After my recent induction into the realm of Tamiya extravagance, Dan and Shaun, I'd have to agree with you. After each purchase I've had to impose my own 'austerity' measures on myself to cope with the financial holeRaminator wrote:The biggest problem I have with Tamiya models is that I'd be afraid to modify them, given the price point. It's all well and good if you want to make the particular tank the kit offers, but I wouldn't hack apart a >$1000 tank to build an SU-152 or Nashorn.
buying one creates.
The temptation to go 'off piste' with one (to employ a topical metaphor
), disappears rapidly when the bills come in. Tarting up an Asiatam, or creating a Frankentank is one thing; but doing anything risky with one of these fragile semi-shelf queens is quite another. In the UK, three Tamiya models now overtop the £1000 marker with ease (an average of available prices). Others are now clanking nearer that scary financial summit. Thus, the tendency to build one 'by the book' and play with one wearing (metaphorical-) kid gloves is very strong. Many on RCU have observed that Tamiya models can be durable and perform well in tank-on-tank shootups. But burning out a DMD unit could set you back £200, or more. Other parts aren't cheap nor easy to access, either, as I've discovered in my 'build-a-Tamiya Pz IV- from- spares project'.
It's a joy building a Tamiya, I'd say..and they look terrific, but performing serious surgery on one or hybridising one could seriously impact on it's value as a collector's item. If money's no object, and they're not seen as heirlooms for one's 'needy' offspring, then by all means get the old scalpel out along with the modeller's 'botox' treatments.
