Figure Prices Today vs 1980

[ty]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

I recently came across some old gaming magazines. In an April 1980 issue of
Different Worlds, there was a review of Heritage's 25mm line of "Dungeon
Dwellers". A couple of interesting points:

1. Most of the figures were 28-30mm tall -- much like today's "big" 25's.

2. The price was $3.95 for 4 figures or a buck each. Checking the inflation
calculator at http://westegg.com/inflation/ , we find that this is
equivalent to $2.38 per figure in 2002 (it only goes to 2002).

Now, Heritage was not a cadillac line in 1980 -- Ral Partha was the team to
beat then. Heritage figures were just reasonably priced and decent quality.
They had an extensive historical line (medievals mostly) and an extensive
fantasy line as well. I think they would compare to Old Glory or Reaper
today.

Since fantasy figures have always tended to be pricier (IMHO because more
poses are required and because fantasy RPG gamers will pay more, since they
don't need hundreds of them), I'll confine my analysis to them.

A pretty typical price for Reaper is 4 men at arms for $8.99, or about $2.66
per figure. Old Glory sells ~6 fantasy figures for $6 or a buck each -- an
absolute bargain these days, especially since their figures are pretty nice.

I'll note that Games Workshop minis are still the price leader -- $3-3.50
each for 10 packs of metal troops and $1 each for plastics.

Of course, today personality figures tend to cost at least double what rank
and file troops cost. This does not seem to have been the case in 1980 --
individual figures cost 25% more it seems to me.

Still, it appears to me that the perception that gaming prices are
outrageously high may not be accurate.

As for the cost of printed stuff:

In 1979, the 256 page AD&D Dungeon Master's Guide retailed for $15.95. This
is equivalent to $42.71 in 2002 dollars, which is more than you'll pay for
many 256 page RPG hardbacks today (and today's hardbacks often have far
more color, better artwork, etc). For instance, the 336 page GURPS hardback
is $40. The 300 page D&D 3rd ed. Dungeon Master's Guide is $30 today -- $21
if you buy from Amazon.com.

I'll check my magazines for wargaming rules prices, but I expect a similar
outcome.

Thoughts?

--Ty

 

[ty]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

A followup. I found a review of Ral Partha 25mm historicals in the Sep-Oct
1978 issue of Campaign magazine. They cost "40 cents each". $1.29 each in
2002 dollars. Ral Partha 25s are "true" 25s, so they are noticeably smaller
than the "large" 25s sold by Old Glory or Foundry. Old Glory's figures cost
about $1.10 each, and are bigger than Ral Partha's figures. I also think
that Old Glory figures are more detailed than my Ral Partha historicals,
though we should remember that RP had the most detailed figures *at that
time*.

In the May-June 1976 issue of Panzerfaust, there's a review of Classic
Warfare, ancients rules from TSR (8,5x11, 66 pages). Cost is $10, or $32.16
in 2002 dollars. Compare to Warhammer Ancients -- $29. Or Armati II -- $28.

Same issue -- 5 polyhedral dice for $4.00 or 80 cents each. $2.57 each in
2002 dollars. I pay about 60 cents each at my local game store.

So it looks to me like our hobby isn't really any more expensive now...

--Ty

 

[donnie]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

On Fri, 21 May 2004 06:50:51 -0500, "Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote:

>A followup. I found a review of Ral Partha 25mm historicals in the Sep-Oct
>1978 issue of Campaign magazine. They cost "40 cents each". $1.29 each in
>2002 dollars. Ral Partha 25s are "true" 25s, so they are noticeably smaller
>than the "large" 25s sold by Old Glory or Foundry. Old Glory's figures cost
>about $1.10 each, and are bigger than Ral Partha's figures. I also think
>that Old Glory figures are more detailed than my Ral Partha historicals,
>though we should remember that RP had the most detailed figures *at that
>time*.
>
>In the May-June 1976 issue of Panzerfaust, there's a review of Classic
>Warfare, ancients rules from TSR (8,5x11, 66 pages). Cost is $10, or $32.16
>in 2002 dollars. Compare to Warhammer Ancients -- $29. Or Armati II -- $28.
>
>Same issue -- 5 polyhedral dice for $4.00 or 80 cents each. $2.57 each in
>2002 dollars. I pay about 60 cents each at my local game store.
>
>So it looks to me like our hobby isn't really any more expensive now...
>
>--Ty
>
Will you tell my wife?

