MOC collecting thoughts

[Beeper383]

Here are some of my thoughts on MOC collecting and keen to hear others' views.

When I started collecting my aim was to achieve a complete loose collection of figures, as many loose complete vehicles/playsets as possible (boxes a bonus) and MOCs very much as an opportunistic bonus. (Not interested in repro).

In the early to mid 90s I don't recall people referring to MOCs (although pre internet). And then Tomart's guide with MOC and MOMC defined. So as I continued collecting into the early 2000s I picked up a few more MOCs (I didn't really have insight to grading). They varied from beaters to very nice (including a 12b that's probably grade worthy).

Then, due to life becoming full of responsibilities I stopped active collecting. I still picked up the odd opportunistic piece.

So fast forward to pandemic, and stuck in house so I dig out the boxes of stored stuff, dust off the Tomart's and decide to resume collecting. The initial plan was to finish my loose complete. But, then I also started to pick up some MOCs. Then I did some research - all the TT stuff etc had completely passed me by!

I'm now building my MOC collection slowly. I have moved across to acrylic cases (which I think massively enhances displayability). My current aim is a complete run of figures (not of card types) and I'm not looking for perfection. I'm happy with nice displayable cards (e.g. I posted my tri-logos the other day, noting variable quality and including some that others may call beaters). I also now have a few graded in the mix.

MOMC doesn't seem to get used anymore?

Anyway, keen to hear others' views on carded collecting, and of course any tips. Also happy to answer questions, noting my knowledge is probably more useful in the context of novice collectors.

 

[sith-smith]

I Remember MOMC from my early carded figures collecting, and the C rating.

I started similar to you. Once I'd got all the loose figures and all vehicles and playsets boxed, I thought...'what next?'

Thats when I went for carded figures Film related first, mostly kenner cards.

And then when I did that, I again thought about what next and decided to for Palitoy cards and trilogos.

It's never ending. Once I completed one goal I soon thought of another.

This collecting thing is a bit of an addiction!

 

[Beeper383]

I Remember MOMC from my early carded figures collecting, and the C rating.

I started similar to you. Once I'd got all the loose figures and all vehicles and playsets boxed, I thought...'what next?'

Thats when I went for carded figures Film related first, mostly kenner cards.

And then when I did that, I again thought about what next and decided to for Palitoy cards and trilogos.

It's never ending. Once I completed one goal I soon thought of another.

This collecting thing is a bit of an addiction!

Yes, I noticed the C grade had been dropped by most, although, still used by some on e-bay.

Perhaps you're right about the never ending… since joining the forum my 'aims' seem to be expanding!

 

[theforceuk]

I remember the C grade but not MOMC and yes I agree the acrylic cases enhance the display massively. Not to mention they stand up straight!

Yes it's never ending, for me the MOC are the corner stone of collecting. I'm down to just needing 6, 50+ on there Kenner debut card. I want a full run eventually on the Kenner debut card and then a full run of Trilogos and POTF would be nice.

I look for clear blisters and already graded whenever possible, but I don't pay silly money just for a clear blister or high grade. I just picked up a 2-1B on a 41A Kenner card for a price I thought was impossible these days. As always patience is the key, I'm happy picking up 3 or 4 a year.

 

[Robstyley]

When I started collecting vintage (2008) I also set out to collect a full loose set and began to pick up loose ships and other random items I liked the look of. I think like most the lure of MOCs and boxed items soon caught my interest. I bought my first MOC a couple of years into collecting and started buying Kenner and Palitoy Jedi MOCs. I agree with Adam I think they're the best thing in vintage collecting really. The crisp look of the unopened card and blister looks so good on display. And the enjoyment of finding them, waiting for the right one. I ended up with 42 at one point a few years back. I only ever bought really clean/minty ones. After that I realised I didn't need that many and I had too much money tied up in them. I decided to keep my favourites, figures I had as a kid or ones I especially liked. I've gradually sold over half, have about 20 now with a couple for sale. The 16 I have on display in acrylic I absolutely love and I'm very happy with them. I'm quality over quantity now. I've always liked the combination of loose and boxed. Over all those years my collecting has evolved a lot and now I'm getting into retro video games a little bit. But vintage and MOCs will always be a very important thing to me