[Cruver Collecter]

I have such a variety of collections, shoot it may just be a case of being a glorified Packrat. (Oooooh shiny sparkleis)

[SKUNKY]

I ponder this question frequently too....Like Top says, there is more than one answer, and like Cap says, you have to draw the line somewhere. Where that "somewhere" is can be different based upon individual circumstances.

If a person is trying to figure out what necessities he is going to cut back on in order to get that next "exclusive" release, I would say he has a serious problem. In my time on these forums I've read a lot of posts from guys who seem to have UPS dropping several shipments at a time off at their doorsteps on a very regular basis..

That seems excessive to me and I don't really even see how that's enjoyable, but to each his own. I like to "savor" each and every one before I even think of ordering another. I actually enjoy the research for my next purchase as much as I enjoy receiving it, and I don't acquire nearly as much diecast as I used to.

I do think that coming to these forums and tormenting you guys greatly enhances the diecast collecting experience for me, and I don't feel the need to actually own all this stuff, when I can collect vicariously thru all of you...

Like Elmer, I really didn't know how to vote on this one, so I chose "I'll never give up" because I feel that to some extent I will always be collecting these things.

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

Do you care to explain that remark.....Cardo ?
JP

Discretion is the better part of valour ...

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by Elmer

I have been seriously reflecting on this also, Cardo. For me, the timing of your post is relevant and appropriate. I haven't come to any conclusions yet. But, for what it is worth, here are my thoughts:

It is a hobby. I enjoy it, immensely. If I could, I would spend much more time indulging in it; however, other responsibilities (wife, kids, home, community, work, extended family, friends) require my time, energy, and money. I guess this gives me balance, but I often have feelings of resentment that so many things pull me away from indulging to my full satisfaction. Perhaps this is an indicator that I am obsessed/addicted; I don't know. But I do have restraints that I seem to be able to follow. For example, I have established rules (or, if you like, set up parameters) for ordering models. If a model I am interested in violates a rule or an established parameter, I don't buy. Here are the rules:

1. Do not preorder (unless the model is a limited edition with a history of absence of flaws, and can be ordered below MSRP).
2. Do not order a model unless it is written on my wishlist for at least 10 days.
3. Do not exceed three models per month.

Number one above saves me grief with models that may possibly turn out to be lemons. Number two above forces me to take time to consider a purchase. And number three above prevents the collection from growing unmanageable and also places limits on the amount of money I spend. Have I ever broken these rules? Yes, from time to time. But at least I try real hard to follow them.

I am interested to know who else tries to establish limits or sets rules for purchases?

Regarding your poll, Cardo... I haven't the foggiest idea how to vote!

I think you've posted some sage advice there Elmer and the principles you've mentioned are similar to what I apply in practice .


The poll allows for voting on more than one aspect and I also "haven't the foggiest idea how to vote!"

[Rush104]

Originally Posted by TopHat

If one spends money on diecast and, as a result, can not pay their mortgage or grocery bill, that person has a problem.

Good point. How else can obsession be defined?

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

I do think that coming to these forums and tormenting you guys greatly enhances the diecast collecting experience for me, and I don't feel the need to actually own all this stuff, when I can collect vicariously thru all of you...

Sage advice, Skunky! I am not worthy....

[TopHat]

Originally Posted by Rush104

Good point. How else can obsession be defined?

Another tell-tale sign would be hording.

If you have stacks of boxed diecast in your basement and you just can't bear to part with any of them, you may have a problem. I fell into the trap early on in my diecast collecting years of buying nearly everything that was released. Then I realized that I would not have space to display all of my treasures.....so, I found eBay and started selling off the "dross" from my collection. I still buy new releases, but I am much more choosy than I was back in the day.

Finally, if you find any dead Skunks or rodents behind the stacks of diecast boxes in your basement, you have a big problem and need to start selling those Corgi P-51 very quickly.....

[Epapazian]

I guess that my fascination is more with things military--mainly planes and tanks--rather than the exact process by which they are made. While diecast accounts for an ever increasing proportion of my collection, plastic, in various forms, still represents half of it. I like diecast's heft and relative ruggedness. On the other hand, one can make corrections, add missing parts, etc .far easier with plastic. So I am really not so concerned with the exact proportion of metal used, or plastic, so long as the replica is reasonably realistic, wont come apart at touch, and can be worked with when improvements are indicated.

[timbo]

Agree - it becomes a problem when you are spending every waking moment thinking about lumps of metal, and for-going everyday necessity's to own such lumps.

When I started collecting I bought quite a bit, mainly because there were a lot of schemes that I wanted. Since my back list has now largely been filled my collecting has slowed down immensely. Just a few planes on back-order waiting to come in.

Now this site is another matter. I often find myself straying to it when I should be doing something else!

[stalag8611]

An interesting question, Cardo. Every participant on this forum probably has his or her reason for collecting and justifying the expense of their hobby.
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In three weeks I’ll be 74 and I’ve been nuts about airplanes since my first ride with a barnstorming pilot in 1939. I was five years old and sat strapped in on my Dad’s lap. I was hooked then and I still am. So, collecting aircraft models of my growing-up years, WWII, has been my way to stay connected to the planes I loved, and to learn about the men who flew them. No, I haven’t forgotten the WAAFs.
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As the punch line to an old and funny Jewish jokes goes, I’m comfortable. Ergo, I have the financial resources to collect die cast models and, at the same time, travel, assist my daughters in getting mortgages, driving nice cars, contribute to worthy causes, and help my grandchildren with college expenses. You get my point. As long as I don’t hurt my family or friends, how I spend my discretionary income is my business. And the same hold true for anyone who visits this forum. Once I can’t do any of the above it’s an addiction or, at worst, a bad habit.
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The HM A-10 CT ANG and the CW A-7 on the pre-order list.