Chris.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"Donnie" <donnie@dinonino.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:kmbsa09c1m4cfvvtesn2teq01ek68or3v2@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 21 May 2004 06:50:51 -0500, "Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote:
>
> >A followup. I found a review of Ral Partha 25mm historicals in the
Sep-Oct
> >1978 issue of Campaign magazine. They cost "40 cents each". $1.29 each in
> >2002 dollars. Ral Partha 25s are "true" 25s, so they are noticeably
smaller
> >than the "large" 25s sold by Old Glory or Foundry. Old Glory's figures
cost
> >about $1.10 each, and are bigger than Ral Partha's figures. I also think
> >that Old Glory figures are more detailed than my Ral Partha historicals,
> >though we should remember that RP had the most detailed figures *at that
> >time*.
> >
> >In the May-June 1976 issue of Panzerfaust, there's a review of Classic
> >Warfare, ancients rules from TSR (8,5x11, 66 pages). Cost is $10, or
$32.16
> >in 2002 dollars. Compare to Warhammer Ancients -- $29. Or Armati II --
$28.
> >
> >Same issue -- 5 polyhedral dice for $4.00 or 80 cents each. $2.57 each in
> >2002 dollars. I pay about 60 cents each at my local game store.
> >
> >So it looks to me like our hobby isn't really any more expensive now...
> >
> >--Ty
> >
> Will you tell my wife?

LOL.. Thanks I needed the laugh

 

[ty]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"Donnie" <donnie@dinonino.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:kmbsa09c1m4cfvvtesn2teq01ek68or3v2@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 21 May 2004 06:50:51 -0500, "Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote:

> >So it looks to me like our hobby isn't really any more expensive now...

> Will you tell my wife?

Sure -- but she won't believe me...

--Ty

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

In message <10arn8o92hldd4a@corp.supernews.com>, Ty
<tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> writes
>I recently came across some old gaming magazines. In an April 1980 issue of
>Different Worlds, there was a review of Heritage's 25mm line of "Dungeon
>Dwellers". A couple of interesting points:
>
>1. Most of the figures were 28-30mm tall -- much like today's "big" 25's.
>
>2. The price was $3.95 for 4 figures or a buck each. Checking the inflation
>calculator at http://westegg.com/inflation/ , we find that this is
>equivalent to $2.38 per figure in 2002 (it only goes to 2002).
>
>Now, Heritage was not a cadillac line in 1980 -- Ral Partha was the team to
>beat then. Heritage figures were just reasonably priced and decent quality.
>They had an extensive historical line (medievals mostly) and an extensive
>fantasy line as well. I think they would compare to Old Glory or Reaper
>today.
>
>Since fantasy figures have always tended to be pricier (IMHO because more
>poses are required and because fantasy RPG gamers will pay more, since they
>don't need hundreds of them), I'll confine my analysis to them.
>
>A pretty typical price for Reaper is 4 men at arms for $8.99, or about $2.66
>per figure. Old Glory sells ~6 fantasy figures for $6 or a buck each -- an
>absolute bargain these days, especially since their figures are pretty nice.
>
>I'll note that Games Workshop minis are still the price leader -- $3-3.50
>each for 10 packs of metal troops and $1 each for plastics.
>
>Of course, today personality figures tend to cost at least double what rank
>and file troops cost. This does not seem to have been the case in 1980 --
>individual figures cost 25% more it seems to me.
>
>Still, it appears to me that the perception that gaming prices are
>outrageously high may not be accurate.
>
>As for the cost of printed stuff:
>
>In 1979, the 256 page AD&D Dungeon Master's Guide retailed for $15.95. This
>is equivalent to $42.71 in 2002 dollars, which is more than you'll pay for
>many 256 page RPG hardbacks today (and today's hardbacks often have far
>more color, better artwork, etc). For instance, the 336 page GURPS hardback
>is $40. The 300 page D&D 3rd ed. Dungeon Master's Guide is $30 today -- $21
>if you buy from Amazon.com.
>
>I'll check my magazines for wargaming rules prices, but I expect a similar
>outcome.
>
>Thoughts?
>
Interesting. Generally these days there seems to be negative inflation
in respect of an awful lot of "stuff" - computers and other hi-tech
items are an obvious case, but it's also true of many much more mundane
items. It's a combination of the rise of manufacturing off-shore,
especially in Asia, better and more efficient manufacturing techniques,
and better and more efficient markets - your mention of Amazon is
significant, they and their like have taken a big chunk out of the cost
of reading matter and other entertainment. Publishing is an area where
costs have really come down, and supply gone up, with new technology. I
think the same has happened to some extent in the casting of miniatures,
with new manufacturing techniques. The nice thing is that not only are
all these items cheaper in real terms, they are also much better quality
- both the minis and the printed matter. Since I have a much larger
disposable income than I did back then, the cost of wargames stuff is
almost irrelevant to me now - the big constraint is time. I bought a NKE
DBM Army at Colours in September 2002, and I finished painting them all
last month. And that's a triumph - I very rarely finish painting any
army completely. As for finding time to actually wargame, that's even
harder. But it looks good on the shelves.
--
John Secker

