Miniature database?

[finn17]

After years of collecting, the number of minis I have is getting seriously out of hand.

What I would like to be able to do is create a database of minis in my collection, containing info about where I bought them, how much they cost, manufacturer, code, name, reference number etc.

I would also like to be able to print out very small labels to stick on the bottom which contain vital information. (I have this recurring nightmare where, following my untimely demise from lead poisoning, my starving widow flogs off my priceless mini collection for $10 cos she doesn\'t know any better and they are \'in the way\').

I know any database would lend itself to this sort of thing, but I just wondered if any fellow anoraks out there had any experience or advice about this...??

Minis and databases in one post...that really must make me \'chief anorak\'lollol

 

[Corvus]

My dear friend Finn, I was thinking about exactly the same

I guess you could do the trick in Microsoft Access, creating a form to fill in the data and create custom reports for printing.

Or if you are a software engineer (like me ) you could try to write your own software

 

[VLRM]

I started doing something like that in Access this year. Unluckily, I stopped after the 6th mini... And I wasn\'t being so thorough, anyway. So, In any case, I can tell you:

(1) It can certainly be done in Access (not sure about the sticker thingie, but I guess so);

(2) You are not alone!

 

[Sand Rat]

Use Excel or Word, not Access - Word would be my choice if I were stuck using MS based products - Thank the gods for Corel.

 

[Nomis]

You are not alone!

You may not be alone but you are pretty sad!:innocent:

 

[Sturmhalo]

Now this is what happens when you discover that you\'re a collector.

I\'ve managed to avoid the temptation to catalogue everything to quite the extent that you intend to Finn, but I do have all my unpainted models labelled in little resealable bags.

By the way, found any unwanted space marines in your collection?

 

[Samurai_Girl]

If I\'m not ready to paint them, they stay in their original packs. I must have 30 blister packs of Clan War yet to even open and assemble. :bouncy:

 

[Dragonsreach]

Fin17:Access is reasonably simple for someone to create & tailor a database. But It\'s also very limited. Max 255 Characters for a text field. For a complex database with relational fields I think you\'re looking for an SQL database.
And there you are talking big bucks to create one.
The other alternative is to look for a \'Shareware\' collectors database program with tailorable fields. Then it\'s take your choise & pay the programmer.

Sorry to be such a Geek on this one, but hey IT is my job. (Worse Bleeding luck!)

 

[finn17]

At least....

Originally posted by Nomis

You are not alone!

You may not be alone but you are pretty sad!:innocent:

I don\'t subscribe to \'What Router\'

 

[finn17]

Well...

Originally posted by Corvus
Or if you are a software engineer (like me ) you could try to write your own software

If you were a psychologist like me, you could certify yourself... but unfortunately both options are unavailable..

 

[Corvus]

Originally posted by finn17
If you were a psychologist like me, you could certify yourself...

Verry funny :innocent:

Back on topic: what we could try to do is work together to find a good, somewhat standardized format to create a filing system for minis...

 

[finn17]

Now that sounds like a good idea!!!

Originally posted by Corvus

Originally posted by finn17
If you were a psychologist like me, you could certify yourself...

Verry funny :innocent:

Back on topic: what we could try to do is work together to find a good, somewhat standardized format to create a filing system for minis...

If this is something you were considering I would be delighted to contribute in any way I could. I suspect I might be as much use as a chocolate teapot however...

 

[frenchkid]

After reading this thread I wont be able to sleep without having a horrible nightmar of me in a near futur crwaling under piles of mini in a small apartement.
Just out of interest how much minis do u guys actually have ???

 

[finn17]

Don\'t know, because I dont have them databased

Originally posted by frenchkid
Just out of interest how much minis do u guys actually have ???

Thousands and thousands...I could stock a small shop easily, but I can still always think of more I would like to buy and eBay is a constant source of temptation.

It\'s a disease caused by subcutaneously absorbed lead, to quote Mr Cult.

 

[Corvus]

Not much, I\'m only playing and collecting for 1.5 years now.

But I think Finn has at least as much minis as posts on this forum :innocent:

 

[Corvus]

See what I mean

Finn has already replied before I could make my statement :bouncy:

 

[VLRM]

I estimate sth round a thousand+, lead and plastic, all types. And I am not the worst one, I\'m sure...

 

[Sand Rat]

Probably between 800-1000 - But hell, I\'ve been doing this for 23 years now.

 

[finn17]

Yeah, but...

Originally posted by Corvus
Not much, I\'m only playing and collecting for 1.5 years now.

If I could paint like you after only 18 months at it.....I would be a genius by now....

So keep at it...cos you are a genius already...

 

[supervike]

Database....

The database idea is great. Not only for peice of mind but to also organize and create a library.

There have been times when I have been looking for one mini in particular, only to have to dig everything out of the respective cubby holes. Major pain.

But, on the plus side, sometimes when \'digging\' I run across a mini I forgot I even had!! Bonus!

BTW Finn, in your last will and testament, please add a note for your starving wife.

Tell her I will give her $20 for the lot!!

lol