Production vs Pre-production - Opinions please?!

[Caswellbot]

Its true to say that you can touch and display whatever you want though Rich. Be it Production or preproduction.

Its horses for courses and there are lures either way. There is no right or wrong in collecting its just what gets you I suppose. I think whatever it is, it has to be something you are passionate about if you are going to invest time and money into it.

Nostalgia, display space and budgets always have a big part to play.

The way I see it is that these toys are like drugs. Some can stay hooked on loosies with no temptation to progress on to "harder substances". For some people loose figures are the ultimate gateway and things can quickly spiral. There are some that will say "I feel comfortable collecting this but Ill never touch that"; and then there's a few that like going out on a Friday and waking up on Sunday! :wink:

 

[batman]

As a focus collector the two go hand in hand to me.There's enough production stuff out there that's rare enough for me to be searching for the rest of my days but to actually own something that has been part of the production process would be the icing on the cake.
i guess it's the same reason i like the vinyl cape jawas, it's not the "rarity" or the value that goes with it, it is the earliest representation of a figure that has been in production from SW to POTF and has had numerous incarnations since and that makes them special to me.
My cardback collection will never be complete without a revenge proof so i'm sure i'll get one of those some day but the 3d jawa pre production stuff is just so rare and expensive i'm verry glad there are collectors who share pictures of them with the rest of us.I recently found out there's a one legged jawa acetate out there, i could never own it without moving to a better neighbourhood or installing a vault in my house but i would be prepared to pay a fee just to see what the original sculpt looks like.

 

[Dark Sith Lord]

Simply put, even if pre production pieces trump production pieces in almost every category (rarity, importance, displayability etc) they just don't appeal to the majority of collectors.

People normally collect what they played with as a child. Proof cards and hardcopies don't really fit the bill for collectors who are just trying to rekindle their youth with some loose figures and vehicles. It's very rare that anyone ever starts out collecting pre prod because there is a lot to learn, the prices are quite high and I honestly think you have to have gained an interest and appreciation in them over time to actually want to collect stuff like that.

I tend to find the people that are the most interested in pre prod have been around a decent amount of time. They've chased, bought and sold production stuff, finished off a loose set, gone after coins and whatever else and they jump into the pre prod world where they usually find it a much more rewarding area of the hobby. The items they are buying played a part in the creation of the toys they love after all and are in many cases truly unique. It then becomes glaringly obvious to them that spending money on production items isn't worth it really because hardly any of them are "rare" at all.

I think Joe sums it up perfectly!

 

[Richard_H]

I agree Chris there's no right or wrong in this and that's what makes this hobby so fun. I don't understand the allure of pre-production, MOC, MISB, AFA etc as it's the loose objects I enjoy as I can relate to it.
Actually that's wrong, I do understand why some people collect these that's not the right word.

 

[Caswellbot]

I know what you mean rich. I think one of the big attractions for me is the challenge that is presented trying to put together a preprodution run. Im very interested in the history of the toys and the various phases of preproduction. Often the thrill is in the chase.

Chris.

 

[Doomseeker]

I'm all about Production Items, especially boxed Vehicles and playsets as I finished my loose figure run years ago (apart from a VCJ...give it time) But I've always had a soft spot for the unusual and unique items.

Having taken hold of a 2-1B Revenge proof from Bram this morning I can certainly see the appeal in solely collecting Pre-Production items, however due to the prices on these items they are out of most peoples price brackets as a focus...I've bought one and I'm done (he says!) It's nice to own an unusual piece of the history of our hobby, that is the main reason I wanted a proof.

There is no winner in my eyes in the Production vs Pre Production debate, each to their own and what they most enjoy collecting and displaying. As always though it's great to hear people's opinions on matters like this

Gary

 

[Grant_C]

Just wanted to say that pre-production collectors always display their figures in single file.

 

[Bramistuta25]

Just wanted to day that pre-production collectors always display their figures in single file.

How dare you sir! You cad.

Mine will be displayed in diorama form. Once they are finished!

 

[mumbo]

EDIT - wrong thread :lol: