As I have stated and given three examples, I have in the past OVER spent big-time on kits only because I had too much cash and not enough brain.

In today's economy, unless you are one of these millionaires who makes over $250,000.00 a year, its really hard justifying paying $500.00+ on an Estes Uprated Saturn 1b or anything for that matter.

Yes, as long as its your money, do what ever you want. My issue is that sellers see the valuations and suddenly a Alpha III is now worth $250.00 minimum!

There were two major players in the collector community back in the 90's. They played many games with people on and off-line. This was the begining of the great price increases.

I remember when one could buy just about any 'K Kit' for under $100.00. Then these two came unto the scene and fed off each other and collectors.

One member of this gruesome-twosome would shill bid ebay auctions, with no intent of paying for the auctions, but instead use the artificial auction close price as a measure to sell kits he already had in his pocession: 'See that Mars Snooper went for $225.00. I will give you a deal and sell to you off-line from my own collection for $175.00'.

The other member would just flat out misrepresent his kits as being mint and "K" when they were just skill level and ragged.

Don't know what happened to them as they have both dropped out of sight. One is suppossidly exploring the Martian planet, the other strumming his guitar on his back pourch down in Florida...

Since the 1990's, the pricing on anything 60's/70's has been astronomical in pricing!

Its like the sports card market before it collapsed in the 90's... sheer speculation.

I know that there are millionaires who read this board, but how many of them are buying $300.00+ kits off ebay?

I have always told myself that as my buying power/ability increases, so would the quality of my collectibles.

Instead of collecting a model kit or R/C of a sports car, buy the actual sports car.

Instead of a model rocket, buy an actual rocket, or something has has flown in space or two the Moon.

Besides, the kits will all come around again. I kid you not! Many a times I see the current slew of sellers on ebay who were once BUYERS 10 years ago. They are selling the SAME kits that they bought and I know that buyers today will one day sell what they are buying now. I just need to wait and work out my current finances to survive this current terrible economy.

Should the economy tank completely, what will be more valuable to the rocket collector: Fresh drinking water/food, or a "K Kit"? If the economy recovers, then put myself in a position to capitolize on the recovery and outspend the next guy biding on auction sites!

I have all but ~$6,000.00 in total debt paid off. No really, that is ALL the debt I have. No mortage, no car payments, no loans.

Interest rates go up, I don't care. Dollar collapses, I don't care. Gold through the roof, don't care again. Why? Answer: Because I have been working hard over the last year to get out from under debt and the problems it causes.

I drive a POS green, rusting Mini-Van. It may not turn the heads of the ladies but it keeps my bank account solvent and managible.

I have only two pairs of wearable jeans, and a $7.99 Walmart Timex 'knock off' watch on my wrist. I could put a $10,000.00 Rolex on my wrist but why? They still tell the SAME time.

But yes, it is all about personal choice.

I tell you this: If there are millionaires reading this post, and you want to buy a ready made super collection, drop me a line and we WILL do business!

J