So...about a couple years ago, I started to get into building plastic models. However, I just do NOT have the time available to work on these projects anymore. With work and all the other events that eat up time in my life, I have none left to enjoy this hobby.

The one model I wanted to build was an F-15E Strike Eagle. It's the Monogram "Pro Modeler" 1:48 scale kit.

I'm a person who strives for and appreciates detail on a model. I thought about selling this plastic kit and buying an already built F-15E die-cast model, but they would not have the amount of detail I want.

So, here's my question. If I were to have someone build this model for me, where would I go to get it done? I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on this model. I just can't justify that kind of money. But I was thinking, would someone be interested in building this for me? I would want someone who is already an experienced builder, and who will do an excellent job.

Would anyone be interested in doing something like this? I have some unfinished/partially worked on models I would give away for free. They're nothing fancy. I had been using them to practice my skills on.

These are what I have:

Tamiya- Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I
1:72 scale

Hasegawa - F-15E Strike Eagle
1:72 scale

Hasegawa- Pz.Kpfw VI Tiger I ausf. E “Last Model”
1:72 scale

Academy- F-117A Stealth Fighter
1:48 scale

They’ve all been worked on already. I also have some paints and other model supplies I just don’t need anymore, and I could probably give those away as well, in return for building this model for me. The only thing I want back is the 1:48 scale F-15E.

I’m not sure exactly how we could work this out, to make sure both parties don’t get screwed. Maybe something through eBay? That way there is a mediator involved, which makes it safer for both parties. We could work out the details later. Obviously, I’d pay for both shipping costs (to send the stuff to you, then to have the F-15E shipped back to me.)

Anyways, right now it’s just a thought. I’d like to have this model on display, rather than sit in a box for the next…well, probably forever! So, if anyone would be interested in something like this, send me a PM. If not, I’ll just end up selling all my modelling stuff. It does me no good anymore.

Oh, I'm in Canada, btw.

-Sean

Sean,

You would probably get a better response on Aeroscale, our sister site that specialises in airplanes. Not that there are no modelers here who can build a wingy-thing... :-)

Aeroscale I'm sure you'll find somebody who want's to build this for you.

Cheers
Henk

Sean,

You _might_ find someone to build that 1/48 kit in trade for the sterted kits you mention, but don't hold your breath.

I'm sorry, but "I appreciate detail" and "I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars" are pretty much mututally exclusive phrases. To build a dead stock ERTL X-Wing for a guy who wanted no detail, my bare minimum was $150 and I build pretty cheaply. For a well detailed (I assume that means extras details added) and well painted, accurate 1/48 Striike Eagle I'd want at least $800 and that would only be if I was discounting because I actually wanted to build that specific kit. A straightforward build for something like that is probably 30-40 hours with no extras and decals right out of the box. How much is a craftsman's time worth? $10 hr? $15? At $15 per hour (much less than a plumber, BTW) a 4 hour build is worth $600.. Woluld you want someone who didn't think his skill was at least half that of a reasonable plumber (and no slight to plumbers either as a good plumber is worth his weight in gold)?

I'm not trying to slag _you_ either, you can only pay so much, so good luck in your hunt. But, as I said, don't hold your breath and, also, don't be surprised if you get exactly what you pay for. Caveat emptor.

Paul

I some what agree with tankmodeler above. I have built many a model on commission. I usually charge 3 times the price of the model for an out of the box build. If you want resin, extras , or superdetailing, it goes up quite a bit. I don't charge by the hour since I think that is nuts (sorry $800 for any 1/48 plane is crazy to me). Sorry, I would never take a bunch of already started models and old paints as payment though. Good luck in your search for a builder.

lol...well, I never really did expect anyone would really want to do this for little in return. I was hoping maybe someone just really liked building models, just for the fun of it. I'm actually not a cheap person. I'll pay good money for a quality product. However this is just something I can not justify spending much money on, at least at this point in my life. I've got bills to pay...like everyone else!

Oh well...I think I'll just sell it sometime soon. It's just sitting here collecting dust anyways.

Thanks for the responses guys.

-Sean

Ahoy Sean,

Just a quick suggestion to you.......speak to some people at a local hobby
shop or even a modeling club in your area.

There is always an eager modeler read and willing to help and set up a deal
with that person.

Of course do check out some of the work first to see if it meets up with your
expectations,

Cheers,
Joe

Gino,

I agree that $800 for a model is nuts, but _we_ are the type of people who can and do build models for fun. For someone who can't/won't build a kit, their desire for that model has a price. Many people say "I'm not paying a pro to paint my living room at $500, I'll do it myself". Others think nothing of dropping $500 for a painted room. As far as modelling goes, we're in the "I'll do it myself" range which greatly dimishes our willingness to pay anything for that service (a model in this case).

Now, for those who want a service I can provide and that they are not willing to do for themselves, I have no problem making a modest wage for a craft that has taken me 30+ years to learn. There is certainly no profit in it as I have never charged enough for any build as I could have made in overtime working that extra time at my job. Almost no-one is willing to pay even $10 an hour for this work, yet a fine job is always expected. Museums know how much a skilled model maker charges and, if they can, will usually pay rather large bucks for a model ($15K-$20K for a scratchbuilt 1/24 bibplane) but those commissions are few and far between and I certainly have never had one.

Oh, and I agree that you don't charge by the hour. I usually estimate how long it will take and then multiply by $10/hr to come up with a firm quote. I also usually underestimate how long it wil take, so I almost never actually make the $10/hr for contracts. :-)

Paul