- How were you introduced to diecast models?
I've always been into military aviation, courtesy of "Black Sheep Squadron" when I was a small boy -- after watching that show I started asking for toy planes, which led to model building... My dad bought me a Dinky Phantom at a model railroad show he dragged me to and I became obsessed with that toy. However, I didn't become aware of the diecast airplane world for real until I stumbled into a hobby store in Rocky Mountain National Park in the mid 90's (Mountain Classics, in Estes Park -- make sure you stop there if you ever go...) and they had a little of everything that was available at the time (mostly Speccast, Gearbox, and 1:100 CDC stuff...) I picked up a Spec, and a 1:100 and then started seeking them out locally. Then ebay came along, I discovered corgi, and dragon and the rest is history. No one I knew, collected these....
- Did the collecting bug take right away?
Absolutely, though not really hard until I had the income to indulge myself... then I went nuts. And now, with family, I still do -- even though the income doesn't really allow it nearly as much....
- What elements of this hobby, or hobbies in general, make you want to be collector versus being the owner of say two examples.
I think it's a deep, deep fascination with the subject matter. I've always loved to fly, and the history of aerial warfare, mainly WWII, has always captivated me. My collection isn't just hunks of metal to me, but rather a tangible link to these moments in time. And a small way to honor the courage and ingenuity of the times, too.
I know this is a tough question, but that's why I pose it.- Submit up to three model suggestions.
I'd suggest a P-51D, Spitfire, and 109 -- preferably in 1:32 or 1:48 scale to start with. I'd go with the Corgi's BBD, any Corgi Spit (save for the blue one!), and really any Corgi 109. These are probably the three most iconic aircraft of WWII and will serve well as the centerpieces of a collection if you decide to expand into different scales. If I could only recommend one, however, it would be a GMP P-51 -- it has so many display possiblities and such great detail that it can anchor any collection. If it ends up being the only one purchased (heresy, I know) it's the "one" to have IMHO. Might I also add, that if I were gifting one of these with the hopes of "seeding" a collection I'd also pair it with a book about the subject -- Blonde Knight of Germany with Corgi's Hartman, for example. Or Bud's book with his P-51, or the Memphis Belle with "Half a Wing, Three Engines, and a Prayer", etc.