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Topic Started: Aug 24 2016, 09:44 PM (475 Views)
Stangfreak
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Convertible
I think I have come to a weird point in my collecting diecast hobby. It's about 10:00 PM and wide awake and have this overwhelming urge to jump in my car and head out driving the outerbelt around Columbus to check all the Walmart and Meijer shelves as I used to. I haven't done this for many years, but I used to do this as many as 3 times a week and not return home until the crack of dawn. According to my speedometer, it was 52 miles on the outerbelt and by the time I exited at every Walmart, Meijer and sometimes 24 hr. Kroger Super Stores it would end up being 76 to 94 miles. Just to hunt diecast and blow 75-100 bucks on my finds.
For one thing, I can no way afford this anymore. Since a battle for my life with cancer for almost 7 years and 4 major surgeries and countless minor surgeries,treatments, doctor visits, co-pays, and out of pocket expenses, I was forced to break up and sell off the small company I spent years building and go on disability, and I'm not old enough to collect full retirement yet.
I have collected diecast Matchbox cars since 1958 and acquired one "HUGE" collection. You all have seen posts of my toy room and collection from time to time. Ever since I was a small boy this was a dream of mine, to have one big room for all my toys. About 10 years ago it turned into more like a goal. I have achieved that goal and wondering why I am loosing my interest in this hobby that has brought so very much to me. I spend less and less time customizing, restoring, and building my dioramas everyday. There is very little thrill of running straight to the toy isles first every time I entered a store. I have watched websites come and go, but met so very many great people along the way. I still seem to have a spark of excitement of finding or getting ahold of something new and cool, but play with it awhile and photograph it and on a shelf or case it goes. I do know the rising cost of diecast and hobby materials has played a big part in this decline of interest, but I still LOVE these little cars. My collection, some tools, clothes, and music equipment was about all I was able to hold onto after the war with cancer. I lost my dream home, my gorgeous 82 Mustang race car I spent 10 years building and much more. Johnny Lightning kept me going for many, many years until they closed their doors, but by then I was into customizing, building dios and restoring swap meet, flea market, and thrift store finds, so my full interest remained. Most of my collection consists of Johnnys.
Now I'm sitting here thinking if I drop 15 bucks in the tank and head to Walmart and probably find nothing or if I do I can't buy it. It ls a pretty depressing feeling. I'm also wondering if this is just a down faze that may pass, or even better yet, if anyone else gets to thinking or feeling this way???
I do LOVE my Johnnys!!!


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Emptywallet
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Minivan
I know I dont and havnt set out to hunt diecast for a long time now.I only look when Im shopping for groceries or going to Walmart to pick up a prescription for the wife.Most of the time I find nothing,so whats the point.Spend all that money in gas and you will most likely come home with nothing.You have an awesome toy room that is just plain cool.I go through times when I dont even care to look and then other times its the first aisle I go to.Im sure your just in a I havnt found anything good in the wild lately "Funk".It shall pass!!!!
Edited by Emptywallet, Aug 24 2016, 10:18 PM.
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Milton Fox Racing
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SUV
Like emptywallet I dont set out looking for diecast either - exept for the monthly toy show now! :)

If we are going to be somewhere - for other things - I will look to see what is available. Things and interest change in our lives - even if no major set backs occur. Take stock and maybe refocus your collection.

The internet can be dangerous if you do not set limits as well, but you can save time and gas by searching web sites and auction sites for your new focus or it becomes a trade off.

Just being able to express your feelings is a start. Give it a few days and see how you feel about it then. Or now that you have it written down - delete it!

You could be engaging in a worse habit and you can always sell part or all of your collection and start over!

