I buy my models from SMS but I see a number of smallish job lots on ebay. I wouldn't buy most of the individual models normally but at the right price they would make a good practice platform for building and painting. But only at the right price as in seriously cheap. As I said my main models will come from a proper resource but anyone else buy "throw away" models for not much money ?
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Gary.
Depending on what it is, and in my case normally Russian I search the web. When I first came back to modelling I bought a load of kits and paint from John.
Recently I've been dealing with Polish and a German model shop purely because of the aftermarket stuff I wanted. When its a kit over a certain value I would always go to well known shop.
Some small kits like the planes I've recently build have come from E bay. -
I've restricted myself to decent models from SMS but I am always a bit nervous about making mistakes because they cost a few bob and the only one I have. I justfigured that I could have a few cheapo models that I dont care about to practice on and have a play. Ones I've looked at are very cheap 1/700 ships. Price could go up of course but I have my limit set. Some aren't bargains in any shape or form but the odd job lot are perfect for what I want them forComment
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If its just cheapo kits to practice on have a look at the damaged boxes on Hannants or Creative Models. Ebay is ok, but there don't appear to be many auctions on the UK one.Comment
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Not much for me on Hannants but I'll check Creative. Thanks JohnComment
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Gary,
I spend a lot of time searching the internet for my models, at a price I like! Ebay is just one of the many sites I frequent. Generally I only buy from within the UK - postage costs increase rapidly from elsewhere. Sadly auctions are not as common as they used to be, but you can still pick up bargains, you have to be patient, and visit regularly. You're right in setting an upper price, as chasing prices is the quickest way to overpay.................... It's sometimes worth mis-spelling search words, as sellers can do this, and also post in incorrect categories.
I've signed up for newsletters from most retailers that offer this service, keeping an eye out for sales/special offers. I have a mental list of models I'd like to make, some of them have been on it for years & years............ John has mentioned damaged boxes from Hannants & Creative Models - you can also find them in Amazon 'warehouse deals', but they take a bit of searching for.
DaveComment
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Spent most of the last 20 years project managing delivery websites for companies and I agree with your points Dave. It's appalling how people spend good money on websites but never learn how to use them. But I'll use your tips. I also agree about UK only through places like ebay. It's only for practice kits really. I've just ordered a couple of kits from SMS that will be my focus.
I remember in 1997 or there abouts a warehousing company I was supplying IT too had a fire. Luckily not much was damaged but smoke had damaged lots of pallets of toys, including from memory several hundred Airfix and Revel kits. They were basically written off by the insurance company and the IT manager told me to help myself " fill your car up" he said, I had a Passat Estate. I declined as I wasn't into modelling then. I know they were then sold off, and the toys, to a wholesaler for a "fire" sale. Wish I knew then what I knew now :sad-face:Comment
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I buy 99% of my kits on evilbay. I find that you can still get a bargain there if you search well and wait.Comment
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I was looking at "job lots" Dave. There are plenty of auctions but just not anywhere near as many of that type. Even then when you start eleiminating the odd ones or models you dont want and it gets even smaller. But yes, overall, there are tons of actual auctions.Comment
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I tend to buy my bargains from charity shops or at model shows.
PeteComment
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I do check my local charity shops as well. No luck so far but I do pop in several of them couple to three times a week. You never knowComment
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