Help, I need to finish my hobby room and therapy

[THarrison351]

  I’m hoping this is the correct forum for what I’m asking/stating. I think I might have a problem. I know I suffer from procrastination, hoarding and impulsiveness. Please indulge me a little. Over the years (30ish) I have collected models, diecast and display cases. Prior to that, I bought and built. At my previous house, I had probably a third of my diecast and models on display in the spare room and den. I didn’t have a dedicated area to build models. I built models on my old computer desk. Models and diecast not on display and unbuilt models were stored in the attic above the detached garage. When we purchased this new house several years ago, it came with a large (10X21) partly finished room I planned to make into a 5th bedroom and would serve as a display/hobby room. Currently another spare bedroom and the family room serves as a display for some cars. 

All of the Danbury and Franklin Mint cars were purchased cheap. Either damaged, filthy or the seller didn't know how to sale on eBay.

Harry's Bike

Well, work took me away from the states and I also have worked a lot of overtime. Needless to say, I haven’t finished the room. I did sell off over 100 models and diecast and occasionally I still sell some. So, long story short, I need to finish the room. Two walls are concrete and need to be framed and dry walled. The other two walls and ceiling are covered with cheap paneling. I plan to remove the paneling and cover them with drywall.

I need to add a closet too. The floor is covered in removable puzzle like rubber mat. That will be replaced professionally and my daughter-in-law gets the mat. I plan to add shelves for display when it’s all finished. If anyone has ever tackled a job like this, what motivated you and where did you start?
  Part two of my problem is I sold over a hundred kits and diecast a couple of years ago, but I think since then, I have purchased even more. I can’t seem to stop myself. Maybe I need therapy. Anyone else suffering from this?

University of Racing Legends. I need to put these all back in their boxes where they're safe. I had them on display in the spare room, but now the're on my old computer desk covered with cloth.

These were also on display in the spare room. All of the Danbury and Franklin Mint cars were purchased cheap. Either damaged or filthy or poorly marketed.

My old work area.

My new, semi-temporary work area.

Too much stuff. I have another area of my basement that is planned for storage when this is finished. So all the boxes of unbuilts will go to that room. I just have to kick all my son’s stuff to his home.

There's those boxes I need to put the diecast in.

I do have a detailed spread sheet that lists most of my unbuilt cars. It's many months out of date and I sometimes forget to consult it before making new purchases. So, I have a couple of duplicates.

 

[randyc]

Wow!  Nice and overwhelming at the same time.   First thing you have to do for the room is to get the stuff out and stored elsewhere so you can work.  Sounds like a good excuse to buy an outbuilding too.  Storage space on site.  Way better than renting a space... 

I have done a number of DIY renovations.   I redid a bathroom/laundry/junk area when my ex & I purchased a house.   I turned it into a proper bath and separate laundry room with my model workbench.  Also built a closet in there for the big room on the other side of the wall.  I had to frame the new walls and drywall it all - walls and ceiling were paneling.  I started with the walls.  I had to build some walls and a doorway to divide the bath from the laundry.  Do your building first.  Plan the closet with model and box storage in mind?   Bi fold doors are pretty easy to install.  Maybe 8' of doors and the closet running across the 10' width and 5 - 8' deep.   Plenty of room for closet and storage and still a largish room for whatever purpose?  Just my thoughts.   It took me a couple months of spare-timing it to get it done.  Won't take much wood or time to frame that out.

 add the strips to the block walls and put the drywall up.  If you don't have a good helper, rent a drywall jack for walls and ceiling.  You'll need it for the ceiling anyway.  I drywalled right over the paneling.  Not hte best, but had to do it that way or  I would have had to deal with insulation over the area.  I did make a scuttle for access. You can do it with NO help with a drywall jack.   My ex was NO help.  the jack held everything inplace while I screwed it all together.  Get you a couple of drywall screw bits as well.   

I recently used the fiberglass tape for a project and like it way better than paper or mesh tape.  

And if you want to cheap out, you might find a local sign company that will give you free crate wood.   I closed in a laundry area at our current house with wood from two crates.   Saved a few dollars.   We give the wood away for free to anyone that will take it off.  Pallets, 2x4s, OSB.   Find a place that does convenience store renovations.   They should have plenty.    We get big "coffin crates" that have full 4x8s on the 4 sides.  We don't manufacture, so we don't crate anything and don't reuse the wood.  

Feel free to PM for any ideas or motivation.  Good luck with it.

