If you were to open the carefully organised cupboard I refer to as "Das Depot," you would be looking at a historical archive in 1:72 scale. To my wife, it’s a "clear case of hoarding." But to me? It’s a strategic reserve of un-launched Blitzkriegs, un-fought Eastern Front battles, and Afrika Korps patrols still waiting for their desert dust.
Let’s assess the tactical situation honestly. The number of unassembled German grenadiers, Panzers, and support teams in that cupboard would outfit a rather ambitious battalion. Given my current painting pace, I have enough grey plastic to keep me busy until the 100th anniversary of the war's end. The chance of me ever fielding a fully painted force is, frankly, a logistical fantasy.
So why the massive stockpile?
It all started with a good deal. I’ve acquired about 90% of this hoard for a fantastic price. There's a unique thrill in the hunt—finding a box of late-war Fallschirmjäger on clearance, a dusty Pz.IV platoon in a forgotten corner of a hobby shop, or winning a lot of metal Heer infantry on eBay for pennies on the mark. My wife calls this "enabling my habit," but I see it as "prudent fiscal management for the Fatherland."
Ah, my wife. She is my home-front support and my most gentle critic. She has surveyed Das Depot, looked at the overwhelming sea of Feldgrau sprues, and asked the question I know so well: "This is a problem, isn't it? Do you need another King Tiger?"
My response is always the same: "Need is subjective. This is about... strategic flexibility and historical depth."
And it’s true! This mountain of 20mm potential is my ultimate project playground. Waking up on a Saturday and wanting to paint the intricate camouflage of a Sd.Kfz. 251? I've got that. Suddenly inspired by the faded tropical uniforms of the Afrika Korps? I can make that happen. Fancy a change of pace with a small squad of British Commandos or a lone US Sherman to hunt my Panzers? I have just the thing. My next project is never a limitation; it's a choice from a full menu of historical possibilities.
Some see a pile of shame. I see a ready reserve of history. Each box is a promise of a quiet evening with a podcast, the satisfying snip of the sprue cutters, the careful application of cement, and the focus of painting tiny helmet decals. The potential for that immersion is a victory in itself.
So, do I regret amassing this 20mm hoard, dominated as it is by the Wehrmacht? I regret nothing. This collection is a core part of my identity in the hobby, as essential as my finest detail brush. It is a curated library of "what-if" scenarios and "someday" dioramas.
In fact, just thinking about it musters my enthusiasm. If you'll excuse me, I need to check the logistics report.
The postman has 17 more reinforcements inbound. Mostly German, of course.
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