Don't Be a Wargaming Hoarder

Atom has too many wargaming miniatures and needs to do something about it. You might also. Find out if you do.
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[@stevew9748]

(stands up) my name is tom, and I'm a miniatureholic.

[@JimBobsaygex69]

Hi, tom

[@tytaylor9313]

hI TOM

[@rokassan]

(Stands up) you seem perfectly normal to me Tom. Let's get in a game of something.

[@daannieuwenhuis6212]

One army at a time

[@xj770HUN]

Hi, tom..

[@richardbryant2380]

There is a legend (myth?) among us Historical Miniature gamers that "as long as one has unpainted lead in his collection, he cannot die" . At 81, I am working hard to prove the legend. Dick Bryant Charge! There are no lead widows.

[@artourious6346]

+Richard Bryant nice one..........

[@Comicsluvr]

+Richard Bryant Always leave that ONE model unfinished. Live to 100. Have them bury you with it, a brush and some paints. On the headstone write 'Just one more model to finish...'

[@tabletopminions]

I hope it's true. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@wezab]

I'm with you there. I have 6 regiments of British Army, 3 highland & 3 English, a regiment of heavy Cavalry, all of which are painted. But my guns have unpainted crew, my bakers rifles go from painted to base coats and a regiment of guardsmen in their shiny mettle best escorted by a regiment of light cavalry in the same glorious splendour. They sit patiently in their steel work box supervised by Wellesly on his horse Copenhagen who is properly painted. I can't go without completing the job.

[@S_sleepin]

@@wezab what scale?

[@TheMatiasfrom]

"I've got a lot of little men down in my basement."

[@tabletopminions]

That isn't the best way to start a conversation, I'll agree. Thanks for watching!

[@Shmancy_pants_69]

He's Willy Wonka

[@AVspectre]

Hey - no judgement. Thanks for always sharing your humour and hobby wisdom Uncle!

[@Ottuln]

Feel free to send me all of the models that make you sad. I'm willing to take on the burden to alleviate your pain.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

You're probably one of these (insert suitable term of abuse here) that paints and bases all your models in the blink of an eye and has ample space to practice your hobby and has them all beautifully on display in your living room , and has regular / frequent games to justify it all. I hate guys like you!!! Probably because I'm so furiously steaming with jealousy about you people. lolz hahahahah

[@Ottuln]

Mongo Boogie Nope, I am the noobiest painting noob ever. I just started last year, and my list of completed projects is: Menoth Cinerators in Irish Colors TIE f/o in pun-tastic scheme YV-666 in Team Covenant colors T-70 X-wing in Blue/Red/Gold for my kid's birthday K-wing in B-26 colors Z-95 in P-40 colors Han Solo Rebel Saboteurs Probe Droids Stormtroopers various 15 cent practice models More than I expected, but not really impressive. I have probably 15 miniatures in various stages of painting that have been that way for 4-6 months : P That said, I am always looking for more stuff to slap paint on!

[@Ottuln]

Oh, and I have a Gormon de Wulf in Southwestern colors that is awesome. All I have to do is base him, but I'm waiting until I can get down to Moab to pink up some authentic coral-pink sand.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

I think my problem is lack of adequate facilities to allow me to paint even the stuff that's on my paint station. And that's pretty jam packed with stuff .

[@Ottuln]

Mongo Boogie I totally sympathize. You should see my work area.

[@Miniac]

Man, you are taking the words right out of my mouth. I was JUST telling a few friends that I was going to sell 95% of my unpainted, unassembled models, paint that last 5% and then hit that sweet, sweet point of "buy a kit, paint a kit" rinse and repeat.

[@tabletopminions]

+SDub It's so difficult, man. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@santiagolozoya4940]

HEY SCOTT (just imagine this in that voice you do with the upsideown glasses), whybdid he respond to this comment with +SDub?

[@ruatkevin2142]

4 years later, did you actually do it ? :D I know I couldn't :x

[@Xyxox]

When a wargamer has EVERY model he owns painted, he dies.

[@brandyn4381]

Xyxox this is the truth

[@superwargamer3229]

lmfao nice one

[@kostismetallo8697]

Xyxox but you have to paint even the bitz parts

[@thomasward6610]

Xyxox That will never happen for me, half mine aren't even assembled.

[@DylanGash1]

Xyxox comment of the month

[@stevexl7747]

Three separate hobbies: Buying cool miniatures Painting miniatures so they look cool Playing cool games with miniatures

[@PaulComis]

Possibly four: Reading about the cool stories in universe

[@TheRunesmythe]

Get rid of models? What kind of blasphemy is this? Heretic! Ahem.. now that I got that out of my system...

[@Trevastated]

Yes, get rid of all the Loyalists, they aren't doing anything good for you anyway...

[@saiintFPS]

I'm a heretic... Horus is the best

[@littlenapoleon1321]

TheRunesmythe 😂😂😂

[@Squiggypie]

TheRunesmythe HERETIC!!! nerrrrrd.

[@Squiggypie]

(that's an emperor's text to speech device joke)

[@nickhart8619]

Call me Smauglue, the dragon of the lonely mountain. My stolen hoard is of sprues and whiskey bottles.

