I retired six years ago. The first year of my retirement, I spent with my wife going to my kids' high school events, cub scouts with my youngest son, building models and catching up on TV shows I had missed. It got old real quick.
A year after I stopped going to work (had saved over 3 months of vacation time), I looked for another job to occupy my time. I ended up getting a job with GE making high end refrigerators. I basically babysit people while they make fridges at night. I've been offered higher positions at GE, but I don't want this to become a real job.
I still build when I get home, it's fairly relaxing, and for some reason, accuracy and completing kits no longer matters as much to me. I like assembling various kits at once and if I lose interest in it, I set it aside. Like you, I get a lot of the kits at discount, usually because they are "lesser kits" that were surpassed by other ones. I'm okay with that.
The downside is that I can no longer attend IPMS meetings since they meet on Thursday nights, but face book allows me to keep up with the goings on.
Armor/AFV
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Mario Matijasic
Planning for retirement
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Friday, May 26, 2017 - 02:17 AM UTC
JPTRR
Managing Editor
#051
Joined: December 21, 2002
KitMaker: 7,772 posts
Armorama: 2,447 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - 03:21 AM UTC
Quoted Text
A few of my friends have asked that their fellow modeling friends help out with the disposition of their kits. From what I have read, and only as a general rule, your built-ups will likely get binned and your unbuilts will get pawed through and sold for pennies. If you are lucky, your LHS will buy your stash but again, for a lot less than it is worth.
Unless a buddy wants your paints and tools, they too will likely become landfill.
Heartbreaking.
It is hard to find places to take built models. When Russell passed a few years ago, I called dozens of airports and local air museums offering his built models for display. Finally found two airports. Local commercial airport at first accepted several for their display cases, then reneged...some cases still empty.
JPTRR
Managing Editor#051
Joined: December 21, 2002
KitMaker: 7,772 posts
Armorama: 2,447 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - 03:28 AM UTC
Quoted Text
...it's fairly relaxing, and for some reason, accuracy and completing kits no longer matters as much to me. I like assembling various kits at once and if I lose interest in it, I set it aside.
That sounds very familiar. I have limited time and while I have big plans for models, I need "quick kills" because if a build drags out for whatever reason, I loose interest. Sometimes I return and complete a kit but I have about a dozen "pending".
Robin, working nights, do you prefer to build before work or when you get home?
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - 05:34 AM UTC
Fred, I prefer to tinker at night as sort of a wind down. Believe it or not, I enjoy the Tamiya 48th scale armor kits, rather simple and quite good enough for me. The Bandai Star Wars kits that Hobby Lobby now carries are another source of enjoyable kits that offer stress free modeling.
That's not to say that I do not build during the day. My normal day begins at 9 am. I still might go for a jog every so often or some yard work. I'll eat lunch around noon and leave for work at 2 pm. I get home at 1 am.
If I started something during the day that needs to be finished up, I'll do so until 2 am or so then get to bed.
I should add that I've been playing World of Warcraft for about a decade and that sometimes takes up some night time if there's some event going on in game.
That's not to say that I do not build during the day. My normal day begins at 9 am. I still might go for a jog every so often or some yard work. I'll eat lunch around noon and leave for work at 2 pm. I get home at 1 am.
If I started something during the day that needs to be finished up, I'll do so until 2 am or so then get to bed.
I should add that I've been playing World of Warcraft for about a decade and that sometimes takes up some night time if there's some event going on in game.
sgtreef
Joined: March 01, 2002
KitMaker: 6,043 posts
Armorama: 4,347 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - 05:40 AM UTC
Getting ready to pull the plug soon also.
By end of the year.
Stash will keep me busy until I am 130 years old.
By end of the year.
Stash will keep me busy until I am 130 years old.
Lakota
#123
Joined: November 17, 2008
KitMaker: 1,202 posts
Armorama: 635 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - 07:02 AM UTC
Howdy Y'all 
I used to think that my stash was a retirement investment that I would build someday. Retirement is still about 6 yrs away. A few things have changed that mindset.
