[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by Rush104

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.

Interesting way to define 'obsession'. I would agree with that. I've always considered an obsession a near-dangerous trap, yet your interpretation makes it sound charmingly enjoyable. I like it. Perhaps this is a large part of the lure that keeps us coming back for more?


(Oh yes, I finally voted: Seriously, I would say a benign hobby.)

[Kaptin_Kirk]

This hobby is an addiction and my wife thinks I should go to rehab.

[SkyBuffalo]

Like Skunky, I enjoy the information gathering and learning related to getting new models. I'm in it for the history.

But as an indication whether it is a benign hobby vs. an obsession vs. and addiction, part of it depends upon what percentage of your income you spend on it. Something like this for general round numbers :

1-2% of your income spent on diecast would make it a benign hobby

5% of your income spent on diecast would make it an obsession

10% or more of your income spent on diecast would make it an addiction. Especially if you have to start making choices between necessities and diecast.

This is all relative depending on your income, though. Spending $1000 per year on diecast would be a benign hobby for a successful doctor while it would be an addiction for a near minimum wage job.

[lanslide]

Well...I thought I had my "hobby" in control before I met you guys! Since then I've been seduced to buy 5 Century Wings models and Hobby Master's Buffalo, Hellcat, and Mirage. Oh...and you talked me into buying Gemini Aces and Carousel 1's Fw190 too! Thanks a lot guys - no really - THANKS A LOT! My collection has never looked better! I think I have a problem though because I have not figured out a way to display them all yet. I think I must be a "hoarder" and that is hard for me to admit. Also, my wife is not happy at all with my collection. Oh well - put me down for "obsessed".

[Ara1]

Compulsion is more like it, around my house.

[jim]

Maybe we should call it a passion rather than an obsession.

The whole history of aviation is driven by the human desire to explore and to drive forward into the unknown.


This makes for a fascinating subject to research and collect small examples of the main players in aviation.
Not only are there have some remarkable machines to study but aviation has bred some of the most amazing people ever to walk on the planet (and fly around it).
Great acts of heroism and daring abound throughout its history, surely this makes aviation a great subject to study and enjoy.

The purchase of diecast replicas is then a natural progression to make. Having beautifully made miniatures of the real thing to handle display and enjoy is a way to increase our understanding of our study and research.
I do not think diecast are a means in themselves more just another aspect of our interest in all things aeronautical.

Speaking for myself ,I have always had an intense fascination with aviation and model collecting is just one extension of that.
After I had discovered diecast I went "full on" to fill a display cabinet with examples of all the planes I had seen and read about and that formed the major part of my interests.

I am very proud of my collection now and I have reached the happy stage where I have most of the aircraft that interest me.
Now I just like to add to the collection only when I see something that fits in with my particular sphere of interest and has that something special about it.

We all perhaps think this hobby is expensive but I have a good friend that happly spends $1500 on a new camera for his hobby, thats a lot of diecast.
Another friend of mine has just bought a new fishing rod that cost him well over $400, again that would buy a lot of diecast.
Its all relative and it would be a miserable life if we all worked but never saw any pleasure for our labours.

If any hobby causes financial problems in the home then it is a dangerous obsession but I think forum members are examples of the happy paradox of being crazy but sensible at the same time.
Crazy over our hobbies but keeping within the bounds of reason (mostly)!

Now how do I find the money for that Halifax?

[Cavtanker]

I tell my wife you can sell my collection when I am dead. My hobby doesn't take me out of the house and is not nearly as expensive as other hobbies. And it's not as if I am spending the money on alcohol, gambling, and other vices. I'm just spending it on a lot of diecast and plastic military vehicles...

Here's my other hobby...raising a 3-month old puppy

[SKUNKY]

Cav, that's one of the best pictures I've ever seen on this forum......and it's not even diecast.....or is it?

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by Cavtanker

Here's my other hobby...raising a 3-month old puppy

Oh man, that is SO cute! I am such a sucker for pups! I agree -- BEST PHOTO!

[lanslide]

He's got a pretty good camouflage scheme going on there too! He's blending in with the sofa!