I was browsing at my LHS today, and I came arcoss quite a bit of discontinued sets mostly armor and acessory kits.[:)] That got me to thinking, is it worth buying these discontinued sets in order to stash them so they gain in value? Or are you better off buying the kits only if your going to build them?[?]
Here’s a list of all the discontinued sets I spotted. Note: All kits listed below are Tamiya in 1/35.
Type 90 Tank w/Mine Roller #35236
German SdKfz 250/9 Kit #35115
18-ton Half Track Recovery Set #35243
Scene Set #2-German Field Police, Normandy 1944 #89740
If it was me i would only get them if you plan to use them. If you look at the numbers some of those are years old, in particular the Russian Inf and the flak crew. They have probabl;y been discontinued and re-issued dozens of times over the years. No doubt they will be back again before long.
All except Scene Set #2-German Field Police, Normandy 1944 #89740, which is fairly new, have been in production a long time and are in reasonably plentiful supply so it may be many years before any of them appreciate in value.
Just as an aside, all except the livestock set are listed as “in stock” or “in stock from supplier” (7-10 days lead time) by LuckyModel.
EDIT: If they have been listed as “discontinued” by Tamiya USA, it may simply mean that they’re not carrying those particular stock lines at the moment, but may still be in production or are available elsewhere.
none of the ones in your list. the only things these days you can make any money on are those dragon kits. most of us, on the forum especially, are builders and we buy the subject we want to build and leave it at that. most models don’t really grow to be super expensive, especially Tamiya kits, which were at their age still rather widely produced and distributed before they got discountinued. only ones i’ve seen from them that can fetch over twice the original value were some of the 1/20 mclaren kits (the M23 to be more exact, later models don’t fetch as much anymore after the reissue this past year but never did go over 30 bucks or 60 to 70 bucks for the limited release mp4/13 w/West decals), or a lot of their classic limited release RC kits (Avante or Top Force EVO anyone? I own a Dyna Storm but that’s only cuz I love that buggy) if you really want to invest your money, go open a real money market account once the economy starts to get better.
I buy plastic modles because I like the subject matter and have the hope that I will build the model some day. In my opinion, don’t ever buy plastic models as an “investment.” Plastic models as an investment probably rank down there with buying lottery tickets. Both are bad bets.
I’ve collected brass model trains for almost 30 years in HO, O and 1:20 scales. At least with the brass, I know that I will get back a fair percentage of my cost if I sell. (But to be realistic, there are very few instances where I’ve made money.) However, if I bought something 15 years ago and the latest and greatest version comes out, then my 15 year old model typically drops in value. Then again, I buy the models because I like the prototype and admire the craftmanship. I think plastic is far worse.
So may of the plastic models today are light years ahead of what was done even 10 years ago. Ten years from now, the demand for a Tamiya kit from today will probalby rank down there with Bear/Stearns stock.
Buy them to build them and enjoy them. Our loved ones will only see them as clutter to get rid of when we’re gone. I pity my poor wife when I die… She won’t know what to do with all of the boxes. Thank god she doesn’t know about the boxes (trains and models) stored at my office.
Thanks so much for the heads up and info, Bish, diggeraone, Phil_H, archangel571, and scrambler8. [:D] Without the help, I might have wasted some money on model kits I’d probably wouldn’t build.
Whoa! Back up the truck! I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy the kits. By all means, add them to your stash - and try to get them built some day.[dinner] (He who dies with the most toys, wins!) I’m just saying, enjoy them for what they are. When I’m not building, I sit in front of my TV, with a beer, and a few of my kits, just looking through the boxes and admiring the sprues. Please! Don’t deny yourself those same pleasures.
There have been a few truly discontinued Tamiya kits (original M1, M60A3, LVTP7A1 pop to mind), but most just live in a state of limbo and get reissued every so often. Most of the discontinued kits are due to retooled molds that now exist as newer models. The 3 mentioned above were all retooled into the M1A1 (then M1A2), M60A1 RISE/Passive w/ERA, and the AAV7A1 w/UGWS.
To add to those listed above by Rob, some of the older German armor kits are also gone for good.
Some that come to mind are:
The old Tiger I (35056)
Pz IV H (35054) (though this one lives on in the Academy clone)
PZ III M (35011)
Stug III based on above (35014)
Jagdpanther (35069)
King Tiger (35057)
Without exception those listed above were replaced by new-tool kits, and the originals are unlikely to be missed, except by die-hard collectors.
It’s interesting that the much derided Panther A (35065) soldiers on to this day, and the Jagdtiger (35058) has been discontinued but hasn’t been replaced by an updated kit.
I tend to think in modern armor terms, but as well there have been the old Jeep, Schwimmwagen, Kubelwagen that have been totally replaced by newer kits. Also with the newer M113A2 and M2A2ODS, the original M113 and M2/M3 kits may have been retired due to mold retool as well.
I believe the original M113 and M2 kits are still available. (The M2 also still lives on in the Academy clone - possibly the M3 too). The “interim” M2A2 kit has been retooled to the M2A2 ODS.
The M247 Sgt York disappeared from the line-up after the full-size vehicle was cancelled. (Again, still available from Academy)
Another modern kit which has been retooled is the West German Marder MICV, which was “updated” to a Marder A2 with MILAN ATGM.
Especially after another model company has just announced a new tool kit that Tamiya has in their line. Tamiya then rushes that 30 year old kit into production and onto the shelves. Then all the clueless masses buy the jacked up priced 30 yr old kit because, hey, it’s Tamiya with a $45 price tag. It has be better than the brand new tool one that’s only $30.