Model inventory or how do you keep track of your stash??

It's saying that the download is not there. Oh, well.

i just do a spead sheet my self  but

check this out   http://www.kitinfo.com/

I don't have MS Access, so until then I'll just have to look at what I've got whenever I go to the LHS.

Hi all,

I've though about creating an Access database, but my stash is so small, a simple text file takes care of it. I actually keep several notes in it regarding what I have, what accessories I have for which kits, what I'm working on, what's finished, and what I'd like to have.

I've posted it below if anyone is interested. This format would work for another 25 kits or so (I think), but then a database is really the way to go.

Regards,

-Drew

 

My Model Stash
(last updated: 6/5/07)

What I'm working on currently:

Revell 1/72 Yak-38

1/64 scale wooden Brig Lexington using a semi-kit from The Lumberyard
(more info at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lexingtonpracticum/)

This is a long-term project, however, and I may takes breaks from it
to build a plane or two.

In the stash (about half of these were gifts!):
____________________________________________________
Revell 1/144 scale B-52G (gift)

Roden 1/72 Fokker D.7 (Alb.-built, early), with a Part PE set (gift)
Roden 1/72 Bristol F2.b with a Part PE set (gift)
ESCI 1/72 F4C National Guard Phantom (gift)
(an example built by another modeler is here:
http://www.modelingmadness.com/others/features/f4pages/haroldharkieesci72f4c.jpg)
Meikraft 1/72 Piper L-4 Cub
(you can see an example built by another modeler here:
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal3/2001-2100/Gal2056_Piper_Costa/gal2056.htm)
Fujimi 1/72 F-14D Tomcat
Revell 1/72 F-14D Tomcat

Hasegawa 1/72 Weapons Set VII --Special Bombs & Lantirn Pods, JSOW, JDAM, ECM Pods
For the Tomcats!

DML 1/48 Spad 13
Monogram 1/48 P-61 (gift)
Monogram 1/48 P-38
Monogram 1/48 OS2U Kingfisher
Monogram 1/48 Grumman F9F Panther (gift)
Monogram 1/48 Spitfire IX (gift)
Monogram 1/48 Stuka Ju 87G-1 (gift)

Revell 1/32 P-38 (gift)
-- Started by someone else years ago. Some parts glued together, but nothing is painted.

Testors/Italeri 1/35 Panzer IV H (gift)
Eduard 1/72 M4A3 (105) Sherman Tank (Sort of a gift: I bought it with a gift card :-) )

MPC Millennium Falcon

Airfix 1/600 H.M.S. Hotspur (gift)
Revell Germany 1/1,200 U.S.S. Hornet
Monogram 1/800 U.S.S. Nimitz (gift)
-- Came in a package with the Monogram 1/72 scale F4J
Revell "SnapTite" Nautilus Submarine (scale unknown)
-- A pretty cool model of the submarine from "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."
It does not look like the model used in the movie, but recreates the look and feel
from the book.
See here for another modeler's example:
http://www.modelingmadness.com/contests/scifi/ronmnautilus.jpg

Total: 21
____________________________________________________
Wishlist:

1/72 scale Eduard Spad 13

1/72 scale Airfix Ford Tri-Motor
-- comes in the "Civil Aircraft Collection"
with DHC Beaver and the four-engined DH Heron.
Approximately $30.

PE bending tool -- approximately $50.

Fine Molds 1/72 Millennium Falcon -- approximately $250

White Ensign Models PE sets for HMS Hotspur -- Approximately $30

Monogram 1/72 F-82 Twin Mustang
____________________________________________________
Completed and displayed:

Revell 1/72 Spad 13 (completed in high school, pre-1991)

Monogram 1/48 P-51D (completed in high school, pre-1991)

Several Revell Mini-kit snap-together planes (completed in 2002-2005)

Fiddler's Green 1/144 scale Morane Bullet paper card kit (completed in 2002)

Starfix 1/72 scale Spitfire (completed in 2002 and given to my dad)

Monogram 1/72 F-4J (completed July 2004)
Represents the first time I:
* Used liquid glue and really worked to get the seams right.
* Used putty to fill gaps and nail polish remover to wipe away the excess
and smooth the putty.
* Sprayed a primer coat of matte grey enamel.
* Used an airbrush to paint the plane.
* Used acrylic paints in the airbrush.
* Used aftermarket decals.
* Coated the plane in Future floor wax as both a base coat for the decals, and to
seal them when finished.
* Used Microsol and Microset with the decals.
* Dipped the canopy in Future and masked it with Ambroid liquid mask.
* Used Pactra tape for the stripes on the missiles.
* Painted a figure.
* Made a simple diorama base.

Glencoe 1/74 Martin MB-2 (completed in April 2006)
Represents the first time I:
* Wet sanded to remove seams and molding flaws,
* Made my own decals (woodgrain decals for the cockpit floor; they turned out great!),
* Used white metal aftermarket parts (Lewis guns and Scarff rings),
* Drilled holes and installed a ton of rigging and control wire lines,
* Repaired broken struts by drilling holes in the ends and putting wire in them, and
* Scratch-built a few small pieces, the exhausts in particular.

