[Gort]

Dictionary.com: COMPLETIST: "A collector who attempts to collect an example of every item in a particular field."

Reality: Some of us could no more cherry pick their favorite models than they could hang a horseshoe on the moon. For these poor wretches (and I say that lovingly ), owning every last model a manufacturer produces of a particular type and/or series of model is compulsory.

I know, ‘cause I used to be one. Until I got it through my thick metal helmet that I couldn’t afford every last Corgi and Dragon and (you name it) model made (past and present), I purchased practically everything I could get my hands on. It’s enough to curl your hair.

Nowadays I’m super selective. Not only does that save boat loads of cash, it also decelerates the battle for shelf space.

So, my fine, friendly forum fellows – are any of you completists? And if so, why so? And what do you collect? And if you could, would you get off the merry-go-round?

[skysurfer808]

I was highly into multi scaled complete collections, but now I've decided to focus mainly on 1/72. What I am looking for is different variants of different planes, though even there i've gotten multiples. To give an example, I have the RN Birdcage Corsair, the Boyington, the Hedrick Battle Worn, and the Death Rattlers F4U-4. Each represents a different model and livery of the Corsair. For portability, I'm holding on to my 1/100 Armours, and have managed to get examples of most of the major fighters of the War, with a few livery based duplicates. Theatre liveries also play a role for me, as do different pilots. I've got Adolf Galland's combat career (Bf 109E, Bf 109F, Me 262) and the same for Robin Olds (P-38, P-51, F-4). Also, I focus on specific themes, especially WW2 Naval Aviation, which I won't be giving up anytime soon.

Skysurfer808

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Gort

Dictionary.com: COMPLETIST: "A collector who attempts to collect an example of every item in a particular field."

Reality: Some of us could no more cherry pick their favorite models than they could hang a horseshoe on the moon. For these poor wretches (and I say that lovingly ), owning every last model a manufacturer produces of a particular type and/or series of model is compulsory.

I know, ‘cause I used to be one. Until I got it through my thick metal helmet that I couldn’t afford every last Corgi and Dragon and (you name it) model made (past and present), I purchased practically everything I could get my hands on. It’s enough to curl your hair.

Nowadays I’m super selective. Not only does that save boat loads of cash, it also decelerates the battle for shelf space.

So, my fine, friendly forum fellows – are any of you completists? And if so, why so? And what do you collect? And if you could, would you get off the merry-go-round?

My story is similar to yours Gort.. Without the helmet, of course..

[Spinnaker]

I was... until financial reality kicked in ;-) There is no way I can afford to have every model I want!

Now I am focussed on the "cherries", as Gort puts it. I have been ridding my collection of models I consider sub-standard, and instead hunting down the choicest pieces. eg. Recently I disposed of the Corgi Bf 109 of Walter Schroer (US32106) because the missing air filter, wrongly coloured spinner, and incorrect wheel colours had begun to really irk me. So out it went, and I replaced it with the much more accurate 49204 "Marseille" Messerschmidt (to my knowledge, only the name of the pilot was wrong with this one!).

[bsmith13]

I tend to be a selective completist...I have to have every airplane that appeals to me the most.

I started collecting diecast cars back in the mid-nineties. The first year was extremely expensive for me, as I felt I had to collect everything. And I mean EVERYTHING! Monetary pressure (or rather discretionary funds vacuum) forced me to reevaluate my habits. Every year, I would get rid of a lot of cars that in retrospect, I couldn't believe that I had ever purchased - they just didn't appeal to me. So then I came up with 'sub-areas' that I could collect, like "Mustangs", "Porsches" and "Ferraris" etc. After a few more years, it became evident that being a completist even in those limited areas was not smart, as I was still buying cars I didn't like, and getting rid of them later.

My car collecting habits are mainly under control now. Airplanes are a little different, because I can't "impulse buy" an airplane. I get one shot per month, and that is it. So I think about what I want a lot more. I don't think I could afford to own every single example of a particular series - that would rule out buying too many airplanes that I actually want (with the exception of 21st Century's 1/144 series). I have 10 Mustangs and 9 Spitfires out of a total of about 90 planes.

Space is also a huge factor, as I already have 3300 cars and 90 planes...where the heck am I gonna put all this stuff?

[flyXwire]

I can certainly relate to it, Gort.

I am one of them back in the early 90's in the action figure collecting arena, paritcularly Star Trek merchandise. I just have to have every figure released
and went as far as going for 'convention exclusives', promotional offers like for certain video games, etc...you name it I'll get it!!! I was that compulsively obsessed in my quests to insuring an extremely complete collection! Of course now I'm more selective in buying only the ones that absolutely I have to
have, thank goodness!

[Cavtanker]

I have every Dragon Armor Abrams, but that's it. I'd like to make a complete collection (either diecast or plastic-built by me) of all military vehicles in use in OIF, but that's some time in coming.

[Captain Eddie]

In answer to your question Gort.....nope, not even close.

[jim]

Well Ok I admit it although it will come as no surprise to many good folks on this forum, I have most of the P40s on offer.

I am trying to examine my latest P40 a GMP Texas Longhorn, (many thanks Mustangdriver you are a star).

At the moment Lorraine is blissfully unaware that this beauty has arrived and I intend to keep it that way.

Now if she would just go away for long enough I could have a good look at it.

When I get my new cabinet it will take pride of place with my Carousel models and I shall of course say that I bought it ages ago dear, its been up in the loft dont you remember?

[djjeffhall]

I like to think that I'm cutting back.

I also like to tell myself I've been very selective in what I get.

Of course, the problem is that I select this, select that, and and that one I'll select as well...... How the Hell did I end up selecting 200 diecast?

Is thet UPS with yet another box of selections?