PlaymoFriends
Getting Started => Welcome! => Topic started by: Abbot Hamilton on January 12, 2008, 22:34:20
-
Hello from Canada.
I've been lurking on this board for a while and this is my first post. I have loved playmobil since I was a kid in the seventies growing up in Scotland. I was always obsessed by the Tudor houses but we never seemed to see them locally or any of the larger sets for that matter. I have a modest collection of town and castle themed items. As you can see from the avatar, my favourite set of all time is the merry men's feast.
I am married to a Canadian with two small children. My daughter shares my Playmobil obsession and loves Robin Hood. I was a police constable in Scotland and now do the same in Canada.
In case you're interested Abbot Hamilton was the last abbot of my home town's abbey before being executed during the Reformation. On that happy note Maintiens Le Droit.
-
Hello and welcome to the forum! :wave:
We're all glad that you decided to join in the fun here at PlaymoFriends. :D
Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself! :)
Whereabouts in Scotland do you hail from originally? I'm born and raised in Australia, but I've been living in Inverness (UK) for almost 15 years now.
I love that set you chose your avatar from. It's also one of my favourites. 8-)
-
I was born in Paisley(yes that terrible town) and grew up there. I did live in Australia for a couple of years when I was younger. My dad worked in Perth, Western Australia and we lived in Fremantle. I don't remember too much apart from the heat and opening Christmas presents in the sun! We moved back to Scotland when I was five years old.
-
I've never been to Paisley (so I can't comment ;D), and I've only ever visited Perth's airport in WA during a long-haul flight. I have been to two other Perths though. There's one in my home state of Tasmania. I assume the British settlers named both places after the Scottish town in Perthshire.
I do miss the warmth and sunshine from time to time. I bet you enjoyed living in Fremantle! Tasmania's climate is not quite as hot and dry as that of Western Australia, but it was a heck of a lot warmer than here! ;)
-
A big welcome from the warm and beautiful United States Virgin Islands ... :wave:
"Maintiens Le Droit" ... ???
Are you a constable with the RCMP? ... :)
Looking forward to seeing lots of you here at Playmofriends!
All the best,
Richard
-
Howdy, and welcome from Arizona! :wave:
Jimbo
-
Hi!
I'm new to this board too. I'm so amazed at the talents and dedication to playmobil that these members show. I find it very informative and fascinating and hope you will enjoy it as much as I am. :wave:
Janice
-
Hello Richard, Janice and Jimbo,
thanks for the welcome.
Yes Richard I am a member of the RCMP. Are you an ex-member yourself? I've seen some of your postings and wondered. Love your attachment of the Mountie. Pity mother mountie sold her soul to Disney for a few scheckels. I'm sure most people on this board realise why the Mountie figure was withdrawn without going over it again.
I registered on the other board last year, but remained a lurker there too. At least i'm not alone in my obsession.
-
Yes Richard I am a member of the RCMP. Are you an ex-member yourself? I've seen some of your postings and wondered. Love your attachment of the Mountie. Pity mother mountie sold her soul to Disney for a few scheckels. I'm sure most people on this board realise why the Mountie figure was withdrawn without going over it again.
I am an ex-member of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. However, we currently have an RCMP member living in our Summer home on Vancouver Island.
Are you in Western, Central or Eastern Canada?
And, as you've suggested, Most people here probably know why Playmobil quickly discontinued their Mountie figure. Yet, if there's anyone who doesn't know why, and wants to know, please ask.
All the best,
Richard
-
Most people here probably know why Playmobil quickly discontinued their Mountie figure. Yet, if there's anyone who doesn't know why, and wants to know, please ask.
Why? I have absolutely no idea.
I'd be interested in Abbot and Richard's opinions on the Police theme. I have a few Police, mainly ones that came in eBay auctions with other figures I wanted, but I like the black-clad beret-wearing ones - a SWAT team?
I was looking for a mountie figure, but got a couple of Park rangers who are the same figure in different colours.
