Kit prices for a well detailed kit??

[gbdolfans]

Hi Guys and Gals,

I was thinking (I know,very dangerous) about the kit prices in our hobby.When a new kit comes out,many people complain about the high price of it.In our section of the modeling world, prices are from $15-35 or for a tin boxed special maybe $40.If you check out other modeling sections,the prices are a lot higher.I was at my LHS and it is not unusual for an armour or aircraft kit to go for $45-80. This is for 1/35 scale armour and 1/48 aircraft. If you go 1/24 scale aircraft,it will set you back $150-300.

Yet companies continue to mold new kits and sell them!!!

What are every bodies thoughts on paying more for a well detailed kit?? I mean having plug wires, plastic carb linkage molded,better detailed engines,and bays,better detailed interiors,ETC...

I am talking 1/24,1/25 scale.I know I would pay $40-60 for a better detailed kit.If you were to go to 1/16 scale,how about a Camero,Mustang or Cuda for $100, on the level with the armour kits?? Some of them have 300-800 parts.I know I would buy a detailed 1970 Superbird!!!!

These other modeling areas have kits for just about every variant of the subject.How would you like to have kits made of your favorite car with multiple engines/trannies.You could get a kit of a 1967 Camero with a six cylinder,and several V-8's.Not in one kit, but be able to buy several different kits.Also,be able to get a SS,RS,Z-28,Yenko,Baldwin-Motion,ETC...

Lets hear from you out there and maybe the companies will hear us.

George

[Van Halen]

hmm, before buying any kit i always look for photos of the kit for like you say the detail quality etc..

i usually pay about £10-£15 ($15-$20) average for a 'decent detailed' kit.. mostly without engines.

i pay about £20 ($30) for a more rare or better quality kit..

I dont care at all about prices as i aint got nothing better to buy and model kits stop me from spending money on stuff i dont need, i own over £1000 of video games and it kinda hit me that yeah there fun and all but i achieved nothing in reality out of them, with model kits i do, so therefore i think model kits if anything are under-priced for such a real reward compaired to video games which are now £40+ ($55?+) and arent physically real..

so yeah i dont really mind too much about prices, i would pay $100+ for a the most amazing detailed 1/24 of my favorite cars too

[Wayne Buck]

Personally, I like paying 10-20 bucks for a regular kit and adding all of the goodies myself. To me, that is where most of the fun of building comes in: making what you have on hand into realistic looking details. I guess it's just much more satisfying to me to know that I made the kit look better than what came from the box rather than just use what's in the box, if that makes sense. Just my opinion.

p.s. check out davezinn's sig when you get a free moment. please don't take offense, just messin with ya.

Edited June 7, 2010 by NJ-Wayne

[Chuck Most]

Count me in on the 'gladly pay more for better quality' bandwagon, but there is a limit to what I'll spend on a kit! (As soon as I find it, I'll let you know!)

My big gripe is this- Yeah, I can stomach paying $20-$25 (or more) on a new tool kit, but I should not have to pay that much for a sorry old reissue! $22 is a great price for a Revell '69 Nova. For an AMT '72 Nova? Not so much.Yes, the plastic costs money, but come on- I don't think I should have to pay full price on a kit whose tooling costs were paid off when Nixon was in the white house!

[Harry P.]

I think the real reason that armor/military kits are more detailed and sell for much higher prices than car kits (in general, of course there are exceptions) is due to one basic fact:

Historically, armor modeling is aimed at/marketed to adults, while model cars were aimed at/marketed toward/enjoyed by kids. And adults want better, more detailed kits (and can afford to pay for them), while kids basically supported the model car industry with allowance money.

Kits marketed towards kids had to be cheap, and they were generally easy to build/less detailed than military kits.

Nowadays, things have changed, and I think most model car builders are adults, not kids... but the model car industry took years to acknowledge that its consumer base had changed, demographically... and to change over from simple, cheap kits made for kids to more complex, better detailed kits (at a higher cost). But many (if not most) of today's adult model car builders are the same people who built them as kids, when a typical model kit was two bucks (or less!). Those old memories linger, and many adult car modelers still haven't adjusted to the relatively higher price of today's kits... they still see a model car as an item that should sell for a few bucks, tops. It's ingrained in them.

