Yesterday, with the help of my wife who didn’t like all my kits piled on the floor, I organized my stash. Somehow when everything is put away, it seems less impressive.
I’ve heard of people who have 4000+ kits stashed away, but that always seems unlikely for most. That got me thinking, is my measly 22 kits typical, small, just right?
Since getting back into the hobby this year I’ve probably added 10 kits to my 30 year old stash. In fact, I just added two that I didn’t need, (because at my build rate I have a 5 year supply already), yesterday because the local hobby shop was having a 20% off sale and… We’ll you know, it was a sale!
The struggle is real!
Note, the B-1b is too large to fit on the shelf so it remained on the floor much to my wife’s disappointment.
I don’t have a stash per say, I keep around 10 kits on hand. Lets me be able to choose my next project while also not being a Horder. Personally I don’t see a point in collecting, keep what you are able to build, collecting raises prices and burdens the fam when you pass on. No disrespect to those that do collect, just not my thing. I also just keep them under my work table.
I can see your perspective, I doubt my 20 kits is raising the price in the market for others though.
For some of us, part of the fun of modeling is collecting (not hoarding). Some people collect stamps, others dolls, some bobble heads. Collecting can be hobby all by itself.
For me, I collect because it is fun and also because kits go out of production and then you are stuck with ebay. My B-1B that I bought years ago for $35 is now as much at $300 or more on ebay and that is the only way to get it.
I’m with you on this one. I have just what I need on hand for my current project, and stuff to enhance a diorama like barrels, Jerry cans, tools and the like.
It’s a pretty big one, it’s a 1/25 scale, but it looks to be about 12"-14" in length I believe. It looks like a fun one but it’s not easy from the videos I’ve watched on the builds.
Looked like there is just a lot going on, trying to hold multiple pieces at once while gluing, running the cable for the winch, multiple axles and drive lines to fit at the same time. Stuff like that. Not overly complicated just a lot going on. If I remember correctly the hood hinges forward and getting the alignment correct takes a lot of anger management and time.
With this being no shave November AND build a model month, the request for visuals of our stash could take on multiple meanings…
I’m a bit of a collector. I currently have more than 40 kits in my stash. I typically look for great deals on subjects I want to build and add it to my stash.
My stash is just three model kits stacked up in a corner, so not much. But I’d prefer no stash, actually, and just one model on the workbench, instead of my 5+ (yes, I’m not even sure how many I’m working on).
Some VERY nice stuff in your stash. No right or wrong here. My stash is at 200 and I won’t allow it to get any bigger… or so I say. I have a variety of tastes in subjects so that contributes to the sprawl. I don’t consider it collecting as I intend to build them. Part of the fun is researching a plane/car, finding the kit, decals etc and go through the parts/instructions 3 or 4 times before I ever build it. That x 200 is a lot of fun
I have a rule I try to stick to keeping under 200 - build 3, buy 1… and then there’s a sale somewhere or my birthday/christmas. It’s all fun. BTW I’d love to see you build that Osprey! I did the Italeri kit a few years back before the HB kit came out. That one can pose with the rotated wing yes?
I have about 35 kits in my stash. But I have another 80 or so kits that include figures, diorama extras, buildings and photo-etch detail sets for the 35 kits. I am a slow builder so I figure I will have to live to 143 before they all get built.
Hi, thank you and my stash process is much like yours, right now I’m on pause on the collection side (unless I find something I can’t live without that is otherwise discontinued so I have to get it now). I also dig through the kits, read the manual and otherwise get a lot of joy pre-build.
About the Osprey, that was one I found on the local hobby store shelf that had been sitting there since 2021 and the owner finally made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.
I’m finishing up the Korea group build this month, then I have an F-4 to do for a Japanese group build, then the Osprey is next up, probably Feb.
My goal is to have it finished for the big ipms show in June.
Yes, it is the one where everything folds up. I’ve yet to decide how I’m going to build it (open or in it’s garage version). Which way do you think it will show the best at a contest?
It isn’t hoarding, it is collecting!
My goal is to end my days with nothing in the stash for my family to have to deal with. As for the finished kits, the joy is always in the building and sharing, so whatever they do with them is fine, I won’t care at that point.
Thank you and yes, that is the goal. I also have a B-1b that is on the floor because it is too large for the shelf. I plan to build it with wings extended and flaps down so it will be huge. Those three together are going to need their own room!
I have 7 projects on the go at present. I am trying to get down to only two on the go at any one time. I am trying to get there by Spring 2026. Needless to say as I move from one project to the next (while waiting for glue or paint to dry), I have to keep careful notes on the progress of each project to be sure I pick up at the right point from when I left off. Perhaps not the best way to build, but never time to get bored or stuck on a project.