[espo]

Some ideas to consider on your future work/display area. Get some graph paper and create the outline of your area that you are working with in sacale. Cutout some pieces that are to scale the size of your shelving, work desk, and any other furniture you may want to include.  This way you can move things around to see where you want doors and closets and such. This can save you a lot of time and frustration later. Don't forget electrical and this is something you might want to consider, an Electrician to do for you for safety and code requirements.  For displaying your models you might consider some nice inexpensive book cases. These should have adjustable shelving and be sure you use only metal pegs to support the shelves as the plastic one deteriorate over time. You might even want to check your kitchen cabinets for the same reason. A 10x21 foot room could almost give you two rooms to work with, something to look at depending on your needs. As for storing items that are boxed and not for display you might see if there is any additional areas in your basement to store those boxes or create an area in your new floor plan for storage that is out of sight. Should you create an area that is out of sight I would leave the foundation exposed to save an unneeded expense. I did just this for a storage area and painted the concrete white using a concrete sealer paint designed for just such use. This will brighten the area greatly and should prevent any future leakage problems. I would also suggest you check your local building codes for any additions. Remember there may come a day you want to sell this home. There could be issues at that time with an unpermitted addition. In addition to furniture stores look for new home builders who are finishing building in your area. They often don't want to store or reuse the furniture in their model homes and you can find some good deals there. In the past some furniture stores have scratch and dent sales on floor models as well. Don't rule out moving sales either.      

[Jantrix]

I may get run out of town for this but my advice is to sell ALL the diecasts. At some point, (and I think you are there) you're gona have to ask youreslf these questions.

1. Am I a modeler or a collector? Because all evidence says that you don't have the space to be both.

2. Can I display all the diecasts I have and still have room  for models that I BUILT MYSELF? 

3. If I can't display it, and it's not worth much, why have it? Because I want it, really isn't a good reason and speaks of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Lastly, if you cannot help compulsive buying more once you have sold them, then yes, you do need to seek help for this condition. Either that or have someone stronger than you hold the wallet when you go into a store.

[THarrison351]

Ok, thanks for the advice. I will likely get rid of more models and diecast in the future and then buy more.... I have plenty of space to store the unbuilts once my son's stuff is removed from another storage area. I was really wondering if anyone had been stuck and what they had done to motivate themselves. I 

[randyc]

20 hours ago, Jantrix said:

I may get run out of town for this but my advice is to sell ALL the diecasts. At some point, (and I think you are there) you're gona have to ask youreslf these questions.

1. Am I a modeler or a collector? Because all evidence says that you don't have the space to be both.

2. Can I display all the diecasts I have and still have room  for models that I BUILT MYSELF? 

3. If I can't display it, and it's not worth much, why have it? Because I want it, really isn't a good reason and speaks of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Lastly, if you cannot help compulsive buying more once you have sold them, then yes, you do need to seek help for this condition. Either that or have someone stronger than you hold the wallet when you go into a store.

I have both builtups and diecasts.   NASCAR was a big thing to me back in the 90s.   Built over 100 of them.   Selling them now to make room for the diecasts, which are the cars I want to see now.  Love some 50's "mint" cars.   Going through the boxes of plastics that my ex packed now.  Deciding what stays and what goes.   Doesn't matter what anyone says - keep what you like, sell the others, builtup or diecasts.  I don't care about the NASCAR models now, but there are people who will take them for cheap.   One guy bought about 20 and uses the bodies for slot cars.   And yes I realize selling for cheap sucks, but I can keep it and it take up space in my life and mind OR I can sell it for whatever it will bring and free up space for what I enjoy now.   There is no way to keep all the cars I have bought in the last 30 years and still have room for more new things.  Not in any kind of reasonable space.  

I have built so many cars in the past and with a few years passing, they are less important as part of my collection.   As are the 1/18 diecasts.  I am addicted to "toy cars"  I am selling as hard as I can in my spare time.  but bringing in new ones that interest me now.  Don't have the time and motivation to build like I used to but still love model cars.  I think we all are in that place or we wouldn't be here.

I am battling with myself over the "because I want it". Having to decide which builtups and old diecasts are making the cut.   And I do rotate things in and out of my displays so I can see them occasionally and help decide.   

And Jantrix is correct about letting someone else hold the wallet - I know I need to let my wife help keep me grounded.   If there is a car I think I want but am not sure, my wife will ask, "do you really love it?"  I will buy just to handle them for a little while and then have no where to put it.  It is an addiction of some kind.  

So I won't/can't run Jantrix out of town for it.  I have had to look in the mirror and at my collection.   If I could get rid of it in one fell swoop, I probably would.   But who will come out and do that on site?  And make at least a reasonable offer?   Wow, I just hijacked the BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH out of the thread.  This could be it's own thread. Sorry.  

