Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006

Posts: 528
From: Houston, Texas
Registered: Aug 2002

posted 02-16-2006 07:52 AM               

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I 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.

Posts: 200
From: Woodbridge, VA, USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 02-16-2006 07:53 AM               

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If 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.

-Rich

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Registered:

Posts: 1292
From: Rochester, NY, USA
Registered: Mar 2002

Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006

posted 02-16-2006 02:20 PM               

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Thanks 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!

Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
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Posts: 3307
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2001

Posts: 194
From: Citrus Heights, CA - USA
Registered: Jan 2006

posted 02-20-2006 01:13 AM               

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Back 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.

Bill

Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002

posted 02-20-2006 06:07 AM               

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I 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.

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Best Wishes
ROB
http://www.picturetrail.com/madon_space

Posts: 166
From: Phoenix, AZ USA
Registered: May 2002

posted 02-20-2006 07:50 PM               

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Geez, Rob and I thought I was out of wall space!

Nice collection!!

Tom

Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002

posted 02-21-2006 11:03 AM               

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Tom, 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.

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Best Wishes
ROB
http://www.picturetrail.com/madon_space

Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006

Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 02-21-2006 03:50 PM               

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quote:

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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.

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Hehe! Just wait until I share more photos of my house. Not quite as full as that one, but pretty close.

Tom

Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000

Posts: 98
From: Suffolk, UK
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 02-22-2006 06:37 AM               

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quote:

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Originally posted by ilbasso:
Do these things completely (almost completely) lose their value when you unseal the box?

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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:

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How do you handle your urge to build a kit, and yet preserve the value of your invesment?

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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,
Paul

Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002

posted 02-22-2006 11:00 AM               

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I 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.

Posts: 816
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000

Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006