Displaying Your Collection For Dummies (Part 1)

[@ZetZatar]

Let’s not forget one of the most common methods: boxed away in storage/closet/attic/etc. The sad fate of many collectibles.

[@ApenBaard]

Its only sad if you dont constantly swap out what is displayed. By doing that i actually spent more time with my figures individually as I keep getting em out/putting em back as opposed to posing them once on a shelf and then never touching em again because they are posed perfectly :P (at least thats what happens to me)

[@venomgtsr5702]

That is my plan as well. We’ll have to see if I actually go through with it but I’ve accumulated so much Generations stuff in the 3 years I’ve been doing this that I have to put some away.

[@TylerSilcox]

Yea I feel that was a topic/theme that was left out and important to discuss. Do you feel like you have to display everything? I’d rather have 10% or 15% of my collection on display that looks curated and badass than 100% all nuts to butts. I dig Bobby’s cribs and collection videos but I spend more time muttering to myself that they all have too much stuff than me thinking “that’s really impressive”.

[@1andonlyhoncho]

This comment is very insensitive to all closeted Transformers who are unable to express themselves on shelves.

[@ary_thedinolover771]

Yup

[@jimivegas]

I recently moved and it was a pain in the ass to clean out my detolfs and dust off the figures. It was actually a nightmare so I decided to start fresh and present my figures in the style of a gallery. 1 or two figures per space that way the sections do not get cluttered. Each figure gets their due and time to shine allowing my displays to keep rotating. It’s so much better for me and it made me realize that a cluttered detolf doesn’t look as classy as one with say space and “feng shui”. My mind is more clear and at peace looking at my figures while I drink my stouts and porters after a long hard day at work. Anyways cheers🍻 .

[@MRanger04]

Display to your liking and what you have room for. I rotate out figures personally. I’m a big collector myself, but not as serious as others. I don’t really care about complementing displays for high end figures. It’s not like I have tons of people coming to my house each week. It’s there for me really and no one else.

[@8474Starscream]

The saying " Ones eyes are bigger than stomach " applies to collectors........collection to large for available space. That's when things become extremely tricky. That said its nice if you have the space for storage to rotate out collection every six months or so for a nice change-up if one has the luxury. Detolf's are good if your not jam packing and its nice also to have other options for display as well.

[@Xsis_Vorok]

I totally agree.

[@fraser7211]

Thank you guys so much for having this kind of conversation about displays. I feel like that's the next step for my collection and more than knowing the options but UNDERSTANDING the options is so important. Can't wait for the next part to this!

[@dare2727]

great video and topic. UNPOPULAR OPINION ALERT. I completely disagree. I think Billys look cheap and look cheaper then detolfs so the point about putting great food with subpar plating/display is even more so with a billy or bookcase. Bookcases are a great choice for marvel legends/wrestling figures. I agree detolfs don't have the horizontal space to display mp transformers correctly but the glass look gives it a clean museum/premium look. IMO the best way to display is a custom case like Joe K W or the display cases they talked about on last weeks etr. The sad part is they are expensive so for money/space/premium look and feel detolfs are still the best. Like Longhorn or Outback, not the best or the worst meal but a good meal for the normal American

[@jasoncapit8640]

Completely agree. Glass with proper lighting always gives a more premium display feel, even if Detolfs are far from premium.

[@dare2727]

@@jasoncapit8640 forgot to mention you can adjust height of detolf shelves too for less than 10 dollars

[@stuwarp6684]

Totally agree bud.

[@yellowgut]

Great show, so much fun to watch. For my two cents(insert picture here) I like to have my mp’s displayed dramatically with their team, or the characters military functions. Soldiers, espionage, engineers, leaders etc.

[@NinjabillReviews]

I personally do not like the look of the detolfs. That is just me though. I prefer what I have, which is floating shelves in a room with very large windows to let in the natural light and soft light in the evenings. the shelves themselves are a clear stained birch. I am not saying those who use other methods are wrong, just I tend to prefer mine ..probably because I built these shelves, hell I built the extension to the house for that room (I am a farm hand/contractor by trade) I understand not everyone has the ability to do that (kinda sad) or has the workshop to do so, (sadder) but it is better when you build to your needs instead of buying some premanufactured crap. It just takes the willingness to do so, time, patience and hard work. Unless you live in an apartment or something like that.

