[mhackl]

If you knew someone that you thought was a prime candidate for collecting diecast, what model would you suggest to them to get the ball rolling?

I was inspired to create this thread after a conversation that I had over dinner this evening with friends. We were dinning at a local Sushi bar and this question was posed. "What's the ideal dish to recommend to someone who's never had Sushi before?" This question, of course. made me think of diecast. Why? I'll explain. Most people who've never had Sushi are scared of it, but would probably like it. All they know is "Raw Fish" and lets face it that thought alone would scare anyone. How I segue into diecast is that your introduction to this type of cuisine as with any hobby is extremely important in determining weather or not you'll embrace it.

Understand, I wasn't just day dreaming during dinner. I do have reason to wander into this subject. I'm frequently asked by first timers to make suggestions. As a collector myself, I want to be as objective as possible, but that's not always easy to do. I've attempted to answer these questions myself, but I am faced with the fact that my reasons, and access, for collecting may not be the same as my customers.

So, I defer the question to you.

What model(s) would you suggest to someone who's never collected these before?

Please follow these steps and answer these questions in your response.

1. How were you introduced to diecast models?
2. Did the collecting bug take right away?
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 know this is a tough question, but that's why I pose it.
4. Submit up to three model suggestions.
5. Explain your choices.

Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.




Wow, that turned in to more than I had intended.

[parsig9]

[*]How were you introduced to diecast models?

At a local Hobby shop that had Corgi and mostly FM/Armour
[*]Did the collecting bug take right away?
I remember I thought I could get like 2/year. One at Christmas and one for my B-day (oh haha)
[*]What elements of this hobby, or hobbies in general, make you want to be collector versus being the owner of say two examples.

My interest began w/ the books and movies I guess. I just can't separate the story of the planes from the planes themselves and to actually be able to hold the example is it for me. It gives me a connection to a time more exciting and desperate than my own. Plus, they're beautiful little works of art for $25-$50.


[*]Submit up to three model suggestions.

Corgi 1/32 Spitfire- Mitchell's beautiful wing and heroic story. 1/72 Lancaster- The Dambusters' Raid makes me want to jump up and applaud. Corgi F-4- my first model I built with my dad as a kid and I lost it. For 20+ years I wanted it back and now I can have it. Each of my 250 little artworks has its own story or special meaning to me. For some, I own the pilot's book or have an art print with the plane depicted. For others, I just saw it at an airshow and had to have one (like my only F-16) 90% of my collection is WWII and it's my little memorial museum to these pilot's who gave so much and flew for their lives and ours.

[slammin]

1. How were you introduced to diecast models?
I had seen a few example in the local hobby shop, mostly dragon. I wasn't all that impressed for the prices they wanted. Then I saw a FOV F-14. The F-14 is a favorite of mine. It was the first plastic model that I ever built. The hobby shop had the FOV F-14 marked at $27 dollars. I could see that this was model was a better value than the dragons from all the extras included. I walked home with my first diecast that day.

2. Did the collecting bug take right away?
Pretty much. After my first purchase and some online research, I had a few more models on the way.

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 know this is a tough question, but that's why I pose it.
I've always liked the historical significance of the models. I also like being able to compare aircraft to one another to speculate about design differences. I don't buy models to collect them for any long term investment or because they may be numbered. I buy them becasue the subject matter interests me.

4. Submit up to three model suggestions. Explain your choices.
The two big issues for me were 1) a favorite example, and 2) a good value. Before I got into diecast collecting, I couldn't understand how these little airplanes could cost so much. Seeing one of my favorite airplanes that was also a good value pushed me over the edge. I like f-14s and SBDs. It wasn't until I saw the FOV F-14 and later the HM SBD that I really got into this hobby. I had seen dragon F-14s, but they didn't have the value IMHO. I own several now, but if I had seen a CW F-14 back then, I would have thought $60 was crazy expensive for a model. They key was the right value at the time.
With that being said, I would suggest finding out what airplanes the person likes, then suggest a middle of the road example for them. Right now some of the corgi prices are pretty hard to swallow from a value standpoint, but the Hobby Masters are good candidates, if they make a subject that will capture the person's interest.

[chiefs70]

How where you introduced to diecast models?
I was at Target when they had the Matchbox line on clearance. I bought the Gentile P-51 and over the next few weeks I picked up the Aleutians P-40 and Minsi Hellcat. A few months later I picked up a FOV King Tiger and started looking on Ebay and online for me. The floodgates were ope

Did the collecting bug take right away?
It took a few months for it to really kick in for me.

What elements of this hobby, or hobbies in general, make you want to be collector versus being the owner of say two examples.
Specific to this hobby the history is the driver for me. I like to collect aircraft and vehicles of significant personalities or events and pair them up with signatures, art and books. In some cases, it is an aircraft I am particularly fond of and I'll buy most examples they release.

Submit up to three model suggestions.

I would recommend - if like me they are primarily a WWII oriented collector - a Dragon P-51D (arguably the best mold of this aircraft in this scale - fiddly bits aside) - a Corgi B-25 (my favorite Corgi mold - this model is large enough to draw the eye but not as space consuming as the heavies) Gemini Aces Bf-109F (the only "F" available in 1/72 GA has made an excellent model of what I consider to be the most visually appealing 109).

[bsmith13]

What model(s) would you suggest to someone who's never collected these before?

Please follow these steps and answer these questions in your response.

1. How were you introduced to diecast models?
2. Did the collecting bug take right away?
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 know this is a tough question, but that's why I pose it.
4. Submit up to three model suggestions.
5. Explain your choices.

