And I said I wouldn't get that obsessed

It's happened. The whole made in China, made in Germany or Made in Portugal option.

I said I wouldn't get that obsessed because the models look the same and with online shopping, you can't really tell which one you are getting unless you ask the seller, not all are willing to be that helpful.

However, on Saturday I went into town and straight to ELC. As I suspected no new 2011 models, just what they had last time, but I was able to pick up a really nice Arctic Fox female.
I was happy with my choice but my mum thought it was a waste of time just getting one model, so she offered to buy me one. Well how can I say no !

It was actually a lot harder than I thought. Which to choose ? Should I try and get the last horse I need from 2010 ? Another 2011 model ? How about one of the cows that I've been saying I'll get next time.

It was none of those, in fact it was the Rooster. What drew me towards this Rooster was his colour. He is just so vibrate compared to the others on the shelf. After a closer look, I saw that the vibrant one is a "Made in China" and the duller coloured one is "Made in Germany" The China one has made it's way into my collection but next Saturday I hope to get the Made in Germany one.

:o that means I'll have doubles in my collection !!!!!
My opinion use to be, whats the point in having doubles ? That space could be used for another model. That money could go towards another model and I don't want two the same.
They are so different though that I can warrant having two the "same".

I will limit myself. I won't get a model just because it was made in another country, after all it is just a change on one word, but if the painting style is drastically different, colours are different or a totally different pattern, then they will make their way into my collection.

Here are two models to illustrate my point.


Left - Germany, Right - China

 On the left is the made in Germany cat and on the right is the made in china cat.

On this occasion, the made in China cat is more realistic and my favourite of the two.






So, I'll be keeping my eyes open for any variations, there are already quite a few that I have spotted.
Happy collecting everyone !
~Rio

Just two weeks to go

That's right, just two more weeks and it's my birthday. I've already got my eye on a few models I'd like to get.
I also know what models I'll be getting because I bought them lol !

I've not been in work for a while so I've had plenty of time to sort out my collection. I've taken photos of them all and been working on records. Tomorrow, I hope to start on another diorama.

Take care
~Rio

First post of the new year

A little late, I know, but I've been so busy.

I don't think I've mentioned it yet but I have two more rabbits. My neighbour was unable to look after them anymore so Mollie and Mia have joined the McLoughlin family. Cute little things they are but naughty at the same time. I'll be saving up some money for them soon to get them spayed, hopefully that'll sort their fighting out.

Mia

Mollie

After Christmas is almost always a difficult time for people. All the excitement is over and life goes back to normal. Bills need to be paid, work goes back to normal and there are no real holidays to celebrate until Valentine's day, if you celebrate that.
I do like February though, as it is my birthday ;) and I can treat myself to a few more models than what I usually would.

 After the new year I always question my collection. Should I collect something new this year ? only collect OF's ? Start collecting CM's ? Resins ? Tack ? Props ?
So many questions !
And I usually have the same answer, stick to what I'm comfortable with. And what I'm most comfortable with is OF's. They are relatively easy to get, except Breyers are a little harder to get now, but then everyone has nearly the same looking model. The other price difference should be if there is a slight variation which makes it more collectible. 

This year, I've decided to start collecting customs too. I have got a few, maybe 20 horses, but I was never really fussed by them because they are unique and that's what attracts people to them. If you are bidding against people and you don't win, you'll never get that version of the model again unless the winner sells it.
I know I should selfish.
I've seen various models over the past few days that have made be change my mind and they are affordable too ! Ok they are private sales but I can actually afford these and I'll be able to grace my collection with unique pieces of art.

I think everyone has that thought every once in a while regarding collections. I'm happy to collect two types of finishes even if it may be more expensive !

You clear a shelf and then models take it over

I hope everyone had a good Christmas.