 

[OldTrucker]

For all the built cars I would suggest maybe looking into Carney Plastics display cases that hold like 21 cars each.

[Jantrix]

3 hours ago, randyc said:

 If I could get rid of it in one fell swoop, I probably would.   But who will come out and do that on site?  And make at least a reasonable offer?   

That is the real trick. I have seen collections for sale on Craigs List. Usually, the ads are accompanied with the words, "I know what these are worth, don't low ball me", and no one bothers to inquire. That sort of thing might work for a classic car in 1:1 scale but not what we're talking about. You can try Craigs List but come up with a minimum price you will accept and post that plus twenty percent, because they will try to chew you down anyway. See how it goes. Also most towns have a Facebook classified page that someone has started. Find the one for your town. 

[Pete J.]

Totally off topic, but I noticed what looks like some Air Force memorabilia in the mess.  Are you ex/retired Air Force?

Edited September 7, 2018 by Pete J.

[THarrison351]

8 hours ago, Pete J. said:

Totally off topic, but I noticed what looks like some Air Force memorabilia in the mess.  Are you ex/retired Air Force?

That's my Dad's stuff in the wardrobe if you refer to the MSM. The KC-10 on top is mine, so yeah, ex Air Force crew chief. Retired over 10 years ago after almost 26 years of service. Always worked tankers, KC-135As, KC-10s, and finished on KC-135Rs and RTs (NKAWTG).

[Pete J.]

1 hour ago, THarrison351 said:

That's my Dad's stuff in the wardrobe if you refer to the MSM. The KC-10 on top is mine, so yeah, ex Air Force crew chief. Retired over 10 years ago after almost 26 years of service. Always worked tankers, KC-135As, KC-10s, and finished on KC-135Rs and RTs (NKAWTG).

1972 to 1981 KC-135 driver!  Wurtsmith and Fairchild.  Got to love a Steam Jet!

[Johnt671]

What a coincidence. I use the same book case for my display, and on my dresser I have exact models of cars I've owned, along with my Fathers flag.

[THarrison351]

Yeah, that's my dad's flag too on the dresser. He was a KC-135 crew chief from 1958-64. I was assigned to the same aircraft 18 years later.

[Gramps46]

Something that has worked for me is to pick a theme and a scale and stick to it.  That worked well for me until I stumbled upon the cheap but decent diecasts.  Now in my 70's building is more problematic as eyesight and  dexterity  are on the wane.

[Pete J.]

1 hour ago, THarrison351 said:

Yeah, that's my dad's flag too on the dresser. He was a KC-135 crew chief from 1958-64. I was assigned to the same aircraft 18 years later.

Have you joined the KC-135 page on Facebook?  https://www.facebook.com/groups/44427839881/   A lot of us oldtimers there. 

[Anglia105E]

Well Tim... I do feel for you, reading all of this. Your collection is MASSIVE, but you know that, and like you I can uderstand how it feels when you see a particular scale model car and something nagging away inside says you must have it. Usually, the price becomes almost irrelevant if your mind is set on that one car model.

I agree totally with Gary that you must choose a very specific period or type of car to go with, and as Gary says, stick with it. Otherwise you are just going to buy anything and everything, all scales until the money runs out ( or space ). So what I am saying is this..... I decided upon 1958, built the diorama, told myself Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars only, 1:24 scale, built kits and diecasts from Franklin / Danbury Mint. So this restricts you to that period because anything later than 1958 cannot fit the diorama.... simple. Yes, I did find myself buying 1920's, 1930's, 1940's as well as the 1950's but everything still under control, and I do suffer from OCD in odd ways.

Hope this helps in some way Tim, and it is a problem that you must tackle. All of us on here at MCM forums want you to continue to enjoy buying and collecting scale model cars, especially building and painting them, but not to the extent where it takes over your life and sends you to the funny farm ( sorry for the crude expression ).

David

[THarrison351]

OK, thinks for the input. I just need to buckle down and finish the room. So I figure out the rest. 

[1930fordpickup]

Tim Maybe if  sort out your stuff before you get the dust started. All the diecast in one spot, sorted by how ever you want. same with the plastic kits. Then pack it away for the remodel. If you are starting with a clean room it will be better. 

I like the idea of laying it out before you start.

Do you want shelves around the top? Do you want to make a desk out of the cheapest thing possible ( no wrong answer here) or do you want to go with base cabinets for a kitchen? We have all looked at very nice models built on a door. I guess you have to decide what the room is going to be for over the long haul. What others think doesn't matter make yourself  happy and comfortable, you will build more.  

