Comments for Hawkeye's Squawkbox

Comment on Stash For Cash? by Bob Kremer

Bob Kremer — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:09:48 +0000

Great timing for that article Gerry! I’ve been way too busy this summer to do any modeling and have been using the spare time I do have to reassess my status in modeling and my collection in particular and have been in the process of selling off approximately 20-25% of my collection. Thinning down areas that I have lost interest in and getting rid of multiples has been a good thing. I’ve not been making big bucks but I’ve at least been getting a fair return on my original investments. It is nice to make some more room in the basement though!

Comment on Stash For Cash? by John Barron Jr.

John Barron Jr. — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:12:30 +0000

Your article was a very timely one. When you are working and making money, and have an interest in modeling whether military,modeling railroading,or whatever the tendency to over extend yourself in what is purchased becomes all to real. I’m young, energic, and will have the time to build everything. However, due to circumstances situations may change, and as we become older and eventually face rertirement we find that we didn’t get as much modeling done as we would have liked. Consequently we find ourselves with an large inventory of unbuild models. The interest in the hobby is still very much alive, but how do we put what we have into some kind of prospective. Maybe we focus our interest in what we really would like to build and develop, and investigate the worth of what we would consider selling. You may have some really hot items in the collections that you don’t care for, but would be a real find for others. I have has some good success on e-bay, but in some cases I have not been as successful as I would have hoped. Again, it’s like gambling–play the game,take your chances,and hope things work. There are some really great state of the art models out there today, along with many items available to enhance older models, and if you are still building,the money you make on what you sell may be used to improve what you are currently interested in. Remember,as you continue to move into the twilight of this life take stock of what you have,and make sure someone knows about the value of what we have been collecting.

Comment on Stash For Cash? by Chris Rottiers

Chris Rottiers — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:38:43 +0000

Hawkeye:
With a basement full of models (I do run a dehumidifier down there during the summer months) I finally decided to get a handle on a 35 year collection myself. I’ve been inventorying my collection since the first of the year and will probably need the rest of this year just to get through the rest of the models. Realizing that I will never live long enough to build them all, I still continue to add to the “collection” knowing that when the day comes when I can finally retire, I won’t have to shell out a lot of money in order to find something to do. It also makes sense to record what I paid for things and what the replacement cost would be if the items needed to be replaced. If the family should have to liquidate the collection due to something happening to me, at least they would have an idea what I paid for my kits and not unknowingly sell a $50.00 kit for 50 cents at a garage sale. As for the bad economy, I usually purchase my kits at discounted prices and approach the hobby with the idea that in most cases, I can recoup what I’ve got into it given time and patience. I’ve sold models at club contests and while I’ve sold some for less than I paid, I also sold some for more than I’ve paid with the end result of breaking even and rotating in new inventory. I feel for those who have to sell their models to make ends meet. I’ve been in shops and seen the disappointment on the faces of those selling their models back for pennies on the dollars. I guess the only other thing I can add is 1.) It’s just a hobby so don’t depend on it to bail you out in hard times. 2.) Know what you’ve got and have a good record of it. 3.) Make your wishes known for the disposal and set it up to make it easier for your family to liquidate your collection in the event something should happen to you. 4.) Finally, have a good monitored home burglary and fire detection system.