I did :) Amongst the many models that I got, I also received socks for work (really thick ski socks), DVDs, chocolate, a Dremel (watch out models!!!!), a couple of books and a memory foam pillow (which is like sleeping on a cloud). I was also "gifted" two rabbits that my neighbour no longer wanted. Mollie and Mia live outside out they are great little rabbits.

My guinea pig, Monty, is a little unwell today. I'm hoping he feels better tomorrow or he'll be straight to the vets.

I have plenty of models to share and take pictures of. Lots of work ahead.

Have a happy new year everyone !

Glad that last week is over

Last week was a bad week for me.

Being headbutted in the mouth, twice, resulted in a trip to the emergency dentist.
25th November is a bad day for me. 3 years since my beautiful rabbit, Millie, passed away and a year since my amazing friend, Mary, passed away. I'm glad that day is over and won't be here until next year.

Then I was suppose to be paid but work hasn't paid me yet, sent a cheque but it's too late for my rabbit's vaccinations.

I did have some good things happen. I got some new model horses and a present from my secret santa on a model horse forum. I can't wait to see what is inside :)

These are my newest models.

 Safari Mustang and Morgan mare painted by Chloe Redfern

And this is a Breyer Classic Morgan Mare Custom by Deb Brown.









 Snow has reached the UK and don't we know about it !
It was hard at work trying to clean the kennels, the hoses had frozen and the water that we put down, froze within minutes.
My little old guinea pig, Max, is feeling the cold this year. So they've all had extra hay to snuggle into and to keep warm.

Stay safe and enjoy the snow.

Just over a month to go

I can't believe that christmas is nearly here already !

I still have to buy presents for some of my family, buy presents for my secret santa partner on blab and get my rabbits vaccinated. Very expensive time of year !

I have managed to add a few models to my collection. Most of these were bought last month but Satchmo arrived yesterday. I also have a few more models on the way and a present from my secret santa, I can't wait to see what that will be :)

My newest Satchmo

 Cataloging my models has taken many days and nights. First I wrote all the information down and now I'm trying to photograph them. However, it is winter so daylight is limited and is not the best. I don't really like the yellow cast that the lightbulbs give off so I'm trying to photograph as many as possible at lunch time. But I've got my folder ready and templates so I can file them correctly.
I'm actually looking forward to getting them all filed.

It's been a while

Work has kept me busy.

I started at the RSPCA on the 10th of October and I love it ! Still learning and making little mistakes but I'm getting use to it. I have to admit that I do miss seeing the rabbits first thing in the morning but I get to see them through out the day.

Milo still has the lump under his jaw. It's not got any worse nor has it got any better. For now we are leaving it as it is. To put him on more medication and more surgery will stress him. He's still his normal self so I'm happy with that.
I'm still selling some of my models though so that I can have a little vet fund in case he takes a turn for the worse.

A few days ago I reorganised my Breyer models. It took quite a few hours of arranging them around and re arranging them when I couldn't get certain ones to fit. They are now all in different positions so ones that were at the back are now at the front and it looks like I've got 2 cabinets of new models.

It's good to have a change around every now and then because you are always discovering new things about your models. Take my Schleich Norwegian Fjord for instance.

My original Norwegian Fjord without Dorsal Stripe

He was one of my first Schleich models 7 years ago. I bought him because I love Norwegian Fjords.
A few months ago I got another one, a newer version as it's paint work is very stark.
Well getting that second one made me want the Norwegian Fjord without the Dorsal stripe. Finding one on eBay took a little time and when I did find out, I was always outbid as they went for too much  money. So I decided to leave it for now and maybe try next year.

My newest Norwegian Fjord with Dorsal Strip

 

 So organising my Schleich a couple of weeks ago, I noticed something. My original Norwegian Fjord is missing his dorsal stripe ! I never noticed that before ! I just couldn't figure out how I missed that.
So I've saved some money and filled another space in my collection, which was already filled lol.

Take care everyone and if I don't post sooner, have a happy and safe Hallowe'en.