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T O P I C R E V I E WilbassoI have recently begun collecting some of the great model kits that I used to build back in the 60's. Do these things completely (almost completely) lose their value when you unseal the box? How do you handle your urge to build a kit, and yet preserve the value of your invesment? Or do you just say "the hell with the investment" and enjoy building the kit again?Michael DavisI did the same thing a few years back. I purchased a few models that I had as a kid. But my goal was to build the models carefully this time. No glue smeared on windows, no fingerprints in paint because I couldn't wait, actually filling in joints with putty, etc.I also was determined to use actual paint patterns and make the models as realitic as possible by applying details like foil.I really enjoyed doing this. But my goal was never to have unopened models sitting around as an investment. Others I'm sure would never consider opening a collector's item. But my only goal was fun. astroborgIf you can buy two, you can have the best of both worlds. But this is not always feasible - money or space constraints.I'm a so-so modeler, so I have a bunch of unassembled models still in boxes.-RichSpaceBobFor collectors the absolute perfect model is in mint condition - no damage - unopened - no faded colors. I used to be like that (don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with collecting) but now I buy them all with intent to build. I will use nostalgic boxes to decorate the walls of my spacement. No matter what...just have fun!John K. RochesterIf you build them... joy will come...ilbassoThanks for your advice and validating what I thought in my heart already! There are a lot more certian investments than buying and holding boxed models - but there is nothing to compare to the joy of building them again!I live in Virginia, within a few miles of the Udvar-Hazy Center of the NASM, and I go downtown to the Air & Space Museum frequently. Time to take the digital camera and get a lot of detailed shots of spacecraft interiors and exteriors. I am going to have fun making these models a lot more accurately and carefully than I did as a teenager!mjanovecMy suggestion is this. If you come across an unopened or opened model for a really good price, buy it. If the box and packaging are open and show some wear, then build the model. If the model is in mint condition and/or unopened, consider selling or trading it to a collector who would love to have a mint specimin. You might be able to trade a mint example for a couple of non-mint examples (that you can then build). That way you both win.ScottI would recommend looking for an opened one on eBay. That way you can build it and still keep yours sealed.Space Emblem ArtBack in the '70s when I was in my teens & early 20s I was a space model builder. When I'd see kits discounted at stores I'd buy them, thinking that I'd build it after working on whatever my current project was. I might buy more than 1 with the idea of using the 2nd kit as a spare parts, or for my own idea. Well, after some years I'd accumulated more kits than I could remember. Many were in original wrap. Eventually, in the later '80s I started selling them at some kit collectors sales in Orange County, CA. Well, I pocketed some big bucks from those sales, due to the values. But you know, that's not what the kits are for. They're for building, and having fun building them. Whether built straight from the box or customized, that's the fun of it.So enjoy them.BillMadon_spaceI had the same dilemma but then took the plunge and built them, but I am glad I did. I want to enjoy them while I am here. ------------------Best WishesROB http://www.picturetrail.com/madon_space scout706Geez, Rob and I thought I was out of wall space!Nice collection!!TomMadon_spaceTom, thanks for your comment much appreciated, this is two bedrooms that have been knocked into one large room and every wall is covered, I now have the problem of juggling everything about to put up more autographs which I have recently acquired as I don't like to just store them away. I so love this hobby.------------------Best WishesROB http://www.picturetrail.com/madon_space ilbassoI was digging through a box of memorabilia this weekend and came across these primitive pictures that I took back in 1970, when I was 13 years old. I was a real do-it-yourself hobbyist back then - I even developed and printed the pictures myself! The LM is the Revell 1:72 scale model, and the 2001 Moonbus is one that I wish I still had, based on the comments I've seen elsewhere in this forum! The moon surface was the vacuformed lunar terrain model that I have mentioned in the "Flown and Hardware" section of the forum. tegwilym quote:Originally posted by Madon_space:I now have the problem of juggling everything about to put up more autographs which I have recently acquired as I don't like to just store them away. Hehe! Just wait until I share more photos of my house. Not quite as full as that one, but pretty close. Tomtegwilym quote:Originally