All my cars are all on display (200+). I want to keep it that way but I'm running out of space too. I've trimmed some fat by focusing on certain themes. I'm cutting out my livery cars too (will post for sale what's remaining some time soon so I can acquire more space). Another thing that's helping at the moment is the lack of newer models, I'm not buying as much as I did over the last several years, reason, I'm waiting for certain models to be produced. Seems a lot of companies are focusing on re-releases. Hopefully the 4th Q will see something new. I don't know if you call this coping though, lol....

 

I can understand the space issue in Japan (also the prices, I feel for you). In the US, there is so much space in a house and cheap storage in the extreme, not too much of an issue if you are a numbers man and just want to have a collection. Ensuring that you look at all of them everyday is a challenge though.

 

My display is really cheap and easy to add to so I will always have room for no less than 200-225 models, so running out of space won't be a problem for me for years. I've 88 models as of now and room on my shelves for up to 120, without having to buy new shelves, which cost me $10 to store up to 10 cars.

A good strategy I came up with, and I think everyone who has a problem should look into, is the way I organize my wishlist. It's good to have an official wishlist and not just buy random models off eBay. My wishlist has a ton of models on it, but I score how much I want them on 1-10, and only buy the models that are scored 8 or above until that is all done and new ones can have higher score. Lately, all the models I really want that are 8-10 are quite expensive, so I've to plan my purchases carefully. It also helps to have a focused taste in 1:1's, and only collect cars that are special to you and you love, not just whatever models has nice details. If a model is limited edition or becoming rare, and I really like the 1:1, that model becomes an important buy for me, like the OttO Venturi 400 GT.

As for new releases, I'm always waiting for them, but sometimes I've to buy them a while after they've been released. Right now I am waiting for the TSM Ferrari F50 GT and Spark Dauer 962, plus any company to make Lamborghini Calà, Isdera Commendatore, and all other cars on the wishlist in my profile.

 

Yes I'm in the same situation ... but my problem is not the space, it's the prices.

I used to buy 5-6 models per month now I've only bought 11 in 2011. When they was $50-60 for an Elite Hot Wheels or 75$ for a AutoArt , Kyosho or Minichamps, it was a pleasure to buy a few each month. Now that the prices have doubled, my heart aches to throw away $150-200 for an AutoArt model that doesn't worth it!

That's bad because if they keep rising the prices, they'll eventually kill the hobby.

And I'm planning on keeping reducing the pace till a near complete stop.

 

For myself It is not only a matter of space, it is more a matter of money. I live in a small studio apt. and I display as many models as I can. That being said, there are always far more releases that I want than I can afford to buy.

 

I agree with some here, money is more of an issue than space.

 

Yep! And it's the manufacturer that will end up suffering from it eventually. (again here, I'll use AUTOart's example becasue I think they're the worst of them all)
Like I said, I used to buy 5-6 models per month. For 3-4 years in a row, I bought nearly 100 models per year ... just to myself, I was paying the salary of one maybe two Autoart employee ...
... now I'm nearly 5-6 per year ... if a lot of collectors feels the same and slow their buying pace, I hope it will reflect somehow, someday.

But I doubt it ... there will always be people ready to give away $300 for an AutoArt model that ain't even rare!

What I mean by that is, I didn't mind gathering that amount of money to get a rare 40th anniversary Murcielago, because it was going after something rare, a grail to my collection. Spending that kind of money on one diecast was not a common thing.

Now, all the great AUTOart models that are coming out are getting closer and closer to that cost, which is nearly the price of a CMC model.
And to be honest, you cannot compare the best AUTOart model to any CMC!

 

I got to just over 150 models with most in storage & some on display with 80% being 1:18 & the remainder in 1:12. At around the same time, I read about collectors who had 800 and 2000+ models respectively, how it was taking over their lives & taking away from the enjoyment of diecast model collecting. I was already running out of space & frankly, concerned about the growing combined value & the 'obsession' with diecast model collecting.

I decided I didn't want the collection to grow any further, so sold all the 1:18 models, even those esp. rare variants & focus on 1:12 alone. About a year later I sold the non-McLaren F1 1:12 models (Ferrari, Lamborghini etc) & only focus on 1:12 McLaren F1's. This includes all the colour variants & any new releases. The timing for selling the 1:18 & excess 1:12 collection came before the GFC hit & when prices were at their peak. What's more, I spared myself the pain of paying relatively big money for 1:18 models.

