The Increasing Cost of Toy Soldier Armor: A Different Perspective. (1 Viewer)

[Martin Tabony]

Well........some folks may regard collecting and making as two different hobbies - but for me, it's the "normal" way of collecting something that I want. It's also far more pleasurable (for me) to do it this way - and I get the additional benefit of saving some money - which can, of course, be spent on more kits!! I tried collecting painted figures, when I first re-started the hobby - about 17 years ago - but found it very unsatisfying. Far better buying kits, for me - and making up and painting them for myself.

However, each to his/her own, though do give it a try - if ( or maybe when), you have the time. I didn't re-start until I was able to finish with work - and had lots of time to give it a go. johnnybach

Well there are things I collect because the learning curve would be too big! I dare say that's the case with a lot of collectors.
Other than the Chinese made figures I think most manufacturers started as hobbyists, I stated by converting plastic kits until I was changing that much that I didn't need the plastic base. Then studying anatomy and uniforms etc. I don't think I'll start again on a new hobby!

Martin

 

[johnnybach]

Well there are things I collect because the learning curve would be too big! I dare say that's the case with a lot of collectors.
Other than the Chinese made figures I think most manufacturers started as hobbyists, I stated by converting plastic kits until I was changing that much that I didn't need the plastic base. Then studying anatomy and uniforms etc. I don't think I'll start again on a new hobby!

Martin

Cheers Tabs! - Though I was really directing my last remarks to some collectors - who may be very quietly, almost being priced out of the hobby - at a time when many wage packets have been declining in real terms, prices on many staple products have been rising - and growing families are competing for shrinking funds.

I know - 'cos I've been there.

I gave up this hobby during the years where my family needed stuff - and felt that this hobby was a luxury.

However - it never really goes away - and I just wish that I had considered "Making my own" a lot earlier - though it wasn't that easy finding out where to find stuff back then.

With the Internet at one's fingertips, nowadays, it IS far easier to find out where collectors can find things, perhaps to make up for themselves and paint - and I was really directing my remarks there. :salute:: jb

 

[Martin Tabony]

Cheers Tabs! - Though I was really directing my last remarks to some collectors - who may be very quietly, almost being priced out of the hobby - at a time when many wage packets have been declining in real terms, prices on many staple products have been rising - and growing families are competing for shrinking funds.

I know - 'cos I've been there.

I gave up this hobby during the years where my family needed stuff - and felt that this hobby was a luxury.

However - it never really goes away - and I just wish that I had considered "Making my own" a lot earlier - though it wasn't that easy finding out where to find stuff back then.

With the Internet at one's fingertips, nowadays, it IS far easier to find out where collectors can find things, perhaps to make up for themselves and paint - and I was really directing my remarks there. :salute:: jb

I went the other way and turned my hobby into my income.

 

[cnq]

Due to cost factors I recently took up plastic kit building. So far I have only built a Tamiya DAK Kubelwagen and BMW motorcycle with sidecar. I also have plans for a Steyr truck, a 251/17 half track and a couple of armoured cars. I really wanted to purchase some K&C armour but the price is becoming too much for me. For the price of 1 of the new figures ($49) I can get 3-5 boxes of Tristar or Tamiya figures. Is my quality as good as the pre-painted K&C stuff? Absolutely not but price comparatively I am pretty happy with what I have produced, not too mention it's fun. I still love my toy soldiers but with the current trend in prices I cannot see myself making another toy soldier purchase.

I've done the same thing too except that I only build model planes for now, maybe I'll do armors in a later future. I save all my funds for the FL Samurai which I've recently started collecting. They are fantastic figures.