[Copland]

I mainly collect tanks, but have about 10 1/72 planes. I really like the upcoming Hobby Master 1/72 SB2C-1 Helldiver - VB-17. However, the price is anywhere from $40.00 - $45.00. I don't mind this price for a Limited Edition, but this seems ridiculously high for a 1/72 plane, when most are in the $18.00 - $25.00 range. Of course, I'm not a "plane guy," so, maybe some of you plane collectors can tell me why I should shell out $40.00 for this one.

[leeG]

Because its the only diecast 1/72 SB2C to be found anywhere at any price.

[Copland]

So, exclusivity. Thanks.

[leeG]

Originally Posted by Copland

So, exclusivity. Thanks.

Well, that and it should be a substantial chunk of metal for a single engine 1/72 scale airplane. Wingspan about 8 - 5/8 inches, and it has a big fuselage and enormous tail. As I understand it, it will also feature the option of displaying the gunner's rear turtle-deck up or down. The price looks to be in-line with its size and complexity. Higher than last years TBF's, but probably less than next years offerings. But exclusivity reigns for now. I hope to see several more versions and liveries, so bargains may be had at some future date.

[smartd]

I would like to know where you see aircraft of this quality for the $18.00 - $25.00 range.

[1250ships]

Here we are starting to see the impact of higher material and transportation costs. If you look around all the new releases are starting to bump into the $35-$40 range. When you see models at $18-$25 those are releases from 2007 or earlier. The classic example would be the $19.99 retail Corgi Warbirds of last year. They are simple models with no gear options or movable parts on moulds that Corgi probably amortized with higher priced Aviation Archive releases.

Yes you can find cheaper models but they will be legacy models, not new releases.

[lanslide]

Yeah - it's like gas prices reaching the $4.00 per gallon mark. That appears to be the breaking point for Americans to change their habits. I wonder what the breaking point will be for diecast collectors to change their habits. I think $40.00 for a 1/72 scale prop. plane is mine!

[p-51d]

Originally Posted by lanslide

Yeah - it's like gas prices reaching the $4.00 per gallon mark. That appears to be the breaking point for Americans to change their habits. I wonder what the breaking point will be for diecast collectors to change their habits. I think $40.00 for a 1/72 scale prop. plane is mine!

Come across the pond guys, unleaded is currently over $9 a gallon, heating gas and electricity going up 35% and new releases like the Kate are $60, it's getting very hard to find spare cash.

[lanslide]

While filling up my gas tank, I sometimes think to myself - "Well, I coulda just bought two HM Helldivers"! And I felt guilty when I bought an HM Phantom and Kate and realized I coulda put gas in the car with the money I spent! I hope things level out soon (we may never see it go back to the way it was only a short time ago)! On the bright side, our collections are probably getting more valuable as long as there is someone out there (like the Saudis) that can afford to buy them.

[Epapazian]

As most of us are aware, the prices of diecast models are rising like everything else---even food. So we might as well get used to it and adapt our collecting practices to the new reality. In fairness to the manufacturers, however, we should remember that most of today's diecast replicas are far superior to those made in the "good old days" when prices were much lower. So, there's a trade-off. Today, you are asked to pay more for a generally superior product, including many planes that none of us thought we would ever see in diecast. My solution: Instead of buying everything that comes down the pike, I am more selective, particularily when it comes to multiple versions of the same plane. In many cases, I wait to see critical reviews and close up pictures before jumping in---a case in point being HM's F-9F, which I didn't buy due to the folding wing snafu. I made an exception with HM's BF-110, which was something of a disappointment in the canopy and radar installation areas, but one lives and learns. BTW, I think that manufacturers are also learning from such experiences and HM, in particular, has been quick to modify its models, effect needed changes, etc. all of which is much appreciated.