1. My eyesight is getting worse.
2. I would like to move to another town but I don't want to move about 800+ kits.
3. I think everyone else is starting to sell their stashes on eBay and driving down prices.
I've been working on a list of "iconic" models that everyone should build and trying to narrow my lifetime build list to those models: Sherman, Tiger, Panther, Mustang, Bf-109, USS Arizona, Phantom, Huey, etc.
Now to get back to selling the stash on eBay...
Take care,
Don "Lakota"
I used to think that my stash was a retirement investment that I would build someday. Retirement is still about 6 yrs away. A few things have changed that mindset.
1. My eyesight is getting worse.
2. I would like to move to another town but I don't want to move about 800+ kits.
3. I think everyone else is starting to sell their stashes on eBay and driving down prices.
I've been working on a list of "iconic" models that everyone should build and trying to narrow my lifetime build list to those models: Sherman, Tiger, Panther, Mustang, Bf-109, USS Arizona, Phantom, Huey, etc.
Now to get back to selling the stash on eBay...
Take care,
Don "Lakota"
Bravo36
Joined: January 11, 2002
KitMaker: 247 posts
Armorama: 229 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - 07:24 AM UTC
Hey Don. God provided the Optivisor, for us old guys. I've been using mine more and more these days. Keep on modeling!
j76lr
Joined: September 22, 2006
KitMaker: 1,081 posts
Armorama: 1,066 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - 03:02 PM UTC
I retired 4 years ago (almost to the day ) , from the same place tojo72 is about to retire .I haven't slowed down much at all(building wise) , mostly during the winter months . But get out of your chair and enjoy yourself too ! you never know how long you have left so make the most of it ! My wife has a few years to retirement and wants to move , as long as I have a place to build Ill go anywhere warm !!!
Tojo72
Joined: June 06, 2006
KitMaker: 4,691 posts
Armorama: 3,509 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - 03:42 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I retired 4 years ago (almost to the day ) , from the same place tojo72 is about to retire .I haven't slowed down much at all(building wise) , mostly during the winter months . But get out of your chair and enjoy yourself too ! you never know how long you have left so make the most of it ! My wife has a few years to retirement and wants to move , as long as I have a place to build Ill go anywhere warm !!!
Hope all is well with you Lou
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - 06:59 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I retired 4 years ago (almost to the day ) , from the same place tojo72 is about to retire .I haven't slowed down much at all(building wise) , mostly during the winter months . But get out of your chair and enjoy yourself too ! you never know how long you have left so make the most of it ! My wife has a few years to retirement and wants to move , as long as I have a place to build Ill go anywhere warm !!!
Hey Lou, check out Summerlin NV., that's where we retired too, warm, quiet, green and no state income tax.
Armorsmith
Joined: April 09, 2015
KitMaker: 1,063 posts
Armorama: 1,000 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - 08:40 PM UTC
I have been semi-retired/retired mow for several years. I occasionally(60-90 times a year)substitute at 2 local high schools. My usual routine is to roll out of the sack 7-8, eat a light breakfast then build for a couple of hours. I run any errands before lunch then get to the honeydo list after lunch. Around 3 I'm back at my bench till its time to prep and make dinner(6-7). After dinner more build time then bed around 11.
I find that I am a much more relaxed builder now and since I am pretty much an out of the box guy I manage to finish about 1 kit/month. I usually have at least 2 builds going at the same time in different stages of progress so I always have something to work on while I am waiting for paint to dry or what have you. I figure that I am at the stage in my life and model building cycle that I am probably at the peak of my skills etc. If I am lucky I might get 5-10 years of this peak before the eyes get worse and the fine motor skills begin to deteriorate, or some illness or disease afflicts me. Even though that the only place to go from here is down I enjoy building more than I ever have. I especially enjoy going to shows, not so much for the competition as much as for the comradery and talking to others and sharing what I have learned, especially with younger or beginner modelers.