-
Hello Martin,
I've seen your posts here and on the other board. The RCMP had initially no trademark or copyright on their image or uniform. In 1994 or 1995 they trademarked it and entered into a commercial agreement with Disney to merchandise toys, soft toys wearing the RCMP red serge etc. Playmobil released the figure without knowing about the agreement or asking permission, subsequently they had to withdraw the figure.
P.S. I am jealous that you live in London. Greatest city in the world.
-
Welcome from the UK. :wave:
I've never been to Paisley, but I have a penfriend there who I've been in touch with now for 15 years or so, who's father was a fireman. From what he says in his letters, the place has problems.
-
Be welcome from the South of Germany :wave:
-
Hello Playmofire and Little Jo,
thanks for the welcome.
-
Hello Martin,
I've seen your posts here and on the other board. The RCMP had initially no trademark or copyright on their image or uniform. In 1994 or 1995 they trademarked it and entered into a commercial agreement with Disney to merchandise toys, soft toys wearing the RCMP red serge etc. Playmobil released the figure without knowing about the agreement or asking permission, subsequently they had to withdraw the figure.
P.S. I am jealous that you live in London. Greatest city in the world.
Wow, I had no idea. Shame Playmobil didn't ask permission, you'd think they would out of respect.
I used to have a Mountie uniform for an Action Man, about 30 years ago. Very smart. Action Man now seems to have gone the silly fantasy/sci-fi route, and don't make realistic uniforms.
I wonder if Playmobil have the same problem with other uniforms/ That might explain why they haven't made Beefeaters, London Metropolitan Police, etc. which would be perfect for the tourist trade here in the Greatest city in the world ;) and would undoubtedly boost sales of other Playmobil sets.
-
Wow, I had no idea. Shame Playmobil didn't ask permission, you'd think they would out of respect.
Hello, Martin ...
It wasn't just out of "disrespect" ... As the Abbot said, "In 1994 or 1995 they trademarked it and entered into a commercial agreement with Disney to merchandise toys ..." (and everything else). This meant that Horst would have had to pay a licensing fee to the RCMP through Disney Canada. I'm sure that Mr. Brandstätter remembered the Mountie "toy soldiers" of his youth (from several different manufacturers), so it probably never occurred to him that he might be infringing upon a trademarked property. (It would be much the same as making Playmobil French Foreign Legionaires, or Playmobil Swiss Vatican Guard, etc.) The "Mounties" were thought to be an historical and romantic public property like Cowboys and Indians, the American Civil War, the Conquistadores, the Pirates, etc.
So, when Horst learned that he had to pay a licensing fee, he was no doubt justifiably surprised. And, probably even a bit angered as I'm sure that the Disney Canada folks were not very warm and understanding. Then add to that Playmobil's policy of NEVER having a product that is licensed such as Lego with Star Wars, Harry Potter and now Indiana Jones.
The Playmobil Mountie was doomed! Which is a real shame, because I remembered the fun I had as a boy playing with my little Mountie "toy soldiers" made by that wonderful English firm ... W.Britains. I just feel that lots of young boys (and some girls) are going to miss out. And, so is the RCMP!
All the best,
Richard
-
True about the historical aspect, and I guess not everyone knows the RCMP are still alive and kicking. I would just have expected Geobra to do their research, and get in touch with the RCMP before producing their version. It just seems polite, if you're going to copy someone's uniform, to get their permission. These days it might be simply a matter of an exchange of emails.
I'm actually slightly disgusted by the RCMP granting a sole license to the voracious Disney monster. it seems so short sighted, and almost like selling out, but I suppose it was a quick fix, and they get some revenue from it. I wouldn't be suprised too find the RCMP having to pay fees to Disney so they can continue to wear their uniforms.
-
I would just have expected Geobra to do their research, and get in touch with ...
Hello. Martin ... (Sorry to thread-jack your welcome topic, Abbot!)
As I said earlier, "it probably just never occurred to them." As, this was not the only case where Playmobil has run afoul of trademark infringement and licensing.
