Will any current collectors of John's FIW not pursue Khartoum? (1 Viewer)

[mikemiller1955]

I'm wondering if any of John's loyal, die hard FIW collectors or fans are a little surprised or confused at the direction of this new range?

I'm also wondering if they feel it is not in the realm (FIW-7YW) of what originally drew them to collect Jenkins?

Previously dealing with the 7 Years War series (with the exception of Chippewa)...this new series is quite a stretch from what first attracted me to John's work.

I'm not saying I won't buy it (or will for that matter)...but I feel I now have to have to see the figures first, whereas I didn't before...

Some time ago, he had told me he had grown complacent doing the same stuff...so I guess I should have seen some change coming...I just assumed whatever it was...it would be something in the 7 Years War though.

I love all his series...but never collected POA...pehaps now I will start.

Not saying yes or no yet....

John has been really good to me...really good...

but this sure wasn't what I was expecting.

 

[marco55]

I mostly collect FIW but always had a stong interests in late 19th cen.colonial wars so I will see how this range looks.Also Britains is also starting a Sudan range and I want to see theirs before I make a decision.I'll be honest like I said before the painting and sculpting are great except for one thing and that is the faces.Every manufacturer has their own style and maybe this is John's but his faces turn a lot of people off to his products.Maybe this is done on purpose because he doesn't want too many people collecting his figures so he doesn't have to make 1000's of each set.I don't know but in this day when a lot of collectors are demanding more and more realism I think this hurts him.I still collect most of the BOS line but I don't think I'll get the Rogers set.The animation is good but Rogers face really stands out.IMO.
Mark

 

[mikemiller1955]

I mostly collect FIW but always had a stong interests in late 19th cen.colonial wars so I will see how this range looks.Also Britains is also starting a Sudan range and I want to see theirs before I make a decision.I'll be honest like I said before the painting and sculpting are great except for one thing and that is the faces.Every manufacturer has their own style and maybe this is John's but his faces turn a lot of people off to his products.Maybe this is done on purpose because he doesn't want too many people collecting his figures so he doesn't have to make 1000's of each set.I don't know but in this day when a lot of collectors are demanding more and more realism I think this hurts him.I still collect most of the BOS line but I don't think I'll get the Rogers set.The animation is good but Rogers face really stands out.IMO.
Mark

Mark.....not to critique his style of faces...but it is his own signature style..... which I have personally always liked...it is a primative, hard and craggy look...that's his style...It struck a chord in me the first time I saw some...some people like the heavy gloss look on their soldiers...some like the matte...some like the museum pieces and some like the dollied figures with rosy cheeks...to each his own...I'm sure Btitains will do an excellent job as will John.

Like you...I'm also enamored with the FIW and this new series threw me for a loop. In the past...I have eagerly awaited releases...but I'm just a little lost here and will really have to be swayed to make this move...I will continue to buy B of M's, SS's, ST. F's, Jacobites and 1812....I'm just not sure I want to get into a Sudan series...I don't feel the spark yet..the figures will tell me what to do when I see them...this may be an opportunity to finally collect the POA which I had avoided due the the enormity of the series. Well see....

 

[marco55]

Another reason I only collect BOS is the cost.I just can't afford all the ranges.When BOS ends I may go to something else.I don't know yet.
Mark

 

[jomartvr]

Hi Mike,
I was drawn to John's line because of his initial emphasis on the FIW. Personally, I was hoping that John's new series would focus on 18th century India. That said the new Khartoum range sounds very interesting; and given the excellent quality of his figures I will not doubt purchase a few pieces. I would like to see John sell singles as it is expensive to purchase 3 figure sets.
Benjamin

 

[old tank]

MIKE. I was also a little dissapointed in the new series. I was hoping for more on this side of the atlantic like BUSHY RUN BATTLE OF FALLEN TIMBERS PONTIACS REB. I was hoping for more indians IROQUOIS ect. Well i still have BOM. 1812 ST. FRANCIS S.SHOES AND PLAINS ABRAHAM. Will look at new brit.soldiers. GOOD luck JOHN with new line I have not been dissapoited with anything you made for us so far. THANK YOU J.JENKINS

 

[APACHEJOL]

I'm wondering if any of John's loyal, die hard FIW collectors or fans are a little surprised or confused at the direction of this new range?

I'm also wondering if they feel it is not in the realm (FIW-7YW) of what originally drew them to collect Jenkins?

Previously dealing with the 7 Years War series (with the exception of Chippewa)...this new series is quite a stretch from what first attracted me to John's work.

I'm not saying I won't buy it (or will for that matter)...but I feel I now have to have to see the figures first, whereas I didn't before...

Some time ago, he had told me he had grown complacent doing the same stuff...so I guess I should have seen some change coming...I just assumed whatever it was...it would be something in the 7 Years War though.

I love all his series...but never collected POA...pehaps now I will start.

Not saying yes or no yet....

John has been really good to me...really good...

but this sure wasn't what I was expecting.

