Yeah Top, a “spare” didn’t come in my kit, either.
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Another “law” I discovered is that model kits, tools, paints, and supplies don’t get cheaper from manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) over the years. Due to inflation, cost of living, salary increases, rent, shipping, etc. the cost of the same model kit usually goes up in price. It’s similar to some fine jewelry stores…they never have a sale and the price of gems and pearls don’t decrease but increase. This does not include swap meets, clearance sales, model kit expos, and private sellers.
But does that mean that the value of model kits increase? Not necessarily…you’re paying more for the same mold quality and kit fit and details as time passes by. Unfortunately, that might mean that this hobby is getting too expensive for kids. Then again, the price of video games keeps on increasing as video games gets get more complex, immersive, and thus more expensive.
Another “law” that I discovered is that hardwood bases and plinths of unique quality, natural design, and colors are getting extremely rare to find and buy online.
Most of those plinths and bases of multiple colors and patterns are made and sold by private sellers who stockpile a rare collection of hardwood. It is now very hard, if not impossible, to find wood plinths and base with two-tone or swirls or rich natural patterns. Most wood bases and plinths are made of compacted sawdust and either a solid black or brown color.
Finally, another “law” is that there are modeling subjects that are still taboo in many cultures but are acceptable or ignored in others. The “significant other” in your life and your children often shun nudity, Anime, girly, nasty, perverted, extremely violent and/or pornographic, sexist, or NSFW (Not Safe For Work) topics and yet these “Age 18+” model kits and books are still sold, especially in Asia. While the public look and cherish naked sketches, cherubs, vintage photos, Roman statues, paintings, etc. in museums and public display, nudity in modeling is still often taboo and many avoid buying NSFW figures and sexist subjects even if most modelers are over age 18.
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If ever you have a choice of an older product or a newer one, but the newer one has vanished off the face of the earth, buying the old one will immediately summon the superior alternative into existence
Looking at you Contrail 1/72 Avro Lincoln
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