1/18 Ho-229 Project Build ( Retired ) !!

[pickelhaube]

More pics

[Light.Inf.Scout]

that is awesome...does it come assembled and painted or is it a kit?

[flyboy_fx]

HOLY SHITE!!!! Pardon the language but that is FREKING SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!

Can you take orders later on? I don't have the $ yet.

[normandy]

Matthew, it was great talking with you.
As you said its difficult to judge the scale in these pics, so I borrowed one of your earlier pics....


This Pickel 229 has a 3' wing span Just Fantastic!
Oh......the check (M.O.) is in the mail.
Normandy.

[sdcc73]

This is too nice of a build to buy just one. To encourage more sales, how's about a special price if you buy more than one?

Some people already paid many months ago. So those who pre-paid have made more money in these last few months. Hopefully they'll be encouraged to cough up to buy just one more. My problem being, I just can't figure out which paint scheme to go with! But if I had more than one, that shouldn't be a problem anymore. Thus, if encouraged with a great price special, hopefully more can buy at least two of these finely made models...

[tmanthegreat]

That, I dare say, is your finest work yet. Amazing job

It really came out of nowhere - one week you seemed so far from completion, the next you're done!

Even despite the scary price, you could get quite a following with this

[gburch]

Even despite the scary price, you could get quite a following with this

I'm sure you weren't meaning to be critical, but I think the price is exceedingly fair. Even if you set aside the value of Matt's time to him, the workmanship and subject matter, and the fact that there will be no unsold stock of these sitting in a warehouse make Matt's price a great value. Remember what we paid for our Tomcats, and look at what the BBi jets are going for on eBay. In that context, the price is very reasonable. Honestly, I think these birds might well be a good investment over the years, relative to other 1/18 models. I could see one going for double this price on eBay in a few years.

[normandy]

The cost also reflects the "scary price" of RTV and Resign. Just think how many molds will be needed to cast all the parts.
I'd love one of these 229's for a $100 but that wouldn't cover the cost of RTV for one wing, forget the resign to fill it.
I do agree the price is fair and Pickel is not going to get rich on our purchases, he's covering the cost of a project that I and others asked him to make.
Unfortunately custom work costs more than mas-produced projects.

[Jackson]

Magister et Simulacrum...just a Masterpiece Spikedude...can't wait to get my hands on one of 'em....

[Jnewboy]

I agree, you see a major company using an assembly line will figure out exactly what it costs to make a product (materials, labor, fixed costs, operating costs) then compare that to the highest price they could get for it in an open market and then meet in the middle producing the "price point". This is the best price for the item as it is the price at which the most profit can be had but also the most units can be sold. Mathew is not using this method to price his Horton. Who knows really how many have been spent, I have a rough idea of the amount of time I spend on my projects but its not exact and I figure Mathew is the same. If you add up his time plus the amount of $ just needed to buy the resin that each kit will need to make it, $300 is incredibly low... Dont get me started on the finished painted version, I dont know whos going to do the final assembly and painting but they are doing it for next to nothing, common? $100 to build a how many piece? resin model, finish it, paint it, detail it... decal it... have you guys seen Jacksons decals!! they are amazing! but it takes skill, those little gauges in the cockpit are not all one decal... Im cool with it- Im going to love building this thing but in all reality I would be very surprised if 90% of the orders for this thing are not the kit but the full build for $400

PS. If Skyworks toys had made something like this it would not look as good as this and they would want upwards of a grand for one... They wanted $400 for just the Komet painted

[greendevil41]

New member here and I've been watching this thread with great interest. This is truly an inspired piece of modeling. For those of us trying to catch up here, a couple of questions.
Landing gear options: I'm presuming from the pics the landing gear does not fold up, (although the strut articulation sure looks like it could!). Is the landing gear removable to display the plane in flight? Also, possibly a silly question but will there be clear plastic on the canopy on the finished plane?
I'm seeing references to pre-ordered/ pre-paid models. Is there a way to still get in on ordering one of these? How long is the current waiting list?
Again, congrats on producing something unique that showcases some awesome talent!
As for the price, no complaints at all. Your not going to see these at Walmart!

[pickelhaube]

Lots of questions to answer.

I normally give discount to multiple buyers. I think the price point is low already $300 for the kit $400 for the full build.

I have not started making the moulds yet so trying to stick with the original price point is a " deal" already.

As stated before $300 of the unassembled kit $400 for fully built and painted model.
The landing gear will pop in and pop out. There was tons of work making all of the parts. Making them work well that is another story. The gear can be posed deployed or buttoned up. Modeler's choice.The way I have made them the only issue will be the main wheel covers. They snap in place but if deployed they need to tack glued onto the strut for display. All of the other linkages can be assembled with out glue.

The canopy will be vacuum formed. I made the pieces separate for strength and ease of painting.

You can always buy anything I make at any time . But it is always better to place your order during production.
I have a few guy's patiently waiting for their orders to be filled ( Indy side cars , Sdkfz 222 and M-10 ) after the 229 build. Hang in their guys not too much longer.

I think that covers all of the questions.

You hold outs can submit your deposits now.

Remember to get in on the $300-$400 sale you must be paid in full by the dead line . After I post that announcement. The sale will run about 2 weeks ( after posting ) once RTV is ordered . That will be approx in one week.

But you guys who can pay in full , you can do so anytime you want until then.

Thanks to all of you guys who have supported me with encouragement on this project. It was fun but it became long in the tooth . Aircraft seems so much harder to do than armor. My T-34 took about 6 weeks to build. I gave up keeping track of time on the 229.

Guys this thing does look cool and for you all who are getting just wait till you get it in your hands

[pickelhaube]

Double Post

[PanzerArm]

Let's see a pic next to a 262!


-Kevin

[tmanthegreat]

I'm sure you weren't meaning to be critical, but I think the price is exceedingly fair.

Actually not meaning to be critical at all. I've bought from PH many times in the past and understand the work and materials involved versus the price point. I am giving serious consideration to this, particularly a full build as I'm feeling a bit lazy with taking on a new project

[hworth18]

That looks fantastic PH!! I think you did another incredible job and i can't wait to see a final painted version..

[snake]

Finished prototype model looks great, PH!

A labour of love on your part, that turned out fantastic.

Really enjoyed watching your progress on this project.

[gburch]

I just went back and checked the first post in the original Horten thread. Matt proposed this project back in January of this year. Given that he's been running a business the whole time and doing other 1/18 work along the way, the progress Matt's made on this project is amazing. If we end up getting our kits one year after work started, we can count ourselves very fortunate indeed to have someone like Matt in our community.

[smittyrob64]

You did a beautiful job, it is a work of art. Can't wait to see what they look like painted up.

[[CAT]CplSlade]

I just went back and checked the first post in the original Horten thread. Matt proposed this project back in January of this year. Given that he's been running a business the whole time and doing other 1/18 work along the way, the progress Matt's made on this project is amazing. If we end up getting our kits one year after work started, we can count ourselves very fortunate indeed to have someone like Matt in our community.

Considering how long it takes the pros to issue a new model with all the resources at their disposal what Matt does should bring shame upon them.

[CW4USARMY]

PM Sent for final payment!

[STUKA]

beautiful!!!!!

[gburch]

BTW, Matt, when you get a chance, PM or email me to confirm you got my final payment.

[Jay]

PM sent, just to clarify my payment/shipping.

[Jay]

Final payment sent I think I am up to date but let me know if anything comes up.
Thanks Matthew for all the hard work so far.