It's not so much that car modelers are "cheap," it's that they remember the good old days when kits really were very cheap (even by a kid's standards)... and today many of these former kid modelers, who are now adult modelers, balk at the "high" price of today's car models. Armor modeling, on the other hand, was always an adult's pastime (more so can car modeling), so armor kits, while higher priced than car kits, are still not seen as too expensive by their target market.

[Art Anderson]

I think the real reason that armor/military kits are more detailed and sell for much higher prices than car kits (in general, of course there are exceptions) is due to one basic fact:

Historically, armor modeling is aimed at/marketed to adults, while model cars were aimed at/marketed toward/enjoyed by kids. And adults want better, more detailed kits (and can afford to pay for them), while kids basically supported the model car industry with allowance money.

Kits marketed towards kids had to be cheap, and they were generally easy to build/less detailed than military kits.

Nowadays, things have changed, and I think most model car builders are adults, not kids... but the model car industry took years to acknowledge that its consumer base had changed, demographically... and to change over from simple, cheap kits made for kids to more complex, better detailed kits (at a higher cost). But many (if not most) of today's adult model car builders are the same people who built them as kids, when a typical model kit was two bucks (or less!). Those old memories linger, and many adult car modelers still haven't adjusted to the relatively higher price of today's kits... they still see a model car as an item that should sell for a few bucks, tops. It's ingrained in them.

It's not so much that car modelers are "cheap," it's that they remember the good old days when kits really were very cheap (even by a kid's standards)... and today many of these former kid modelers, who are now adult modelers, balk at the "high" price of today's car models. Armor modeling, on the other hand, was always an adult's pastime (more so can car modeling), so armor kits, while higher priced than car kits, are still not seen as too expensive by their target market.

Very well said, Harry!

There is, however, another piece of the equation when comparing a model car kit with say, armor, aircraft, or ships, and that is the complexity of the tooling. Very few kits of military subjects (armor, aircraft or ships) require the very complex tool that it takes to mold a model car kit body shell, which is a slide-core mold, rather than a simple two-part, open and close tool (called a left-to-right opening tool). That alone can account for a major difference in what other parts can be included in a car kit, due to the size of the tool base(s) required. A tank hull, on the other hand, can be done with the simpler molds generally, due to its less complex shapes, and aircraft fuselage almost always can be done in two halves, even the more modern ship hulls might require only a three-way slide core mold (a model car body almost always requires a 6-way slide core mold). In addition, very few pieces of armor require the inclusion of an engine or transmission, which leaves mold space and tooling $ for more in the way of "added on" details for the exterior, most of which will be pretty small, even "fiddly small".

Art

[Wagoneer81]

I for one have no problems (finances allowing) with shelling out $20.00 or so for a kit or $40-50.00 for a really well engineered and detailed kit or even a $100.00 or so for a good semi tractor kit. If you want real sticker shock, price a new 1/350 scale warship kit from Fujimi, Tamiya or Trumpeter. I built 1/350 warships for years and transitioned back into 1/25 scale after a muscle disease robbed me of a good bit of my manual dexterity. $250.00 to $350.00 is the going price for a 1/350 scale battleship or aircraft carrier these days with $50-100.00 being typical of a destroyer, cruiser or submarine kit. Current pricing trends were another reason that I was glad to get back into 1/25, I couldn't afford to keep building 1/350 scale warships much less accumulating any sort of a kit stash. I've run the gauntlet of model genres in my day. I started out at age 6 modeling cars and trucks and thirty years later, I think I'm back to stay .

[sjordan2]

Uhhh... how on earth can you compare the audience for a Double Dragster with those who want a DBS?

[gbdolfans]

Harry,

I both agree and disagree with you.When I was a kid growing up in the stone age,we had car,plane,armour,ships,science fiction,and many more types of kits.You could go to the store and choose what kind of kit you wanted.Most of the kits were the same range of pricing.

Now,you can go to Michael's ,HL and others and get a Revell WWII Corsair for $10-15,or get a more detailed kit of the same plane for $60 at HL or your LHS.

We,as car modelers, don't have that choice.If you want a Hemi Cuda,you have 1 choice.

I guess I am dreaming that we could get foreign company to model US cars.I wish Tamiya,Dragon,Trumpeter,and others would tool up some of these.I know Trumpeter did a few some years ago,but,I don't think their heart was in it.

I am waiting for the Hudson Hornet to come out,but,to be honest,this is a long shot to sell well.How many modelers have heard of it before now.I will buy one.