posted by ilbasso:I was digging through a box of memorabilia this weekend and came across these PRIMITIVE pictures that I took back in 1970, when I was 13 years old. Obviously a 2001 fan too! Must have been a diorama of the landing in Clavious near the monolith. paulj quote:Originally posted by ilbasso:Do these things completely (almost completely) lose their value when you unseal the box? No, unsealing the box makes very little difference to value of the kit; Although maybe a little easier to sell a sealed kit. Extremely rare kits will loose a more value unsealed, but will still retain most of their value.I used to look for buying sealed kits, but you just don't know what's inside until you open it. So easy for someone to pack something in an empty rare box and get it sealed. If you are buying kits with open box, you can at least ask questions about contents before buying. quote:How do you handle your urge to build a kit, and yet preserve the value of your invesment? When re-issues are available, I buy two or three kits, with the intention of building one or two, I don't buy kits as an investment. Generally you lose value when you build a kit, but know modelers who restore "glue-bombs", and have seen some poorly built kits go on eBay for high prices. Ironically they are not so interested in well built kits, as they see a challenge restoring the poor builds.Regards,PauldivemasterI would say that it depends on the model. Some of them are worth a fortune still sealed. Others have been rereleased over the years and, while the originals are worth a lot, the rereleases are worth less. [not worthless, "worth less" money than the original run]Again,the joy is in the building. If you want a potential investment, don't open them. If you want the joy of building, do so.OV-105All I can say is see the movie "The 40 Year Old Virgin". That should tell you if you should have it in a box or use it.ilbassoThanks for the advice, everyone! I am underway with the AMT 1:200 "Space Rocket Collection" - got two incomplete sets off of eBay, which together make 1-3/5 set. I'm having fun exploring what I can do with 4 lunar modules and 4 CSM's in the same scale! I'm thinking I'll have a CSM/LM docked suspended above the base in front of the Saturn V in addition to the CSMs on their launch vehicles.And boy-o-boy, has modeling technology changed a lot in the last 35 years! New adhesives, detailing kits, etc. I'm having a lot of fun already. quote:Originally posted by OV-105:All I can say is see the movie "The 40 Year Old Virgin". Yes, it would be lame to have all those unopened toys around... but didn't he sell his collection for something like $50K?! I think I'll stick to collecting "real" artifacts (autographs, flown items) and leave the models for fun.
I also was determined to use actual paint patterns and make the models as realitic as possible by applying details like foil.
I really enjoyed doing this. But my goal was never to have unopened models sitting around as an investment. Others I'm sure would never consider opening a collector's item. But my only goal was fun.
I'm a so-so modeler, so I have a bunch of unassembled models still in boxes.
-Rich
I live in Virginia, within a few miles of the Udvar-Hazy Center of the NASM, and I go downtown to the Air & Space Museum frequently. Time to take the digital camera and get a lot of detailed shots of spacecraft interiors and exteriors. I am going to have fun making these models a lot more accurately and carefully than I did as a teenager!
But you know, that's not what the kits are for. They're for building, and having fun building them. Whether built straight from the box or customized, that's the fun of it.
So enjoy them.
Bill
------------------Best WishesROB http://www.picturetrail.com/madon_space
Nice collection!!
Tom
quote:Originally posted by Madon_space:I now have the problem of juggling everything about to put up more autographs which I have recently acquired as I don't like to just store them away.
quote:Originally posted by ilbasso:I was digging through a box of memorabilia this weekend and came across these PRIMITIVE pictures that I took back in 1970, when I was 13 years old.
quote:Originally posted by ilbasso:Do these things completely (almost completely) lose their value when you unseal the box?
I used to look for buying sealed kits, but you just don't know what's inside until you open it. So easy for someone to pack something in an empty rare box and get it sealed. If you are buying kits with open box, you can at least ask questions about contents before buying.
quote:How do you handle your urge to build a kit, and yet preserve the value of your invesment?
Regards,Paul
Again,the joy is in the building. If you want a potential investment, don't open them. If you want the joy of building, do so.
And boy-o-boy, has modeling technology changed a lot in the last 35 years! New adhesives, detailing kits, etc. I'm having a lot of fun already.
quote:Originally posted by OV-105:All I can say is see the movie "The 40 Year Old Virgin".
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