to the guys who make, or have the time and materials to make a scale replica of someones buick, whats the cost/cost of a handmade one?
Hmmmm.... While I have never built "professionally," I suspect I might "meet the criteria...???" (should you not find a better candidate...) It would certainly depend on the subject. At the easy end of the spectrum, a nice '70 GSX from the Monogram kit, suitably nicely built and "super-detailed," to finding an out-of-production kit, to totally scratchbuilding a Colonnade (I don't think there was ever a kit of such...???) I have no idea what "real professionals" charge, but I'd do an available kit or something reasonably close (like turning a '70 into a '72...) for $300-500... I would consider something more challenging; share more detail here, or PM me... Nick
Your question is akin to asking how long is a piece of string. I will give you my slant on this, as I have done numerous commission builds in the past. There are many variables to consider when commissioning a build, such as what level of detail/customizing/personalization you want, how soon you want it, or how accurate. A big factor is what quality of build you are willing to accept. Meaning to say that most non-model builders will look at a model some person has built and think it looks really good, whereas if I look at the same build I may think it is a piece of crap. Not all modellers are created equally and the price they charge should be a reflection of this. Some modellers think they are better than they really are. Everyone has a different standard they are willing to accept, whether looking at a completed model or actually building the model. Not all modellers will remove mould parting lines, ejector pin marks or flash. Some will not address seams where parts are glued together. Some will brush paint, some use aerosol cans and some will airbrush. Many will have decal film and silvering of the decals visible. Some people finish their models with no thought to realism, such as shading or highlights, subtle weathering and some will go overboard with the same. Regardless of who you get to build a model for you, ask to see samples of their work from all sides and angles and never pay up front. You may need to pay a retainer, but it should never exceed the price of the kit and aftermarket parts that the builder will need to purchase. Nothing kills the motivation to complete a model like having already been paid in full. Not sure where you are located, but check with your local hobby shop to see if there are any model clubs, such IPMS in your area and if so attend one of their meetings to see if anyone local can do the work for you. With all that being said, if you want a model that could stand up in a model competition expect to pay well over $1000. If you just want something that just resembles your car and are willing to accept certain deficiencies then the price will be lower. These are ball park figures and could vary up or down accordingly.
I believe you can purchase a “design build” from Micron Modeling on eBay, which means basically, that you pay them ($200 last I saw) to design a 3D resin kit (ANY CAR) and then when it’s done you buy the kits. Make sure you ask for any changes/corrections before you approve the final design. George runs the place and is a good guy. Their 69 Skylark is the result of my purchase.