Fortunately, I don't expect this 1:12 McLaren to grow beyond the 2 recent Minichamps releases (metallic blue & orange) & hopefully one day, the GTR, GT & LM variants. I may consider the MP4-12C & their pending new releases (modern F1 equiv. & sub MP4-12C), but overall, I wouldn't expect to ever have more than 30 1:12 McLaren models. Interestingly enough, the McLaren F1 was the reason I started collecting, so I have just returned to collecting what got the collection started in the first place.

I therefore now have a manageable collection (12 including the 2 new Minichamps releases) with no significant growth expectations. The bank balance will be spared repeated model purchases & I can put my hard earned $$ in real & relatively affordable cars (Subaru SVX, Alfa Romeo SZ, BMW E39 M5, Porsche 993 C2 & Tickford Capri).

Overall, I feel relieved at having made the decisions & I can enjoy the collection for what it is - a token appreciation of engineering design & art.

 

^ The Mclaren F1 was the reason I started too, I had to get as many as possible, so I went mad & bought a load, I only have one 1/12 car as I decided that would be all, but I do have a huge number of 1/18 & 1/43.

For me now it is the price of the models, I just can't justify it, I want the best for my money - so instead of a model that was £70 which now costs £110 as it's a new version, I'll ignore it & buy a better one for the money, if the new version comes up for a sensible price, I'll consider it.

I do feel that I'm coming to the end of the road now though, I think I've got about 300 1/18 and possibly the same again in 1/43 I do sell a lot though as I like to keep things fresh.

A lot of mine are stored away, the way I see things is that I'd rather have the model than not have it, just incase it gets rare & I can't find another one etc, or the price goes mental & I can't afdford one.

 

Well I use to purchase 3-4 models a month but now I've basically slowed down to one a month because of the ridiculous price. Even Maisto's would set me back a cool $40(including shipping etc etc).

But then, I'm glad tho because by slowing down, I'm still having space for future models. But in time, that space(which could accommodate around 15 more models) is gonna run out and then...I'll probably need to juggle between selling and which model I want THE MOST.

 

This is an interesting topic I can relate to. I live in an apartment and the space is an issue, not greater or lesser than the money, on par I'd say. I reckon that buying one model per month is a good pace for me. I get time to enjoy properly every new model, I get "hunger" for the next one and the cash is not at danger. Also, good deals I am prepared to go for do not come up that often, so the purchasing timing is a subject to finding those deals too. I think my collection won't go beyond 50 pieces or so because of the limited number of diecasts that fit in my theme. If I see that I am running out of space and the collection is getting too big I'll sort it into my most favourite models and less favourite ones and in the worst case scenario I'll put them in storage or sell some of them (unlikely). Right now about half of what I have is on display, because I haven't bought a proper furniture for that yet, once I have it I think I'll be able to fit all my current and planned collection in it, I want to keep all of the models on permanent display.

 

[sub]For me the problem is more the space then the money, I'm not rich but I find often good deals in the used market, I have now space for around 200 die casts in total, it a lot of cars, I think it's enough, it's would be possbile to add more shelves, but I think I have enough, the only way for me it's now to make a rotation of my car on the display, Try to buy less, only good deal is also a good advice. [/sub]

[sub]It's also possible to sell die casts to make space for new one, but as we now, it's always hard to sell, also you will loose alot each time. The rotation is for me a good solution,[/sub]

 

rosso ~ i know all to well the size constraints you all have in japan after holidaying there for 2 weeks...although my one night in a capsule motel was enjoyable

i'm early days collecting and mostly 1/43 and can count the number of 1/18 i have on both hands

1/43 obviously take up alot less room, if all my 1/43 were avaiable in 1/18 (not that they exist or i could even imagine affording) i would have no way near enough room in my house!!

i have a bunch of rotary kitsets i never get around to starting if i run out of bigger models to get i'll construct those...

 

To me, I think it's more the money then the place (but even that is relative). We're planning on constructing a new house next year, so a big hobby room (cellar or attic) will be included. Now I have to save a little, because building is quite expensive these days (especially what we would like to construct). But also quite lucky there are not that much new releases lately....so no problems with money or space...

