First Legion Kits

[Tecumsea]

I have had an E.Mail from 1st Legion detailing a number of new and prospective releases.

The original releases created a fair bit of controversy on PF regarding the casting quality. While at Stresa I spotted a couple of these kits on a sales stand and opened them to take a look. I have to say they were awful, the horse blanket on a Napoleonic figure was almost obliterated in the casting process and I certainly was not prepared to waste my money on the kit.

1st Legion had a stand at Stresa and I was able to recount my experience to their US representative on the stand. He was quite open about the issues with casting quality and showed me some of the current production which was a far more acceptable standard. Their ultimate aim is to get as close as possible to the quality of Metal Models castings a manufacturer they appear to hold in high regard (Rightly so).

This manufacturer have certainly carved for themselves an enviable reputation in the pre-painted Model Soldier business. Giving credit where it is due and hearing their future aspirations first hand they are listening to their customers and I think we can look forward to some exciting releases of quality items in the future.

Keith

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Stresa Keith ! you kept that quiet

 

[tomifune]

Keith,
I did the same thing you did as I wanted to check out their stuff first hand. The ones that I looked at were like you said: not great, but not bad. I did like their pre-painted samurai as there was some unusual ones there.
Sorry I missed you as in the madhouse that was Stresa, I ended up missing several people that I knew were going to be there.

Bob

 

[Tecumsea]

Hi Bob,

likewise, but what a great show! I wouldn't have missed it for the world-everything was just perfect, the Hotel, the Show, The Lake and magnificent Mountains.
I very nearly bought a prepainted Drummer but decided if I did I would get hooked and it would be the first of many. One of the frustrating things about 1st Legion is how much cheaper they are in the States and that always puts me off buying as I feel I am being cheated somehow. I know it is down to import duties/VAT but it is a hard pill to swallow

Take care............Keith

 

[Jaybo]

Gentlemen,
Maybe I'm missing something but I find the First Legion kits that I purchased (Marlborough & Henry Paget) to be very good castings imo. I have not tackled them yet but have compared them to MM figures. They are not quite as clean as the latter and the horses look a little rough and will require some work. I have pre-ordered the Archduke Charles and Prussian standard bearer figures with no reservations. At least First Legion is producing some out of the ordinary subjects.
On an unrelated subject, I miss that some manufacturer would produce the French Revolutionary drummer boy as depicted by JOB. That needs to be done.

Jay

 

[Jaybo]

I meant that 'I wish that...'

 

[Tecumsea]

Hi Jaybo, I think it was a bit pot luck with the early kits as by their own admission they realised they had to do better and have certainly improved-the one I saw on the retailers stand believe me was awful-the ones shown on the 1st Legion stand were much improved but they are still determined to keep to keep improving the standard- they know it is a new market for them and a different audience.

I agree the range is quite exciting and a welcome entry into the market as expressed by many on PF.

Keith