Collector kit frustration

I do not see the advancement in most of those kits that I see in military aircraft models.  The Zvezda ones do seem a bit better than others.  The one kit I really liked for up to date technology was the Eduard 1:144 Ju 52, especially with the optional PE upgrade.  That was something.  Big thing I miss in most others is cockpit detail.  Even in 1:144 it would be nice to fill that void behind the windshield.  And some modern kits still even lack transparent windshields.

Now that Airfix (which has gorgeous casting detail) has a great C-47 in their new line, I sure would like to see them do a real DC-3 with the new molding technology.

What do you mean by advancement Don? There have been so many new kits in 1/144 from Zvezda (B747-8, 787-8, 787-9, A320, A321 and the IL-62) and Revell (Airbus family; A380, A350, ERJ-195) in recent years. The Eastern European manufacturers (Roden, Eastern Express, MikroMir) are now coming to the party with Brittanias, Comets,VC-10s, Tristars and MD-11s. And BPK is now covering the 1/72 market with their B727-200, CRJ-100/200 already released and the B737-800, A320 Family and more CJRs on the way....

The thing that bothers me is that there has been so little advancement in airliner kits since the days of those collector kits

 

When I sell rare, vintage kits, I start them at $9.99 and let the market determine price. Recently sold a pair of ITC 1/24 scale armor kits in a lot that started at $15 and it went for $120.

Hello!

That's exactly why - at leas my stash - has grown so big. I wish I had bought it back then... Not going to do the same mistake again, better to have and not need than need and not have... That's how the thinking goes!

Good luck with your search and have a nice day

Paweł

Hmmm;

   Now that makes me think of Aurora's C-141-"Starlifter ". When I bought it it was still seen in hobby shops . Now, years later , to get one I would probably have to resort to a " Glue Bomb " . A new in the box version would break my bank !  T.B.

qmiester

I wonder how many kits get thrown away because the owner won't take less for a kit he has priced or a kit that they "are going to build some day".  Then they pass away and the wife or kids decide it is simpler and quicker to just put them in the trash or haul them to the dump.   

 

I won't say that a price someone asks is right or wrong.  There is a fella who writes on collectables, Harry Rinker, and he often says, "For the first 30 years of the life of an object, the price is whatever the seller and buyer can agree on."  I think that does apply, after a fashion, to this area, too.  But having said that, I'll add that if you look hard enough, you will likely find the kit at a price you can accept.  I do it all the time.  It's like fishing.  You might have to wait a while, but you'll probably catch what you're looking for.

I wonder how many kits get thrown away because the owner won't take less for a kit he has priced or a kit that they "are going to build some day".  Then they pass away and the wife or kids decide it is simpler and quicker to just put them in the trash or haul them to the dump.   

I'm a big fan of the Fujimi kits from the 80's. F-4 A-4 A-7 A-6. They were about $15 new. I have no problem paying $20-25 now. But some of these sellers want $35+ and then shipping. On that note I found a RF-4B for $25 shipping included.

Stash kits are just models waiting to be born! & I have enough to last several lifetimes...

But like you I won't pay over the odds for a kit...

I was looking for the Revell/Testors ahem 'clasic' M48 AVLB kit... at the time it was north of £UKP200/USD$260 on UK €b@y then the price steadily dropped over years to £120/$155

The other option was a questionable & very expensive resin kit...

In the end, after several years Revell Re-issued it a a History Makers kit for about £22/$28, good enough for me!

Moral 1: set a search on your favourite auction sites...

             & wait... & wait... 

             NO kit is EVER unobtainable...

Moral 2: Build something from your stash that interests you now, have fun, it's only a hobby...

 

Hello!

I understand what you feel! Most of the time it's just not right. People demand absurd sums of money for kits that are way behind the state of the art today... Then again it is usually best to just sit it out. You can never know, the kit might get re-released and that normally bursts the price bubble. Or you might come across a kit that's started, missing the box, instructions or decals, and that still would do the trick, wouldn't it? But most important - the stash! I don't know about you, but every time I get an impulse to buy an expensive kit I look at my stash and know before I'm done with it one of two things is bound to happen - either I'll die or I'll come across a better deal! So it's all good! good luck with your projects and have a nice day

Paweł