[@tabletopminions]

Yes, I have plenty of bottles, too. Mainly just bourbon. Thanks for watching!

[@QuinSkew]

"I have an astounding number of models in my basement." Context is everything

[@tardwrangler]

"When you're young you have time and energy, but no money. When you get older you have money and energy, but no time. And later when you finally have time and money, you no longer have energy."

[@jyabha]

LMFAO sounds about right

[@leakycheese]

I think you deserve a medal for counselling support services to the wargaming community for this video. Seriously though, eBay is the way forward here as you say. You can liberate lots cash and clear down your clutter, and you might be surprised at how valuable some of your models are on the second hand market (e.g. some Lord of The Rings and Forge World can command very high prices). By the way, what is the treatment for psychic drain, my Warlord is currently hanging over me like the Sword of Damocles?

[@tabletopminions]

+leakycheese Maybe meditation while listening to my videos on loop or something? Not sure it that'll actually help. Thanks for watching!

[@Cerberusarms]

I'm a serious victim of psychic drainage for this exact reason. It's just too hard to keep up with ebay's ever-changing listings

[@tabletopminions]

I'm going to probably make a video about selling stuff on eBay. I'm no expert, but I have friends who are. Thanks for watching!

[@lachlanrickwood7519]

Cerberusarms it’s D!!!

[@owenrivers16]

Hey D! Didnt know you like minis

[@mf-h3659]

This guy is genuinely a breath of fresh air for the hobby, across the board. Its so great to see someone so eloquent, thoughtful, perceptive, and easy to listen to represent what is often otherwise a very whiny, insular, self-absorbed past-time. Also that voice is like listening to smoke.

[@kdillie1]

jokes on you, that's how i want to die!

[@tabletopminions]

Well then, carry on. Thanks for watching!

[@XxlildramaxX]

R.I.P.

[@adamkrausemail]

LOL

[@devinebolt]

brilliant XD

[@ramishaath1885]

whats your suggestion on painting those tiny 28 mm models should i just not worry about all the detail and just make them look good as a unit or spend 3 years just trying to paint one unit very detailed??

[@barretmusselman9977]

I'm not a "hoarder" I'm a "collector", I can quit whenever I want! Honestly tho I really don't believe in selling off my stuff, for me collecting is part of the hobby. I have always regretted selling stuff it in the past, just about every time, whether it was old video games, legos whatever, and now that I'm in a position were I don't need to sell it I'm not going to. Ebay can IMO be part of the problem, its so easy and theres just so much out there. Also I don't feel its really a problem aslong as your not in a bad position financially. If it wears you down mentally then by all means dump it but if it brings you pleasure or makes you happy, I don't see any problem, plus there are alot worse things. We're not the only ones who do this. I mean how many people have loads of video/board/rpg games they haven't played in years or movies they watched one time, or books, I even have a friend who went and spent a serious amount of money on a boat he uses 3 times a year if that, and we live on the ocean so its not like its a big trip to go out on it. So its just part of who some people are. Sorry for the big long post =)

[@tabletopminions]

+Barret Musselman You gotta do what makes you happy. Thanks for watching!

[@lordclangtheintolorable2094]

*FAAAAAAKIN PARAGRAPHS USE THEM!!!!*

[@madmanvarietyshow9605]

Oh fuck dude reading your post was like looking into a mirror

[@albertoenriquez21]

Collecting is awesome... As long as you have the money, time and space for it....

[@stevenschnepp576]

That other people burn money doesn't make it optimal.

[@MrBrad9]

good philosophy for EVERYTHING in your house. With all the stuff in my house if I have not used it in three years...boom out the door. (or know I won't be using it). This goes for gaming stuff, books, clothes, sporting goods etc... Yes I keep a small collection of RPG books as I collect D&D stuff. I have a six shelf metal shelving unit in my storage room for terrain pieces as I use them for RPG and Frostgrave. This is a dedicated gaming storage shelf. I never have more stuff than will fit on this shelf. I got out of war gaming all together. What a breath of fresh air. I just use my old D&D minis for Frostgrave.

[@darrenthurman]

I joined a painting resolutions group on Facebook and that has helped a lot with setting goals and making incremental progress on getting stuff finished. Back in November I finished painting all my minis and was painting new minis as I buy them ... for about 3 weeks = P

[@tabletopminions]

+Darren Thurman Groups like that sound like a really good idea. I'm glad it worked well for you. Thanks for watching!

[@seankavanagh3742]

I feel your pain sir; I have a rule if I have not used it in a year I sell it. The money then gets used for current projects. There is however a secret cupboard were I put things just to own them then sit with them like Golumn in the deep and the dark :)

[@tabletopminions]

As long as you have the space and you're cool with it, then it's not so bad, I guess. Thanks for watching!

[@seankavanagh3742]

+Tabletop Minions My son Lorcan gets a lot of my old models to practice paiting or to make his own games with :)

[@williampugh5976]

I'm brand new to this hobby, and I just want to say thank you to those of you who post your unused models on eBay. I was able to get a whole Tau army built and painted for pretty cheap thanks to ya'll.

