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How Do You Solve Your Stash Storage Problem?

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  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
How Do You Solve Your Stash Storage Problem?
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, August 8, 2010 9:24 AM

Comments by forum members about buying multiple copies of kits "just in case" prompted this post.

Due to limited space, I have resorted to trimming easily recognizable parts from trees and combining same type kits to one compact box ( ie; all 1/48 Monogram F-104s in one ) as well as periodic kit elimination either due to lack of reference materials to build the kit, a better kit being issued, or need space for a kit I  want more.

Kits eliminated don't necessarily disappear completely but a few parts may linger as some can be used to detail sci-fi projects ( some Monogram F-106 and EA 6 parts work well )

Kits stored in such a way, of course, don't resell but folks don't offer much for stash collections anyway.

Other than buying bigger houses every time you need a new closet, how do you guys solve stash storage problems?

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Biding my time, watching your lines.
Posted by PaintsWithBrush on Sunday, August 8, 2010 9:51 AM

By building them.......

and creating a "display storage problem".

A 100% rider on a 70% bike will always defeat a 70% rider on a 100% bike. (Kenny Roberts)

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: SF
Posted by gobears01 on Sunday, August 8, 2010 9:54 AM

If we're talking kits, I have numerous collector kits stashed under my front stairs, triple bagged in heavy duty bags since I still need to reseal my stairs.

I have numerous other collector kits stashed and bagged under my interior staircase. And last but not least, to build kits are stashed in my garage ceiling between the floor joists !!

I have various parts boxes for those extras after a build.

Offagain-Onagain

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, August 8, 2010 9:55 AM

PaintsWithBrush

By building them.......

and creating a "display storage problem".

I've never before met anyone who could build as fast as he can buy.

And how do you solve your display storage problem?

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, August 8, 2010 10:56 AM

gobears01

If we're talking kits, I have numerous collector kits stashed under my front stairs, triple bagged in heavy duty bags since I still need to reseal my stairs.

Thanks for the stairs suggestion.

i was contemplating opening up access to under the stairs for storage but was uncertain about how to effectively use the cramped space.

Kit storage would be ideal.

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Sunday, August 8, 2010 11:18 AM

I only have 20 or so kits on hand,so they are on shelves in the basement,so no problem.I will never have more then 20 or so on hand.

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: hamburg michigan
Posted by fermis on Sunday, August 8, 2010 11:29 AM

Sprue-ce Goose

 PaintsWithBrush:

By building them.......

and creating a "display storage problem".

 

I've never before met anyone who could build as fast as he can buy.

And how do you solve your display storage problem?

Since PWB stole my answer (word for word BTW!!!) to your first ?, I'll answer your second.

 

Simplest answer....more shelves. Taildraggers can be hung on the wall with a loop of fishing line around the tail on a tiny finish nail.

007.jpg picture by fermisb

I have now resorted to hanging them that way on the back wall of my display case as well.

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: NJ
Posted by JMart on Sunday, August 8, 2010 11:39 AM

Fermis - love your wood work display/shelves.

Spruce - couple things I did. First, for many kits (mostly wwII a/c), I store the instructions and decal sheet inside a binder (and inside the house), bag the sprues, and store them in a very large container in the garage. I keep the flattened box tops for the artwork. Saves a LOT of space, specially some old monogram kits that are mostly empty space inside the box.

Second, I got a large plastic shelf unit from Home Depot. Affordable (I think it was 40-50$), made of heavy duty plastic. Deep shelves, so you can double stack your boxes. One unit can store several dozen kits. For AMs such as PE, canopies, etc, I have a few tupperware bins to keep them organized and dust free.

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 8, 2010 12:06 PM

Bury them in the back yard...

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Biding my time, watching your lines.
Posted by PaintsWithBrush on Sunday, August 8, 2010 12:39 PM

Manstein's revenge

Bury them in the back yard...

That's where I "store"  relatives who couldn't take the hint that they had stayed too long.

A 100% rider on a 70% bike will always defeat a 70% rider on a 100% bike. (Kenny Roberts)

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, August 8, 2010 1:43 PM

Manstein's revenge

Bury them in the back yard...

those old fashioned root cellars are truly useful !

how do you remember where the bodies,  teller mines are vs. stash after a few winters ?

 

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, August 8, 2010 1:48 PM

JMart

I got a large plastic shelf unit from Home Depot. Affordable (I think it was 40-50$), made of heavy duty plastic. Deep shelves, so you can double stack your boxes. One unit can store several dozen kits. For AMs such as PE, canopies, etc, I have a few tupperware bins to keep them organized and dust free.

