Johnny K

Matt, Doc, Art, Everyone else, thanks for all the responses. Most have been quite positive, but even the negative ones have been helpful and are quite appreciated - after all, I wanted to know how you truly felt about the subject. Harry, perhaps I was a little less than clear in the OP - I did consider just asking the question as stated in the first three paragraphs, but decided i should put my own take in there. My real question was how many made profit within the scope of the hobby, by any method - not just the buying and selling of kits. That would rather limit things, I think. I know many members here produce resin products, decals, videos, various aftermarket products, and build for others as well as buy and sell kits. That's all a part of it. I should also perhaps clarify that I don't simply 'buy low and sell high' as perhaps it came across. Further, I don't use this as a method of making money for things outside the hobby - everything I've made has either gone back into it or is sitting aside for future use. Again, thanks for your thoughts. They're both thought-provoking and helpful.

Thanks for all the responses - both positive and negative. Looks like it's running a little better than 2 to 1 in favor of being able to profit from the hobby with another half part o.k. either way. Really should have done this as a poll. Some excellent points have been made, especially Douglas' (also mentioned by a couple others, but I think this said it best). Pretty much the bottom line, Mike. Great story, Jim. Thanks.

I take it the both of you reside in the 'no' camp. I knew that there would be two definite sides here, with perhaps the more outspoken feelings being against. If I am, indeed, 'profiteering,' then I'm quite obviously not very good at it. I appreciate your strong feelings on the subject. Thank you.

Tell me about it! One of the primary reasons I got out of my former 'hobby' - building and repairing computers.

No, I don't factor time in, neither gas nor printing costs, or several other things. I figure that's a part of the 'Hobby' aspect, but you're right in that I used the word 'profit' quite loosely, certainly in less than its strictest sense. Perhaps you did the same with 'panderer?'

As with most things, I'm sure there are two camps here. Many builders undoubtedly engage in the hobby for the sheer pleasure, joy, and sense of accomplishment it affords, willingly paying for kits, paints, equipment, and accessories with little regard for making money from it. On the other hand, there must be as many, or more, to whom a bit of return on investment would make the hobby just a bit more enjoyable - not to mention help pay for some of those kits and supplies. So, I'm wondering - how do others here feel about this, and how do you both enjoy the hobby and profit (or not) from it? As for myself, I like the profit route. When I decided I wanted to build a model pickup a little over two and a half years ago, I was surprised at how prices had risen since I built as a kid. I remember getting my occasional dollar bill in the late 50's, early 60's and running out to the local 7-11-type store. I'd pick up a 98 cent kit and pay my remaining 2 cents in tax. Reasonably, I decided to look for deals on eBay. Found a few, and inside a month had a collection of 25 kits, both current and vintage. I quickly realized (with the ever-so-loving and gentle persuasions of my wife), that I might be getting a bit carried away, so decided to resell some after I chose the ones I wanted. To make what could become a long story shorter, I sold a few, but bought more. I soon realized I much more enjoyed buying and selling them than I did constantly building them. It was a year before I started reaching my break-even point. This weekend, I'll break the $3000 profit mark in addition to all the kits and parts I have being paid for - basically free. Not much, I know, for a year and a half, but it's not something I consider a business or career (retired) and I don't do it to make a living. It's just my way of enjoying the hobby.

I go into the local Hobby Lobby a couple times a week and generally pick up either the '25 T Double Kit or the Lindberg '34 Pickup depending on which has been restocked and available. They get 2 of each every time they restock - the '25 is $14.93 with the phone coupon and the '34 is $11.03. Been doing this most of the summer and have 15 or 16 of each now. Still, I have yet to see a 'Clearance Rack' with model kits available at the store I shop in; additionally, there are no blank spots in inventory space waiting for new items. They keep probably 2 each of about 50 different kits most times (plus about 20 or 25 different diecast - of course, this changes with sales) and simply add any new inventory into the existing stock. Just hope they continue re-ordering - don't have nearly enough yet!

Nice job - especially like the wood treatment idea. This is probably my favorite kit. The stock T, while simple, is great for working with the Grandkids as each decides he or she wants to try their hand.

I think most everyone probably has his own way of dealing with this situation. Mine tends to be more practical (in my opinion) than some - I put it on eBay, get what I can, and go on to the next kit. It's a rare instance that I set it aside to come back to at a later date. On the other hand - as I'm sure many will tell you - some of the best and most satisfying work can come from a build that causes just enough of a problem to force you to go a little beyond and put that extra bit of effort in that's required to overcome the problem(s). Those are the rare ones I've set aside.

That's great milage for the age! I bought a new one in '04 and it was out of warranty in 14 months. After about 3 years and a little over 70,000, a commercial F350 pulling a trailer decided to do a U-Turn across a 6-lane street from the shoulder - right into the passenger side. Was time for something new anyway and, gotta say, those things are built well for side crashes. Still drive it occasionally to keep it running right - still like new except for the bashed in passenger door and a few cracks to the Flareside. But that did cut down on the everyday milage!

And a big Thanks to Jantrix (Rob Mattis) as well. Great little trailer I'd been wanting for a project.

Great! Looking forward to the photos.

Now that is one creative solution.

Yes, now that you mention it, I've heard of a few of these. Seem to recall something of the sort in Vegas, but I could be wrong on that. Thanks for the suggestion - I'll check further on it.

