[Cavtanker]

I love metal models because they have the paint schemes and modeling skills that I don't possess. I love plastic models because I can buy a model that probably won't be made anytime soon (or ever at all) for my collection.

[theodore]

The reason I prefer diecast over plastic is two-fold. First, if you keep the original box, you can simply disassemble the diecast rather easily and pack it into its box and either sell it on eBay or pack it into bigger boxes if you plan on moving. Second, I live down here in Florida and our humidity in Orlando is higher than any other location in the US!! Consequently, even with a de-humidifier, plastic models will eventually warp and sometimes they will discolor. Conversely, I have had some of my diecast Solido tanks out in the open air for about 30 years now and the only thing that has changed is that the steel treads have oxidized and are now the proper color!!

[nielsvv]

Originally Posted by theodore

The reason I prefer diecast over plastic is two-fold. First, if you keep the original box, you can simply disassemble the diecast rather easily and pack it into its box and either sell it on eBay or pack it into bigger boxes if you plan on moving. Second, I live down here in Florida and our humidity in Orlando is higher than any other location in the US!! Consequently, even with a de-humidifier, plastic models will eventually warp and sometimes they will discolor. Conversely, I have had some of my diecast Solido tanks out in the open air for about 30 years now and the only thing that has changed is that the steel treads have oxidized and are now the proper color!!

I don't think plastic models will wrap or will discolor. Except if the temperature is going under 0. Discolor will only happen, if your models stands in the clear sunlight, or above a spot.

Unfortunate that there aren't many manufactures which make metal diecast tanks.

[theodore]

Originally Posted by nielsvv

I don't think plastic models will wrap or will discolor. Except if the temperature is going under 0. Discolor will only happen, if your models stands in the clear sunlight, or above a spot.

Unfortunate that there aren't many manufactures which make metal diecast tanks.

Uh, nielsw, you have obviously never lived in Florida or visited Florida in July or August!! I have had plastic models that I built from a kit that were not in direct sunlight or under a light that warped and the paint faded. Our humidity is ridiculous here (about 95% for 3 months in a row!! ) and this has occurred multiple times with other people who have built or purchased pre-assembled plastic models, even in air-conditioning.

By the way, welcome nielsw and have fun here!!

[Captain Eddie]

Welcome to the asylum.....er.....forum, nieslw!

[nielsvv]

No, I never went to florida, Even not to Amerika, but it is a dream of me and my wife to make ones a trip to the us of a. We want then to cross the country bij car. But thats for the future...

How do you explain, that this happens with plastic models and not with metal ones? It is the same paint (a guess?).

[jim]

I left one of my plastic models too close to my desk lamp, it now does a nice impression of a banana.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by jim

I left one of my plastic models too close to my desk lamp, it now does a nice impression of a banana.

Was it a dancing banana? nielsvv welcome to the forum, lots of useful information here.

[Paladin18]

Originally Posted by theodore

Uh, nielsw, you have obviously never lived in Florida or visited Florida in July or August!! I have had plastic models that I built from a kit that were not in direct sunlight or under a light that warped and the paint faded. Our humidity is ridiculous here (about 95% for 3 months in a row!! ) and this has occurred multiple times with other people who have built or purchased pre-assembled plastic models, even in air-conditioning.

By the way, welcome nielsw and have fun here!!

Howdy theodore,

There's one place on earth where humidity levels are more punishing than in Florida....and that's Singapore!

[dboulais]

My preference for diecast goes back to my childhood playing tanks with matchbox vehicles. They didn't bend or break and stayed where they were put on the bed. I am also challenged with being a mechanical engineer with NO artistic ability. I've tried to use an airbrush off and on for 30 years and still can't make an aircraft look good. About the only thing I can do with it is apply clear coat! Water soaked slip on decals have always been a problem for me. One they are a pain to put on curved surfaces. Wrinkles and bumps all over. Two, they look crappy once they are finished. You can always see the raised portion in under almost any lighting conditions. So, I really appreciate the some of the great "feathered" and camo finishes and pad printed insignia on the diecast models.