Browsing the Classifieds
#1
Thread Starter
Browsing the Classifieds
I’ve been browsing the classifieds for years now mostly for WW1 and some WW2 warbirds (I will call warbirds1 and warbirds2 respectively). I noticed in general ¼ scale warbirds1 are falling in price well under 1000 dollars which seems like a good bargin for very scale looking planes. On the other hand ¼ scale warbirds2 seem to be holding up in value above 2000 dollars. I’ll make a blanket statement and say 1/3 scale warbirds1 and ¼ scale warbirds2 seem to be the size people want and fetch more money. I know this hobby is highly subjective and value is someone else’s interpretation but what do you think?
#3
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RE: Browsing the Classifieds
Everyone seems to want "bigger" now a days.
WW1 stuff is generally simpler and smaller. So in relation to the same scale size, a WW2 mod will be larger and more complex. The size and complexity adds to the cost. More initial expense means in general a higher value later in (there are exceptions).
The same goes for really any size model when it is compared to the same scale model of a different era.
The reason some models are priced higher than another is:
Scale details: these take Alot! Of time and add immensely to the value IMO
High quality radio gear: HK and other non-name brand equipment bringings down the price. When i see cheap equipment in an airplane, i begin to wonder what other corners were cut!
Engines: non chinese knockoffs and other name brand engines cost more and typically hold more value.
Its not necessarily just the size for the price difference, its all of the other "stuff" that larger and WW2 models need/get that cost more, especially if they are built with scale accuracy in mind and not for weekend flying.
WW1 stuff is generally simpler and smaller. So in relation to the same scale size, a WW2 mod will be larger and more complex. The size and complexity adds to the cost. More initial expense means in general a higher value later in (there are exceptions).
The same goes for really any size model when it is compared to the same scale model of a different era.
The reason some models are priced higher than another is:
Scale details: these take Alot! Of time and add immensely to the value IMO
High quality radio gear: HK and other non-name brand equipment bringings down the price. When i see cheap equipment in an airplane, i begin to wonder what other corners were cut!
Engines: non chinese knockoffs and other name brand engines cost more and typically hold more value.
Its not necessarily just the size for the price difference, its all of the other "stuff" that larger and WW2 models need/get that cost more, especially if they are built with scale accuracy in mind and not for weekend flying.
#5
RE: Browsing the Classifieds
Retracts are definitely a big additional cost ($300+ at a minimum) and this type of hardware, holds its value. The "value" of most WWI models is mostly subjective. You're paying for craftsmanship and the overall "scale feel" of the model. Since I don't live in the US and don't do the Dawn Patrol circuit I don't have any real sense for the market value for "used" WWI models. But my guess would be that only the "big names" (and/or contest winners) are going to be able to get "big bucks" (or even just "break even") on a sale. The rest of us mere mortals would probably have to be satisfied with "swap meet" prices for our "masterpieces."
Regarding the move towards larger (1/3 scale and even larger) WWI models, I for one am not impressed. Most of the 1/3 scale model I've seen online have less detail than many 1/4 and even some 1/6 scale models. The way I see it a 1/3 scale model would need at least twice the "depth of detailing" as a 1/6 scale model to achieve the "same visual level" of scale fidelity. And I don't see that happening.
Another way to think about this question of the market value of "pre-owned" RC scale models is to ask: "What sort of buyer buys a $1,000+ (or even $5,000+) ARF?"
Regarding the move towards larger (1/3 scale and even larger) WWI models, I for one am not impressed. Most of the 1/3 scale model I've seen online have less detail than many 1/4 and even some 1/6 scale models. The way I see it a 1/3 scale model would need at least twice the "depth of detailing" as a 1/6 scale model to achieve the "same visual level" of scale fidelity. And I don't see that happening.
Another way to think about this question of the market value of "pre-owned" RC scale models is to ask: "What sort of buyer buys a $1,000+ (or even $5,000+) ARF?"