Michael's selection getting bigger

I'm not real sure about variety avalable today, but I know that a lot of new snap-tite kits are getting more and more interesting (like Revell's new MACK semi truck, with an included tank trailer)

Mabe I can get one or two of those, and use them with a MACK CF cab fire engine kit, mabe swap out cabs with one, and get a unique fire engine.

El Taino

 

 (praise the snap-on kits too, LOL).

Would it be possible for a store to carry just  a large selection of "snap" kits to entice beginnners?

Does enough variety exist to stock a full  HL or Michaels shelf ?

Railfan 233

Has there been any more word on this topic? Have we been recognized by Michaels?

I would presume the standard formula is :

number of posts ( or old style snail mail to management )  =  amount of recognition.

Cadet Chuck

I have never found anything worth buying at Michaels- just kid stuff kits and beginner's supplies.  Hobby Lobby is not much better, at least the little store we have locally.  I buy most of my stuff at Sprue Brothers or Squadron on line.  It seems not to be a profitable business for local stores, not much demand for advanced modeler's things.

Cadet Chuck: I agree with you on the beginners stuff at Michales. Like I mentioned before, I'd love to see a Model Master line of paints but I have to see it from their POV. Most in not all models at Michaels are level 2, yes, we can make nice models out of level 2 Revells. But for their customer base, that's what probably Revell sell them and the same with RPM's Testors. They are for the medium to advance modelers ''just good kits''. With a 40% coupon, they make the perfect less than $20 bucks last minute gift, (praise the snap-on kits too, LOL).

When I started modeling back in the 80's, there were no stores of this nature in Puerto Rico. If you were lucky, you could find a few Monogram and Revell kits in local pharmacies. Only this pharmacy in my local town had a few Testors armor models. I developed the skills for nice builds with ye olde tube of glue, but I lacked the supplies to paint and finish and ended up quitting the hobby.

In short, I wish I had a store then with today's Michaels inventory. If they just add a Model Master line, this would be great for beginners and more advanced modelers alike.

My 2 humble cents.

Railfan 233

Have we been recognized by Michaels?

Probably not.

Medicman71

So I went to my local Hobby Lobby (right across the street within walking distance) because I had heard that they were making the model area smaller and lo and behold.....they haven't!! YEA!!! Same amount of models, paints, and tools. What they got rid of is the whole isle of train stuff. Got some sanding paper and tools and of course I used the 40% off coupon. Score!!

Well all I have to say is buy up what they have, because the party is coming to an end nation wide with HL. Your time will come, alas.

I have never found anything worth buying at Michaels- just kid stuff kits and beginner's supplies.  Hobby Lobby is not much better, at least the little store we have locally.  I buy most of my stuff at Sprue Brothers or Squadron on line.  It seems not to be a profitable business for local stores, not much demand for advanced modeler's things.

Ah, figured with the model railroad stuff.

Well, that just leaves Hobby Town USA (which also sends model train prices through the roof) my LHS, and mail-order.

So I went to my local Hobby Lobby (right across the street within walking distance) because I had heard that they were making the model area smaller and lo and behold.....they haven't!! YEA!!! Same amount of models, paints, and tools. What they got rid of is the whole isle of train stuff. Got some sanding paper and tools and of course I used the 40% off coupon. Score!!

Has there been any more word on this topic? Have we been recognized by Michaels?

deafpanzer

Be sure to use the 40% off coupon... it will bring Badger AB down to $100 or so.  That's what I did when I bought my Iwata AB at Hobby Lobby.  In that case, it is a great deal!  Best thing is that you get to buy accessories on same day in case it breaks if it is being sold at your Michael store.

Thats why I was planning on getting my AB at Michael's.

~El Taino~ That was a pretty good deal. Considering Hobby Towns prices are jacked sky high on kits that shouldn't be registered at a high price.

I went to my local Michaels this afternoon for some DULLCOTE and found the SIKORSKY CH-54A Skycrane 1/72. Lucky I had an extra coupon and my daughter was with me so she purchased it. It ran at $12.99 after tax. My local HT has it for $21.99 + tax.

Yes true! Can't over state the value of the 40% off coupon!

