If you’re like me, you have a large stash of kits, decals, detail sets, and a wish list about as long as a full-scale carrier deck. Soon your precious stash space is taken up with impulse buys that will never get built, or unintentional double-ups.
    So, to track my collection, plan projects, and prioritize purchases, and to avoid those “I intended to buy this kit and those accessories, but then I got sidetracked and bought everything but, oh, well, maybe next time” circumstances …
    I set up a simple spreadsheet on my computer with two pages: Page 1 is simply titled “To-do Pile” for what I have in my stash; it has columns for type, kit, scale, manufacturer, detail sets (y/n), and notes (such as “Don’t really want this kit anymore, so it can be sold or swapped”).
    Page 2 is the “Wish List” with columns for type, who makes a kit, why I want it, and notes (to list if a detail or conversion set is needed, markings/decals, links to online references, and importantly, whether the kit is a limited run).
    I have the spreadsheet open on my computer’s desktop screen to refer to when shopping online. Or, if I’m planning a raid on a hobby shop/model show/swap meet, I simply print it out and take it with me. It’s also a great memory jogger for those “What was I going to do with this kit?” moments. It’s easy to do, as there are no formulas involved other than the standard modeler’s formula: Wish list + to-do pile = not enough time!
    If you don’t have a spreadsheet program, you can download Open Office (which includes a spreadsheet program) for free.

Tip submitted by:
Anita DavisAuckland, New Zealand