[@tatt4music]

Floating shelves are great. As long as there’s space between the figures. And white is a good choice too. Makes a collection look nice and clean. And people need to lose their figures. And if they are not good at posing, learn.

[@kingsonny3342]

Just saw the price for Takara Optimus Prime 3.0--$449.00😱😵 Absolutely insane and ridiculous. If that's the future pricing for masterpiece figures then count me out.

[@myoldhandlewasmadewheniwas9]

I think a BIG chunk of that price is the trailer it comes with

[@israelmoreno3620]

Ya my heart dropped but I’ll just stop smoking cigarettes my co-collector my 7 year old daughter would love that but he looks awesome and I’m in ......

[@dbigesby]

If you check out the accessories that come with it, you might be accepting of the price.

[@b.l.8755]

Legends are the future

[@stuwarp6684]

Enjoyed the video, looking forward to part 2, not sure I agree with the points but great discussion, I use Detolfs but agree that too much is chucked in across collections, posing and Risers are key as is use of backgrounds. I'm planning on breaking up rows with 1:6 scale figs.

[@astartespete]

Mine is definitely in the realm of too mamy figures crushed into detolfs, which I've put extra shelves in. It looks a mess but my main constraint is display space too. Once I get my man cave/office sorted next year then i'll be ready to start doing a final display down one wall.

[@soulcraft_84]

Sadly my collection is mostly in tubs or boxes in a closet, but if I eventually get around to displaying them ... I definitely want to look into cool backdrops like the ToyHax stages or making my own. I’m surprised not many collectors reenact certain scenes from different episodes in their display?

[@sbroadstone1499]

Robert D's laugh in echo is both amazing and terrifying at the same time. Great discussion!

[@rickarmstrong9089]

Absolutely loved this vid kutos. I find myself thinking on how to display my collection all the time. Can't wait to see the second part!!!

[@LS-jk3fk]

Thanks for the advice! I was laso wondering if you will review FansHobby DoubleEvil when he comes out, I am SO excited for that!

[@NathanSimmonsSworn]

I think this is what happens to a lot of collectors. More supply than room to display them. So you end up rotating your collection to display certain pieces. If you can't afford the Billy/Detolf route, there is always the Walmart/Target Bookcases as well in different colors.

[@rev8427]

Thanks for using my photos. Totally agree with your comments on the wasted space in the Detolfs. I generally use Besta units and that’s where my MPs used to reside. However, they’re now full of ‘vintage’ lines, so the MPs have had live in the Detolfs until I gain more space. P.S. would you like a throne for Megs?

[@prideprime5767]

I personaly I'm gonna start using a bookcase because I'm broke and don't have a big collection. But when I get my own apartment (I'm 17) I'll get something fancy.

[@YAGO323]

I like the floating shelf ideas. Guess I better step up my display. Hate all the dust that builds up.

[@schlitzy-1031]

Interesting discussion. I look forward to part 2.

[@tydiriumhanger1320]

Great Vid as usual! Bobby, you do a great job of presenting your Star wars 6 inch figs with amazing dioramas but just display your MP TFs on a black shelf with no background or dioramas. Do you just like Star wars more? You are the Master of posing TFs but Why not more backgrounds? Looking forward to part 2!

[@latourthierry4441]

All of you pointed interesting things. Yes, i think we like/love photography so the display has to be dynamic. I'm from France and i don't have these furnitures like billy. I use big tables and my TF are facing each other in poses like you can see on posters or the movies. They don't face me like, in a cage or something. They are static but alive. Also, good point for the G1 boxes. It's really connected.

[@defiantsx24]

Glad you used my picture at the 3 min mark. With my orange ark back ground base and my raises :)

[@M3reviewsDJD]

Curio cabinets and detolfs for the amatures like myself. the dust issue is solved. I like dusting my figures once about every 6 months but man when they are behind glass it saves a lot of time, thanks for the video.

