Two December Figure Odds and Ends, we start off with some links to interesting articles on toys. Then I will look at some finds I got in an auction.
Two December Figure Odds and Ends Links
We have some interesting links for you.
First, we have Mike Predergast takes a look at the Mars Toy French Grenadiers. I can wait to see a comparison of them with the Airfix French Grenadiers.
The next link is showing every year’s most popular toy since 1969. Chris Bensch, chief curator at the Strong Museum of Play goes into the backstories of every toy released since 1969.
Third, we have the latest offering from the Lego Creator series. The new offering is Bookshop. The bookshop is three stories with an adjoining house. The building has 2500 pieces. The set is pretty detailed with bookshelves and cute things like a toy plane stuck in a tree. They are not cheap at $179.95. But with the other buildings in the series, you can make a real city.
Auction Find Fun
I have fond memories of those little silly flags. How many did we have as kids that didn’t make it?
The pics of the French Grenadiers look okay – perhaps not as crisp as we’d like and I have my doubts as to the face on the sapper, but the pose is better than the ESCI guy just standing around at least. I’m also not to fond of the elbow down approach to firing poses, but understand why they do it this way. Overall, considering the price, I think if they’re compatible with Airfix I can make them work. JMO
Kind of funny that Mike mentioned shortly after the Mars figure review the Hasbro news of Dortmund Comiccon. Less than 20 miles from where I live. One of my coworkers from office went to the show. She almost knocked out the actor of Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter by headbanging when taking a pic (at least before she a compliment for her dress).
Small world. Assume I have to make to next years Comiccon to take a look.
While the Mars FG looks better in detail than most rest made by this company ,the 4 first poses are literally copies of Airfix and Esci almost same and other literally the same standard poses as previews brands sets.
Why not make different poses or banner and zapper in action pose different that same as others?.To me is just like having slight variation of same made already .AIP ,HAT have done alike but much more different poses as well .
my thoughts
Those in contact with Mars Toys could ask them why they did the same poses and did not fo more action pose with the pioneer. Frankly some of their other series more excit me .
hey Paul, that L’il Joe stuff goes for pretty good prices on eBay. the gear and oversized head look very much like Marx’ Stony Smith stuff.
I know, I was surprised too. I put the tank up for a silly price. I will see how much it sells for.
The Mars French Grenadiers have been shipped. As the last “Express” mailed box with the WWII Elite Germans in winter gear took 38 days to get here they could be here next week or they could be here in January.
To any want interested ..
Both sets from Mars could be direct ordered from dealers in Russia or Ukraine over two week ago already as available since then .
They were listed for sale since 11/27 so far…
Here is one dealer that has last new release ,prices plus shipping are fair enough i think and shipping from this dealers is usually faster than show in ebay approx date given base in my experience.
This seller offer discount in multiple and combined shipping as well.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mars-Figures-32022-French-Old-Guard-1805-1815-15-figures-8-poses-1-32/303381480868
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mars-Figures-32014-German-Elite-Infantry-winter-dress-WWII-15-figures-1-32/293351401731
There also other direct dealers hobby store offering free shipping to US in sales or order of 150.00 or more ,it from portuguese owners and well established since 2002.more dedicated to hobby had carry IMEX,ITALERI ,WATERLOO in past and now offer MARS from very low price as well.
https://hobbyterra.com/product/french-old-guard-1805-1815-mars-figures-32022.html
Any one looking x Chintoys and EXF at lower possible price here in US as usually the CA dealer Rebelalpha carry the Chintoys and last EXF at the lowest market price possible or close .
he offer discount saving in shipping as well upon direct request or contact .
He just let me know will have very soon the last two new sets from Chintoys such Swiss mercenaries-warriors-Reisläufer and others and new last Mars sets as well .
He often sold out very fast unfortunately but his restock is very fast as well as he uses replenishing automatic reorder system base in 50% stock sales per item .
his link once again
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chintoys-1-32-ITALIAN-WARRIORS-Figure-Set-BROWN/383227918336?hash=item593a29f800:g:xcQAAOSwhBNdsHto