jo han question

[Harry P.]

I have never really understood the facination with JOHAN. aside from the fact that they released a lot of kits the other model companied didn't, most of their stuff was garbage. The chassis in most were glorifid promo chassis, you were luky if the engine included was actually correct for the car and had very simplified interiors.

That's easy to explain. Those of us who remember JoHan remember them from our childhood, when accuracy wasn't so much a priority. Like you said, JoHan produced kits that the others didn't, so most adult modelers have fond memories of their kits.

[Harry P.]

i don't get the collector values of Johan kits...

Same as the collector value of anything.

Limited availability (they'll never be reissued!) plus demand equals "collector value."

Demand may fluctuate, but rarity is a given. JoHan kits are pretty much guaranteed to never be reissued, as the tooling is gone.

[Chuck Most]

I have never really understood the facination with JOHAN. aside from the fact that they released a lot of kits the other model companied didn't, most of their stuff was garbage.

For me, that's exactly why I liked the Jo-Han stuff. Sure, the interior tubs were only 3/8" deep and the engine/chassis detail was laughable, but the bodies looked good, and they covered subjects that the 'big' model companies never did, or the Jo-Han versions were easier to find or depicted another body style than the AMT/MPC/Revell/whathaveyou kits did.

[Harry P.]

and i agree on those points Harry. the thing to me that lowers the value is the lack of detail and that you more than likely are not going to have useable decals in the box. sealed kits are even less valuable to me, i prefer and place more value in open old kits where you can view the contents to check for warping and damage and overall condition. as a builder the sealed kit is less valuable because it's a gamble as to what you are getting for your money.

the other thing it comes down to as well is "how much do you really want it" and in the case of several Johan subjects, for the typical asking prices, i don't want them that much.

But remember... you're looking at "value" from a builder's standpoint. not a collector's standpoint.

A person who wants a JoHan kit to build it (like you) probably doesn't see why some of those kits are so high-priced given their simplicity and "inaccuracy," but a collector, on the other hand, looks at rarity and probably can justify the high prices being asked for some of those kits.

To a builder (like you and me) an old kit's "value" is harder to justify than it is to a collector, because builders and collectors define "value" differently.

[niteowl7710]

To a builder (like you and me) an old kit's "value" is harder to justify than it is to a collector, because builders and collectors define "value" differently.

The problem with any private collection of anything is of course, you eventually take the big dirt nap and your spouse and/or kid(s) who have no interest whatsoever in whatever it is you were collecting, sell everything at auction or to a large buyer for less than it's "worth" anyway

Edited August 3, 2011 by niteowl7710

[Harry P.]

The problem with any private collection of anything is of course, you eventually take the big dirt nap and your spouse and/or kid(s) who have no interest whatsoever in whatever it is you were collecting, sell everything at auction or to a large buyer for less than it's "worth" anyway

Yeah, but what do you care after you're dead???

[Chuck Most]

Weeeeeeeeeelll.... suppose you are reincarnated as a modeler, and you want all your stuff back? Then you're going to have to pay 'collector value'! Or something!

[niteowl7710]

Yeah but if you're collecting for value, (not a builder who buys too much), then what value does your collection have if someone winds up liquidating it? I would presume most people obtain material possessions in hopes that they can pass on this "wealth" to their family. But unlike a house, rare car, or gold bullion, model kit collections seem to be several thousand small pieces only a few dozen of which are actually worth significant money in the end.

Edited August 3, 2011 by niteowl7710

[Guest Johnny]

I always like when a hardcore builder gives a collector price for a model he can't do without, tells the collector he bought it from he plans to build it!

The reaction is priceless!

[Chuck Most]

I always like when a hardcore builder gives a collector price for a model he can't do without, tells the collector he bought it from he plans to build it!

The reaction is priceless!

It's better when you peel off the shrink wrap right there in front of him!

[RodneyBad]

Very nice Collection of Johan mr68gts

What Makes Johan Soo Special to me?

Because Only Johan did a 66 300

I think the Bodys have The right Look and the Engines are Great!!!

I love the 69 Roadrunner Bodys with the AMT Chassis tho..

BTW: It also will fit the 77-ish Dodge Monacos.

Yes, The Paint on the Chrysler 300 Come off Nicely with Dawn Powerdesolve.

[Drake69]

Yes... how thoughtful of you...

I'll take a Javelin, an AMX, a Rebel, a Turbine, and a Maverick to go, please.

[Luc Janssens]

It's better when you peel off the shrink wrap right there in front of him!

And then he sees your face, when you find out the tires melted into the clear parts and that the body is a short-shot.

Priceless!!