Hi Guys
Just to hopefully tidy up this thread now the dust has settled.
Ken, please keep posting, I think you were right to make the point and I actually agree with you in many ways. It wasn't the general point that was being made in the thread as a whole that I disagreed with, it was the way the thread was moving and the way it read that I felt I had to respond to.
I was aware of the points regarding box art, and was already making changes when I read this thread, so completely understand where its coming from, but just to reiterate, any misunderstanding with box art is down to me being naive rather than any attempt to deliberately mislead anyone.
When I originally set-up the packaging, I did consider that I should put a load of disclaimers on there, but thought (incorrectly in hindsight) that people would realise that for £12 they wouldn't be getting the base. I wanted to set a price point that meant customers can keep-up with the releases, and of course for that price I can't include anything. In the 18 months Tommy's has traded I have refunded one person who claimed that the rifle slings weren't included and two who thought the figure was supplied painted.
Anyway, that's history now, and plans were underway to make some changes, these are:
1. I am photographing all the supplied parts. The boxes will be changed so that instead of the rear of the figure being shown on the reverse the photograph of the unpainted, unassembled parts with a list of what is and what isn't included. I'll make sure that these are included in any of the internet listings and on the website.
2. Photo-etch rifle straps will be included in kits from Euro Militaire onwards, this is of course a huge investment on my part. I won't at this point be raising the price.
Just to answer some of the other points:
1. Mike, Tommy's War will remain at 54mm. The aim of the range is to offer a comprehensive study of World War One, if I make larger figures I simply won't get the coverage, in addition I won't be able to do some of the other exciting things that I've got planned. I understand it is frustrating from your point of view, but there are plenty of other figure companies offering larger size WW1 figures, and with the centenary coming in a couple of years, there will be plenty more to come. I don't get many comments asking for larger figures and, indeed, most people seem happy with the size as they are.
2. I'm constantly asked to produce figures from other countries, at the moment Tommy's War is based on the British and Empire army. That's not to say that I won't consider anything else, but there is so much ground to cover just with the British that it will be some time before I consider anything else, the plan is in place for Tommy's War for 2013 and for 2014 I'm planning to cover the Gallipoli campaign with all six releases.
3. For those customers that have contacted me worried that I am considering not continuing with the range, don't worry, Tommy's War will continue. Figures TW54011 (Naik, Garhwal Rifles 1914) and TW54012 (Corporal, London Scottish, Messines 1914) are cast, Günther is working his magic at the moment and they will be ready for Euro Militaire. There will be a special release later this year (if I can get it ready, then it will be at Scale Model World in Telford in November). In my opinion The Naik is the best figure in the Tommy's War range so far, the special release really is amazing and is going to raise a few eyebrows. The figures for 2013 are set in place, figures TW54013 and TW54014 are looking really great and I am hoping to release the first cavalry figure.
So, the range moves forward, I am listening but unfortunately I can't please everyone but I do my best to create something that modellers can enjoy.
Finally, thank you to everyone that PM'd and emailed me support, I wasn't upset by any of the thread but felt I had to step in, but thanks for the support guys, it really is appreciated.
Kind regards
Darren
Tommy's War
