[Guest]

Was talking to a fellow collector recently about models of all ranges, from Maisto to Exoto and everything in between. The conversation started as I have really been thinking about some recent purchases.

As prices have increased amongst all brands, some more noticeable than others, my expectations have increased as well.

Some of my recent purchases over the past two weeks have included Ertl, Highway 61, AUTOart, GMP and Hot Wheels.

It used to be that anticipation would hide blunders on a model that I was anxiously awaiting, not anymore :giggle If the model isn't what I hoped for whne I recieve it, then the reality of that sets in immediately.

I read boedan's post about the GT3R he recieved, he said the model didn't blow him away and he wasn't sure if he was going to keep it or not. Well I plan on keeping mine, but I fully understand what he is saying about this particular model as well as other Porsche models from AUTOart.

I haven't been in the hobby very long, but I have been fortunate enough to soak up a lot of information from collectors who more seasoned than I am thanks to DX.
Unlike before, when I look at a model now, quality, details and accuracy really jump out at me.

Price nor brand notwithstanding, I collect budget models with the same eagerness as I do premium models if they appeal to me. But my expectations of all models seem to be at a new level now. I just want a model to have a decent level of quality, relatively accurate to the 1:1, doesn't have to be 100% perfect and also have some details to it. A bargain price wouldn't hurt either :lol

Does anyone else have any expectations of the models they puchase?

 

[MED]

I find myself being nearly neurotic about the condition of my collection. The smallest defect drives me crazy, especially on the models I've had for a while. In buying a new model, I determine the standards I will use in evalauating it based on the price I paid and how much I want the model. If I love the car being modelled, I'll be more particular about its condition. If I got the model for a decent price or if it's a budget model, I'm willing to let imperfections through.

 

[MockingBird]

i've pretty much stopped buying budget cars cos the prices of budget cars here aren't exactly "budget" . top up a bit more cash and you can have yourself an Autoart. the only budget car i wld like to buy now are JADIs

 

[bennyjammin]

I sort of agree with Med about being slightly neurotic about quality....If I am able to choose from more than 1 of the same model, then I will look at them as closely as I can to decide which one is the best in relation to paintwork etc, then get the best one. If I can't do that then I will accept what I can get... :cheers

 

[winstoncds]

Like Benny says, I compare 2-3 models of the same type to see if there are any blemishes in the paint, decals or on the chrome if there is any. Got a great rapport with my hobby shop guys and they know I am quite picky. So though they tease me about it, they do open the boxes to allow me to compare the models.

 

[Speedfiend]

I think I'm in the same boat as you, DX. Even though I don't collect budgets, if I were, I'd expect them to at least have the general shape and scale correct (Bburago! :nutkick). That's especially true with higher-end cars. For a $50 AUTOart or Kyosho, I don't expect all the detail in the world, but connecting pins are not to be tolerated. It's 2005 for cryin' out loud!

 

[gundam40]

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I completely agree! Decals are also a killer. Tampo, ppl!
It seems AUTOart is progressing along nicely. Minichamps, however, seems to be stuck in the 90's (or progressing very little). Their new cars are generally more expensive than new AUTOart's (street prices anyways) but quality/details are worse, or at best, equal.

 

[mbc112]

I collect every benz made, if its low or high end...but I expect from high end cars that they are almost perfect (you pay for it)...if it's a low end car, ok..they can't be perfect and I care less...

 

[acisne]

Since I collect anything 1/18, scale is the most important thing to me. I expect that if it says 1/18 on the box, then it shold be 1/18 scale. I can tolerate 1/18.6 or 1/17.5 but when they make a model to fit the box or it it's clearly 1/16 or 1/20 it does not stay in my collection. The Maisto Sport Trac is the only off-scale model in my collection only because I drive a 1:1.

I guess that I been in the hobby too long as I get satisfaction if the manufacturer gets the body proportions right and the stance correct. All of the other bell and whisles are just iceing on the cake, whether it's a budget or a high-end model.

 

[vegasracer]

I've always preferred quality over quantity, and even more so now that my available display space grows ever more limited. That said, many genres are limited as to what you can get (for example... the classic/vintage sector) so within those parameters I look for the best I can get with regard to detail, finish and scale and am happy with that. My expectations are calibrated to the cost of the model for the most part.

Detail and quality can be a two-edged sword, however... just look at the CC Bob Jane Camaro. I love the way it is put together, but it doesn't look right. I'm going to keep mine, but I have to say it's the only model in my 350+ collection that I have second thoughts about.

The longer I stay in the hobby, the pickier I tend to be. That's why I tend to stick with the upper end models. Funny thing is that I expect that quality should be commensurate with price, and when I get an Exoto or AUTOart that has a flaw, I'm less tolerant now than I would have been in the early stages of the hobby. Conversely, when I get a model that exceeds expectations for its price point, I'm more thrilled than I would have been earlier. For this reason the Ertl Precision 100s, Motor City Classics, certain Yat Mings, Jadis, and select AUTOart Millenium models get me more excited than an Exoto or CMC (although I'm buying those as well).

 

[Guest]

Jeff, great point on the CC Bob Jane Camaro.

When I first saw this model before it was released, I knew I had to have it. After seeing some pics of it by members, it was obvious that this car was all wrong, just about in every way as far as the body goes.

The details and quality associated with this model is first class, however, the accuracy of the body is all wrong.

I put mine on display and have only taken it down once, don't plan on taking ti down any more.