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Post by waynew on Jan 27, 2018 20:13:10 GMT
I've been anticipating these for a loooooong time - almost as much as Pommeranian Piccolo Players!
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Post by waynew on Jan 27, 2018 2:52:38 GMT
No less than two months, I think, to give time for folks to learn, skull it out, budget, then take the plunge. There have been some good points made. On the other hand there are good arguments not to take too long to do your business and move on, so to speak. There comes a point when HaT can see the trickle of contributors grows to a flood and then ebbs back to a trickle and realizes the venture is either a "go" or not.
Several have mentioned having a "Time Scale" or projected completion date/time, I guess when the product will finally reach our hands. I believe establishing a set contribution time moves us a long way toward meeting that goal. I also think now that the trail has been blazed, so to speak, we can look forward to a shorter time from beginning to end of a project. Of course there are always those unforeseen events.
I don't know if this has been addressed or not, and if so, my apologies. But what are the possibilities of setting a date to determine whether the project is a go and then once the minimum amount has been reached to move the project ahead it might be possible to allow others to contribute? Perhaps there be something like extra bonus figures or special price for earlier investors as an incentive to get in on the ground floor?
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Post by waynew on Jan 21, 2018 16:54:05 GMT
I just did some rough calculations and widening the definition of "Napoleonic Highlander" to be any regiment presumed to be issued a kilt I have come up with 14 regiments out of 135, 15 if you include the Scotch Brigade to be renumbered and disbanded as the 94th Foot. So every Toy Soldier manufacturers is fine with making new figures if it represents at least 11.11 % of the total infantry. And even if you ignore that about half the Highland regiments lost their kilts in 1809 the regiments after 104th hardly saw any active service at all the percentage of Highland units fall to 10.58 ! Hungarian Infantry where 23.43% of Austria's Line Infantry Regiments, wore pointed cuffs with laced buttons holes, as opposed to the plain square cuffs of the German Regiments and wore the Hungarian Knot and side stripe braiding as opposed to the leggings of the Germans. Yes, you can paint the details of the Hungarian leggings on the figures but the figures would look just a bit smarter if they had the correct cuffs and button-lace on the tunic that make them Hungarians. Jordan, there is no disputing your facts concerning the under or over-representation of certain types of units in the hobby. For better or worse, it doesn't seem to affect either output or demand for such units on the market. I am currently re-structuring as I add to my Highland regiments in my British "Army." I discover even as I "retire" older and obsolete figures with honor I will still have way too many troops to fit in my representation of Highland regiments. So, I change my TO&E or create imaginary units - or... It is the nature of the beast. (sigh...)
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Post by waynew on Jan 19, 2018 14:55:29 GMT
One mounted would do, I think. Perhaps the color bearer we need repeating as you would need one for the national colors and another for the regimental colors. After that, officer on foot.
For me (and I tend to run in the minority, so...) I think the Hardee Hat (sadly, as I always liked the style) would be the least useful as I think about it. Very few regiments really wore it in its regulation styling (the Iron Brigade comes to mind) - particularly as the war wore on. The hat might have been worn by some officers. The kepis and felt (or brimmed hats if you prefer) would have seen wider use. The kepi saw wider use in both armies by both rank and file and officers and having at least two (beard and clean shaven) is almost a necessity. One could even justify a third sculpt with mustache.
I'd love to have Hardee Hats to do a decent Iron Brigade (but one would expect also frock coats and gaiters) as well as the occasional dandy (figure of speech) who went to war in style, but if one of the heads had to go, that would be the one I'd reluctantly choose. JMO.
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Post by waynew on Jan 19, 2018 0:55:44 GMT
At this scale I figure I can paint the differences between the two uniforms. JMO.
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Post by waynew on Jan 18, 2018 17:28:28 GMT
I don't think ANYONE - even the makers - are fond of crowdfunding projects; probably for many of the same reasons. It seems right now to be a necessary evil considering the current market conditions as well as recent history for HaT.
But HaT IS on the mend and for some of us who have been here since the start and are fans of their figures this is ONE way of getting long awaited sets in our hands finally. Otherwise we could sit on our wallets (or our hands) and let them fold and the sets (and the dreams behind them) die forever. I think this would be a shame for the hobby.
What another company is or isn't doing is really irrelevant in some ways. I applaud the improvement in quality and have scooped up several boxes of some of their new improved stuff. True, there are those who will stock up on the other company's offerings - or have tons of the older stuff (as have I) - but the HaT offerings in my mind will supplement and augment what is already out there. A case in point, I was lucky (smart?) enough to buy a whole potload of their Peninsular British Command sets. I've used at least two or three boxes supplementing the command units supplied with the other company's sets.
