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[Scott O.]

Hello all...This is my first post and I am hoping that it is appropriate.

I recently purchased a group lot of items at an estate sale among which was a 1983 Midwest Products Lobster Boat Kit item #953.  It appears to be complete with balsa parts in plastic bags, plans, instructions etc.  The box is a little marked up from storage.

I have looked all over the web for some idea of value but have not been able to find this specific kit # so my question is this:

How much would this kit be worth and where would be the best place to advertise its sale?  It would seem right, to me at least, that an actual model builder should bring this boat to life after sitting in a box for 24 years.  Thats why I have come here for help.

I am grateful in advance for any assistance...thank you

Scott

[tigertiger]

I would be inclined to look at the midwest website and see if they have a comparable model. Your kit would be worth a bit less as second hand.

Also look at other manufacturers like Billings, Robbe, Graupner ( I am sure others on this site can suggest more) and look for other comparable kits.

By comparable I mean
- Same size
- same type
- same hull construction e.g. plastic one piece hull with balsa parts of superstruture or all balsa construction.
- parts pre cut or not
- does it come with a bag of metal fittings (for most kits this is an expensive optional extra), door handles, port holes, handrails, stantions etc.
- Does it come with prop/propshaft/motor etc. most kits don't as standard.

Armed with some of this information I would have an idea of what it might fetch, then I would stick it on Ebay. With a reserve of the minimum I would accept. Because in the end it is only worth what people will pay for it.

Do not compare it with static models for value. You have a working model and they do not go for as much money.

For value it is probably better to think of this as an old second hand kit, and not as an antique.

Just some thoughts

[harrin]

Do you mean this one:
http://www.model-dockyard.com/midwest/kits-result.asp?productid=P02120
http://www.midwestproducts.com/item_detail.asp?item_id=59

[Scott O.]

Thank you for your thoughts tigertiger...E Bay will probably be the next step and value will be set, as you say, by how the auction finishes.


Thank you too harrin...this is apparently the latest Midwest offering but not the one I am referring to (kit #953).  953 seems to be the "old" version and I was wondering if that, by itself, added any value.

I am thinking I will just list it on E bay under "Maine Lobster Boat" or something close and see what happens.  It is NIB, and unbuilt, so maybe a boat modeler will find it and bid.  Thanks again.

Scott

[Stan]

Hi Scott  Reference the Midwest Lobster boat. Midwest made this model in 2 scales  which one do you have? Mine is 1/12 scale  about 30inches long and 10 in beam the scale of the kit may affect the asking prize.

[Scott O.]

Stan, this model is 24" long with a beam of 7 5-8".  The scale is 3/4" = 1'

It looks a little different than some similar lobster boats that I have found, in that it has a rear sail near the stern

[Scott O.]

I put it on E Bay and got an almost instant bid

 

[BobF]

Hi,

can you give the ebay item number please. I can't find it listed.

Cheers Bob

[Scott O.]

Sure Bob,

The listing number is 230201239541

Thanks!!

[Stan]

 O0Hi Scott, My model also has sail on the stern very good  all weather model.Built mine in 1989 and still going strong