Toy cars have been around since the advent of horseless carriage. What started out as big cast iron wagons and carriages, grew to include cars, trucks, buses and nearly every other wheeled vehicle found on the road.

Of course, cast iron has since been replaced by various alloys, composites and plastics to produce the diecast cars that we collect today. This trend toward producing miniatures of vehicles we see every day has grown into a huge industry that makes almost anything one can imagine, from garbage trucks and farm tractors, to racing cars, to the latest super car from your favorite marque. Scales range generally from 1:87 (HO) to 1:12 and in some cases even larger. The most popular scales today are 1:64, 1:43, 1:24 and 1:18.

Dad Sparked Interest in Diecast Cars

I guess I could blame my parents, specifically my dad, for my diecast (and plastic) model car collection. It all started in the summer of 1970 when my dad bought his brand new 1969 Pontiac Tempest and received a plastic promotional scale model of a 1970 GTO from the dealer. He gave me the GTO and that started a lifelong love of all things automotive. Over the years, I received many more models, Hot Wheels, Matchboxes and other various toy trucks, cars etc.

Unfortunately, I was a very destructive child and wrecked most all of my toys and especially my Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars using things like a hammer, the vise on the garage workbench, and even putting them under the leg of my bed. This continued until my pre-adolescent years, when I finally matured enough to realize the value of my toys and that they were worth more to me intact than in pieces. I’m sure my parents wondered if they should ever buy me another toy again! Once I was old enough to have some money of my own I started buying toys and models for myself and have continued to do so to this day.

A Sizable Scale Model Collection

I collect plastic model kits, diecasts in several scales, including 1:64 and 1:18, as well as various other automotive memorabilia. At present, I have over 80 1:18 diecasts plus a few hundred 1:64 cars plus well over 600-700 models.

Why do I collect all this stuff and in such relatively high numbers, you may ask? Well, my problem is this: I like nearly anything with four and even two wheels and would love to have a bunch of real cars and a couple of motorcycles. Since this would be impossible from a financial and logistical standpoint, I try to fuel my fantasy with models of the real thing! A scale model collection allows me the freedom to own my dream machines without an insanely huge amount of capital investment. Heck, one can still find Hot Wheels, etc. at around a buck and oftentimes one can acquire 1:18 diecasts for much less than the $30-$40 that many of them are going for these days. I used to pick up a lot of the Ertl diecast musclecars at Toys ‘R’ Us years ago but the market has changed, making diecasts a bit more challenging to find. Still, many good deals can be found at your local hobby shop.

Article provided by Bob Kremer, Member of IPMS-Steve Wittman Model Club, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Anyone who has not built a plastic model kit in the past 10-years is in for a big surprise today. Open the box to newly manufactured kits and compare the level of detail and quality to that of the past. There’s quite a difference. Why?

Better Technology Yields Better Model Parts

Steel tooling for producing injection molded parts for scale model kits is now made through the use of CAD 3D computer imaging. The ability of the model-builder to create incredibly realistic looking ships, cars, planes and tanks has been greatly enhanced by the huge increase in detail included in the tooling of the modern plastic model kit. There is less flash (surplus plastic on sprues caused by worn out tooling) and more precise fit of parts.

Why should this matter to the average modeler?  The reason to purchase a model kit is to create a realistic looking replica in miniature.   The satisfaction gained by the builder of having that replica look incredibly realistic is immeasurable.

Which Photo is Real?

Check out web photos of dioramas taken at model shows. It is now nearly impossible to tell the difference between a photo of the real plane and the scaled down model kit!  Attribute this to the attention paid to detail by the various manufacturers, each of whom is determined to recreate the most realistic looking replica as can be made in miniature.

Everyone has a favorite vehicle that brings back memories of the past, whether it be Dad’s old car, or a plane or ship on which a family member served during a military conflict. Finding that kit replica is easy with a visit to a local hobby shop. And recreating that replica not only brings a level of personal pride in the result, but creates, in a sense, an escape from every day life, where one can dive into an enjoyable family project.

Model building is a great outlet for kids of all ages, young and old and in between!  Look up “Hobbies” in your yellow pages or search for hobby stores online and start your new hobby today!

Content provided by Stevens International. For more information, visit www.stevenshobby.com