The passion for collecting diecast model cars is a serious hobby, as indicated by online forums and Diecast magazine. If you love cars and collect miniature toy cars, you might consider the more mature hobby of collecting miniature cars. Today, quality die-cast model makers produce models that are feats of engineering in miniature. Meticulous detail is recreated in these replica models released in scales popular with the growing fraternity of die-cast collectors. This is an international hobby, so the market for such cars is huge. These miniature models can range in price from a few dollars for the Hot Wheels type from Mattel to even thousands of dollars for highly detailed cars from a manufacturer like Autoart. Vintage cars can cost thousands. They can also be made from kits, so you can take part in building them and feel proud of the end product. A significant number of these car models have limited production runs and are numbered with a certificate, which will increase in value over time.

Fully built die-cast metal model cars are very popular with collectors. Scale models are made in a range of scales like 1:12,1:24,1:43,1:64 and others. The cars that are especially attractive are those that really pay attention to the details. Opening doors, hoods, trunks and fuel caps, sliding ashtrays and working glove boxes are some of the features realized. Some car models even have dangling ignition keys and removable hood latches to open the hood. Most have car steering and suspension that are powered by real materials used in the interiors.

Although most model cars are not powered vehicles, some individual model builders have powered vehicles using different devices. Such models can suffer compared to the more detailed replicas found in the best static models. However, some more sophisticated commercial examples have the scale and details to be comparable. Commercially produced motor car models include those developed in the 1930s that could be found until the 1960s. Most of these cars known as belt driven cars used small internal combustion engines. There are models that are wound by a key or a friction mechanism. These were common until track-racing electric slot cars succeeded them in the 1960s. In fact, the original Scalextric line, first sold in 1957, was essentially a motorized version of the earlier mechanical Scalex cars. . Radio controlled cars can be purchased assembled or built from kits.

Some collecting tips

For a new collector, the number of models available can seem overwhelming. Some degree of specialization will make the choice more manageable. How about a certain style or model, by manufacturer, a certain year, a certain scale, type of material used or a thematic collection? NASCAR models have a huge fan base. If you select a manufacturer, new models can be purchased at launch and you can look for deals and rare examples at car sales, flea markets, garage sales, forums, and that big internet resource auction site like ebay. Before you begin, you may want to check out helpful online sources such as how-to videos, books, and links on the hobby of collecting model cars.

When you decide to start collecting, you’ll find that you can buy cars in many places: the Internet, trade magazines and trade shows, at toy and hobby stores, or other ways like real estate and garage sales, flea markets, and the like. When buying something that isn’t new, be sure to check the condition of the model and whether it has original parts before you commit.

Joining a user forum will acclimate you and make you more informed. Here you may need to explore the options as you may like some forums and not others. A good forum for you will be a very positive experience. Collectors are a friendly community where members help others locate a desired model. Familiarize yourself with the abbreviations and terminology collectors use when discussing automobiles in these user forums. You’ll become familiar with terms like pursuit cars, meaning rare car collectors covet. Almost every diecast company has its own chase car. It can be a particular model and brand, a color or a series.

You need to familiarize yourself with how much cars cost. The cost of chase cars and vintage cars is useful knowledge to acquire. Vintage cars in mint condition, can be worth a bundle. Consider anywhere between USD30-15,000. They may even sell for more than the $85,000 purchase price of a very rare old Hot Wheels Red Line he illustrated a few years ago. I bet the kid who bought that car a long time ago never dreamed it could sell for this price. Attending Diecast shows is also very helpful. They can also take place locally, so travel time can be saved. For example, Dallas has one every month. When you attend these shows, consider being there from start to finish. Morning assistance will help you in your effort to get the hot cars you are interested in that may disappear later in the day. At closing time, merchants who want to get rid of their stock will drop their prices or be in the mood to cut the price of a certain bargain hunter.

Collectors are drawn to this hobby and the time and money involved for a variety of reasons. It could be a passion for the collection of skilfully designed miniature replica cars. It could be an investment in the hope that the collection will increase in value; or some other urge to collect these miniature models of automotive perfection. Once the collection route begins, you may not be able to stop. You may want to expand your activities into car restoration and kit building. This could become an addiction. No matter what your age, collecting model cars can become an exciting hobby. Some enterprising people have even turned it into a business; and its growing audience now includes the female gender, especially former tomboys who loved to play with model cars in their childhood are revealing a passion for collecting diecast model cars.