Wow George...your garage looks more like a small-size local hobby shop!

When I got back into the hobby in Christmas 2019, I had about 10 kits I hung on to from when I was active (around 2005). They were mostly Dragon 1/48 and some Hasegawa and Tamiya Japanese planes in 1/48. At that time I decided to build only Japanese planes, mostly in 1/48, some 1/72 (twin engine) and 1/32 (the new tool Hasegawa kits). My reasoning is that I could focus my attention on a specific subject that I've been fascinated with for years, and it would limit the stash since there is a limited supply of Japanese kits out there.

I currently have about 70 kits in the stash consisting of all of Tamiya's 1/48 Japanese kits (this isn't much, sadly), most of Hasegawa's 1/48 kits (save for an early Ki-61, and a late George (N1K2) and a trainer Zero), all 1/32 Hasegawa, and a handful of Fine Molds and Eduard (Ki-115). So while the stash is large, I intend to build each kit because they mean something to me.

As a bonus, I do not need to buy a wide variety of paints, so really (I tell myself) I'm saving myself money.

I've been building and collecting for 50 years now (far more collecting than building, unfortunately). Like has been said previously, when I had the money and inclination, I just didn't have the time to build. Now I'm retired and have the time, I would have to live to 400 to get through my stash!

Each and every kit was purchased with the full intent of building it, had specific plans for each one, and most often were "great deals" that you just couldn't pass up. But they just keep producing newer and better kits! I don't know what will eventually happen to my stash, but I do know that it still gives me pleasure having it, and I could have worse habits, I'm sure!

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

@tail-dragon Oh wow, those Dragon kits really bring back memories. When I was younger I would always look at the boxart down at Uncle Bill's in Calgary, and dream about buying them. You can send your Japanese stuff down to me, I'll pay shipping, haha.

@johnb It's gotten a little out of hand but there aren;t really any more kits out there that I want to buy, unless Tamiya or Hasegawa (crossed fingers) starts releasing new tool kits, then I'll have to add them to my collection.

Nice stash I have to say, land air sea, all is there.
I also try to keep the stash balanced.

Thanks @johnb & @fiveten... I’ve been getting burned out on aircraft, so I thought I’d try other subjects... after I finish this Japanese destroyer I’ve got going, I’ll start the Tiger tank or the Zvezda armored car , both seem like very nice kits.

Pedro, @holzhamer, the price tag on some of these new kits is very high, and makes me definitly gun shy on buying kits, knowing I have so many already on the shelf waiting to be built. That said, I went to IPMS Nationals, and broke my years long moritorium on purchasing new kits and came home with seven new kits and various after market accessories. Plus I have a friend who just sent me five more kits. I am thinking I need to start a 12 Step Program for my Styrene Addiction.

The prices of new release kits is what keeps me shopping at the consignment table at the LHS. Sometimes you get a good deal , but even those older kits often are over priced.