 

[disabled modeler]

OMG..!  You have the 70 Pontiac Bonneville HT kit..???...your very lucky...I have one but its in need of a body and glass for it..we once owned many old Bonnevilles over the years.

OK..you can do this buddy...I have had to rebuild my room twice due to tornadoes we had here...if I can do it anyone can..LOL..   You have a great collection.   I started in one corner of the room and went from there rebuilding mine...you just need to have a plan on what you want it to be like first.   I lined the walls of mine with my kits and projects that have boxes...that way it makes finding them much easier when needed.  I put some pegboard up to hang things on and behind my workbench to hang tools and supplies on for easy access.   Building is no race..take your own time. Treat every part as if it were a model itself..that advise has never let me down buddy.   Little by little you will have a great model room it just takes time here and there...being disabled I know this well.  I also made a bottle paint rack from wood to set on my workbench pegboard wall.   I got several plastic storage bins that snap together that have clear-ish drawers so I can see what parts are in them and there sorted out.   I have a old store display cabinet to put builds in and the small plastic cases they sell.   If you need any ideas of advise I am always willing to try to help out...just PM me.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Wishing you well for your health issues

it is a good time to downsize a lot for sure and stop buying

Keep what is dearest to you, sell rest to guys like the ones here where it will mean something for you both

Then you have the cleanest slate you can make for your new space and build / display from there

i am going to take this a warning to reduce my own purchasing, increase my building and get my work/display areas finished...after my back recouperates mind you.

Edited September 9, 2018 by Twokidsnosleep

[THarrison351]

9 hours ago, Twokidsnosleep said:

Wishing you well for your health issues

it is a good time to downsize a lot for sure and stop buying

Keep what is dearest to you, sell rest to guys like the ones here where it will mean something for you both

Then you have the cleanest slate you can make for your new space and build / display from there

i am going to take this a warning to reduce my own purchasing, increase my building and get my work/display areas finished...after my back recouperates mind you.

I think your on the wrong post, unless your a psychic. I just had a physical and I'm supposed to be OK. I do appreciate you wishing me good health.

[THarrison351]

21 hours ago, 1930fordpickup said:

Tim Maybe if  sort out your stuff before you get the dust started. All the diecast in one spot, sorted by how ever you want. same with the plastic kits. Then pack it away for the remodel. If you are starting with a clean room it will be better. 

I like the idea of laying it out before you start.

Do you want shelves around the top? Do you want to make a desk out of the cheapest thing possible ( no wrong answer here) or do you want to go with base cabinets for a kitchen? We have all looked at very nice models built on a door. I guess you have to decide what the room is going to be for over the long haul. What others think doesn't matter make yourself  happy and comfortable, you will build more.  

 

I have an idea how the room will be finished/decorated once it's finished. I just need to get started. 

15 hours ago, disabled modeler said:

OMG..!  You have the 70 Pontiac Bonneville HT kit..???...your very lucky...I have one but its in need of a body and glass for it..we once owned many old Bonnevilles over the years.

OK..you can do this buddy...I have had to rebuild my room twice due to tornadoes we had here...if I can do it anyone can..LOL..   You have a great collection.   I started in one corner of the room and went from there rebuilding mine...you just need to have a plan on what you want it to be like first.   I lined the walls of mine with my kits and projects that have boxes...that way it makes finding them much easier when needed.  I put some pegboard up to hang things on and behind my workbench to hang tools and supplies on for easy access.   Building is no race..take your own time. Treat every part as if it were a model itself..that advise has never let me down buddy.   Little by little you will have a great model room it just takes time here and there...being disabled I know this well.  I also made a bottle paint rack from wood to set on my workbench pegboard wall.   I got several plastic storage bins that snap together that have clear-ish drawers so I can see what parts are in them and there sorted out.   I have a old store display cabinet to put builds in and the small plastic cases they sell.   If you need any ideas of advise I am always willing to try to help out...just PM me.

I picked up the B'ville from HL when they were discontinuing them for cheap. I have several ideas for how the building area will be executed as well. I just have to get started. I do appreciate everyone's input. It does give me motivation.

[disabled modeler]

8 hours ago, THarrison351 said:

I have an idea how the room will be finished/decorated once it's finished. I just need to get started. 

I picked up the B'ville from HL when they were discontinuing them for cheap. I have several ideas for how the building area will be executed as well. I just have to get started. I do appreciate everyone's input. It does give me motivation.

You are more than welcome...ask anything.