I find that I am a much more relaxed builder now and since I am pretty much an out of the box guy I manage to finish about 1 kit/month. I usually have at least 2 builds going at the same time in different stages of progress so I always have something to work on while I am waiting for paint to dry or what have you. I figure that I am at the stage in my life and model building cycle that I am probably at the peak of my skills etc. If I am lucky I might get 5-10 years of this peak before the eyes get worse and the fine motor skills begin to deteriorate, or some illness or disease afflicts me. Even though that the only place to go from here is down I enjoy building more than I ever have. I especially enjoy going to shows, not so much for the competition as much as for the comradery and talking to others and sharing what I have learned, especially with younger or beginner modelers.
Lakota
#123
Joined: November 17, 2008
KitMaker: 1,202 posts
Armorama: 635 posts
Posted: Monday, May 29, 2017 - 05:35 AM UTC
@Sabot-I enjoy the Tamiya 1:48 armor kits also. Sometimes I wonder if I should just sell all my 1:72 & 1:35 kits (if they don't say Tamiya on the box) and concentrate on 1:48.
@Ralph-I just bought an optivisor last summer but I still can't get the hang of it. Maybe the one I bought was too low quality or maybe I have other problems with my eyes, or patience. The single focused area seems hard to work in and I keep wanting to put the model closer or further. Oh well, I should practice more...
Everyone has interesting points of view on this tread.
Take care,
Don "Lakota"
@Ralph-I just bought an optivisor last summer but I still can't get the hang of it. Maybe the one I bought was too low quality or maybe I have other problems with my eyes, or patience. The single focused area seems hard to work in and I keep wanting to put the model closer or further. Oh well, I should practice more...
Everyone has interesting points of view on this tread.
Take care,
Don "Lakota"
JPTRR
Managing Editor#051
Joined: December 21, 2002
KitMaker: 7,772 posts
Armorama: 2,447 posts
Posted: Monday, May 29, 2017 - 05:41 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I enjoy the Tamiya 1:48 armor kits also. Sometimes I wonder if I should just sell all my 1:72 & 1:35 kits (if they don't say Tamiya on the box) and concentrate on 1:48.
Don, Those are thoughts I have, too.
wedgetail53
Joined: October 02, 2008
KitMaker: 658 posts
Armorama: 629 posts
Posted: Monday, May 29, 2017 - 06:51 AM UTC
G'day fellas
I used to work for our state government as an architect/project manager (I'm 63). Nearly six years ago I was made an offer I couldn't refuse, and thought "If I accept that, there go all my debts!" I didn't quite scorch the carpet on my way to the door, but it was close.
My first grandson was born six days after I retired, and when we were minding him, as soon as he could walk he liked to sit up on a stool next to Pa so he could watch what I was doing on the model bench. Now he's at Prep, so little sister, who's not quite two, has taken his place!
I would like to think I had a lot of time for modelling, but little miss sticky fingers with the reach of an orang utan (and hair the same colour) seems to think anything on the bench is there for her amusement. I seem to spend more time restraining her than actually building anything.
As for exercise, I've lost 15 kilograms since I retired (33 pounds to you non-metric lot), and the main reason for this is the black Labrador I bought a few months after retiring. He has an internal clock in which the alarm rings about 1530, and whether I like it or not, fair weather or foul, it's walk time.
Having said all that, I sometimes look at all the stuff I have accumulated, and wonder when I'm going to get around to building it. As somebody above said, it seems to accumulate faster than I can build it. Maybe I should go to model shows with only $20 and no credit cards?
But, when it's all said and done, retirement is great, but I can't figure out how I ever found time to go to work!
Regards
Rob
I used to work for our state government as an architect/project manager (I'm 63). Nearly six years ago I was made an offer I couldn't refuse, and thought "If I accept that, there go all my debts!" I didn't quite scorch the carpet on my way to the door, but it was close.
My first grandson was born six days after I retired, and when we were minding him, as soon as he could walk he liked to sit up on a stool next to Pa so he could watch what I was doing on the model bench. Now he's at Prep, so little sister, who's not quite two, has taken his place!
I would like to think I had a lot of time for modelling, but little miss sticky fingers with the reach of an orang utan (and hair the same colour) seems to think anything on the bench is there for her amusement. I seem to spend more time restraining her than actually building anything.
