I think many of us build our Tanks like that,
The total cost may be equal or more than its Tamiya equivalent but because the outlay is over a period of time the upgrades are more affordable than a one time layout of big bucks,
The best example is perhaps the Tiger 1 which is full of failings as represented by Heng Long or Taigen/Torros products but the Heng Long is almost free in its basic form compared to Tamiya's and yet there are more upgrades available in the market place for the Tiger 1 then any other Tank which allows you to transform it over time into a very personal affordable one off with the authenticity of a Tamiya well researched Tank,