Recast Arabs are Now Available in U.S. we have gotten reports that the Arabs that been offered for sale in Mexico have arrived in the United States in limited quantities. First as mention in a previous from Jim McGough CTS has acquired the figures . They are not available as follows Set of the 10 Arabs in seven different with two Horses and seven accessories for $29.95. The Arabs are available in gray, white and purple. the camel is available at a separate price of $5.95. CTS is also selling two scimitars for sale at $4.95. They are also selling 45mm Marx firemen and MPC Pop head monsters.
Selltoy Co is also selling the Recast Arabs are Now Available in U.S. They are selling the 10 Arabs in seven poses with a camel but no accessories at $25.00 They have the following colors available purple. cream, caramel, grey and red. The camel is in ochre a pale brownish yellow color.
Both dealers have the figures available now. I will be doing a update later with more information on the figures plus comparisons of the recast Arabs with other Arab figures.
Update
Erwin is out of the red and cream in the Arabs. He has the other colors yet but they are going fast.
Recast Arabs are Now Available in U.S. Background Information
There many people are asking about the Recast Arabs. The first question how do they compare in height to original Marx 60mm Arabs. The answer is they are only a few millimeters smaller that the originals. This because the party who made the copies pantagraphed them. When you do pamtagraphing you lose about three millimeters. Take a look at the following photos.
A close up of the Marx Arab with the scimitar with the recast version.
A close up of the Marx 60mm Arab Standing firing rifle with the recast version.
The next question is how do they compare with other makers’ Arab figures. The answer is looking at the photos depends how particular you are. In the top row the recast Arab does not blend well with AIP or Conte Arabs. On the lower row the recast Arab does work well with recast Arabs though the heads are smaller.
The next question is how is the plastic on the figures. The answer is the plastic is pretty good. It is equal to the plastic used in the reissue Cherilea and Charbens figures in the 1990’s. The plastic is not like the brittle plastic that was used in early Marx reissues from Mexico. The photo shows the ply ability of the figures.
So it you have wanted to expand your Arabs force in your Captain Gallant set now is the time to buy them.
Sorry.My web site.
http://www.selltoyco.com
Are these recasts of the Marx Arabs? If so, this is exciting I’ll have to get my order in to Erwin!
Yes, read the earlier post about Marx recasts, but maybe not from original molds, but I’ll check Erwin’s site!
Jon I will posted information shortly in regards to the figures. They are copies and are pantagraphed so you lose several mm from the original figure.
I’ve already placed my order with Erwin’s “Sell Toy Company” —- one set in each of the five different colors he offers. I can hardly wait to see them. I know from having ordered previously from Erwin he gets things out in the mail almost immediately.
I’m glad now I wasn’t the high bidder a couple of weeks ago on ebay when the price started to escalate beyond reason.
Erwin, you have a photo of 5 of the Arabs in the running pose — one in each color. I think everyone on this site would enjoy seeing it, if you wouldn’t mind posting it.
I just noticed the photo I was requesting is right at the top of Paul’s announcement. Sorry.
I had to get this article up with other commitments. Sorry for the confusion.
I missed the photo of all five colors together, and can’t find it. I still haven’t seen the red figures. I think I saw the purple in a small photo. The photos compared to the actual figures don’t exactly match colors which is probably due to my computer screen settings, but they are still nice to see.
Don.Thanks x ordering
I pass all my pictures and a work in observation to admin, he will post it as soon he got a chance I think.
I offer explanation and close up picture with my original and others so every body could see well the detail and differences, also the real measures and type plastic used as I did a test of it with my machines.
Glad enjoy ,these sets are selling way too fast x me already and I’m busy packing to delivery out tomorrow or sold out today.
Paul
I’m confused, did I say something that violated your policy in my last e-mail where I clarified what colors we have of the Arabs and stated my web address? I noticed you took it down.
Jim Mc Gough
CTS, Inc.
http://www.classictoysoldiers.com
No Jim your comment was on hold until I could approve it. I have a program on here called Askimet which is a spam filter. It has caught over 113,000 pieces of spam. What happen when you included a link it will hold for me to approve.
I was out until now on various errands and doing my workout.
Sorry for the confusion
Paul
The first e-mail I sent was to clarify the colors of the Arabs that we have. We have Tan, gray, cream and purple. We do have some red also but not enough to list yet.
