You realize this thread started with discussing the Hph B-36, right?

So far most replies have been from the point of view of "I'll spend X dollars for a thing." In the end I will have a thing to look at. But as model makers, is that all we are in it for?

No. We are entertained by it as well. Building is not just a means to the end. For me it is the primary reason.

So if a $30 kit (supplies left out of the equation) takes 30 hours to complete, you've spent $1/hour to entertain yourself. So if you look at it as "X dollars/hour of entertainment" then perhaps expensive kits don't seem AS expensive. The expectation with a $1000 plane with a 3ft wingspan is that it will take a long time (months?) and have many, many detailed parts. How many hours of entertainment would you need from a $1000 kit to make it worth your time? 200? 500?

I wouldn't say this is a cheap hobby, but it is cheaper than going to a movie. For the price of four beers at a brew pub you can have your pick of 1/72 scale warplanes. And in the end you also have a thing to look at. :-)

I look at this in the same way as Wiggus: dollars spent per hour of entertainment.

Also, why be annoyed that there are huge, high-detail kits available that are out of your price range? Unless the manufacturers are selling something at an outrageous price with nothing to warrant that price, I don't see how anyone is being harmed by the fact that this sort of thing exists. It's not like the low-to-mid price range market is underserved.

In my other hobby, making music, there are synthesizers and pianos that are so far out of my price range, I just have to go ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I'm glad they exist, though - people are innovating and expanding the parameters of what can be done, and that improves the field for everybody.

What an incredible piece of work.
If anyone has seen the beautiful work by the incredible Dan Jayne (a master if ever their ever was one) then if they are like me an average modeller , they will need the bits in the box to make up for that lack of skill , sorry folks, if you want it (or need it) then your going to have to pay for it.

I used to buy the "after market" photoetch, resin and decals for a kit. The cost easily pushed the kit lot to 2-3x the original kit cost, if not more. I like the new kits, I just buy less of them due to the cost. I think the new Tamiya 1/32 kits are my limit. I haven't bought one yet as I've got plenty of other kits to build for now.
Take care,
Don "Lakota"

I guess I have one answer. Where would you put it? If you can't display it, what's the point? If you're into contests (I'm not) how would you even get it to the venue?

I do have a friend that bought a 1/48 XB-70 from the same manufacturer, so I don't want to be too critical. Whatever floats yer boat. But I would not dream of purchasing that a/c in that scale, especially at that price.

And there's the actuarial factor to consider. ***

Cameron and Wiggus are right on the money (literally)

But for me, I'd rather build any number of smaller kits than one big one. It's a flaw in my character that I will get intimidated by too vast a project and never finish.

More power to those who can and will undertake such huge kits but I've learned over the years that they're not for me. Cost enters into it because a dozen kits ar $20 a pop I can rationalize. But one for $240, I can't or even four at $50 each. Let alone a kit that costs as much as a major repair bill to keep my 16 year old car running.


But of course that logic got me to buy a company worth of Sherman's in 1/87 scale to do a massive diorama. Never finished of course.

I'm with you. I'm primarily building 1/72 scale because I'm not even sure where to put 1/48 scale kits. ;-)

It also occurred to me that I never really answered the opening question: I think the price of a Wingnut Wings kit ($80-$100) would be my limit, and a RARE treat for myself. Perhaps for a birthday.

I think a good indication on being on "too much" side is when you start to look for the latest edition of "101 ways with a grass".