As for exercise, I've lost 15 kilograms since I retired (33 pounds to you non-metric lot), and the main reason for this is the black Labrador I bought a few months after retiring. He has an internal clock in which the alarm rings about 1530, and whether I like it or not, fair weather or foul, it's walk time.
Having said all that, I sometimes look at all the stuff I have accumulated, and wonder when I'm going to get around to building it. As somebody above said, it seems to accumulate faster than I can build it. Maybe I should go to model shows with only $20 and no credit cards?
But, when it's all said and done, retirement is great, but I can't figure out how I ever found time to go to work!
Regards
Rob
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Monday, May 29, 2017 - 09:33 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextI enjoy the Tamiya 1:48 armor kits also. Sometimes I wonder if I should just sell all my 1:72 & 1:35 kits (if they don't say Tamiya on the box) and concentrate on 1:48.
Don, Those are thoughts I have, too.
I've thought this as well, but I like modern US armor and all we get are modern other stuff (except for the HMMWVs) and WW2 stuff. I long for the day when Tamiya reproduces their M1A1/A2, M113A2/A3, M2A2/3A2 kits in 1/48th.
sgtsauer
#065
Joined: March 30, 2002
KitMaker: 2,605 posts
Armorama: 1,814 posts
Posted: Monday, May 29, 2017 - 03:44 PM UTC
I have been a bit distant from modeling and Armorama for about 18 to 24 months due to the optempo of my military work and trying to spend time with family before deployment. Now, I am 5 months into deployment and sticking my toes back into the hobby. Finding this post is very interesting to me as I will be retiring from the Army in a little of over three years.
My stash got up to around 400 to 500 kits and countless accessories. I am reducing my stash down to about 150 to 200. Even that will probably be more than I will ever complete. Undoubtedly a few more will go into and out of the stash.
I have told my wife that if I die to give all of the model hobby stuff that she doesn't want to the my local IPMS group. Whatever they don't want can go to AMPS....if anything is left over, throw it in the trash or give it to Goodwill. I don't stress about what will happen to it.
Some have expressed some concern about what happens to what is built. The hours are wasted if the kits go in the trash. I think to put it into perspective you have to consider that hours spent gardening, playing golf, going to the casino, etc. is all lost time. At least with model building you have a visual reference to the time spent and it isn't completely lost. I think we would all like to think that our built kits would be valued by someone and would last after we are gone. However, like the gardens it all has to go away at some point. We can't hinge our enjoyment that we experience now on what happens after we pass. I do think that if you talk to local American Legions or VFW locations that they would probably readily take anything that is reasonably well built.
Interesting topic. Hopefully others will post.
My stash got up to around 400 to 500 kits and countless accessories. I am reducing my stash down to about 150 to 200. Even that will probably be more than I will ever complete. Undoubtedly a few more will go into and out of the stash.
I have told my wife that if I die to give all of the model hobby stuff that she doesn't want to the my local IPMS group. Whatever they don't want can go to AMPS....if anything is left over, throw it in the trash or give it to Goodwill. I don't stress about what will happen to it.
Some have expressed some concern about what happens to what is built. The hours are wasted if the kits go in the trash. I think to put it into perspective you have to consider that hours spent gardening, playing golf, going to the casino, etc. is all lost time. At least with model building you have a visual reference to the time spent and it isn't completely lost. I think we would all like to think that our built kits would be valued by someone and would last after we are gone. However, like the gardens it all has to go away at some point. We can't hinge our enjoyment that we experience now on what happens after we pass. I do think that if you talk to local American Legions or VFW locations that they would probably readily take anything that is reasonably well built.
Interesting topic. Hopefully others will post.
wedgetail53
Joined: October 02, 2008
KitMaker: 658 posts
Armorama: 629 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 03:16 AM UTC
G'day again
It's a cool morning here (yes, I know a lot of you would consider 11C hot), and the red headed monster is happily amusing herself (not on my lap for once).
