WWI Digest 2340

Topics covered in this issue include:

  1) Re: ebay thoughts
	by "Matthew Bittner" <tbittners@sprintmail.com>
  2) Re: ebay thoughts
	by "Matthew Bittner" <tbittners@sprintmail.com>
  3) Re: ebay thoughts
	by Brent_A_Theobald@notes.seagate.com
  4) Re: FSM Fokker D.VII article
	by "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
  5) Let's Take The Time...
	by "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
  6) Best/Worst OT Ebay Purchase?
	by Brent_A_Theobald@notes.seagate.com
  7) Re: ebay thoughts
	by Brent_A_Theobald@notes.seagate.com
  8) More # 100 progress
	by Dennis Ugulano <Uggies@compuserve.com>
  9) Re: Worst kit
	by "Roger L. Belanger" <rogerb1@worldnet.att.net>
 10) Cyg's on the Left Coast
	by "John & Allison Cyganowski" <janah@worldnet.att.net>
 11) Re: ebay thoughts
	by smperry@mindspring.com
 12) Re: Voss Dr-1
	by "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
 13) Re: ebay thoughts
	by "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
 14) Re: ebay thoughts
	by "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
 15) Re: Best/Worst OT Ebay Purchase?
	by "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
 16) Maus tales, Re: Great Alb cookup!!
	by skarver@banet.net
 17) Re: ebay thoughts
	by KarrArt@aol.com
 18) Re: ebay thoughts
	by "David Calhoun" <dcalhoun01@snet.net>
 19) "Net Kit Cost" vs. eBay
	by "wbailey719" <wbailey719@msn.com>
 20) Re: Best/Worst OT Ebay Purchase?
	by "Matthew Bittner" <tbittners@sprintmail.com>
 21) Ebay thoughts
	by Zulis@aol.com
 22) Mercedes engine ultimate reference
	by Shane Weier <sdw@qld.mim.com.au>
 23) RE: Sources for Albatros Serial Numbers
	by Shane Weier <sdw@qld.mim.com.au>
 24) RE: German Ace's plane Question
	by Shane Weier <sdw@qld.mim.com.au>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 10:18:17 -0500
From: "Matthew Bittner" <tbittners@sprintmail.com>
To: "wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu" <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts
Message-ID: <200005141521.IAA03166@magpie.a001.sprintmail.com>

On Sat, 13 May 2000 22:58:28 -0400 (EDT), Peter Crow wrote:

> I don't feel as if your out of line, but as for one
> who has sold some kits on Ebay recently... there good
> be a number of reasons that someone has chosen to sell
> other then as you say "to make a buck"...like no work
> for 6 weeks and trying to pick up some extra
> cash...hope I didn't offend.

Not at all.  Just something I didn't think of.  Sorry.


MEB


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 10:25:00 -0500
From: "Matthew Bittner" <tbittners@sprintmail.com>
To: "wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu" <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts
Message-ID: <200005141528.IAA05102@magpie.a001.sprintmail.com>

On Sun, 14 May 2000 03:15:14 -0400 (EDT), wbailey719 wrote:

> Trials and Tribulations of a 'Moron' List member,

<snip>

I'm sorry if I offended you, Bill.  This wasn't geared toward those who
use ebay to find those kits, for the most part.  I can understand where
you're coming from.  If it wasn't for those people "demanding" the
largish prices for the kits, then I wouldn't have anything to complain
about. :-)

And what I told you the amount for the kits in question is what I
consider a fair price.  No renegotiations necessary.

One of my very few rants...


MEB


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 11:00:07 -0500
From: Brent_A_Theobald@notes.seagate.com
To: wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts
Message-ID: <OFDF836AAB.5DEBDA04-ON862568DF.0054ED91@stsv.seagate.com>


Howdy!

I have some thoughts on this too. I have exercised my entrepreneurial
rights as a Capitalist to purchase some mundane kits cheaply and sell them
on Ebay at a profit. This gave me cash in hand to purchase the expensive
resin kits I crave. In other words SWMBO couldn't complain that I spent $70
for "one measly model". I have no problem when somebody wants to pay me $35
for a 1/32 P-38 that I bought at a club auction for $5. So far I haven't
dealt with any "rare" or collectable kits (but my title always says it is!
<joke I have used Ebay to get things that are becoming scarce. Usually
vacs, which are cheap anyway. I also purchase the odd resin kit like the
T.C. Models Vickers Vimy, which wasn't so cheap, but I still got a deal.