Jim
Thanks Jim for the update,
(From Classic Toy Soldiers): ” … we just got in the Marx Arabs from the Captain Gallant Playset, also the Camel, and scimitars. These are remakes from the original Marx figures so they are slightly smaller but will go nicely with other figures that are currently available.” Marx redone Arab warriors from Captain Gallant, 2 3/8
Item Number: MXR184A
$29.95
Marx Captain Gallant playset camel, 60mm, plastic
Item Number: MXR185A
$5.95
We mention this information in the article and now have an update from jim McGough on the colors
Because the figures are slightly smaller than originals, I think someone has taken the time to make molds from original Marx figures but not with a pantograph. They used some other method of re-molding the figures.
You may be right they could lose something when going from the figure as well.
Indeed,that is what it is…
I mentioned before it looks like an all new mold made up, but any how it could be call any ways I guess,cloned,recast,copies or pantograph .
Probably same technique Plubius does from original metal poses cast to do mold x plastics figures in a new mold.
The set has a good action poses ratio in my opinion.
I like to add the camel is also a cloned/knock off AND not from original mold, it has the wording Mexico bellow engraved in bottom body belly part.
I think detail is 85/90% accurate compare to originals ,the different colors rest or add detail at simple view in a simple perception. The original Marx figure standing straight pose from base bottom to top head stand 65/66 mm these cloned same pose stand 60/61 mm max .
Base in my observation and pictures done ,”some posted above” they blend more with much more Arabs other brands than original taller figures, still match and increase the original ones with exception of those made in the 1.32 smaller range such AIP and Conte.
So in general I consider it a very interesting set addition to any collection .
About material used I had done some test and will give some result later…
Best…
Good to see everyone so excited about these. Not my area of interest, but that doesn’t stop me from hoping that this catches on and perhaps we’ll see other sets in the future.
New product is always good for the hobby in general.
We can only hope. I find my excitement today is seeing the new figures coming out. we will have to see what surprises are coming down the road.
In the past RECAST or REISSUE meant new figures being made from an original mold. I think we should call the Arab figures COPIES to avoid any confusion.
I agree with Kent. I always defended recasts/reissues in the past (when it was an issue to some persons, like the misguided Tom Terry, in his less lucid moments) because they did in fact come from the original molds. What did I care who had the paperwork rights to the molds? What did that have to do with the pleasure which came from the figure itself? All that was irrelevant to me as a new collector back then.
I’ve placed my order to obtain these new Arabs in every color in which they’ve been issued, because I like them and I want them. But it seems, to be accurate, that they are in fact slightly downscaled copies of the originals, using new, different, molds — not recasts or reissues in any accepted use of those words.
Wile does it not bother me at all how they are call(definitely not reissue) of course .
Recast and reissue are complete different by meaning in all dictionaries.
Few samples link bellow explain it, still I do not enforce it but calling then recast is not wrong as is same as remold-recast =coming from a new mold base in same or original cast figures either reduced or increase in size that is a matter of scale wile a new casting/mold is done -mean recast.
And “reissue” mean issuing again using exact same mold used before.
My thoughts ..
http://www.audioenglish.org/dictionary/recast.htm
https://www.wordnik.com/words/recast
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/recast
http://amaranthscastaways.blogspot.com/2013/03/RecastFAQ.html
Erwin it doesn’t matter how the dictionaries define the words. What matters is that for years the two words, RECAST & REISSUE have both been used to describe new production figures from old molds in the collecting community. Nitpicking definitions does not change the common usage these two words mean in our hobby. To avoid and confusion you should be selling them as “COPIES”.
Kent.
Like I say, it does not matter to me how every body else interpret the words or call them .But I just bring out the correct definition .
That is what dictionaries are for too. Dictionaries are not x Nitpicking definitions -sorry.
In the world unfortunately wrong interpretation become the norm, legend and traditions.. Including call reissues and recast to same thing. There some who even call copies to the reissues often…
Recast and reissue are two different thing and there many different view to the respect in this hobby, so I had red in many forums..
I sale them as recast and or clone too ;it clear explained in my description and with picture of what they are ,so not confusing at all. Unless buying as a blind.
Best regards…
I agree with what you say about the dictionary definitions, but the collecting community has spoken and they call new production figures being made from old molds both recasts and reissues often in the same sentence. YOU could make things easy by calling your Arabs what they are, COPIES. That would erase any confusion and be better for the hobby. Sincerely, Kent
I will disagree as I placed the word recast on the Arabs and will now stand on it. I have used the word reissue not recast for years on figures from the mold. I started the term reissue. It was others who went to recast which I have never like. So if the hobby does not like it too bad.