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

In message <kmbsa09c1m4cfvvtesn2teq01ek68or3v2@4ax.com>, Donnie
<donnie@dinonino.fsnet.co.uk> writes
>On Fri, 21 May 2004 06:50:51 -0500, "Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote:
>
>>A followup. I found a review of Ral Partha 25mm historicals in the Sep-Oct
>>1978 issue of Campaign magazine. They cost "40 cents each". $1.29 each in
>>2002 dollars. Ral Partha 25s are "true" 25s, so they are noticeably smaller
>>than the "large" 25s sold by Old Glory or Foundry. Old Glory's figures cost
>>about $1.10 each, and are bigger than Ral Partha's figures. I also think
>>that Old Glory figures are more detailed than my Ral Partha historicals,
>>though we should remember that RP had the most detailed figures *at that
>>time*.
>>
>>In the May-June 1976 issue of Panzerfaust, there's a review of Classic
>>Warfare, ancients rules from TSR (8,5x11, 66 pages). Cost is $10, or $32.16
>>in 2002 dollars. Compare to Warhammer Ancients -- $29. Or Armati II -- $28.
>>
>>Same issue -- 5 polyhedral dice for $4.00 or 80 cents each. $2.57 each in
>>2002 dollars. I pay about 60 cents each at my local game store.
>>
>>So it looks to me like our hobby isn't really any more expensive now...
>>
>>--Ty
>>
>Will you tell my wife?
>
My wife and daughter are into horses, and the amount they spend in one
month would buy me more lead than I could paint in the rest of my
expected lifespan (and I am barely exaggerating here). So I'm in a
strong tactical position as far as the money goes, but what with helping
out with the horses on top of everything else, I don't actually have a
lot of time to do any panting or gaming anyway.
--
John Secker

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

This whole 2004 dollars versus 1980 dollars can be misleading. Far
more important is the relative amount of discretionary dollars given
the total income in each of these periods. To wit, Cable TV bills are
common now and often represent $50-100 of expenditures-they didn't
exist in 1980. Neither did internet fees, computer supplies, or ATM
fees. They all are viewed by many people as essentials, and come out
of income.

Also, there are items that have had price increases in excess of the
POL-among them real estate, many leisure activities such as sporting
events, tickets to entertainment events, fees to enter public museums,
zooz, etc., College tuition etc.

So the issue becomes one of whether the hobby of miniature
wargaming-the primary expense of which is figures-now consumes a
greater share of income of a typical wargamer. How does it compare to
other hobbies? I suspect that Model railroading and photography have
gone DOWN in relative share of money spent-while wargaming has gone
up.

BJ

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

John Secker <john@secker.demon.co.uk> wrote in message news: So I'm in a
> strong tactical position as far as the money goes, but what with helping
> out with the horses on top of everything else, I don't actually have a
> lot of time to do any panting or gaming anyway.

BJ: My experience is that a little panting is required if you don't
want your wife to really sour on wargame hobby.

BJ

 

[ty]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"Bob Jones" <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:73e9b810.0405221055.5b91b5f@posting.google.com...

> Also, there are items that have had price increases in excess of the
> POL-among them real estate, many leisure activities such as sporting
> events, tickets to entertainment events, fees to enter public museums,
> zooz, etc., College tuition etc.
>

And the reverse is true. In 1980, gasoline in my part of the world was about
$1 a gallon --$2.38 in 2002 dollars. I just filled up my 4WD SUV for $1.80
per gallon -- and prices are outrageously high. Electronics are far cheaper
now. My parents paid $400 for a 19" color TV in 1970 -- $1887 in 2002
dollars. Video rentals are cheaper today than in 1985. And so on. I don't
see any significant evidence that people are generally worse off today than
they were in 1980. Indeed, the evidence that I have reviewed indicates that
the reverse is true.

Wages, in constant dollars are higher now than in 1980. Last time I looked
at this, I believe the average worker in 1980 made about $240 per week in
2003 dollars. His 2003 counterpart made about $515 per week in 2003 dollars.
In other words, the average US worker today can buy about twice as much as
his 1980 counterpart.