[@danielbateman6518]

i don't have enough money to have this... "problem" :') if anyone in the London area has this problem i will assemble stuff for you and stuff... i wish i had stuff...

[@thatoneradicalizedprussian225]

Same here. I want to get into wargaming, but I'm too poor.

[@paintedandloaded7145]

Imperial Officer i got a solution for u i sell second hand models for cheap on ebay my seller name is jawood-4537 i am about to put up a great big deal of listings come check me out 😉

[@paintedandloaded7145]

Imperial Officer i aim for my prices to be around half the brand new gw models

[@10honeysoyBBQwings]

"I have an astounding amount of models in my basement" I think that's illegal...

[@desmondm728]

"impress your friends . . . or not"

[@josephskiles]

My models are my friends

[@adamfox1669]

Always great topic & ideas. Love the painting with San Leynz too! Wanted to mention how much I appreciate that you’re never harping about crappy giveaways just for clickbait! Seems like most of those channels give the stuff to their friends channel anyway & can’t be bothered to answer comments. I truly appreciate your enthusiasm for our hobby! Thanks

[@mattsurrey6138]

Great video this week I can totally relate to. No more models for me until I've sold / painted all my draw stock.... Oooo Warhammer quest silver tower!

[@tabletopminions]

Yes, I held off on that. So far. Thanks for watching!

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Psychically draining is the perfect term. I realized this same thing about a year ago. Started selling off a TON and for the first time in forever, I’ve finally started actually getting more assembled and painted.

[@etexpatriate]

I engage with miniatures _very tentatively_ because it's very much a hobby that tends to tip quickly from healthy interest into consumerism then to outright hoarding. I've never known a Warhammer fan who didn't end up spending more time acquiring models than painting or playing. I veer towards independent space fleet games like _Full Thrust_ in part because they're not driven by that sort of "gotta get 'em all" urge.

[@lordclangtheintolorable2094]

Hey i enjoy assembling and painting them, for my friend, and as of now i only own 1 miniature. My first and last, those others ive assembled and painted were for my "friends" who actually dont like painting and assembling.

[@MrUzzynator]

This is so true. I am into Warcry, Star Wars Legion and X Wing, I own complete factions for me, my mates and brother to play but no more than that - if we go to a LFGS competition or event and are uncompetitive, too bad, so long as we enjoy playing and do our best with what we have. Additionally we don't have a huge amount of time to actual play so holdong back and being conservative with buying Wargaming boxes is good practice, otherwise the hoarding begins with unpainted and unplayed games There is a beauty to contentment with what one has. But like you say it's so easy to buy a box or get involved in another game and the cucle starts again.

[@MrUzzynator]

Also a lot of wargaming is setup to hook you, which further justifies cautiousness, hence why I prefer skirmish games with low model counts, low space and not a ton of stuff to build and paint. That said I also play Legion but carefully though, its more enjoyable that way.

[@TurnStyleGames]

You've touched on a number of excellent points. Oddly, my favourite was the remark around 8:30 when you talked about models being "unhappy". I always feel it's a damn shame for toy soldiers (of any material) to be shoved away in a corner..unbuilt...unpainted...ungamed. Fortunately for me, I have a compulsion to randomly sell lots of stuff (ie. most of what I own) and start "fresh". I think there are a lot of people who genuinely own more than they'll ever paint or even assemble. I say keep the models which are special to you (or limited edition, ultra valuable kits etc.) and get the rest out of there. It can weigh on your mind when you consider how much stuff you have to paint - another reason not to assemble an entire army. Build and paint a squad at a time. Good video!

[@tabletopminions]

Exactly. Having so much to paint can really cause problems. Thanks for watching!

[@chompette_]

i got properly into warhammer about 2 months ago and i now have boxes full or 1000 points of necrons, and some space marines and skitarii, and i've managed to finish painting and base one necron warrior, its not looking good for me

[@dambt]

+Tom Salmon NEVER GIVE UP!

[@JesperHasteen]

+Tom Salmon Overbuying as a new player is waaay too easy

[@McBurnside6380]

+Tom Salmon Focus on one army at a time. Then do one whole squad at a time. I would choose the Necrons. Leadbelcher spray undercoat. Dry brush a lighter silver. Nuln oil ink wash. Pick out Eyes and a few other details. Finally make the bases look good (see WinetersSEO page for easy bases that look stunning) and call it done. Once you get a few squads done you will get a sense of accomplishment and it will motivate you to push on. Good luck.

[@chompette_]

Justin Burnside i.imgur.com/kJCP44S.png here was my first attempt, i think i got the technique down but thanks though

[@tabletopminions]

These are good responses. Dial back the buying new models for awhile, and dial up the building and painting. You can do it. Thanks for watching!

[@xXmehgamingXx]

Literally my favorite wargaming/tabletop channel, your video's are very well done and very easy to listen to, thanks for the content man.

