Tamiya????????????????

Modeling Subjects Armor
21

Hookt on fonics werked for me!!

I’ve found that when I need or want a kit (what’s the difference?), especially one that’s pricey, I’ll order online from HLJ or Rainbow Ten Hobbies in Japan. In some instances, I’ve saved 30-40% on kits. Shipping is generally a little more than domestic here in the US, but I still end up saving money.

Folks have pointed out that everything is more expensive these days…hey, I just bought a new 2005 minivan AND a new house in the last month, don’t even start complaining about things being expensive!! [:)]

When I look at the costs of other entertainment, I’m not depressed about a $50 kit. A night at the movies with the family (of 4) will run you about $50-60 with popcorn and soda and bad nachos. A night of drinking in a pub (for those who are legal) will run you $40-$50 if you’re out with friends (wallowing in your beer by yourself, lamenting the cost of Tamiya kits doesn’t count).

Look at the cost of Xbox and Playstation games!! Good grief!! Want an expensive hobby? Take up WW2, Civil War, Rev War, or any other form of reenacting.

My point is, that no matter what we do, its going to cost money. How do I justify a $50 or $500 model kit? I divide the price by the amount of time I work on the model. Usually, it breaks down to about a dollar an hour. That’s CHEAP when it comes down to it.

Why do we want kits to be $20? Because we’re pack-rats and we all want to have our own hobby shops in our basements. That’s all. It’s not because you can’t afford to model, because there’s still kits out there that are cheap. Are they the best kits? Nope, but they’re still out there, affordable, and you can settle for that older $20 if you can’t afford the latest Tamiya offering.

I would certainly like to go out and buy a new Porsche, but truth be told, I’m going to have to settle for a Honda.

Jeff

22

All good points of view, and each of us, most likely fits into one of these situations! The bottom line is, regardless of whether you have the resources, or bust your butt coming up with the $$$ to purchase those dearly cherished kits, the one common thread is that we love the hobby and will bear the cost. Semper Fi, Mike

23

I buy Tamiya for the quality of the kits. I’ve built their kits for years and have always been happy with the results. Sure they cost more now, but what does’nt? IMO, you pay for what you get.

24

Personally, I’ve always thought that Tamiya was overpriced. Ok, so their kits do have fairly good fit, however, the degree of tolerances they achieve over other manufacturers does not warrant the astronomical price they charge for their kits. Many of you have brought up inflation and other costs, however, how do other manufacturers, such as Trumpeter and Dragon release high quality kits at prices much lower than those of Tamiya.

25

Manufacturing costs are much lower in China than they are in Japan, Zok. It’s just that simple.

26

I work in the auto industry now and it’s funny, when speaking of labor costs. 10 years ago all the jobs went to Mexico, $1.50 US an hour. Now the Mexican government is worried about China, .35 an hour. I took a business trip to China about three years ago. On the way to the hotel from the airport, we passed a work crew in the streets. There were many workers in a long ditch shoveling…one guy had on a three piece suit…

Steve

27

It’s called, “exporting poverty.” The First World will always find a better market for that activity.

28

Yeah, Tamiya costs more than Dragon. But if I had two identical kits, one from Dragon and another one Tamiya, and the Tamiya kit was 25% more expensive, I’d still buy the Tamiya kit first, for the following reasons:
Tamiya kits ALWAYS fit
Tamiya instructions are ALWAYS coherent.
Tamiya parts are easier to find on the sprue, located logically.
I’m loyal to a manufacturer who continues to make a quality product for a reasonable price.

Tamiya has made quality kits for years and I hate to see people jump ship to China just to save a few bucks. If Tamiya doesn’t offer the kit anymore, (as in my latest Jagdtiger) then I will consider Dragon or others. But if Tamiya makes it, that’s the one I buy. I’m hoping that having more loyal customers like me will convince Tamiya to continue to turn out great kits, especially in 1/35. (Whoops, I hope I just didn’t open anther can of worms…)

29

Well, that sums it up kinda for me. I will buy a Tamiya kit if noone else has it (i.e. Marder III M). However, lately, they just haven’t been able to offer the value of say a Dragon kit with pe, aluminum barrels, and indy tracks. Add all those goods up and whew!, that is some savings.

I’m afraid Tamiya has taken a detour to 1/48 and might never truely come back. You can’t totally fault them for it, they had to do something to remain profitable. Now what will they do when Dragon and Trumpeter eventually head into 1/48 themselves? [}:)]

30

yeah and then Tamiya will jump back to 1/35 and blow em all away!!! LMAO It’s the Master plan!!

31

Some of Tamiya`s more expensive kits are a dream to work with. I am currently building the JS-3 (Kit# 35211) While the price might be a little high for a 98% (mins the tow cable string and Vinyl tracks) plastic model kit, the fit and detail throughout is OUTSTANDING.

[:)]

32

Ah, so that’s it. Hit em at their flanks. [(-D]