[Closed] Don't recall 1:24 ever going to zero listings.

When the Christmas bills begin to come in I suspect the auction site will begin to pick up.

Bob Jackman, you bring up a great point. I remember during my banking career, that every mid-January to early March, people were coming in the bank in droves for credit card consolidation loans. They'd discovered how merry Christmas really was. People would be requesting loans in the thousands of dollars after the holidays.

What's left to buy?

I cruise here weekly. IF it wasn't for the guys in the shop or daily diecast pics, what is there to talk about? I don't understand why no manufacturer has stepped up to fill the 1\24 void in diecast or resin, but, at least for me, I have been filling in my collection since the 'end' of FM and DM and don't really have anything left to buy. I think many are in that boat and that is why there are zero auctions.

Chris you do know about Automodello 1:24 resin models , right???

They have done some wonderful models of subjects I've literally dreamed of having in scale , Continental Mark lll. 65 riviera , Kaiser Darrin etc... Check them out if you haven't already!

The only problem with Automodello is that it costs you a kidney to buy their cars.

If you consider them in the 1:24 scale market, then it's a very high society market. The audience that wants to pay, or can afford to pay, upwards of $400 for a single is a lot smaller than the market than can afford to pay for a $150 car.

Then with Automodello, there are the little quirks to their cars. One side, all windows down, the other side all windows up. Moon roofs that are open, and screws in the bottoms of the cars that attach them to a silly (in my opinion) platform.

Sorry, I don't consider Automodello in the 1:24 market.

I have purchased Automodellos. I agree with you George, regarding the price points and some of the quirky style elements (windows up and/or windows down, etc.). Also, resin is extremely fragile. I have seen them in pieces like glass (resin). Love the iterations, but I will stick to diecast.

George, I strongly agree with you. Looking at the dealer promos from the sixties through today with costs starting around three dollars back in the early sixties to thirty dollars today, I can't justify Automodello prices.
These promotional models were painted original colors with molded in detail such as emblems and model lettering that, if you were talented enough could hi-lite with paint.
Yes I would love to own the Automodello, 66 Ford, 65 Riviera or 71 Mark, but, I can't justify the cost for that kind of money especially if you compare it to the latest Danbury offerings before they went out of business like the 56 Buick. For that matter I have a Franklin mint 1/24th 65 Corvette molded in fiberglass,that I think is an excellent model.
Looking at my small collection of 1/25th dealer promotional models, I find them more desirable with more detail.
Sadly, they are very limited to Corvettes and Camaro's and as of 2017, I am told no more dealer promotional models are available in 1/25th.
JoHan models re-released some of their offerings from the fifties and sixties, ie 56 Olds, 59 Dodge and the Chrysler Turbine come to mind.
I wish MPC, AMT and Revell would release there offerings from back then if the tooling still exists.
That being said, for those of you that can afford or willing to pay 400 plus for a model, I am happy for you, particularly if it is one you have always desired.
Again this is just my worthless opinion.

FWIW...I did the Ultra Vette from FM...

I had asked my HK friends if they could offer me a higher quality resin. They came up with the fiberglass reinforced stuff that the Vette is made from. It can stand a higher temp and some impact. When I worked with a retailer with his cars, I suggested he also use the same.
I personally have resin models that I've built that have stood the test of time. One Nova has been on my shelf almost 20 years and looks like the day I completed it! So don't discount them. The Modelhaus made some really nice model resin kits and they also endure time. Other, cheaper companies did make brittle orangy looking models that would snap if you looked at them wrong. Most of these guys are gone.
I've been in touch with a guy who sent me an Eleanor kit. His stuff is really nice and made with good quality resin. Honestly, it's like working with styrene.
As for promos...AMT/ ERTL offered a line of prebuilt and painted cars, about 10 years ago. I picked up a '62 Chevy and a '70 Motion Camaro. They were Nicely done and filled holes on my shelves. Later they did a Pro Shop series of prepainted cars, but still required assembly.
I have a few of them that I plan on assembling, detailing and putting them out for sale. Part of my whole retirement plan...lol!
I'll be sure to keep you guys posted. Until then...keep an open mind. I will say, the FM ceramic models were a failure. NASCAR in porcelain? Seriously?

The standard issue Automodello 1:24 are generally $299 not 400++

DMs latest offering was $249 . Yes it was Diecast and had all bells n whistles but had FM or DM continued diecast they'd have to charge $200-250. The days of a precision diecAST for $125-150 are gone!!

Well...not quite.

In response to Automondello costing a kidney...
Iran has the only legal market for organs. Kidneys can go for $2K-$4K. This being said, in Mumbai, India this can skyrocket to $160K. Sadly, there are willing donors and a huge black market.
...just sayin'

IMO, $299 is too much! For those want them, go for it.