Current 1/12 scale models?

What is out there in 1/12 scale these days?

Stuff that can be bought new from retails or online? (as opposed to discontinued / collectibles)

 

Are you looking for a particular make/model? kit, partially assembled kit, or full kit?

Lots of cars & motorcycles out there to choose from...
1:12 | eBay

 

Funny you should ask! I am working on the 1964 GTO, 1962 GTO and a very limited edition Breadvan. I have an add running so check it out, here is the text and a teaser shot:

A very limited special order series of the Ireland/Maggs 250 GTO in stunning 1/12 Scale. Photos show the "body off" presentation of the first build that was completed recently. This is to show the exceptional detail and is offered as a "body on" model unless special ordered as pictured. Contact me if interested in ordering and for details on price and lead time. The base kits are limited so reserve one as soon as possible before they are sold out.

I also have the 1962 GTO available for purchase and we are in the process of developing a 250 GT Breadvan. This will be a 3D printed body and will be at the same level of detail as the GTO in the photos with the "body on". Feel free to visit my web site [www.scaleautoart.com] or see me on Facebook.
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The 1962 GTO is a special order project from a customer in France. Contact me for other versions available.
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In addition to these I have the 330 P4 Coupe and Spyder, 312 F1, and a number of other Ferrari subjects available on special order.

 

Peter.... This is not an advertising forum nor a self promotion forum - unless you decide to become a paying sponsor here.

 

Yes...I know. I got overly ambitious before reading the rules, now I can't figure out how to delete the posts. I also have the same problem with the thread I started at the same time.

 

Looking for built and priced within reason as they will be gifts

 

Please contact me via the ads section under Ferrari parts and collectibles ... I violated policy posting here. The pricing is there as well.

 

Looking for 1/12 scale built models that are a lot cheaper than these.

 

Ron,
what means 'a lot cheaper'?
What would be a reasonable price for you?

This is a serious question, since I think about doing contract work from time to time.

Best Regards from Germany
Martin

 

You get what you pay for...

 

Take as example a kit that I use as a base and figure about 200 hours and do the math. I have 25 years building professionally and know for a fact that true quality and accuracy means no short cuts. Good luck doing your "contract work" without loosing your shirt😆😆😆

 

Just a bit refinancing of the hobby regarding those expensive kits. And I just want to explore the market a bit. Say; I'm interested in how much folks are ready to pay.
Maybe a small series of each is even more cost-effective. You are estimating 200 hrs. of work. Would you need 400 for two models built at once? I don't think so, but I'm not sure, because I've never tried yet.

Best Regards
Martin

 

People are ready to pay what your model is worth! There is no substitute for experience and finesse. And you better have lots of passion or you will fail like 90% of builders that attempt to go professional. And I hope you like a modest lifestyle...you will not get rich doing this.

This comes from 25 years of experience...you may not think so but I know so

Multiple models do not equate in to much in the way of savings. You may be about 20% more efficient, but quality takes time to achieve. There are no robots building 1/12 scale models that I know of.

ALL of my models are very meticulous and detailed. Each part is carefully prepared and painted only after a complete "dry fit" process. The body is painted with automotive 2 stage process, wet sanded and polished to perfection.

And don't forget the cost of materials and case work. On a typical 1/12 model that I build you are looking at a kit cost of anywhere from $500 -800.00 US and cases that are hand made run about $400.00.

I could go on but I won't. Build a few at one time and see for yourself.

 

Try eBay and search.

If you go to 1/18 th scale you will have a ton of options in the $200 -$500.00 range. 1/12 not so much.

 

I assume, that you won't allow noone to look into your accounts, but can I draw the conclusion from that answer, that your models really sell for their price and that your turnover is satisfying?

And like said; I don't aim for doing something like this for a living. Just for refinancing the own hobby.
Just an example. I purchase two kits for $ 700 each. Keep one of the finished models for myself and sell one for $1.900. You might dislike it, but that would be a great outcome for me personally.

Best Regards
Martin

 

How much time did you spend including research and "self manufactured" parts building this plastic kit?

Ferrari 312T 1:12 Scale Model for 40th Anniversary

 

It is both a "hobby" and a profession. I have other sources of income that allow me to do this. I would not likely survive without it. I have already been down the production road, up to 500 models in a run for Mac Tools back in the 90's...it was not easy. And then along came the China made die cast like Paul's Model Art, Exoto, CMC and it was over.

Just doing my best to bring you into reality on this.

As far as my "accounts", if you don't know my work, and that of Fred Suber, Mini Delta, Marshall Buck [Creative Miniatures], etc. we all have our following and that not only keeps us in business but also adds value that will hold.

 

Only if you are a "known" builder IMO, but it's worth a shot. Best of luck to you, it has zero impact on what I do, I have my following and repeat customers that are willing to pay me for my services to give them the result they expect.

And make sure you try out a 1/12 MFH kit first...they are a ton of work, especially when it comes to preparation and fit.

 

That's what all the builders say, and it is true. It is also very hard to make a living in the kit making industry, wich I was into for over 10 years. I always had a "real" job, so it was only a hobby to me. I was happy to just break even making kits and decals(on materials only, not man hours). Just because you like to build models does not mean it is a good industry to get into. Martin308GTB, I strongly encourage you to not enter this market. You will not make anywhere near the kind of money you think you will after you figure the hours. To be honest the diecast/resin high production models have closed off this market as stated above.

 

I didn't count the hours, but probably came near the 200 hrs.
But regarding the self manufactured parts. Setting up the tooling often took longer than cutting. So, for example several, sets of rims would have been more cost effective. Or making the molds for the resin parts. The time consuming moulds are good for several sets and I just needed one single set.
Or painting. I spent more time with setting up my paint equipment and cleaning afterwards, than with painting alone. I also work with automotive base coat and two pack clear coating.
O.k., sanding and hand polishing would be exactly twice the time with two cars.

These are some of the things I had in my mind, when I said, that it's maybe more cost effective to build more than one model of each.

Best Regards
Martin

 

I understand how it works but it has a minimal impact unless you are doing high quantities. Either way my years of experience don't seem to matter to you. Another instant expert 😎

 

Why are you so tensed?
We are discussing model cars. No need to get nervous. I got nervous a few days ago after finding leaking fuel hoses on my 308 GTB. But arguing about scale modelling seems strange to me.

Never claimed anything like being an expert.

And I almost forgot. Welcome to FChat. This is a comparatively friendly place. Hmmm... except the Politics&Religion section


Best Regards
Martin

 

I consider this an art so spending time trying to figure out how to do things on the cheap is a waste of time. I guess I have become a bit of a snob😉

Thanks for the welcome . I also owned a 308...sure sorry I sold it!