> So the issue becomes one of whether the hobby of miniature
> wargaming-the primary expense of which is figures-now consumes a
> greater share of income of a typical wargamer.

No, I don't think that's the issue at all. You're attempting to confuse
popularity with cost.

I think that the issue is as I framed it -- whether wargaming is more
expensive now than it was in 1980 (or whenever). The evidence so far seems
to strongly indicate that the answer is no. Of course, I welcome any contra
evidence you might care to reveal.

And wargaming -- like any other diversion -- has always had to compete with
other potential uses for one's money and time.

> I suspect that Model railroading and photography have
> gone DOWN in relative share of money spent-while wargaming has gone
> up.

Not in my case, nor in the case of all of my personal wargaming buddies. I
spend a far smaller proportion of my income on wargaming than I used to. As
with John Secker, *time*, rather than money, is the necessity that is in
shortest supply in my pursuit of the hobby.

And FWIW, by the standards of almost any other adult (mostly) male hobby, I
think wargaming is a bargain.

A nice shotgun can run you $800 -- the cost of 2 100 figure 25mm
professionally painted armies. A new set of titanium head golf clubs, balls,
along with a year's golf membership at a decent country club, $8000. A nice
bass boat, several times that price. A dear lease, several rifles, ammo,
camo gear, 4WD hunting vehicle, reloading equipment, etc., at least this
much. My 4 Dallas Cowboys season tickets run ~$4000 per year, not including
the $400 or so spent on beer and bar-b-que at the games. And mistresses,
well, the expenses with that hobby are potentially limitless. Or so I'm
told...

So wargaming is pretty cheap in my opinion.

--Ty

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"Bob Jones" <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:73e9b810.0405221327.37cee0c2@posting.google.com...
> John Secker <john@secker.demon.co.uk> wrote in message news: So I'm in a
> > strong tactical position as far as the money goes, but what with helping
> > out with the horses on top of everything else, I don't actually have a
> > lot of time to do any panting or gaming anyway.
>
> BJ: My experience is that a little panting is required if you don't
> want your wife to really sour on wargame hobby.
>
> BJ

You have to paint your wife so she lets you wargame?

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote in message news:<10avckl4t999p96@corp.supernews.com>...
> "Bob Jones" <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:73e9b810.0405221055.5b91b5f@posting.google.com...
>
> > Also, there are items that have had price increases in excess of the
> > POL-among them real estate, many leisure activities such as sporting
> > events, tickets to entertainment events, fees to enter public museums,
> > zooz, etc., College tuition etc.
> >
>
> And the reverse is true. In 1980, gasoline in my part of the world was about
> $1 a gallon --$2.38 in 2002 dollars. I just filled up my 4WD SUV for $1.80
> per gallon -- and prices are outrageously high. Electronics are far cheaper
> now. My parents paid $400 for a 19" color TV in 1970 -- $1887 in 2002
> dollars. Video rentals are cheaper today than in 1985. And so on. I don't
> see any significant evidence that people are generally worse off today than
> they were in 1980. Indeed, the evidence that I have reviewed indicates that
> the reverse is true.

BJ: Actually, Ty, almost all economists make the point that people are
worse off today than 25 years ago. The US middle class has declining
numbers. The disparity between executive and worker pay is widening
and is percentage-wise close to pre-WWI class-dominated England!
College is less available to the working class. Autos are a much
higher percentage of family income. Insurance costs are much higher
and health care in the US is a scandal. In case you haven't noticed
the US now ranks 14th in quality of life. In 1980, it was number one.
If you can afford $4,000 for football tickets-perhaps you haven't
noticed.
>
> Wages, in constant dollars are higher now than in 1980. Last time I looked
> at this, I believe the average worker in 1980 made about $240 per week in
> 2003 dollars. His 2003 counterpart made about $515 per week in 2003 dollars.
> In other words, the average US worker today can buy about twice as much as
> his 1980 counterpart.

BJ: Again, you overlook such things as health insurance costs etc.
Trust me most people aren't twice as wealthy as they were 25 years
ago! It, again, illustrates just how bogus a straight comparison of
POL dollars can be.
>
> > So the issue becomes one of whether the hobby of miniature
> > wargaming-the primary expense of which is figures-now consumes a
> > greater share of income of a typical wargamer.
>
> No, I don't think that's the issue at all. You're attempting to confuse
> popularity with cost.