Be sure to use the 40% off coupon... it will bring Badger AB down to $100 or so.  That's what I did when I bought my Iwata AB at Hobby Lobby.  In that case, it is a great deal!  Best thing is that you get to buy accessories on same day in case it breaks if it is being sold at your Michael store.

That seems about normal to me assuming it comes with all the needed accessories, though I'm not really familiar with the Badger family of AB's. I should think you'd be able to find a better deal online though if you're looking to spend a little less money, depending on where you look.

oddmanrush

jetmodeler:

I always find something useful in Michael's. I buy my paint brushes there, oil paints, etc. In fact I'm about to invest in getting an airbrush from there sometime this year.

 

Yeah, I can't argue that there are other useful items in Michael's, i.e foam, material for foliage, water effects, brushes, etc. In fact, the other day I found some kind of bean that would make nice cobblestones should the circumstances arise. I bought an airbrush from them a while back before I got my Paasche VL. Don't remember which one exactly, but it was cheap, around $50 and made mostly out of plastic. I don't recommend that one. It gummed up rather quickly and the trigger would stick. I see they sell Badgers, or at least something similar. That would make a fine investment.

I think my local Michael's has the Badgers. I think they are somewhere around $140-$150. Is that a good price?

jetmodeler

I always find something useful in Michael's. I buy my paint brushes there, oil paints, etc. In fact I'm about to invest in getting an airbrush from there sometime this year.

Yeah, I can't argue that there are other useful items in Michael's, i.e foam, material for foliage, water effects, brushes, etc. In fact, the other day I found some kind of bean that would make nice cobblestones should the circumstances arise. I bought an airbrush from them a while back before I got my Paasche VL. Don't remember which one exactly, but it was cheap, around $50 and made mostly out of plastic. I don't recommend that one. It gummed up rather quickly and the trigger would stick. I see they sell Badgers, or at least something similar. That would make a fine investment.

I always find something useful in Michael's. I buy my paint brushes there, oil paints, etc. In fact I'm about to invest in getting an airbrush from there sometime this year.

That's odd. I find almost all of what can be found in Michaels useful in some way. Floral wire is what I use to simulate bits and pieces of hose and wires running about on some models, while plastic beads are good for simulating lights on an emergency vehicle (I'll show you what I mean if I ever get around to bulding that fire truck with a scratch-built conversion and a Monogram Ford F-250)

So you are not going to join me as an H.M. Murdock impersonator?

I'm just going to clarify for the sake of clarification. I do not have an ego problem and I am not uncomfortable shopping in Michael's. As I said, I used to work there. I shop there quite often actually. I simply find the rest of the content in the store, aside from models, irrelevant therefore I do not spend much time in there. I go in, find what I need and I leave. No use browsing.

DoogsATX

 

 

I seem to remember HobbyTown being somewhat more awesome back in the day, too. I don't know. Maybe it's just that the Austin location is so terrible.

One large, fairly awesome  Chicagoland Hobby Town dating from AD 2000 still exists ( of three ) with fewer aftermarket model accessories and more RC.

One small Hobby Town opened a year ago but carries no more kits than Hobby Lobby but has more paint.

OTOH, Venture Hobby in Wheeling IL had many more kits ( still the largest LHS number of kits)  but increased RC space at expense of kits while

Des Plaines IL Hobby has moved to a smaller location and reduced stock overall in both railroad ( primary ) and model kits so reduction is not just Michaels & HL....but I must drive 20 miles to each of those LHS....

Railfan 233

 

 

 

It may be a good idea for you to stock up on those kits.

If the 40 pct coupon can be used with it it might be worthwhile, otherwise I'll just use the Michaels 40 pct coupons I receive.

Amazingly, the store sold some kits- not usual as stock was constant for two weeks.

Sprue-ce Goose

My local Hobby Town is also expensive, usually a $2 to $10.00 more than a hobby shop.

I seem to remember HobbyTown being somewhat more awesome back in the day, too. I don't know. Maybe it's just that the Austin location is so terrible. I buy the odd paint here and there, but the kit selection is both expensive and somewhat mediocre. There isn't any aftermarket support. They have like two decal sheets, locked away behind glass. You know, because of all those hooligans stealing FW-190 markings. 