I stopped using the term “recast” years ago because people new in the hobby were confused and thought they were copies. I now say “reissued from the original mold.” I use “copy” for the new falling horse and rider, since it’s from a new mold. Regardless of its history, I’ve dropped the word “recast.”
I have to say they look pretty good, I have no interest in them, but they look nice. That tan color looks the best.
I remember when I first started recollecting in 1989. I sent off and got a bundle of flyers from Stone Castle Imports. They showed all the recast figures, mostly Marx, that they offered. As a kid, I had never had the Marx Marines. (except the two poses in the second series Medical G.I.’s.) I was amazed at the coolness and action of the poses and ordered some. I paid $25.00 for 50 figures. They were nicely done in a semi-hard plastic. I was happy to get them, especially after I saw what originals sold for back then. They are some of my favorite poses of all Marx figures. I would not have had a chance to get them back then if they had not been reissued.
BOBBYGMOORE
I remember ordering from them too.
ST imports from Kentucky.
They ship in nice small white rectangular cases .I still have some of those.Till not too long ago I got the big heavy booklet catalog.
I like them most
Some of the Stone Castle figures were the best recasts I ever owned . The Rev War especially. Semi-stiff plastic, but not a single broken figure among them. Rifles and swords were straight with zero flash. I still have boxes of them. Excellent figures.
Not all of them were so good. The recast Cavalrymen in gray are horrible. Junk plastic.
Does anyone else remember the Shako Mexicans in metallic blue from Stone Castle?
You would swear that these were original Mexicans. I got one box and when I went to reorder they had been pulled. I never knew the story, but can only guess that the color was too close to the originals and that there was pressure to drop them.
Anyone know the backstory?
Bill I remember see it in the catalog announced, but never in person. I order one case but were in other blue and yes most their early reissues they sold were far better than later and actual, I think plastic used after plus the mold are way over used by now too. I believe they run same set in cream too.
My Marx 60mm Captain Gallant recast/copy Arabs arrived today from Erwin.
I was quite pleased with them. The soft plastic is what I would call “stiff”, but is very sturdy and is not brittle or breakable in the least. It would be very difficult to break off a sword or rifle tip, and any breakage would have to be done intentionally — something more than just jumbling the figure together in a bag or box.
I especially like the fact that the mix is reconfigured so that instead of two Arab knife poses with just one rifle shooter, you instead get two rifle shooters with just one knife pose, a much more useful configuration in my opinion.
Erwin’s sets came with five camels, and the Arab riders fit perfectly on the camels.
I ordered one set of each of the five colors, so I suddenly have 50 new Arabs to go with my French Foreign Legion set-ups.
For some reason, having these new Arabs (CTS calls them “remakes”), sort of inspires me to think about acquiring a complete set of the Marx originals (like a 10-piece mold shot), if I can find some dealer at the upcoming Michigan Show or OTSN that will give me a bit of a per figure discount if I buy a complete set. I still can’t quite bring myself to pay what seems to be the current market asking price for the originals.
I got my set of gray Arabs today from Erwin (quickly received here on the left coast! Thanks Erwin!) and am pleased with the figures. Most are close to 60mm but slightly smaller than the originals. The running figure with rifle is only about 54mm and is noticeably different in size from all the other figures. The mounted figure with scimitar fits perfectly on the camel, however has a mold defect on his back where the plastic has a gap. The mounted figure with rifle has his legs too close together, but I only have the single mount anyway. One of the first things I noticed was MEXICO on the camel’s belly as Erwin wrote above. One of the walking figures with scimitar has a short, stubby scimitar.
I like the soft yet stiff plastic and they make a good match for the Reamsa recasts I have. I see the pictures of the copies along side the Conte and AIP, but haven’t pulled out mine to compare in person. These are a great find and I am likely to order 2 or 3 more sets in the different colors. I’m not a big fan of the purple, but like all the other colors!
Thanks to Jim and Erwin for making these great finds!
