So I've seen old kits sell for not a whole lot more than they originally did years ago, and which hardly even matches inflation. And then there are those magical ones that have ridiculously soaring prices later on in life.

What's your speculation, at this very early stage, for a Weasel and a Slope Monkey kit in the near vs. far future? (Both kits I have and am contemplating selling for several random reasons)

Obviously the Weasel is vastly more iconic and desirable by those who merely hadn't gotten around to getting one yet- and now they're gone! That said, there's vastly more numbers of them sitting around un-built compared to the Slope Monkey, which may keep prices down.
The Slope Monkey is a bit more off the beaten track, but that may potentially give it a bit of an edge later in terms of those strange folks who tend to focus on particular boutique shops/micro brews/niche brands, etc etc

Just curious for any other thoughts, and which one may end up more desireable.

Well you can still buy a slope monkey here I guess http://wyowindworks.com/ and the Weasel is also in the size range of "I can scratch build one easy" Frankly popping down big bucks for a foamy is crazy IMO,,

They are nothing like the Olympic or Bob Martin classic kits that fetch top dollar, shoot maybe if you had an original zaggy or the holy grail a Hobbie Hawk, but those you mention aren't on the same playing field at all to expect any increase value over time

Just my 2 cents

The Slope Monkey was discontinued not quite a year ago, but he won't take it off the site.
My buddy called him up about 3 weeks ago to ask what's up, and the guy sounded surprised that it still showed "add to cart"...but it's been like that the entire time, so we're thinking he may possibly just like the attention of having people still interested in his work. He stopped the business due to burnout last Labor Day when I got mine the day he announced going out of business.

Despite being a foamie, there's just so very many people recommending the Weasel as a great plane, and so many people have already had so many fond memories with them, that perhaps there'd be more demand later.

Anyways, how many people knew 30 years ago which kits would stay valuable? Not that that is my goal, per se, sitting on a kit for years.... I guess I'm asking if folks would sell them now, or later?

You know...screw it. I'm gonna just build the Weasel and see what all the hype was about.

I'll put the Slope Monkey away and just "forget about it".

Holding on to kits in the hope they'll appreciate in value is an amusing concept.

Flew my Weasel for about 3 hour's off the east face of "A" mountain here in Tucson. I also have a Black L/E that's ready for equipment. If the wind keep's up you know your going to be up for a while.

I'd also recommend just building the Slope Monkey too. It's fun to fly (take a bit more wind to fly then the Weasel) and a shame to just having it sit in the box.

Flying monkeys are the best kind!

Well, I;m not neccessarily going to sit on it hoping for appreciation, but I guess how I phrased the question sure sounds like it.
FWIW, I already have one flying Monkey, the other is un-built. I initially purchased the Weasel based on SO many people saying everyone should own at least one, but never got around to building it.

I guess the question I should have asked, is should I sell or build?...but then again, WTH kind of question is that to ask? Quite subjective at best!

But then again, if I thought there would be a stronger market for one vs the other, I may be inclined to go that route...but it doesn't matter since I'm going to build the Weasel.

Anyone in the market for a Monkey?

Originally Posted by TRISME

Flying monkeys are the best kind!

Especially if they can "slope"!!!

Originally Posted by cityevader

So I've seen old kits sell for not a whole lot more than they originally did years ago, and which hardly even matches inflation. And then there are those magical ones that have ridiculously soaring prices later on in life.

Just curious for any other thoughts, and which one may end up more desireable.

Id say something moulded (as the supply will dry up as they are crashed) and something not available anymore. Perhaps something thats in short supply and expensive to start with, something with a reknown flying pedigree, for 20 -30 years ago.
How about some of the old airtechs? Jedi/Psycho? And what about some of the old multiplex stuff? What about the sonic? I know you cant quickly get hold of any of these. Caldera? Perhaps the hand built chris foss designs from plans, ie phase 5.

Aeromods perhaps if they go out of business and are no longer produced in the future.

This all sound a bit like 'Toy Story' the annimation. You know, the toys get sad if kids don't play with 'em and going to a collector is worse than the trash bin!

I had all the original Star Wars toys when I was a kid. Every box ripped open and all the little guns and bits long lost. Still got it all, and its worth feck all cos I *gasp* opened the boxes and played with it.
But playing with or building and flying makes me happier than collecting so I guess I'll never have an iconic model that appreciates!-

Originally Posted by cityevader

Well, I;m not neccessarily going to sit on it hoping for appreciation, but I guess how I phrased the question sure sounds like it.
FWIW, I already have one flying Monkey, the other is un-built. I initially purchased the Weasel based on SO many people saying everyone should own at least one, but never got around to building it.

I guess the question I should have asked, is should I sell or build?...but then again, WTH kind of question is that to ask? Quite subjective at best!

But then again, if I thought there would be a stronger market for one vs the other, I may be inclined to go that route...but it doesn't matter since I'm going to build the Weasel.

Anyone in the market for a Monkey?

Hmmmm,

....originally, I was going to advise against keeping either one of these for Speculation of Appreciation. Although both good models with continued market demand, they both lack the draw of "Classic' status, that's because they can both be easily replaced, revised or substituted with something else.

Take for example the Slope Monkey (of which I have interest). It has a following of loyals, yet now Out of Production (OoP) they can turn to scratch build, Magnum Models, FSD, 3D Foamies, etc... to fill the void. In a similar way the Weasel can as well.

Kit Appreciation has more to do with uniqueness and availability. The SR7 remains Top Dollar while the Jaguar is mid-pack. Both are Duralene and OoP but demand for one was always higher.

Would you put away a Radian and fly a Hobie Hawk? They are similar when sloping them, but have huge difference in dollars and future value. I'd like to fly them both.

I think your better question is, "What am I getting out of having this kit?" If the answer is you get pleasure from knowing you will (or could) get around to building and flying it some day, then keep it.

My kit stash probably did better than my 401k from 2009-2012.

Originally Posted by slopemeno

My kit stash probably did better than my 401k from 2009-2012.

So did my car