With the ACW one set has only longer frock coats - HaT's will have shell jackets - there are gaps to fill. I think we as the collectors benefit through choice.
The producer, in this case HaT will benefit by not spending a ton of money and wasting time producing a set for which there is little or no demand. With the current situation being what it is crowdfunding appears to be a way to solve a couple problems. Again, we, as consumers, have a choice to participate or not. I've been disappointed when sets I wanted didn't fly - at the same time, some of us are on the verge of seeing long-awaited sets arrive in the mail we might not otherwise have seen.
I'm glad HaT has found a way to keep functioning. Hopefully, better times await.
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Post by waynew on Jan 17, 2018 14:09:57 GMT
I agree new figures should match Accurate/Imex/Revell we've had enough problems with two "different" 54mm scales and scale creep in 1/72.
As to bonus figures I like the Armistead suggestion - at the same time a casualty figure or two or even a litter bearer team would be great; the last time anything similar was even attempted was the ESCI set, I think.
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Post by waynew on Jan 9, 2018 3:31:38 GMT
I would think the process of crowd-funding will move along a bit speedier now that it has been experimented with, tried, and some of the kinks worked out. The next project(s) should be faster than the first and the next one after that even faster as corrections are made and the system is made more efficient. Just a thought.
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Post by waynew on Jan 5, 2018 15:40:17 GMT
That is good news; it looks like the ol' HaT machine is gearing up. Our patience will be rewarded.
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Post by waynew on Jan 4, 2018 21:22:25 GMT
The following order is great for me: 1. POMMERANIAN PICCOLO PLAYERS
then, it this order:
-American revolution sets -ACW marching -ACW wagon -7YW Austrians -Napoleonic Austrians -Napoleonic Russians -Prussian Ammo Wagon -Bavarian Ammo Wagon
After that... it doesn't matter. Actually, if I could get Pommeranian Piccolo Players I'd be happy...
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Post by waynew on Jan 3, 2018 3:02:10 GMT
Donald,
It wasn't my intent to alienate anyone with my post or offend. I just tend to be blunt - it's just the old Army sergeant and son of a sergeant in me. As I said, it is often hard to discern tone on these forums. I agree with you; I miss the good ol' days when we used to discuss all sorts of historical subjects - but too many folks couldn't behave so a lot of conversation was shut down. All I was trying to do was call for some consideration toward our host(s), who are working hard to bring HaT back from the brink and continue to bring us the tiny figures we crave so much.
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Post by waynew on Jan 3, 2018 2:48:07 GMT
Exciting news! Been wondering whether to go ahead and paint my 7YW Prussians or not; this has made up my mind.
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Post by waynew on Jan 1, 2018 22:27:39 GMT
I constantly see carping on the difference between HaT and HaT' output and blah, blah, blah. What is the point except to troll? "Carping"? Really? This seems to be rather offensive. And as for "to troll", well that leaves little doubt. i find I have an opinion. Is it ok with you to express it? i find HaTs output to be slow. I'm glad you're happy. I'm not entirely......and I'm NOT a troll. I don't think I had any one particular person or post in mind - definitely not yours - when I posted my comment; I generally find myself in agreement with many of your comments. Rather my comment was directed to the seemingly constant comparisons between Hat and HaT that goes on throughout the hobby on this and other forums and the incessant complaints over "lack of updates" "poor communications" and wait for desired products. It's not like the reasons for said circumstances haven't been explained numerous times in numerous places in a multitude of ways. As I said, I am happy that HaT, as a company survives, and as said by someone else is managing a respectable rate of production - even if a particular set I desire isn't immediately available. As for HaT output vs Hat's - hasn't that been explained again and again? In my opinion is it's rather a waste of time as it is comparing apples to oranges in my opinion. And while I respect others' opinions - pardon me if I think (again, my opinion) that some of it is complaining for the sake of complaining ("carping"). And folks who do that in my opinion are acting like trolls - that's "trolling." Now, in the cold black and white of the internet one cannot get subtle nuances behind the words - one can only read the words so I really cannot tell who has sincere concern for the welfare of this or that company, much less who is "carping" or "trolling." I leave that up to the individual to decide. As the saying goes, "if the shoe fits, wear it, if not..." Again, I was just expressing an opinion on the constant debate over issues that have been discussed over and over again; I really don't think any of it's worth really getting riled about - except the folks from ALL the companies who put their substance and even health on the line to bring us the toy soldiers of their (and our) dreams I think deserve a little understanding and co-operation. In the last couple of years I've lost at least two men whom I knew and had grown fond of who made toy soldiers, I know of a couple more whose health had been damaged due to strokes or other issues - yes, there are probably other causes - but the one common factor was they all ran "Mom and Pop" companies dedicated to producing toy soldiers and playsets. I don't think constructive criticism designed to improve a product is out of line; as has been mentioned elsewhere, HaT does what it can to invite feedback and input from its customers. So no insult intended but as I said, if the shoe fits...