Good idea !  I don't need to build a wood structure. They're light weight ,moisture proof and I could modify a set or two for hanging under the steps and leave the floor area for heavier items.

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, August 8, 2010 1:58 PM

fermis

 

Simplest answer....more shelves. Taildraggers can be hung on the wall with a loop of fishing line around the tail on a tiny finish nail.

I have now resorted to hanging them that way on the back wall of my display case as well.

I  saw that when you initially posted photos of the beautiful work you did on the displays.

Initially, I wasn't in favor of hanging models on the wall due to dust accumulation but after looking through Michaels and Hobby Lobby frame departments I may try enclosing finished models  in the display frames ( using 40 pct. coupons )

Storing built kits is no longer an issue for me.

I have greatly increased my display area with a second  IKEA Norrebo shelving unit- no I don't dare place unbuilt kits on it or i won't have space for the built kits. Total display shelving on one wall is 5ft x 12foot by 1ft deep.

That addition has enabled me to resume building.

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Wherever the hunt takes me
Posted by Boba Fett on Sunday, August 8, 2010 6:11 PM

Cram them in every nook and cranny I can find. The 2 cabinets above my bench are filled to capacity, 2 more elsewhere, and I even have a couple stashed in my room. Then of course the 4-5 boxes I have nt he bench itself... Solution? GIVE YOUR EXTRA KITS TO ME!!!! Stick out tongue

  • Member since
    September 2015
  • From: The Redwood Empire
Posted by Aaronw on Sunday, August 8, 2010 9:10 PM

I have my most popular subjects on a shelf I built, other kits are kept in large stackable rubber maid containers. Most kits are in the house but some have been demoted to the garage and these containers protect the kits from moisture, dirt, and rodents (they even protected them from the bear that broke in last winter). 

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, August 8, 2010 10:28 PM

Aaronw

 these containers protect the kits from moisture, dirt, and rodents (they even protected them from the bear that broke in last winter). 

those must be some containers....but I never knew  bears were kit thieves too !  SurpriseStick out tongue

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Frisco, TX
Posted by B17Pilot on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 7:43 PM

I put several in large plastic bins, or shipping boxes.  5 kits in the space of 1!  Then I write down what's in each bin, so I know where I put it.

Now where did I put that list of what kits are in which bin?????

  

  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: Harlan, Kentucky, U.S.A.
Posted by robtmelvin on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 11:04 AM

Respectfully, you all missed the most important point: HOW DO YOU HIDE THEM FROM THE WIFE!

Just launched:  Revell 1/249 U.S.S. Buckley w/ after market PE and guns.

Building: Italieri 1/35 P.T. 596 w/ Lion Roar PE.

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Austin, TX
Posted by DoogsATX on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 11:22 AM

My (very meager) stash was shoved into some garage cabinets, but sucking up any extra space that would let me work on more than one build at a time. So I scavenged some of the shelving we took down when we were converting the office into nursery #2.

Now I've got room to store a WIP or two, plus plenty of room for the stash. You can't tell from the picture, but there are at least another six feet between the top shelf and the ceiling, and room on the brackets for another 2-3 shelves. I'm not planning on ever getting much beyond 10-12 kits in the stash at any one time...but if I do I'll have the room.

/this is also the most organized my work area has ever been and likely will ever be

On the Bench: 1/32 Trumpeter P-47 | 1/32 Hasegawa Bf 109G | 1/144 Eduard MiG-21MF x2

On Deck:  1/350 HMS Dreadnought

Blog/Completed Builds: doogsmodels.com

 

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by Gigatron on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 11:27 AM

Easy - I never have more than 3 or 4 kits in the stash at any one time Cool.  Anything more than that and I start to feel overwhelmed. 

Don't really care about collectibilty or rarity, I just build what I enjoy (planes and the occassional tank).  The only "must have" I have on the horizon, is that new 1/32 B-25 that's coming out in a few months.  But, it fits right in with what I normally build, so I don't mind that it may be considered a "specialty item", because of it's limited production run.

-Fred

 

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Neenah, WI
Posted by HawkeyeHobbies on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 11:41 AM

Talked to a neighbor the other day who was thinking about selling his house and moving. I asked why. Seems the house is too small for their stuff. Now we live in similar sized houses and I can only imagine how much stuff they might have. He looked inside my garage and the shelves I made for storage well above the head banging zone when getting in and out of the vehicles. He has nothing but a car and a lawn mower in his 2 1/2 car garage, nothing else but the town issued trash and recycle containers!

