Hi to all- can anyone recommend a free stash manager site/program ? It should be simple/intuitive.
Any and all advice welcome. Thanks in advance- Richard
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Stash management
rdt1953
Member Since: February 06, 2015
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Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2016 - 08:55 PM UTC
majjanelson
Member Since: December 14, 2006
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Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2016 - 09:29 PM UTC
Richard,
I just use an Excel spreadsheet I created to keep track of my stuff. I have just under 100 kits + AM stuff, so a much larger stash may need a database system, but you could still utilize an Excel Spreadsheet for a few thousand kits. It really comes down to how much knowledge you have for using various software.
I just use an Excel spreadsheet I created to keep track of my stuff. I have just under 100 kits + AM stuff, so a much larger stash may need a database system, but you could still utilize an Excel Spreadsheet for a few thousand kits. It really comes down to how much knowledge you have for using various software.
barkingdigger
Associate Editor
#013
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Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2016 - 09:50 PM UTC
Yep - a simple Excel spreadsheet helps me (mis)manage my stash! Got about 150 kits, plus a ton of AM stuff on it. The trouble is the darned thing won't trot off to check in my cupboards and update item locations all on its own...
(That's the big catch with all such systems - they are only as good as your personal diligence at updating every time you add, subtract, or move an item.)
IIRC some of the commercial software hunts down your "wants" on the internet, and keeps track of current values, but as my stash is for building (eventually) rather than collecting/investment I'm not fussed about current cash values. And best not offer such sensitive intel to SWMBO...
(That's the big catch with all such systems - they are only as good as your personal diligence at updating every time you add, subtract, or move an item.)
IIRC some of the commercial software hunts down your "wants" on the internet, and keeps track of current values, but as my stash is for building (eventually) rather than collecting/investment I'm not fussed about current cash values. And best not offer such sensitive intel to SWMBO...
justsendit
Member Since: February 24, 2014
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Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2016 - 11:04 PM UTC
I agree with the Excel guys above. I started a spreadsheet shortly after getting back into modeling; I keep it updated during model building sessions and for inventory purposes. Doing so actually keeps me motivated to build and even helps to keep unnecessary expenditures in check. The sheet is categorized, color-coded and includes accumulative time fields which are linked to vehicle, figure, and diorama builds. … I like looking back at how ridiculously long some of my projects take to complete! 
—mike
—mike
C_JACQUEMONT
Member Since: October 09, 2004
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Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2016 - 11:17 PM UTC
There is also Scalemates, but haven't tried it.
https://www.scalemates.com/
https://www.scalemates.com/stash-manager.php
I'm kind of scared of getting into this as I have thousands of kits and thousands fo aftermarket products...
Cheers,
Christophe
https://www.scalemates.com/
https://www.scalemates.com/stash-manager.php
I'm kind of scared of getting into this as I have thousands of kits and thousands fo aftermarket products...
Cheers,
Christophe
rdt1953
Member Since: February 06, 2015
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Posted: Friday, April 29, 2016 - 12:20 AM UTC
Thanks to all who replied so promptly- I thought of the spread sheet as a way to go but came across the Scalemates system while trolling around a Google search for stash management. It seems like a good idea but as there is a tutorial involved it may be too much for this tired old brain - I'm in the 100 kits or so league so I don't need anything elaborate but the pile does seem to be growing- the evil temptress who calls herself e-bay sings the siren song of 1/48 Japanese aircraft and I weaken- a nice problem to have ! Thanks again - Richard
rdt1953
Member Since: February 06, 2015
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Posted: Friday, April 29, 2016 - 12:34 AM UTC
Quoted Text
And best not offer such sensitive intel to SWMBO...
Tom- understood ! I thought of starting a thread- survey if you will- inquiring about the size of people's stashes. Don't know if it has been covered before and then I also considered the sensitivity issue . Hmm- to ask or not to ask -
Richard
AussieReg
Associate Editor#007
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Posted: Friday, April 29, 2016 - 07:48 AM UTC
I use Scalemates and find it easy and convenient. I have about 80 kits plus some aftermarket items. You can print out your list as PDF or Excel and it links reviews and aftermarket items for each of your kits which is great.
