[DADoser]

For me - I'm not really sure what it is within the choices given.

My primary drive in this hobby (and I overwhelmingly do diecast WWII aircraft w/ some exceptions) is from a historical perspective - almost like having my own private mini air museum. I also have a great appreciation for the level of accuracy (read as "un-toy like") that the manufacturers deliver. (I know there are accuracy issues with a number of models - with no ONE model being perfect, but I think overall product in this hobby is pretty good....I mean we DO b*tch about stuff, yet we all, for the most part still buy plenty of it. )

I "love" my collection and wouldn't want to part with any of it - but if I HAD to, life would go on AND it would be pretty good. (I'd have more difficult issues if I had to give up sex! - marital sex.)

Diecast is not something I "do" - my display shelves are maxed and I have plenty of planes still in boxes - waiting for dislay space that will happen as my kids grow up and move out. I simply "look" at my collection - I don't modify them or really do anything with them. I do drag a couple models into the family room with me as I watch TV and admire them. [This is a very different hobby than when I was into 1/6 scale figures. In that hobby, I spent time building Vietnam and Modern era dios - modifying and weathering figures/uniforms/weapons.]

For me "doing diecast" means finding an old model for a price "I can't pass up." Its more about the hunt and acquiring a model with historical significance and/or simply an apealing/unique paint scheme. Once I get the model - for the most part it sits on a shelf or in its box waiting to be displayed. Additionally - this forum plays a huge impact in the enjoyment I get from the hobby. Being connected to others who have the same interest, yet vastly differing perspectives is great. I don't know that this hobby would be as enjoyable without the "connection." That doesn't mean I wouldn't be in the hobby without a discussion forum - but it really does enhance it for me.

Lately I'm at the point where I REALLY have to want a new model before I put down $35+ (for a Corgi single engined fighter). I have only bought 1 Corgi 2007 release - and I only bought that one because it was on sale at a local dealer. My other new 2007 release purchases have been a handfull of Gemini and HobbyMaster purchases. What I've found myself doing more this year is going back and seeking out older models that were out before I started into this hobby - and when I find those, only if it is a really good deal. I try not to go over the retail price of when that model was released. And I've had pretty great luck in filling out my collection.

There are very few old models (at this point) that I feel a need to add to my collection. And also, I feel I can limit myself pretty well with the upcoming new releases. I'm pretty good with this hobby and don't see myself getting out of it (ever), but I also see my purchases slowing down. I find myself asking "Do I really need that model?" often. It kinda getts into a post I made earlier tonight in the FOV thread "Why? Why? Why..." How many 1:72 Corsairs does one man really need?

This might sound a little silly here, but I'll post it anyway...
(There is no guilt or judgement here.)
From a spiritual sense - sometimes I wonder if I could use the money I spend on diecast for better things - i.e Did I REALLY need to buy that FOV plane today at Target? Could I have used that $13.79 to feed or help someone a little less fortunate than myself? That's NOT coming from a perspective of sell everything in my collection and give to the poor - its more of a "how many planes do I really need and could I use that money for better things in a spiritual sense? Again, that is just a personal lament or confession - not trying to come of as judgemental or superior.

Good, challenging post/question. Thanks for presenting the question.

[smartd]

The title says diecast, I doubt if anyone here collects only diecast airplanes. Most, if not all of us, collect other objects as they relate to our particular interests, Pez, books, cars, trains, Hot Wheels, photographs, rubber ducks etc.

We may have other forums where we meet other people to discuss other aspects of our collecting lives.
We have many and varied reasons for collecting diecast airplanes and many and varied rules we self impose on how we collect.

Some probably live in smaller towns where access to others with similar hobbies is limited, where there is no access to a local hobby store or model club. Some will live in large metropolitan areas with lots of access to hobby stores and clubs. Some may have accessibility problems which precludes their getting out easily.

This forum gives us the ability to make new friends and acquaintances on a daily basis, not just the third Tuesday of the month.

It's not collecting, in whatever form or object, that is an addiction to most of us, it is the need to socialize and be accepted within our peer group. Most of us will more readily admit to being addicted to this forum than to the hobby because within this forum we realize our need to be social animals and are accepted by others with a common, but not necessarily exclusive interest.