[@mdredheadguy1979]

In Glade you guys posted this because I've been wanting to find better options for displaing my figures.

[@atlantisrose6790]

I migrated from detolf to billy shelves for the better height management and shallow depth. Its helped clean up my display. In addition I packed away the bulk of my collection and rotate the out periodically to keep it fresh.

[@JasonTYoung23]

I appreciate getting picked as one of the faves , I seem to change my stuff around a lot . As figures come and go I make new backgrounds for my detolfs , I like to make diorama scenes for whatever im collecting at the time . I have several different dioramas I switch out like my predator displays, I hate plain shelves of any kind. I think it gives more life to the figures . One day when I have a dedicated room for my stuff I hope to build dioramas for everything to reenact scenes from the movie / show that they come from . enjoyed hearing the discussion !

[@bebe13junior]

Detolfs were meant for sixth scale for sure. But the trick with adding more glass shelving with those metal clamps can work for some.

[@robodobro]

great video. thi sis exactly what i was looking for.. just bought a house and have to start from scratch.. meaning paint and carpet and only bringing over my 2 detolfs and riser.. just got Lack shelves from Ikea.. floating... and lookin gto add Billy shelves very close to how you have done it...So many great collectors on youtube but most are displayed horribly.. yours is the exception...nice job.

[@Wigglyferret]

Guys, I absolutely love the show! Keep this stuff up! I'm definitely demanding a part 2 to this though. what I want to see his examples from you guys of the best displays you have ever seen. They don't have to be your own. I just would like to hear your guys thoughts on the ones you think are the best. I'm right now in the process of building my own display for my collection which I feel at this point is now complete. I could look to get a few pointers or see a few examples to base my displays on

[@edeff1119]

Perfect timing on this convo. I'm reorganizing my TF in my Billy bookcases. And I use dolly stands to elevate the rear pieces behind the front pieces. Not nuts to buts. But I fill in the vertical space with stands... I'm debating whether I should separate my OS MPP10 and Megamaster onto a different display (away from my Season 1-3 cast bots. TY all.

[@deerrpp]

How do you guys combat dust for displays that aren't enclosed? That's the main thing that makes me hesitant to have open displays -_-

[@tatt4music]

Air purifier. I dust once or twice a year at most.

[@AgtWashingtub]

Nerd Rage Room FTW!! I am always scanning the background for changes. It is quite interesting.

[@lqdwiz1]

Hey fab 4. I REALLY love your new show. You all so funny, smart and so down to earth. Can you please do an episode of why Takara is OVERLY pricing their new figures? Thanks again for being awesome

[@artpipe]

Using 7 shelves a the moment, my next purchase in this regard will be some sort of glass-with-lights setup. Display wise, I find the broken-up look most appealing. Comics on wire easels, boxes, self-published zines and artists books, MISB figs and art-o-mat..., these are some of the things I use.

[@mikeytmb612]

I think adjustable clips for the detolfs may be a way to use up all the space especially if your like me and have your combiners displayed and extra shelf kicking around. Obviously I wouldnt trust a clip that screws tight to hold a lot of my mps, but a mini bot shelf could be cool.

[@TMReviews]

Great discussion, it's always a challenge for me to display because I hate figures covering up one another.

[@kaseyflemingart]

I’ve used those acrylic baseball cases to stagger the height of figures on display in areas where there is too much vertical space. Solid acrylic or glass block would be preferable but they’re a cheap solution.

[@doro626]

I think his name is pastor Robin. he adds lights to all of his transformers. After seeing his work, it made me want to do a diorama, museum style display. My apartment is not large enough, but i am building it in my mind, so for the time being, everything I get is in the toyworld devy box. Devy is on the bottom and the foam formed a sheft for the smaller bots on the top.

