To weather or not, tis is the question.

[Hippie]

To weather or not, that is the question.

I’m sure you’re looking for the usual debate about rust, but this is not so, I’m trying to figure out weathering on a race car. The slight flat finish, the grimy brake dust, soot coming from the vents, the tires worn down, etc.

I know this is all about personal opinion but I need a group majority, see I kinda I’m in the need of money, I figure I can build and sell model, I’ve done it in the past but always with a buyer lined up instead I’m planning on selling on eBay, now I’m trying to figure out what the people want, manly I’ll be building foreign race cars, because they lend them self to so much detail. But would more people bid on a dirty car, or a mint one.

There’s this one on eBay right now kinda like my build quality.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRO-BUILT-1-32-SCALE-JAGUAR-XKR-GT-3-/120858890015

As you can see there’s no interest, maybe just because too many people have seen it but would it be more popular dusty instead of perfect paint.

Thanks for your thoughts it means a lot.

[Johnny K]

It's my experience that - in general - with reference to built models, the 'weathered' and 'rusted' models on eBay sell for more than the 'shiny' ones, though that could easily be due in part to the availablity and demand. Perhaps, if equal numbers of both were available, prices would also tend to be more equal; still, regardless of the reason, take advantage.

On a side note, the listing you show is for a 1:32 model - these typically go for less on eBay that the 1:24, 1:25, while the larger scales tend to go for proportionately more.

I will admit my opinion may be a bit biased as almost all built models I buy are 'weathered' and 'rusted.'

[Erik Smith]

The most expensive, built, 1/24-25 scale models I have seen are replica stock. Usually a resin or rare plastic kit built very cleanly and with minimal extra detail. I watched a few go past $500 and $600 dollars.

Now, is this a good way to make money? I don't know the answer for certain, but, if you factor in the cost of a kit, the paint, other misc building materials then put hours and hours of labor into it, you would probably be better off selling the kit unbuilt! The eBay listing you used as an example is a case in point. How much was that kit? Add paint. Add time. Add sellers fees. Add PayPal fees. Add time to package an ship. Add worry that the PO will destroy it...how much do you think the seller will make? Plus the fact that if your building something similar to diecasts, you are competing with streamlined production and distribution.

What was the original question - oh, to weather a race car for sale. I don't know the answer to that. Watch eBay and search completed listings.

[moparmagiclives]

I don't know that I would call that weathered. I think of weatherd I think of "rust" and leaves with flat tires. I see a race car with the grime as a "replica". Now if to do it or not, it depends on if you won't to replicate it before or after the race.

[Dr. Cranky]

I think each subject calls for its own level of weathering, from mild to wild depending on how far you want to take it. How much salt would Salt Flats racer take? How much dirt would a dirt tracker take? You, the builder, decides. That's where some of the best fun is.

In terms of how much to charge for a model, I would not know, I do not sell my work, or paint for others, but I most certainly do respect the people who do as a way to counter their expenditures in the hobby.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Dr. Cranky

[Junkman]

No matter what it is, I want it in pristine condition. For me, slightly sanding tyre treads is weathering enough.

[brad4321]

I prefer some weathering. I want the model to look as if you took the actual piece and shrunk it. And not many cars look as if they JUST drove off the assembly line.

[Cato]

Erik makes excellent points. Even if it's exceptional, you'd be hard pressed to recoup your build costs plus your time. And you'd have to build to a 'money' audience-like Ferrari, Rolls or exotic super cars to ask a big price. Race cars is a slim audience with vintage probably more sale-able than contemporary.

That seller is not helping his cause with mediocre pictures either. You'd have to show better than that.

Weather subtly whatever you do.

[Hippie]

thanks for the input,

i did some more recurch and figured out that drag/mucle cars sell for the most.

From peronal expernce I know people want the forien race cars, not people in america but over seas there huguly popular

some of the master builder sell things for several grand, i don't have half there skill but we can all hope

anways thanks again.