On the other hand I have benefited from the generosity of the list. Those
kits I have started to build, or will build. They will never be offered for
sale on Ebay.

I think Ebay serves a good purpose. Sure, I look down on those who sell $10
kits with a $20 reserve to the unwary. Those sellers consider us fools for
giving kits away for a song. I felt guilty (almost) for taking people's
money knowing full well they ran the price up themselves. It all depends on
your perspective I guess. What's important to you? Helping a fellow list
member out or lining your pockets? Luckily for us Matt enjoys spreading the
WWI, dinky scale gospel more than he likes change in his pockets.

Later!

Brent

PS: This is a very OT post. It deals with acquiring and disposing of
models. I dispose of the ot ones as fast as I can. And I am acquiring OT
kits faster than I should!


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 10:54:12 -0500
From: "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
To: <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: FSM Fokker D.VII article
Message-ID: <001101bfbdbc$fc96b620$f285aec7@dora9sprynet.com>

DAMN DAMN DAMN!!!!!


    I THOUGHT it was the Jan '99 article.  Last night I looked around this
dump and found EVERY STINKING ISSUE since 1995 EXCEPT guess WHICH ONE???

                                                                It ain't
fair.



DB
-----Original Message-----
From: ERIC HIGHT <copperst@sd.amug.org>
To: Multiple recipients of list <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Date: Sunday, May 14, 2000 10:02 AM
Subject: Re: FSM Fokker D.VII article


>dave,
>it's the jan. 99 issue of fsm.  there is also an article in the march/april
>1996(v12/#2) of windsock.  hope this helps.
>eric
>
>
>At 02:32 AM 5/14/00 -0400, you wrote:
>>Hey Guys,
>>
>>    Which FSM had the Fokker D.VII article in it with all of the
corrections
>>and all?
>>
>>
>>DB
>>
>>n.c. (now carving) Axial prop - 1/28 scale for either 'Li' or 'Lo'
>>
>>
>


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 10:56:33 -0500
From: "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Let's Take The Time...
Message-ID: <001201bfbdbc$fd90f4a0$f285aec7@dora9sprynet.com>

Howdy All,

    Today, let's all take the time to remember the greatest model builders
of all!  Happy Mothers Day to all you Mothers out there (not you guys, your
Mothers)!


DB


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 11:02:35 -0500
From: Brent_A_Theobald@notes.seagate.com
To: wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu
Subject: Best/Worst OT Ebay Purchase?
Message-ID: <OFD1E71A82.4AFEB594-ON862568DF.0057E8E0@stsv.seagate.com>


Howdy!

What's the best/worst OT deal ya'll have gotten off of Ebay? My worst deal
was the 1/48 Albatros D.III. I found it with only a few minutes left to
bid. I rashly outbid the high bidder thinking I was getting the Eduard
D.III. After winning the auction I realised the description did not mention
Eduard at all. Sure enough, I received a Glencoe in the mail. The story
ends well. My son wanted it and so I helped him put it together. I don't
really care that I spent $13.00 (including shipping) on the crappy Glencoe
model. $13 for a couple of evenings and weekend model building sessions
with my boy is a very small price to pay. In fact, you couldn't buy that
model off of me for $100.

Now 'fess up! There's got to be a few other stories like this out there.

Later!

Brent


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 11:05:46 -0500
From: Brent_A_Theobald@notes.seagate.com
To: wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts
Message-ID: <OF27C7EFF8.0BAF5F67-ON862568DF.005830CE@stsv.seagate.com>




Howdy!

>One of my very few rants...

At least it was OT :)

I picked up the Meikraft W.29 yesterday for cheap. What can I say? I love
this aircraft and I am pretty good at sanding. The naval hex is pretty good
too.

Later!

Brent




------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 12:27:55 -0400
From: Dennis Ugulano <Uggies@compuserve.com>
To: "INTERNET:wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu" <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: More # 100 progress
Message-ID: <200005141228_MC2-A4E9-1497@compuserve.com>

Everyone,

        An update on # 100.

