How much are willing to pay for a model and does it add stress to your build

wpwar11;

        It was Me, Myself and I that mentioned the Pocher kit. I had seen one in my travels and just let my curiosity get the better of me. I will say this though. Because of it's intracacy the kit took me the better part of a year, working two hours a night on it.

        Now here's the Bonus. This particular kit taught me things I never would've tried on a model before! The end result? I made some nice money on commissions from Accident Specialty Attorneys for quite some years.

Several years ago, I paid $100 for a Classic Airframes P-43 kit, long out of print.  Over the span of about a year leading up to the purchase, I looked for cheaper sales, but couldn't find one.  So I bit the bullet.  The price didn't make me any more careful or apprehensive about building the kit, than the kit itself already did.

Interestingly, after I bought that, I started seeing other examples for sale for less.  And once Dora Wings came out with their kit, prices dropped even more.  I have bought 2 more examples of the CA kit, for around $35 each.  With 2 Dora Wings kits, I can now build all of the P-43 subjects I want to build

I have not spent that much on a model yet.. I've thought about it, but have not done it...

most expensive model I ever bought to date is probably the Academy 1/48 F-4B and I ended up selling it.

Maybe I just like older kits or maybe it is because I like to build the same kit  multiple times. 

If I were to drop a larget sum on a kit, I would have to expect it to be really enjoyable to build and not expect to have a bunch of them on the shelf. At this point, if I had to do it, I would probably go for the HK 1/32 B-17G or B-25J or the new Tamiya F-14A. If ZM came out with a 1/32 F-4 Phantom, hat would also be really tempting... 

Like a few of you have already mentioned I see modeling as a good value.  With a couple aftermarket items added I have a few models in the $100-$140 range.  The most I have spent on just a single kit is around $100 for the Tamiya F14D.  Most models take me 3 plus months to build so thats really cheap per hour.  
Someone here mentioned Pocher car models.  I would consider one of thier 1/8 scale kits if they offered an interesting subject.  I think they go for $1000-$1500.  If I screwed one of those up it would stress me.  For the everyday models in the stash nothing there adds stress as far as what they cost.

Heck I am a nervous wreck over a 15 dollar super model kit from the pawn shop. Doesnt matter. My neurotic perfectionism doesnt care how much it cost.

  neal

@Disastermaster

On my headstone:"It's much better to be alone than to wish you were".

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!!

Cafguy

Life tip:  Skip marrage: find the women you hate the most and buy her a house and car.

I have a better way....

(32 Years now and not one single regret)

Skip marriage: Leave' em ALL alone in any way.

On my headstone:"It's much better to be alone than to wish you were".

I am like many of you in that is depends on the subject, kit quality, desire, and obscurity or demand of the kit. I can safely say that I have never spent over $150.00 on a model kit... ever. Like some of you I am also retired with a more limited / fixed income. Since then I really analyze each kit purchase. This is a good venue for me to watch some of you build the model I want, look at the challenges and end results. Then I measure my desire versus price. 

Wait one minute, after looking at what was purchased with after-market items, I have indeed gone well over the $200.00 price tag for the 1/350 Arizona I built (more like over $350). That was a one time emotional desire that I got caught up on. Perhaps that is the real question,.... what is the highest total price invested in a model kit which would include all after market parts, paints, and other materials (excluding labor). 

Generally speaking, I have plenty of unbuilt kits that I want to build so I spend more in after market and scratch building supplies than on newer kits. The exception being the 1/18 Harrier, and 1/350 Tamiya Yamato, wood deck, and Lions Roar detail set. 

Does the price of a kit have any direct relationship on my stress or enjoyment when building it.... not really. When I use to build on commission for people or for contests, that was stressful. Building for myself is never stressful, only new challenges which I find enjoyable. After all this is a hobby and for me I want to take stress away from my life. Some people do yoga, others meditation, while I do models or music...

Writing this has me thinking of Steve and his beautiful Akagi build costing hundreds which is sure to be a contest winner. While it is epic and fantastic to watch, it is something I would no longer want to try (or buy). Because of that, I often choose to follow certian types of builds and enjoy them in proxy. There is a lot of really good talent sharing wonderful builds in this forum. In many cases I do not need to own a certian kit as I've already shared in the joy of the model with the builder in this or other forums. 

Ben a.k.a. DRUMS01

The most I have ever paid for a model is $45.00. I have so many stashed over the years that it's highly unlikely that I will ever pay any more than that.

I generally don't pay a great deal for models.  Most of what I buy is 1/72 aircraft or 1/35 armour, so anywhere from about £6 - £25 for the former, and about £25 - £45 for the latter.  However, I've recently bought the 1/24 Hawker Typhoon by Airfix - full price is £120, but my usual on-line shop had it for £95, plus I had loyalty points worth £12, so I got it for £83 - a snip!  Without the discounts, I wouldn't have bought it, though.  I don't think the cost of a kit causes any stress when building - once it's paid for, that's it.

