So when is a resin kit considered good, or bad for that matter?
Quality of kits is largely based on the accuracy of the model itself, how well it's engineered, and the casting quality of the parts. I hear complaints about those items, but I rarely hear complaints about how the parts fit. I think this is primarily because most of the modelers that build resin are more experienced than our injection-molded brethren (or sistren).
What is typical cost of the kits currently available?
In 1/350 scale there are 5 available that I know of...and some of those are now out of production. There's a Kirishima from Classic Warships that retails for about $300, there's Furutaka from BWN (now Yankee Modelworks) that was in the $180 range, and a Kagero and Akizuki Class DD from the same company, listed between $100 and $120. After that, Minekaze has IJN Tone for a mere $450. Obviously, there's a slew of kits in 1/700 scale, some in 1/500, 1/450, and a few in 1/200. These are all Japanese releases from the 1960s and 1970s, so their technology is dated.
Is it a fair cost, or would more be sold if they were cheaper? With the exception of Tone coming in at $450, yes, the prices are right in line with other resin producers. More would be sold if they were cheaper, yes, but the profit margins would be reduced to the point that the individuals casting these kits would be doing for free.
What are your expectations in a "good" kit? Accuracy, detail, and fit.
What would you would be on your top ten list of IJN ships, and in what scale(s)?
Takao - 1/350
Chokai - 1/350
Nachi - 1/350
Maya - 1/350
Myoko - 1/350
Hatsuharu DD - 1/350
Any of the carriers, Kaga, Akagi, Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Taiho, Katsuragi, Amagi, even Shinano.
Do "you" have plans availble for any of those ships, and is there enough detail to build a model from the plans.
With the Fuij-Art plans available, the possibilities are endless... Ihave about 12 sets of plans, mostly cruisers...and I'm in hte middle of scratchbuilding Takao at present. After that, Mutsu, maybe Ise.
Is there a market for any ships in your list beyond your personal collection? There's a market for everything...
Jeff