I just wish we had more buying options as far as detailed kits of our favorite muscle cars!! :o

[Zoom Zoom]

Uhhh... how on earth can you compare the audience for a Double Dragster with those who want a DBS?

Funny you ask; I'd buy two $71 Aston Martins before I'd buy one $5 double dragster.

The main value to me is subject matter. Guarantee that's the same with those who value the DD kit far more than the DBS.

I already know the Aston builds into a beautiful model with relative ease.

I also know how to get an Aston Martin kit for under $45 delivered to my doorstep from halfway around the world. Forget the LHS. They wanted $45 for one of the reissued Round2 double kits in the tin box.

My new Fujimi Ferrari 458 lists for the same as the Aston DBS in Japan. The DBS is a bargain by comparison. It has window masks, metal transfers, and photoetch included. Fujimi wants 2400 yen for their optional photoetch, on top of an overly-simplified 3800 yen Ferrari kit. The interior bucket on the 458 is shockingly simplified; no footwells, integral interior door panels w/the tub, seat bottoms molded to the floor. Grille engraving is so weak it's as if they're forcing builders to buy that photoetch.

I got my Ferrari for $42 and change, no buyer's remorse, a few details bug me but it's the subject matter that draws me in. The body proportions look right-on. I already know it looks right when finished. Even with a lot of questionable simplifications and too-expensive price, it's far more worth it to me than a double dragster. There is some consolation that Revell is doing the same car, should be available for less $ and will have far more detail. So my second one will not be a Fujimi, it will be a Revell. And perhaps a third...

It all boils down to this: every modeler has limits to what they'll spend, and they'll spend what it takes on subject matter that moves them if the price seems fair. If that results in the model company selling enough to make a profit, they'll survive and make more. If not...they won't.

[MrObsessive]

It would depend on subject matter for me..............I've spent big bucks on diecasts that were super detailed (Danbury) but they were of cars that I've always wanted.

In today's economy, manufacturers are watching every nickle, so don't hold your breath for something super esoteric.

And finally..................

THERE IS NO "E" IN CAMARO!!!!!

[Aaronw]

I don't think it is fair to say US companies are not giving "adult" modelers a chance, I think they have and it has been shown the US car modeler has not stepped up to support the high end market. Just look at the Accurate Minitures corvettes that from what I have heard were great kits, however they didn't sell well causing Acc Min to drop out of car models, similarly Monogram's detailed Pro-modeler kits with PE and such included also did not do well enough to continue the series. Galaxie's kits are well detailed but they also have not done that well sales wise (although I can buy argument that the subject is an issue in this case).

The Japanese and European kit makers can push their high end models because they are not reliant on US modelers for their sales.

Military subjects have many advantages, theoretically easier to mold, and not as many legal issues but there is no question military modelers are more willing to spend money than US car modelers.

[gbdolfans]

To all that have replied to thread,THANK YOU!!!

This has been a very interesting discussion.Many of you have made great points.I hope this continues to make us think out of the box,which can only help with our modeling skills!!! :o

[highway]

I'm in the audience for both. I have the DD & plan to get the DBS.

Some of us are eclectic in our building tastes & interests.

I agree with Mark! If your interests are only 49 Mercs (this is only for example), that's your choice. I, like Mark sounds, have a very wide aray of kits in my collection, from muscle cars to street cars, pickup trucks to big rigs, quite a varied aray of racing vehicle, military kits from tanks to ships, and even military and commercial planes to a few trains.

[Darin Bastedo]

Contrast that to military kits, and the inflation factor is much lower. But here's the problem. Our kits haven't gotten any better, theirs have. A Revell airplane kit from the 80s is a joke compared to a new TamiyagawaTrumpeter version of the same. But a Revell car kit in 2010 struggles to meet the same levels of accuracy of Revellogram kits tooled in the 80s...which were just so-so at the time. The price didn't go up as much as the military stuff, but the quality and scale fidelity didn't either.

.