And to answer your question I do think most people go through similiar internal struggles - I know I do until I see another casting I dont have... :)
Edited by Milton Fox Racing, Aug 25 2016, 12:13 AM.
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daniel60
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Personal Luxury Car
I use to take pictures everyday and post, I don't anymore. I got so tired of getting horrible diecast from ebay that I try to buy from the stores then I can pick my own. I found it isn't necessary to buy all the pieces. I spend too much money as it is. Sometimes I make this more than a hobby. I get too carried way on making my pictures good. Then it starts to be labor some. I'm in the wrong hobby I demand my cars to be perfect and they can't because they are toys. I still love shopping for them. The find is more rewarding than buying from ebay. I will not buy Johnny Lightnings for six dollars. I don't keep collections because my taste changes and I rather sell the old then keep reaching for more money. I collect what I like not what everyone likes. I don't keep a lot of these pieces original. I'm not here to make a collection for others to see. I'm here to enjoy what I like.
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HWJOE
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Fullsize
I haven't "HUNTED" in years; I haven't got the urge, $, time, or patience anymore.
I like the casual approach and I love toy shows and flea markets.
I think what you are experiencing is a normal LULL or DOWN in your interest. You have pretty much achieved a long held goal and you definitely have other things that occupy your mind, time, and wallet.
You need to completely step back from collecting for a little while and get yourself to a place where you feel good about yourself, save a little cash here and there, and then return to collecting [not hunting]. By then you will find a whole batch of cars you "missed". Your feeling to go out at night might stem from the sense you feel you aren't a "collector" anymore. You are still a "collector". I have followed your posts for a long time.
Continue to go on sites and update yourself on the new stuff and news! Post and talk to fellow enthusiasts. Go to local toy shows/flea markets if there are any and just "browse" and talk to friends. Conventions and shows have become more about the people and the friendships than the cars for me. Maybe even buy small low price trinkets that you just LIKE! Don't worry if you think your aren't a collector anymore because circumstances have changed for you, just re-position yourself and find where you want to fit.
you'll be happier for it very soon. I have definitely changed the way I collect; its been great! Good Luck!
Edited by HWJOE, Aug 25 2016, 08:43 AM.
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Stangfreak
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Convertible
Thanks for the replies guys... I know this is the absolute greatest hobby to be into and like I said, I have enjoyed it for many, many years. I keep going back through files and looking at these awesome Johnnys to try to light that fire if excitement and inspiration that once burned. For now it's kinda like striking a Zippo lighter that's out of fluid. Mabe you guys are right... Just a FUNK that will pass!!!

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These cars are just way too cool to ignore and not to be interested in!!!

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juantoo3
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I see a lot of good answers already. My days of going on the prowl are long over too, never really started to begin with....too much competition, over what? scraps? I did the math long ago, guys think scalpers are raking in the dough. Nah, by the time the Walmart campers and door warmers spend all that gas money (some of them daily!) looking for fresh stock and snagging all the THs and whatever other chases (or wannabe chases) they can, even with a 300% markup they are losing money. Even at $20 for a dollar car...they are losing money, between lost time, gas, wear and maintenance on their vehicle, etc. etc. etc. So clearly this would have to be a labor of love, or someone has a masochistic drive to be their own slave master working for peanuts.

Someone else here pointed out, our collecting interests change over time...I know mine have. I could list the reasons why I think this is so, but it would be an unimportant sidebar to this discussion. My problem is that I haven't yet made the effort to start parting with those items I've outgrown or moved on from, not that I wouldn't but I'm not ready to deal with all the hassles of customers that can't be satisfied no matter how hard you try, or who try to scam you out of what you have and get their money back too.

I think your talent customizing is top notch, and your ability to cast and mold accessory pieces is an exceptional skill that *could* be turned into another sideline business if you wanted to, but then that is making a job out of your hobby...which is another reason I've never gone whole hog into selling. I'm in the hobby to relax and have fun, not work...why would I turn that into work? I'd have to find another hobby if I turned this hobby into a job.

An unfortunate part of life is that things come and things go. Richer and poorer and all that rot. I had some misfortune awhile back (minor compared to yours, but major to me) that cost me two houses, among other things. Thankfully things took a turn for the better, and I think I'm better off now, but at the time it was really scary. It is so hard to acquire things, and so easy to lose them. Makes me wonder sometimes "why bother?" I'll just be handing it all to some doctor or lawyer some day.

I really love these little cars, but then I go in my play room, and its stacked floor to ceiling with boxes and totes and shelves, some models I haven't laid eyes on in years...and that's not counting what's out in the shed. Makes me wish I had a small museum in order to display everything...more realistically I suppose I should simply learn restraint, to enjoy what I already have, and sell off the excess. But then that next little purty comes along and...sigh.
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Eurosport94
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Station Wagon
I think we can all relate, bud. I am in a similar boat, but under much different circumstances. I haven't gone out specifically to hunt in YEARS. I remember when I was young and single...full of no responsibility...I'd spend an entire day hitting 6-8 different stores. Now? I don't even consider it because that means I'd have to put in extra gas and (most likely) drag my 2 kiddos out with me lol. The only times I do hunt, is when I'm at Wal Mart, Target, or TRU for something else. I hit a Meijer every morning, but only because it is across the street from work.