BJ: No, I'm saying that people have fewer discretionary dollars, and
wargaming's cost have not gone down proportionately. It has nothing to
do with popularity.
>
> I think that the issue is as I framed it -- whether wargaming is more
> expensive now than it was in 1980 (or whenever). The evidence so far seems
> to strongly indicate that the answer is no. Of course, I welcome any contra
> evidence you might care to reveal.

BJ: One interesting tidbit I noticed is that the price iof tin, which
is ostensibly fueling the recent increases in figure prices was
actually HIGHER in relative dollars in 1980! Tin hit a price of
$14.00+ a pound in 1992 Dollars!
>
> And wargaming -- like any other diversion -- has always had to compete with
> other potential uses for one's money and time.
>
> > I suspect that Model railroading and photography have
> > gone DOWN in relative share of money spent-while wargaming has gone
> > up.
>
> Not in my case, nor in the case of all of my personal wargaming buddies. I
> spend a far smaller proportion of my income on wargaming than I used to. As
> with John Secker, *time*, rather than money, is the necessity that is in
> shortest supply in my pursuit of the hobby.

BJ: Both model trains and photography have seen some relative cost
gains thanks to digital technology-something which the fairly luddite
hobby of miniature wargaming has not yet benefited from.

>
> And FWIW, by the standards of almost any other adult (mostly) male hobby, I
> think wargaming is a bargain.
>
> A nice shotgun can run you $800 -- the cost of 2 100 figure 25mm
> professionally painted armies. A new set of titanium head golf clubs, balls,
> along with a year's golf membership at a decent country club, $8000. A nice
> bass boat, several times that price. A dear lease, several rifles, ammo,
> camo gear, 4WD hunting vehicle, reloading equipment, etc., at least this
> much. My 4 Dallas Cowboys season tickets run ~$4000 per year, not including
> the $400 or so spent on beer and bar-b-que at the games. And mistresses,
> well, the expenses with that hobby are potentially limitless. Or so I'm
> told...
>
BJ: A gun lasts literally forever, and has good retained value. Not
so wargame armies; Care to try to sell an old 1980s Scruby, Heritage,
or Ral Partha army for more than a fraction of their cost?

One can hunt without owning a 4WD vehicle, or much else than a gun.
Golf does not require titanium clubs and a ritzy country club-though
since most golfers are Republicans, it might appear that they are a
necessity. $4,000 a year on football seats-why, TY! You're sounding
downright elitist! No wonder you want to keep the befuddled majority
in thrall to Limbaugh!!!

> So wargaming is pretty cheap in my opinion.

BJ: To someone with your income-no doubt, as for others...

Marie Antoinette never understood why the Parisians couldn't eat cake
when short of bread-either!

A 200 figure wargame army-fully painted-museum quality
-$1000-Mastercard

TY, convinced that everyone will find that inexpensive-Priceless!

BJ

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote in message news:<10avckl4t999p96@corp.supernews.com>...
> "Bob Jones" <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:73e9b810.0405221055.5b91b5f@posting.google.com...
>>
> And the reverse is true. In 1980, gasoline in my part of the world was about
> $1 a gallon --$2.38 in 2002 dollars. I just filled up my 4WD SUV for $1.80
> per gallon -- and prices are outrageously high.

BJ: $1.80! In Colorado regular is over $2.00-On the West Coast it's
$2.25-$2.50! No change, other than up in sight! Better unload that
SUV (predictable) and get a Prius, or at least a drivable automobile
that doesn't require an attending fuel truck. At least mothball your
battleship until all that cheap Iraqi oil comes flooding in as you
predicted.

Electronics are far cheaper
> now. My parents paid $400 for a 19" color TV in 1970 -- $1887 in 2002
> dollars.

BJ: Checked the price of HDTV sets (the truer equivalent to 1980
color)? $2-3,000 minimum. Analog sets are artificially cheap,
because they will be disappearing in a couple of years, and are
obsolescent.


Video rentals are cheaper today than in 1985.

BJ: Again, an obsolescent technology being replaced by cable, internet
downloads, and other forms of digital delivery. Sell that Blockbuster
stock-fast!


BJ

 

[donnie]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

On 22 May 2004 14:27:31 -0700, highwiremedia@earthlink.net (Bob Jones)
wrote:

>John Secker <john@secker.demon.co.uk> wrote in message news: So I'm in a
>> strong tactical position as far as the money goes, but what with helping
>> out with the horses on top of everything else, I don't actually have a
>> lot of time to do any panting or gaming anyway.
>
>BJ: My experience is that a little panting is required if you don't
>want your wife to really sour on wargame hobby.
>
>BJ

Gee I hope you meant "painting" I'm 55!

