RE: New Kit Prices Update

General Discussion General Modeling Discussion
1

When I originally posted my message in referance to ‘New Kit Prices’, I guess that I underestimated the number of responses that the topic would generate in the ‘Forum’ section… Some of responses appeared to be in general agreement that kit prices were too high… Other responses appeared to indicate that some modellers should probably consider wearing a respirator while constructing kits as glue and paint fumes appear to have affected their brains!!!.. Also, just for the record, I gave-up smoking approximately 40 plus years ago and I spend about $5.00 per week on state lottery tickets… Judging by the way that new kit and accessory prices are going up, I’m going to have to win a sizeable lottery amount soon just to stay in the hobby…

2

…good luck…

3

…you know…once I ALMOST paid $229.00 for a kit…can you believe it???

Carlos[whstl]

4

Not true, just keep your eyes open for sales at the LHS or your favourite online source; coupons from the big-box craft places; the occasional second-hand shop, etc. And nobody has been forced to shell out for aftermarket goodies. It can be done on a budget so long as you’re not addicted to resin, photoetch and other high-end extras. Sheesh - Hammer is still modeling and he’s determined that models should still be available at their 1980 prices… [whstl]

5

Almost huh? What happened? I mean, what is her name…

6

Visit IPMS contest vendors 30 minutes before the vendor room is supposed to close for the weekend…

7

[dto:]

8

It can turn a little random as you may not have the best selection going that route, but you can find something to build & still get a deal.

9

…so as to protect the innocent lets call her…hmmm…Ms. W

c

10

If you have will power , visit the vendor room when it opens ( after the rich folks buy advance admission ).

You’ll see guys scuttling out of the room loaded down with arms full of kits they will NEVER be able to explain to the little woman…

11

True.

If you really need a specific item ( life or death ) then buy early.

Otherwise, you can get a deal

I recently picked up an Italieri He 111 Zwilling for $8 ( vs. $60 at LHS !! ) .

I’d considered buying two Hasegawa He 111 kits to convert but way too expensive !

12

THIS.

It’s entirely possible to build on the cheap if you’re discerning and patient.

  • 40% off coupons at Hobby Lobby and the occasional 50% at Michaels. Sure they don’t have the greatest selections, but you can’t complain with a Revellogram B-25 for $12.50. You can also plow those coupons into something like an airbrush if you’re so inclined.
  • Vendor tables. Plenty of deals to be had. You have to be discerning, but I’ve snagged Hasegawa’s 1/48 P-40E and Tyhpoon Ib for $15 each. Tamiya’s Wildcat for $10.
  • eBay. Again with discerning, but you can find deals, both for kits and accessories. My best score to date is a $4 ICM Spitfire Mk.VIII.
  • Your LHS. Mine gives out 20% off-a-single-item coupons whenever you spend over $50. I usually put them toward big accessories or kits that don’t get discounted anywhere (Tasca Shermans…).

Honestly, nobody is forcing you to go out there and buy pricey kits, spend on all kinds of aftermarket and whatnot. If budget is a major concern, don’t buy Tamiya’s 1/32 Spitfires or Bronco’s new Archer kit. Don’t buy aftermarket stuff. Use automotive primer instead of model primer. Be sparing with your paints. Get creative.

Yes, this hobby CAN get pricey if you choose to go that direction (though IMO it’s still cheap next to many other pursuits). But I’m entirely confident that, if I chose to, I could get by on $30/month. And that’s including the kit, any dedicated paints, and the occasional restock of thinner/glue/commonly used paints.

13

That’s a pretty generous model allowance!!! If I were a rich man, I’d bet a dollar that I spend even less than The Hammer!!! He may be a teacher at the “School of Modelling Frugality”, but I’m the principal!!![:P]

My last big score was 25 good (some great) kits. Most were 1/48 and a few nice 1/72 Hasegawas, for under $150. That’s about a two year supply, and includes a few A/M goodies as well. Vendor tables is where it’s at!!!

14

Heres a bit of nostalgia for ya’ (circa 1973) Its in English pounds but you get the idea. (hmm, think I’ll start off with the replica schmeisser)

15
  • That’s how I bought my airbrush, a nice little Badger 150 with a 50% off coupon at Michaels
  • Bugger - I paid more than that for ICM’s MkIX Spitfire at the LHS, think it was $24. Seems to be a beautiful kit though, well worth the $ in my opinion.
16

Those gun replicas are now a BIG no-no down your way, if the internet posts I’ve seen are to be believed.

17

Well $5 a week is pretty tame for lottery. I don’t think that’ll blow the modeling budget up.

I don’t think you ever said how long it takes you to build an average kit. Of course the amount of AM will increase both cost and time.