[FormerViperDriver]

1. How were you introduced to diecast models?

I was about 8 or 9 years old (40 years ago) when I got my first Solido tank. I ended up having a few of these and some Dinky Toys as well. But I suppose at the time I considered these "toys" rather than collectibles.
Then in the mid 80s, I found and bought some of the same models I had had as a kid and went from there (mostly Solido and Verem, which had re-issued some of the old Solido moulds). But this covered tanks/military vehicles only. My first love is aviation...
So when I first saw a CDC/Armour 1/100 scale F-16 in 1995, I was intrigued. The store owner (this was in France, BTW) told me the same company was going to come out with a line of 1/48 diecast aircraft, and I couldn't believe it. In 1996 I bought the CDC P-51D "Fickle Fannie," followed a few months later by two F-4 Phantoms. The serious collecting started at that point. Up to then, I built plastic models, but diecast was the answer to a problem I couldn't solve: how to preserve my collection through the numerous moves you go through in the military. Plastic doesn't do well in those moves. To this day, I keep diecast boxes to re-use for when the movers show up.
In addition, lack of time prevented me from building up a large plastic model collection anyway, so diecast was great in that respect as well, no so much in the early days, but now, choices are many and I'm limited more by money and space than anything else.

2. Did the collecting bug take right away?

Yes. See 3 below for reason.

3. What elements of this hobby, or hobbies in general, make you want to be collector versus being the owner of say two examples?

I like military history and technology. That covers a lot of ground right there... The models are a tangible token of all the knowledge I have accumulated over the decades on these subjects (including in my profession). Plus I like the shear beauty of aircraft in general, which the models do a good job conveying.

4/5. Submit up to three model suggestions/Explain your choices.

Sorry, too hard to answer specifically. It depends too much on what that person's interests are (I mean, something as basic as: armor, airplanes, or ships?). Assuming a given subject/theme, what is this person's budget for diecast? How much room do they have? Etc...

Still, a shot in the dark:

Century Wings F-14 (any): best diecast there is. Price a little high, but satisfaction guaranteed (that last point is EXTREMELY important. Being disappointed with your very first purchase is not a good way to start as a collector...).

Corgi P-51D 1/32, Big Beautiful Doll. If you have the room... Really nice model of a beautiful aircraft, plus a famous one at that.

EI P-51B 1/48 Shangri-La: again, price is at high-end, but satisfaction guaranteed.

If prices are too high on the above, then Witty F-16s (no fuss out of the box, good value, nice moulds), HM F-104s (same), or Corgi Swordfish (a bit more money, but superb quality).

FVD