Not being snide in my title. But all my memory's were of the odd kit in the hobby store, and if you did find one, they were expensive?

What would the price of a Hasegawa kit go for over there now days. Or if you can find, 1/144-1/100 kits?

Chris

Hi Chris,
My expereince is that things are much better these days when it comes to buying Airliner model kits here in Oz. Some of the larger hobby shops like Victoria Hobby Centre, Southern Sky Models, and Perth Hobby Centre have realized that there are Airliner kit-builders out there, and cosequently have good stocks of Airliners from different maufacturers and scales to cater for them. Generally, prices are pretty reasaonable, though others my disagree with me, (that sort of thing is always subjective and prone to personal opinion and experience, although we are all agreed that the Airfix Fokker F-27 could have perhaps been a little cheaper), with the average Zvenda, Hasegawa, or Minincarft airliner kit going for anywhere between $35.00 and $70.00, depending on the individual kit of course. I also find that, certainly at the Hobby shops mentioned, the boys tend to get to know those who buy these kits and look after them as best they can with the good discounts etc. The other contributor that has, in my opinion, revolutionised the local model airliner scene is the emergence of Hawkeye Models. Clayton, (and Steve before him), have seen to it that, when it comes to a good and amazingly-diverse selection of Australian-flavoured airliner decals, we are truly living in a new "Golden Age".....(Thanks for being there and doing what you do so well boys!!!). Southern Sky Models are also worthy of specific mention becasuse of their innovative approach in combining Airliner kits with after-market decal sheets and selling them as a "combo" package. This, in my opinion, is very good marketing that is most convenient and saves the buyer a lot of trouble and double-handling.
Well that's just my take on the local model airliner buying scene, I am sure others will give their views and experiences, I hope this helps.
Regards
the other Ray

Snowy Models have a good deal on at the moment. A Hasegawa 727 twin pack for about $42 after 10% discount for pre order. $21 each plus some Hawkeye decals, it works out pretty good. Although personally, I would pay more than that as it is ONLY an airliner hahahahahahaha. OK I go now

Just curious, because the prices you guys have mentioned seem really expensive..

Here in Japan, I get any local kits rather cheap, but International brands aren't...

$35 for a Hasegawa Airliner kit sounds expensive..

Chris

Hi Chris,
I would fully expect Hasegawa and Nitto/Doyusher airliner kits to be cheaper there then anywhere else in the world, given that Japan is their country-of-origin. I must tell you though that, here in Australia, Hasegawa kits are at the upper-end of the price range, with the previously-quoted $35.00 more applicable to the average Minicraft or Zvenda kit. I think it is also fair to say that we would probably not have the diverse range of Airliner kits to choose from that you would enjoy in Japan. This is understandable though as the Importers/Wholesalers generally would only bring kits in that would have some kind of local appeal. All things considered though, as mentioned elsewhere, the local airliner range from the larger hobby shops is still pretty good, normally with lots of Revell, Minicraft, Airfix,Zvenda, and Hasegawa kits to choose from.
the other Ray

In all honesty. A kit like the latest ANA 737 Triton Blue kit. I could have at your door for $30. That would include shipping from Japan, and I would make a few bucks for my troubles...

That would be the case with any Japanese made kit in any genre...


Chris

Mate

Not surprised that you could do that because you are located in the best place for buying plastic models.

Here in Oz by the time the kits get to the shops it's gone fron the manafacture to the wholesaler to the shop and for some reason by the time it hits the shelfs here its got a nice big mark up on it.

And yes I do realise that the shop's here do need to make a profit to keep there doors open but from what I have heard from a couple of retailers I know in most cases its not the falt of the retailers for the price tag being a little high.

Im sure some of you may dissagree but untill someone can prove me wrong In my opinion the blame should rest with the wholesalers.

Cheers Dom

Was telling my wife about the prices back home, so she said that as she is home all day. If anyone wants something, then she is happy to go look for it, as she gets to go shopping for herself as well..

So if interested, just let me know what you are looking for, and I will price it for you.. I know we like to support local business, but if you need to save a few bucks..

Chris