Found out too that he has a full basement, unfinished with NOTHING stored in it!!! Nodda!!! And they don't have space enough for all of their stuff? BTW the house is only sparsely furnished...no pets, no kids and zero clutter. I think their storage problem lies above their shoulders and between their ears. I have more packed into my garage including a car than they have in their whole house!!!

The stash can be stored anywhere where there is room. Upper part of a closet (add more shelves), attic, basement, garage, shed and under the bed. Anywhere there is empty space.

Gerald "Hawkeye" Voigt

http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/

 

 

"Its not the workbench that makes the model, it is the modeler at the workbench."

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Wherever the hunt takes me
Posted by Boba Fett on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 2:50 PM

perhaps it's too small for his ego...Whistling that usually takes up massive space.

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Florida
Posted by STFD637 on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 3:02 PM

PaintsWithBrush

By building them.......

and creating a "display storage problem".

Yes this is one of my problems. I actually found a nice Store Display case recently, but couldn't sell the wife on it. Still hoping though!

The other big problem is "hiding" the growth from the wife!!!! I am pretty sure she has a good track of my kits and is taking inventory!Big Smile I recently added about 10 kits from ebay and have about 6 more in the "wings." I think she looks in there and just "shakes her head." At least it isn't being spent on other things!Angel. I will have to thin out the stash soon! Ebay works both ways!

Travis

"If a lie is told often, and long enough, it becomes reality!"

Travis/STFD637

make an avatar

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 3:05 PM

I build 'em...

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Northern Virginia
Posted by hutchdh on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 6:23 PM

Gigatron

Easy - I never have more than 3 or 4 kits in the stash at any one time Cool.  Anything more than that and I start to feel overwhelmed. 

Don't really care about collectibilty or rarity, I just build what I enjoy (planes and the occassional tank).  The only "must have" I have on the horizon, is that new 1/32 B-25 that's coming out in a few months.  But, it fits right in with what I normally build, so I don't mind that it may be considered a "specialty item", because of it's limited production run.

-Fred

 

Holy cow!!   3 to 4 kits in stash?!  I have so many kits that the producers of Hoarders was knocking on the door recently to film an episode.

Seriously though, I occasionally thin my stash by a combination of building, storing in knooks and crannies, and donating to local military hospital.  To be honest, finding kits that appeal to me and also hunting for a subject is part of the fun.

 

 

 

Hutch

 On the Bench: 1:48 HobbyBoss Ta152-C; 1:48 & 1:72 Hasegawa F-104G NATO Bavaria

In queue: 1:48 Academy F-4B & a TBD Eric Hartmann bird

Recently completed: 1:32 Trumpeter P-51B

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Florida
Posted by STFD637 on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 6:34 PM

I have now resorted to hanging them that way on the back wall of my display case as well.

[/quote]

I have seen this (hanging of built planes on the wall) a few other places......I am thinking that might be in my future!!! At least I don't have to worry about earthquakes in FLA..

Travis

"If a lie is told often, and long enough, it becomes reality!"

Travis/STFD637

make an avatar

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Neenah, WI
Posted by HawkeyeHobbies on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 7:03 PM

Boba Fett

perhaps it's too small for his ego...Whistling that usually takes up massive space.

 

I think its more that there isn't enough room for the two of them...they seem to need more space to remain separated. LOL

Gerald "Hawkeye" Voigt

http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/

 

 

"Its not the workbench that makes the model, it is the modeler at the workbench."

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: NJ
Posted by JMart on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 7:50 PM

robtmelvin

Respectfully, you all missed the most important point: HOW DO YOU HIDE THEM FROM THE WIFE!

1. you master the "double-deep" stacking system, in which you store kits behind OTHER kits, decreasing visual identification factor by two-fold.

2. Master the "corner" stash system, in which you use OOVR (out of visual range) corners to stash kits.

3. Order from Lucky Models  which sometimes take months to ship, and ship your order in multiple boxes. Continue to order from them, explain its still the same Holiday sale order from 10 months ago (the gift that keeps on giving).

4. State that you will only have as many kits as your wife and two teenage daughters have shoes (include flip flops and slippers in the equation). This formula gives 100+ kits at least.

Whistling

 

 

 

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 8:42 PM

robtmelvin

Respectfully, you all missed the most important point: HOW DO YOU HIDE THEM FROM THE WIFE!

Metamaterial cloaking?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metamaterial_cloaking

....or maybe wait till the hausfrau visits mom and build a false wall that hides the newly ordered kits.....

 

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 9:05 PM

.....then there's always the Manny Method.....

Manstein's revenge

Bury them in the back yard...

 

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