Hmmmmm, where should I start......?
I've been collecting stuff of one sort or another since as long as I can remember. I've been there & done that, as I'm sure many of you have. Collect this, collect that, start something new, stop something old....
I used to collect Star Wars toys, then one day I said "what for? It's all in boxes in the garage." A few years back I sold off most of it, and am in the process of giving away what I have left to a co-worker who I know will enjoy it.
Last year I got hooked on Diney's Cars.... then I said to myself "What am I doing?" - just sold off the last remainder of it - I think I broke even.
Comic books... 25 years worth.... gave 'em all away to a friend. I kept one or two titles, and I'm happy.
Diecast.... I started down the diecast road about 15 years ago. I started with 1/43 scale. I have a few hundred cars, all Toyota. During that time I began collecting 1/64 scale as well as other sizes from 1/18 to 1/150.... While I have cut back on my 1/43 I have increased my consumption of 1/64 - with the main reason being cost and space - All sizes combined, I probably have at least a thousand cars.... again, all Toyota. Did I mention I only collect Toyota?
~ And since Toyota is Japanese, the best selection of models comes from Japan, of course. So I buy most of my toys from Japan.
I think of collecting as a bonus to my life - it is a non-essential to living. I realize I have monetary limits, so I make purchases accordingly. I'm happy with the 1/64 cars I get from Japan thanks to having direct access to the Japanese market via friends, family and a few good online sources. If I ever get a raise, or win the lottery, I'll probably get back into 1/43 and even 1/18. But for now I'm happy with my Tomica (including the TL, TLV and TLV-N), Kyosho, Konami, Aoshima. The Hot Wheels & Matchbox from the US are a nice supplement, as are the Majorette from Europe. And then there is the old stuff. Plenty to keep me busy for years, and lord knows those get fewer every year.
Anyway, I have no idea where I'm headed, so best if I quit rambling on and finish by saying
collect what you like & like what you collect. Take a break, take a breather, and if the cars don't float your boat in a few months from now, tell them Sayonara cuz there's always something else that'll hook you.