I've read all of the posts on this topic, and one thing concerns me. This also applies to a great many other posts, and that is, that a lot of the regular posters (all with >1000 posts) are retired, eg Sabot, Frederick Boucher, Bob Woodman, Karl Flavell, Biggles 2 etc. How many of the younger generation (ie not ready for retirement yet) are there among the regular posters?
Regards
Rob
It's a cool morning here (yes, I know a lot of you would consider 11C hot), and the red headed monster is happily amusing herself (not on my lap for once).
I've read all of the posts on this topic, and one thing concerns me. This also applies to a great many other posts, and that is, that a lot of the regular posters (all with >1000 posts) are retired, eg Sabot, Frederick Boucher, Bob Woodman, Karl Flavell, Biggles 2 etc. How many of the younger generation (ie not ready for retirement yet) are there among the regular posters?
Regards
Rob
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 06:03 AM UTC
Quoted Text
...I've read all of the posts on this topic, and one thing concerns me. This also applies to a great many other posts.... How many of the younger generation (ie not ready for retirement yet) are there among the regular posters?
Regards
Rob
Rob,
I'd think that would be a difficult question to answer without polling the entire network. If I understand what you're driving at-- you're worried about where the younger members are? I'm not sure I'd be concerned with how many younger folks are posting on Kitmaker for two reasons:
1) The topic has the word "retirement" in it-- therefore only old guys or those ready to become old guys are really interested-- (I say this because I am one-- my apologies to the rest of you who think you are not).
2) The only reason you see us old guys responding to this post is because we are already retired, or are about to retire, and that causes two conditions: A) we now have the time to spend in front of the computer and respond, or; B) we are close enough to retirement we take the time to respond because we really don't care what our employers, spouses or friends think anymore-what can they do to us?-- We're already over the hill.
This is a kind of flippant answer I know, but after all, we are retired, its our time to have some fun!
VR, Russ
Dioramartin
Joined: May 04, 2016
KitMaker: 1,476 posts
Armorama: 1,463 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 10:09 AM UTC
Yeah I think Russ has got it right, anyone under about 55 wouldn’t click on this thread so this is the Old Fogeys Club right here. I can’t recall where I saw this…uh oh senior moment # 79…but I think this site did a survey years ago and the average member age was late 40’s, which surprised me – I expected it to be late 50’s. Maybe it’s time they did a fresh survey to see if model-making really is a dying hobby. What would really tell us that is how many lurkers i.e. non-members are under/over 45 – perhaps the whipper-snappers are interested but not many are ready to join in?
The other indicator is obviously if model manufacturers are going to the wall…no sign of that, quite the opposite or so it seems. Verlinden only crashed because they were overwhelmed by a host of others main & after-market players. Hobby shops are only folding because of the ‘net.
I was a kid-modeller from the late-60’s to the early 70’s and then completely stopped – uni,girls,music,travelling, early career, then marriage/offspring etc consumed my life. I got back into it in my very late 40’s and since then it’s been the perfect hobby/escape, and as I’d hoped it’s now becoming a valuable aspect of retirement. I was totally out of it (in more ways than one!) from 17 to 48 and I would have thought I’d be in the majority. I retired 3 months ago at 60 - yes fortunate I know it.
My own view is that WW2 activity is probably declining, that’s natural given the demographics, and Vietnam may be on a shallower downward curve too. We’ve seen an upsurge in WW1 because of its centenary although it would be interesting to know what age-range of modelers is behind that. I’d expect post-1989 subjects to continue strongly and rise in popularity particularly as those vets approach/exceed middle age. But whether, in terms of total numbers of active modelers, the latter will replace the former areas of interest is moot.
Anyway almost off-topic, this thread was about Retirement. I can thoroughly recommend it, for little money the possibilities are endless. As others have said a self-imposed routine is essential to replace the imposed work rhythm, I think that’s THE most important message by far. And the benefits of model-making as a defense against creeping dementia shouldn’t be underestimated…now where did I put that glue pot, it was right there a minute ago…
The other indicator is obviously if model manufacturers are going to the wall…no sign of that, quite the opposite or so it seems. Verlinden only crashed because they were overwhelmed by a host of others main & after-market players. Hobby shops are only folding because of the ‘net.