I don't mind painting the kitchen so I can wargame. (It's not like
she'll ever see it <g> )

Donnie

 

[donnie]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

On Sat, 22 May 2004 15:10:36 -0500, "Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote:

>"Bob Jones" <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>news:73e9b810.0405221055.5b91b5f@posting.google.com...
>
>> Also, there are items that have had price increases in excess of the
>> POL-among them real estate, many leisure activities such as sporting
>> events, tickets to entertainment events, fees to enter public museums,
>> zooz, etc., College tuition etc.
>>
>
>And the reverse is true. In 1980, gasoline in my part of the world was about
>$1 a gallon --$2.38 in 2002 dollars. I just filled up my 4WD SUV for $1.80
>per gallon -- and prices are outrageously high. Electronics are far cheaper
>now. My parents paid $400 for a 19" color TV in 1970 -- $1887 in 2002
>dollars. Video rentals are cheaper today than in 1985. And so on. I don't
>see any significant evidence that people are generally worse off today than
>they were in 1980. Indeed, the evidence that I have reviewed indicates that
>the reverse is true.
>
>Wages, in constant dollars are higher now than in 1980. Last time I looked
>at this, I believe the average worker in 1980 made about $240 per week in
>2003 dollars. His 2003 counterpart made about $515 per week in 2003 dollars.
>In other words, the average US worker today can buy about twice as much as
>his 1980 counterpart.
>
>> So the issue becomes one of whether the hobby of miniature
>> wargaming-the primary expense of which is figures-now consumes a
>> greater share of income of a typical wargamer.
>
>No, I don't think that's the issue at all. You're attempting to confuse
>popularity with cost.
>
>I think that the issue is as I framed it -- whether wargaming is more
>expensive now than it was in 1980 (or whenever). The evidence so far seems
>to strongly indicate that the answer is no. Of course, I welcome any contra
>evidence you might care to reveal.
>
>And wargaming -- like any other diversion -- has always had to compete with
>other potential uses for one's money and time.
>
>> I suspect that Model railroading and photography have
>> gone DOWN in relative share of money spent-while wargaming has gone
>> up.
>
>Not in my case, nor in the case of all of my personal wargaming buddies. I
>spend a far smaller proportion of my income on wargaming than I used to. As
>with John Secker, *time*, rather than money, is the necessity that is in
>shortest supply in my pursuit of the hobby.
>
>And FWIW, by the standards of almost any other adult (mostly) male hobby, I
>think wargaming is a bargain.
>
>A nice shotgun can run you $800 -- the cost of 2 100 figure 25mm
>professionally painted armies. A new set of titanium head golf clubs, balls,
>along with a year's golf membership at a decent country club, $8000. A nice
>bass boat, several times that price. A dear lease, several rifles, ammo,
>camo gear, 4WD hunting vehicle, reloading equipment, etc., at least this
>much. My 4 Dallas Cowboys season tickets run ~$4000 per year, not including
>the $400 or so spent on beer and bar-b-que at the games. And mistresses,
>well, the expenses with that hobby are potentially limitless. Or so I'm
>told...
>
>So wargaming is pretty cheap in my opinion.
>
>--Ty
>
Well just starting off with the comment that petrol is heading for
£4.00 (that's about $7.00 a gallon here in the UK !!!!!)

And whilst I don't have Ty's four wheel drive AFV substitute I do
drive a 944 Porsche.

A DVD here costs about £15.00 when first released which incidentally
makes it a bargain to wait for the DVD instead of going to the Cinema.
(Crowds, talking, petrol etc all for about £5.00 each for a one off
showing.)

I think the real cost of wargaming is in the painting. Now Ty mainly
plays with AFVs which can be used with very basic painting, but try
doing that with Napoleonics and you have one very unattractive hobby,
and given the incredible realism of computer games like Combat Mission
or board games like Fire In The East, if you don't have well painted
figures (and that pre-supposes money or talent) then your hobby is
nowhere near a cheap as it was.

Does anyone have any figures on the cost of professionally painted
figures back in the 70s or 70s ?

Donnie.

