How do you collect and display GHQ?

WWIICentral · Post by **WWIICentral** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 1:41 am

Hey Gang,

I am looking for your suggestions and your ideas. Over the past several years I've been dealing with some spine issues; a few months ago it got much worse and it necessitated that I have back surgery... which occurred last week. I will be recovering over the next several weeks and I can't do a whole lot. In fact, I have to make a lot of changes in my life unless I want to continue the trend of spine issues and surgery (which I do not).

This is really a crossroads for me, because the artistic and painting aspect of our hobby has always been what I enjoy most... and the painting and concentration is very hard on my back and very painful. I've tried all kinds or remedies from standing, ergo-desk and chairs, different lighting positions, etc. and I've come to the sad conclusion that I likely will never paint again to the level I've always enjoyed. In fact, I don't know that I'll paint AT ALL.

Here's where I need your help... do any of you collect and display your GHQ Collections? And if so, how do you organize them? Display case? Do any of you paint them in a single tone color? Any of you have pictures you can share? I am looking for ideas on how I can continue to enjoy collecting GHQ without making the modeling and painting aspect the focal point (like I have for the past 15 years). Collecting and displaying in a highly organized manner (in my home office) is something I would enjoy.

This may sound silly to some of you, but understand that I am a perfectionist that takes a lot of satisfaction in order and symmetry.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated!

Tanner

Extra Crispy · Post by **Extra Crispy** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 4:36 am

Wow, sorry to hear that. I struggle with back pain myself but so far sitting at the painting desk has never been an issue. But I have to be very careful carrying groceries, garbaeg etc.

I wish I could be more help but my models are all game pieces and live in neatly labeled cardboard boxes until called to duty....

StarCruiser · Post by **StarCruiser** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 6:46 am

Just a thought but - have you looked into getting some type of adjustable height desk or table so you don't have to bend over so much?

Something that allows you to sit back in a proper chair (ergonomic type) and rest your arms while cutting - painting - gluing etc... should help reduce strain on the back.

(It would help if I read your entire post properly..!)

6mmwargaming · Post by **6mmwargaming** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 9:34 am

HI Tanner

Sorry to hear about your predicament.

For inspiration check out the dioramas by this guy and how he displays them

http://www.militarymodelling.com/forums ... =81802&p=1

(You will need to click trough the pages in the thread and on page it gets into GHQ ww2 ones)

WWIICentral · Post by **WWIICentral** » Sun Mar 06, 2016 12:52 am

Thanks everyone for the feedback, it is greatly appreciated!

@6mmwargaming - perfect! This is definitely a good idea that is along the lines that I'm thinking (although perhaps less diorama). Thanks!

@Cama - your setup sounds pretty nice. I am already on board with the label maker idea, that's a must for me! and the idea about the electric xacto is GENIUS!!! I've been cutting my foam with a regular exacto knife for years... I'm not sure how I missed that idea. I definitely need to give that a shot. Thanks!

Tanner

panzergator · Post by **panzergator** » Sun Mar 06, 2016 9:25 am

WWIICentral,

I build and paint, no gaming, NATO battalions and Russian regiments. Plastic trays with clear plastic tops store my units. The trays are no longer available, so I will move to wooden trays of my own construction. Textured canned spray paint simulates the concrete pads of motor pools. The texture helps keep the vehicles from sliding around. I have also used sandpaper and model railroading grass sheets. The spray seems to work best. Eventually, it will be a sheet of plywood textured as a large, concrete motor pool for the Russians on one side and NATO on the other. Or maybe a ping-pong table.

Perhaps a painting tray that works like those laptop trays whose legs slide under the chair or sofa, allowing the tray to be brought close and high to your chest would help, along with a magnifying hood for the work. A good, comfortable chair with lumbar support should round it out.

I hope you can work something out. This certainly seems to be an enjoyable hobby.

Extra Crispy · Post by **Extra Crispy** » Mon Mar 07, 2016 8:44 pm

By the way, over at my web shop, Scale Creep Miniatures, I sell a laser-cut MDF box. They come with either solid or clear tops and are stackable. Each box is roughly 8x10 (I don't have the exact size in front of me) and they come in a variety of depths. Might be an option for you to look at...

WWIICentral · Post by **WWIICentral** » Mon Mar 07, 2016 11:07 pm

Thanks Mark, I'll take a look... on the surface, it does look as though it might work for me.

Thanks!
Tanner

Extra Crispy · Post by **Extra Crispy** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 12:41 am

Just measured. They are 7.25" x 9.75" and in various depths. The shallowest is 35mm. I could probably get custom boxes for you if you wanted them shallower. Here is a good pic:

They sell separate inserts or magnet sheeting, and the lids are designed with double lips so they stack quite securely. Contact me offline and we can see if these are what you need.

mark@scalecreep.com

nashorn88 · Post by **nashorn88** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 7:21 am

6mmwargaming wrote:HI Tanner

Sorry to hear about your predicament.

For inspiration check out the dioramas by this guy and how he displays them

http://www.militarymodelling.com/forums ... =81802&p=1

(You will need to click trough the pages in the thread and on page it gets into GHQ ww2 ones)

Thanks for the post
Those dioramas are amazing

6mmwargaming · Post by **6mmwargaming** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 1:08 pm

I'm pretty sure I posted them a few years ago, but they are worth drooling over a few times