Multiples of kits

[Saito2]

Most of us have heard of the holy trinity of kit collecting, the runner, the shelfer, the NIB. I get that. I also understand those that see no need for shelfers or NIB examples. I understand those that buy multiples of the same kit and build them up differently. What I don't understand is seeing a stack of 5 or more NIB kits. Firstly, I'm not talking about vintage kits, just ones you can buy currently at a given time. I do not wish to go down the rabbit hole of collectors vs hoarders. I also would like replies to refrain from criticizing those that do buy multiples of the same kit. There's no wrong or right way to enjoy the hobby as long as you don't hurt someone. I'm just curious when I see someone has bought 6 new re-re Terra Scorchers for example, what their reasoning is. My only guess would be to sell them off at a later date? I don't know. Thoughts?

[Superluminal]

Only thing I can think of is its seen as an investment? They probably retain a higher value than any pension or savings due to the terribly low interest rates? It can be a little bit annoying though when I search for something and the only google hits are old posts on this forum of someones showroom of 50 of the same kits or parts sitting on a shelf ten years ago. No wonder theres none for sale. Maybe thats where their enjoyment comes from.

[BuggyGuy]

I think it's an investment thing where its many versions of the same kit (typically) 

NIB kits appear to be a sound investment if your willing to hold long enough - even relatively low end kits with the right bodyshell are hard to loose money on if your willing to hold for long enough. 

Not my cup of tea to be honest, I've got a couple of versions of the same kits, but all my cars are at least runners if not racers - only those that have become to old to race due to spares support get retired (and restored where possible) to the shelf. 

The Tamiya bug can be real though - with so many hopups and options and versions of the same chassis I can totally understand why sometimes you could want many versions of the same chassis - XV-01 is a great example, it's a popular chassis, with loads of options, and if your into it enough there's at least 3 variations to build and run (more if you want to be creative!):

- Standard car

- Long Damper version

- TC version

Plenty of other kits are similar, TT02 probably being the most common example with multiple touring car configs, buggies, and even a truck! 

[JYCM3]

I think you answered your own question. Buy bunch of same kit build/paint them up different at later date. There are few time I wished I had money to do that on some kits depending on the trend for example I wished I had got few super hotshot kits so I can build one as stock, one for runner, one for parts and 1 or 2 with custom paint etc..  Then there is also people that buy them up for investment reasons. Which I don’t quite understand might better invest in gold or something getting more for your investments there’s no right or wrong answer whatever the person finds joy. :-)

[ACCEL]

1 hour ago, Saito2 said:

collectors vs hoarders.

In my fantasy world of collecting RC's is to buy three of each, one to build, one to keep NIB and one to to trick out and or sell, but reality there's too many different ones i want to build, so those two others become two different others, thus, the collection becomes not a Hoard but a Herd

[87lc2]

No answer to your question, but I give guys that do this a lot of credit.  There is no way I could buy a new kit and not at least remove the shrink wrap and take a look inside at all that Tamiya goodness.  The only Tamiya I still have NIB is a TXT-1 and you can bet I've taken a look in that box on more than one occasion.  

I do think it's cool seeing Showroom shots of multiple new kits in boxes.  Not my thing, but great for the guys that choose to do that.  I do remember a few pictures on here a while back that someone posted and it looked like an entire spare bedroom filled with new Tamiya kits.  No idea what the post was, but I thought that was just the coolest.  At that point they should be added to your homeowners insurance policy.  Wish I could find that picture, it was awesome.

[Avante2001R]

2 hours ago, Saito2 said:

Most of us have heard of the holy trinity of kit collecting, the runner, the shelfer, the NIB. I get that. I also understand those that see no need for shelfers or NIB examples. I understand those that buy multiples of the same kit and build them up differently. What I don't understand is seeing a stack of 5 or more NIB kits. Firstly, I'm not talking about vintage kits, just ones you can buy currently at a given time. I do not wish to go down the rabbit hole of collectors vs hoarders. I also would like replies to refrain from criticizing those that do buy multiples of the same kit. There's no wrong or right way to enjoy the hobby as long as you don't hurt someone. I'm just curious when I see someone has bought 6 new re-re Terra Scorchers for example, what their reasoning is. My only guess would be to sell them off at a later date? I don't know. Thoughts?