You are kidding me right? Are you seriously saying that the new tools from revell aren't improved from what they issued in the 80's? take a look at the new 72 olds Cutlass, the two new 57 chevies, the new 62 impala the 49 merc, and the 1969 chevy nova. do you really want to compare these to the 1970 'cuda, 1970 chevelle, 1970 challenger from the 80's. I have noticed you have quite bias against Revell and for some reason can't avoid bashing them at every turn. why don't you simply add "I hate Revell" to your sig line and get it over with.

the revell kits have improved greatly compared not just with there own kits but any manufacturer world wide even your beloved Tamiya. You want to talk about getting less for your money? compare the new tamiya DBS to the Porsche 959, Ferrari F40, mercedes SL we got in the 80's. They give us 10% of the detail and tripled the price, where revell has increased the detail & content during the same period.

[The Modeling Hermit]

I generally build trucks, but I also build cars when I'm in the mood. I don't have a well stocked hobby shop locally, so I have to order almost everything. For cars that adds about $10.00, and for trucks $12-15.00 for shipping. I prefer to choose my own detail items, so that can add another $25-100.00, and sometimes more for trucks. I'm seeing improved quality across the line, as the companies are finding that more adults are purchasing. I do wonder about the future of the hobby for our youth builders and those on limited incomes.

[DanielG]

$40 bucks for a kit (any subject) equals hours of enjoyment for pennies. How many blow that on one evening of booze and smokes (rhetorical question)? 'nuff said.

[Jeff Sauber]

You are kidding me right? Are you seriously saying that the new tools from revell aren't improved from what they issued in the 80's? take a look at the new 72 olds Cutlass, the two new 57 chevies, the new 62 impala the 49 merc, and the 1969 chevy nova. do you really want to compare these to the 1970 'cuda, 1970 chevelle, 1970 challenger from the 80's. I have noticed you have quite bias against Revell and for some reason can't avoid bashing them at every turn. why don't you simply add "I hate Revell" to your sig line and get it over with.

the revell kits have improved greatly compared not just with there own kits but any manufacturer world wide even your beloved Tamiya. You want to talk about getting less for your money? compare the new tamiya DBS to the Porsche 959, Ferrari F40, mercedes SL we got in the 80's. They give us 10% of the detail and tripled the price, where revell has increased the detail & content during the same period.

You're the one who has to be kidding here......You have time to post argumentative comments, but you've left the rest of us that are interested in your wheel clinic just hanging in the breeze. How about showing us the first few installments of your tutorial?

See, Treehugger Dave did the same thing....He came on here teasing us with this silly little leather interior tutorial, then bacially left us hanging and ran away.

Seriously man, The scratchbuilding wheel thing sounds cool, so let's get to work!!

Edited June 8, 2010 by J. Sauber

[highway]

You are kidding me right? Are you seriously saying that the new tools from revell aren't improved from what they issued in the 80's? take a look at the new 72 olds Cutlass, the two new 57 chevies, the new 62 impala the 49 merc, and the 1969 chevy nova. do you really want to compare these to the 1970 'cuda, 1970 chevelle, 1970 challenger from the 80's. I have noticed you have quite bias against Revell and for some reason can't avoid bashing them at every turn. why don't you simply add "I hate Revell" to your sig line and get it over with.

the revell kits have improved greatly compared not just with there own kits but any manufacturer world wide even your beloved Tamiya. You want to talk about getting less for your money? compare the new tamiya DBS to the Porsche 959, Ferrari F40, mercedes SL we got in the 80's. They give us 10% of the detail and tripled the price, where revell has increased the detail & content during the same period.

Sorry I got you so emotional Darin...need a tissue little buddy? Seriously. It's my opinion, you can disagree, but no need to get in such a twist.

To your point: Do I think the diecast-based 2000s 1970 Challenger is an improvement over the 80s kit? NO

Do I think the "new" AAR is an improvement over the original? NO

Do I think the simplified and diecasty Merc is a great advance? NO

The '57 and '62 Chevy? You're on your own. I don't care for the real cars, so I don't have an opinion there as I'd never be interested enough to look at the kit. The '66 looks seriously funky though. As do the Nova and '72 Olds. The first 80s kit I see on my shelf is the '87 T-bird...it looks better to my eyes. I don't have a problem with Revell per se, they're just the only guys making $25 kits now. Sure there's "all reissue" AMT, but other than the Challenger Promos (are they a great advance???) they haven't tooled anything new other than an odd part to fix a 40 year old tool. I do have problems with kits that don't look right when they're done. Like the '72 Olds and the Nova. Maybe they're OK for you...just not me.

Don't I get a right to my opinion, or can I only say what you are comfy with, Darin?

