Building a Collection

As gamers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts we all do one thing- We build our miniature collections the wrong way. Unfortunately, this article may not be smart enough to tell you how to do it right, but at least it can open a dialogue between the problem and the solution.


First- how are model collections normally formed?

The Pokemon Master-

 Gotta catch em all! You started with a few models, and then you bought some second hand, and then some more. Somewhere down the line, you realized you had ALMOST all the models in the faction, so you figured- why not complete the set? You bought models you didnt even want, just so you could have them all. I have this sickness, and I believe, although it may be a route to satisfaction, it is by far the most expensive, time consuming, and (sometimes) infuriating process.

The Dabbler-

 You picked up the basic set, but only long enough to realize that the other faction/game/object was more interesting- so you picked up those models, only to realize something else was even better. The dabbler might not even be able to form a proper army for any game, they dance so quickly with their decisions. This tends to result in the much later hemorrhaging of random extra models, as the dabbler realizes they cannot really use all the random pieces they have collected- keep dabblers close for cheap resales

Someone elses army-

You bastards sicken me

 you have 1 army. Either you got the army from someone else who assembled it, or you got the list, and then got the models separately- either way, you are not really responsible for what it there. You may or may not like the models, the rules, or anything else, but it is done- and that is what matters.

All of these methods breed regret, bitterness, and poor..ness

What do I think the IDEAL collection would be?

An ideal way to collect seems to built on things everyone hates

1- Restraint- 
Like a tattoo, taking time before and between purchases can make a HUGE difference. Impulse buys are a cornerstone of the business of many LGS.

If you feel the urge to buy a miniature that you had not considered before- STOP at least a second, and think "do I really want/ need this?"

When you decide to get into a game- make a quick note of how MUCH you want to get into the game. It could be a model count, it could be a dollar count. You dont have to write it down, you just have to remember it. When you reach the point that you are considering exceeding that amount, think about why that is- are you ENJOYING the game more than you expected? If you can reevaluate your amount, based on REASONS- sure, if you need it "just cuz" or for some other reason- maybe reconsider?

2- Planning- 
Buy what you want. seriously. Don't feel compelled, on any level, to buy miniatures that you do not want. That being said, without planning your collection, things can quickly get out of hand.

If you are collecting the models for a game- Build some trial lists before you buy too heavily into the game. Proxy some games- Learn what you do and don't enjoy. DO NOT BUY MORE UNTIL YOU HAVE PLAYED AT LEAST ONE GAME. This is important- If you are buying things on the "eventual" joy that thing will give you- you are running very long odds.

Once you have played- tweak your plan- give yourself options- leave space for future expansion- and then dive in. Those first few games can have a huge impact on your expectations for the future of that collection.

3- Investing
1 and 2 have seemed to emphasize on minimizing purchase, and spending less money, but that isnt quite right- spend smarter, not harder.

Miniatures is by FAR the cheapest hobby I have, and yet I seem to constantly try to squeeze every dime from it. I would drop a few thousand on a new golf club- but I wont buy another firewarrior to finish a squad, aprox. 3$- I would rather painstakingly try to sculpt or convert something. In miniature gaming people seem to be willing to sacrifice their enjoyment of something for an incredibly small portion of the total value of the hobby. I think this is WRONG- but I do it. If you need something for your gaming, get it- there is no point suffering over something that is supposed to be fun. You shouldn't have to fight a sweaty nerd to save 2 bucks on a model. Enjoy the spending part, its ok, and dont short change yourself on your enjoyment

Many people get second hand models- extolling the virtues of all the money they have saved- shortly before they abandon the half-stripped models in a brake fluid bath. Second hand models can suck the joy out of getting models- rather than the clean, fresh joy of a new model- there is breaks, paint stripping, unwanted pieces (but it was just such a good deal!) that can discourage anyone before they even get to painting. Often, people even spend more man hours trying to salvage second hand product than the price difference. Brand new models are inspiring, and really are pleasant to work with- consider that when you invest.



Are these the best ideas? no idea- I cant even keep to them- but I TRY- and when I try hardest, I am the happiest with myself and my collecting- so.....good LUCK