Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One for past few years one of the pleasures of this blog has been the comments and articles from Erwin Sell. Erwin has share many interesting pieces of information with us. Some of his information has changed our viewpoint on various items. I know many people have enjoy his comments.
Erwin has posted to other blogs with comments and corrections. Not everyone has appreciated his input. One of those people is Hugh Walters of Small Scale World. Hugh wrote a 12,000 word attack against Erwin on his site. Erwin looked over the article and found Hugh’s attacks lacking in facts and accuracy. This post is the first in a series of responses to Hugh’s attack. We are posting Erwin’s response as we were also attack in Hugh’s article.
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One Assumption
I have been forced to respond to a vicous attack by a person who calls himself a master expert of plastic small “and all else of a course toys.” This person Hugh Walters from the UK got upset after I sent a minor email to one of his postings over a year ago! In that email I questioned the veracity of a posting on his site. Because of my email Hugh responded with a posting that is full of hate and arrogance.
I will start by showing how Hugh’s derogatory comments against me are very unprofessional and insulting. He has taken from Stadsstuff’s blog various comments I have made. He then twisted the comments to his own benefit.
When we write history about toys we should use only facts. Not supposition, prejudices, or better yet, “ASUMPTIONS”. Its well interesting to note that Hugh constantly uses the phrase (“WE can assume”) as if he speak for many or most all and assuming as a fact !!!. I would like know what organization he represents as he uses we a lot.
I use facts not assumptions. As you will see that in my responses to his attacks. As Miguel Ruiz said in his The Four Agreements A Practical Guide to Person Freedom “If others tell us something we make assumptions, and if they don’t tell us something we make assumptions to fulfill our need to know and to replace the need to communicate. Even if we hear something and we don’t understand we make assumptions about what it means and then believe the assumptions. We make all sorts of assumptions because we don’t have the courage to ask questions.”
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One Personal Attack
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One Hugh’s Viscous Attack
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One My Response
I would like to say that I am not native to the United States. As most people know I was born in Cuba and lived there until we got out. In Cuba, English was not taught in most schools like other countries. The language they more taught was Russian . Because of this restriction I had to learn English in the United States, but I have trouble writing it. I speak it very well. Besides English, I also speak other languages.
I respond to most blogs from my cell phone. The reason for doing it this way is because of my demanding schedule. Because I use the phone for my postings it auto corrects. This cause words to change which are completely wrong for the subject. Stad can attest to that as he had to correct a number of my posts.
Because of this I am very willing to accept criticism about my grammar. I do find Hugh’s comments however very condescenting and bordering on if not racist.
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One Another Attack.
Hugh continued his attack with these comments. “Now . . . There’s a picture of the chap on the Internet, he looks about 45, and it was taken a couple of years ago. If Blue Box closed their first factories in the ‘mid-1980’s’ to transfer to the initial Chinese plant (of three), he would have had to have visited the first to close before it closed . . . ie, sometime around his 12th/15th Birthday! Concluding his HK Blue Box factory visits before he was 25 . . . he started commenting on toy soldiers, on-line, in around February 2014, registering his website in June of that year.”
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One My response
Hugh got a number of items wrong. I am not 45 years old I am 43 years old. The photo on my facebook page is 7 years old. There are many pictures of me on Facebook and Stadsstuff page. The most recent photo of me was in November of 2016 on Stadsstuff. I am much younger than most collectors in this hobby as I constantly mention all time.
Second I have been writing and talking about toy soldiers and toys in many blogs since 2005. I have posted on blogs in Italy, Spain, South America and United States. So where did Hugh get the idea I just started in February, 2014.?
If you are talking about Stad’s blog that I started commenting on Stad’s blog in January 20, 2014. I had contact Paul Stadinger regarding the Own figures I had uncovered. He was only one I found aware of these figures.
Own figures Stadsstuff Janyary 20,2014
So once again you got your information wrong? Did you read the other blogs I posted in?
All I can say you you can not assume Hugh
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One Another Point
My correction was a private email. In my email I did not call you wrong or a liar. I was offering you a way to correct an error or not. If I was wrong or not Hugh could had easily discuss in a private email as I did.
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One Hugh’s next attack
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One Where do I Start
Wow where do I begin. So how did I become an annoying shadow to your blog? Please give hard examples. Likewise I have never posted in your blog? I send you an email. That was it!
So what is this about attacking PW? Are you referring to the Red Box toys brand listed incorrect as same as Blue Box? I made a correction on that subject in Plastic Warrior. Plastic Warrior is open to corrections.