Tamiya, Aoshima, and usually Fujimi give you a kit that looks like the real car. Revell US? Not so much. I have 2 Astons that arrvied today as proof they're worth the premium to me. Revell Germany does better there than Revell USA, but the kits are kind of clunky and crude in comparison to the other foreign kits, but I'd buy one if the Japanese don't kit the subject. That's my decision.

If you're less discerning and the Revell stuff is good enough for you, go for it. But for me? They're just not.

Ok, there is a reason I quoted both of these posts, first is I feel everyone is entitled to their opinion, and should be able to voice that opinion. Mark, I feel your reply to Darin was a little harsh, especically the "Can I only say what you are comfy with, Darin?" part. Of course, Darin's "I hate Revell" remark to you was harsh as well. If Darin likes Revell kits, that is his choice, if you like the Japanese kits, that is your choice. I personally prefer both the American and the foreign manufacturers, and that is my choice. I personally have everything from Lindberg, Revell/Monogram, AMT, and even some junkers from Testors to Italeri, Revell AG, Fujimi, Tamiya, Aoshima, and Trumpeter. Now for my two cents.

First, Darin, do you not relize that most of Revell's "Special Edition" "All New Tooling" kits are nothing but MODIFIED REISSUED kits? The only one I know for sure that isn't is the 09 Challenger, and if they had something they could have reissued for that, they probably would have done it on that kit, too. Yes, in Revell's defense, they DID put some new parts in the kits, but most, if not all of them are based on the 1980'S MOLDS!! For example, I have both the 1970 Boss 429 Mustang and the "new" 1970 Mach 1 Mustang, and guess what, with the exception of the Mach 1 parts, IT IS THE SAME OLD 1980S KIT!!! The same also goes for the 32 Ford, same old kit with some new parts. I don't even want to get started on the 1970 Challenger, I have the diecast verison (thankfully I found it at Big Lots for 2 or 3 bucks), and as much of a pile of **** (insert favorite four letter word here) as the diecast is, I would never buy the plastic kit, I would (and did) buy the 1980s mold kit first! That is just like the new Charger, I had to have Revell's when they first came out, and I think it is junk, too. I think Lindberg's SRT8 Super Bee blows Revell's out of the water! Ok, moving on.

Second, Mark, I agree with you that, hands down, the foreign companies blow the American kits out of the water detail wise, but they have some junk as well, and when was the last time you seen a 66 Charger like you are building in the "Back To Basics" tutorial from the likes of Tamiya or Fujimi? I know I never have, so who do we have to buy nice American Muscle from but AMT and Revell. I'm sure if Tamiya would tool a classic American muscle car, they would fly off the shelves, but I see that about as likely as AMT or Revell tooling a Nissan Skyline. The major drawback is the fact many on the foreign kits are curbsides, and I like to open the hood now and then. I'm not saying I don't have my share of foreign kits, but most are tractor trailers or Nissan Skylines. This brings me to the junk ones. I have one pile of **** (again insert favorite four letter word here) from Fujimi I would not wish on my worst enemy, a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. The best of this model of car, in my opinion, was Monogram's 1/8 scale verison, I consider all AMT/MPC 79-81 Trans Ams junk, but they are even better than the Fujimi kit. I spent 25 bucks on this junker, not knowing it was a former motorized toy. If I would have known that, I would never have bought it, but I seen 1979 Trans Am and Fujimi, and thought I finally had a nice 1/25 scale 1979 Trans Am to add to my Trans Am collection. WRONG!!! The other big disappointment on the foreign front I have is Revell AG's Peterbilt "Can Do" wrecker, which sold for $125 when I bought it many years ago, and around $200 on ebay today. Granted, it is a great kit, and well worth the money, but it has so many inaccuracies, you can't build the correct 1:1 prototype pictured on the box. Everything from the wrecker bed forward is incorrect for the 1:1 prototype, including the engine! This kit would need probably about another $100 invested in resin to build the correct 1:1 prototype pictured on the box in scale. The kit Revell AG based this kit on is a 70's era truck no where near the 90's model the 1:1 prototype is. Anyway, this is my two cents and my opinion, and in closing, just build what you want, not what others want you to build!

[Darin Bastedo]

Sorry I got you so emotional Darin...need a tissue little buddy? Seriously. It's my opinion, you can disagree, but no need to get in such a twist.

