I do not know about you guys, but frequently, when thinking about what to build in the future, and what items are available, I am either overwhelmed by the stuff available, I miss some, or I have forgotten which manufacturer makes what. And this sometimes can lead to good, or bad surprises...

So, is it a good idea to create a database, accessible by all users divided by subject, and then type of item. So for example:

Model: M4 (mention base vehicle)

Kits: M4Awhatever 1 by Dragon and Tamiya
M4Awhatever 2 by Italeri...
etc.. in this category conversions would also be mentioned.

Photo-etch update:
M4Awhatever 1 by Aber and Eduard
M4Awhatever2 by Aber and Verlinden...
etc...

Various: This would include itemspecific decals, engines, stowage and the like

Tracks: ...

Info would be provided by the members of armorama...

I know this would be a huge project, and I might be a little too optimistic. I also know that, at least for the moment, I lack the knowledge to build a project like this.
But is the idea itself sensible or not ?

Maybe very helpful though. Some modelers don't know what aftermarket parts are available so I think it's quite useful.

I'm not trying to shoot your idea down, because the general idea is a good one.
One concern I would have with it is the sheer volume of information that would have to be maintained. New kits coming out, old kits being discontinued, old kits be re-release, etc.

A basic database of what you have or the ideas you have and what you want to do with the project is a great place to start (I am actually doing this for my own use). With each record you could store the AM stuff you have seen or want to use.
My idea is to use this basic idea as a 'tickler' file then let Google (Search Engine) handle the rest. If you put in the kit name or manufacturers information in Google you'll get a whole host of information.

I've posted a link to a model database based on MS Office Access. I've posted this a couple of times since Armorama's been online, but since we have new folks joining all the time, it may be time to repost the information. Someone's wife from the IPMS Huntsville, Alabama did up the program. It is easy to use and free to download. Only downside is the initial data entry. No getting around having to type in all the pertinent information.

Here is the link: http://www.geocities.com/hpmsdbase/
Check it out to see if it suits your needs. Might be easier to work with this one than try to develop one on your own. Good luck.

Hey Rob,

This is a good little database. I took the basic design and created my own db. It has a whole bunch of reports and forms. It helps me keep up with my model inventory.




I must agree with Scott on this one. The overhead and maintenence on this database would be enormous.