Mine came today as well, but from CTS. As mentioned elsewhere, the camels are purchased separately, but the set comes with 2 CTS/Marx cavalry horses. I too, found that the mounted Arab’s legs are too close together. I didn’t like the way they fit on the camels (I’m using the camels for the packs anyway) nor do they fit on the horses. However, if you remember, CTS had it’s own mold made for the Marx cavalry horse (like their “Marx” Civil War, thus a COPY, not a reissue). It’s a great copy, returning the horse back to its original girth. This is great, because Marx riding figures stay put rather than constantly falling off, as with the reissues. For some reason, the reissues are noticeably thinner than the originals – which brings me to my point – my new Arab riders fit much better on my old reissue cavalry horses. I think you can still get them from Hobby Bunker.
Len,
Thanks for the info on the horses; I may need to get some of those reissue cavalry horses! I’ve got an order coming from CTS in white with the horses, so I’ll be checking those out when they come in.
I have my two mounted Arabs standing in the stirrups with their bodies way off the seats as if they were jockeys. This is not the right way for an Arab to stay in the saddle!
I’ll go into my reissue Fort Apache sets to check those horses, but also will check Hobby Bunker.
Jonh.
Thanks.I’m glad u like it.
I agree in some mold issues.I notice after I open a bag in one shooting.
But hard to see w out open seal bags.
Hope future won’t happen.
I agree in other pose..running.
But…
the pose running is always smaller.In original marx set was too as close to 54mm and different scale in head as well body versus rest done.
Probably intended x a 54mm set never done and then add to mold of others!?is a rare odd thing .
I commented before as always intrigue from a Marx mold.
Plastic is hard and still not fragile.A good thing
But hard x conversion still.A bad thing.
It is a mix of plastic w resin .
As I state in picture above,conte and AIP were run in the smaller version of 54mm,specialy body build.So it won’t blend w them.
Still as you said reamsa will.
Crecent ,cherilea and Lone star will do great too .
Good part because smaller than marx could be match more w other wile originals not.
I had not check w other brands to compere yet.
Erwin,
I’m in no way ready to try any converting of figures, but it is a good point to know that these aren’t candidates for conversion. I thank you for saying the running pose is originally from a Marx 54mm pose. I read your other comment after I posted. It seemed strange to have one figure smaller, as I had never seen one before, since I didn’t have an original of that pose.
As I said, I like the figures! I was making observations about what I saw. These figures are fun to have which is the main thing for me!
Now I will be trying to locate Crescent, Cherilea, and Lone Star figures!
I am not yet interested in the purple color. I just don’t like it for display, but may regret I didn’t get that color later. I’m hoping to get the red if you or CTS get more of them in stock! I was just too slow finding out about them, but glad other collectors were able to get them.
I’m also glad I didn’t find out about eBay sales, because I would have wanted them and then have been shocked at the winning bid prices. I’d much rather get several originals for that $90 total cost.
Upsss.
I forgot, yes Lone Star Arabs/afghan warriors reissues are still around too from old 90’s stock ,I seen more often than Charben reissues.
Yes interesting still the last eBay listing went sold for over $50.00 each set…
Here are the hardest poses from Crescent.I only have one Arab pose mounted
http://www.ebay.com/itm/crescent-plastic-toy-soldiers-54mm-complet-set-mounted-arab-desert-cavalry/361562884004?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D36866%26meid%3Dd0d47ac373bb45448b471cbff71a2b87%26pid%3D100034%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D361565892318
THE FFL mounted poses are more harder still.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/crescent-toy-plastic-soldier-mounted-foreign-legion-54mm-WW1-vintage-rare/361490321375?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D36866%26meid%3Dd0d47ac373bb45448b471cbff71a2b87%26pid%3D100034%26rk%3D7%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D361565892318
wile foot poses vintage from Crescent are more easy.
here one sample of full Arab set poses.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/crescent-plastic-toy-soldiers-54mm-complet-set-blue-arabs-desert-warrior-/182136832606?hash=item2a6833825e:g:LGUAAOSwdWBXPI49
Again these are just seller prices and stimate idea of how they run. I find the foot poses a good price ,wile others are a bit inflated in my opinion do fact that are out of box/else base in my opinion researching x years.
you may fimd better deal if searh with not rush x some time as they will pup up once a wile.
Same in Cherilea ,BUT as well crescent mounted are the hardest in price and find.
the only Arab mounted pose I got was in a very cheap lot that seller described as Indians and cowboy. Indeed I got Indians from many brands and the Arab mounted pose in great condition too. I guess seller though was an apache!!
Crecsent foot poses Arabs and legionaries I had found in larger lot more easy and good deal before, I got so many I start reselling them x some years after Conte and AIP release their set. I converts some crescent foot Arabs poses in to medieval Saracen too.
wish you best in your hunting ..
best..