I was a kid-modeller from the late-60’s to the early 70’s and then completely stopped – uni,girls,music,travelling, early career, then marriage/offspring etc consumed my life. I got back into it in my very late 40’s and since then it’s been the perfect hobby/escape, and as I’d hoped it’s now becoming a valuable aspect of retirement. I was totally out of it (in more ways than one!) from 17 to 48 and I would have thought I’d be in the majority. I retired 3 months ago at 60 - yes fortunate I know it.
My own view is that WW2 activity is probably declining, that’s natural given the demographics, and Vietnam may be on a shallower downward curve too. We’ve seen an upsurge in WW1 because of its centenary although it would be interesting to know what age-range of modelers is behind that. I’d expect post-1989 subjects to continue strongly and rise in popularity particularly as those vets approach/exceed middle age. But whether, in terms of total numbers of active modelers, the latter will replace the former areas of interest is moot.
Anyway almost off-topic, this thread was about Retirement. I can thoroughly recommend it, for little money the possibilities are endless. As others have said a self-imposed routine is essential to replace the imposed work rhythm, I think that’s THE most important message by far. And the benefits of model-making as a defense against creeping dementia shouldn’t be underestimated…now where did I put that glue pot, it was right there a minute ago…
vettejack
Joined: November 23, 2012
KitMaker: 1,277 posts
Armorama: 1,254 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 06:07 PM UTC
I've been at this hobby a long time. I have been with IPMS from the get go...my grandfather got me the membership in 1964 (IPMS number 506) and pretty much a member of AMPS from it's inception as well. I've got through a few episodes suffering from burn out that had me in and out of the hobby for short periods too, but my interest was always there.
Being 63, I plan on retiring (for the 2nd time, from NASA) when full SS kicks in at 66. Modeling 1/35 armor will still be a huge part of my retirement. I love butchering up a kit when deserved, stumbling through a conversion from scratch, and adding a copiousness amount of useless aftermarket detail to an anemic surfaces (I guess that's the Military/NASA side of me). Up until 5 years ago, I had over 300 kits. Realizing, and then understanding, my mortality, I decided I needed to una$$ some of those kits if for anything, ancient production detail. So...2 years ago Veteran charities started to get a windfall. I cut down the inventory by 200. Then, last year, cancer shows up (Agent Orange)...treatments, etc., blah, blah, blah...time slowed up again for building. Another pause to the mortality moment arises once again...and BINGO...thinning the herd even further. I've got another 50 or 60 to get out to those Veterans organizations again. My stash will pretty much only contain some really choice kits (don't get me started on PE and/or decals that will never get used). And I still won't get to build everything I've got left!
Other than modeling, the wife and I will have more time to spend traveling/site seeing (free rides on military aircraft...I retired after 22 years serving), tinkering with the Corvettes and Harleys, attending football games. Then pester family, friends and other relatives for a place for overnight stays.
Being 63, I plan on retiring (for the 2nd time, from NASA) when full SS kicks in at 66. Modeling 1/35 armor will still be a huge part of my retirement. I love butchering up a kit when deserved, stumbling through a conversion from scratch, and adding a copiousness amount of useless aftermarket detail to an anemic surfaces (I guess that's the Military/NASA side of me). Up until 5 years ago, I had over 300 kits. Realizing, and then understanding, my mortality, I decided I needed to una$$ some of those kits if for anything, ancient production detail. So...2 years ago Veteran charities started to get a windfall. I cut down the inventory by 200. Then, last year, cancer shows up (Agent Orange)...treatments, etc., blah, blah, blah...time slowed up again for building. Another pause to the mortality moment arises once again...and BINGO...thinning the herd even further. I've got another 50 or 60 to get out to those Veterans organizations again. My stash will pretty much only contain some really choice kits (don't get me started on PE and/or decals that will never get used). And I still won't get to build everything I've got left!
