A question of size & dollars...

WOW... I only collect 1/24 scale mainly from the seconds market and I thought some of them were expensive...

Just as a quick illustration, here are three listings for the Matrix 1937 Hispano-Suiza Franay Brake.  I paid more than the highest price listed here, for mine, just a couple of weeks ago.  If I wanted to buy it from the UK listings, I would have to add another 50-60€ for tax and shipping.  How many 1:24 can I buy for that amount?

Depends on the model and maker.

@bob-jackman  Franklin Mint is a desired brand, yes?  Even the GLM 20 Grand 1:43  is substantially higher than 55€.

Just as an experiment, I just bought this 1:24 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom I Cabriolet de Ville for 44,90€.  My 1:43 Bentleys and RRs cost substantially more than that, by 2-3 times the amount, at best.

@gdh I love my FM models but always considered them a step below DM. It really depends on the model as some are superb while others not so much.

@bob-jackman I agree, Bob.  FM never achieved the heights that DM did.  DM was so far ahead. That being said, I do have a number of FM models I really like but in every case I knew DM would have upped the ante.

as I'm sure most of us know we cant take too much notice of ebay 'listing' prices these days. Since ebay dropped listing fees so many items are listed at buy it now or first bid at ridiculous prices. Only a few are genuinely 'put to market'. It is the sold prices for these models that indicate its value.

Well, she arrived today, rather quickly by eBay standards.  The detail is very nice and I still can't get my head around how this model can cost 25% of a similar 1:43 model.  It just doesn't compute.

The other issue, this afternoon, is that this model arrived damaged.  I was aware there was no original packaging, but I would have thought it obvious that one layer of bubble wrap and a box full of 'peanuts' would be insufficient to protect something this fragile.  I notified the seller and he was apologetic and offered to email me a shipping label.  I accepted.

To each their own.  I know 1:43 scale has a huge fan base and many models to choose from.  But they will always be "too small" for my taste.  I've never bought a 1:43 model, and never will.  

@georgeschire  Over here space is expensive and using a room for a collection would not contribute to a happy home life.  Hence, the collection of smaller models.  Financially, buying 1:24 scale makes much better sense, but a peaceful home life has its value, as well.

A follow up to my earlier post: After sending him my response to his offer of a shipping label to return the item, I had a second thought and I offered to repair the model myself and in doing so did the seller see any value in this to himself.  He was quick to point out that a return item costs money and he would have to list it as 'repaired,' so he was more inclined to give me a substantial refund if I undertook the repairs myself.  I agreed.  I like the model and the break was clean on both points.  I also have a new, unopened tube of the TDZ touted E6000+ adhesive I have yet to employ.  This repair will either be a resounding success or...  Well, we shall see.

@georgeschire  I am fortunate that my partner shares my interests, though the model autos is more of my thing, at the moment.  When I mentioned 'a peaceful home life' it was more about not covering every cabinet in the house with model cars, since we have a small domicile (with a large garden) and it would be insensitive for me to 'spread out' in such a manner.  What may happen in the future is a conversion of my workshop in the garden.  I don't do much restoration anymore and it could prove to be a good option.  I just have to see how deep I go, before I make that transition.  I have more small, lighted dioramas arriving soon and when I have them set up with the others I will take a few pics of my desk, where over thirty cars are on display.

Posted by: @gdh

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I still can't get my head around the idea that I can pay three and four times the price of a 1:24 model for the same model in 1:43 scale.  I cannot imagine they are pumping out tens of thousands of the 1:24, thereby spreading their cost over a larger inventory, so can someone share the secret with me?

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This is an easy question to answer? 1) GDH you are trying to compare Trabant with Rolls Royce. 2) On top of the quality issue, this is supply and demand price difference.

In this case the "Trabant" is the FM 1/24 Twenty Grand: mediocre build, probably 10,000 models made, diecast rot issues, low interest in the 1/24 scale.

vs

the RR, 1/43 model of the Twenty Grand is made by EMC (Ukraine), the best 1/43 model maker in the world, in edition of 200 (considered extremely rare), these models are pieces of jewelry, the chrome parts were made of brass, they have impeccable quality, the collectors interest in the 1/43 is much larger with many wealthy collectors who can afford these prices. EMC models sell from $400 to several thousand $$. B&G is an US company that commissions models to EMC. Many of the 1/43 collectors here know way more than me for B&G and EMC and can give further details. I own 2 marvelous B&G models and can tell you more if interested.

PS: GLM in this comparison is probably GM, Matrix is a Buick, would reserve the Cadillac for Ilario models.