Erwin:
After reading your comment, I found the complete set of foot Arabs from Cherilea too good of a deal to pass up. So I bought them. I haven’t bought many items off ebay from sources outside the USA, but it’s not a big amount, if there is a problem. Thanks for the ebay listings. I looked at these, before, but mounted poses are way too high for me. The foot Arabs were tempting, so thanks for the info that the price was pretty good. They will make a nice addition to my Arabs hoard!
Jon, I have bought eBay items from England, Argentina, Netherlands, Russia, and China with no problems. eBay & Paypal are very good about buyer support, having ONLY needed their help on purchases from USA. Never any problem with retail from Steve Weston in England. Shipping from England about the same as USA in many cases & recently FREE from Russia. Ironically, my only issues have been with USPS & USA sellers.
Andy .
Agree 100% .
My only issue is here with the USPS.
I can believe they hold merchandise x month in the ridiculous custom warehouse offices. When you call then many time and finally get touch with one human ,they tell you they have so few personal that take long to check every trailers(yes they stock then in trailers and check one after one) .No all boxes get send to custom ,but x instance if you repeatedly get often from one person abroad chances are they start holding to see what is inside.I got once a box from Chile hold 3.5 month.It was in 2012. Insane
Now there some countries in Europe were shipping is not cheap at all.
France,belgiun,netherlands and Scandinavian.
ironical Russia and all east Europe is more cheap.
Japan is fine wile Korean is more expensive.
Spain/Portugal less 3 pounds you can get very low shipping.
Germany Austria and UK prices are pretty much same and if not over 2 pounds you are fine.
Canada if send letter is cheap, parcel cost more ,expedited too expensive.
China is economic.
Hong Kong own royal mail is cheaper that if using Chinese mailing territorial system(ask seller always first )
Australia is an eye of the face ,very costly .
Argentina is more costly than Chile been one country nest to other-funny.
Mexico is cheap if use not insurance and not protected economic way(I had never got any loss parcel from Mexico at all)using economic way.
eBay and PayPal both protect much more buyers than seller, if you do not get product chances are you will get reimbursed unless seller could proof with actual tracking delivery confirmation otherwise.
Only countries in Africa you will get merchandise safe and fine fast is Marroco,Tunes and S Africa.
I may forget some of course as too many…
but I agree with using eBay best way.
I use Spaniard bid system web site because secured x me on many years ,but not PayPal protected and you may get charge conversion fees unless using other methods.
I got some sad delivery tales too tell you guys of few damage merchandise thanks to USPS too.
“Australia is an eye of the face” for shipping. Too funny, Erwin! 🙂
Andy, that’s comforting to read.
Sad case of not being reissue.
When in the 90’s molds from Cherilea,Charben Lone star and Marlborough were rescue from a” TO be dump and trash out x ever” .Thanks to few great British collector who save a good part we got many sets redone and able to get at our more modest price market. But few match sets were not saved and reissue
Sample the Lone Start FFL set was not reissue. Which would be a good complement for the Arabs 8 poses set done reissued.
I’m also wonder if the Arabs and or afghan were meant for the FFL originally as they look in some poses more afghans;I do not know if Lone start original ever designed a British Victorian period set which would be the best match X them.
I had not research deep in LS history mold ,may be some from Britain may help.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/371653872972?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I like the Lone Star set of FFL poses; prices I don’t like, but I’ll keep watching for more. Thanks for the history lessons on the European manufacturers for FFL and Arabs. It is nice to see photos of the figures to go along with the manufacturers names. The ebay listings are wonderful for this point alone. I’ll be referring to your information in the future!
I received additional Arabs in caramel from Sell Toy and cream from CTS. These colors are great! The caramel is a darker brown than it seemed to be from the online photos and really is my favorite color. It is great looking and matches the brown color of the camels very well. The cream color is also very good and matches pretty well with some of other Arabs.
I was looking at the two larger accessories that came in the CTS set and one appears to be a pillow and the other a cushioned seat. Am I correct in my identifications?
CTS; I had asked about the red color and the note on the receipt said they expected to receive more product in the next month. I had previously purchased the Captain Gallant Marx Accessories recastings from CTS about 6 or 7 months ago. The brown color of the accessories is not the same as the camel, which is darker. (I’m going from memory on the color, since I didn’t actually pull them out!) CTS treated me well with that order. It was missing the rifles, but they sent them out to me by separate mailing as soon as they got them back in stock. Thanks Jim and CTS for that.
