I honestly can’t speak for other collectors, but for me being a collector means being organized. Collections can get so easily out of control, and an overwhelming collection means anxiety. So the last few weekends have been most welcome.
I have documented it a lot on Facebook and Instagram, but I needed an overhaul. Badly. Not just for my own well-being, but for the sake of the blog as well. I love showcasing new stuff, but I enjoy the features on older stuff as well, and when it is hard to access what you want to show, doing the features I want becomes difficult.
So starting a few weeks ago, I gutted my office. My goal was to create a space that is more pleasant to work in, and is organized enough to allow for the features I like to do. So the drab tan walls turned blue, my small desk and video space got bigger, and my bulky vintage Matchbox display moved to Las Vegas and two Carney wall displays took its place. I even added some lamps and other details to make the space more inviting for me and any other visitors. More “Feng-shui” and less “collector”.
I also organized my office storage. I bought more shelves and drawers to house my loose collection, which surprisingly fits in my office closet. The premium brands I collect, TLV, Kyosho, Auto World, M2, all got the drawer space they need.
That was all in early April. This last weekend was all about organization. My wife and daughters had planned a trip to Arizona, so for the last 2-3 days I hunkered down and got things organized. My Matchbox collection especially needed to be put back together, as did some Hot Wheels, Auto World, and Tomica Limited Vintage. So I nerded out and organized how I prefer – models stored by diecast brand, organized in alphabetical order by carmaker – and put it all back together.
Lastly, I loaded the Carney wall displays. I have had three white 108-slot displays for awhile, and added two more on the wall that serves as a backdrop for the YouTube videos. When I talked to Carney about doing more all-white displays, they suggested clear shelves with a white back, so that light can travel through it better. I agree with them. The new displays look awesome, and it was a blast to fill them up yesterday. (Incidentally, Carney doesn’t list the white-back displays, but they will make them. Just contact them on their website. I might see if they can list them as well.)
So, the overhaul is done, and it feels awesome. And why am I writing about this, and why should you care? Honestly, you probably shouldn’t. But this is my blog, and sometimes serves as a bit of a journal for me. Plus, collection storage AND collection sanity seems to be a valid topic for a blog about collecting toy cars.
Also, if you enjoy this blog, and I hope you do, this allows me to get back to the content I really enjoy sharing. New stuff and previews of course, but tie-ins to older models, other brands, etc. Because now I know where all this shit is! Hooray?
It feels good to be photographing one model, and if something comes to mind I can just turn to my closet – doors replaced with curtains for easy access – and grab it.
I have lots to feature, some cool stuff to do, and I hope you enjoy it. Now to get to work.
Now it looks like a candy store. And I'd like to have one of everything you offer.
Looks great, but please tell me my ALL TIME FAVORITE Matchbox is going in the case!
Matchbox 2016 Best of Matchbox Lamborghini Miura P400S
Great work John, I can totally relate. I definitely wish more of my collection was readily accessible. Great read and thanks for sharing!
Nice collection or ornaments
WOW! Looks like you had your work cut out. But now that you have it complete it looks fantastic.
Find this to be beneficial for collectors like myself who need a kick in the butt to organize and weed out accumulations of vehicles which et overwhelming. Kind of makes me feel guilty for not taking care of my housekeeping.
Nice of you to share and possibly get some of us motivated to d the same.
Good post!
Really gets the saliva glands going…
To say I'm jealous would be an understatement.
What is that chrome DB5???? I've never seen that…
I really like the white backed Carney cases. I had 9 of the mirror backed slanted shelves that were destroyed when I moved.
I love seeing people's collections displayed. Always interesting stuff
HAHA.. Ornamments! There goes that Trent sense of humor we've all 'groaned' to love;)
Kudos for daring to go beyond the beige!
Nice work been through this many times. Doing customs makes it a little more difficult to keep things tidy and neat. Seems to always get cluttered at a blink of an eye.
As far as organizing the collection that is a task I need to tackle. I have stuff I probably forgot I have. I haven't seen my THs since I moved into the new house over two years ago. I started to photo catalog everything to Instagram but then I got an itch to do some customs. Well that slowed now I'm left with slow moving projects and still no organization. So John I love when you post your tidying it makes me see that it is possible. Congrats because it is an accomplishment.
Not in defense of Trent, but, John used a much more crass sort of word to describe his collection. Maybe John was trying to downplay any portrayal of royalty? I hope not.
I think that you may have not thought about the future of your acquisitions, my friend. It looks like those Carneys could have fit side by side with 2 more just below them…side by side. Is there enough width?
The other thing I must let you know is that I would never call my collection “shit”. Sorry, but, that just stabbed me right through the heart there. Other words like “these gems”, “these beauties”, “these masterpieces” or even “this stuff” (although, not too complimentary at that) would have been a better read. Even basic descriptions like “cars” (though not all inclusive) or “models” would have been much more welcome from this end of the screen.
For the most part, I have enjoyed your enthusiasm when describing each model with factual information mixed with your personal take on “your treasures”. I hope a little more care is used when addressing them since they are a wonderful lot to make a much-loved hobby worth investing in.
It's all about respect. For the models AND the designers, manufacturers, visionists, etcetera. Yet, it is also about respect for yourself, as well. But, like you said, and obviously, this is your blog.
Even those lesser grade models were conceived by someone who tried to do the best they could with the resources they had available along with the manufacturer's guidelines for production economy. Those may be deserving of the word in the hot seat here, yet, still, I wouldn't ever describe them using that particular word. “Crap” comes to mind, but, I wouldn't use that either. But, a word much more closer to metal and plastic: “scrap”.
I do not see much of anything in your collection that I would even come close to calling scrap, even so. Although, there was a tote full of things that may have been full of lesser grades.
Take care, my friend. It's a beautiful thing!
Thanks for your comments. I spaced them the way I did because I don't want things to look cluttered. Empty space is as important as the displays in my opinion. Too many displays means your eye has nowhere to go.
And I think you read too much into the words I use. A mess is a mess, no matter what constitutes it. If I didn't love these models and what goes into them, I wouldn't be keeping a blog. Thanks as always for your comments!
Yes John.. some read way too much and take it literal when it should be taken in as light hearted.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who had a chuckle when they read such a PROFOUND, deep and time consuming explanation about some ice breaking slang, which keeps the majority of us amused!
Oh my!!
Nice toy collection
Should ask Mattel if they make them with little stands or clear boxes
Considering that's what ornaments are stored in
Alright, well, shit it is then. Sorry for giving too much respect, I guess. I'll try to keep my words from stinking up the place just the same.
Rooster I always appreciate your comments, especially since they are always well thought out. Wheaterz is also one of our best contributors. I think your take on that is totally valid, and I appreciate your reasoning. Just wanted to give you my perspective as well.
There is peace in the land, my friend. I do happen to like your freestyle. A tip of the Hot Wheels hat to you!
Hi John. What a nice way to organize your collection! I hope to get some time to do the same.. A quick question: The displayers.. you make them, or there's a place where to get some of those? And again, what a nice way to organize.. greetings from Paraguay.. Nathan.