Front Rank miniatures up for sale !!!

[Captain Blood]

The owners have run a great operation all these years with great customer feed back, but with their planned retirement its hard to see any real long term continuity with the company.
But what ever happens i wish Alec and his wife all the best , they have brought much enjoyment to many.
 

I can’t disagree with that. I don’t dislike many of the figures at all. Indeed I’m building out my Front Rank Late C17th collection right now. They have been a great company, with many lovely figures - it’s just the £££ numbers that look rather shaky to me.

And who knows... I don’t think Foundry have brought out anything new for the last 10 years, but they’re still going, trading - as far as I can see - entirely on their extensive back catalogue. So it can be done.

But as Gary says, a business that doesn’t continue to grow, innovate, move forward, may well last for a while treading water, but probably won’t have a long term future.

[Mindenbrush]

Just had a delivery from Front Rank (well, the second since they announced the retirement) and it was top class service, just 8 days from placing the order to it arriving on my doorstep in Montreal.

Well packed and not a single miscast, casting worm on around 60 figures plus horses and artillery. The SYW British/Allied and French armies are just about complete now.

[Calimero]

Good point indeed Captain Blood...

To circle back to my original question, I have many friends who are of the artistic type (mostly visual art, photography, film and some actors/comedians and a signer...). I know they tend to lends toward making their "own art" with their "own style", but most of them, if not all, could quite easily copy the style of someone else... I’m wondering if it’s the same for miniatures sculpting. Could a new sculptor copy Alec’s style? Could he or she add new ranges and improve older sculpts? Would this be a more viable option for a potential buyer? Having a good bases to start with and the possibility to expand from this base?

[nonsuch]

i

[Ninefingers]

If someone does buy Front Rank they will have no choice but to find someone , if not themselves , to copy the front rank style for any future releases or it wont be front rank anymore!!!

Gripping Beast seem to have done alright!

[Digits]

Just noticed on Front Rank website that Gripping beast have bought them….should be open for business from 14th October.

[nonsuch]

Gripping Beast seem to have done alright!

Yes they are, how ironic you mentioned them, they are front rank now!

[vodkafan]

Oh no. Will they be called Gripping Rank or Front Beast? 

[Ninefingers]

Yes they are, how ironic you mentioned them, they are front rank now!

I don't claim to be some sort of mystic, but any offerings (in lead or plastic) that my followers wish to donate will be accepted gladly.

[nonsuch]

I don't claim to be some sort of mystic, but any offerings (in lead or plastic) that my followers wish to donate will be accepted gladly.

LOL