I’m very happy with all my Marc Arab copy purchases. Sell Toy and CTS got the orders out quickly and with no problems.
Jon ,sorry I forgot or miss place you email ,I found small lot reissue Timpo foot poses FFL in all 4 poses on eBay I will post here x u.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Timpo-French-Foreign-Legion-/262487065652?hash=item3d1d72c434:g:LhcAAOSwMNxXYyw~
The two mounted poses were never reissue ,one is with sword other with rifle in right hand not shooting.
Both have left hand in rein.
Arabs TIMPO mounted same and were not reissued.
The 4 poses are not hard to get with horses if you do not care about being paint off and played .Plastic original of timpo figure could be fragile and easy to brake in shipping.it was a defect found few years after p[production started with plastic they used. Glue such gel krazy glue fix them quick but I advise you in case as warning.
Erwin, thanks for the reissue Timpo FFL find. I have put in a bid on these figures and will see how it goes. I appreciate the heads up. I missed these while searching ebay.
I also saw that beaugeste aka Conte has a larger set of Timpo (multiple figures of each of the 4 poses) for sale which I am watching. There is a very high shipping cost on these, but item cost doesn’t seem bad. So I will watch how the 4 figure set auction goes, I’m the only bidder so far. I’m also looking at the DSG/Britains reissues. I like the figures, but not the bases. The figure prices are OK, but the shipping is very high! I haven’t found the figures on ebay from any US sources just 2-3 sources in Argentina. The mounted figures are really nice, especially with the painted flags. All the figures currently offered are in painted form.
Jon The actually company from Argentina offer then not painted in all poses ,but again shipping is not cheap.
http://www.redskorpio.com.ar/
just look in click title widow on left that said(Unpainted & accessories) and will see all sets there not painted they sale
I found the website and found the unpainted section. The paqinted figure cost are not a lot. Mail costs are way high.
On viewing the redskorpio website, I see the flags are computer printed rather than painted which explains the detail.
My preferred colors are out of stock, but I’ll watch the website for restocks. Painted vs unpainted prices per figure are pretty reasonable. However, I don’t have any painted Arabs, and just a dozen painted AIP FFL.
Jon,try Steve Weston from UK.
He carry some DSD before.
The swopped timpo arabs and FFLare not that hard either to get.
I got my set in very good condition w cameks and horses long ago x not bad deal.
I had see it since in not bad prices around puping
If anyone has money to burn, Hobby Bunker has the Conte Beau Geste fort with 300 figures, all painted, offered for $2,500 obo. Almost all the figures are Conte with the exception of a handful of AIP mounted Arabs. (For some reason the set is also offered at $2,995.) I’m unsure why it is twice listed on the website. It is certainly an amazing set. It has a small damage of a turret and all the figures are on Wargaming bases.
Also, I bid on a grouping of 34 Lido Arab/Lido used figures that went for $61 on ebay. Price per figure under $2 was not that bad, but couldn’t be sure of condition, more than my limit, and many more figures than I wanted. I’ll look at getting a smaller grouping and one of each figure, since they aren’t my favorite poses. I have bid on a smaller group and will see how that goes. ToySoldierHQ is an option for these, since Kent has them in stock.
The “Marx” Foreign Legion redo sets are up on the CTS website. They are available in blue or tan – no photos as of this minute.
Thanks for the heads-up, Len. I had been anxiously checking the CTS website daily, but earlier in the day the FFL figures still weren’t up. But I’ve now gone on line and placed my order — 2 sets in blue, 2 sets in tan, and one more set of Arabs in the newer light brown.
When it comes to the Foreign Legion fighting Arabs, one can never have too many Arabs floating around. Sort of like Indians attacking Fort Apache, or Mexicans storming the Alamo —- the more the better.
And after nearly getting suckered into bidding past $100.00 for a single set when these remake/copies first appeared on ebay, I’m grateful Erwin and CTS both located the source in Mexico so we could obtain them at more reasonable prices.
I sent in the SAME order (however, I added an extra camel – I’d walk a mile for one). I have the same philosophy on attacking hoards. It must be from all the “outnumbered” movies we watched.
Well not far from reality, most attack in outpost or small units of FFL were done using massive overwhelming forces to overcome fast the force before they could inflict more casualties on attackers and delay action till possible reinforces arrive x them.
