Finished up a pair of Flying Tigers from the 1/200 scale planes from Flight Deck Decals. I checked the AAAF selling prices on eBay and two would cost me $75. I think for a total of $18 and 1 hour of time priming, painting, and adding decals, these were a bargain. The biggest investment were the decals. I have decals enough for 10 more planes and my total cost would still be 1/2 of buying 2 on eBay.
For that price difference, the hand painted Flying Tigers are fine for my Chinese force.
3D printing and resin resources have been such a game changer for this market. There’s a lot to be said about a little paint saving you hundreds of dollars on a hobby.
That's true, but I still have to buy the authentic thing sometimes. Hungarian Toldi in my line of sight! LOL
I do like painting anyway. Certainly can expand the game options. It's amazing what this community has done with cards to support the expansion using 3D prints or sister ships.