        It's together and the paint is drying.  Since I use a gloss 4 hour
enamel, it will be tomorrow before I can apply the decals.  I normally put
it outside in the sun but its overcast and cool so its under the lights at
the modelling table.  I used to dry them over the pilot light on the gas
stove but I replaced Tech Support's stove with electronic ignition so there
is no more pilot light.  

        Anyway, decals will be on tomorrow and I hope to have the landing
gear on.  I'm still on track to complete it by the end of the month.  Only
6 months late.

        It will be complete no later than the first week of June as I'm
taking a week's vacation.  Wow!  Maybe I can finish 100 and 101 and 102 all
in the same week.  Dream on Dennis.

Dennis Ugulano
email:  Uggies@compuserve.com
http://members.xoom.com/Uggies/dju.htm
Page Revised 2/6/00
"Every modeller will rise to his own level of masochism"

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 12:31:44 -0400
From: "Roger L. Belanger" <rogerb1@worldnet.att.net>
To: <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: Worst kit
Message-ID: <003201bfbdc1$e5110960$9ec24f0c@rogerbel>

Hey BOB contact me off line about the CD.Roger B    rogerb1@worldnet.att.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Pearson" <bpearson@rapidnet.net>
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2000 3:50 AM
Subject: Re: Worst kit


> Hey .. I missed opening the box on that one ...  guess a return trip is in
> order to Brad's kit museum and book emporium.  Especially as I now know
the
> secret password to get by the moat monsters.
>
> Bob
>
> ----------
> >From: "Brad & Merville" <BigglesRFC@globalserve.net>
> >To: Multiple recipients of list <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
> >Subject: Re: Worst kit
> >Date: Fri, 12 May, 2000, 3:22 AM
> >
>
> > Merlin 1/72 Friedrichshafen G.III,  or so the box top claims!  Emphasis
on
> > "Fried".
> >
> > Brad
>


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 12:30:09 -0400
From: "John & Allison Cyganowski" <janah@worldnet.att.net>
To: <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Cyg's on the Left Coast
Message-ID: <000b01bfbdc1$acef6090$3938183f@cyrixp166>

To our California Contingent:

I will be on the left coast this week, but I'll be moving fast.

Mon (eve)    Holiday Inn Express, La Jolla
Tuesday (Eve) Redondo Beach - Not sure where yet
Wed. (Eve) Embassy Suites, So. San Francisco
Thurs. (Eve) Holiday Inn Emmeryville
Friday (Eve) Not sure yet, but I will be going home from San Franciso on
Sat. Night.

If any of you want to catch-up and talk WWI Aviation over a Bohemia or 2 let
me know off-list.

Regards,
John Cyg.


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 12:39:20 -0400
From: smperry@mindspring.com
To: <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts
Message-ID: <001901bfbdc2$f4fd2880$f10556d1@default>

There is a Hobby & Collectables shop here in St.Pete that buys a lot of
estate kit collections. He must do so at a real bargain, because he sells
them in his shop cheap and for a profit.

I bought an Aurora Barnstormer's Customizing kit (OT DH-4 & JN-4 boxed
together) for 10 dollars. I sold the empty box on E-bay for 25 bucks to an
antique toy collector. This guy didn't bid on it, he just contacted me after
the auction had run it's course and asked for my best price. I had started
the bidding at 30 just to see if anything would happen. I told him 25 when
he asked and that was fine with him.

The St.Pete widow was happy to unload her husbands "junk" for some dollars.
The St. Pete hobby dealer made a profit off me, E-bay got a couple bucks
from me, I made 2 kits & 15 bucks and ain't frowning. The Va. toy dealer got
a box to put his bagged Barnstormers kit pieces in and some kit collector
will buy that off him at a top dollar price, ultimately paying for the whole
deal back down the line. Justice is served and I got my bite out of the food
chain in the process. This causes me no problem whatsoever.

sp
Who recently aquired a Cavakit SE5 solid wood model kit that will go on
E-Bay unless some List member can convince me they really want to build it.

----- Original Message -----
From: <Brent_A_Theobald@notes.seagate.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2000 12:07 PM
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts


>
> Howdy!
>
> I have some thoughts on this too. I have exercised my entrepreneurial
> rights as a Capitalist to purchase some mundane kits cheaply and sell them
> on Ebay at a profit. This gave me cash in hand to purchase the expensive
> resin kits I crave. In other words SWMBO couldn't complain that I spent
$70
> for "one measly model". I have no problem when somebody wants to pay me
$35
> for a 1/32 P-38 that I bought at a club auction for $5. So far I haven't
> dealt with any "rare" or collectable kits (but my title always says it is!
> <joke I have used Ebay to get things that are becoming scarce. Usually
> vacs, which are cheap anyway. I also purchase the odd resin kit like the
> T.C. Models Vickers Vimy, which wasn't so cheap, but I still got a deal.
>
> On the other hand I have benefited from the generosity of the list. Those
> kits I have started to build, or will build. They will never be offered
for
> sale on Ebay.
>
> I think Ebay serves a good purpose. Sure, I look down on those who sell
$10
> kits with a $20 reserve to the unwary. Those sellers consider us fools for
> giving kits away for a song. I felt guilty (almost) for taking people's
> money knowing full well they ran the price up themselves. It all depends
on
> your perspective I guess. What's important to you? Helping a fellow list
> member out or lining your pockets? Luckily for us Matt enjoys spreading
the
> WWI, dinky scale gospel more than he likes change in his pockets.
>
> Later!
>
> Brent
>
> PS: This is a very OT post. It deals with acquiring and disposing of
> models. I dispose of the ot ones as fast as I can. And I am acquiring OT
> kits faster than I should!
>


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 11:07:03 -0500
From: "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
To: <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: Voss Dr-1
Message-ID: <003d01bfbdc2$bc3bbd40$f285aec7@dora9sprynet.com>

Ray,

    Now you haul your butt back hyar right now!  Say that again?  The white
face showed up surprisingly well?  And what's this about turquoise?
Enquiring minds (hah!) want to know!  Are you referring to reports of the
paint scheme being olive streaks over turquoise instead of CDL?  Great job
man, you HAD to mention that just as the caffeine kicks in!!! ;)

    After a night of dreaming of swooping Dr.1's, I really am turning in
favor of olive for the cowl.  Basically because crash reports should have
mentioned it otherwise if it wasn't olive.  As Voss' plane was NOT a Dr.1,
but an F.1, and was a pre-production machine, it kinda standcs to reason
that it would not follow the rules of the game.  I would also guess that the
Fokker company would have been happier with Voss for not adding alot of
paint (weight) for personal markings on their new thoroughbred.

    I guess that I'm getting a foot back in to the 'Dicta Ira' thread.  I
can do the thing either way without fear of being proved wrong, but I want
to get as close to the real deal as possible.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ray Boorman <Ray_Boorman@telus.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Date: Sunday, May 14, 2000 2:17 AM
Subject: Re: Voss Dr-1


>Ah but Lee they were the same experts who had me paint the Dr 1 turquoise
in
>the late 60's.............
>
>Just to keep the pot boiling on this one. I have seen a Dr 1 in 1/48 that
>was correct for Voss with the yellow cowling. The thing that I noticed most
>was that the white face stood out very well.  Sorry had to throw that
>in.........
>
>Running away very quickly Ray.
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Lee Mensinger <lemen@wireweb.net>
>
>
>> For a short time we again had a question about the color of the cowling
on
>the
>> Voss Dr 1.
>>
>> I was going thru a few elderly kits today and one is the 1/28th Dr 1 from
>Revel
>> and the instructioinsa are dated 1965.
>>
>> The experts (?) from Revel revealed that the cowling on the Voss aircraft

>was
>> "Olive Green".  Now you have it right from the horses "whatever".
>>
>


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 11:11:42 -0500
From: "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
To: <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts
Message-ID: <003e01bfbdc2$bd26b980$f285aec7@dora9sprynet.com>


-----Original Message-----
From: Ray Boorman <Ray_Boorman@telus.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Date: Sunday, May 14, 2000 3:06 AM
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts


>Matt,
>    I don't think you are far off base here. A while back after I mentioned
>I had seen a Blue Max Junkers DI on ebay sell for I think $100. Gerald
>McOsker emailed me and sold me his for basically what he paid for it (much
>less than $100). Likewise Dave Zulis let me buy (very inexpensively) a
spare
>copy he had of one of the Putnam books. Alberto Casirati gave me two Airfix
>504k's. All of these members could have sold these for a lot more on Ebay.
>To my benefit they didn't. I am certainly thankful that they didn't.
>
>Whilst I don't intend selling my OT models (although I can be persuaded to
>swap). I have found a very good place to dispose of my ot models (Except
the
>VVS ones that is), give them to my 12 year old nephew and 8 year old son.
>Makes me feel a lot better then maybe making a few dollars from some
>collector who is out to re-sell or hoard.
>
>I have been known to buy on ebay, but 99% of the time the models are way
out
>of my league.  Can be entertaining to watch the prices and shake you head
>though..
>
>Ray
>>
>

Yeah, and really funny if it's some Monogram kit that gets re-issued!  God,
I hope that those old crappy Aurora kits get re-issued - all of those nerds
asking outrageous prices for them, all of their 'investment' de-valued in a
puff of smoke!

    Me, I have never bought a model from e-bay; only movies that are
impossible to find.  I feel that it is cheaper to scratchbuild than pay
those prices!


DB

-ending his short contribution


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 11:37:32 -0500
From: "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
To: <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts
Message-ID: <003f01bfbdc2$be088e00$f285aec7@dora9sprynet.com>


-----Original Message-----
From: wbailey719 <wbailey719@msn.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Date: Sunday, May 14, 2000 2:12 AM
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts


>Trials and Tribulations of a 'Moron' List member,



Hi Bill,

    I would say that hey, YOU'RE not a moron, but it does take a pretty low
I.Q., or a HEAVY-DUTY nostalgia addiction to pay some of the prices for some
of these kits - especially since many can be found by getting up from the
chair, switching the computer 'OFF', going outside, getting in whatever mode
of transportation available, and going to a model show/contest and
associating with other humans - and you'll probably pay less than the e-Bay
price!  And I do make disparaging remarks from time to time (and I have
company), but I believe that a model sitting in a box in a closet does not
represent an investment, but fun that isn't being had building it.  I hoard
models, and I have the intention of building every last one of them.  I have
had folks tell me things like 'you traded that original issue such and such
for a new kit?  Do you know what it's worth?'  My reply is usually, 'Yeah,
the 5 bucks I paid for it - see the sticker on it?  That guy gave me a
25-dollar kit for it'.  Maybe that's not fair to the other guy, but I have a
Jerry Chaterlain type of attitude: You tell ME what it's worth.  Oh crap, I
just made the case for e-Bay!

    I know people who have all of the old Aurora kits, and some
Strombeckers, et.al., and they show them off - all hermetically sealed in
plastic bags.  These kits will never be built.  They are pieces in a kit
collector's museum.  Some of these guys don't even build models.  They
remind me of drug dealers: pushing stuff at high prices, but never doing
their own dope.

    Those unbuilt kits represent to me some 8-year-old who has nothing to do
on a Saturday afternoon - who hangs out on a street corner.  Plays Nintendo
and trades Pokemon cards.  Who has no interest in things that fly, or float,
or roll, and the history behind it all.  Who ends up having a cheaper life
because of it all.  No thrill of the accomplishment of building something
with his own hands and proudly showing it off to his family and friends even
though half the parts are on backwards and there's glue all over it.  I have
met very few stupid model builders (and no wisecracks about the car guys
either, if you please).

    I'm sorry about this going all ot and all over the place.  I appreciate
nostalgia - and so does everyone on this list.  But to me, an unbuilt kit
being kept pristine in the box merely for collection and trade is as
worthless as the ugly Father's Day tie that never gets worn.  It is an
impediment to the space that should be occupied by things of value.  It
should be passed on to someone who will use it and appreciate it.  You'll
never build that Aurora Pfalz, give it to some kid that will.

                                                                    My 50
bucks worth,


DB


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 11:40:13 -0500
From: "DAVID BURKE" <dora9@sprynet.com>
To: <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: Best/Worst OT Ebay Purchase?
Message-ID: <006601bfbdc3$bf41dbe0$f285aec7@dora9sprynet.com>


-----Original Message-----
From: Brent_A_Theobald@notes.seagate.com
<Brent_A_Theobald@notes.seagate.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Date: Sunday, May 14, 2000 11:09 AM
Subject: Best/Worst OT Ebay Purchase?