....... or we could all be obsessive compulsive about collecting diecast airplanes.....

[Shawn 507]

I don't how to answer the poll either. I was thinking the other day that of the models available, I have all that I want save Corgi's Mount and Ride. But even then I don't have the space for another B-17.
I do have a weak spot for Gemini's P-51Bs and Dragon's / HM's Hellcats. Waiting for a Atlantic TBM Avenger from HM, and Gemini's Skyraiders. But I'm pretty happy right now. If we ever see 1/72nd Helldivers, FJ-3/4 Furys, long nosed Phantoms, C-47 in military paint or a B-29 I'll be in trouble. But for now I'm content waiting to see what comes next.

[admin]

It's an obsession, and an addiction that I've tried to give it up but failed miserably.

I probably never will give it up.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by admin

It's an obsession, and an addiction that I've tried to give it up but failed miserably.

I probably never will give it up.

THANK GOODNESS, at least for us Model Hanger members!

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

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 think Skunky nailed it on the head: research prior to purchase is not only enjoyable, it is important. I enjoy the historical accuracy of a model, and nothing irks me more than a model released with an incorrect, or mis-reseached serial number, or a livery attached to a variant that is historically incorrect. After acquiring a few like this, I learned to do my research before buying.

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

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.

OK... I finally voted "I'll never give up" also. I came to this conclusion after reflecting on my fascination with models as a child. I must admit, I never grew out of the fascination, and I don't want to. I am 43. I still feel the passion I had when I was 13.

It is interesting, though, to reflect on the leading vote getters at this point: benign hobby vs. obsessive and addictive. Makes me wonder who is really being honest?

[Captain Eddie]

I voted for obsessive and addictive, but (somewhat) did that as a humorous vote, kind of took it light-heartedly. Guess I should have paid more attention to the word "serious" inthe title. It can be rather addictive, but that, at least in my case, is easily controlled, in part due to my having most of what I want, with the (forced) exception of WW I aircraft. I do have an Se5a and an Albatros on pre-order with the Mule, however.

[HotTrap429]

It's just one simple hobby out of several. I buy what I like and can afford. I never feel compelled to buy anything just because everyone else does. As to this forum, I check in once or twice a week (down from 3 to 4 times a day last year) to see what the latest is.

[JustPlaneNuttz]

I don't know how to answer this one either -- other than I know for me it isn't an addiction (as I have my spending WELL in control) and it isn't an obsecession. So I suspect it may be a hobby. But as much as I enjoy this, I do find the act of: Buy, Unbox, Display, Repeat -- rather thin for a hobby. Yet -- I am fascinated by it. I suspect it may have more to do with this environment mixed in with my love for aviation. I too only bought 1 piece for 2007 (now 2) yet I angonized over it for a whole number of reasons for weeks before I laid out my cash. Next year may be only 1 or 2 as well.

Honestly guys, I really don't know how to add this up, other that I really do enjoy many aspects of it.

[Rush104]

Originally Posted by JustPlaneNuttz

I don't know how to answer this one either -- other than I know for me it isn't an addiction (as I have my spending WELL in control) and it isn't an obsecession. So I suspect it may be a hobby. But as much as I enjoy this, I do find the act of: Buy, Unbox, Display, Repeat -- rather thin for a hobby. Yet -- I am fascinated by it. I suspect it may have more to do with this environment mixed in with my love for aviation. I too only bought 1 piece for 2007 (now 2) yet I angonized over it for a whole number of reasons for weeks before I laid out my cash. Next year may be only 1 or 2 as well.

Honestly guys, I really don't know how to add this up, other that I really do enjoy many aspects of it.

I answered this as being both an addiction and an obsession. Just my opinion, but I think the obsession part deals with wanting to hear news of upcoming models, more than it applies to compulsively buying models that are already out.
How would my diecast collecting be classified? I don't know. As I said on a previous thread, I tend to binge buy. I may buy anywhere from 6-12 models in a single day or week; however I can also go 3-5 months between purchases if there is nothing currently on the market that appeals to me. I do place a limited amount of pre-orders, but I usually wait for a model to actually hit the market before I commit to purchasing it.
I find the thrill to be more in the chase than in the actual purchase. Once I buy a model, it's done, and it's time to start looking at others that may be coming down the pike...