It’s called a mental illness - like binge eating or alcohol addiction . We’re all guilty of buying multiples of the same kit to varying levels be it 2 or 6 or just buying plenty of Tamiya cars like the world will end or something. I realised the temporal  insanity and have recently sold off a lot of my duplicates. I’m beginning to feel better now.

[speedy_w_beans]

Seems like there could be several reasons for people buying multiples of the same kit:

• Convenience:  For those that go racing, having a second kit is a convenient source of spare parts.  You don't necessarily know what will break on a new design, and if the track doesn't carry the spares then you can at least dig into the second kit for the day and replenish the parts at a more convenient time.
• Focus:  Standardizing on a platform can make some sense depending on what aspect of the hobby is more important to you.  For example, I know another TC member who has a sizeable collection of Associated TC3/TC4 chassis.  His real love is body work, details, painting, etc. and constructing the chassis is not that interesting to him.  So, when he finds a bargain TC3/TC4 chassis on eBay he just buys it to have it ready for another body.  This means all of his on-road cars have common parts between them, and he's happy with that.  He probably has a few tubs' worth of used chassis and spare parts that will last him as long as he's in the hobby.
• Raw material:  Sometimes kits go on closeout, and these are particularly interesting to get some raw material for custom projects.  For example, I grabbed a few F104W Wolf WR1 kits when they were $99 with the intention of using parts from both to make a March 2-4-0 at some point (the opposite of a Tyrrell P34).
• Filling a gap in a collection (somewhat):  Just due to timing, it was easier for me to buy two TA05V2 Motul Nismo GTR kits and one Cusco Dunlop Impreza shell than to buy one GTR kit and one Impreza kit.  The complete Impreza kit couldn't be found, so buying the body shell and one extra TA05V2 chassis was the way to complete my TA05V2 collection.
• Curating pipelines:  I've slowed down on purchasing new kits, but if a kit comes out and it calls to me, I may buy one to keep for future building.  If a new kit comes out and it lights some passion in me, I may buy two: one to keep for the future, and one to build today.  I suppose what I'm doing is keeping two pipelines full at the same time.  There's a short-term (-10 year history, +5 year horizon?) queue to work on now, and there's a long-term (+10 to +15 year horizon) queue to enjoy when I retire hopefully.
• Breaking kits and selling spares:  I don't do this, but we know others who do on eBay.  I guess it's a way to play in the hobby for "free" or maybe make a little cash on the side.  Buy six kits, break four of them and sell the parts, and keep two kits for free?  I don't know the business model here, but it must be profitable if people keep doing it.

I pretty much fall in the camp of curating pipelines, completing sub-collections, and buying raw material.  I don't race or run an eBay business, nor do I focus on a single chassis to a great extent.  But these all seem like reasons why people buy multiples of a kit.

 

[Juggular]

I don't have a shelf queen, nor do I keep any RC in NIB condition.  But I admit that my wife did suggest that I join "Collectors Anonymous."  (or Hoarders Anonymous)

In one sentence, I'd say it's "obsessing over what you like." (You can say Target Fixation)  

Looking at my static collection, there is a reason why I had to get the Rochobby Jeep.  I was willing to buy 3 of the same Tamiya jeeps.  It's Tamiya's fault for not making a 1/6th version.  

I like VW Kubelwagens (hint, hint, Tamiya!) 

(Thank you, Tamiya, for taking the hint and releasing Karmann-Ghia! Although, I only have the static kit so far)  

Stugs and Hetzers are my favorites too. (Also things with British 17 pounders). 

It's strange that I don't do the same for RC.

Generally, I don't like redundant things. But some of my favorite things grab my attention twice as much, so if Tamiya 1/35 scale Jeep is on ebay for $9, I get it.  A Jeep can be in any diorama.  Some don't grab my attention. Tamiya is releasing Marder I this December, but it just isn't tugging my wallet.  

When it comes to RC, I like ORV.  I've had so much fun with my vintage Blackfoot (that I got from ebay about 20 years ago).  I wanted Subaru Brat a little more, but I couldn't find one in good condition.  So when it was re-issued, I had to get it.  Then I found a re-issued NIB Blackfoot on ebay for like $80. I got that and built it.  And a $50 beat up vintage Frog too.  I wasn't paying attention to what else I could get for the same money.  Maybe I should have stopped after Subaru Brat.  I could have gone for something like Traxxas Slash, MST CMX or M05.  Those would have broadened my horizon.  