>
>Howdy!
>
>What's the best/worst OT deal ya'll have gotten off of Ebay? My worst deal
>was the 1/48 Albatros D.III. I found it with only a few minutes left to
>bid. I rashly outbid the high bidder thinking I was getting the Eduard
>D.III. After winning the auction I realised the description did not mention
>Eduard at all. Sure enough, I received a Glencoe in the mail. The story
>ends well. My son wanted it and so I helped him put it together. I don't
>really care that I spent $13.00 (including shipping) on the crappy Glencoe
>model. $13 for a couple of evenings and weekend model building sessions
>with my boy is a very small price to pay. In fact, you couldn't buy that
>model off of me for $100.
>
>Now 'fess up! There's got to be a few other stories like this out there.
>
>Later!
>
>Brent
>

My point exactly Brent.  I think that's wonderful!

                                                                        DB


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 12:58:39 -0400
From: skarver@banet.net
To: wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu
Subject: Maus tales, Re: Great Alb cookup!!
Message-ID: <391EDB3F.FEB2EEF2@banet.net>

The Shannons wrote:

> The early bird may get the worm, but it's the second mouse that gets the
> cheese

Not if it's a smart first mouse!

-Stef ;-)



------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 14:38:34 EDT
From: KarrArt@aol.com
To: wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts
Message-ID: <b6.5165729.26504caa@aol.com>

In a message dated 5/13/00 7:15:29 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
tbittners@sprintmail.com writes:

<< I'm sorry if I have offended those that use ebay to "make a buck", but
 as I said I would rather sell them to someone who appreciates them -
 and maybe even build them - than to someone with "unlimited money" and
 will maybe never build it.
 
 Am I out of line on this?  Am I the only one who feels this way?
 
  >>

 The one service "collectors" serve is establishing SOME value to these old 
kits. If something is "priceless" all that really means is that it is 
worthless. How many kits have been tossed when junior went off to college and 
mom cleaned his room? "This old stuff is just taking up space- needs to be 
thrown away". The classic basecard card/comic book story. Now old kits are 
thought of as being worth something- and to be sure alot of them are 
overpriced by MY standards- I wasn't going to pay $100 for an Aurora Gotha, 
but many years ago after the market settled out and they could be had for 
around $30-$40- I bit and I'm happy. I have never bought from e-bay, but I do 
hit the collectors shows, and a lot of bargains are out there. Twenty years 
ago it wouldn't have happened. The collectors HAVE made these models worth 
SOMTHING, which has ensured their survival as something other than landfill 
fodder.
RK

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 15:02:37 -0700
From: "David Calhoun" <dcalhoun01@snet.net>
To: <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts
Message-ID: <010601bfbdf0$1f1f2a00$a82f3ccc@oemcomputer>

Hi all,
I have been buying & selling on Ebay for a few months & have gotten some
good values - Eduard Nieuport 17 Profipack for $13.00, Aurora Gotha G.5 for
$41.00 & Harleyford Air Aces of the 1914-1918 War book for $34.00.  I have
also sold a lot of ot items at reasonable prices to get money to buy more
expensive resin kits.  There are lots of buys available, you must know when
to stop bidding.
Dave Calhoun
-----Original Message-----
From: KarrArt@aol.com <KarrArt@aol.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Date: Sunday, May 14, 2000 11:41 AM
Subject: Re: ebay thoughts


>In a message dated 5/13/00 7:15:29 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
>tbittners@sprintmail.com writes:
>
><< I'm sorry if I have offended those that use ebay to "make a buck", but
> as I said I would rather sell them to someone who appreciates them -
> and maybe even build them - than to someone with "unlimited money" and
> will maybe never build it.
>
> Am I out of line on this?  Am I the only one who feels this way?
>
>  >>
>
> The one service "collectors" serve is establishing SOME value to these old
>kits. If something is "priceless" all that really means is that it is
>worthless. How many kits have been tossed when junior went off to college
and
>mom cleaned his room? "This old stuff is just taking up space- needs to be
>thrown away". The classic basecard card/comic book story. Now old kits are
>thought of as being worth something- and to be sure alot of them are
>overpriced by MY standards- I wasn't going to pay $100 for an Aurora Gotha,
>but many years ago after the market settled out and they could be had for
>around $30-$40- I bit and I'm happy. I have never bought from e-bay, but I
do
>hit the collectors shows, and a lot of bargains are out there. Twenty years
>ago it wouldn't have happened. The collectors HAVE made these models worth
>SOMTHING, which has ensured their survival as something other than landfill
>fodder.
>RK
>



