The Little World

No, I’m not talking about a plate of stew in the middle of painting a new model. That will not end well. This is a post about prices.

We pay varying amounts of money for our models – Some come free and are all the sweeter for that – some cost a lot. Unless we are super-rich we tend to treat the really expensive models with caution. They are sweet too, but mistakes can be costlier. The question arises: what is a correct price for a scale model kit?

a. Whatever you have to spend.

The youngster in 1959 with a fixed allowance knew their financial position precisely. If the weekly allowance was 50¢ then the model chosen would be an Airfix baggie. And it would not be built in an off-hand fashion. That was a week’s money and it meant no sweets for seven days. That Spitfire was built to provide a week’s compensation.

The oldster on a fixed income now will also know a limit – and the philosophy of value will apply just as much as for the kid.

Someone with no restrictions can buy all the way to the top shelf – they will face no financial pressure, but they need even more force of character and skill to make good with the expensive kit. Discipline past the till is the thing for every buyer.

b. Whatever it costs.

Dangerous ground – the wholesale and retail structure is never going to ask for less money when they can get more. The only thing that stops this increase in prices is the reluctance of the buying public to pay it. The philosophy of un-trammeled payment for uncontrolled need is what sells drugs…and they can stay out of the hobby shop, thank you.

c. A fixed sum.

Here you are in control. You set price for a certain type of model – if the shop can supply it for that, buy it. Ditto the stash sale or Gumtree offer.

I do this – I set a certain price in my mind that I’ll pay for a 1:72 airplane. I base it upon the number of engines. Go too far past it and the model sits on the shop shelf – no matter how attractive the box is.

d. The price of a dinner.

Here’s the payoff – the title of this piece. Pay as much for the model as you would pay for a dinner. Then don’t eat that dinner. It will drive home to you what the modelling is and what it is worth.

If you buy a $ 20 model, go $ 20 hungry. If you buy a $ 400 model, expect to lose a bit of weight. You’ll look better for it.