Don't I get a right to my opinion, or can I only say what you are comfy with, Darin?

If you're less discerning and the Revell stuff is good enough for you, go for it. But for me? They're just not.

1. I'm not in a twist, I just think you are unfairly critisizing Revell's new kits.

2. You do have a right to your opinion, just as I have the right to disagree with it. I just notice that revell seems to raise your ire more than any other company. I rarely see you pick apart AMT even though they have had some real dogs lately themselves.

3. perhaps I am less discerning , as I have have kits in my collection from all manufacturers including a couple of hundred Tamiya and Fujimi. I feel that having such a diverse collection, and having all the kits mentioned to compare allows me to make a fair assessment. sure Revell has had some duds, but most of them are because they were based on diecast molds that had to be re-purposed when zinc prices sky rocketed.

you keep saying how much better Tamiya and fujimi is yet choose to ignore that they have have some flops as well. let's not forget their foray into diecast screw on chassis plates that made their models look and feel like giant hotwheels cars. they sometimes have better looking bodiesbut lose points with me for having next to no detail underneath them. The Enzo was the last Tamiya kit that truly impressed me by having both detail and scale fidelity

If Tamiya wnats to charge me double I want double the kit.

[Darin Bastedo]

You're the one who has to be kidding here......You have time to post argumentative comments, but you've left the rest of us that are interested in your wheel clinic just hanging in the breeze. How about showing us the first few installments of your tutorial?

See, Treehugger Dave did the same thing....He came on here teasing us with this silly little leather interior tutorial, then bacially left us hanging and ran away.

Seriously man, The scratchbuilding wheel thing sounds cool, so let's get to work!!

Jeff Have I somehow offended you? First off I said I would be doing an "article" which I have been working on, and am finishing the text up as I type. today or tomorrow it will be sent to the magazine for publication. As far as leaving you hanging, I don't know about you, but I work for a living and have a family. with all else I do I think scratch building a wheel in a week's worth of spare time is pretty good. I'm sorry if I didn't wave my magic wand and fulfill your need for instant gratification.

[Darin Bastedo]

First, you clearly missed this quote, relating to your last point: "In fairness...Tamiya did have one stinker, and it was an American car. For whatever reason they did some Jeeps in the 90s which were OK, but their '94/5 Mustang is a bit of a mess. Honestly that's the last one I can remember that wasn't a good kit looks-wise, and it's nearing 20 years old, so their track record is good." I'm not saying they're perfect, as they're not, but overall their output is much more consistent, and at a much higher level, than just about anyone else. I wouldn't say they had any "flops" as even the diecast-chassis kits look great once they're finished, and capture the shape of the car well. The curbside thing is a personal preference...it doesn't bother me, honestly. If it does you...don't buy 'em. It's your right as a consumer.

Second, don't forget who you're talking to on "diverse" collection. I build Palmer kits regularly, Darin. So I'd say I have about as wide a tolerance for quality as anyone... But those aren't new-issue kits. The key thing is, you can apologize all day long for Revell brining out diecast-based kits...but it doesn't make them any better. That is the product they're delivering to an adult-hobby market in 20--, not stuff they produced for kids years ago. If they bring it out, and it makes money, good for them. But it doesn't make them serious kits. Yes, Revell has had some good kits that were better than their 80s stuff, but they were done in the 90s. Their 2008/9/10 new-issue stuff just doesn't look right when you're done in my opinion. The Olds/Nova/66 Impala are a huge step back from the kits they did 10-15 years ago. If the diecast kits showed up in plastic in 1992, I wouldn't bring it up. But they're new-issue kits to the adult market NOW. The simple Merc is a new-issue kit NOW. Yeah, that Merc may look good when it's done, but is it an advance over the old-as-dirt AMT kit in terms of detail? Heck to the no. It's a new tool, so the parts fit better than a 45-year-old worn out tooling kit, but is that really a surprise? What I'm talking about...they're just not a step forward as you're suggesting. In terms of detail, the Merc is a step back.

