JamesR wrote:
I love the model, and painting is my favorite part of the hobby, idk though if I can justify to myself that kind of expenditure for a single model
Can't say I love it because there isn't a proper pic of it yet, but it's shaping up to be good. Been waiting to see a Smaug model like everyone else, was disappointed that PJ attached his forelimbs to his wings (That could be another reason to some why he's not worth the money), no matter. The only way I could justify this kind of purchase is as a final GW model purchase for my hobby (the last round and no more). The only thing I would keep on purchasing are the paints.
I compare it to gaming consoles because you have a not well received resin material of a model spanning maybe 12" that is un-assembled, unpainted and just sits pretty as a collector item. Gaming consoles are mini computers, advancement of technology, blu-ray players etc. that is totally worth the $400 price tag, and provides a hell of a lot more entertainment than a miniature. I could tell my family and friends I bought a $400 console, they'll raise an eyebrow that I can afford such a machine, but will totally understand the price value. I would be ashamed to tell my friends and family that I bought a $500 resin dragon, they'll be shocked I paid so much for what they consider to be a toy collection. Though a few of my friends understand the value in collector items and the enjoyment of a hobby but they would still consider me crazy for purchasing Smaug. I would never say the price, I would lie and say $150 and they would still think I'm a bit nuts. Actually I'm totally down to pay between $150-$230 for it if it were the price, and that's still expensive. If we were talking about non inflated prices (mid-2000's good old days), plastic/metal, I can understand $100-$120
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My Lotr backlog: 305/952
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32% completed
Painting Lineup: Mumakil x2, Rohan Heroes x8, Haradrim, SKoDA