Scale models: are you a modeller or a collector?

The scale model passion divides pretty neatly into two worlds – the craft-driven hobby of scale modelling, and the collector-driven desire for a ready-built collection. The two camps are both quite well served today, and there is certainly some crossover between the two.

There are pros and cons for the two sides. Building a scale model from a kit is likely to be deeply satisfying and indeed much more personal – after all, every iteration of an F-4 Phantom (for example) is effectively a one-off, depending on skill level, amount of added super-detailing and the particular colour scheme chosen.

On the other hand, ready-built models give the satisfaction of ownership and the chance to buy into a limited-edition run, without needing a high skill level or have the time required to produce a top-class replica.

Expense is also an issue. An Airfix 1:72 Lancaster typically costs in the region of £20.00 GBP ($29.60 USD), whereas a Corgi diecast replica may cost more than four times that, around the £88.00 GBP ($130.26 USD) mark. However, if you factor in the time taken to construct and finish a decent kit, especially to show level, then the kit will almost certainly end up costing far more!

I don’t know if I’m typical, but work and family pressures don’t allow much in the way of spare time, so I’m a prime target for a third type of model: easy-build. This is a form that has been perfected by Revell especially, with its well-made selection of cars, aircraft and sci-fi subjects.

Which camp are you in? Or do you do a bit of all three?