Conte Musings

With no news from CONTE other then Sale Notices we wonder when the "Going out of Business" gossip will start?   No new plastic in years it seems.  We have been told that when collectors inquire about new plastic his reply has been "Send $$$" . Do his fine plastic figures cost more then CTS, TSSD and others who have continued to make plastic despite the economy? 

Can it be done ?

Can a set of  "AMERICAN CAVALRY HORSE SOLDIERS"
 actually be made that will span a period of 20 yrs with out looking too much like Civil War or Indian War Cavalry ? To many this will no doubt mean a lot. IMHO they cannot.  We will see come this Fall.

Another Rant or Question

A dealer on EBAY seems to me is asking crazy prices for single poses of re-issue MARX Untouchable and Arctic Explorers. 
Why ?  They are still available...I checked and they are not worth  $5.00 to $10.00 each.

Color Rant

Did I mention this already ?  I dont know how this got by me.  A manufacturer of Plastic 54mm figures who apparently been around quite awhile sells a set of the ACW Irish Brigade in......green plastic   (sigh). 

CTS German Assult Set

My friend got his set and I hurried over to see them.  They are to me very much 54mm.  Nice poses including a flame thrower!  You will note much better and detailed reviews elsewhere soon I assure you.  The one thing thing that did catch my eye was that most of the lower torsos seem to be out of proportion to the upper parts.  But hey maybe they just have long legs.  Make your own  call. 

Evil Shipping Costs!

We noted some concern out there for the HIGH shipping costs some dealers ask.   Paying almost the same cost for the product in shipping fees is crazy.   Perhaps these guys do not want to be bothered with small orders and hope the high cost of shipping/handling will encourage buyers to order more.  Or perhaps it is the USPS, UPS, etc.

 Collectors who have most of what they want and simply buy new items as they are released  I would think are impacted by this.  I know I am.  The solution ?  Shop around the dealers or buy at a show.   I hear in the UK the shipping is really bad thanks to the Government.

Cavalry Rant.........

In the US Cavalry at least,  the left hand was to be used solely for the reins of the mount.  The right hand was used for the Saber and revolver.  Carbines were fired when dismounted but at a halt (stopped dead) they could be utilized.  They were almost never used in any other situation when mounted and certainly never fired ONE handed.   Manufacturers please take note.