------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 14:30:57 -0600
From: "wbailey719" <wbailey719@msn.com>
To: <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: "Net Kit Cost" vs. eBay
Message-ID: <057001bfbde3$5038f880$bc9420cc@spitfire>

Denver used to have decent swap meets and contests back in the 80's though
about 1998. They have now become Metal Die Cast car shows and Nascar
collectors cards. Most plastic shows are 99% car models, about 4.5% ot
aircraft and ships/armour. That leaves about 0.5% OT and it usually consists
of Revell, Airfix, and Esci.  If it Hadn't been for the misfortune of a
local modeler who's son came down with luchemia and was forced to sell kits
to pay medical bills, I would not have some of the out of print vacuform,
Pegasus, Meikraft, and Merlin Kits I now enjoy with friends.
         I wanted to Go to the Show in Oklahoma City this weekend, but by
the time I calculated the driving time and gas expense it became apparent
that it would not be cost effective. Since gas alone would have cost $150.00
or more, and IF I were extremely lucky, I might find 10 kits I could use for
our club games to add variety. Now assuming I didn't pay for lodging, that
means I would be adding an additional $10.00 to $15.00 or more per each kit,
some maybe less others more on a relative comparison. Compared to what I
willingly pay on eBay, I get them for about the same price, and Don't spend
20 hours driving by myself. In my situation my cost on eBay for those I win
is about the same as that "Net Cost" at a show out of state.
       I just wanted to show  this from a direction that might not be
realized. Lets get back to talking about paint schemes, serial numbers and
latest kit reviews unless you have a 1/72 scale Spad A2 you will part with.
:-)
       I am not anti-social in any sense as my local club and retail shops
will attest. They all know me by name.  I only lurk on this list becuse I am
a modeler first, historian second and don't wish to contribute to the 'Chat
Room' feel the list has become the last year or so. I am always glad to do
that off list. Some list members have not exactly valued my input in the
past as I get the impression it wasn't of any value coming from a miniature
painter/wargamer/non IPMS/nonpublisher.
I emensly enjoy the contributions of all of you, our list members. 50-100
emails per day keeps me away from glue and paint fumes :-)
              Until Next Time........      Bill Bailey




------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 15:55:26 -0500
From: "Matthew Bittner" <tbittners@sprintmail.com>
To: "wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu" <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: Best/Worst OT Ebay Purchase?
Message-ID: <200005142058.NAA19539@raven.a001.sprintmail.com>

On Sun, 14 May 2000 12:11:04 -0400 (EDT),
Brent_A_Theobald@notes.seagate.com wrote:

> What's the best/worst OT deal ya'll have gotten off of Ebay? My worst deal
> was the 1/48 Albatros D.III. I found it with only a few minutes left to
> bid. I rashly outbid the high bidder thinking I was getting the Eduard
> D.III. After winning the auction I realised the description did not mention
> Eduard at all. Sure enough, I received a Glencoe in the mail. The story
> ends well. My son wanted it and so I helped him put it together. I don't
> really care that I spent $13.00 (including shipping) on the crappy Glencoe
> model. $13 for a couple of evenings and weekend model building sessions
> with my boy is a very small price to pay. In fact, you couldn't buy that
> model off of me for $100.

Along that line, I'm pretty sure I have two Glencoe Albatros D.III's
lieing around *with the decals*.  I'll have to track them down to be
sure, but I'm 90% sure they're in some box some where.  Anybody want
them "cheap"?


Matt Bittner
http://www.geocities.com/~ipmsfortcrook
http://pease1.sr.unh.edu/misc/FrenchWW1



------------------------------

Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 17:25:44 EDT
From: Zulis@aol.com
To: wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu
Subject: Ebay thoughts
Message-ID: <3a.51a05c3.265073d8@aol.com>


Greetings!