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Post by waynew on Dec 31, 2017 21:05:56 GMT
I see no real "competition" between the two - rather a complimentary relationship. I rejoice at the improvement in HaT' product and have bought several sets. They don't replace my sets, but rather supplement and augment (though I am in the middle of re-painting my highlanders and I think I may retire my decades-old Airfix highlanders with due honors). The proposed Landwehr set definitely won't affect my purchase of HaT's sets even if I didn't already have numerous sets on "pre-order" through crowdfunding. Even though I have a BUNCH of HaT sets coming (as I rolled over the money from a cancelled project to the Prussians) it probably won't affect the number of HaT' sets I'd buy. If the sets are compatible I can mix them for variety of poses; if not (and the HaT' sets are as good as the recent output has been) - they will form separate units in my Prussian Army. It WAS a large force afterall.
I constantly see carping on the difference between HaT and HaT' output and blah, blah, blah. What is the point except to troll? It is obvious they have different business models and situations that have been explained ad nauseum. If the folks at HaT had their own plant and more direct control over the production process or even could mold their product on the SAME continent I imagine it would speed up the process and remove hickups along the way. But as the kids say, "It is what it is."
I am happy that with everything that has happened the last year or two, H hasn't given up on the business - or us - and remains committed to giving his customers - US! - high quality product that guys my age didn't even dare to dream of having one day. If I really thought, or if we had any reason to believe some of the delays were due to neglect or a lack of diligence on the part of the HaT folks I'd say we had reason to complain; but the facts disprove that notion in my mind.
I think there are over 100 HaT sets currently available past and newer issues - that's hardly dead. I have been a HaT fan since its inception with no apologies; but I have rooted for HaT because they have had some great ideas over the past 20 years that have been total failures (IMHO) in execution. The last year has seen a revolution in the quality of their output; no disloyalty to HaT, but I gladly bought several of their new sets and am waiting for the latest releases to hit my favorite seller.
As consumers/collectors/gamers let's take a look at the state of this corner of the hobby. We have seen Airfix kind of exist with a living death, Zvezda pretty much come and go as far as full 1/72 sets are concerned, Red Box and Mars doing what they do (not my eras, so...) and some other minor companies making an appearance. Italeri and Waterloo hit and miss - with HaT stepping up its game and HaT getting back on its feet we will have two companies putting out quality figures at a rate at least I can absorb. For that I am grateful.
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Post by waynew on Dec 31, 2017 20:45:56 GMT
You should see some great shots of the HaT Moors and El Cid line; I know I did a series of pix with them painted as Crusaders, etc.; and there were much better painters than I whose work was on there, too. 'Give you an idea of the possibilities. Waaiiit a minute, can't the Crusaders double as Normans? Those with the kite shields? Can I finally begin on my Hastings dio? The HaT figures covering the Norman invasion is horrible...Also while I'm at it, the Moors as ancient Persians? For sure; I've used the Spanish/Crusaders for Normans - they're useful for just about any Western European of the era I should think and a few might work for Eastern European, as well, depending on how pedantic one wants to be. My philosophy is, "they're my soldiers, I'll do what I want with them; if I want to have them storming the beaches at Normandy in my games and setups it's no one's business..." Of course, I like a bit more authenticity but to each his own. As far as the Peninsular British Cavalry - another example of HaT listening to us. I always figure the reason there aren't updates is: a) there's nothing to report. b) we're looking in the wrong place. c) we just need a reason to complain. d) all the above?
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Post by waynew on Dec 29, 2017 2:45:31 GMT
You should see some great shots of the HaT Moors and El Cid line; I know I did a series of pix with them painted as Crusaders, etc.; and there were much better painters than I whose work was on there, too. 'Give you an idea of the possibilities.
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Post by waynew on Dec 27, 2017 6:37:03 GMT
Two yesses to that question. Their El Cid Spanish make great Crusaders, too.
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Post by waynew on Nov 12, 2017 22:46:36 GMT
With greatcoated figures sometimes it's the length that makes a difference - with the Brits for example there was a capelike portion (don't know the name off the top of my head) - with other armies you have to watch the headgear - style of shakos. Head swaps would switch these figures to early era French if you didn't look too closely. It really depends on how particular you are, I suppose. I like to be as close as possible within reason, but at the same time when you think about it - they're your guys; if you wanted to take some World War 2 US GIs and say they're French and can live with that - more power to you.
It's what I've been doing for Pommeranian Piccolo Players all these many, many years...