Recently, we were all asked by Chrysler-Daimler not to call any Playmobil vehicle a "Jeep," as the name is trademarked. Playmobil will no longer produce the familiar Jeep grill (oIIIo) any longer. IMO, this trademark thing has really gone a bit too far!
So ... for everyone's enjoyment (and amusement), here's a picture of that wonderful little Playmobil JEEP (with grill) from long ago ...
see attachment
-
Hello. Martin ... (Sorry to thread-jack your welcome topic, Abbot!)
IMO, this trademark thing has really gone a bit too far!
Nice Pic! Obviously Chrysler-Daimler haven't heard the phrase "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".
I think they're also being short-sighted. Playmobil isn't competing weith real Jeeps, but I could imagine the young owner of a Playmobil Jeep buying a real one, because they had a toy one.
Apologies for the thread-jack too!
-
Hello Martin and Richard
Martin I remember the Mountie uniform that Action Man released in the seventies, it was wonderful.
As for copyright with the RCMP I actually believe they should not have copyrighted what is essentially a public image that belongs to Canada and the Canadian people. Like myself, a lot of RCMP members are embarassed that Disney is involved in the agreement.
-
Hello Richard,
sorry I meant to answer earlier. I am stationed in BC in the lower mainland.
-
Hello Richard,
sorry I meant to answer earlier. I am stationed in BC in the lower mainland.
Hello, Joe ...
Do you ever come over to the Island? Susan and I should be back sometime in June. Maybe we could meet for lunch in Victoria? (Do you like Mexican food?)
All the best,
Richard
-
Hi Welcome from Oregon!
I am lucky enough to have gotten a Playmo Mountie and horse by a trading partner in Germany getting it in pieces from different sellers at a show. If you're going to talk about not researching in regards to the Mountie then you should notice that they didn't get the horse's blanket right :D The MP logo should be on the squared end.
(http://www.animobil.info/wit-icons/mountie.jpg)
-
If you're going to talk about not researching in regards to the Mountie then you should notice that they didn't get the horse's blanket right :D The MP logo should be on the squared end.
Picky, picky, picky ... :lol:
Hello, Tim ...
Actually, the Sam Browne belt should be the same color as the boots. There should be a holster for a hand gun rather than a knife holder. The hand gun should have a white lanyard that passes through each of the dark blue epaulets. The dark blue epaulets should be smooth (not ruffled) with a gold RCMP/GRC indignia on the outside edge. The "Prussian-style" collar should be red with dark blue pointed tabs displaying a gold RCMP insignia on each tab. Only officers of the RCMP have dark blue "chevron" cuffs. The dark blue riding breeches should be "jodhpur style" with a broad yellow stripe.
Now, I realize that ALL of that is a bit much, but since you started this "picky" bit, Tim ... I will now deliver the coup de grâce ...
Please don't hate me, Tim ... I just can't help myself ... >:D (the devil made me do it)
You have placed the "Montana peak" Stetson incorrectly on your Mountie ... :(o):
The "hollow' fold goes to the front (unlike in the US where the crease ridge goes to the front). see attachments
I realize that when I'm least expecting it, you'll no doubt get even ... ;)
All the best for a happy and healthy New Year,
Richard
-
:lol: Hmmmm I believe you may be right Richard :wow: I will make sure his hat is correct on his display shelf.
-
Very smart Mountie Klickie despite the slight inaccuracies, and one to be treasured!
-
Hello Abbot
a warm welcome from southern germany :wave:
nice pics you got here from the RCMP, Richard - are you anyone of the pictured persons in younger days?
and quite interesting details about the RCMP figure - but, when they didn't go over the figure, how come it was released with two different collars?
I have several figures of RCMP and sometimes it came with the collar in Tim's pic and sometimes it came with the smaller black epaulettes?
-
Hi Abbot Hamilton.
Welcome to Playmofriends.
Canada always looks nice, it's one place I would like to visit and maybe even move too oneday.
Garry.