So I'm paging through the latest issue of FSM (Fine Scale Modeler, Mar., 2010); in the 'New Products Section' they are previewing Trumpeters new 1/32nd scale F-18. I get to the last paragraph and come to the MSRP: $229.00 (USD) (!)

Ok so maybe I'm jaded since I've been modeling for the past 30+ years but I have a hard time wrapping my mind around this price. I've always approached scale modeling as a price/quality vis-a-vis the actual modeling time invested but I also think that 'you' (i.e., the modeler) get to a price point where you reject the item; to say nothing of the reaction if you happen to be married/have a significant other, etc.!

Regardless, the hobby is so subjective that you can't really say - a kit is too expensive - other than for yourself.

I guess the real question is: how many of the these kit does a manufactuer produce (compared to the 'usual' run) understanding that the price point will cut out the majority of consumers (or is everyone buying $200+ model kits and no one told me!!)

Your thoughts...

Regards,

J. P. Kelly

Nearly all of the higher quality (read imported) kits have doubled in price in the last several years. I don't know for sure, but I suspect it has to do with import tariffs and the like. Maybe just passing along the costs of new molds?

Joe,

Not just large scale stuff has exploded price wise, take ships in 1:350th scale and prices have doubled and for some kits tripled, it has to do with the explosion in parts and details for one reason, another is import tariffs... one good way to save some money is buying the models online. I haven't bought as much as a jar of paint in a shop the last year. I have saved nearly 30% on the stuff I have gotten and it is quite a lot of kits.

Don't let the cost of the kits throw you off. Also a good advice try to find some reviews on the models to see if they are worth the $, one example is the Trumpeter Eurofighter in 32nd scale vs the Revell Eurofighter according to some that are in the know, the Revell at half the cost is the more accurate one.

Staffan

One thing about Trumpeters kits, most start out high but in a year they are about 1/2 thier original MSRP (look at their 1/32nd F-105 series, you can find them at a lot of places for $75.00). Tamiya forget it, unless you find it on sale their kits float very close to their MSRP. The "new tooled" 1/32nd scale kit for under $40.00 in most cases has passed into history .

I was wondering about this myself recently. Tamiya and Hasegawa always were pretty expensive already, but recently prices have soared. When Tamiya's beautiful but rather small Bren carrier first appeared it cost nearly 50 Guilders - around 23 Euro in today's currency. I already thought that too expensive.

The same happens in model railroading. Single modern passenger cars costing between 50 and 100 Euro, and the locomotives easily more than 300 Euro. The accessories also have gotten higher in price.

Maybe Italeri's current approach for some models is the best: A basic model for a good price, and an upgrade kit with etched brass etc. for a bit more.

In my ever-growing to-do stack of kits, I have models like the Tamiya 1/48 Lancaster, Revell 1/48 Ju-52 and the Tamiya 1/350 USS Enterprise, and I am glad I bought them several years ago, before prices started soaring.
Buying kits online is the way to go. eBay has a lot of stuff for at least 30% below MSRP.

I agree that buying online is the way to go: although I do miss the relationships that can develop at the local hobby shop (as they all seem to slowly fade away - sad!). When I retired from active duty (2000) I stayed in PA for 5 years and then moved to Western Mass.

In PA (30 mins. north of Philly), within 10 - 20 minutes were several good, well stocked hobby shops (2 closed during the 5 years I was there). Here, the nearest shop is 40 - 60 minutes away depending on the traffic. So, I'm really forced to shop online: the internet is killing the brick and mortar establishments (unless they are large enough to maintain a solid mail order system).

Still, I believe that all scale prices continue to rise and I am glad that my 'stash has several unassembled large scale kits in it.

Yet, there is (for me) a price point that I will not abide. I just can't see spending over $200 (USD) on a plastic model kit. Yes, the price might drop over time but the MSRP is an indicator of where the hobby is headed.

I would like to hear from any members in China - what are Trumpeters prices' like there?

Regards,

J. P. Kelly

Prices in China are reasonable. I couldn't find the F/A-18 yet, but most of their other modern fighters (Su-27 family, EuroFighter, A-10, Harrier) in 1:32 are around the 480-600 RMB (in online shops) - that's around 48-60 Euro, or 70-88 US Dollar. Their WW2 fighters are half to two/thirds of that price.

For import brands the prices are the same as I pay in Europe.

Edit... you may take a look at www.taobao.com - it's a website where many manufacturers (and some less legal companies) sell their products directly to the people. It's in Chinese but brand names are obviously recognized.

Semmern, that Enterprise is laying in my wife's stash here at home aswell (She's the gifted one in this house).
I also just ordered the Trumpeter Pyotr Velikiy in 1:350 for her from E-models (saved me nearly 400 dkr compared to danish store prices, and as a bonus for ordering for mere than £30 they threw in a free Revell Contacta Liquid cement (the one with the needle).

Staffan

Legend: thanks for the info - that's very interesting.

Regards,

J. P. Kelly