I have been thinking the SAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A little confused!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I am not knocking John or the collectors who like this time period but JJ lost me here. FIW is what made me collect him now move on to a time period that in my opinion will have few collectors. Maybe alot on this forum but collectors worldwided who do not participate in forums? Go back to the FIW and make what sells for you? K@C keeps making WWII seems to work well for them. To say the least very disappointed believe it or not hoping Conte comes out with some new rangers and indians I just about wrote that company off. Dazed, Confused and disappointed!

 

[Jagdpanther]

If I was still collecting Jenkins figures, I would not be interested in this new range.

 

[The Military Workshop]

Interesting to note the reaction to this series.
Will certainly be interesting to see how it goes.
I note that most who have commented are from North America and obviously JJ's ranges so far (apart from Culloden) have covered North America. This would also be John's biggest market.
Being from UK originally I am well aware of Gordon and Khartoum but to many he will be unknown. I think there will be a few forum members seeking out the Charlton Heston movie, including me as not seen it for a long time.
I like the period but I can understand why US/Canadian collectors might not be so enthusiatic.
In any event I wish JJ all the best for the series.
Regards
Brett

 

[chalklands]

My two pennies for what it’s worth.
John has brought out completely new ranges for the last two years: 1812 and Jacobites. Which I think is only natural for a manufacturer. I don’t think he’s looking to stop making FIW, in fact there are sub ranges in the FIW that have evolved over that time (Indian Village, Ranger’s camp etc, which although are part of the Raid on St Francis seem to have developed out of that series). If FIW generates a lot of sales then I can’t see he would stop developing this era. However not everybody collects FIW, so I think he needs to visit other eras that may attract new collectors to his product. Other manufacturers bring out new ranges all the time and don’t seem to attract criticism...

I am personally excited by the Khartoum/Sudan series, as I think it has been comprehensively covered in Gloss but hardly at all in Matte, and is an era that interests me.
.
I’m sure next year he will visit another completely different era so I expect similar discussions to this will be going on then as well.

At the end of the day collect what you want…It’s a free world. If you don’t like something, don’t buy it!

 

[PolarBear]

One thing that ties John's subjects together including the Khartoum series is that they represent an historic overview of the history of the British Empire whether the opponents be the French and Indians, Scots (Jacobite), Americans (1812). or Egyptians (Khartoum). John is also very serious about doing Clive in India with yet another British conflict with another indigenous opponent. Think of this as "Types of the British Empire" in matte. John like all good toy soldier makers believes in diversification of subjects to bring more collectors into the hobby.

 

[chalklands]

One thing that ties John's subjects together including the Khartoum series is that they represent an historic overview of the history of the British Empire whether the opponents be the French and Indians, Scots (Jacobite), Americans (1812). or Egyptians (Khartoum). John is also very serious about doing Clive in India with yet another British conflict with another indigenous opponent. Think of this as "Types of the British Empire" in matte. John like all good toy soldier makers believes in diversification of subjects to bring more collectors into the hobby.

Or the Sudanese!

 

[PolarBear]

Or the Sudanese!

Sorry that is whom I meant. I just finished a series of multiple posts on the Egyptians at Tel-El-Kebir and had them on the brain. At Khartoum, of course, they (the Egyptians) were allied with the British as shown in John's Gordon scene.

 

[chalklands]

Sorry that is whom I meant. I just finished a series of multiple posts on the Egyptians at Tel-El-Kebir and had them on the brain. At Khartoum, of course, they (the Egyptians) were allied with the British as shown in John's Gordon scene.

Actually Randy, the second Anglo Egyptian war is a conflict I know very little about. Can you recommend any reading on that subject? Or have you already done so in your posts?

The Battle of Toski (1889) is also interesting - Mahdists v Egyptians and only one squadron of British troops (20th Hussars).

 

[mikemiller1955]

I'm sure that whatever series or range John does...they will be very attractive figures. I'm sure Khartoum will be gorgeous.

I started collecting his series because I was drawn to his FIW figures... simply because they pushed my buttons.

John had told me months ago that Bushy Run and Ticonderoga had been considerations of his for a long time........but that he wanted to do something new...never saying he wouldn't do them...but that he wanted to expand away from them maybe.

Again...except for Chippewa...all his series were 7 Years War campaigns.

As closure to the series...I assumed Clive in India would be the next series...it marked the end of the 7 Years War. It made sense to me.

I think I would have been more receptive and welcomed...or at least expected Clive more that Khartoum.

If not Clive...I was hoping for a stateside campaign of some obscure (maybe smaller) engagement from the 7 Year War of FIW era.

Imperial Britain had their foot in almost every country in the world at one time or another. I'm not particularly keen on buying figures to all of the British Empires conflicts.

I never wanted to chase Britain's conquests throughout history...I wanted to stay focused in North America or the 7 Years War.

All I'm saying is that this came out of left field...I was really surprised...honestly I was shocked. I would have never guessed Khartoum.

Honestly...even the people that are enthusiastic over the Sudanese range must be a little surprised in this choice.

I'm an ardent JJ collector...I buy multiple, multiple sets and have every series (with the exception of POA) that John has produced.

