Having seen this model up close and personal I can fully understand the volume of research that went in to the model. The only 279 in existence that I know of is in Kubinka Museum near Moskau, therefore the builder had to first get permission to measure and photo every aspect of the object. That alone is not easy to say the least. Then there is design work plus planning an entirely different drive train than the prototype so the model can actually turn, unlike the prototype. Another vast undertaking. When I look at some computer printing parts makers and see a few tiny parts going for 10 or 15 bucks I can extrapolate the effort that went in to simply 'printing' out this vehicle. Toss in the many hours of design, the ground up design of the drive system with differentials for each track to keep it's speed both straight line and turning I can see the cost and then some. If anyone thinks they can do this model for a better price then go for it. I'll even support your visa application as needed so you can start the research.