 

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Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

I will be moving to Ft. Myers, FL shortly. ANy gamers or stores in the
immediate area?
"Donnie" <donnie@dinonino.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:kmbsa09c1m4cfvvtesn2teq01ek68or3v2@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 21 May 2004 06:50:51 -0500, "Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote:
>
> >A followup. I found a review of Ral Partha 25mm historicals in the
Sep-Oct
> >1978 issue of Campaign magazine. They cost "40 cents each". $1.29 each in
> >2002 dollars. Ral Partha 25s are "true" 25s, so they are noticeably
smaller
> >than the "large" 25s sold by Old Glory or Foundry. Old Glory's figures
cost
> >about $1.10 each, and are bigger than Ral Partha's figures. I also think
> >that Old Glory figures are more detailed than my Ral Partha historicals,
> >though we should remember that RP had the most detailed figures *at that
> >time*.
> >
> >In the May-June 1976 issue of Panzerfaust, there's a review of Classic
> >Warfare, ancients rules from TSR (8,5x11, 66 pages). Cost is $10, or
$32.16
> >in 2002 dollars. Compare to Warhammer Ancients -- $29. Or Armati II --
$28.
> >
> >Same issue -- 5 polyhedral dice for $4.00 or 80 cents each. $2.57 each in
> >2002 dollars. I pay about 60 cents each at my local game store.
> >
> >So it looks to me like our hobby isn't really any more expensive now...
> >
> >--Ty
> >
> Will you tell my wife?

LOL.. Thanks I needed the laugh

 

[ty]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"Bob Jones" <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> BJ: Both model trains and photography have seen some relative cost
> gains thanks to digital technology-something which the fairly luddite
> hobby of miniature wargaming has not yet benefited from.

You might consider that one who rejects Piquet is not necessarily a luddite.
He may simply prefer games where skill determines the outcome more than
luck.

--Ty

 

[ty]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"Bob Jones" <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:73e9b810.0405231530.384c31a9@posting.google.com...
> "Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote in message
news:<10avckl4t999p96@corp.supernews.com>...
> > "Bob Jones" <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > news:73e9b810.0405221055.5b91b5f@posting.google.com...
> >>
> > And the reverse is true. In 1980, gasoline in my part of the world was
about
> > $1 a gallon --$2.38 in 2002 dollars. I just filled up my 4WD SUV for
$1.80
> > per gallon -- and prices are outrageously high.
>
> BJ: $1.80! In Colorado regular is over $2.00-On the West Coast it's
> $2.25-$2.50! No change, other than up in sight! Better unload that
> SUV (predictable) and get a Prius, or at least a drivable automobile
> that doesn't require an attending fuel truck.

I'll continue to drive my beloved Ford Expedition until I replace it with a
Hummer, if it's all the same to you. And my point is unchanged -- gas is
cheaper today than in 1980.

> > Electronics are far cheaper
> > now. My parents paid $400 for a 19" color TV in 1970 -- $1887 in 2002
> > dollars.
>
> BJ: Checked the price of HDTV sets (the truer equivalent to 1980
> color)? $2-3,000 minimum.

A 32" HDTV is about $700-800 at the local mass market retailers. And a 19"
color TV is about $200. My point remains valid.

Sorry Bob, your hysterical overreaction fails to convince.

--Ty

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

In message <f6i1b0luijr08avv2ib7pg6unurs7cbos2@4ax.com>, Donnie
<donnie@dinonino.fsnet.co.uk> writes
>On 22 May 2004 14:27:31 -0700, highwiremedia@earthlink.net (Bob Jones)
>wrote:
>
>>John Secker <john@secker.demon.co.uk> wrote in message news: So I'm in a
>>> strong tactical position as far as the money goes, but what with helping
>>> out with the horses on top of everything else, I don't actually have a
>>> lot of time to do any panting or gaming anyway.
>>
>>BJ: My experience is that a little panting is required if you don't
>>want your wife to really sour on wargame hobby.
>>
>>BJ
>
>Gee I hope you meant "painting" I'm 55!
>
Well I'm 48 and I'm still up to a little panting.
--
John Secker

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

Out from under a rock popped Ty and said

> I dispute your typically condescending characterization of wargamers
> as luddites. Of course, I am amused that a pretentious twerp like you
> feels he has the right to condescend to *anyone*. But that's a
> different discussion.

I would struggle to find a luddite amongst all of the gamers I know,
whether war gamers or RPGers.

--
rob singers
pull finger to reply
Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere

 

[ty]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"Robert Singers" <rsingers@finger.hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Xns94F36E3062BEFrsingers@IP-Hidden...
> Out from under a rock popped Ty and said
>
> > I dispute your typically condescending characterization of wargamers
> > as luddites. Of course, I am amused that a pretentious twerp like you
> > feels he has the right to condescend to *anyone*. But that's a
> > different discussion.
>
> I would struggle to find a luddite amongst all of the gamers I know,
> whether war gamers or RPGers.