I buy all his pieces, from Ranger's tents to whaleboats, from canoes to forts...from Christmas sets to cabins...the only thing I'm missing is a blockhouse and a BM01.

John is a great guy and has done so many personal favors for me I can't list them all here.

I'm sure he will do a SPECTACULAR job on Khartoum...it just doesn't arouse me as much as the FIW......and I'm just saying I'm really surprised in this direction.

I'm not ruling them out...I'm just a little perplexed at this choice.

I may end up being one of his biggest supporters once I see the releases.

I'm just venting a little frustration here.....lol.

Of course....people can choose to collect whatever they choose.

 

[whdamon]

PJ and I will diplomatically pick John's mind today concerning the Khartoum choice....I'm sure he has some good reason. Can't say I am excited about it at the Expense of more F&IW, but good to see some risk and unpredictbiltiy in future series as it may just shake me out of a mold and perk some interest in a new arena (and to be fair....I keep thinking about how some of those new K&C desert buildings might look with this series)

 

[PolarBear]

I'm sure that whatever series or range John does...they will be very attractive figures. I'm sure Khartoum will be gorgeous.

I started collecting his series because I was drawn to his FIW figures... simply because they pushed my buttons.

John had told me months ago that Bushy Run and Ticonderoga had been considerations of his for a long time........but that he wanted to do something new...never saying he wouldn't do them...but that he wanted to expand away from them maybe.

Again...except for Chippewa...all his series were 7 Years War campaigns.

As closure to the series...I assumed Clive in India would be the next series...it marked the end of the 7 Years War. It made sense to me.

I think I would have been more receptive and welcomed...or at least expected Clive more that Khartoum.

If not Clive...I was hoping for a stateside campaign of some obscure (maybe smaller) engagement from the 7 Year War of FIW era.

Imperial Britain had their foot in almost every country in the world at one time or another. I'm not particularly keen on buying figures to all of the British Empires conflicts.

I never wanted to chase Britain's conquests throughout history...I wanted to stay focused in North America or the 7 Years War.

All I'm saying is that this came out of left field...I was really surprised...honestly I was shocked. I would have never guessed Khartoum.

Honestly...even the people that are enthusiastic over the Sudanese range must be a little surprised in this choice.

I'm an ardent JJ collector...I buy multiple, multiple sets and have every series (with the exception of POA) that John has produced.

I buy all his pieces, from Ranger's tents to whaleboats, from canoes to forts...from Christmas sets to cabins...the only thing I'm missing is a blockhouse and a BM01.

John is a great guy and has done so many personal favors for me I can't list them all here.

I'm sure he will do a SPECTACULAR job on Khartoum...it just doesn't arouse me as much as the FIW......and I'm just saying I'm really surprised in this direction.

I'm not ruling them out...I'm just a little perplexed at this choice.

I may end up being one of his biggest supporters once I see the releases.

I'm just venting a little frustration here.....lol.

Of course....people can choose to collect whatever they choose.

John told me that Africa has always been a passion and that he visited the country and has always wanted to do a series related to the continent. Hence his 28mm African Gun boats. The Siege of Khartoum will be a trial series with perhaps 15 figures and the stairs where Gordon was killed. First set will be out in December.

 

[mikemiller1955]

John told me that Africa has always been a passion and that he visited the country and has always wanted to do a series related to the continent. Hence his 28mm African Gun boats. The Siege of Khartoum will be a trial series with perhaps 15 figures and the stairs where Gordon was killed. First set will be out in December.

Big or small....I'm sure it will be a beautiful series....however...this was a huge conflict in proportion to John's other endeavors.

The Dervish alone numbered between 30-50K...so it seems like he would need to make a huge series.....similar to POA or B of M to do it justice and complete it.

Throw in British, Egyptian and celebrity figures....I don't see how 15 figures can do it justice.

 

[PolarBear]

Big or small....I'm sure it will be a beautiful series....however...this was a huge conflict in proportion to John's other endeavors.

The Dervish alone numbered between 30-50K...so it seems like he would need to make a huge series.....similar to POA or B of M to do it justice and complete it.

Throw in British, Egyptian and celebrity figures....I don't see how 15 figures can do it justice.

Right now John is only doing what happened at Khartoum on January 26, 1885 and Gordon's Last Stand--basically a vignette with about 15 figures including Gordon to test the waters. If the line catches on he will add to it. He is interested in doing a Nile Gunboat (most likely through the JJ Collectors Club). Remember he is only doing one battle for 1812 and the FIW was broken down into discrete battles--BOS being a small one in the context of the war, for example. Somerset Ltd covered the Gordon subject with 18 figures.

http://somersetltd.com/gordon.html

Mike you have a huge British Empire Zulu collection too

 

[Dragoon]

More interested in the battles involving the Relief Column, battles of Tamai and Abu Klea. Lots of camels & cavalry, Highlanders & Hadendoa.

If the focus is just Gordon and his last stand at Khartoum - I think I'll pass and continue to try and catch up with other series of John's that I'm now collecting.