Spending Too Much on Scale Modeling? Try These 6 Money-Saving Tips!

Scale modeling can be EXPENSIVE! But… it doesn't have to be! Enjoy the hobby you love without breaking the bank using these six money-saving tips for plastic modelers.

Looking for more money-saving Scale Modeling tips? Check out these videos:

[gordonbarrett]

I don't have about 600 unbuilt kits (gathered over 45 years). I remember not buying kits for one reason or another and wishing later I had purchased them before they go out of production, so now if I see a kit I would like to have and I can afford it, I get it. I get more enjoyment in examining the kits and planning builds than actually building them so in my mind they are all built. Its a great hobby and we all can enjoy it in our own way.

[johnnewcome]

Yep! I have to admit my stash is getting out of hand. My passion is in building the models. Over the past few years I've been offering my built models for "adoption" to worthy new owners. At our last model show in November I gave my 1/24 Mosquito to a kid who expressed an interest in it but was not expecting to receive it. He was in disbelief when I gave it to him. This made several people happy. I'm happy because I enjoyed building it and really enjoyed giving it to a kid who appreciated it. My wife is happy because it's not hanging around the house anymore. This November I'll be giving more of my models to people who express an genuine interest in them. It's amazing how a glued together box of plastic parts can make folks so happy. I LOVE this hobby!

[dunhill]

I'm 53y and about 3y ago I realized that I would need to live to 110y old to finish my stash. With that realization, I began selling most of them and picking up only a very select few that I promised myself to build. As of now, I am right around 50 models. When I go to IPMS contests/shows, I leave my wallet in my car and take time to really think about buying a kit. If it's something I've wanted for years, I may break my rule, but only buy 1 kit and that's all. This year at JaxCon, I did not buy anthing; however, I did win 2 models with raffle tickets that cost a dollar each. So I will donate them next year or give them to a youngster that comes to our monthly meetings.

[johnberry]

Modeling is by far the most relaxing thing to do with your pants on ! …… way less expensive than scuba diving I mean 😊.

[johnschmidt]

Your tips have been helpful, I've been guilty of over spending on my hobby 😢. I can only contribute this to my wife passing 2 years ago this Sunday 😢. I'm trying toget a grip on my model spending.
Thanks for your tips 😊

[genek]

I've been building AFV models for about 40 years, and I have a bit of advice. If you see a model kit you want and you have the money, buy it now. Because two things can happen when you decide to buy it. It'll be more expensive, and/or it'll be hard to find and even way more expensive. Then you'll be saying to yourself, I should have bought that kit when it was released.

[scottbuildsthemall]

What a wonderful hobby! I have been building models for over 50 years and have learned a lot from building a variety of kits. About 30 years ago I moved 40 kits when I took a new job. Since then my stash has grown to just over 1000 (yes, 1k) kits. Having a good job and not a lot of free time definitely allowed the growth, and hopefully in retirement I can get around to building that number down. Another great video Hank, and good advice for those getting into the hobby!

[MasterCivv]

Regarding saving some money, I started buying a lot of stuff second hand, that is not bad and you can make a really nice saving and help another modeler to get rid of some models he doesn't want anymore.
For the tips number 6, I really like it, I had my version that was the following: you can add models to the stash if you remember all the models yu have in the stash, name scale manufacturer.
This helps usually to keep forgetting what you have there and remember that you have some awesome models waiting for you!

[zoltronr]

6. Holding to that limit. I try to buy local whenever I can and when I do ship supplies, I try to do in bulk as well. Also trying to avoid the ever present trap of "I really need that, so I can do the perfect build". Trying to enjoy the process and appreciate my OK result.

[DavidGarcia-wcfk]

Hi! I’ve recently discovered your channel and have to say that all these tips for beginners seem quite on spot to me as an advanced modeller myself (to my relief I tick all the boxes you comment). I fully agree on the 2nd thought/ stash control. My father (60yo) and myself (26yo) have an estimated combined stash of around 150 models! We both know that any of us will live long enough to finish them off but we still like this thing. I’m proud to say that I have reached the 6 month milestone of self-imposed buying prohibition!

[bmlaureau]

Here’s an alternative for tip #4: most of the online stores that I frequent have an option to register & an option to create a wishlist. ScaleMates also has a feature where you can add kits & other modelling products to a wishlist. Therefore I prefer to add items to my wishlist before committing to a purchase.
For tip #6: the number of kits in my stash has a limit - if I stacked them in 2 piles the hight must not exceed my height. Only if I have completed 2 kits do I consider purchasing 1 or 2 kits to replace them.

Both these methods enable me to control my spending as well as keeping me realistically focused on what I can build within a reasonable time. Money can’t buy you time but managing time can save you money!

[SherlockSpiner]

I’m just starting my journey in the scale model world (about to try my first tank, a WWI whippet) and my stash is already growing, these tips are genuinely useful! Scalemates is the life changing one for me, now I’m not overwhelmed when my new model kit arrives! Thank you, or should I say, tank you (I’m sorry) for this amazing video!

[davidkubizna]

I have 1 kit that i received for Christmas. It will be my first build in a long long time. I am super excited about it.

[madhatterstudios]

I have another tip: think about how much actual display space you have before buying. Maybe that 32nd scale F18 won't fit, so if you have to have an F18, maybe think about a smaller scale.

[dalekloka]

I agree with Gordon, I have plans for everyone of my kits. When ever life gives me a chance to build them, I will.

[seegurke]

I think I have about 3.000 kits in my stash :D its like a hobby to collect. Fills me with joy. And sometimes build some :)

[MrHerbie]

I have 15 kits in my stash. another money saving tip is buying supplies at the craft section at the dollar store. true they won't have everything we need for the hobby but what they do have is cheaper than a hobby store. I got paint markers, a brush carrousel, and super glue that really helped me save money when I came back to the hobby.

[andyzehr]

These are great tips for sure. That said, I’m as much into collecting the kits as I am into building them. Many of these are kits no longer produced so I’m more on the “buy it when you see it” team. I have a few hundred kits in the stash (2x 6’ tall shelving units packed full, plus) knowing full well that they’ll sit for a few years before they all get built. My tip to anyone with a similar mindset is to keep them organized so you don’t accidentally repurchase something you already have

[stevesoutar]

Great tips - thanks for that !!

I only started modelling again a couple of years ago, picking up from where I left off as a teenager. Right now I have around 10 different aircraft kits in my house, waiting to be started, with a few more in storage still at my Mums house.

I think every member of my family has bought me at least one Spitfire kit, in 1/72, 1/48th or 1/32nd scale as a birthday or xmas present at some point over the last 10 years - so I could build a Spitfire every year for the next decade, in between doing my other builds

[williamrussell]

always shop local ... if you dont they are gone!! To this day I still visit my store and NEVER leave empty handed even if it is just a magazine .. every little bit helps. My dad use to do the same thing on vacation, He would look in the back of the model railroader and go to a hobby store in the town we were passing through! It was great fun and still is in my 60s!