I'm a model car "PLASTIHOLIC" at times.

I love the whole model kit thing and have for 71 years. Love resin kits too!!

$300.00 has been my max so far, as my "stinginess" hasn't allowed me to go any further, and space has become a very big limiting factor, so I'm down to finishing a model before I buy anymore - UNLESS I CAN'T HELP MYSELF .

(I have WAY TOO MANY KITS like most of you guys)

But BOY, is model building FUN!

Oh my gosh!  I remember back in 1987 or 1988, 40 years ago, when Gunze Sanyo came out with their "high tech" model of the Panther ausf G.  It cost around $100.00.  Now that was high.  I was paid well, but  100 bucks for a model then was crazy!  I waited quite while but I did buy one..  then Dragon a few years later did them, and others in all plastic, and cheaper.  Long story.  Back then, it did put a lot stress on me, I love tank models, and this was before Tamiya did their Panther G and Nicimo did one but it was hard to get.  This was way before  e bay.  To shorten the story, $ 60.00 is my limit in 2020.  In the 1990's I paid $20 to $35 was my limit.  But I have about every thing I want now, so even the Border and Meng models don't interest me much any more.  I guess I'm just too old to get as excited about them.  Model buyers is a in young persons game.

    Being semi-retired my income goes to more important things...that being said if I see a kit I just can't live without and providing it is "available" I will save as much as needed to aquire it.

      I don't think I have ever "stressed" about the price vs finished model, if I enjoy the process and it removes me from the everyday mundane then to me it is money well spent. There are ALOTWORSE things I can drop a few hundred dollars on and definitely NOT get the same entertainment.

My price limit is somewhat variable, depending upon subject type. I dont have to have the latest and greatest of a new release subject that costs two or three times as much as an older release of the same subject. Especially since when the new überkit comes out, some guys will dump their slightly older kit of the same subject in their stash for an even better price. If a kit is the only game in town of a particular subject in that particular scale that I want, then I'll go a bit higher on cost. But it pretty much depends upon the size of the subject, for what I'm willing to pay. So let's say a 1/35 AFV around $30-$40, a 1/48 fighter $20-$30, perhaps a bit higher for larger subjects in that genre. 1/350 ships depend upon the size as well, but lets say in the $60-$70 range for a battleship/carrier size subject, and less for the smaller types. 
But adding stress to to build due to the cost? No, that does not happen for me. There are other stressors that may occur in a build, but they are the peculiarities of that specific build such as tiny ship PE parts, indy link tracks, or biplane rigging, but not cost factors.

Bakster

 

 

GMorrison

Without believing in any theory behind it; I evaluate the cost of models in one way as a cost per hour issue.

It is NOT my main way of evaluating whether or not to buy a model, but it does matter when I look at $ spent/ return on  pleasure.

A ship model takes me a year or so to build. Call it two or three hundred hours. So at $ 200 for a resin battleship, maybe works out at $ 0.75 to $ 1.00 per hour.

That Mustang, which by the way is a truly magnificent kit; would take me one hundred hours or so. Sort of the same values, next level of cost above.

I guess the conclusion is to take up a lot of free time on a model.

If that sounds silly; I'll submit this.

I always notice that most modelers rush to finish.

Don't.

 

Bill

 

 

 

 

I follow a similar line of thinking as Bills. I base it on how much joy and time required that the build provides. How much bang for the buck. My builds often take a year to build. Price is not that concerning when you factor the time. Divide that out over 12 months and it usually is a good value. That said, there is limit. I don't think I'd pay 1000 or more. Maybe  when I retire I will treat myself to something like that. Maybe like the Trumpeter 200th scale Titanic with all the aftermarket. That would cost hundreds but that model would take me several years, and then, I'd actually have the time to build it. Hopefully.

 

I spent $300 on a wooden plank-on-bulkhead Ship of the Line.  After several years it is still not done- in the rigging stage now- probably take a couple more years intermittantly.

GMorrison

Without believing in any theory behind it; I evaluate the cost of models in one way as a cost per hour issue.

It is NOT my main way of evaluating whether or not to buy a model, but it does matter when I look at $ spent/ return on  pleasure.

A ship model takes me a year or so to build. Call it two or three hundred hours. So at $ 200 for a resin battleship, maybe works out at $ 0.75 to $ 1.00 per hour.

That Mustang, which by the way is a truly magnificent kit; would take me one hundred hours or so. Sort of the same values, next level of cost above.

I guess the conclusion is to take up a lot of free time on a model.

If that sounds silly; I'll submit this.

I always notice that most modelers rush to finish.

Don't.

 

Bill

 

I follow a similar line of thinking as Bills. I base it on how much joy and time required that the build provides. How much bang for the buck. My builds often take a year to build. Price is not that concerning when you factor the time. Divide that out over 12 months and it usually is a good value. That said, there is limit. I don't think I'd pay 1000 or more. Maybe  when I retire I will treat myself to something like that. Maybe like the Trumpeter 200th scale Titanic with all the aftermarket. That would cost hundreds but that model would take me several years, and then, I'd actually have the time to build it. Hopefully.