Other than modeling, the wife and I will have more time to spend traveling/site seeing (free rides on military aircraft...I retired after 22 years serving), tinkering with the Corvettes and Harleys, attending football games. Then pester family, friends and other relatives for a place for overnight stays.
drabslab
Joined: September 28, 2004
KitMaker: 2,186 posts
Armorama: 190 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 08:30 PM UTC
I try to reduce/limit my model stash as much as possible.
Why keep a stash at home that devalues much faster than money inflation, while new and much better kits are constantly produced of most subjects I am interested in?
Saying it differently: my stash is virtually endless, it contains anything that is for sale on any modellers internet shop globally.
I only have to buy what I want to start building next week.
Why keep a stash at home that devalues much faster than money inflation, while new and much better kits are constantly produced of most subjects I am interested in?
Saying it differently: my stash is virtually endless, it contains anything that is for sale on any modellers internet shop globally.
I only have to buy what I want to start building next week.
SoftskinFan
Joined: January 30, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 102 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 09:32 PM UTC
This is a very interesting topic for me. I have a few more years of work to "look forward to," but I'd retire tomorrow if I could. I like to think that when I eventually do retire, I will have a fairly regular routine that sees me building for several hours every day. Right now, my big problem seems to be that I am too tired after work/dinner to go into the modeling room. I think having daytime hours to build would really increase my output. I only have about 80 kits, so I need to do a bit of collecting/purchasing too.
I am glad to see that only a few folks have retired and then gone back to work. Personally, I hate to think that I will go back to work after I retire (especially with all the time I spend talking about retirement). There are too many models unbuilt, too many books unread, too many volunteer organizations looking for help, and too many movies/TV shows unwatched for me to go back. At least I hope that's the case.
I wish all of you retirees good health and a long and well-earned retirement!
I am glad to see that only a few folks have retired and then gone back to work. Personally, I hate to think that I will go back to work after I retire (especially with all the time I spend talking about retirement). There are too many models unbuilt, too many books unread, too many volunteer organizations looking for help, and too many movies/TV shows unwatched for me to go back. At least I hope that's the case.
I wish all of you retirees good health and a long and well-earned retirement!
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
Armorama: 8,109 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 09:42 PM UTC
I'm retirement age but still working full-time. I have started culling my stash a bit, but mostly buying fewer kits. Maybe no more than a dozen a year now. Won't even do most review samples, and I never enter the raffles at events because I DON'T WANT MORE KITS!!! 
panzerbob01
Joined: March 06, 2010
KitMaker: 3,128 posts
Armorama: 2,959 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 11:15 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I never enter the raffles at events because I DON'T WANT MORE KITS!!!
My type of guy, Bill! I go so far as to decline all the "free" tickets given to me at entry - give them to whomever looks neediest at the moment!
Bob
panzerbob01
Joined: March 06, 2010
KitMaker: 3,128 posts
Armorama: 2,959 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 11:33 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I try to reduce/limit my model stash as much as possible.
Why keep a stash at home that devalues much faster than money inflation, while new and much better kits are constantly produced of most subjects I am interested in?
Saying it differently: my stash is virtually endless, it contains anything that is for sale on any modellers internet shop globally.
I only have to buy what I want to start building next week.
Not an altogether bad idea! And most of us probably, even in retirement, watch for and sometimes buy the next new thing. Buying new kits is a big part of our hobby! However, having a physical stash on-hand does allow one to get into the cabinet, closet, room, basement or stash-building (I've seen all degrees of stashes!) and browse and choose the next victim at will and spur-of-moment, and for some, that is important and very rewarding. I think that it may actually be the biggest single reason many folks do go to brick-and-mortar LHS... To see lots of stuff and just pick something right at that minute.
I hope that most of us don't worry about how that stash of aging boxes and styrene devalues with time. You spent that money up front. It's spent. The same as if you paid for a movie or a nice supper or a trip to the golf course. The difference is really that you or your heirs MAY get some of it back after you go! Where one should get worried about the stash is when you actually are unhappy about spending money to buy kits and stuff - but you keep on adding to the pile. DON'T buy stuff unless it makes YOU HAPPY to do so!
Bob
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