[@CronoRacingAZ]

A topic that wasn't touched much on by all three of you guys is depth. I think depth allows you to do a lot of fun things, like stagger bots by height, which still gives the 'army' vibe, while allowing you more dynamic display poses. I wouldn't say my display is your normal detolf (for anyone reading, it's the thumbnail image), but my 2x3 custom detolf allows me to have depth, which gives my bots more room for action poses. The staggering effect also lets me gauge the vertical negative space mentioned, and I can make displays where the army vibe is still there in conjunction with dynamic poses. It's great for my first two masterpiece shelves, where the figures are less nuts to butts, and I tried to maintain it for the CHUG shelves but that becomes a problem just due to the amount of figures. Still, they're able to stand dynamically with guns drawn. If anyone is interested, here is a walkthrough of the collection: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKi9fmOZr7yXfNk

[@chojinacd]

Nice topic, i get annoyed as much by transformers crammed into displays i see on facebook, as i get by seeing a glutton eat at McDonald's. I already dislike museumposes for hot toys, let alone for tansformers. I started out with a billy, then i expanded into shelves. I only have detolfs for 1:6 figures. Btw,it's a cool idea to fit extra shelves in the detolf! 1 suggestion though, as the detolf shelves are very deep, i would go for botmode behind altmode on the same shelf and adding more shelves still. Ps:i love how ur wife accepts, and even embraces ur partially shared geekness . Every fellow collector would be so lucky😂

[@TransformsIntoAGuitar]

I had to get away from open shelves because of the dust, which gets glued to the figures by air humidity. I want something that's like a detolf but twice the width but I couldn't find any in the UK.

[@THEWATCHERISLOOKING]

I'm trying to fig my display currently. Thanks for the vid. Keep them coming.

[@MisaelCastilloBrenes]

I ordered two cabinets with specific measures for the internal space distribution for my small collection. I plan to add led lights because they look too dark. It is closed with glass doors (mostly to avoid me having to dust them too frequently) but the disadvantage of that is that you need to open the doors in order to display them properly. It's a tradeoff that I'm willing to do since I don't have time to dust my figures monthly or less frequently than that.

[@josefrootgum]

i apply rule of thirds when it comes to vertical space. the figure displayed will look nicer if it is 2/3 the height of the shelf section leaving at least 1/3 of negative space at the top of the figures head

[@cybertronianexchange595]

I love this subject. I am a huge fan of displays but I hate the jam it on the shelf mentality. I like playing with my figures and making new displays based upon how I feel and if I want to see something different. I had to move past seeing every bot I have and in to seeing what kind of scene looks cool. I am a big fan of dioramas and having a playable surface to build dioramas for display I think is a lot of fun. This way you are not committed to your cube/shelf. I use my dresser top for a long display area and I have an old pastry display case that I use for the same. These afford me more space than my shelves and it allows be to rearranged and create scenes that are fun and tell a story. I think that is what matters most to me is being able to play with the figures as it suits me and when I am done I have a scene that feels dynamic like a picture taken in action.

[@ucdavis4pt0gpa]

You can modify the Detolf to hold more shelves. Sure you have to buy the glass but a local glass shop can do that for probably way less than any other display case option

[@kalron27]

I'll be the first to admit my display is total crap, but I worked with the space I had. Unfortunately at this point I have outgrown it so I have been forced to rethink the display situation. I've got some ideas but this talk definitely helped solidify them. Looking forward to part 2 Uncle Skully :)

[@DolkkarToyznstuff]

I completely think about how I'm going to display my figures well before I do. So speak for yourself Jisk! haha! I'm not trying to hate on Detolfs, but for me, they seem a bit overrated. Excellent vid guys and gal, can't wait for part Duh! Haha!

[@jawzdeadeye]

Good talk. In the future I want to get the Billy bookshelf, with with class doors (to cut down on dust) and run some type of LED light strip through it.

[@venomgtsr5702]

Hit the nail on the with my collection. Detolfs crammed with MP Autobots (the fewer Decepticons look better) and a couple bookshelves with a random assortment of everything else. My CHUG stuff looks terrible due to the vertical space/“nuts to butts” display and I’ve even been forced to pack away a few hundred dollars worth. Not really sure how to fix this problem because I only have a ten foot section of wall to utilize.