Beside the FFL training was hard and well done ,they excelled in marksmanship out most French army unit of the time as the count their bullets.
Most time in foot in complete desolated and horrible terrain they fight to the death.
In fact few units were ever complete eliminated if in doing so inflicted heavy losses in attackers according to history records..
Many Arabs leader price their courage and admire then often AND they wrote about ,there few books writes by arabs/bebers leaders and scripts recollected from their memories that mention it.
Now that the handful of people who “had to have them” inflated the first sets to crazy amounts on eBay, the things are overstocked in a dozen colors for $29.99 and will probably sit until clearance prices to get rid of them.
Glad they didn’t use the eBay tactic for the legionnaires.
These are limited shot s run
Out my three 100 sets batch orders.
Only two left w me x sale as if now.
I do not know CTS inventory but I understand they had sold well.
Here is clear example in how short run production could be sold fast at logic price versus long run batch.
My AMEX brand pirates s,conquistadors,aztecs,Bruce lee sets and others sale very well in same way made x me .
Erwin, have they sold well enough for you to re-order?
Seems like after the initial frenzy by the few eBay bidders, sales for Arabs have flattened out. Never got the high prices people were bidding for recast figures.
and I agree in those poor souls who paid so high and now looking at then x low price…sorry x them ….
Once again short run is the way of future, all do prices will be around same as these or a bit high as to accommodate the short production cost .
It will give makers more time to PRODUCE diverse and odd rare sets not done before with out need to get thousand in overstock x long with out sale x years.
I had test this with AMEX and these and work way better x me least.
I do not know what others makers and dealers think about.
my thoughts..
best…
Don looks like you need large tables or floor display and make some pic for us here to see the battles, will be fun…
best..
Erwin, is there a standard amount to a “short run” like 500 sheets is a ream of paper or is short run just a flexible term?
Andy.
Depend in maker and his machinery ,it could go as low from 100 to up to 700/800 generally is in the 300 shots base in my experience and several I had deal and see it .
Machinery type varied by pressure per pound/ton compress-press, speed and mechanism, also type plastic and skills of makers are it account. Hand press machines are the most used. If a person is not consistent when making and keeping constant cleaning, figures may come often with defect and problems.
And it is not counting the mold if done or had has to be done and artist involved price if new figures made.
This is just a simple explanation, there more deep detail to it.
Very informative & interesting. Thanks.
Andy, here’s how I was looking at the situation when my ebay bid started approaching $100.00 for the 10-figure Arab set:
1) I calculated that $100.00 for 10 Arabs came to $10.00 per figure;
2) I knew that “Show prices” for ORIGINAL Captain Gallant Arabs seemed to have settled into the $20.00 – $25.00 per figure range;
3) Hence, the differential between the originals and the remakes was a minimum of $10.00 per figure, a substantial amount in my opinion.
4) Of course, I always prefer an original Marx to a remake, but when I want to set up a massive battle scene, at those prices, I sometimes have to compromise and settle for reissues/remakes/recasts/copies.
5) Additionally, when these new Arab figures were first offered on ebay, it appeared that they were “reissues” in the strict sense of how the term is used by collectors, i.e., recasts from the original molds. We now know they are copies remade from new molds entirely. They are slightly smaller than the originals, but at less than $3.00 per figure for the remakes, you can set up a good size battle scene with just the remakes. And if you just take these new figures on their own terms, without comparing them to the originals, they are excellent figures in their own right — great new colors, excellent non-brittle plastic, with very good detail. Believe me, at $20 – $25 per figure for an original, my Captain Gallant Arab army was not going to be all that huge. With these remake prices, my numbers of Arabs will be much more respectable.
6) I therefore am quite pleased about these new figures, and I hope the dealers (Erwin & CTS are the only ones I know) who go to the trouble and financial risk to bring them to us are entitled to some substantial and/or reasonable profits.
Don.Complete reasonable observation.
Also please if you could check the prices of arabs and FFL at Chicago this year and let us know how much are they sale now.
I notice several ebays bid sales complete recently with figures from $12.00 to $18.00.
I guess these recast had influenced the lowered of vintage price on them too.
Same goes x ffl vintages that had always sale x less
Len, Erwin, Andy, and others: The photos are now up on the CTS website. In my opinion, they look pretty good.
I thought so too. However, as with the Arabs, it looks like the mounted figure is a “high rider.” Oh well, I’ll figure out something. I’ll get out the “thinner” repops from a few years ago.