[Gort]

This will probably open a whoppin’ huge can of impassioned, kick-butt opinion, but I’m going to chance it anyway. We touched on this issue elsewhere, but I think it deserves its own thread.

So here it goes ...

Does a model’s investment potential play any part in your buying decision? Do you collect diecast models praying they'll make a profit (the bigger, the better) down the road? Do you collect models hoping values will rise (or at least remain the same) but wouldn’t get too upset if they didn’t? Or do you collect for the love of models itself and couldn’t give a rat’s petute if values rocket, dive, or stay the same?

Personally, I don’t intend to sell my collections, singly or in toto, so investment wise they hold little to no value. I love ‘em just because I love ‘em; consequently, I understand the mind set that value is meaningless stacked against one’s towering enthusiasm. Diecast models have a way of eliciting mongo exhilaration (and passion) and catapulting collectors into realms of delirium.

However ...

I don’t reject monetary value as a legitimate collecting incentive, either. I don’t condemn collecting for profit as ignoble – a sell-out of the more dignified notion of lovin’ models for their inherent “coolness.” If models grow in value (and I change my mind and sell 'em), all the better.

OK, boys ... have at it ...

[TopHat]

I buy the models and liveries that I like, regardless of investment potential. Like you, Gort, I don't plan on re-selling my models when I buy them. The ones I have sold were sold only to make room for new and better models.

Personally, I think the "investment" aspect of collecting is merely a rationalization meant to somehow justify the sums spent on acquiring models.

I don't work for Edwards Jones, but I would strongly advise someone to not pursue diecast as a substitute for a 401(k) plan.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I only buy what i like....If i was doing it for profit i wouldn't have some SpecCast Corsairs & Mustangs in my collection.
JP

[TopHat]

...and Skunky wouldn't have all those Armour P-51s that he secretly fondles at night after everyone else is in their rack.

[MoMo]

GORT

Gort, you come from a planet where they use diamonds for money, so you don't need to care about investment!

Klatu will throw you off the ship!

[flyXwire]

I only have my http://members.tripod.com/~ds9promen...ngi_Rules.html to adhere to when it comes to Passion vs.Profit in diecast collecting. You can pick or choose the ones applies to you in an appropriate situation I suppose.

[MoMo]

I only have my http://members.tripod.com/~ds9promen...ngi_Rules.html to adhere to when it comes to Passion vs.Profit in diecast collecting. You can pick or choose the ones applies to you in an appropriate situation I suppose.

AAARRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH! It was a trap! I hate all that Star Trek dross! Star Soap!

[PappyB]

At first I collected "anything I liked", which has led to storage ... issues. (And like Starman below -- many Speccast models in the closet). Now I am leaning towards only buying stuff that will at least retain its value over time -- helps keep things a bit reasonable as I have no self control (but I'm working on that...)

Plus, I like the fact that there's only so many of a particular model I have -- makes it feel kinda special compared to something anyone could run out and buy at the local Wal-Mart... so I'm leaning towards limited editions and special commisions only at this point.

(though this may get blown out of the water when those 1:32 Phantoms show up from 21st, et al. Like I said... no self-control... and I'm still a sucker for a good sale, which is why I have a couple new Speccast Corsairs. Hey, they were $10, each... and I like the paint jobs.)

I confess that I do get a small rush when I can sell a model at 10x retail value, but that's certainly rare and I'm not banking on putting the twins through college with it... First and foremost my addiction to this hobby was borne out of interest in the subject matter, but making a buck is never a bad thing in my book.

[mustangdriver]

I collect only the airframes I like in the paintschemes I enjoy. I am not upset if they go up in price, but I don't collect to sell.

[Captain Eddie]

I buy what I like/want/can afford. If they increase in value, great, but I have no intention of selling, so it really does not matter.