[@polarisrustinpeace1797]

This is an awesome topic! My wife bitches at me to get something to display my collection in. She now refuses to dust the ones I have opened and displayed around the living room and bedroom. It's to the point now that I ran out of space and just keep almost everything coming in now in the box, stacking up ridiculously in a spare room. However, we seem to be slowing down in the output of MP's (all I collect), so I think now would be a great time for you guys to figure out this problem for this dummy. 😎

[@Mandalore2280]

Detolfs work for stand alone pieces or OS figures. Billys are great for groups. My masterpiece collection is in Billys with glass shelves with spot lights up top. The biggest downside is the depth of the Billy and the doors options you have available.

[@haNkRChi3F]

yeah I think Detolfs look great as singles. I like them period, but not like 4 in a row...

[@directorscarlett1932]

this also becomes a problem of "what figures do I really want to have?". I mean there are plenty of figures I would love to have but I try to limit myself to only getting ones I can display well so that they aren't all standing shoulder to shoulder in straight lines. Having a large collection is cool but if you can't make them look good then what's the point of displaying them? Nobody gets nostalgia from seeing your favourite characters standing like robots (pun intended) Loving the series, please have Mrs Skullface be a regular, it's great to hear an outside point of view in discussion videos 😊

[@nathanschultz5538]

Bobby! That's was the sickest burn lmao

[@patrickgriffith8002]

The issue I have with Billys is the lower shelves often block the view.

[@ericboyer5335]

I'm in the phase of looking for displays and it's difficult. One thing I do know I want is something with doors so they don't get dusty.

[@Mechanic618]

Billy/Oxbergs with the glass doors. Not too expensive, relatively dust proof.

[@RexTorres-trackwrex]

Dust! That's the only deterrent from using shelves for me. I have a lot of SoC's (along with Masterpiece) and I used to just use shelves. You literally have to dust at least once a week to keep it from accumulating. If you don't have the time to commit, then I suggest detolfs.

[@bricksandplanes2580]

Great topic man! It's a tough choice.. And depends on space but def if you are buying these expensive figs at least show them nicely!

[@MattC87]

But how do you keep the dust under control on open bookshelves? I'm working on a custom detolf type display. I bought two detolfs for the glass and two pieces of finished furniture wood from home depot. Used my router and put the grooves in the wood for the glass to sit. Now I have a full glass case that is as wide as three detolfs. I need to find a place to make glass shelves for full length shelves and I'm going to adjust/add shelves to suit what I'm displaying.

[@josephmonroy3865]

I'm curious... how's do we deal with the dust problem??? Exposed shelves can get dusty.

[@Xsis_Vorok]

Having out of the box detolfs or billies does look bad. You have to do something with them. I put a background in my billy and put felt on my detolf shelves. Now I'm just waiting for one more detolf to put backgrounds in those. So, what other readily available solutions are out there?

[@miaouew]

In my opinion I find that having a minimalist collection of just a few really cool pieces (in my case, a complete DX9 Menasor and secondary stunticons set displayed together in different modes that I'm currently working and waiting on) is FAR preferable to having just a wall of plastic crap. The individual models get lost in the jumble of shapes and colors, and it just looks ugly. Even people with "impressive" or stereotypically well displayed collections I find the aesthetic ruined by quantity or having the models too tightly packed. Clear a shelf for two or three models, maybe consolidate your massive collection and the end result becomes something more personal, classy and succinct. Just my opinion. IMO you should only collect those characters which were your favorite or hold some emotional nostalgia for you personally. If you have to have every version of them, that's okay too, and in fact that is when quantity (for me) becomes acceptable.

[@aaronmauer7225]

I don’t do any detolf cause they are to small and use up to much wall space. I lately use a lot of industrial shelves from home depot or sams club. They are deeper and you can adjust the shelf height

[@atlantisrose6790]

Just subbed man love your content!

[@jeremypickard2372]

Oh really diggin the show.

[@Rudy5453_]

Cant wait for part 2.

[@Vinyl_Doomed_Man]

Love your channel. Cool setup.

[@bacman84]

Great episode you Dummies lol. Personally, I have 3 lit detolfs for my MP collection and the struggle is real lol. However, with risers, spacing and proper posing of each MP, a great display can be achieved.

[@jzachery]

I also think that a lot of collectors might be renters or only have a certain amount of space available, but not in a permanent situation.

