I saw in another thread that some one is planning to build the AMT XB-70 and I am planning on acquiring one myself. I am somewhat leary of building this kit since it was a limited edition and will probably become harder to find as time passes. I’ve heard stories about things like the F-108 Rapier that have become so valuable that no one will build them.
So my question is this: Do you have anything in your collection that you won’t build because it is a rarity, or does that sort of thing even concern you?
I don’t worry about it too much. I consider myself a model builder more than a model collector. My collection was accumulated prior to retirement solely to offset the reduction in income and give me sufficient kits to build over the next 5 to 10 years. Several of kits that I purchased over the past two years were OOP when I got them or have subsequently gone OOP. Although these kits will probably move lower on my “to build” list, eventually I’ll build them.
I am a builder and not a collector and so I don’t worry about it too much. Plus I don’t think there is much of a future in model kit collecting. The kits that might be worth a high amount of money are rare and far in between and I doubt I would ever just happen to have one or even obtain one.
The only concern is if I want a kit to build that has become rare and pricey. I buy only want I intend to build.
I won’t buy a rare kit that is priced high, but if I had one in my stash & wanted to build it I would. I’d save the box though because idiots on eBay will pay a lot for an empty box [:)].
Regards, Rick
It’s doubtful I would. I’ve always been able to find a new/cheaper/better kit to build.
Would I sell a rare kit to somebody who intended to build it? Sure. I sold one of my “Model Technologies” 1/72 B-2 vacs to a guy I knew was going to cut it up for something else. Was it rare? Yup it was the only kit put out by MT and “The Black Dorito” as it has been refered was worth over $100.
Most of my kits are considered rare due to the fact that normally only between 20~200 are made and limited as to where you can purchase them.
In addition to that I also hunt for specific kits that I want to add into my collection and since most of the kits are OOP 3~6 months after they are released it can be a chore finding them. Very few of those makers will reissue kits.
Generally I build models, I think models are like wine, meant to be enjoyed and savoured not left sealed up and gathering dust just for the sake of whats on its label.
I view kit collecting like I view wine collecting, it doesn’t make much sense to me, it seems a real waste of the product and the skills that were put to use making it.
Anyway, some of those old rare kits deserve to be built.
What are you going to do with an ancient kit that is worth a lot of money? Put the kit on the mantle over the fireplace? Or put it on a pedestal? No, it’s just going to sit in the closet and do nothing.
Kits were meant to be built. Wouldn’t a beautiful, finished model of a rare kit go for more than the kit itself?
Dave
I have a couple that would be considered rare, and one of these days I will build them. When I see what some doofus is willing to pay on Ebay, I sit back and shake my head in amazement. I’ve heard that the old Monogram Visible B17 is extremely rare but that is’nt going to stop me from building it when I want to.
Thanks for the input. Being a tremendous b-70 fan I want to build that kit.
I used to collect comic books so I have a tendency to think of things in terms of collectors value. But you’ve put my mind at ease, so I’ll go ahead and add it to the list.
A Japanese kit catalog (Hasegawa I think) I saw a long time ago, included the statement that went something like, “We worked hard to make this kit. If you bought it, you’re obligated to honor that effort by building it.”
recently i come across some old novo and matchbox kits in the LHS.
some kits for example were 3-4 times more expensive than the equivalent modern counterparts almost to the league of Tamiya big 48ers.
Why should I buy these kits rather than the new ones?
I can understand if it is a rare subject not reproduced since but when you have the better reproduction why bother?
Nope, I only buy stuff I plan to build.
The only collecting that I am doing with models if having them collect dust after they are built.
I guess I’m sort of a collector, mainly out of nostalgia. I love being able to have a kit I built as a kid, especially if it’s in the original box. Usually I don’t pay more than $10 - $20 for these.
For example, I have a Monogram Wildcat kit in the original flat box. It’s molded in dark blue styrene, and has those cool original assembly instructions. If I wanted one to build, the kit’s still in production, so I’d pick up a new copy.
That said, however, I have purchased a few kits for considerably less than their “collector price” – ones I’ve stumbled on at garage sales and flea markets. If they’re valuable to someone else, I usually sell them and use the money for kits I know I will build.
Matt @ FSM
Never thought about NOT building a kit I have due to it being a collector’s item or rare. I will wait to build a kit if it was an expensive one that I don’t want to ruin due to a lack of skill. I’ve got a few like that, but they’ll be built once I use some of my others in the stash to refine/learn skills that will be put to use on those “special” kits.
Speaking of the Valkyrie, I do have an old Aurora Valkyrie. I got it off from e-Bay after months of hunting, firmly decided to build it as its scale would have allowed me to put the model into my display cabinet (the AMT kit is too big!). Unfortunately the Aurora kit is way, way out of shape compared to the real thing, and scratchbuilding a Valkyrie would be easier than changing this old kit into a faithfull replica…
When it comes time to start a new project, I don’t really consider the age or whether it is a rare kit, when I decide to build something, it goes into production. [swg] [tup]
If I have the good fortune to pick up a “Rare” kit I just wait and when the price goes up on ebay out it goes and then I can afford more contemporary models and supplies. It keeps my wife happy and my spending a little more realistic.