I have had to sell off 95% of my collection over the past 1.5 years, to aid in a very very rough patch for my family financially. It has helped us keep our heads above water, but only for so long. I am now at the point, where selling things off digs the knife in deeper to the heart. Job searching is such a chore, sometimes I feel like going to the storage unit to pull another box out is easier and a quicker means of fast cash.

Keep your head up, Mr. Stangfreak. There is a light at the end of tunnel, I know it. You have a great place to de-stress in that awesome diecast room of yours!
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webestang64
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Minivan
I have not gone for a drive around to many stores just looking for die-cast in about 10 years. Mainly due to the decline in stock. Now every time I go to WM DT Target TrU-(mostly for Lego) I always go to the car isle just in the hopes I find something or anything. Lucky for me here is the Toyman Toy Show held 8 times a year.
I have yet to sell any major part of my collection (well as some of you know 98% of it is in storage).

I must say in the last couple of years my die-cast love has dropped off slightly but with me it takes on another love and another collection, lately it has been Lego.
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Hosspower98
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Forever Blue Oval
I am kind of thankful I have such a narrow focus, that being Mustangs, Shelbys, and Ford trucks, oooops and Durastars. Presently, only Greenlight, M2, Shelby Collectibles and AW have my interest.

I came to a conclusion that HW exhausted the '56 Ford pickup and panel that I dearly so collect. I can only find customs out there now.

I never go on the hunt unless I am in the store for other items. Ebay and online retail are my only source.

Having collected all the Johnny Lightning Mustangs and old Ford trucks, they are no longer in my sights. Greenlight keeps me busy landing new issues and of course the expensive Green Machines that I strive for. All the regular cars are in my collection. Same goes for M2, I have 99% of the regulars and look forward for new variations and castings. Auto-World, I gave up on. Like the 17 year cicada new Mustangs show up sparingly.

My non-diverse style of collecting scares me, in the fact that when time comes to let things go, will there be anyone out there with similar interests?

I am so glad that I don't collect everything that I like. It would be so unorganized, I'd be considered a hoarder and broke.
Edited by Hosspower98, Aug 26 2016, 03:18 PM.
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Vintage20
Fullsize
Johnny Lightnings are what got me started in the late 90's. I used to hunt all over the place back then. My hunting days pretty much diminished when they closed KB Toys back in 2009 as that was my favorite place to go and find diecast and toys. I still stop by Toys R Us once in a while to check it out. Now days I have better luck going to Swap Meets, Flea Markets and Thrift Stores and searching EBAY for some nice deals.
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Douglas
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SUV
For a lot of the same reasons everyone has mentioned I have also cut back, and pass by more WMs and Targets commuting to jobsites than I would have 10 years ago, without even worrying about what I might be missing inside.

I'm not sure if it is lost of interest in diecast as much as it could be losing desire in having to include all those other things like spending time driving around, gas costs, stores not restocking like in the old days, hardly any shows around my area anymore either, and just a general lack of the extra money for the diecast too, and for me now space at home is quite limited,

When I do decide to stop in, I find often I just can't find the ones I want anyway, probably because I have no interest in driving all over the place as often as I use to. :D

But I've found my collecting interests have changed over the years too, partly because of all those things mentioned, but also I look at all I have already, and sometimes just feel I need to spend more time enjoying what I do have instead of adding more, but I've also felt a change with my excitement level in finding a new piece for the collection, it used to bring much more joy I think than it does today, maybe because now most of the models don't seem as special as I felt they were in my earlier years of collecting.
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MrFutura
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Station Wagon
Lots of good advice and relatable situations. I would say DON'T go binge. Take a break. I often tell my self that none of this really matters. There's isn't going to be that big collector convention at the end of time where we all pat each other on the back. I am definitely in a lull right now. I tend to hunt eBay with a few choice search words every day, but lately I no longer see anything that gets me excited. i don't have a lot of what I see, but I don't feel the need to get them anymore either. Actually, seeing your images and the images of other on this site quenches my thirst quite well. I'm glad somebody has those! Those are cool!

