When to restore?

[Carl001]

Hi Chaps,

I was wondering at what point do you lads decide to restore a model? I have a few Thames estate cars and ERF /Albion wagons which are very playworn....no damage just very little paint! I realise that these are virtually worthless so by painting them am I doing any "damage"....will I just be making something look prettier or should I leave it alone? I have considered collecting two of each model that I want and restoring one and displaying it next to a playworn example....?

What do you Chaps advise regarding this?

[Martin Avis]

You'll get all kinds of replies to that question! From the ultra purists who consider 'restoring' any model in any condition to be a scandal (and a sure sign that you are a faker and a cheat), through those who are quite happy to see old beaters being given a new lease of life (provided that they are not rare variations and that they are marked in some way to prevent future buyers from being deceived), right up to the restoration enthusiasts who will happily repaint anything with a couple of chips on it!

Apologies for the ridiculously long sentence.

I fall into the middle group, but we have representatives of all beliefs here!

Martin

[johnboy]

Martin's right, people fall into different camps. For example some might like restorations, some might like to own a rarer looking model without the outlay of an original and others might say models should be left as they are because they represent a little bit of play time history from years gone by. What you collect and how you display them is your choice ultimately, hopefully it should be rewarding and fun. Models that are restored (to look as close to original as possible) don't do much for me but I do like customs (different paint colours, different decals/labels, modifying the look of a model with structural changes, new wheels and so on). I wouldn't mess with a model that's in reasonable condition personally but it's definitely good to check models carefully before you do anything to them, just in case one is a little hidden gem.

[Tinman]

I'll let the photos do my talking ...

Hoveringham tipper before. Missing the tailgate, missing all the tires and much paint:


Hovering Tipper after:


Before & after (trim paint and decals not yet added):


Before:


After:


Had a missing tank end and most of the paint:


Missing the windows, most of the paint and worn wheels:


This one was missing the barrel and lots of paint. The replacement barrel is held on with a screw and model is awaiting trim paint.



It was missing the tow hook, the spare wheel and one front wheel was broken:


Missing windscreen and all four wheels were badly damaged


Steering wheel broken off, front axle mount broken off on one side and missing all tires, front axle and front hubs.


Entire roof was missing:


This was a mess before, missing tires, bent parts and little to no paint


Missing windscreen:


First I found a cab missing the dome light, then I found a trailer with the rack in tact ... hunt up three tractors, replace a couple missing steering wheels and a bunch of missing tractor and truck times and you have a nice model:


A trial project of a W.I.P.


Before:


After:


This truck came together one part at a time. A cab from one source, then a trailer, then a tractor and last but not least I found the tractor cab. I spent as much time making the decals as I did restoring the model.


I guess that's enough for now.

[RSSierra]

Love your work!

I'm firmly in the restoration camp!

[Taniwha]

Your customs are awesome as ever Joe.

Cheers,
Gavin

[Carl001]

Thank you for the interesting replies, I was not sure which camp I would fall into ....and then I saw the photographs!!

Amazing work...I will certainly not be agonising about restoring or customising a model ever again....simply stunning.

[matchboxtom]

I would not repaint truly HTF wheel or paint variations. Many collectors would rather have a rare wheel variation as a beater than none at all. But most beat models are truly almost just junk as far as value.

Regular plastic model kits are getting expensive ($20 for regular 1/24 scale models here). Beater diecasts are just a few pounds. Sounds like a good resto model value to me. I treat beat up models as cheap model projects. I'm not nearly as skilled as the Tinman but I have fun.



Nobody would give me $4 for the chipped model missing the original tractors. So I added a couple new MB tractors and repainted it adding custom decals.

[Carl001]

You make a good point, I think there is a lot of enjoyment to be had from turning what is junk into something that is pleasing to look at. Your work too is amazing!. I do not really know yet what a rare model would be but if I get anything unusual I will put a picture on here....is there a list amywhere? Is there anything that definatley should not be touched?

[Martin Avis]

I do not really know yet what a rare model would be but if I get anything unusual I will put a picture on here....is there a list amywhere? Is there anything that definatley should not be touched?

The owner of this forum, Nick Jones, has another site (link at the very top of the page) which provides a full listing of all known variations with a guide to their values. It is currently the best 'bible' that exists for this hobby. Of course, posting here on the forum and asking for members' views is good too!