I wasn't aware of that. I suppose a lack of interest and admissions support would make it difficult to maintain. That's quite unfortunate, and probably explains why I'm not finding more. Still, I would think (hope) one would be feasible in the right location. As for the virtual museums, there seems to be more of a scarcity there than one would expect also.

You know, that's a fairly interesting site if you take time to sift through it.

Mainly interested in the U.S. and Canada as stated, but wouldn't mind links to websites in other countries. I haven't even found a lot listed internationally yet.

Thanks, Glenn. Checked the site and not seeing mention of museum, but he might as well have one as much stock as he has! Course, he may have something on the side or be aware of more, so I'll follow up. Appreciate it.

I'm trying to compile a list of Model Car Museums in the U.S. and Canada, particulary those with a physical presence. Though I had expected Google to spit out dozens - if not hundreds - it seems that Brick and Mortar locations are rather sparse. Incidentally, aside from club archives, private collection photos, and the like, opportunities for on-line museums have been mostly overlooked. I do, of course, find http://www.themodelcarmuseum.org/. It comprises the first several search entries, but is quite disappointing overall. At least, in my opinion. Perhaps that's because the home web page is not as well-constructed as one might hope, but also because a casual look through the contents seems to indicate that it hasn't been updated for a few years. Surely, there must be more. Additionally, a search through the archives here doesn't really net a lot on the subject. Then again, maybe my search skills are lacking. I would appreciate any pointers to Model Car Museums anyone might be willing to offer. Seems to me they're something this hobby needs if it's to continue and prosper.

Amusingly, the allotted is right at 1:24 scale.

If it were only that cut and dried. In all fairness, many large parts lots come with partial kits and that's the best way to sell them. Other times, parts may have been removed for a project and only pieces, useable and desirable, remain. Another instance may be when a kit doesn't sell as a whole. As an example, a few months ago I listed a Coddington '32 Ford Coupe for $7.95. After relisting 3 times and with no bids, I decided to list the parts individually. The Wheels and Tires started at $1.95, the Body and Fenders at $2.95, and other miscellaneous parts at $1.95. In short, the Tires received several bids and went for over $9.00, the Body for $6 or $7.00. I'm not sure I completely understand the Buyers' reasoning behind such things, but I imagine they would rather get just the parts they need and save only a few dollars than have unneeded parts. That's not to say people don't break kits up and try to make a higher profit, but it should be remembered that not all do.

Well, guess that will teach me something about formatting in Word and pasting next time. It really was nice on paper.

Didn't exactly get these today (UPS delivered last week), but I did get the inventory done today. Bought them mostly for the pre-40's stuff (and the Alley Rat), but all in all, very pleased with them. T Bucket Rat Rod Amigo Pack Revell 85-6689 1:25 Ford Model T Pickup Lindberg 72334 1:24 25 Ford Model T Lindberg 72196 1:24 32 Ford 5 Window 32 Ford 5 Window AMT 6578 1:25 34 Ford AMT 38405 1:25 36 Ford Coupe AMT Classic 31540 1:25 36 Ford Coupe Dick Tracy AMT 6107 1:25 37 Ford Street Rod With Trailer Revell 7245 1:24 37 Ford Coupe Street Rod Revell 2598 1:24 37 Cord Convertible Lindberg 72323 1:25 40 Ford AMT 6581 1:25 29 Ford Woody/Pickup AMT 31220 1:25 29 Mercedes Benz SSK Lindberg 6601 1:24 29 Mercedes Benz SSK Lindberg 72326 1:24 31 Ford Model A Sedan Minicraft 11211 1:16 1910 Ford Model T Lindberg 72332 1:16 52 Ferrari Highway Pioneers Alley Rat Revell 2145 1:25 Beatnik Bandit Revell 7110 1:25 49 Mercury Club Coupe AMT 6815 1:25 57 Chevy Bel Air HT AMT 6563 1:25 66 Ford Fairlane 427 AMT 31934 1:25 67 Pontiac GTO AMT 31764 1:25 72 Pontiac GTO AMT 38162 1:25 69 Buick Riviera Sealed AMT 38166 1:25 72 Chevy Fleetside Pickup AMT 6691 1:25 50 Chevy 3100 Pickup SnapFast AMT 31956 1:25 MobilGas Truck White-Fruehauf Revell 1420 1:48 69 Baldwin Motion Camaro Revell 2347 1:25 80 Camaro Z28 Testors 4084 1:24 62 Corvette Boyd Coddington AMT 1:25 75 Corvette MPC 3729 1:25 87? Corvette Roadster Monogram 2742 1:24 55 Corvette AMT 31823 1:25 93? Corvette ZR-1 AMT 6143 1:25 66 Ford GT-40 Mark II Fujimi 422-8033 1:24 Ford GT-90 SnapFast AMT 8381 1:25 Porsche GT-1 EVO Revell 2177 1:24 Ferrari 288 GTO BC CAR - Italy 1:25? Ferrari BB 512 Electric Japanese Kit 1:25 Ferrari F50 Barchetta R/Monogram 7610 1:25

Beautiful job - great start. Looking at your distance shot, it's fascinating that such a minimal layout can look so realistic and good. On that note, I suggest 'less is more' - keep the one pump, no canopy.

I tossed one out the window earlier today - hit the mailman. Fortunately, it caused him to trip and fall on the dog chasing him, so he's not mad, but I think the dog's owner might sue.