[@DougWIngate]

Epilogue: Adam continued to buy models. He currently lives with his wife in Wisconsin, buried beneath a pile of models

[@FilippoCalanca]

I left the hobby some 7 years ago due to this reason. Just got really really really frustrated about how many models were still plastic grey after years from their purchase, so I simply sold everythink for 10k€ and start enjoying my new life free of "I HAVE TO PAINT THEM ALL" cliche. I just kept a Soulgrinder for myself as a reminder of the old way. Now, 7 years later, I started again with a few bunch of models from Dark Vengeance. Although piling up is still tempting me everyday, the general look of my new beloved painted models is saving me from the plastic grey hell. Thank you Atom, this video of yours is gold.

[@tabletopminions]

Make sure to keep your drawers empty! Wait, that's not what I meant. Thanks for watching!

[@jshepherd1102]

I used to have a crap-tillion models. I decided one day that I would rather have a few, awesome painted armies, than a ton of plastic on sprues. So I sold all my models on ebay. Then I took the money and bought painted figures from ebay. Now I have several painted armies, and I'm selective on what models I buy and paint. I get more joy out of painting knowing I don't have a million models waiting to be painted. Great video.

[@tabletopminions]

+Jay Shepherd Glad you liked it, and I'm glad you've "right-sized" your collection. Thanks for watching!

[@TheClassicWorld]

Well, of course, you didn't even paint them, you bought them painted, you kind of cheated there, kind of funny. :P

[@NicolaiCzempin]

1) it's perfectly acceptable to buy painted models 2) he said he is selective on what models he buys _and_paints_, so he does paint some.

[@jordanwilde9226]

I purchased two Detolf cases a couple months ago now that I finally had the room. One of the best purchases any wargamer could make.

[@SkullyTheHypnoSkull]

Models should be packaged so you have stuff to trade! I remember when I was a kid, I was always trading my extra space marines for orks. I think Dark Imperium was cool because you got two armies so you could trade one of them off.

[@SpudMcMuff]

I'm not a figurine modeler, I'm a race car guy, but what you're saying branches across all modeling interests. You hit the nail right on the head. You've gained a subscriber here. Also, your Super Clean video saved my butt, & two chassis this weekend. Kudos to you.

[@tabletopminions]

+Tour Modified 23 Glad to hear it. I have a friend who races 1/10 and 1/12 electric on carpet track, and it seemed fun, but it really leaves wargaming in the dust, price-wise. Thanks for watching!

[@SpudMcMuff]

Tabletop Minions No, I mean like REAL race cars. Haha! Thanks again!

[@LostExodite]

Great advice. I am completely confident I have no intention of following it :-)

[@tabletopminions]

+Studio Dropship You are not the only one, I suspect. Thanks for watching!

[@boreos3499]

Dude. Endless props for actually getting this out there and talking about it. Way to man up.

[@cruorangelussilicis]

Great vid, I'm doing a paint what you've got, don't buy what you want challenge!! Consolidating your hobby life is very cleansing and cathartic!

[@tabletopminions]

I image it is! I need to work on it myself, as many of us do. Thanks for watching!

[@jyabha]

"I don't want to say it psychically drains me because that sounds loopy, BUT it psychically drains me..." LOL that gave me a chuckle and I think I know what you mean. Great vid, and a good reminder

[@thetowerkeeper]

I started when I was around 9 years old in the 1960s with Airfix 1/72 scale soldiers. I am 58 years old. I have a problem...and no space. This rings SO true and I do have Rooks, crows, magpies who can dispose of my body if it gets to that! Sound words and that photograph!!!

[@tabletopminions]

Yeah... that photograph took far less time to set up than I would have liked, sadly. Thanks for watching!

[@ratmaster2000]

OMG! whenever I need to feel better, I literally come and watch THIS video! Drives me to get off my butt and paint my mini's, and gives me a good laugh:) Thanks Adam!

[@spellswordmain]

I'm lucky I don't have enough money to hoard minis I'm not crying

[@davidmacdougall7079]

You are a kindred spirit. I started gaming on the 1980's with D & D miniatures, and later Napoleonics 15mm minis. The latest is WH 40K and Zombicide minis. Although I'm not in the "hoarder" category, I still have a good collection of figures that I will probably never finish. Ambition often exceeds time. You have said it all, my friend.

[@tabletopminions]

Honestly, I've found I paint more when I spend less time watching TV. It's been helping me move forward quite a bit. Thanks for watching!

[@ottovonbismarck7646]

Get rid of my old models?!?!?!?? *makes quick prayer to the God Emperor before fixing bayonet*

[@PvtSchlock]

I young guy who works through a clearinghouse will show up after the family is done with the belongings and the paperwork is complete. All the stuff is tossed into boxes, the place is cleaned up and everything is delivered to the sorters and then it's apportioned into lots. The lots are picked up by various sellers close to, and farther away from the end sale. It's sobering when you're a young guy, and again after you've had decades of time to realize your mortality. Good advice about the never ending backlog though, thanks for the insight!

[@TheEternalCrafter]

My current to build list: Space marine bikers Space marine drop pod Vanguard space marines Then the to paint: 30 Necron warriors 60 tyranid Gants Necron ghost ark 20 ish space marines 3 space marine librarians And probably a tonne more I forgot about

[@tabletopminions]

+The Eternal Crafter Yeah, I've got a big list, too. Thanks for watching!

