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ISSUE NUMBER 6 |
HISTORICAL MINIATURES BY GEORGE GRASSE |
NOVEMBER 2009 |
HISTORICAL MINIATURES JOURNAL ISSUE NUMBER 6
PUBLISHED BY GEORGE GRASSE
EDITORIAL
By George Grasse
MILITARY MINIATURES
I have not seen any exciting new releases in 54mm through 90mm scale. This is to be expected in view of the world's economic recession. I am disappointed at the continued release of fantasy figures from strange new worlds. I am an historical oriented person and I cannot understand the demand for these fantasy figures. I guess it says a lot about those who purchase them.
Prices continue to go up and I'm afraid that they have exceeded fair value. The currency differences notwithstanding, prices of $40.00 to $50.00 per 54mm figure is unjustified. My guess is that there just might be a wave of "new manufacturers" out there who will rush in and undercut the "big boys" (Andrea, Pegaso, to name a few). At least, that's what I hope. Additionally, there is far too much in the way of scenery and elaborate metal bases which add to the price of the kit. Most of us "older guys" remember the simplicity of the by-gone kits: Lasset, New Hope Design, Rose, and Series 77, to name a few. To be sure, the state of sculpting is quite high today and is appreciated but why add to the cost with a base that weighs and costs as much as the figure?
WORLD WAR I AVIATION MODELING
This aviation modeling segment is still waiting for the release of Wingnut Wings' second wave of 1:32 scale WWI aircraft, figures, and accessories. The 1:48 scale releases have just recently included the Albatros C.III German two-seater but the industry continues to be limited to the "re-hashing" of WWI fighters with nothing more than a new set of decals. Again, no one in 1:48 scale seems to be interested in two-seaters. The photographic plates exposed by reconnaissance crews over enemy lines had infinitely more value than the over-glorified fighter pilots. Granted, fighter pilots had a function and I don't mean to discredit their performance but it seems to come at the expense of every other form of WWI aviation.
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