Simviation Forums

I happen to have a favorite plane, the 1929 Travel Air Mystery Ship.  Now while doing some research about the plane a couple of weeks ago, I came across a once time chance.  I actually found a posting from the great nephew of one of the designers of the plane who was trying to sell some of his uncle's memorabilia on the web.  

One of the items, was a model from the Travel Air company of the Type R.  Unfortunately, it is in terrible shape, and in need of some restoration work.  On a scale of 1 to 10, I would probably give it a 2, maybe three.  For me, this is the holy grail of collecting memorabilia, but I don't want something that can't be restored reasonably well.

So, does anyone know how to go about getting an antique toy restored or what something like this might cost?  I'm not sure what kind of money to offer, but I don't want to pay a fortune for this thing and I know nothing about the Antique business.  I'll post some pics over in the photo section so anyone can see what it looks like...

See pics HERE

Do research, find out what it's worth in various conditions. There are shops that specialize in toy restorations. Do more research on them, get some quotes. It may cost more to buy and restore than it's worth. A mild abrasive such as crushed walnut shells can do wonders for generally cleaning it up. I agree theat the area around the cockpit is the biggest concern. Knowing what metal was used will help determine cost to repair. Markets are always fluctuating too.

Who cares how much its worth in the end, that would be an incredible model to have!  It's your favorite plane, and I know if I could get a DC-3 like that I would go crazy! Of course it may cost a lot to restore but maybe if you save up for it or find a good person to do it for less it would be really cool!

Kevin depending on the metal used you might be able to cut-'n-solder the repair yourself. Sometimes things have a value far beyond money... at the end of the day it is your bank balance but it doesn't look like it is beyond salvation IMHO

My big thing is that it's a one-off from the Travel Air Company.  As much as I like the plane, if not for that, I wouldn't entertain the idea.  Restored though, this could be a museum piece...

It would be a hell of a conversation piece.  :D

With something like that it'll only appreciate in value so it probably is a good investment

Depends on what type of toys you wish to know about

Um Ashar...  You may want to READ the thread...  ;)

Well, I kind of thought this guy might get silly on this, and he did.  I suggested he pick a starting price and he said $1000.  I was thinking more like $50.  ::)  Greed rears its ugly head...

Well, I'm darn good at removing corosion and polishing metal with my Dremel tool, but I would be a affraid to touch that. Plus, if he wants $1000 for it, I would say let it go.

Um Ashar...  You may want to READ the thread...  ;)

I did...Couldn't think of anything interesting to say, so just threw in a random thought

I think I'm going to pass.  Either I am really off my mark here, or this guy is.  I'm so in shock by the ridiculous offer, that I can't even think of how to proceed from here.  If I write the guy back and offer him under $100, then it would probably be insulting to him, but then his offer is insulting to me.  I want the plane, but I'm not going to play some back and forth bidding game where I end up paying a ridiculous price because he highballed it at the start...  

Poor salesmanship has cost him a sale. I'd just mention to him your only willing to pay so much because of the condition of it and your doubts over being able to restore it.

I have no idea on where to start on price. when
it was whole, I know the Eppley Airfield in Omaha Nebraska offered my
dad 5k for it. but, I don't know. shoot something at me and let's go
from there.....

Believe me, since I have no idea, you are not going to insult me. But I
know it is more than 1k at least. or should be!

I just ain't buying it.  Figuratively, that is...

i agree with craig here

it may be an amazing rare piece of memorabilia, but taking its state into consideration should surely cut that price down considerably.

just act like you know 100% what your talking about and the price will probably drop