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Post by waynew on Nov 12, 2017 22:34:32 GMT
Not if you did an "historical" representation rather than a cinematic one, I should think.
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Post by waynew on Nov 10, 2017 7:26:37 GMT
I actually prefer separate heads with different headgear - such as the Peninsular Brits. I ended up buying several sets - enough to get enough heads with Belgique shakos to field a couple "regiments" of 1815 campaign figures and still have enough with the stovepipe shakos for a decent Peninsular contingent.
Thanks for the tips on the Prussians - I imagine I'll have to get to them someday... But with new Nappies coming out now they keep getting put to the backburner.
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Post by waynew on Nov 9, 2017 22:18:11 GMT
I've been on the record as being a great fan of KISS (Keep it Simple Sucker). I've had problems - particularly at this scale with small fiddly parts. I've never been a fan - if I wanted a "MODEL" I'd still be into models. Some sets have turned me off because of the difficulty factor of putting them together. With my aging hands it's even more of a turn-off.
Now, having said that - I have no problem with separate packs - it's not that fiddly a deal the way HaT has done them and it gives us the flexibility of having troops moving to engagement without time to ground their packs or being realistically depicted in a set engagement without packs - as was the case in reality. As others have already said - it makes for a nicer figure, too. As far as the "missing" straps on the backs of the figures at 1/72 scale one can always just paint them in - if one paints and if one doesn't - who cares?
As for separate heads vs headgear, I've been staring at my 7YW Prussians for at least a couple years and their headgear and have to admit I always manage to find another project more pressing. But, as with the pack issue - I can concur that final cost outlay of production should be the final decider as far as I'm concerned. We've dealt with "improper" troops marching into battle with heavy "rucks" on their backs since I was a child - we can continue a bit longer.
These are small matters in the broader scheme of things and as one who remembers the "good ol' days" when we didn't have each individual country and even various regiments represented, I have learned to make do. This is better than making do.
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Post by waynew on Nov 7, 2017 1:45:45 GMT
I've been asking for Pommeranian Piccolo Players a LOT longer than you for Landwehr Cavalry OR Austrian Infantry - but I would gladly join in crowdfunding for either or both... With Pommeranian Piccolo Player bonus figures, obviously. Or rapturous tavern wenches - both?
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Post by waynew on Nov 5, 2017 19:40:10 GMT
I've been asking for Pommeranian Piccolo Players a LOT longer than you for Landwehr Cavalry OR Austrian Infantry - but I would gladly join in crowdfunding for either or both...
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Post by waynew on Nov 5, 2017 19:32:54 GMT
My grandfather used to say, "If you haven't anything worth saying best be quiet." I guess that could be taken to mean if one doesn't have anything new or meaningful to add to the conversation don't say anything. My grandfather was a man of few words - but when he did say something it was usually worth listening to - either wise or funny.
I think, with good reason, that HaT tries to follow that. With the lines of communication being what they are, as frustrating as it can be, the truth of the matter is that HaT is silent often because there IS nothing new to report. How many of us remember the pre-internet days when we relied on mailing lists or (for me) having to call a long-distant retailer to find out the latest on new offerings? I think we've become spoiled (and I include myself in that "we") - and I KNOW it was HaT who helped spoil us with the forum and their site; the first I remember being hosted by a company to inform and get feedback from its customers. HaT might have had its site up earlier, I don't know, I found their site after I discovered HaT's.
Perhaps the solution might be for HaT to host a page where they list all the past, present, and future sets with updates as to the progress on each set. Wait a minute! They HAVE that! The only improvement on that might be for them to update it every week (probably not enough - how about daily?) - The entire list updated:
UPDATES: 11/01/17 11/01/17 11/02/17 11/02/17 8201 No news Nothing Nope Zilch 8202 No news Nothing Nope Uh uh 8203 Sold out Still sold out Forget About it Sorry 8204 Mold lost Still missing Looking Forget about it...
But it our friends at HaT did that they wouldn't have time to MAKE more figures; that would cause more angst. Kind of a vicious cycle - ain't it?
All kidding aside, I would love to have more news myself - but I realize I've been dealing with HaT some twenty years (at least) and over that time they have proven themselves to not only be sensitive to the needs and wants of their consumers, but also dedicated to providing quality product at a reasonable price. There have been some bumps in the road recently - already discussed. They have earned my trust, but we have to realize there is only so much humans can reasonably do.
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Post by waynew on Oct 31, 2017 23:16:43 GMT
How many of us on this forum remember when HaT started and the stated purpose of the company was to produce sets that had never been produced before? The sets we dreamed about as kids but had to "make do?" To fill the "gaps" left by previous producers in armies, units, and eras? I believe HaT has lived up to that promise and then some.
But I'm STILL waiting for my Pommeranian Piccolo Players...
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