The error was in the Blue Box article in issue number 52 of Plastic Warrior at page # 4.The information I disagree with was the following.
“Blue Box (also known as Blue Box and Red Box) are based in Grainville Rd Kowloon still producing toys.”
Also in an article on Blue Box Peter Evans made the same mistake on Blue Box and Red Box being the same company.
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One Red Box Information
As noted in my letter to Plastic Warrior the mistake. I wanted to clear a minor mistake that was all. I could have mention much more. This what I could have added the following:
Grainville Rd in the Kowloon Peninsular tip or cape is a very large and long road full of business. Many of main toys companies are located on the same road. Still that does not mean they are at the same location. I have visited this area many times. This area has many museums and eating places I visited when company I had work sent me to China.
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One My Final Thoughts
My purpose as I said that we get the right information for our hobby. I am not out to hurt anyone. I am open to a good discussion. However I do not appreciate a person who responds with lies and foul language. Hugh states in his introduction of his site that he has aspergic. Aspergic for those who are not aware Here is what one said about it.
“Derives from Asperger’s syndrome, which is descriptive of someone with a wide range of disabilities including the uncontrolled impulse to let out inappropriate comments or expletives. The term ‘aspergic’ is derivative and is used by people to describe their habit of using swear words and other rude words perhaps to shock or maybe as a result of having the genuine syndrome. In my experience, those who claim to be aspergic are usually looking for attention.”
I am sorry to hear that you have this problem. However you can use it as a crutch or overcome it. I appreciate people that overcome their problem.
Erwin Sell versus Hugh Walters Blue Box Part One Comments
We welcome any comments on this subject. We will edit or delete any comments that are not professional or use foul language. I was accused of deleting comments to protect Erwin over the mounted Hong Kong Trojan firing the bow. In this matter if I edit or delete a comment it will be saved first in a file. This file will be available for anyone who wants a copy.
Pictures show the PW edition #52 page number 4 were RED BOX-BLUE BOX mistake was posted.
Other photo show a 1981 HK Toy fare advertise where clearly show Blue Box And Red Box as two entities with separated address and name plus factories .In this case showing the RED BOX factory in Singapore and Blue Box from Hong Kong.
Wile BLUE BOX Singapore main factory installed in 1968 and closes in 2003.Located in Kallang Industries State-Singapore with also smaller factory distribution center in 615 Blue Box Toys Factory Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, Toa Payoh, Singapore 319516
And main sales offices in Singapore at
BLUE BOX Singapore office.
Manage by Connie Chan.
4008 ANG MO KIO AVENUE 10, #03-12/13 569625, Singapore
You should let this go.
The guy obviously has metal problems and doesn’t need to be goaded into another rant.
We here, know what kind of guy Erwin is, so why would we be bothered with this?
Let it go.
Normal I would advise that. But we also have to go and counter his comments on information that Erwin has posted. It is intertwine with negative comments that is discuss with in part one. So sadly we can not let it go.
Mental, not metal.
Guess he likes plastic; I found this humorous, Bill. Thanks for the laugh.
I find Erwin to be very knowledgeable and have learned a lot from his comments in the short time I have corresponded with him and read him on this site. Was hoping this might be about Blue Box pirates. Good to archive this stuff, @admin just for accuracy sake. Not sure I’ll read the whole thing; even Toy Soldier hobby stuff is not immune to rants. Unfortunate.
As Admin mention .I Would had let pass and ignore as this person site is barely see by many collectors because is more about all small scales and too mix match info just shot at once with too much blend that often confuse rather that straight forward direct info…
But because he had gone recently posting himself in others blogs/sites as the right correct info source and spreading mix wrong information I think for the sake of hobby is better to explain all best and out.
Admin has been patience enough and let some space to expose all.
The first part as you all see will look very personal and I’m sorry I had show it but need some start …
Once other parts are post; every body will see how much correct information could be easy plain and simple put to all you to see with out need of self advertise by one person using rants.
Will like to add that I had not been only attacked or mention as been wrong.
Others and very well know connoisseurs of this hobby had been label with name as been wrong in a very blatant way by this person.
Any one googling this blogger site should be very careful is full of extremely mix wrong information in all parts ;all base in many assumptions and miss understand or interpreted data.(Specially regarding HK – China,Asia and Spain were I do have very well clearance access information at anytime with plenty first hand source to post for every one to see.
Is not my goal to show but help and divulge information to all in share of community good will.
I often offer and send links here to any body trying help find things when available and never glory myself of any at all but rather love all could have what they wish.
Best regards….
