Nazi regime were inhuman and barbaric, and Hitler is used as the poster boy of evil incarnate. Why then, are the US Presidents in office during the Indian Wars in the west not viewed in the same light? There are shocking parallels. Like the Nazis, the US waged a war of aggression against an indigenous population widely viewed at the time as sub-human/Untermensch to gain living space/Lebensraum and natural resources. The US systematically brutalized, rounded up, and placed Indians on reservations/concentration camps. The casualty figures are probably pretty similar as well. However, since the US won, the stigma for these acts is not horrible and those in power at the time are not generally characterized as evil.

Anyway, food for thought and maybe too much of a thread drift.

Nice post even though it might ruffle some feathers.......to be honest though I think most countries have some forgettable history tucked away. One can only hope we learn from the mistakes of our fore-fathers otherwise it has this nasty habit of repeating itself........

 

[TomNT]

.....I think he could do with a jeep-load just quietly{eek3}:wink2:{sm3}

The more the merrier mate and they don't have to come in a jeep! {sm3}{sm4}

Tom

 

[Jack]

Just to clarify what I mean here - I did not intend to suggest that I believe that British imperialism was comparable in a moral sense with Nazi Germany. I am not in the habit of downplaying what was certainly one of the great evils of the twentieth century by comparing it with an event from the previous century. The 'we did bad too' should not limit us from recognising the scale and moral bareness of the events of 1933 - 1945. Just thought I would add this. Not too sure if anyone took my comments that way but I just wanted to be sure.

Just to clarify a further point - I can spell barrenness.

 

[Desertkiwi]

The more the merrier mate and they don't have to come in a jeep! {sm3}{sm4}

Tom

Will a canoe full of Kiwi shella's do mate?......I'll make sure they some nice cold NZ beer as a sweet'na:tongue:^&grin

 

[RPZ]

Don't see why the 60's would have been too early to discuss german tactics ? The USA had no problem with all the German scientist's taking over & running NASA...

Joe

German commanders were writing post-war analysis papers in the 1950s. Von De Heydte wrote one that was published on Airborne troop operations.

 

[marco55]

I am in to ACW collecting. I have no WW II figures. But I am thinking about that new Sherman that K&C has put out for a small dio. I read all posts on the form and have seen the obsession alot of collectors have with the Germans. It seems to Me there is more Germans than allies or Americans. Correct Me if I am wrong. Thanks

That's like the ACW the Rebs always out sell the Yanks.
Mark

 

[RPZ]

Always on dangerous ground if the choice of range is assumed to to coincide with a political viewpoint. I collect Britains' Zulu range which I have been able to do without any mention from friends, family or other collectors of what that might mean in terms of my personal politics or attitudes toward race. I suspect some (many? most?) Zulus might see the subjugation by the British as an invasion little different from that experienced by various peoples throughout history. That said, I do understand why the Nazis are particularly reviled and why their actions are a byword for brutality and terror in a way that ensures that the deeds perpetrated in their name stand apart from many, if not most, other historical events. Nevertheless, an interesting question but one that may heat up rather quickly if assumptions are made too lightly.

Along this line of thinking I do not share the automatic association of the Nazi party and it's immoral idealogical progressions with the German military culture. The party zealots were not popular and were even less so as the war progressed. Ultimately, the average German soldier fought for their country, their families, fellow soldiers in the foxholes, and for their lives.