I'm Having Second Thoughts

[RLFoster]

My Fellow Modelers,

For the longest time, while working on my current model, my profile signature has shown that my next model will be the Babylon 5 Space Station.  I have some very specific ideas for this model and since my current build is in the homestretch, I decided to start doing some research.  However, right off the bat I saw something that is giving me pause and I want to hear your thoughts before proceeding.

In looking for some online photos, one of the links took me to eBay -- a website I literally have been to only a dozen times in my entire life...for ANY reason.  Anyway, I immediately noticed something that forced me to dig a little deeper on the site.

The first two entries of people selling the kit I have - factory shrink wrapped - had "Buy It Now" prices of $147 and $117.  Those prices CAN'T be right, surely!  I looked a little further...$99 USD (+$13 shipping), $114 USD (+$30 shipping), and $143 USD (no shipping specified).  I'm was sitting here scratching my head.  My kit still has the original price tag stuck to the shrink wrap -- from Bobe's Hobby House, $19.99!!!

Maybe the kits I'm seeing are anomalies and the kits that have actually SOLD on eBay have been much cheaper?  NOPE!  The last 3 sales of this kit that specified "Factory Sealed" went for $110 +$10 shipping, $111 +$10 shipping, and $72.50 +$16 shipping.  $88.50 is total for the cheapest kit sold.

Normally, I don't give a rat's behind about whether a kit is "collectible" or not.  In my opinion, kits are meant to be BUILT not traded like stocks and bonds.  However, there's indifferent and then there's STUPID.

So, here's the question.  Should I press forward, rip the wrap off this kit and build it, or should I perhaps choose one of my other 500+ kits and let this one sit -- and possible build even more value?

What do you guys think?

[dogfish7 (R.I.P.)]

You'll find the same or similar prices on a few hard to find and popular kits. ( For obvious reasons.)
I'd build it. Life is too short.

[JCON]

I'm with Bruce on this one, you bought it to build, crack that cellophane wrap and have fun!!!

[RLFoster]

Okay, I hear what you're saying, but to be honest, I did NOT buy this kit initially to build it. I bought it because I was a diehard fan of Babylon 5.

How about a trade?

I have another "non-armor" model kit that just might interest this group more. Actually, I have TWO of them and that why I'm proposing this.

I have TWO of the 2014 Hasbro released Walmart Exclusive 2 FOOT LONG Millennium Falcon kits. Yes, TWO of them. I paid full price at the time for one ($70) and only $30 for the second one. So in reality, they are both $50 kits. On eBay right now, there are a couple people trying to get north of $200 for one of these and several in the mid to upper $100 dollar range. Since I have two, I can always build one and keep one to see if it get stupidly valuable.

So, what do you think? Is a 2 foot long Millennium Falcon a better choice?

I'm thinking maybe it is...

[dogfish7 (R.I.P.)]

Tuff decisions.

[BUCKY]

WOW! Major dilemma! I always bought my kits with building them in mind. It got to the point that I would buy them before they disappeared from the market. I ended up with way more than I can build. Over the past year, I've sold off kits that I didn't think I would ever get around to building. Some went for good money, some I lost money on. But, I had a little cash for supplies, and doing non-model related things. Recently, I've been able to grab a few of my "Holy Grail" kits and built-ups, so I'll be selling off some more that I probably won't ever build.
In your case, if I felt hesitant about opening the Babylon kit, then I would go on to something else for a while. It will still be there whenever the urge gets too strong, and you start hearing the voices, saying, "Build me, build me! You know you want to!"

Hope this helps, RL! LoL

[Dukemaddog]

As a diehard Babylon 5 fan as well; I bought my Babylon 5 space station and built it almost immediately. Here's mine:

I'd say hold off for now if that's what feels right to you. But as mentioned, out-of-production kits tend to skyrocket in price over time, especially if they are representing something that is no longer being filmed/produced or used. Take the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car for instance.

I also have a Bandai 1/72 scale Millennium Falcon kit that I got for good money at the Chattanooga Nationals. If you build one of your Wal-mart kits; I'll start my Millennium Falcon as a co-build alongside you.

[JED]

Not really a fan of anything sci-if so I'd sell,sell,sell 😳😉