I could stock up their favorite chassis in fear of scarce parts supply. (I have enough parts to make 2-3 Fast Attack Vehicles)  When I target-fixate like that, I try to think of cooler things to come.  For example, Sand Rover 1981 was a terrible RC car.  With exposed gears, it really couldn't Sand Rove.  

I like 2011 Sand Rover with DT02 Chassis a lot better than the 1981 version.  Future could bring better things (despite more holes on the body).  Even 2011 version is out of production. But who knows, there might be something better later.  For me, that helps me get over the fear of things going out of production.  If I can't find what I wanted, I'll get something else, like the Rochobby Jeep.  There is always something new.  

So, in my case, it's narrow tunnel vision + favoritism toward one chassis.  (I know ORV is a clunky old design with flaws. But I just think the space-frame was such a cool concept)  

And @speedy_w_beans brought up something I almost forgot!  I had pored over the 1986 catalog in my teenage years.  I wanted to have everything in that catalog.  

This was the reason why I got the Frog after Subaru Brat!  Aside from on-road cars, I'm almost there.  I'd hate to spend money on Hornet, so I've been meaning to get a shell only. But I keep buying silly things like Dancing Rider.  Technically, though, the Hornet isn't exactly identical to the Grasshopper.  I also have two DT03s (both used).  I came across a cheap used chassis and grabbed it to mount a Rough Rider Lexan shell. That was more like an extra project car. 

Having bought many of the same static kits, I do understand if somebody wants a few of their favorite chassis.  Generally speaking, I'm all for logic. But when it comes to personal favorites, logic is completely meaningless.  If you worked hard to generate some disposable income, I think you should do what makes you happy.  Why not? You literally earned it. 

 

[ACCEL]

3 hours ago, speedy_w_beans said:

a kit comes out and it calls to me

That's the fargin problem in the first dang place, they not only call they sing to me

[Jonathon Gillham]

My son and I run matching offroad race cars for spares, so I guess that meant multiple kits (although some were bought secondhand). We will do the same for onroad when he gets a bit faster and more consistent (onroad has more classes so hes in slower and junior classes) but by then no doubt we'll be replacing all cars...may not be Tamiya...

I would only consider second kits of a couple of models which have proven to be great runners in our backyard races. Really any kit spec (kit motor, basic hopups like bearings or essential like ORV MIP ball diff) cars are pretty evenly matched in our backyard racing, but my son is improving to the point where it could be good to have the same chassis. 2 stand out to me, the Monster Beetle and Top Force. They are really the best all rounders and most fun racing we have. The race cars are too fast, lunchbox is outclassed, the Boomerang and Fox look great but understeer, and Super Astute is too fast because it won't fit a silvercan. So I could see second kits coming of those, but thats so we can run them together

I don't see the point in collecting NIB kits or buying a second kit for parts as invariably only a few parts break or wear out.

 

[Wooders28]

6 hours ago, speedy_w_beans said:

Seems like there could be several reasons for people buying multiples of the same kit:

• Convenience:  For those that go racing, having a second kit is a convenient source of spare parts.  You don't necessarily know what will break on a new design, and if the track doesn't carry the spares then you can at least dig into the second kit for the day and replenish the parts at a more convenient time.
• Focus:  Standardizing on a platform can make some sense depending on what aspect of the hobby is more important to you.  For example, I know another TC member who has a sizeable collection of Associated TC3/TC4 chassis.  His real love is body work, details, painting, etc. and constructing the chassis is not that interesting to him.  So, when he finds a bargain TC3/TC4 chassis on eBay he just buys it to have it ready for another body.  This means all of his on-road cars have common parts between them, and he's happy with that.  He probably has a few tubs' worth of used chassis and spare parts that will last him as long as he's in the hobby.
• Raw material:  Sometimes kits go on closeout, and these are particularly interesting to get some raw material for custom projects.  For example, I grabbed a few F104W Wolf WR1 kits when they were $99 with the intention of using parts from both to make a March 2-4-0 at some point (the opposite of a Tyrrell P34).
• Filling a gap in a collection (somewhat):  Just due to timing, it was easier for me to buy two TA05V2 Motul Nismo GTR kits and one Cusco Dunlop Impreza shell than to buy one GTR kit and one Impreza kit.  The complete Impreza kit couldn't be found, so buying the body shell and one extra TA05V2 chassis was the way to complete my TA05V2 collection.
• Curating pipelines:  I've slowed down on purchasing new kits, but if a kit comes out and it calls to me, I may buy one to keep for future building.  If a new kit comes out and it lights some passion in me, I may buy two: one to keep for the future, and one to build today.  I suppose what I'm doing is keeping two pipelines full at the same time.  There's a short-term (-10 year history, +5 year horizon?) queue to work on now, and there's a long-term (+10 to +15 year horizon) queue to enjoy when I retire hopefully.
• Breaking kits and selling spares:  I don't do this, but we know others who do on eBay.  I guess it's a way to play in the hobby for "free" or maybe make a little cash on the side.  Buy six kits, break four of them and sell the parts, and keep two kits for free?  I don't know the business model here, but it must be profitable if people keep doing it.