 

Oh yes you are absolutely right. There's not a whole lot of new release 1:18 models lately that interest me to buy except for the upcoming release of the turquoise blue LP670-4 SV as this model already has its space on the shelf. Other than that I only have just one more space after the SV and I'm saving for that space for the F50GT from TSM.
So yes I'm lucky that the diecast market has nothing to offer me right now!

 

Another thing with me which doesn't help, if I like something a lot, I tend to want to buy it in all of the colours available so I have them all, this applies to road cars where only colour is different etc. It's less of an issue for liveried cars really as they don't all look the same.

 

It started being about space for me but I had room for another cabinet, then the price rises really kicked in which made me really think about what I wanted. But once I got into the mindset of not being able to buy everything, it suddenly dawned on me that I was buying so much out of habit or because it was 'the' model to have.

Now I buy pretty selectively and find my tastes changing that it's no problem selling models or moving them on if I get bored with them or they start fetching a really good price.

Enough will never be enough unless there's never another 1:1 released that I like but if price or space reach my absolute limit then I'll just have to the 1 or 2 models I really, really want

 

I had all of this.
The space was becoming a big issue, the endless "wants", I was always spending more money than I should and then the death knell, the rising prices. I just didn't enjoy buying new cars when they cost twice as much as they had a year prior and when I did give in and buy one, I had nowhere to put it.

I did some soul searching, took some time away from the hobby and came up with the solution of switching to 1:43.
It was perfect for me and it kept me in the hobby.
It was the best thing I ever did collecting wise.

 

Jeff -- Came to the same conclusion after collecting just a few dozen 1/18ths, space and wife (or maybe the other way around) led me to concentrate exclusively on 1/43rds as at that time this scale offered the greatest variety and required minimal display space. My goal was always to own at least one of the many models that I fancied. Although today, the scales of 1/32nds and even (1/64ths with their much improved quality/accuracy) would more than likely be my candidates of choice. The 1/32s look to be quite accurate dupes and certainly the $14/per unit should appeal to the recent 1/18th switchers as well as the new collectors. Just my thoughts....

 

I'm a really fussy collector and only buy what I want to buy and not just for the sake of it. Think I have about 24 cars, theme UK car park in 1985, scale 1/43.

Although I've slowed down in my collection over the last month or so, I don't think I'll stop collecting just yet. It's just that the items I want aren't available or are due out in the future. I keep all the cars in a display cabinet in the front room.... only take them out for when I'm posting pictures on the net.

Initially I wanted a third ford sierra with the smooth front to go with the red and white versions I have. Now I've got 6! I wouldn't be surpised if by this time next year I paint a dozen different colours of this model as it's my favourite.

This is a really cool hobby, just wish I'd come across it earlier as I've always wanted to recreate that 1985 car park scenery, just got a thing about it that stems from childhood.

 

Well, I've just topped the 200 mark (201 to be precise) of which 196 are boxed in the attic - and only 5 on display!!

I know I've just got a couple of display cabinets (Bertbys), but they'll only house 24 models tops, so it's got me to thinking...'if I can't appreciate what i've got, then how would I possibly be happier with more???'

Actually apart from a few (indeed a few too many!!) 1:18 bikes, i've probably bought less than half a dozen car models this year, and this (relative) hiatus has certainly made me realise how much money I've squirrelled away into the attic over the last few years.....

Yes, undoubtedly there are many great models around that i don't have but these days they all have 'great' price tags!

However thanks to the great photography here at DX, i can appreciate them without owning them and so really don't feel I have to fork out for something that will no doubt stay in it's box.....and to be honest, with the soaring prices, i really DON'T see anything that excites me enough at the moment to forgo my mortgage payments!!!

So in answer to your question Rosso, in truth I think I'm approaching saturation point....

 

For me, the budget and space are both significant concerns. Since my daughter was born last year, available space for just about everything has been reduced, I've put more models back in their boxes in my basement, and I've noticed my discretionary money has dwindled just as model prices have risen. So there have been a lot of factors that have forced me to reduce the number of cars in my collection (from almost 100 down to 50, many through trades) and reduce the number of new cars that I purchase.