Fully 3/4 of the store is given over to R/C. Which, I mean cool, but I've always assumed is as or more niche a hobby than scale models.

The remaining quarter is a toss-up between scale models and their various supplies, model railroads and their various supplies, and overpriced kiddie junk that my toddler freaks out over every time I take him in with me. You know - cheap little wind-up cars for $5 each and such.

Every time I walk out I tell myself I'm never going back. Then I run out of Neutral Gray in the middle of the weekend...

Sprue-ce Goose

Local Michaels is clearing out some of it's Revell kits by discounting price by about 25 to 30 pct.

Don't yet know if this means a smaller kit selection.

It may be a good idea for you to stock up on those kits. Even if the kits are not what appeal to you, you could use them as a barganing chip later (such as getting the kid down the street to mow the lawn) Or, you could turn around and sell them, and gain some money by selling them at regular price, or increce it by a few dollars, to get more money for your budget.

My local Hobby Town is also expensive, usually a $2 to $10.00 more than a hobby shop.

Unfortunately, I must drive 20 miles to the hobby shop.

Local Michaels is clearing out some of it's Revell kits by discounting price by about 25 to 30 pct.

Don't yet know if this means a smaller kit selection.

I used to have no problem going into HobbyLobby (espicially if I have a 40% coupon) because my wife is an artist. She goes there a lot for various paint, paper, brushes, etc. I always let her do her thing as I head straight to the model section. Now that they are downsizing (I haven't had the chance to check the one I go to) i'll just stick to my LHS.

Toysoldierman, you are the bravest man I've ever met. I have no problem going to Michaels, but going to A.C. Moore or a simaler store drives me up the wall (preferably the out-side wall)

I read you loud and clear on Harbor Freight tools, and Hobby Town U.S.A. prices. Mine jacks prices sky high, to where even a simple Revell car kit (the same ones from Michaels) are about the same in cost to one of those Dragon super armor kit (the ones with so much photo-etch and stuff)

I'm sort of lucky. Even though there are only 3 dedicated hobby shops in my town (Hobby Town USA, and a  family owned store with 2 locations) the family-owned stores cut prices to be as close to the reccomended sale price or less as they posibly can. I do all of my internet and mail-order stuff through them (except for on-line auctions) because they don't charge shipping. I've become real good friend with the employees around there (and I also have a reputation with them of never leaving without buying a kit)

Going in to a store that primerly caters to women never really bothered me.If they have what I need to do my modeling and the price is right I'll walk in to a dress shop with no problem at all! 'm secure in the fact that I know I'm a man and I've never had any trouble going in Michael's or A.C.Moore or any similar store to get modeling suppies that I cann't find in local hobby shops.Hobby Town USA are so expensive it should be a crime! I have found tools and such at Harbor Freight for 1/4 of the price that HobbyTown USA wants.I guess it all depends on one's ego as to where they feel comfortable shopping?

Doogs: I remember when Michael's used to be like that too, back in the early to mid-90's my mom would take me with her and I'd usually leave with a kit. I was shocked when I went back a few weeks ago.

oddmanrush

Sprue-ce Goose:

 

oddmanrush: move quickly and head for extraction?

are the womenfolk now hitting on the guys they see at Michaels?

 

Well, that's one of the reasons. The wife gives me enough trouble as it is dropping money to build the stash, let alone getting held up in the local craft store by the single ladies.

Otherwise, like I said, getting to the hobby section involves taking a tip toe through the tulip department. Not exactly a browse-friendly environment if you get my drift. Unless I go around the other way, in which case I could peruse the Better Homes and Gardens magazines....

This is, of course, unlike Lowes, Home Depot, DicksSporting Goods, Sports Authority, etc, where every aisle has a potentially attractive buy. Where as, every aisle in Michael's has a potentially attractive female......

Why don't you try acting like H.M. Murdock?

It seems like the ladies don't try to hit on you if you act like you were busted out of the psychiatric ward of a V.A. hospital. (It's been working for me ever since day one of the 9th grade. Now, no one bothers me during lunch)

Man, that girl was crazy. I wouldn't touch her with a 50' pole