A new way of categorizing my collection/fleet

[markbt73]

Like most of us, I've always divided my models into broad categories: primarily shelfers, easy runners, hard runners, projects, etc. But recently, I've found that a lot of models blur the lines of those categories; I have constant ongoing projects that are also runners, I have unfinished shelf queens that may or may not stay the way they are, and I have piles of parts that could become cars, but haven't yet. And I have a strong desire to tear stuff apart and modify it, but I know there are some things I want to keep intact (at least for now).

So today, I came up with a new set of categories, and I'm currently re-classifying all my RC models into these...

Safe: These are the cars that are either finished and I'm happy with, or unfinished but I know what I want to do. Some will get some minor tinkering and improving here and there, but they'll stay broadly the same. Some are shelfers, some are runners, but all are safe from being messed with.

Safe Chassis: These models are ones that I'm happy with mechanically, but haven't settled on a body/wheels/tires/overall theme for. I want to keep the basic core as it is, but give myself the freedom to change the details as I see fit.

Fair Game: These are everything else. Some complete running cars, some piles of parts, even some shelfers, that I'm willing to sacrifice if I get a great idea for them, or cars that I already know I'm not happy with. Not all of them will get taken apart and made into something else, but they could.

I absolutely don't want to sell anything, and it's going to be a weird year, so I probably can't buy anything (except a few odds and ends as needed). But I think getting them all sorted into these new categories will make me look at things in a new way, and keep me happier with what I have.

I'll post the list here, once it's finalized...

[Pablo68]

I don't know how big your collection is, but in my case, I made a spreadsheet for mine (a bit more than 50 RC cars). This helped me keep track of the condition of all of them and which ones needed repairs, finishing or whatever.

[markbt73]

I thought about a spreadsheet, but I don't think I would keep it up. I have a feeling that a physical reorganization will work better for me. I'm a visual/tactile thinker; lists are just too abstract. Actually moving the cars around will help organize my thoughts better.

I'm at around 50 complete cars, and piles of parts/components that could become another half dozen.