New Member Introduction & Questions

spect_spidey · Post by **spect_spidey** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 9:46 pm

Hello. I thought I would introduce myself since I just joined these forums. I am very new in the realm of BBI and 21st Century 1:18 scale. I am primarily a G.I. Joe old sculpt collector. I had owned a Viet Cong Xtreme figure at one time, but was displeased with the articulation. When I came across the Xtreme U.S. Marines in my local Walmart, I just had to buy them. I have been trying to find information on Xtreme Detail and the BBI Elite Force lines, but I am having a hard time finding anything other than small pictures in online stores. I was hoping someone here would be kind enough to maybe answer a few questions for me and post a few links to help me out.
1. With what series did Xtreme Detail change their articulation from swivel joints to the current construction?
2. How many WW II series of figures has BBI released in 1:18 scale?
3. Are there any good websites with source photos or archives for either of these two lines of figures?
4. Are there any good websites that feature dioramas or diostories using either of these two lines?
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. Sorry for all the newbie questions, but I figured I had to start somewhere.

tko211 · Post by **tko211** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 10:20 pm

Check out www.21stcenturytoys.com and use the filtered search list to view products.

Check out www.build-a-rama.com to see some of the coolest diorama products and displays. -goes great with 21st stuff.

Welcome aboard.

USCGSARdog · Post by **USCGSARdog** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 3:09 am

Welcome aboard! Good to see you've caught the bug.

Where in VA are you located?

-Rob

spect_spidey · Post by **spect_spidey** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 5:12 am

I am in the Southwest end of VA about 5 miles from the Tennessee stateline.

digger · Post by **digger** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 5:58 am

Spidey, welcome. It's early but let me see what we can do with your questions:
1) The best articulation actually came a few years ago with the Paratroopers & Fallschirmjagers, so I guess that was wave 2 of WWII, if that makes sense. The BoB guys have similar articulation to the Marines, but include extra arms for firing position.
2) BBI Just released their second set of WWII figures although you wouldn't know it from reading this board

They released paras in jump gear about a month ago, and now 3 paras, 2 Rangers & an Infantry. ASIDE: I really hope that they continue to build on each set (Rangers, Infantry..etc...) as sets of 6 get released. That would be cool so that you don't get all Infantry one year and all Paras the next...you would get a few of one type and a few of the other with each "wave." I hope that's what they do anyway.

3) As stated above, check out 21C site although the product list is not exhaustive. BBI's site is a little dated but has some of their product as well. I still want to put together a comprehensive archive at some point because as of now one does not exist.....we can't expect the companies to show off each others stuff but we should have a source for all things 1:18 military.

4) The old board used to have a dios section....now I think either people's webshots folders (see "website" link at bottom of post) or Build-a-Rama is the best place to see the stuff in action.

Hope this helps!

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 4:11 pm

Here's some very basic diorama examples using XD and BBI products in natural settings - just to whet your palate. Many members have constructed far better stuff than these simple setups! On a side note, the photo of the US Marines dio won a 21c photo contest earlier this year

spect_spidey · Post by **spect_spidey** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 4:14 pm

Thanks for the replies. I hope to get working on some dios of my own, but right now I only have 4 of the USMC XD Marines and the EverSparkle building set to work with. I hope to get some more figures later this week.

Razor17019 · Post by **Razor17019** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 7:48 pm

Welcome to the board and expect to empty out all of your pockets, the couch and your piggy bank of all the loose change to buy, buy and BUY 1/18 figures, playsets, tanks, planes and EVERYTHING!!!

Once the the XD bug has bitten you, hold on and ante up!
You picked the best time in the history of this hobby to start collecting. WM (walmart) has many of the reissued vehicles and tanks available for around 24.00 bucks! BBI is ready to release the Japanese Zero later this month (we all hope). Many great things are starting to happen right now.

After looking at the websites listed above, go over to the TRADE section of this board and look what is up for trade or sale. If you see something you like, post a reply or send a private message to the person. (you will see the buttons under each post) If you are wanting a particular item, make a post and ask if anyone has that item you want available. When you start getting loads of items, you may want make a post to sell or trade something. This board is a made up of a great bunch of people that work to help each other out. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

eddie372 · Post by **eddie372** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 7:23 pm

Welcome aboard Spidey. I must tell you that I've learned a great deal from the guys here. Some of these guys have terrific knowledge and seem to be a very nice bunch of people. I've been reading many of their comments on several issues and find their knowledge amazing.
Just sit back and brouse around and you'll se what I mean.

Best Regards...Ed from Miami and a child in good ole TN.