Model evaluation

[Alvanir B de Calvanho]

Hi there, folks,

The price of oneself's model is something very much personal and quite difficult to evaluate. It will all depend on the desire the owner might have to keep it or not. As a sort of promotor of model boating, in Brazil, I have built and sold no less than 14 different kinds of models. For instance, yesterday, I just sold for the equivalent to US$500,00 (five hundred dollars ) an electric model of a World War II subchaser, with radio-control and totally operational and running. My actual model of the ALAGOAS, a river ironclad monitor, copy of a vessel that was built in Brazil during the war against Paraguay ( 1864 / 1870 ) was evaluated by me as the equivalent to US $10,000.00 ( ten thousand dollars ).

- Why that much ? ... I like to have it around and do not have the will to build a new model to replace it, in case someone wants to purchase it from me.

- Would somenone be interested in paying that amount ? I doubt it. However, I dont care, provided that it remains in my ownership.

Alvanir
From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

[David S Miller]

YES Alvanir! I too have that "problem." I only build
models of unusual or unique engineering or design and
as such have no desire to sell any of my work. I also
do not believe that my skill level or materials Merrit
the high-end model market. Each work is an adventure
for me and leaves me with wonderful memories of a
grand adventure and journey. During research,
materials collecting, building and finishing I am
taken into the minds and times of the original
designers. That journey, and the lasting fun it brings
long after the project is completed cannot be
"priced."

Some joys in life simply cannot be cheapened with a
price.
Dave

[Tony Frohnhoefer]

If you've been following the list you know I built the "King of the
Mississippi" by Latina recently. You can see some pictures in the
files under Tony's Riverboat. I had a local fine furnishings retailer
tell me he could get about 2 grand for it. I was quite surprised since
I don't concider myself a museum quality modeler yet.However as room
requires I promised this dealer and my wife to sell one of my models
maybe even the King. But in any event it has more value than one might
guess. I have since scheduled it on my homeowners insurance for a very
nominal fee.
I would suggest that to anyone that has a model of that value. I bet
you wouldn't keep a 2-3 thousand dollar ring or watch uninsured.
Tony Frohnhoefer
Austin TX

[Paulrjordan]

Thanks Tony..you illustrated the whole matter in the clearest possible
way. I know some of you feel that the models you build are impossible
to put a price on because you're never going to sell them. You're
missing my point. In the event of a catatrophic loss
(theft/fire/etc)or even damage, the loss maybe a little less onerous
to bear if there was at least some kind of monetary compensation to
allow you the cost of purchasing even a replacement kit. The cost of
adding these items to your household insurance is nominal.

And we won't even go into the value of your tools and parts.

On the other side of the coin...our club is often asked to dispose of
estate sales of model ships (in fact we're in the middle of one now)
Unless the models are of extremely high quality they often go for a
fraction of the cost of materials and I am often sadenned to think of
all this work being equated to such a low price...often the relatives
of the deceased modeler have no wish to keep the models and simply
want them disposed of. Many of the models are either incomplete or
damaged through inability to maintain them in advancing years.

In the end it is the quality of workmanship and visual appeal of the
model which determines the price. Modern (20th Century) warships
don't seem to get the same high prices as classic sailing ships,
riverboats, passenger ships and famous vessels of discovery.

In any case, don't underestimate the value of your time and talent.
In the words of an old pop song from the 50's "You don't know what
you've got until you lose it"

Enough said!

PJ