1. I built model airplanes as a kid and after I got married but before I had kids. I saw a Matchbox P-38 on the shelves at Target, and saw it as a way to collect without having to invest the time on assembly. I still miss having the time to make models, but I love diecast for different reasons.

2. I am probably obsessive/compulsive. I have collected stuff since I was 5: Hot Wheels, Stamps, G.I. Joes, Comics, patches, Star Wars, Legos, etc etc. Other toy collectors think I'm odd because I liberate my toys from their packages, which decreases their resale value. I am in it for the joy of collecting, not to finance my retirement.

3. See the first part of 2. On the other hand, these planes represent more to me than just another thing I can collect. They are a miniature representation of history. History is such a broad subject that one or two aircraft can't possibly begin to cover the myriad important and pivotal conflict in which I am interested.

4 and 5. I am afraid I am not going to be much help here, as I believe a starter aircraft is a very personal choice. I will instead explain some possible rationales for starting a diecast collection:

A. Movie/TV/Book/Flight Sim-based interest: A prospective collector is someone who saw a movie or tv show about a particular aviation subject, and would like a representation of the aircraft to display. In this case, an aircraft similar to the type depicted in the movie in question would be appropriate; F-14s for Top Gun, B-17s for Memphis Belle/12 O'Clock High, etc. This is really effective, because the prospective collector has already made a connection with the aircraft.

B. "Don't know much about airplanes, but that sure is nice-looking!" interest: I know a few collectors who don't have any sort of bond with an aircraft, other than they think it looks neat. This can be narrowed down a little by determining which particular era they are drawn to, then suggesting a very colorful paint scheme. For example, F-14s from the '70s, colorful P-51s, and nearly any biplane are good choices for these visually stimulated people. The connection to the aircraft may or may not come later, but as long as they are enjoying themselves, that's what matters.

C. "I want to sell this for a bajillion dollars when I retire" interest. I have a hard time relating to these people, but if I were to suggest one, I would pick a low production number Corgi for them.

I know my approach is a little off the off the wall, but then, so am I.

[admin]

• How were you introduced to diecast models?
  An advertisement insert from my local newspaper. It was for The Franklin Mint (marushin) "Big Beautiful Doll".
• Did the collecting bug take right away?
  Not until about five years later. I was in Kansas City and I walked into a hobby store that 1/48th diecast models from CDC Armour. So I gave in and grabbed two. I was checking out when I noticed these little 1:100 scale models from the same company in the case below. I bought four of those as well. I was instantly addicted. So, my collection went from one to seven in one trip. I now own every 1:100 that CDC / Franklin made and a bout 80% of the 1:48th stuff. I only have two of the vehicle series though
• What elements of this hobby, or hobbies in general, make you want to be collector versus being the owner of say two examples.
  My love of military aviation. Collecting models is a way for me to get in touch with history. That and it's just a good excuse to get to play with toys again.
• Submit up to three model suggestions.
  I find collections that consist of only one scale, era, or nationality boring. IMHO every collection needs a centerpiece or multiple. First suggest a "pride of the collection" model and then some easier to collect pieces to get that collectors proverbial ball rolling.
  1. anything 1/35th scale GMP
  2. anything Eagles Int.
  3. Anyone of the Carousel 1 FW190D series
  
  Then have them encircle that item with a few limited edition 1/72 examples of different plane types.

[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

[PappyB]

1. 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....

1. 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....

1. 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.

1. 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.

[STARMAN 352ND]

1.How were you introduced to diecast models?
Once my son was about 11yrs old i would go to Target after work and get him a MB fighter every month and one thing lead to another with this passion of diecast planes.

2.Did the collecting bug take right away?
No it took me about 5 years or so before i started a collection for myself..That was about the time the diecast planes were getting almost as good as the plastic models were.
Before i would build models i liked and to this day i still have the old Mahogany planes my Dad gave me when i was little.

3.What elements of this hobby, or hobbies in general, make you want to be collector versus being the owner of say two examples:
My love for Millitary Aviation and having my Dad as a pilot made me want to know more about aviation History.When i was little i used to sit in his jet and daydream...lol.
When i was growing up almost everyone in my family was a Millitary pilot ..My Dad and Uncles were all pilots and later on my brother followed their footsteps.

4.Submit up to three model suggestions:
Find a collection of planes that you like best to start with.
IMHO right now if someone asked me which is the best out there?
I know i would tell him or her that your best would be.
1.GMP fighters in 1:35
2.Eagles International & Carousel 1 in 1:48 (But keep your eye out for Hobby Master in 1/48)
3.Century Wings F-14 Tomcats in 1:72nd are the Best of the Best in Modern jets.
4.The 1:72 line has so many planes to choose from Gemini, HobbyMaster and Corgi for WWII aviation collectors.

[TopHat]

I'll break the rules by not providing the answers to the specific questions you ask, but if you want to introduce someone to diecast collecting, I think it would be important to ask a few questions first, such as:

What are you interested in? Automobiles, armor, artillery, aircraft?

What category sub-types are you interested in? Race cars or street cars? Any race(s) in particular such as LeMans, etc? Military or civilian aircraft? Jets or props? Helos or fixed wing? US military or foreign military? Any specific conflicts or campaigns?

What is your expectation for detail? Just get the livery generally correct? Count rivets? Somewhere in between?

I think you really need to get to know the specific interests of the potential collector, as well as their expectations as to the overall accuracy of the piece, before you can make meaningful recommendations.