[@omegaty6]

God bless Roberts random callouts like silly straw ahahahah

[@MosheMaserati]

Totally looking forward to the HGTV special

[@stuartcork1249]

coming to this a 'little' late, so may never get read (and writing just a few minutes into the video) but... I found the best way is to buy the materials and build my own display cupboard. I could have shelves as big, deep and high as I need. There are half shelves; narrow shelves; and even angled shelves- all depending upon what I am displaying at the location. And I light it to best suit where the Transformers are. I would advise anyone with a sizable collection to do the same. There is no cabinet you can buy that makes the most of the space you have and maximises what you can display.

[@twilight_phantom2969]

Bobby I was wondering how do you feel about MP Optimus 3.0 and it's 450 dollar price?

[@nashtatersgaming7450]

While open discussions are great, and giving each other ideas are helpful, ultimately just like toy reviews it is all subjective. I say display how you like and show off your shit how you like. End of the day you are the one staring at it everyday not everyone else on the internet.

[@dbigesby]

Part 2 isn't out yet? Dammit Bobby!! LOL!!

[@haNkRChi3F]

cracking up at Star Saber and his lion 😂😂😂

[@modokmike3601]

Awesome topic. I have a SIGNIFICANT Hot Toys/Mezco One 12/Masterpiece Collection that I refused to display in anything IKEA. (No offense to anyone using detolfs). Display Cabinet options after IKEA run anywhere from $500-$1000+ per display cabinet. But you’re right, people displaying $5000 in Toys in a $50 detolf, always didn’t sit right with me. This topic should be explored further.

[@david94134]

Your display is da bomb bro!

[@chenguangmai]

how do you guys keep your collectibles clean? I barely display them on shelf since they get dusty pretty easily

[@Mechanic618]

Everything behind glass. No dusting required. Life is good.

[@mark4flair376]

Detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, detolfs, and again I say DDEEEEEEETTTOOLLLFFSSSS!!!!!

[@Archaeonomy]

Damn, I dream of being able to afford Detolfs. They cost a fortune in NZ. over 200 bucks each.

[@thugg4lif]

Love you Skullyz!

[@snapshotsreviews4967]

Omega in the building

[@jackblackwhole]

Step1: A massive house Step2: A massive fuken house Step3: PROFIT.

[@snapshotsreviews4967]

I wish I had the ability to be a minimalist with my collection but I just like completing teams

[@AbztraktMindst8]

I use Kallax shelves from Ikea for my collection. They look better than detolfs in my opinion.

[@MrFree2BeMe1]

8:09 the perfect scale

[@Ravenfellblade]

Love these videos... However, please fix the audio! Robert Detolf sounds like he's talking to us from the bottom of a well!

[@jeroenmeester9528]

I don't display anything in something that comes from IKEA, I've seen too many displays that have crashed, so no detolfs for me.

[@silver4golf]

How bad is it that I display my collection in car modes?

[@cameronmoriarty3313]

I could get Detolfs, there is an Ikea 10 - 15 mintues from my home, but I realized no one but me is ever going to see my collection anyway, so I would rather just get more figures instead of spending money on displaying them. I don't need the shelves for my enjoyment.

[@cameronmoriarty3313]

I definitely fall into the category of sucking at posing figures.

[@luisalgaringomez9847]

I am an Architect and all my displays are custom made to fit my figures perfectly

[@rodrickgriffin8329]

I need helpful suggestions on masterpiece scale dioramas 😭

[@jonathanb1987]

Robert must be Filipino considering the joke about the spoon and fork in his collection. Lol

[@deathtollwrx]

My white on white with bruce lee billies was shown. No comment on it though

[@fragginbastich7307]

The billies look like shit too. Short of custom build displays I don't know how to fix these issues. Detolfs here and agree it isn't quite right. But book shelves are even worse.

[@jronyjrony2340]

SKULLFACE MAN! DO A SIT DOWN SATURDAY ABOUT THE NEW MP OPTIMUS! WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE PRICE?

[@Wargod_ARTS]

1 Dummy and 3 Robots

[@IsaidQUIETnHERE]

4am is too early Boberts.