I pretty much fall in the camp of curating pipelines, completing sub-collections, and buying raw material.  I don't race or run an eBay business, nor do I focus on a single chassis to a great extent.  But these all seem like reasons why people buy multiples of a kit.

 

There's clubs that'll do ,group buys, of cars. The last one ,they were torn between a Holiday Buggy and a Neo Fighter for a one make race serise. They went with the Holiday Buggy ,and got them for just over £50 If I remember right, buying 20 ish.

If they'd gone with the Neo Fighter, I would have got a few kits, one to race, one for bashing, and 2 or 3 to part out and cover a bulk of the cost (as people would be racing ,and breaking parts 🙄) 

You can get the Neo Fighter for £73 (plus £13 shipping, ,pre Brexit, not sure how many you could buy before that price went up though), so even at £86,  you'd get £30 just for the NIP Tble02s ESC and torque tuned motor , £10-15 for nip cva shocks etc.

I'm still tempted,I'd get a new chassis for £40,fling on the 3racing shocks, 1060 ,firebolt 🤔

[junkmunki]

I only have the vintage kits, and i'm trying to get NIB kit, one built and the body set. I only have one of each model though, i dont see the need to have multiples. I dont have the space for one thing...

J

[El Gecko]

It's interesting to see how everyone defines their perfect trinity. In my world it's the same chassis built 3 ways: two runners with different types of hopups or setups, e.g. for onroad/offroad), and a lightly-run semi-shelfer built close to original specs. The box doesn't even factor in.

[Wetman]

15 hours ago, Juggular said:

I don't have a shelf queen, nor do I keep any RC in NIB condition.  But I admit that my wife did suggest that I join "Collectors Anonymous."  (or Hoarders Anonymous)

In one sentence, I'd say it's "obsessing over what you like." (You can say Target Fixation)  

Looking at my static collection, there is a reason why I had to get the Rochobby Jeep.  I was willing to buy 3 of the same Tamiya jeeps.  It's Tamiya's fault for not making a 1/6th version.  

I like VW Kubelwagens (hint, hint, Tamiya!) 

(Thank you, Tamiya, for taking the hint and releasing Karmann-Ghia! Although, I only have the static kit so far)  

Stugs and Hetzers are my favorites too. (Also things with British 17 pounders). 

It's strange that I don't do the same for RC.

Generally, I don't like redundant things. But some of my favorite things grab my attention twice as much, so if Tamiya 1/35 scale Jeep is on ebay for $9, I get it.  A Jeep can be in any diorama.  Some don't grab my attention. Tamiya is releasing Marder I this December, but it just isn't tugging my wallet.  

When it comes to RC, I like ORV.  I've had so much fun with my vintage Blackfoot (that I got from ebay about 20 years ago).  I wanted Subaru Brat a little more, but I couldn't find one in good condition.  So when it was re-issued, I had to get it.  Then I found a re-issued NIB Blackfoot on ebay for like $80. I got that and built it.  And a $50 beat up vintage Frog too.  I wasn't paying attention to what else I could get for the same money.  Maybe I should have stopped after Subaru Brat.  I could have gone for something like Traxxas Slash, MST CMX or M05.  Those would have broadened my horizon.  

I could stock up their favorite chassis in fear of scarce parts supply. (I have enough parts to make 2-3 Fast Attack Vehicles)  When I target-fixate like that, I try to think of cooler things to come.  For example, Sand Rover 1981 was a terrible RC car.  With exposed gears, it really couldn't Sand Rove.  