[@adamfox1669]

Hi, I’m Adam & I’m definitely a hoarder. But 4 years ago I sold off 95% of ALL my stuff. Terrain, armies,etc... too many different periods & scales& I chose 1 scale/ 1 area of miniature collection & have been going strong on that path. I’m actually quite happy & content- I was NEVER content in my hobby until now. I’m enjoying it like a beginner again! Great channel!

[@bpip000]

I'm the guy that just bought an oop Jes Goodwin ogre from 1988 just because I miss the old school models that I grew up painting. But at least I painted it.

[@jeffreycox4244]

Great Video! I'm more of a supply hoarder (must have every type of medium, glaze, putty, etc.) Amassed about 9K points in Orks and 2K points in Daemons, all lovingly painted (I'm told very well) then sold the whole lot for $1200 - threw in all my paints and supplies as a bonus (I was overseas and moving back to States... didn't think I would wargame again... was a killer deal for the kid). 2 years later the bug hit me again and I drop 90 bucks in plastic and I dunno, $800ish in paints, primers, airbrush, poster tac, inks, sandpaper, pin vises, magnets, you name it. I may only have a few squads and a couple of HQ's painted with a few more in boxes awaiting my next break from classes to paint, but I have enough paint and supplies to do up 12 full armies and a tournament's worth of terrain! (before wargaming, I had to channel my poor financial choices into office and school supplies... this is way better ;) I guess we all have our own flavor of sickness.

[@tabletopminions]

It's true. Thanks for watching!

[@TheJankmaster]

how about this for sad...on top of the horde of unopened models, I have two unopened display cases that you showed here. I have had these in 4 different apartments. :(

[@krisdog88]

Yep... I have one case built... it's empty. I have another still in the box out in the garage.

[@tabletopminions]

Those things are heavy, too. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@TheClassicWorld]

That's not sad. That's more money than sense, then you added a sad face, it's a bit like saying, 'I'm so rich in this country, omg, it's amazing, it's going to be amazing.' Wait, you're not Trump. Man, Africans would not be happy if they read your comment. Sounds like you wasted £5,000 there (due to apartments). Maybe more, hmm.

[@owlblocksdavid4955]

You used the wrong "horde"... Oh wait that works as well :)

[@ElrohirGuitar]

I have about 2000 figures. They are all assembled and, at least primed, so I've never had the problem of putting them together. About 500 have not been painted. Recently, I've bought about another 100 models, but I also have painted about 150 in the last month, so I'm making progress. I painted all of my Silver Tower figures almost immediately so that I could play that with friends, but I was able to get quite a few of my older (like 20 or 30 years ago) models painted right after that. It gave me so much satisfaction to bring those older models to life after so long a time. That is one of the great things about our hobby. We get to take finely crafted blobs of plastic or metal, and by the art of our painting, bring them to life and understand their stories.

[@nimeryaspawnbrd1049]

XD just passed the video to two friends of mine (brothers... it may be hereditary... )who have a very severe form of this pathology I'm on the exact opposite of the spectrum... I love to paint, I've done it on commission for years back in college Once entered in my house, a miniature doesn't last unpainted more than a few minutes... But I'm often hesitant when it comes to buy, since miniature are so expensive and, sadly, not a family budget priority...

[@redreaper3582]

i bought exactly that detolf cabinet. its such a huge motivation to see your entire army grow.

[@tabletopminions]

+Red Reaper I really need to build mine soon. Thanks for watching!

[@notHiro]

I've spent the last month or so watching mini painting tutorials, subbing to subreddits, looking at different sites and still haven't bought a single model. So I think I have the opposite problem.

[@tabletopminions]

I'd tell you to start with used models on eBay so you can use them to learn to paint. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@Fooley]

This is always good to actually hear someone say. I got the new Blood Bowl box and I've been plugging away at those, but I've had the Ork half of Assault on Black Reach sitting around from a false start about 7 years ago. Plus some pewter models. So I keep thinking about those to keep me from buying new ones. It applies to other hobbies too. I knit, and its the exact same thing. Its amazing how fast you can accumulate yarn that you dont know what you'll make with it, but the color/fiber/whatever is so good and you have that coupon and it might not be there next time... Anyway, I'm glad I found your channel since I got back into all this.

[@ignition8047]

I've just started in warhammer 40k and got the Dark vengence set, almost done painting the whole set and played a few 750 point games. This is great advice I'll keep in mind.

[@tabletopminions]

+Jeff Balash It's important, it'll help you out in the long run. Thanks for watching!

[@paintedandloaded7145]

Whatever you do do not sell the pieces separately in that kit if u are going to sell it it is so valuable today

[@DLRkine1]

I had the same reflection back in april and sold almost all my unpainted minis and even some painted ones that I didn't play anymore. It felt weird at first (especially the painted ones) but now it feels great and I actually have more fun planning what to buy and paint now that I don't have anything ''abandoned''.

[@carlmayne3519]

Maybe a good idea would be to create some kind of Uncle Atom's Figure Swapping group :), We could all just directly swap mini's we have but not painted, for ones we need :)

[@jarcuadanantus28]

I need some of those discontinued forgeworld necron scarabs...