Well;

      In my case that comes down to how bad I want to possess it! I have spent as much as $1,500.00 on a Pocher kit, back in the day. Now that said, Think of it this way. You have a $300.00 suit.You paid for it. Your wife( If you have one) has a dress,She paid $300.00 for it. Okay, that is $600.00 hanging in the closet in the dark!

    Now you and she don these clothes and go to dinner. You spend $24.00 for gas to get to where you are going. $5.00 for the Valet parking. Now, with drinks your dinner out costs you $125.00. You go home hang up those clothes in the dark closet and don't see them again for maybe a year. You spent $400.00 for a model and $200.00 for it's detail sets.

     You spent a whole year, on and off working to build that model. You put in about four or less enjoyable hours each day, in that Endeavor. Now, How much was that model building time worth? Inestimeable! Why? Have you noticed how relaxed you've been getting during and after a successful build? Put a price on that! You Can't !!   

I can't remember the most expensive but I'm pretty sure it was(at the time), this PITA Collect-Aire F-108. In my old copies of FSM, it's listed at $175 or so. 

My threshold's probably about $200 and that depends on the kit, the scale, the manufacturer, and how bad I've been wanting it(which doesn't come into play much anymore).

Can't see myself paying over $200 for a kit regardless of how good it is. 

I have a few at £100-£150 ($140-$200) Either Resin and/or Plastic with tons of PE, such as the Vosper MTB and PT boats, lots of parts!

The Trumpeter Fransika clocks in at 950-odd parts the PE adds a 1000! parts (!!!!)

Another one at £300, reduced to £200 ($415-$276) M3 Aligator.

Not started untill I'm confident I'll have the time & skills to finish them!

I buy the ones I want when I can afford/get them at a price I'm prepared to pay. Full stop.

PS ANYTHING finished under a year (regardless of parts count) is a speed-build for me!

PPS I'm relaxed about the cost, as I never pay more than I wanted to,
I have enough kits to build something else while I wait for the next 'once in a lifetime' kits, & I'll wait for it.
I rarely build straight away, so by the time I get round to it, I've forgotton how much I paid anyway!

Without believing in any theory behind it; I evaluate the cost of models in one way as a cost per hour issue.

It is NOT my main way of evaluating whether or not to buy a model, but it does matter when I look at $ spent/ return on  pleasure.

A ship model takes me a year or so to build. Call it two or three hundred hours. So at $ 200 for a resin battleship, maybe works out at $ 0.75 to $ 1.00 per hour.

That Mustang, which by the way is a truly magnificent kit; would take me one hundred hours or so. Sort of the same values, next level of cost above.

I guess the conclusion is to take up a lot of free time on a model.

If that sounds silly; I'll submit this.

I always notice that most modelers rush to finish.

Don't.

Bill

I'm cheeeeeeeeep!

I try and buy used/ new kits in bulk so I end up with kits at $ 10 each.

When I do buy new from a store or online I  hesitate at $30.... but occasionally I have been known to spend $80 to $100 ( most notably Revells big 1/72 scale U-boats)

All bets are off when it comes to rare kits  ( a few years ago I spent $ 125 on a Jo-Han hearse).

AND:  I have had my eye on a LARGE  wooden ship kit . I'm waiting to see if I can get it for less than $600, but I'm about to give in....

Hi, 

I think the most I've ever spent is just over $100 (including tax and shipping), and yes it does make me just a little nervous.

Pat

The two most expensive kits I bought were both subs.  One was the Disney version of the Nautilus at about 18 inches and cost somewhere over 150.00.

The other was the Submarine Seaquest that measured almost 4 feet long and cost over twice that.  Both will be at Modelpalooza.Other than that I don't spend more than usual for the occasional ship model, including Starships like Enterprise and dthe Klingon Battlecruiser.

With regular ships I may have to buy the extras at a later date to cut expenses.

I recomend the hobbyboss kit for anyone that really loves this hobby this is very challenging and this kit actually has a learning curve that will force you to love Photo etch as well as some very extreme detials this kit is actually worth every cent I piad for it

Given that these days the average price of a new release armor kit is $50-$75 range, it has certainly helped ease my apprehension after finishing a couple. I still haven't broken the $100 kit threshold on a build. 

I would love to get that M1070 kit, and display it next to the Tamiya Dragon Wagon and FAMO w/trailer in my stash, but all are just too big for me to display.  I have actually started selling off the big kits in my stash instead.  May as well move them on to someone who may get around to them.

Just bought a vintage 1/72 scale Monogram B-36 that's in like-new condition for $125.00.  Can't get those for much less than that anymore.  But, its not uncommon for me to spend that much or more on a model...I'm good for about 1 model a year, because I put a lot of detail into each one.  Not building for contests or anything, but I like to push myself and see how far I can stretch my skillset.