There’d be a blooming lot more of this sort of thing, if more people had the time and the money.
The unpacking continues, as we discover games old, new, loved and unloved. Begone bubble wrap! Get thee hence, packing paper!
Welcome back! The epic unpacking continues, as I drag more games out of the depths of dark boxes and wriggling and squirming into the daylight. Which is a damn good thing too, since I’ve been seeing some more instances of surface mould.
To my huge relief, I have yet to encounter anything that has done any serious damage. The box cover of Descent looked scary when first revealed, but it all wiped off leaving only a small smattering of brown spots. Everything affected by mould has been carefully wiped and left out in the sun. There’s certainly no dampness or smell, so I think I’ve caught the infection in time.
Bubble wrap may well be the culprit, trapping in moisture. That said, I’ve noticed that by far the greatest number of games affected are the FFG ones with the textured finish. My theory is that the texture gives the little spores purchase, and also, the minimal varnish doesn’t protect the cardboard. I’ve noticed this in the past as FFG boxes are particularly susceptible to scuffing. Cost-cutting on the part of FFG? Possibly – or possibly it’s an aesthetic choice that simply isn’t proving as hard-wearing as games from other publishers.
Anyway, as you can probably guess, I’m having a great time returning these beloved games to the light. Hopefully it won’t be too long before they’re living happily on shelves, to finally be accessed at whim.
More to come!
I’m loving the series so far, both for the fact that you are obviously legitimately overjoyed at seeing some of the games again, and that you actually have some games in your collection I’ve never even seen a copy of before. Very Jealous, but awesome none the less.
I’m really glad so many people seem to be enjoying this unpacking with me. Great fun.
And even more treasures. Such joy, for some strange reason, to watch these videos. I’ve been downloading your sheets forever and watching your videos from the beginning, so it’s time to give something back. Here’s some coins Mr. Head 🙂
And incredibly appreciated they are too sir! And your kind words. Thankyou, and great to have you here.
This is the best series yet! A trip down memory lane for you and us. Thank you!
UH – this “Unpacking” series is really cool!! Are you going to do a Part 3? I sort of knew about Escape from Colditz before i watched this video; then after watching, i looked into the new Osprey updated version of the classic you mentioned – and now i am probably going to pick it up. I can honestly say i would have never gave that game a look until now. Thanks!
Never fear, there’s lots more to come! Now if only I was getting a cut from the publishers … 😉
AAAAAARRRGGHHHH!!!! MOULD!!!!
Blood Rage has been attacked. Only the box so far, but my next day off is going to be devoted to cleaning out the games cupboard and eradicating the little blighters. Games were pushed up against the exterior wall which is noticeably colder than any other part of the room.
Any advice on the best way to eliminate the problem and dissuade it from returning?
This is my first experience with mould, but I’m using an anti-bacterial household cleaner and a cloth to give the affected surface a wipedown (experiment first of course, you don’t want to wipe off the artwork, but since most boxes are varnished in some way I haven’t had any disasters yet). I’m not sure if the cleaner makes any difference; but apparently vinegar is effective against mould. For some ideas see here: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/540493/cleaning-mold-tactics
The important thing is putting it out in the sun for a while for a good dry-out, as UV kills the spores.
BTW, speaking generally, it’s a good idea to check your walls for mould too. In my last place, an old terrace that turned out to have a leak in the ceiling, I moved a chest of drawers away from the wall in my office and discovered a big patch of black mould on the wall. Not good for my health!
I’m also putting silica gel packets in my games – they won’t combat exiting mould, but they’ll help keep things dry so new mould doesn’t start.
And the main thing from now on is just to keep checking the game collection – especially the previously affected games – to make sure there’s no new outbreak!
Out in the sun!!!! In England!!! In March!!! You having a laugh????
Whoops. UV lamps ….?
It’s been a little soggy over here the last few weeks. Not expecting significant (by UK standards) sunshine for a few months.
The infected storage cupboard will be cleaned and I’ll store other stuff in there… stuff that’s not prone to mould.
Means a significant reorganisation, but it’s something to do on the day off I booked because I needed some rest… the universe does have a sense of humour sometimes.
Ah 8th Pagan, “Sun? In march? In England?” that’s absolute gold!
Bloody lucky to get sunshine in June/July/August 🙂