[@batingbunnies]

Jarcu Adanantus check out zealot minis, they make some pretty nice 40k alternative models. I know for a fact they have necron scarabs

[@jarcuadanantus28]

It's not so much about alternative models as it is completionism. I have every official necron thing there is, except them.(To my knowledge.)

[@ringheader]

I picked up the hobby a month before the US went into mass locked down for Covid19 and I started working from home. Didn't really think that I had an issue until a couple of days ago when my latest batch arrived and didn't have anywhere to put anything. Over $17,000 put into the hobby in such a short amount of time. Not struggling for cash but its truly time to dial it back. I think I needed to see this.

[@blackriderbob8053]

i have a problem with buying genestealers off ebay i currently have 86 genestealers i have currently painted 8 of them and now i feel intimidated to paint so many models, it dosent help that i havent really painted anything else

[@Jane_Jackson]

+BlackRider Bob Let me help you out; I have about 70 Space Marines, a Land Speeder, a Drop Pod, three Leman Russ tanks, three Basilisks and 140 guardsmen to paint. Oh, and some terrain pieces. Just get going with it in your spare time when you don't have anything else to do; or when watching a youtube video. Preferably not one with jump-scares, that'll end badly.

[@Pyrosity]

+BlackRider Bob Pay someone to paint them!

[@tabletopminions]

Figure out how to quick-paint them in big groups, and then go to town on them. That'll help. Watch my video about using paint sticks (I think it's an Uncle Atom's Pro Tip); that'll help with cranking through them quickly. Thanks for watching!

[@owlblocksdavid4955]

@@Jane_Jackson or maybe that's the sort of effect you're looking for.

[@rsreston]

Very interesting video, Adam. I think it helps if one uses that approach in other areas of life, because it's likely one hoards other things too. Beside my pile of unpainted miniatures (which thankfully I stopped a couple of years ago), I also used to have piles of unread comic books. Then one day it dawned on me "What am I missing by not reading them?" So I stopped with 90% of the purchases, and it eventually helped me stop buying too many minis.

[@tabletopminions]

Moderation is key, it's true. Thanks for watching!

[@Biostasis5x7]

I'd consider that i have a mini problem, but I've been painting pretty diligently and I'm down to 63 guys left to paint. They are currently sitting in a shoe box.

[@tabletopminions]

You're way ahead of me. Thanks for watching!

[@stephenwallace3203]

I've been trying to pair down my stuff for awhile. I'm glad someone finally discussed this. good show!

[@tabletopminions]

Thanks, I feel like it's something I need to do in my life, so I thought maybe others would be interested as well. Thanks for watching!

[@MarkNiceyard]

Tabletop Minions, I am roughly your age and I got a lot of stuff I bought affectionately, too, but I didn't buy that to feel bad about it. If that'd be the case, I'd be just a big moron. Actually I'm pretty happy with those loads of old minis and I love to have the choice when it comes to the question 'What do I paint today?' I really can't find any strong point in your vid, that gives you a real reason to have a bad feeling about your basement full of minis. Because your heirs have those minis when You die is kinda ridiculous. Just make a testament that interested people will get them after your check-out. Easy as pie! How about just being happy to have plenty?

[@PaintedThumbVids]

I have seen want happens when a collector dies and leaves a giant collection. I’m on the staff of a miniatures convention, MillenniumCon. One of the vendors at this convention was the executor of his friend’s estate. His friend had a MASSIVE collection of miniatures, terrain, books, board games and accessories. He brought a portion of the collection to sell at the vendor hall. That small subset of the collection was larger than the entire inventory of the next largest vendor. All of it was marked at clearance sale prices. The convention is annual and he returned three times before the collection was manageable enough to start selling on EBay.

[@tt3925]

Did you just try to guilt me into selling my unpainted stash? LOL, no.

[@bobbysimpson5540]

Understandable as I have so many models. My reason for having them is I love the hobby so much but get paint burnout and having a variety allows me to change it up. Great video. Thanks

[@tabletopminions]

It is nice to be able to stop one project that you're getting burned out on and move to another project. Thanks for watching!

[@danielramsey6141]

Thankfully I'm more addicted to prepainted Models. But at the same time I can see how bad this is from my standpoint.

[@coolsskin]

Hahahahahahah OMG i was just about to say that this video came to late for me why didnt you do this video like 4 years ago XD! then when i saw your stock of models i am like OOOOW i can collect a lot more before i am at his stage of unbuild collected models! Great vid!

[@JuanLopez-jz9fi]

Hello, I found your videos a few days ago while looking for tips on painting figures on a small scale......I found them very helpful so thanks for that.......Now I've seen quite a few of your videos on Wargaming. I knew absolutely zero about this subject but I find my self interested in trying it out now, so thanks for that.

