Posted by Jerry Davidson on August 01, 2000 at 19:38:29:
In Reply to: Re: New idea for the window question posted by Loren perry on August 01, 2000 at 16:30:40:
: Yes, this can be done. And yes, it'll add more expense. A lot more, in fact, due to the square inches of etched brass involved. Let's review the costs as they begin to total up:
: (Prices are estimated)
: Minicraft kit: $70
: GMM Merchant Ship set: $36
: (or Tom's Titanic set): $18
: GMM Gold PLUS set: $20
: GMM Lifeboat Davit set: $20
: GMM Figures (optional): $10
: Bruce and Duane's decals: $10 to $20
: Robert Hahn's 1/350 plans: $60
: Paint, glue, and supplies: $20+
: We're now hovering around the $260 mark or more. Even if you use cheaper photoetched products, you'll only save $20 or $30. Also, a model with this level of detail will require a display case to protect the delicate parts. Add another $50 or more to the cost.
: The etched brass bulkheads would add at least another $20 - $40 to the grand total. And now the question: where does one stop? Maybe a full cutaway conversion kit? (I'm kidding! Don't even ask!)
I agree with Loren, we have probably reached the saturation point on after market products for the Titanic. There is, I am sure, a point where there are 4-5 times as many detail parts for the ship as there are on the original kit. Between GMM and Tom's, they have given the modeler so many possibilities for enhancement of the model that you could build for years using the products that are currently available. Bulkheads are a bit much and would be both cost prohibitive and probably not a sound investment for the manufacturers. The ship should really look great with what is currently on the market.
Regards
Jerry