The struggle that I have is my love for all cars. Strangely, even though I love motorsport, I somehow manage getting by without any race cars in my collection. I am always tempted to add some, especially low-end racing cars like Maistos and Sunstars that may not be 100% perfect but pack a lot of visual impact on a shelf. But I've always avoided livery versions of cars because I've never had a dearth of street cars on my want list. And my collecting interests vary from time to time. My primary interests are European performance cars and American muscle cars. But lately I've found myself picking up more Asian cars as well as American cars built before the musclecar era. For example, anyone with even the slightest interest in 1950s cars should buy at least a couple of the Sunstar Platinum cars. They are impressive in every way and the price is still below $100. And while I swore I'd never buy a prewar car just to keep my collection focused, I recently picked up a 1939 Ford Deluxe by Maisto at Costco. (I blame Al Cisne for his pictures and review of what is an exceptional budget diecast and one of my favorite prewar American cars.) Seriously, I've always liked the 1939-40 Fords, and at $13, I couldn't say no if I tried! If you like the car at all, buy the Maisto, and you won't be sorry!

But seriously, my interests are broad, and I find it hard to narrow down my collection. That day may come, though, if the majority of models tend to be priced greater than $100. That's one reason I've started buying Maistos again, because I've enjoyed adding cars to my collection that don't leave an aftertaste of buyer's remorse. If I tire of my Maistos, I'll get half of their value back at a yard sale or on Craigslist, or my son will enjoy adding the ones he likes to his collection. This also eliminates what can often be the headache of repackaging, selling, and mailing diecasts, something that I'll be doing soon anyway since I'm ready to pare down my collection again. Ultimately, though, as long as I have several models representing cars that are important to me for whatever reason, I'll be happy.

 

Fast running out of both space and money but there well almost always seam to be a desirable model coming, I for one can not wait for AUTOart and the Alfa Romeos or TSM and the Porsche 936 models to be released so it looks like I'll have to find more of both space and money

 

Once they stop building cool cars I'll stop buying...

 

Pretty much what I thought!

 

This is a great topic because it goes through my mind all the time...especially when I just literally picked up 11 rare mint UT models for roughly $35 CDN a piece...all 993 porsches...two turbo s, turbo, gt2, cabrio, rs....how can you say no to that kinda of a find when it comes up randomly on craigslist?

It's interesting to see that most of the common reasons are space and money which I totally agree! But the biggest factor for me is my current stage in life now which now includes two young children. So with the wife's lack of support for my hobby and greater focus on allocating money to more important needs like food, clothing and shelter...it has forced me to be much more selective in purchases. Gone are the maistos and lower end models...not like I don't have any of them...I started my collections with those years ago and then moved onto the more expense ones...

man but some of the latest ones from Autoart are so nice! I recently got the Zonda R, Mclaren F1, NSX as well....luckily the wife has no idea how much they cost and probably still thinks I got them at Maisto prices

 

i think i've basically have everything i want. i've been trimming down my collection these past months and keeping the cars i really like. i used to pick up cars that was cheap (even though i didnt really like them).

i may add a few models here and there from time to time but im basically set.

 

to answer the main Question : I just never get enough of Modelcars (I´m a crazy car Fan ,simple as that ) !
Thing is , having around 160 Modelcars (all 1:18 of course) , I´m just running out of space . But I´ll definitely slow down purchasing more Models : first of all : prices are climbing and I can´t even afford to buy 2 or more new AUTOart / month with my tiny student Poket money like I used to do...second of all , I nearly have most of my "Must Haves" so I only need to add few Modelcars .... I think I´m definitely hitting the 200 Modelcars´ Mark once I finish my Studies (in almost 2 years from now) ,but after getting a good Job (hopefully) ,my collection may be bigger and better ,who knows !

 

I can relate to that, Nido. I think collectors in the age of 17-24 can have difficulties in this hobby. You're too old to get "allowance" from your parents, but you're too young to have a full time job, in most places at least. Plus the education costs and living costs.

But, if you are good with money and make good decisions, it can still be very enjoyable. I was able to get two 1:1 rides, lots of clothes and food, living costs, etc. without having to sell any of my treasured models, just money from my part time work. When I go to cooking school in 1-2 years, I can't imagine selling my collection for that, or even stopping. I'll work as much as I need to for money I can buy fun extras with.

 

you have a point there ! money is the problem in my case ,plus I have to finish those Automotive Engineering studies so I have to concentrate more at the University , so slowing down is not so bad at the End ... like you said ,it ´s the problem of nearly every 24-25 year-old collector ...