[@redbeardboss]

also, i think we all wish we could post photos of our hoards lol

[@johnnemesh5459]

I'm just getting into this hobby...and already see what you are talking about here with my friend and others that hang out in our local game store. Personally, I live in a VERY small (960 sq ft) house...I simply don't have space to store a bunch of boxes of models. I feel overwhelmed right now with my Ad Mech starter army...I have 2 "combat patrol" boxes, each with 15 models, a set of 3 Serberys Raiders, The Skitarii Marshall, and my friend just bought me another set of 10 Skitarii troops. So far, I have about 13 models built, with each model taking me about 1-2 hours (more like 1 now) to separate, clean, and build. No idea how long it will take me to put a decent paint job on them yet...but yeah, I have HOURS upon HOURS of "work" to do on what I have! I AM enjoying the process though! As I learn more about the game, and my chosen army...I already have a list a mile long...I want at least 6 of the Ballastari Ironstriders, I am playing Mars Forge world, so I am going to want Bellisarius Cawl, I want at least two of the Skorpius (one as a transport, one as a tank), and probably a Fusilave and a Stratoraptor. There are others...there are always others (sigh). But I am not going to try and even put any of these on order until the rest of what I have NOW is built, primed, painted and playable! I think it will be a MUCH more enjoyable hobby if I always have ONE model I am currently working on, and not a backlog of fifty I have to worry about completing!

[@thedudemeisteragain]

I don't have a miniature problem i have it perfectly under control! :P

[@tabletopminions]

+Strahd VonZarovich That sounds reasonable. Thanks for watching!

[@rokassan]

Just don't make eye contact and deny everything. Mini's or Heroine? I think we all chose well.

[@johnlbales2773]

Tabletop Minions Your video has great sound! Good job! How are you getting such good sound?

[@comingupooo]

"My problem is I don't have enough miniatures!"

[@CitadelArchive]

I can certainly relate to this topic. For far too long I was not invested in the painting side of the hobby and it will take a very long time to big myself out of the hole I created. My plan however is to really commit to painting and to track my purchases vs. my painted models. In a couple months I will have been painting fairly consistently for a full year and that is quite the milestone for my hobby journey.

[@tabletopminions]

It's always a good idea to have goals. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@widowpeak6142]

I do not have a hoarding problem! At all! >.> ... Not too much...

[@LocoFreeman]

I'm just starting to get into this hobby and I've not built or painted my first set yet (Chaos Space Marine Squad) and I'm already looking at more... I. Need. To. Control. Myself. Also found your channel a few days ago and I'm loving it.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

You know what , I think it IS in the roof of my house? lolz.... Hmmmn.

[@Blandco]

This video keeps popping up in my feed. I think the algorithm is trying to tell me that I have too many miniatures.

[@SuperDashRendar]

Finecast ha. It's the equivalent of corn and wheat filler in pet food. Pay more for less.

[@tabletopminions]

That might be what it's made out of, too. Thanks for watching!

[@robwallace6787]

The struggle is real! Great videos, thanks Atom. My own particular trap is hunting down bargains and bulk buying the core of an army, usually at a discount, then either not allocating time to assembly, hitting a roadblock with a conversion or missing the ideal part to finish the job, or just running out of enthusiasm or getting distracted by something new and shiny. Ebay's definitely a two edged sword, I'm glad to finally be in a position where I can consider picking up a single blister pack or a replacement paint at the FLGS every couple of weeks to complete a model or squad, it's a far more civilised way to go about it! I think I need to stay vigilant on future purchases though, I find it too easy to get carried away. Terminator Army (the guys that caused all the trouble!) Deathwatch Imperials Genestealer Cult Goliaths, Escher & Spyrers Winter IG/Khadorans Cryx & Menoth bitz Dropzone/Dropfleet Scourge & UCM Infinity Nomads, Qapu Khalqi, Mercs, Pan O & Ariadna ALL the Deadzone Undead, High Elves & Empire Pike 'n' Shot Dreadfleet, unassembled On reflection, I have at very least one army that I have little to no interest in, and vanishingly little chance of ever putting on the table. I'll hope to put your advice to good use and let go of some of the excess, especially as I'm currently buying up storage for it all. Great shout on the Ikea cabinet as well, it's on the wishlist...

[@tabletopminions]

Yes, I'm working on trying to reduce my collection as well. Thanks for watching!

[@VictorQues]

It is hard for me to sell my miniatures. But I try to limit my purchases.

[@tabletopminions]

At least it's a step. Thanks for watching!

[@cy2087]

This is one of the reasons I really enjoy your vids. I feel like you are channeling a part of my life lol.

[@discipleprojectoutreach]

Hi, my name is Paul and I am a mini-hoarder.

[@SeaDog337]

Hi Paul.

[@LazyVideosGAME]

+Paul Turner Hi Paul

[@Comicsluvr]

+Paul Turner Hi Paul. Coffee and stale danish is over on the table...next to the unpainted Warhammer minis...

[@tabletopminions]

Hi Paul. Thanks for watching!

[@josecarlosxyz]

Detolf is crazy good, many miniature and statue collectors have them. Easily customizable and easy to seal for dust.

[@samB_o]

I bought Dark Vengeance, the local GW store gave me a sample Stormcast Liberator.. and now I have the Age of Sigmar box too :\

[@tabletopminions]

That's how they get you. Thanks for watching!