Me too. Even the least computer literate (for instance) wargamers that I
know are still more tech savvy than the average citizen. I think it's just
another one of Bob's tiresome mantras designed to make him feel superior.

--Ty

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

In message <73e9b810.0405231333.14767736@posting.google.com>, Bob Jones
<highwiremedia@earthlink.net> writes
>BJ: Actually, Ty, almost all economists make the point that people are
>worse off today than 25 years ago. The US middle class has declining
>numbers.
Really? Over what timescale? In the UK the reverse is true - the middle
class has grown substantially, and the working class has shrunk
accordingly. I'm talking about the last 25-40 years, roughly.
--
John Secker

 

[ty]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"John Secker" <john@secker.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:WZH1luFNkSsAFw50@secker.demon.co.uk...
> In message <73e9b810.0405231333.14767736@posting.google.com>, Bob Jones
> <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> writes
> >BJ: Actually, Ty, almost all economists make the point that people are
> >worse off today than 25 years ago. The US middle class has declining
> >numbers.
> Really? Over what timescale? In the UK the reverse is true - the middle
> class has grown substantially, and the working class has shrunk
> accordingly. I'm talking about the last 25-40 years, roughly.

Well, as a single example, economist Thomas Freidman -- hardly a Bush
administration shill -- argues the same thing that you do in "The Lexus and
the Olive Tree".

I think Bob just missed his Prozac dose today.

--Ty

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

John Secker <john@secker.demon.co.uk> wrote in message news:<WZH1luFNkSsAFw50@secker.demon.co.uk>...
> In message <73e9b810.0405231333.14767736@posting.google.com>, Bob Jones
> <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> writes
> >BJ: Actually, Ty, almost all economists make the point that people are
> >worse off today than 25 years ago. The US middle class has declining
> >numbers.
> Really? Over what timescale? In the UK the reverse is true - the middle
> class has grown substantially, and the working class has shrunk
> accordingly. I'm talking about the last 25-40 years, roughly.

For starters see:

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/20/magazine/20INEQUALITY.html?ex=1085457600&en=5a58d346e89da68c&ei=5070&pagewanted=print&position=top

A rather prescient article from 1983:

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/ecbig/declkutt.htm

The issue, as Rush Limbaugh encourages his listeners to believe, is
the American illusion that all 100% of us will somehow fit in that top
5% income percentile, by either hard work, American Idol, or the
lottery. The wealthy are also very fond of claiming middle class
status even when making a salary in excess of $100,000. Sometimes it
seems as if only Bill Gates and Rupert Murdoch have never claimed to
be middle class in the US. Everyone else is firmly convinced they are
middle class (in income at least) even Ty. The very rich are well
served by this as they blend into that group of self-described middle
class people who actually are in the top 5% of all income.

BJ

 

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Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)

"Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote in message news:<10b2e3jru29m7fa@corp.supernews.com>...
> "Bob Jones" <highwiremedia@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:73e9b810.0405231530.384c31a9@posting.google.com...
> > "Ty" <tbeardSPAM@tyler.net> wrote in message
>
> I'll continue to drive my beloved Ford Expedition until I replace it with a
> Hummer, if it's all the same to you.

BJ: Hummer sales are down 16% and falling! Now's a good time to drive
a deal. You do know that the Hummer is just a Chevie Blazer chassis
with a quasi-military body? One of the lowest reliability ratings in
Consumer Reports? Terrible J.D. Power ratings? Keep the Ford-in the
realm of ludicrous vehicles it's actually superior to the Hummer.


>
> > > Electronics are far cheaper
> > > now. My parents paid $400 for a 19" color TV in 1970 -- $1887 in 2002
> > > dollars.
> >
> > BJ: Checked the price of HDTV sets (the truer equivalent to 1980
> > color)? $2-3,000 minimum.
>
> A 32" HDTV is about $700-800 at the local mass market retailers. And a 19"
> color TV is about $200. My point remains valid.

BJ: What are you talking about? Flat screen HDTV with tuner and gear
is North of $2000 in 28"-let alone 32". Rear-projection versions in
tht size are still well over $1800. You are talking about High
Definition TV? If the prices were that competitive the rate of
conversion (and broadcaster's spirits) would be much higher!

You might find some refurbished lower quality sets under a $1000, but
new, quality sets larger than 24"are still gonna set you back two
grand. That price will come down with the growth of users-but it's
still in the realm of early adopters and the faux middle class.

BJ