Before you know it, people will come and talk to you and some will even offer some of the beaten up “toys” they have stored for years. You’ll receive plastic models, wood replicas, but hopefully some diecast scale models too. Don’t expect these to be in very good condition but this will be your practice models.

You will learn things about the different scales, see the different quality of models, how detailed some models are and more …

And surprise!!! If you are lucky you can receive an “in box” never opened vintage diecast scale model.

And more, if you enjoy the very old diecast models, good news: some people don’t appreciate these at all. So they will be happy to get rid of them.

Tell us your story as a “Reader Feedback” …

Hotwheels, matchbox, larger scale cars, some plastic ones. Where on earth do I start finding their names/year? Is there any website that has a list of the names/year,pictures…what is generally revered and shunned and the like?

I have been trying on my own and it is taking FOREVER to identify one.

I have already found one I saw on ebay go for $220+…don’t expect that to happen alot but even if I can get $2-5 for most of these it is worth my time as I have a bazillion of them mixed up.
The problem is that a good portion of them are what I think would be junky (fast food stuff).

Tons of hotwheels/roadchamps/matchbox.

The best site I could find was wikipedia’s diecast car (shows a list of the makers but not much more info).

BTW I do think that would be a VERY profitable blog site for someone to create, from some of the big $ I see going on ebay for these I think the web needs a site on these like yojoe is to gi joes.

It won’t be me…I hate the collecting of anything and web site creation/advertising even more.

If they are Matchbox look on the bottom and it will tell you what it is. I don’t remember if Hot Wheels does or not.

Every collector started with his first item. So don’t let your self intimidated by some huge collections out there. In time, you’ll get experienced and the number of models will grow too. And one good thing, we don’t have to spend all money when we start.

First define what you love the most. Who likes cars, probably enjoys trucks too and would appreciate a military diorama. But remember, you can not collect them all. There are many beautiful things but if you want to get a real collection you have to be specific. Some collectors focus on vintage cars, some on motorcycles other military planes. The smaller the niche the better you can focus on your future diecast scale collection.

Second, it would be really useful to decide on a scale range 1:18, 1:23 or smaller. If you like vintage cars, and see a “beauty” on ebay you would be tempted to buy it. But try to imagine a shelve of 10-50 cars all the same size or … a shelve with one small model, another bigger another medium size.

If you still get different scales of models in your collection, the best thing is to display them on different shelves, according to scale. So you will end up having more collections according to scale.

Well, that’s it! The diecast scale world is a beautiful world. Share your collection with others, make new friends, be happy and wise …