[@rikhorror]

Such a hot topic. I've been hoarding models for 25 years, you've red it right, 25. Of course life changes, and new priorities have came in... After realizing how much I've spent and how many models I've not painted and played with, has made me almost sick. It's a few years I've been thinking about what to do with this miniatures, and I'm talking about ten thousand, more less. I've got no time to play, no time to paint them, being myself a professional miniature painter I spend so many hours per week working on other people's armies. I've reached the point I'm scared to buy more, even a single one miniature. And That's terrible. Thanks for this video, it suits my situation perfectly.

[@rubyhamster5342]

You know if you're not going to do anything with those models you could *cough cough* give it to me?

[@mrbenjiman5]

Oh man, these types of videos did exactly what they were supposed to. I have been playing DnD since 2007, and decided to start painting mini's in 2019 (because I'm pretty bad at visual art and was scared of it). My first project was just to paint my kids characters in our DnD game. I started to look around for mini's that fit into my setting, and was getting a little impulsive about my spending. Now I have halted my mini buying, and have made a plan to paint my minis. I figure that I really want to paint Tyranids, so that is the ONLY war gaming army I will work on till I'm completely finished. Between my DnD mini's and my Tyranids, I have half an audoman? (foot rest/storage) half full with unpainted mini's. And that's all I'm allowing myself to have until I'm finished painting what I've got. Anyways, just wanted to say thanks for the words of caution. I have definitely taken your advice.

[@jefferyyelton9590]

I'm 47 years old...I literally have models that are 30 years old that I haven't painted lol.. No exaggeration, no hyperbole...the number of unpainted figures is in the thousands...ug..I could be buried in a lead coffin made of my unpainted figs.. You speak to my soul sir

[@jefferyyelton9590]

+Jeffery Yelton oh,.,.that being said..i just got more in the mail yesterday lol

[@rokassan]

A lead coffin made from mini's?!? That's an awesome idea! Although I want to be cremated.

[@patinho5589]

Jeffery Yelton do s clear out I'll Buy then cheap!

[@deandoyledeandoyle]

I just got into the hobby, and I think this was the best time for this video to pop into my feed.

[@CodexDan]

I'm probably more tame than most because I almost always assemble everything(fav part of the hobby), but yea... There's a lot of shit that is hoarded

[@Comicsluvr]

+CodexDan I have very little that is unbuild but way too much that is unpainted. I customize a lot of my models so I agree with you there.

[@tabletopminions]

+CodexDan I generally build things just before I paint them. If I built everything I owned I'm not sure where I'd store it all. Thanks for watching!

[@ronraducanu9633]

That was awesome. I just started in this hobby in January and can't imagine having that much stuff piling about. I have a small tub I bought from Target to keep the stuff I still have to paint and have no wants right now. I just want to learn to paint better!

[@tabletopminions]

Keep painting and keep your collection in check. Thanks for watching!

[@silverbackseven7]

Hahahah.... Dammit atom you have me pinned.

[@tabletopminions]

I think the video struck a nerve with many, many Wargamers. I've never had a video get 5000 views in 24 hours before. Thanks for watching!

[@damuses1452]

The... most... hilarious... yet... utterly... true... wargamer/miniature collection... video in existance. Well done Sir.

[@EngineerJeff]

Oh I KNOW you di-int! *stares at the horde of miniatures and scale models in the basement corner* Nevermind.... I'm guilty as charged! I have been pretty good the last few months and haven't bought anything. I'm making progress being a FINISHER!

[@tabletopminions]

Remember: coffee is for closers! Finish your models. Thanks for watching!

[@Trevastated]

Good video, very insightful. I had a friend that got involved in 40k who wanted to get everything the internet told him was good right off the bat... purchased tons of models for his first army, and decided he wanted to spend hundreds of dollars on a second one 'just in case he wanted a change later'. Most of the models from that first army are put together these days, but all they've received is a base coat of black. The second army is still a square-shaped pile of unopened boxes... if you buy too much, too fast, and don't have the drive to put it all together you'll end up entombed!

[@tabletopminions]

Indeed, that's why I enjoy skirmish games so much. If your friend decided to get into two different crews for Malifaux (for example) it would cost him less than 100 bucks. Thanks for watching!

[@baring9152]

ah, i feel guilty now..

[@tabletopminions]

Same here. Thanks for watching!

[@orrinellis856]

listening to this while packing minis for a move, wrapping minis in bubble wrap. man i feel the pain

[@stranger59]

I've actually been making pretty good headway, in spurts, in painting my minis. I'd even guess that almost half of my orks (which I've been collecting since 2nd ed) are fully painted. But maybe I'll go through, find the few random harlequins or ratling snipers I have for no reason, and try to find them new homes. Maybe give a bag of bits to a buddy, see if he can do something with it all, put future focus specifically on things I want to paint immediately.

[@tabletopminions]

It's a really good idea. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@nutty4258]

When I was younger I never had a specific army I wanted to collect so now I have an Ork, space marine, tyranid and imperial guard army that I slowly added to as time went by. I plan to strip them and repaint them now that I am actually good at painting, it's pretty daunting.

[@tabletopminions]

But think how awesome it'll be when they're done? Thanks for watching!

[@nutty4258]

Tabletop Minions Currently painting my orks, they're coming out really nice :D