We have started talking to Matt about hobbyDB (and he has kindly linked to us as we have to here).  hobbyDB is a new concept in web-based collecting applications. The idea behind the site is that it’s powered by a central database that covers models and what we call “RealThings” (eg real planes, real airlines, real plane manufacturers). These are all interrelated so you can easily and quickly find (for example) all Boeing models, all models of a specific Boeing or all Boeing models that are in the livery of a particular airline. There will also be a sophisticated search/filter system which allows you to create highly customised queries so, for example, you can find all twin-engined British Airways planes made between 1970 and 1980. There’s also a collection management system and ultimately the site will be set up for trading, allowing users to buy and sell directly from their collections with ease.

All database listings are user-editable, so users can add or change information on entries that are already there as well as adding new entries across all categories.

At present, the site is still in beta and under ongoing development, so not all features are in place; search is somewhat more limited than described above and you may experience slow load times during hours of peak usage. Plus some design features are still being worked on. However, we are extremely keen to get user feedback while the site is still in this phase, and are very much open to suggestions and ideas for the site, so please take a look around, try out the features and send them your thoughts!  I am in particular keen to find 2/3 users that like to use our collection management system and are happy to speak their mind bluntly (i.e. tell me what they like and dislike).  Up to it?  Please email me via team@hobbydb.com.

Christian