Hi, thanks for the warm welcome and the advice, much appreciated, thanks very much. I've taken it all on board.
I've already made a couple of big mistakes, undoubtedly!!
I bought a recarded Wicket from Ebay, it was £13 and thought it was a bargain until I looked more closely. I'd already pushed the button then waited a week in vain for somebody to out bid me. They didn't. Probably too late on the Palitoy advice unfortunately..
Somebody asked about the Palitoys.
I've amassed an alternative version of Palitoy's with real life battle damage. I've got a 30a Luke, his head has broken the bubble- card is decent though and weapons still taped, I just bought the 30a Ben from ebay with the hinge- love that card, probably overpaid, also have a 30a Lando with pen mark on the back- definitely overpaid. As well as for no particular reason 2 palitoy 41 back lobots (no idea why I did that) and a 2-1 b 41 or 45 palitoy which is creased to the max. I also just bought the 12a Palitoy Sand people from ebay- i didn't have a tusken raider-overpaid. My pride possession is a 70 grade 12a han , the card is faded (spent too much on it, but you only live once ((or do you))).
Unfortunately for my wallet I'm drawn to the MOCs and especially the Palitoys. I have a collection of loose from my childhood which I need to revisit and see if the Yak man is in there.
I really appreciate the advice on prices being a minefield, i'm sure I've overpaid on all of the above, especially the Han, and spent a fair bit... I'm not that fussy though on quality or them being graded so have picked up some rare cards at hopefully a fraction of nm price (but still probably over the odds), realtively happy with the motley crew of half damaged and faded misfits- which might save me some money- although might mean they're with me til the grave.
I've also bought some esb and rotj cards. Thinking about it, quite a lot of money-in total.
Still...
I've put some of the favourites in front of me on the bookcase, it's weird, but I get a genuine sense of real satisfaction from seeing them (I'm hoping i'm not alone). Some better pieces, an afa 80 Boba ROTJ 77 back desert scene, an afa 80 31 back luke bespin, han 12a Palitoy and an afa 75 esb imperial stormtrooper 41 back- what a card that is. I'm also a big fan of jawa on his esb card, a great image, the little guy packs a big punch.
I've looked at the showcases and there is some unbelievable efforts going on. Special mention to Gary OMG. The Fett run and the Palitoys! Phenomenal.
I think it's amazing to own something of which there might be less than 100, in some cases, in the World. I really enjoy also learning the mistakes and finding out more, I'd like to become more knowledgeable, it's a real privilege to be able to own some of these things.
Any idea on how many 12 a or 40+ grade 30 a Palitoys there are out there anybody? Can't be that many, even my mate Luke with his burst head is still pretty special I reckon.
Cheers guys,
James
BTW I've got an option on a bespin Trilogo Luke- afa 75- how much would it be worth paying please?