1/16th MPC Trans Am

[Husky1943]

Oh, wise ones...I come to ya'll with a question; I found the 1/16th MPC Trans Am available at a brick and mortar for $40.  Is it worth it?

[gman]

That depends. It has its pros and cons. If you like large scale, it is the only game in town for that vehicle. Hobby Lobby had them for $39.99 that you can apply a 40% off coupon to (if there is a HL close to you).

I was debating picking one up, but with COVID-19, it will be a long time before I see the inside of a Hobby Lobby again in the US and A

 

[Husky1943]

Greg, you are right on target!  That is exactly where I saw it.  And yes, with the 40% coupon, that's a pretty good price (what?  $22-$23?) 

As far as covid, I'll take my chances.  I have been in worse situations than this!

I appreciate the input!  

[Rodent]

49 minutes ago, Husky1943 said:

As far as covid, I'll take my chances.  I have been in worse situations than this!

Greg is in Vancouver B.C., and the border isn't exactly open for leisurely shopping trips right now. I am guessing he would have to drive to Bellingham, WA?

[Husky1943]

Well, I don't know about Greg, but if I go buy it, I have about a 5-mile drive to get it.

[Rodent]

There are no Hobby Lobby stores in Canada AFAIK. Our dear friends up North need to cross the border if they want to shop there, and that isn't happening right now with Covid.

You realize that this version of the kit is a "Firebird" with no "Trans Am" decals, right?

[gman]

7 hours ago, Rodent said:

Greg is in Vancouver B.C., and the border isn't exactly open for leisurely shopping trips right now. I am guessing he would have to drive to Bellingham, WA?

Bingo- sad state of affairs with COVID at the border. I used to visit Bellingham (or points south) every second week, and made a point of perusing Hobby Lobby, seeing as we don't have them up here. The wife and I have enjoyed travelling up and down the coast, and the I5 corridor. Most places I have visited, I look up a hobby shop or two when possible.

There are a decent number of good local hobby shops, so all is not lost, but that Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon has netted me many kits that would set me back $40 CDN up here. HL's clearance kit prices are even better, provided it is something you want to build (or use to augment the parts box). Michael's used to carry a good assortment of plastic kits that can be discounted with a coupon, but stock is minimal in the last few years. I believe that Firebird is priced closer to $60 north of the border, no coupon applicable. At that price, not an easy decision, but for $24 not bad, if you like the subject matter.

[Husky1943]

10 hours ago, Rodent said:

There are no Hobby Lobby stores in Canada AFAIK. Our dear friends up North need to cross the border if they want to shop there, and that isn't happening right now with Covid.

You realize that this version of the kit is a "Firebird" with no "Trans Am" decals, right?

Steven, okay now I understand the discussion completely.  (I try to listen when adults speak, but....)  I didn't realize that HobbyLobby did not exist in Canada.  I did know about the border closures (or restrictions, at least).  No, I did not realize that it was a Firebird versus a Trans Am.  Honestly, I don't really care.  At this stage, I just build to build.  Accuracy be damned.  Speaking of - that's why I stopped building 1/35 tanks.  Got pretty good at it, but my eyes need bigger, brighter, subjects.  But more importantly, the guys who were so particular about accuracy (known affectionately as "Rivet Counters") kind of overwhelm the forums and feedback. I don't mind negative feedback at all, but if I feel like installing a urinal in the dashboard, then I shall do just that. 

[Husky1943]

5 hours ago, gman said:

Bingo- sad state of affairs with COVID at the border. I used to visit Bellingham (or points south) every second week, and made a point of perusing Hobby Lobby, seeing as we don't have them up here. The wife and I have enjoyed travelling up and down the coast, and the I5 corridor. Most places I have visited, I look up a hobby shop or two when possible.

There are a decent number of good local hobby shops, so all is not lost, but that Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon has netted me many kits that would set me back $40 CDN up here. HL's clearance kit prices are even better, provided it is something you want to build (or use to augment the parts box). Michael's used to carry a good assortment of plastic kits that can be discounted with a coupon, but stock is minimal in the last few years. I believe that Firebird is priced closer to $60 north of the border, no coupon applicable. At that price, not an easy decision, but for $24 not bad, if you like the subject matter.

Greg, my regrets that HobbyLobby does not exist in the Great White North (oh great, now I'm singing the song in my head).  I don't suppose that you could order it online and they would respect the coupon?  Actually, you might have convinced me to buy it - since you reminded me of the 40 percent coupon!  I'm the idiot that goes up every time and asks, "do you have a military discount?" and then my wife has to remind me about the coupon she just downloaded to my phone five minutes prior. Duh!!