Well, in the method of construction currently used it is understandable. However im sure that some out side the box thinking could allow for different construction techniques that acheive similar results.
For instance if you were to break the model down to individual panels and lay them out in a cad program, they could be machined into a pattern.
I can easily see that the details are huge and the amount of individual parts are equally huge. However, material cost wise when looking at it from a manufacturing point of view is not any where near the price people seem to think.
Todays large format cnc machines can easily lay waiste to the most complex designs. The real cost is in the initial design of the cad files. Most of which talented individules have already started to construct in variouse non manufactureing disciplines. A 6-8 foot long galactica would cost very little if the pattern were machined on a large table from MDF and vacuume formed from sheet styrene. Even machining and partially assembleing the basic panels would be moldable.
The real point I guess is what would the manufacturing of such a coveted model do to its price. Would the availability of such a kit destroy its value and desire to build. Also from the point of view of the manufacturer, is such a huge model something to even consider, with the amount of space it will take up.