Last, and again you missed it, so I'll repeat it for your sake..."I don't have a problem with Revell per se, they're just the only guys making $25 kits now. Sure there's "all reissue" AMT, but other than the Challenger Promos (are they a great advance???) they haven't tooled anything new other than an odd part to fix a 40 year old tool." When Revell reissues the old multi-piece body Caddy, Skyliner, and Lincoln Futura, I'm not going to get all over them for that. They're old kits, and it's nice to have them back. AMT is on, basically, an all-reissue plan right now. They've done exactly one new tool since Round2 took over, which are the promo-based Challenger. Nice enough, save the too-small wheels/tires, but it's one kit with no others following it. So, when you talk about non-foreign/non-reissue kits you get Revell by default. As I said, the Revell Germany stuff is decent. The Revell USA stuff? I'll pass.

Merk I don't see why you keep harping about the re-tooled diecast stuff. My original post clearly listed none of these as examples. as far as these being "adult oriented kits' They are not, and never were intended to be Adult oriented kits. There uptown line and other diecast based kits are not meant to be taken as seriously as the newer "special edition" kits.

as for missing the the point, you miss mine, which is the Revell kits tooled lately are a serious improvement over the kits that both revell and monogram tooled in the 80's. I could care less if you agree or if you buy the kits. I clallenge you though to find a kit that either Revell or Monogram tooled in the 80's that is better than the 1972 olds Cutlass kit they tooled this year.

[Darin Bastedo]

Hi Guys and Gals,

I was thinking (I know,very dangerous) about the kit prices in our hobby.When a new kit comes out,many people complain about the high price of it.In our section of the modeling world, prices are from $15-35 or for a tin boxed special maybe $40.If you check out other modeling sections,the prices are a lot higher.I was at my LHS and it is not unusual for an armour or aircraft kit to go for $45-80. This is for 1/35 scale armour and 1/48 aircraft. If you go 1/24 scale aircraft,it will set you back $150-300.

Yet companies continue to mold new kits and sell them!!!

What are every bodies thoughts on paying more for a well detailed kit?? I mean having plug wires, plastic carb linkage molded,better detailed engines,and bays,better detailed interiors,ETC...

I am talking 1/24,1/25 scale.I know I would pay $40-60 for a better detailed kit.If you were to go to 1/16 scale,how about a Camero,Mustang or Cuda for $100, on the level with the armour kits?? Some of them have 300-800 parts.I know I would buy a detailed 1970 Superbird!!!!

These other modeling areas have kits for just about every variant of the subject.How would you like to have kits made of your favorite car with multiple engines/trannies.You could get a kit of a 1967 Camero with a six cylinder,and several V-8's.Not in one kit, but be able to buy several different kits.Also,be able to get a SS,RS,Z-28,Yenko,Baldwin-Motion,ETC...

Lets hear from you out there and maybe the companies will hear us.

George

To get back on subject, Yes I would (and have) pay more for a better detailed kit. but more to the point I would be willing to pay more for more interesting subject matter as well. while I like mustangs, camaros and 57 chevies as much as the next guy, and I realise that they are volume sellers, I'd be willing to pay slightly more for a kit with less volume apeal like some AMC kits or 50's pontiac or something like that. It is likely that people who feel the same way are not plentiful enough for it to happen.

I can see many people rioting if say revell came out with a new tool AMC Javelin that was $10 more than a similar Camaro kit. I can also see the kit languishing on the shelf as the mass market folks pass it up for the cheaper Camaro kit.

It's a catch 22 the model companies need to make a profit, thus only tool what is most popular, but can't charge more for something that would sell in lower volume.

[Junkman]

I think anybody with half a brain can see that the Revell quality has generally improved over the past two decades.

Revell AG cannot be taken into comparison, since despite the same name, it is a totally independent legal entity with entirely different business objectives than Revell INC.

Fujimi does have its share of rubbish and not to a small degree. In fact, there is hardly another kit company where total disaster and utter brilliance are so close together.

Tamiya has maintained a consistent level of quality and detailing, but not significantly improved. And blime, not all that glitters is gold at Tamiya. Also, how many non-motorsport-related car kits have they released over the past two decades? And most of them are curbsides. They are probably the best curbsides ever made, but they are still curbsides.

Imho the second best curbsides are the Aoshima models and if I look at what this company has released over the past two decades, I think we have a winner and not by a narrow margin.

As for well detailed, expensive kits, how many Hasegawas have you guys bought lately?

[simonr]

Want a detailed kit?...Multimedia I heard?...give a try to some Tameo or Feeling 43 kits in 1/43 and you will see...hehehe!

Simón P. Rivera Torres