how to START
This is how I started … this is my story.
I do love old timer cars. So I tried to get the first mass produced car: the “Ford T”. I was decided to buy one and drive it around. But I also loved the “Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost”. And if I think of the ’50-s cars I become nostalgic. How could it possible be, to have them all.
Here’s the answer: I did get a diecast scale model car. And so, I ended up buying my first. And very soon I got the second one, and the third model, until I needed some shelves to keep them all.
Diecast scale collectors love the real thing: cars, trucks, motorcycles, air planes, ships etc. But we cannot brig all these at home so we collect them as diecast scale models. Whether you spell it “diecast”, “die-cast” or “die cast” this is real stuff …
How to START your diecast scale model collection without spending a single dollar?
If you decided to start collecting diecast scale models, you should begin first telling your friends and family. Tell everyone you know who can help you get the word out, and then sit back and wait.
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.
A good start for a diecast scale models collection?
If you ask your self how to start a diecast scale model collection you are a lover of cars or other vehicles, or planes or ships or history. This means that you already have personal tastes, nostalgias and preoccupations. You are not just passing bye, you are impressed by the things that surround you. You have a collectors’ heart.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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 …