Just got home to find a whole bunch of ebay-related posts, so I am just going 
to "point form" a couple of thoughts:

- not a major point, but I dont think this is off-topic at all.   We are 
discussing how we share and obtain the models we build.

- as for selling items, my approach is this.   If a list member needs 
something that I have, I get it to them.   If it wasnt a big - ticket item, 
call it a gift.   If it is a biggie, I ask them for payment modest enough 
that they do not feel taken advantage of and substantial enough that I dont 
commit an act of outrageous fiscal irresponsibility.
I will soon be selling a bunch of duplicate books, C&Cs and other stuff (once 
I get my scanner).   My plan is to offer them to the list at about 75% of my 
reserve price and, those not scooped up, will be tossed to the sharks on ebay.

- speaking of ebay - I am glad we have moved past blind ebay-bashing and 
realized that it is simply a tool.    The craziness comes from the buyers, 
not ebay itself.   If you know what you are doing, you can acquire some 
reasonable purchases.    I have not yet sold anything there, so I cannot 
comment on that - but it certainly seems to be working for the sellers, too.  
 Remember - every time somebody pays $100 for an empty Meikraft box (or 
something like that) somebody else must have been willing to bid up to $95.   
 THAT is the part that amazes me.

- worst purchase on ebay?    That is easy - that Merlin Breguet that I hated 
so much.   This is the risk with such purchases. The buyer was truthful - 
everything was in the kit, he sold it as he himself had purchased it... and 
the thing was a mess.    He got stuck with a "late-run" sample.... then I was 
stuck with a "late-run" sample...  :-(

Regards,

Dave Z





------------------------------

Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 08:02:13 +1000
From: Shane Weier <sdw@qld.mim.com.au>
To: "'wwi'" <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: Mercedes engine ultimate reference
Message-ID: <65C968E11318D311B0BD0060B06865CDBD200B@mimhexch.mim.com.au>

Hi all,

There have been several questions posted about Mercedes D.III(a) over the
last two weeks.  FWIW  anyone who needs to know *every* detail  should look
for

The Daimler Mercedes D.IIIa Aircraft Engine
 	A Guide for Modellers
by Paul Buttler

It's priced at A$22, and crammed with excellent drawings.  Sorry, I don't
know who the publisher is, other than that it's published in Australia.

Shane








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If you receive this E-Mail in error, any use, distribution
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Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 08:04:38 +1000
From: Shane Weier <sdw@qld.mim.com.au>
To: "'wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu'" <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: RE: Sources for Albatros Serial Numbers
Message-ID: <65C968E11318D311B0BD0060B06865CDBD200C@mimhexch.mim.com.au>

Sharon says:

 
> Oh -- and Allan, forgive me, but here's a teensy off-topic thingie:
> if anyone would like to see pix from my ordination, a friend put 
> up his shots: http://www.oaks.yoyodyne.com/sharon/  I'm the chunky 
> redhead being ordained.  ;-) 

Al,

Forgive her, then swipe the pic for the rogues gallery ;-)

Shane




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and is intended only for the use of the addressee(s).
If you receive this E-Mail in error, any use, distribution
or copying of this E-Mail is not permitted.  You are 
requested to forward unwanted E-Mail and address any problems
to the MIM Holdings Limited Support Centre. 
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------------------------------

Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 08:07:43 +1000
From: Shane Weier <sdw@qld.mim.com.au>
To: "'wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu'" <wwi@pease1.sr.unh.edu>
Subject: RE: German Ace's plane Question
Message-ID: <65C968E11318D311B0BD0060B06865CDBD200D@mimhexch.mim.com.au>

Tom says:

> The new profipack Eduard Pfalz D.IIIa gives the markings for 
> his early D.IIIa 

So, IIRC, did one of the Pfalz D.III issues, an aircraft it was probably
inappropriate to. Maybe someone needing some winged swords for a non-
Berthold D.IIIa kit could swipe them form a D.III kit?

Shane










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and is intended only for the use of the addressee(s).
If you receive this E-Mail in error, any use, distribution
or copying of this E-Mail is not permitted.  You are 
requested to forward unwanted E-Mail and address any problems
to the MIM Holdings Limited Support Centre. 
E-Mail: supportcentre@mim.com.au or phone: Australia 07 3833 8042.
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------------------------------

End of WWI Digest 2340
**********************