Not vintage, but still of value

[Saito2]

A thought occurred to me today while running my re-release Hot Shot around the backyard. There is a great deal of discussion about the merits and problems the re-release cars have. Much of the talk concerns value (whether re-res are worthless collectables or de-valuing originals). While I see both sides of the argument a consistent criticism of the re-res is that they are un-original re-hashings of old designs. They somehow seem to lack the original charm and are just appliances put out there for Tamiya to trade off its past glories. 

Well, perhaps they don't lack charm. To put it in perspective, a Hot Shot from the 80's would have seen backyard action from a youngster for maybe 3-5 years before other "more adult" interest got in the way. As a racer, it would have seen minimal duty until it was replaced by the next best available platform. These cars would be tucked away to be dug up years later and placed on ebay. Now on the other hand, I bought my re-re Hot Shot in 2007 and my Frog in 2005. Both have seen steady action since their purchase date up until present (and will into the future). I have more memories of fun and enjoyment built into these mere re-releases than some of my originals from the 80s. In the end, while they may be copies of  vehicles from years past, they hold more value to me than any original ever will. 

 

 

[MadInventor]

Hard to believe it's been 9 years since I bought my re-re hotshot. Tempus Fugit Unlike yourself, I ran mine a bit when I bought it and for the next year or 2, but it probably hasn't been run in over 5 years. I keep meaning to fire it up again, but never seem to get the time.............

[mongoose1983]

Sounds to me like you're writing your very own story with those re-res. That's good. Enjoy them!!

[Saito2]

Exactly. Well put mongoose1983. It is crazy how time flies. I still remember the excitement over the news of the Hot Shot's potential reintroduction (as well as theories Tamiya would somehow stick it on the DF-03 chassis ).