Completing "hard" sets

[flycasual]

Not so long ago, in the LA thread, I said "I'm not sure I could start a collection knowing that I would probably never complete it" in response to tatsie showing the POTF MOCs he needs.

I've changed my attitude a bit after reading a few success stories online. Though, not to the extent that I would consider starting a POTF MOC set.

sith-smith's post about finding an unpunched Palitoy Jawa is the kind of thing I love reading: http://starwarsforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=154054#p154054

Without money on your side, what are the chances of completing a "hard" set? I know this is like asking how long a piece of string is ...

How many of these "rare" pieces have yet to be discovered? Are they all already tied up in collections?

 

[jackabina]

Surely the fun is in the chase. If i knew my collection would be complete next week, i would'nt have started it.
There will be a loverly sense of satisfaction when the final piece of the puzzle comes. :wink:

 

[Heith]

Think it depends on condition tbh, if battered cards/reseals don't bother you then yes depending on the set your after Its achievable, some might take longer than others, if money's no object on the other hand :lol: same thing applies

 

[flycasual]

I've seen posts where people have completed a coin collection in one month. Does that mean it wasn't worth it?

 

[Caswellbot]

It very much depends on what you are collecting and what you consider to be hard I guess. It is a piece of string really. :|

 

[mr_palitoy]

You also need luck on your side as well as money for a "hard" set.

I was very lucky to pick up on a RS for sale thread when a lot of US collectors were in the air mid Atlantic on their way to Celebration Europe in 2007. First and last time I've seen a complete set of 12 back palitoys listed together. I got the 4 hardest ones all in one go.



Jason

 

[jackabina]

I've seen posts where people have completed a coin collection in one month. Does that mean it wasn't worth it?

of course it's worth it, but what's next, and then after that, and so on.

 

[flycasual]

I guess the best way to start out is by doing thorough research on known or possible numbers of the "rare" pieces you'll need and their whereabouts.

Neil, I think Joe said pretty much the same thing when I posted before. I wonder how many people get more satifaction from a completed set in their display compared to the find?

That is the kind of thing I love to read, Jason. Nice work! 8)

 

[jackabina]

Currently, i'm three short of completing my loose collection. R2 pop up, EV9D9 and Yak Face. Now, I could easily afford to go on ebay now and buy them all. Personally speaking, i would rather wait for the right piece at the right price.
Until then, i'll use my time to pick up a few other bits and kickstart the next stage of my collection.
I guess what i'm trying to say is, what will you do when you run, set, or collection is complete? Is that when the fun stop's, when there's nothing to searh for anymore?
That is only my opinion, of course :wink:

 

[Frunkstar]

I think a lot of the thril is in the chase, much like women :lol: once you have it the mystery is gone & so can be the longing, I think there are thousands of things still living in hiding TBH both in private collections & in places like lofts warehouses, just take my collecting for instance, never ever though I would get the chance to own a Woolies 8 pack, this year I fell on 2 out of the blue & I also got 4 baggies from Canada which were found in an old warehouse just last year, things are still turning up all the time m8 so never loose hope of that superb find.

Also the thing that started me collecting baggies - I put vintage SW wanted posters up around Coalvile back in 2006/7 & got a call from an ex employee, I was hoping to finish my set of loose figures & ended up with 15 brand new figures of which 13 were baggies which kicked off my new addiction, never even seen a baggie b4 that :shock: & over time I found that a lot of the baggies I got then are possibly the only ones of there kind in the world & for £50 the lot :shock: so it does happen, just keep the faith m8.

That said what I collect, no one knows just what is out there in terms of Euro baggies & a lot of the multi-packs & Special Offer Vehicles & Play sets crop up rarely at best, so I have no doubt in my mind that my collecting run will do just that - run till I die with no end in sight - belter!

 

[sith-smith]

I guess a lot comes down to what you mean by a hard set.

Rarity? Value? Condition?

And ultimately are you completing a hard set because it's hard or because you want the particular pieces.

I've done both. My 12/20 back set was pure love of the cards from my childhood.

This set was because of the challenge!!

 

[Frunkstar]

Stop it Gary, you'll scare him off, not just a super killer run of palitoys (30-B's??) but 2 Vlix's overseeing the collection are they there to rub the salt in

 

[tiefighterboy]

Damn..........When the thread was called "Hard Set".........I was all excited...............now I am let down

 

[flycasual]

Don't worry, I'm not despairing or put off. More grateful for the information, than anything.

How long would it take for all of those Palitoys to come up for sale, sith-smith? Is having the right contacts key? ... I must admit, I'm way out of my league here, but it is still interesting.

I love those Palitoy logos, btw. 8)

 

[Shadow2427]

Sometimes it's just timing - I waited years for the right Droids Boba Fett which at the time was my modest grail, then 2 came along at the same time. Now I'm saving for the Vlix, one has come up but I don't have the funds.

I need 12 figures to complete my POTF run & the easy bit is getting the likes of Barada etc, Anakin, Nikto et al is a different story - when they are about I'm skint. Like someone else said its all in the chase & that buzz when you find what you want when you least expect it, I may never get the 4 biggies I'll need for POTF completion but I'll have fun trying!

Plus you get to chat to some knowledgeable & great guys on the forums. Some of the help & advice I've been given here & on RS has been invaluable. Plus I've bought some great items as well without the need for eBay.

 

[flycasual]

The main thing I want to know before starting a collection or set, is if I stand at least some chance of completing it knowing that I can't put that much money towards it. If it takes 10 years, that's great. At least I wouldn't be trying in vain.

I couldn't agree more about the forums. I've only been here 5 minutes and I'm hooked.

 

[Caswellbot]

No worries. I think we can all relate to that enthusiasm! What is it that really interests you? What run would you like to complete one day?

Chris.

 

[Lee77]

I think most runs are possible if you get a bit of luck and money. By taking a while it spreads the cost (allegedly!!) and it's fun hunting around for what you need. It's always the case that you're skint when a harder to find item comes up for sale, but that's life I guess
Also, your focus always gets sidetracked. I started off going for a Rotj run, which has evolved into palitoy ROTJ and Kenner 20 backs. In a couple of years, hopefully I'll finish those? Then go for ESB or something.
Also half the fun is chatting and learning on here.
Good luck on whatever run you decide on.

 

[flycasual]

There are too many things to go for. :? I suppose that is a good thing, really.

I've still got loads to read, being relatively new to MOC. I don't want to go down one route, just to keep changing my mind. Or is that inevitable?

 

[Caswellbot]

In all honesty I would say don't necessarily start trying to complete a run. Buy a variety of different things and get a feel for what you like. Then start thinking about focusing. There are some amazing "unfocused" collections out there.