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Gentlemen,
Thank you for the kind expressions in your letter, which provoke several emotions, chiefly guilt. I am painfully aware that I have made no Napoleonics for more than three years, which is not a happy situation, but there are reasons for it.
Firstly, sheer fatigure. As you may be aware, I made figures for Battle Honours for five years before starting AB. After fifteen years of Napoleonics, I reached a point of indifference to the subject. I badly needed a change, and WWII was the answer.
Secondly, age. Born with perfect eyesight, I am now 52 and simply cannot see the fine work I used to. Changing to a slightly larger scale has been a relief, but I am now starting to struggle with 1/76th. Even with the best glasses, there is nothing to be done about this.
Thirdly, and most importantly, in 1998 I collapsed with Labyrinthitis, a disabling disorder of the balance system, which has rather dominated my existence ever since. I get recurrent attacks and there is no cure, only rather depressing medication. I have had to change my priorities. I avoid stress (which makes things worse) and work when I can. Productivity has suffered, and I have to concentrate on the most lucrative work.
I spend about half my time making figures, and the rest working as a historical consultant in the museum world, doing models and illustration for exhibitions. I still love designing figures, but it has to pay. As you will be aware, because of the 'hobby' origins of the trade, most Napoleonics are relatively underpriced (the mass of buyers do not realise this and complain about high prices. Tough). WWII is THREE times more profitable, a sad economic fact. I do not begin to understand how other manufacturers do it, but Mike Hickling and I each make half a modest living rom AB, and both have to do other work to survive. To continue this, I need to concentrate my waning powers on the most profitable line.
I am entirely sensible of your appreciation, and grateful for the interest and support that you have shown by bothering to write. I wish I had more pairs of hands and eyes to keep everyone happy. Just at present I am submerged in museum work, but will try an experiment later in the year, and see if I can still make Napoleonics to the standard required. I know the gaps in the range all too well. If I succeed, you will see the fruits. If not, I hope you will understand why.
yr servant
Tony
Thank you for the kind expressions in your letter, which provoke several emotions, chiefly guilt. I am painfully aware that I have made no Napoleonics for more than three years, which is not a happy situation, but there are reasons for it.
Firstly, sheer fatigure. As you may be aware, I made figures for Battle Honours for five years before starting AB. After fifteen years of Napoleonics, I reached a point of indifference to the subject. I badly needed a change, and WWII was the answer.
Secondly, age. Born with perfect eyesight, I am now 52 and simply cannot see the fine work I used to. Changing to a slightly larger scale has been a relief, but I am now starting to struggle with 1/76th. Even with the best glasses, there is nothing to be done about this.
Thirdly, and most importantly, in 1998 I collapsed with Labyrinthitis, a disabling disorder of the balance system, which has rather dominated my existence ever since. I get recurrent attacks and there is no cure, only rather depressing medication. I have had to change my priorities. I avoid stress (which makes things worse) and work when I can. Productivity has suffered, and I have to concentrate on the most lucrative work.
I spend about half my time making figures, and the rest working as a historical consultant in the museum world, doing models and illustration for exhibitions. I still love designing figures, but it has to pay. As you will be aware, because of the 'hobby' origins of the trade, most Napoleonics are relatively underpriced (the mass of buyers do not realise this and complain about high prices. Tough). WWII is THREE times more profitable, a sad economic fact. I do not begin to understand how other manufacturers do it, but Mike Hickling and I each make half a modest living rom AB, and both have to do other work to survive. To continue this, I need to concentrate my waning powers on the most profitable line.
I am entirely sensible of your appreciation, and grateful for the interest and support that you have shown by bothering to write. I wish I had more pairs of hands and eyes to keep everyone happy. Just at present I am submerged in museum work, but will try an experiment later in the year, and see if I can still make Napoleonics to the standard required. I know the gaps in the range all too well. If I succeed, you will see the fruits. If not, I hope you will understand why.
yr servant
Tony