03-21-2009, 06:25 AM
I think you should be prepared to do any of the above if you really want to go into serious business. A few of the guys around here who offer custom work will weather an existing model, build something as per the kit instructions, or will scratch/bash for you depending on what you need and how much you are willing to pay.
Having said that, I think that the middle option (build as per instructions) is a bit of a non-starter now with all the "built-ups" that are available. People are still willing to pay for something they can't get out of the box - weathering (although rolling stock now comes weathered in some cases!), or custom/customized work.
For me, as slow as I work, I am still happy to assemble or scratch build myself. I might consider a custom building, depending on the price.
Hope that helps.
Andrew
Having said that, I think that the middle option (build as per instructions) is a bit of a non-starter now with all the "built-ups" that are available. People are still willing to pay for something they can't get out of the box - weathering (although rolling stock now comes weathered in some cases!), or custom/customized work.
For me, as slow as I work, I am still happy to assemble or scratch build myself. I might consider a custom building, depending on the price.
Hope that helps.
Andrew