Cheers, D
Cheers, D
rdt1953
Member Since: February 06, 2015
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Posted: Sunday, May 01, 2016 - 06:55 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I use Scalemates and find it easy and convenient. I have about 80 kits plus some aftermarket items. You can print out your list as PDF or Excel and it links reviews and aftermarket items for each of your kits which is great.
Cheers, D
Damian (and all who responded) Thanks everyone for all your advice. I've bit the bullet and joined up on Scalemates.Turns out I had nothing to fear - very easy to use and I have just about all my stash logged in already. Maybe you CAN teach an old dog new tricks ! Cheers - Richard
varanusk
Managing Editor
Member Since: July 04, 2013
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Posted: Sunday, May 01, 2016 - 07:00 PM UTC
Seems I am late to tell you the site is quite easy to use 
Usually the hardest part is cataloging all what you have, and no software will make that easier.
One of the big advantages of scalemates over a spreadsheet is consistency. As almost everything is already there you do not have to write the description in the same order to search later on, and do not need to worry about typing Ragon instead of Dragon...
Usually the hardest part is cataloging all what you have, and no software will make that easier.
One of the big advantages of scalemates over a spreadsheet is consistency. As almost everything is already there you do not have to write the description in the same order to search later on, and do not need to worry about typing Ragon instead of Dragon...
clifft
Member Since: April 09, 2016
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Posted: Monday, May 02, 2016 - 12:16 AM UTC
plus 1 for making and using an Excel spreadsheet. Made up one myself to keep track of all my kits, resin, decals, books and other hobby related goodies.
spiralcity
Member Since: October 14, 2012
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Posted: Monday, May 02, 2016 - 12:34 AM UTC
Quoted Text
There is also Scalemates, but haven't tried it.
https://www.scalemates.com/
https://www.scalemates.com/stash-manager.php
I'm kind of scared of getting into this as I have thousands of kits and thousands fo aftermarket products...
Cheers,
Christophe
I joined the Scalemates stash manager. I found that the data base is rather slim, it will take a lot of people to update that system. Many old kits are MIA, including popular titles and companies such as Hobby Craft and Matchbox, even some relatively newer HobbyBoss kits are MIA.
Jmarles
Member Since: November 02, 2008
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Posted: Monday, May 09, 2016 - 05:23 AM UTC
The Scalemates stash manager is excellent and easy to use. It's user driven so any missing kits can be added quite easily, as well as corrections. It also shows the kit history, new decals, reboxes, options. etc. The database is far from slim and has over 200,000 entries! You can also export the stash manager ti excel, etc. I have over 900 items and it's easily managed with their programme. 
spiralcity
Member Since: October 14, 2012
entire network: 150 Posts
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Posted: Sunday, May 22, 2016 - 04:02 AM UTC
Quoted Text
The Scalemates stash manager is excellent and easy to use. It's user driven so any missing kits can be added quite easily, as well as corrections. It also shows the kit history, new decals, reboxes, options. etc. The database is far from slim and has over 200,000 entries! You can also export the stash manager ti excel, etc. I have over 900 items and it's easily managed with their programme.
Yes, easy to use but needs A LOT of updating.
andromeda673
Member Since: July 30, 2013
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Posted: Monday, May 23, 2016 - 09:23 PM UTC
Excel is cake, just make columns for the scales, and then build cells for aircraft, armor, then even by country of origin maybe. I'm fortunate to have a rather small stash, and I make sure to keep all of my masking kits, decals, etc in one easy to grab place.
I have been to some modelers house's and they are stoked better then most hobby stores.
I'm not trying to go down that rabbit hole, as I buy suppliers such as PE and or decals as I start my projects.
I have been to some modelers house's and they are stoked better then most hobby stores.
I'm not trying to go down that rabbit hole, as I buy suppliers such as PE and or decals as I start my projects.
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