The "Consequences" of Painting K&C Vehicles and Figs ? (1 Viewer)

[Mike97]

That masterful work on the Flakpanzer that has been posted has inspired me to consider also trying to convert one to a 'Normandy' camo theme (non-winter).

However, I don't want to damage the 'value' of what I consider to be a fairly significant purchase. My question is, assuming the outcome of a conversion is 'well done', have I just compromised or reduced the value of a piece or figure ?
In the future, should I change the focus of my collecting, are these types of 'one-offs' desireable to other collectors ?

Thanks for your comments.

 

[Pierre]

That masterful work on the Flakpanzer that has been posted has inspired me to consider also trying to convert one to a 'Normandy' camo theme (non-winter).

However, I don't want to damage the 'value' of what I consider to be a fairly significant purchase. My question is, assuming the outcome of a conversion is 'well done', have I just compromised or reduced the value of a piece or figure ?
In the future, should I change the focus of my collecting, are these types of 'one-offs' desireable to other collectors ?

Thanks for your comments.

Hi Mike-

I am the one who asked Alex to repaint the Flakpanzer as I find that vehicule amazing but as I am not a fan of the winter camo.

I consider that a K&C vehicule is always taking value when he is retired and, some times, I purchase more than one when I feel that the tank/vehicule/set of figures is/are a good occasion for a quick profit to finance my collection. In fact, I am one of those greedy collectors/speculators decried by some members of this forum (and the other forum too).

To answer your question, it is my opinion (and I insist on the word opinion) that my repaint Flakpanzer has now a less value than an original WS80 and that this will always be the same situation.

But as Louis said in an earlier post, something has a value when it is for sale and as my repainted Gepard is not...

When I saw it the first time, the Normandy camo came immediately to my mind and I immediately thought asking Alex to convert it as I have a strong admiration for his work (but not his talent unfortunately).

In short, buy two. One right now and repaint it and the other one when K&C will retire it in two or three years.

Best regards,
Pierre.

 

[jazzeum]

I think there is a bit of difference between some of the things that are in Louis' collection and that are unique in the truest sense of the word and a repainted vehicle which, while different, is not inherently unique.

Getting to the issue at hand, repainting it lessens the value as the value is gauged by comparison to similar collectibles of a particular kind and this doesn't fall into that classification. However, judging value is only necessary if you plan to sell it. If you don't it, it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[desk11desk12]

I like the idea of repainting a set to represent a different theater of battle because Andy usually doesn't release that tank, artillery piece or whatever in a different paint job for two to three years later if ever at all.

Frankly, I don't have the patience and when I can commission a talented artist (if they’re willing) like an Alex or Mark for such work, I do it strictly for my enjoyment regardless of the possible sacrifice in resale value. However like Pierre, I have a mint copy of the KC set in the box for the future.


Carlos

 

[maddadicus]

As the production numbers increase for KC items, as it takes longer for a piece to sell out and thus prolong it being retired in a timely manner, as there reaches a glut in the KC marketplace, because of the increased variety in ranges, I believe there could be a market for a professional repainted KC vehicle or figure set. A collector is generally not market or investment driven. He buys what he likes and wants, and let his estate worry about the collection's worth. I ,too ,sell my older pieces to finance my future purchases. Generally, I wait for an improved version to come out ,of a vehicle that I personally like. For example, the DD Sherman and Stuart ,allowed me to sell my older Sherman and Stuart. As a new Grant is produced, I would say goodbuy to Humphrey and his crew. It would be interesting for some bored pro painter to buy some new KC stock ,repaint them in different schemes, put them on ebay and see what happens. I cannot believe collectors who regularly buy pieces for hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars ,would not part with a few bucks for a well done one of a kind....Michael

 

[desk11desk12]

maddadicus,

You are so right.

Carlos

 

[Mike97]

Thanks much for your perspective guys. I like the idea of 'buy one and store it-paint the other'.

 

[nmrocks]

I've always thought the real question is why Andy doesn't put out at least 2 versions of his vehicles when he releases them? Most other manufacturers do, and it should initially drive sales higher, whats the logic on not putting out multiple versions of the same vehicle?
Ray

 

[Louis Badolato]

Andy often does multiples of the same vehicle in various paint schemes. As recently as the 105mm Sherman, the 007 Tiger, the StuG IV, the Char B and the King Tiger Andy released repaints (the British Sherman, Winter Tiger, Limited StuG, second Char B and red on yellow Ochre King Tiger).

 

[maddadicus]

Andy often does multiples of the same vehicle in various paint schemes. As recently as the 105mm Sherman, the 007 Tiger, the StuG IV, the Char B and the King Tiger Andy released repaints (the British Sherman, Winter Tiger, Limited StuG, second Char B and red on yellow Ochre King Tiger).

The problem is that when Andy does it, most complain about their prospective investments being somehow tainted. Whereas a pro painter is only trying to capture a niche market and the vehicles worth is in the eyes of the beholder and highest bidder. Michael

 

[nmrocks]

Andy often does multiples of the same vehicle in various paint schemes. As recently as the 105mm Sherman, the 007 Tiger, the StuG IV, the Char B and the King Tiger Andy released repaints (the British Sherman, Winter Tiger, Limited StuG, second Char B and red on yellow Ochre King Tiger).

I think you miss my point, I am talking about simultaneous releases, Also isn't the 105 Sherman and the 007 new castings?
Ray

 

[Louis Badolato]

The 105 was repainted (without any new castings) as the British Sherman. The 007 Tiger was repainted (without new casting) as the Winter Tiger. Only the figures were changed.