Ive talked and dealt with Erwin for quite a few years now and ive always found him to be Very Knowlledgable about Toy Soldiers and History in general, And also to be Very Helpful and Fair, I also read hes comments here on Stads regularly and sometimes he sends personal emails to me, Basically a Great bloke who loves the Toy soldier hobby and just wants to help it flourish. So i can only apologise for my fellow countrymans comments of which were very unfair. So i think perhaps its best just to let it go.
Darren,thanks you do not need apologies for what he says as I’m sure it do not represent at all the many lovely people of UK with whom I communicate often but only represent a shame stain in the character and culture of Britain and this hobby unfortunately .
The next work parts again will be to show correct data rather than me fighting for…that is intention.
Regarding Knights and Orcs as I did spend and pass more info here since photograph then at NYC fare-2014 I truly wish they were here.
I had the feeling they will pup up soon.
Surprise enough BB release a fantasy unicorn-Pegasus fairy tales set bucket type playset for this year Toy Fair ;nothing impressive but from exact same line as the modern army set and pirates done.
So I’m crossing fingers as that set either by then or others will come out.
They won’t drinks those sets.
best…
Hey Erwin your welcome mate, I just thought i needed to say something and show you some support as im sure 95% of people will. Regarding the BlueBox Knights and Orcs ive resigned myself to the fact that they wont be coming out but I hope you are right that they may still get made somtime, But we shall see.
Its like SCS Direct that made tubes of Monster figures of which i own. I heard that they were working on Fantasy figures and that they would be out this year but so far no sign of them, So you start to think is this another set of figures that might fall by the way-side? Again lets wait and see.
Darren
This is not direct at your country or any other person. The person could be from anywhere. The idea of this blog is to share information and enjoy the hobby.
Hi its fine please dont think i was in any way saying that Erwin or anyone was having a go at my country, This guy is just 1 bad apple in the basket so to speak, We all have some bad ones in every country, I just wanted to show my support for Erwin. Im in no way offended at all, I love coming on here and will continue to do so.
By the way when i went onto Stads this morning and saw the tital BlueBox i was hoping there had been a change of mind about those Knights and Orcs figures perhaps coming out soon that was mentioned on here a year ago But it wasn’t Oh well nevermind i can live in hope.
I prefer METAL PROBLEMS!
NEVER FIGHT ON A PUBLIC FORUM.
Sometimes you are force to.
Wow!!!!!! Don’t know what else to say, so I’ll leave it at that.
My Experience of Erwin on Stad’s is just as he says, Erwin is very helpful and his input is always done in a positive manner, he is like a walking plastic figure encyclopedia !
Thanks for all your helpful info over the years Erwin!
Mark
This is awesome, lets settle this with a toy soldier battle!
Yes! A toy soldier War Game is in order!
No clue about Mr. Walters, but Erwin Sell is a decent, sincere, knowledgeable, generous gentleman and great father to his beloved little girl. I am proud to call him my friend, and at age 65, I am so glad to see younger guys like Erwin keeping the hobby alive. I have personally gained very much from Erwin Sell. Erwin, YOU ROCK!! (and you know it, too.!!) Love you, brother. Andy Keliar
Erwin I wouldn’t let it bother you, though I know it’s easier said than done. Ol’ Hugh has been around for quite sometime – usually though he participates in 1/72 scale plastics. you are not the first – and unlikely the last – person to find yourself the object of his ire over what should have been a minor disagreement.
He can be quite an enjoyable person to discuss things with – but doesn’t like to be disagreed with, particularly when he is in his cups.
Remember what the Romans used to say, “Nil Illegitimus Carborundum…”
This is a sad thing to have to happen. I understand Erwin’s desire to exonerate himself. He’s been unfairly attacked and by somebody with some real problems. You’d think this would never happen with something as innocuous as toy soldiers, but I’ve encountered a few real weirdos in this decidedly uncommon hobby. Quite to the contrary, Erwin has shown himself to be a true gentleman who is absolutely unshakable. He never gets upset or insulting. Even if his info were wrong, it did not warrant such a childish rant. If the individual does have this affliction he has alluded to, perhaps he should pause before posting. Otherwise, he seems to be putting the ‘ass’ in Asperger’s.
I have benefited many times from Erwin’s knowledge and expertise. He is definitely among the most knowledgeable men in our hobby. I have also looked at Hugh Walters’ site a few times and found a few things of interest there, however I have never corresponded with him. Erwin’s knowledge of the hobby seems much more focused and usable. Both men DO know a lot about plastic miniatures.