I thought I was completely done with vintage diecast, but have recently gotten into Majorettes. I'm limiting my self to 24 cars. Husky, Corgi Juniors, Whizzwheels, Zylmex, Matchbox, Superfast, Redlines and Flying Colors have all been condensed into cases of 48 of the best of the best. I feel good about that. Trying to be a completist has never left me happy and I often end up asking myself "why did I just buy that?". I used to get at least one of every Greenlight and Auto World casting just because they were so well done. But now I feel like I don't need any of them. Yeah, that's a great looking Jeep, but do I even like Jeeps? So many color variations from Greenlight is actually off-putting to me. Future value still plays a part for me in the back of my mind and I can't see these gaining in value all that much. The only cars that got me excited recently are the Greenlight '55 Caddy, the Auto World upcoming Furys and M2 Econoline vans.

It sounds like you have a huge collection, some of it boxed away. What are you plans for those? Maybe you could spend some time sorting and thinning your collection. I know this isn't a perfect analogy, but it reminds me of the American Pickers TV show when the meet these old guys with huge collections of cars and parts and signs and toys collecting dust and rotting out in a field somewhere; and yet they still won't sell. If not now, when? Sometimes our possessions can become burdens. Sorry, that sounded negative.

I truly wish you the best with your health struggles and hope that you are not in too much pain or discomfort. F*ck cancer! Posting your thoughts on this site was a great thing and I hope you find a sense of contentment soon.

My dad shared this video with me about one man's awesome car collection: I'm not suggesting this! It's just a cool collection.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/minnesota-church-selling-grand-car-collection-from-parishioner-to-help-others/
Edited by MrFutura, Aug 26 2016, 06:07 PM.
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BossCar
Fullsize
First off, best of luck with your health.

As for me, yeah, I go check what's on the pegs. Sometimes just for that. Other times for something else but I check anyway. Though, in my case, there's a Wal-Mart close to my house that has had decent stock recently. Walgreens is even closer to my house, and eventually, a Toys R Us will be close by as well.

I collect diecast because I have a passion for cars, and I am sure all you are in the same boat. Unless Jay Leno has an account on here, I doubt any of us have the money for all those 1:1s, and, that goes for most people, so diecast is the next best thing. Though, one can still be a real car enthusiast and a diecast car enthusiast at the same time. There are a number of cars I have come to know and appreciate through this great hobby. Now, I like anything from good ol American muscle to JDM to insanely fast supercars and so on. If l like it, I like it.

If you need a break, or feel like you need a break, I would say take it. I've done it before. Best of luck to you!
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Atencio
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Station Wagon
I go through periods where I miss the old days of going to Kay bees and going through pegs and pegs of JL. Bummer that things change sonetimes. Also have periods where collecting seems like a chore. During those times I still get cars but put them aside to focus on other interests. Eventually I always come back around.
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Douglas
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SUV
In my comments last night I forgot to add how sorry I was about your health issues and battle for life, and all you've had to endure these past years, You're in my thoughts and prayers.
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b2young
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Sad firefighter
I went on a "run" yesterday to 8 diecast-selling stores. It took me over two hours, yet I traveled only about 15 miles round trip. I did find 3 new items: the Greenlight military set of 5 vehicles (that when it was profiled by somebody here at Swifty's I figured wasn't "good" enough to add to my collection); a new reissue of Corgi's James Bond Aston Martin with almost every operating feature (no wheel shredders, sadly) for the 50th anniversary of Thunderball; and a GL slicktop Foxbody Mustang for Michigan State Police because it was on sale for about 50% off (and it 'matches' the Matchbox BMW R1200 RT-P livery as profiled here this week).

I still make at least one major run a week. Last weekend I found all of Matchbox batch J at an out of the way Walmart. Every time I get home with my new toys I pile them on the dining room table and mentally kick myself for adding to this out-of-control obsession. Then the next day I look at what I have there and it makes me happy.

I want to thank you, personally, for initiating this thread, Stangfreak! Sometimes, when "we" get down about this addiction (obsession seems inaccurate) it is helpful to know that we are not alone.

Chin up! So far you've battled far worse than a lust for little toy cars and survived this long....taking a break is a reasonable thing to do.

One way to look at the 'price' of this hobby is to realize that even with all the gasoline and mileage/wear and tear on the car, it's likely the total amount of money you've put into this is still less than the cost of ONE single high-performance 1:1 car. You can have thousands of models of similar cars for less than the price of ONE real one! Then let the mind wander as you roll that little scale model across the kitchen table and it's better than dealing with the high cost of maintenance and repairs to the real thing.....

I might add I've tried to sell some of my excess and I came to the decision what I don't want is the same as what nobody else wants. So I will probably give it away at Halloween or just drop it off at a second-hand store. I have no interest in making a business out of this collection.
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