It's funny that this topic has been brought up because I was thinking about it as well after seeing software for this purpose for sale on ebay for $14.95.  Rather than purchase this software I decided to create an MS Access database - as much to exercise my weakening computer skills as to keep track of my inventory.  I used the database creation wizard that is within MS Access and based it on a home inventory (one of the defaults available) and modified it to suit my needs.  As a former Aeronautical Engineer (read as anal retentive) the urge was to create an enormous database with every detail recorded.  However, my twelve step program kicked in  and I decided to keep my database simple.

The form I created has inputs for the Manufacturer (Tamiya etc.), Manufacturer Item No., Manufacture Date, Model name, Category (which I set up like the FSM Forum categories), Scale, Quantity and an "Auto Number" which is simply a sequential numbering system.

After reading some of these responses I may add a column or two for AM or PE parts.  I'm not sure if I'll go with start and end dates and prices, since the goal is to just keep track of what I own so as not to purchase duplicates.  And if I were to keep track of costs it might just scare me out of the hobby (or at least make my so far tolerant wife not so tolerant anymore!).

Anyway that's what I have done.

I use(d) an excell spreadsheet. I have about 100+ kits. But since I have moved I haven't updated it.

This is also because I am in denial about having more then 100 kits in my stash. I tried using creative calculating (only counting aircraft kits, not the others) but now I am firmly in denial...

I built an Access relational database shell, using a sequential numbering system for each kit.  The shell consists of 7 tables (like spreadsheets):

KITS
RESIN DETAILS
RESIN WHEELS
PE DETAILS
MASKS
DECALS
OTHER ACCESSORIES

Each table is linked through the primary key, which is the automatically assigned lot number.  Each table drives a query, and the queries are combined into a single form.  Each time I get a model, I enter it in the form (one page per model), which automatically assigns the next available number.  I make a number sticker and put it on the kit box.  I can pull up any record (form view) and add aftermarket items at any time.  I then put the items inside the kit box.

The tables have "Ordered" and "On Hand" fields, so I can create a wish list--research the aftermarket stuff I want, then record it as ordered, then on-hand, once I buy it.

My future widow need only call one of the club members over and they can print each kit's page (from the form view) and have a complete inventory for the estate sale.  Just put the sheet next to the model and let the bidding begin. 

 

There's also a master query that lists all the kits and their related accessories in spreadsheet form, but it's too big to print directly.  They'll have to export it to Excel to control font size and page setup for printing. 

 

I can do filtered searches (i.e. how many P-51s have photoetch frets already), or count the unfinished kits in the stash, etc.

The initial creation of the shell took a few hours. Each new model takes less than a minute to record. 

Thanks Rob-- I see one needs Microsoft Access to run it-- I need to go find out what that is first ;)  Much appreciated Rob!

Thanks to all for your input. I'm not really sure how I got so many models except I know a lot of them were bought when I was on active duty. With no place to build I guess they just sorta grew. I guess the only solution would be to just get fired up and start building faster. Will have to look at starting all over again using one of your suggestions. thanks again and happy modeling---Rick Martin

 i try to keep track of my stash in my head,i've got close to a 100 with no dupes (oops i do have three abrams on my desk),but for those of us who will hopefully build all our stuff, powers that be forbid something catastrophic happens its not a bad idea to know what ya need to replace.being a first time home owner i thought of my stash and how much it would cost to replace,i'm covered

I only have a little over 100 in stash and about 40 built so for the most part I just use my memory.

The only one I have a problem with are the numerous Star Trek Enterprise models.

Keeping track of my stash is easy!!! ...I only have one model hehe!

I look at the shelf where I keep my unbuilt models and I use my fingers to count up to the 8-10 models I usually have on hand on at one time.

I just can't comprehend how some of you folks have stashes of hundreds even thousands of models on hand,but thats just me ,I had to laugh when we talk of data bases and computers to keep track of our models !!!

Jeeves wrote:

Not being all too good at spreadsheets and the like-- would there be a place to download such htings for the computer illiterate??

http://www.geocities.com/hpmsdbase/

What he said!!

Not being all too good at spreadsheets and the like-- would there be a place to download such htings for the computer illiterate??

I actually use three seperate databases stored on my computer (and backed up/stored elsewhere) to keep track of my stash and modeling supplies.

First, I use a "catch-all" database where I list absolutely everything including kits, AM parts, tools, diorama supplies, storage boxes...you name it. This database is used primarily to list the cost of each item and tabulate the total value so the rider on my homeowners insurance can be updated for coverage.

Second, I use another database where I list each model kit and then break down all the AM parts either needed, on hand, or supplied in each kit. This database definitely helps prevent spending extra money on AM parts I either already have or really don't need.

Finally, I have a database that simply lists all my basic model kits by manufacturer, scale, and a numerical number (1, 2, 3, ...100, 101, ...etc). There's really not much use for this database other than the show just how insane I really must be.

After buying several duplicate kits (that I really didn't need or want) earlier, I'm now a firm believer in keeping track of things. I personally prefer keeping these type of things on my own system - as opposed to in a server somewhere - because I really want to be able to have control over the files and ensure they are backed up regularly. 

For my 1/35 scale kits, I use an Access database that was created by someone from the Huntsville, AL IPMS club. For aftermarket accessories, I use an Excell spreadsheet with a different sheet for barrels, PE, tracks, resin conversions/upgrades, etc.

For my 1/72 scale kits, I expanded on my Excell spreadsheet and it contains kits and AM items all in one file.