I have to admit, I have wondered once or twice what would happen if these guys ever interacted. I kind of figured it would lead to a clash of epic proportions.
Arguing about facts is one thing, but Hugh’s nasty personal remarks about Erwin are totally uncalled for.
Once again to all who had responded .
Thank you very much for such nice words. I truly appreciate the respect and honor give and please rest assure I do not have any intention from any of you to side or not with me with respect please.
The series of work will be definitely bring some true light info regarding the specific thematic touched in Mr Hugh odd work as well many others posted in his blog very bad unfunded.
I do enjoy typing here as well learning a lot from all you as well .Reading Stads post ,most of you and Kent site I had learn much, specially in US brands which were at all not of my knowledge for long.
I think for the benefit of hobby to pass along and share right funded correct information is the best way we have to survive with knowledge in hobby for those in future.
Best regards…
Erwin, I did read the entire piece, and I’m glad you are doing this to correct the record. Unfortunately, there are people in the world that lact tact, and take things personally even when not intended. There are also people who think out loud with there voices or there fingers, and don’t even realize (or maybe they do) that they are being rude.
Someone with Asperger’s syndrome may not have much in the way of impulse control or tact. Asperger’s people are often savants in one or two areas being almost with photographic type memories and genius. Often they have no people skills and don’t handle interaction very well. They can also be very black and white about what is true and false. Someone disagreeing with them could set them off. I have a friend with a child with Asperger’s. Although the young man is in his late 20s, he is very child-like in most of his behavior. However, he is an expert on everything Disney; toys, Disneyland and movies. He could recite most of the Disney animated movies line for line and knows Disneyland inside and out. Unless a cure can be found, he will always be part child and part amazing Disney intellectual.
My best to you, Erwin,! Hopefully you can forgive and forget the personal attack, while doing your best to give the most accurate information you are able. (I don’t know how you do so well typing out long, involved texts by phone. I try to keep texts short and am always having problems with auto fill putting in the wrong word. I need a keyboard on a laptop to write my not so detailed comments and in the single language I can speak. Keep up the good work!)
I have to ask for clarification on this point. Did this guy actually say he was ‘Asbergic’ in a genuine sense or was he just being colorful in stating he goes off on comments he doesn’t like? The word can be used that way. We might be giving him an undue pass for childish behavior. I also have a friend who has a son who has the affliction and his retorts are not so organized when he gets upset. At any rate, he is cognizant enough of the condition, IF that’s what he was saying, that he should know not to post anything immediately after writing.
Greg .
In his main home page introduction say so in his self introduction and he actually repeated often in other parts on his site all over after many comments in any work. You may look it yourself.
I’m not referring to my rant from him, it is all over, he uses it constantly to go off and say wherever about any one or anything. But as is not my blog I do judge him for it, neither I waste my time reading it ;but is sad see in this hobby blogs let by person with poor skills .
I looked. Wow…..what a rant. Now, I will admit, it was not as ‘crazy’ as I had thought. He goes into extreme detail in refuting your posts. Honestly, I do not want to get in the middle of anything like this. I am not that interested in the history of toy firms and have no knowledge thereof.
Greg in the future postings Erwin will show where Hugh is wrong with his information. What I did not like about Hugh’s attack was the unprofessional language. It was not necessary. The history of hobby is interesting. It is one interesting part off our hobby.
In my opinion discussion about this or that aspect of the hobby shouldn’t get personal; not necessarily talking about integrity in dealing and such, but disagreements over this or that bit of knowledge, even trivia.
That is where this went wrong, I think. I believe some people should stay away from their keypads after nine in the evening (some even earlier) – as it seems to affect their perspective.
I agree with the above statements. He became insulting where he could have made his points just as effectively without that. What makes it even more surprising is the topic itself, toy soldiers, is not anything to get furious about. I love my toys, but there’s got to be a limit! It seems to me that he let it build up over time and then let it fly.
Greg.
You will see how what real extreme detail are.My responses are long done just taking time to post are are thing more important in this forum that deserve true talks in our hobby.
My point is not his insulting. But the twisted uses of name and some knowlodge to make looks as correct finds using massive assumptions base in only it views.
U can drop 10 links in a site all together use it and twist to make looks as one point because are mengle.But you have to real understood one by one and disern to discover a false .The person in biased and from there concentrate in just spread wrong miss info .
Is not my rant only where he express.He uses in any or else to go for.He constantly go in minor blogs attacking or self advertising. He constantly call others blog info as RED FLAG and not credible with out a proof to refute but just mentioning.
We as human first should use humble and education to express.
My thoughs…