I think that analysis is spot on - in the long term the value of our models will fall away; as has often been remarked, ship collecting is for fun and interest – certainly not an investment.

Going back to Roger’s original question "are makers of 1/1250 & 1/1200 models providing value for money?", I think they are probably doing the best they can in the face of increasing costs and fewer sales.

I see the key issue as the price threshold(s) beyond which collectors deem models just too expensive. For example I have always been a keen collector of P&O including cruise liners on which I have sailed, such models being allowed in the lounge. A forthcoming model of Iona has been announced at €220 (+ P&P/VAT?) – personally can’t justify that.

Ironically at the other end of the spectrum some less expensive models are such poor representations of the ships concerned that you don’t what them either. The ‘only model of a particular ship’ doesn’t work for me. But that is a different debate.