I like 2011 Sand Rover with DT02 Chassis a lot better than the 1981 version.  Future could bring better things (despite more holes on the body).  Even 2011 version is out of production. But who knows, there might be something better later.  For me, that helps me get over the fear of things going out of production.  If I can't find what I wanted, I'll get something else, like the Rochobby Jeep.  There is always something new.  

So, in my case, it's narrow tunnel vision + favoritism toward one chassis.  (I know ORV is a clunky old design with flaws. But I just think the space-frame was such a cool concept)  

And @speedy_w_beans brought up something I almost forgot!  I had pored over the 1986 catalog in my teenage years.  I wanted to have everything in that catalog.  

This was the reason why I got the Frog after Subaru Brat!  Aside from on-road cars, I'm almost there.  I'd hate to spend money on Hornet, so I've been meaning to get a shell only. But I keep buying silly things like Dancing Rider.  Technically, though, the Hornet isn't exactly identical to the Grasshopper.  I also have two DT03s (both used).  I came across a cheap used chassis and grabbed it to mount a Rough Rider Lexan shell. That was more like an extra project car. 

Having bought many of the same static kits, I do understand if somebody wants a few of their favorite chassis.  Generally speaking, I'm all for logic. But when it comes to personal favorites, logic is completely meaningless.  If you worked hard to generate some disposable income, I think you should do what makes you happy.  Why not? You literally earned it. 

 

See that I understand. When your doing statics either a Battalion didnt just have one jeep, or a regiment didnt just have one Kubelwagon if your going down the diorama route and even if your doing them as individual models there is a plethora of different regimental and divisional markings and identifiers to justify having more than one, especially across the Allied models. The NIB aspect of either RC or Static I don`t get, unless you`ve had the brass to get a couple and haven`t got round to building them yet or are waiting for paints glues etc to make them up as far as I can see they`re made to be made and displayed but each to their own

[Mrowka]

My first real r/c car was an original Kyosho Javelin. I loved the way it looked and I figured spares were readily available, since Kyosho had helpfully reissued that model.

Fairly soon after buying my first Javelin, I realized that it doesn't actually share all that many parts with the re re. So I bought a broken re re Turbo Optima to fix up and drive. The body was skanky looking, so I converted that into another Javelin.

Then I built another re re Javelin, so I could experiment and compare with the first re re. Also, that way my little man and I could race more easily.

[markbt73]

Honestly, I still don't see the appeal of having more than one of something. Different models on the same platform I get (I have several of those), but three or four of the exact same thing? Especially if they're all still in the box? So you can repeat the same build over and over? To me that's like always cooking the same thing for dinner. Which I guess some people also do.

My trouble is that I get too aggressive in culling the extras of a model, and end up with none. When I somehow ended up with five Kyosho Raiders, I sold them all, and now I want another one. I had two original Clods, both bought for cheap... sold both. Should have kept one. And I bought two big lots of RC10s, a total of 10 cars, and sold all the "good" stuff and had to build my runners out of all the leftover parts. But I did manage to keep my "one good" Blackfoot out of three, and made a nice runner Cox Bandido/Kyosho Icarus hybrid that I like better than either car by itself.

I somehow managed to end up with a few duplicates in my static kit collection too, but that I don't mind so much. They're smaller, so they take up less room, and this way I have a "builder" and a "keeper."

When it bothers me is when it starts to look like someone has a bunch of one thing, and stop appreciating what they've got. The guy who posted a photo a few years back of a dozen vintage 3 speeds all piled on top of each other on a table, for instance. Any one of those would have pride of place on my shelf, and he had them stacked up like so much firewood. It was borderline insulting. Or the photos I see of shelves and shelves of identical kits stacked 4 and 5 high, stashed away and ignored, like that warehouse at the end of the first Indiana Jones movie. Why? What do they get out of it?

Myself, I'd rather have one scruffy example of everything than six perfect copies of the same thing...

[87lc2]

9 minutes ago, markbt73 said:

Myself, I'd rather have one scruffy example of everything than six perfect copies of the same thing...

Great post, and I would have to agree.  Granted, I could have many copies of the same chassis with different bodies, wheels, etc. but having two of the exact same thing would not appeal to me.  For example, I have no less than 6 vehicles with Clod axles under them, but they're all quite different.  Same thing with the SCX10, have quite a few of those but they all have different bodies, wheels, tires and other things that make them each unique to me and all usefeul in different situations.