California Toy Soldier Show

[ketelone]

If anyone attends this show this weekend please provide some info about products shown there. I'm still disappointed that no one had any intel regarding the NY Toy Show.

[tparkhere]

I am going to the show on Sunday. I am mostly looking for armors and planes.

This is the first show I am attending. I will post info.

[ketelone]

Tpark,
One of the vendors at the show is from a toy soldier shop in Milwaukee called The Old Toy Soldier Shoppe. He's a great guy. He deals with K&C, Britains, etc.
I look forward to hearing about the show.

[tparkhere]

I went to the show today (Sunday, 3/16/11) and this is my observation.

First, if you are collecting 1/72 armors (Hobby Master, Dragon Armors, Panzerstahls…), 1/72 planes (Corgi, Hobby Master…) and 1/32-1/35 armors (FOV, Dragon Armors, Minichamps…), which I am, this show is not for you. This is the first diecast collectible show I have ever attended. And, since I went to the show open-minded, I was not disappointed. There are still many things to appreciate.

You will love this show, if you do collect the following items:
A. 1/30 scale resin (King and Country, etc). They represent the majority of the show
B. “Toy” figures from any historical period in plastic, metal and resin (Medieval, Cowboys and Indians, Samurai, Soldiers…)
C. Collectible vintage toys in many scale
D. Military books

There are about 100 vendors in the hall. Some I do recognize from ordering from them on internet (Hobbybunker.com). Also, if you are planning to buy, bring cash and check. There may be an exception, but all the vendors I saw were dealing in cash and check only.

In the lower end, plastic toy soldiers goes from $20 for a set (Conte plastic) to $1-$1.50 per individual plastic figure. There are numerous discounts on mismatched plastic figures, as cheap as 20¢ each. You will find many historical periods plastic figures from numerous manufacturers. It’s good to see them all at the same time to compare the quality. In the higher end, there are sets of 12 metal soldiers for $2500. They look like a turn of the century metal soldiers.

Majority of the show are the usual offering, King and County soldiers, armors and some planes. Price seems to be about the market price. Some other brands were selling at a discount, buy two and get one free. Some vendors were selling items 50% off. But, since I am not familiar with those “toys,” they did not appeal to me.

There were 3 vendors selling limited amount of 1/72 and 1/32 scale Forces of Valor. Also, 2 vendors were selling 1/72 Corgi bombers. (B-17 and B-24 for $145 each. Lancaster for $135) The price is about the market price. Nothing compelled me to buy them.

To summarize, I saw “toy” figures that were incredibly detailed. As a diecast collector, I did appreciate the quality of them. I thought about buying some of them, especially Samurai and Medieval knights. But, since purchasing my first 1/72 FOV T-72 tank multiplied into more than hundreds of tanks. I decided against starting another diecast “theme.” If you are into collecting figures in plastic, metal and resin, you will love this show.

[ketelone]

Tpark, thanks for the report.

[ketelone]

Tpark,
I've been at this type of show. I have had some great success in purchasing items I was seeking for my collection. I admit I collect the resin, and metal soldiers such as some K&C, Britains, Conte, Figarti, ONTC, Frontline, etc., but also FOV, 21st... In the past I have been able to pick up items I couldn't locate before or I missed. Often I was able to get great deals on some of the sales. I regret the show didn't offer more diecast. Usually Hobby Lobby has a decent selection of diecast. Most of my experiences are from the Chicago show which is quite large and best of all, from Wednesday thru Saturday before the Sunday show, many of the vendors have rooms in the hotel where you can negotiate and best of all shop and compare.

[hotrodrock]

Tpark,
Usually Hobby Lobby has a decent selection of diecast..

What type of diecast are you referring to? I have gone to a lot of Hobby Lobbys over the years and have yet to see any type of military related diecast in any of them.

[ketelone]

Pardon me Hot. I meant to say Hobby Bunker, but my Hobby Lobbys have 1/72 diecst. They have 1/72 armor as well as aircraft. Not a whole bunch but they are there....