A Beginner’s Guide to Die-Cast Cars

There’s something about diecast cars that brings us back to the past and many adults can look back at their childhood fondly and remember their collection and the fun they had while playing with these cars. For many people, this hobby stayed in their childhood, but for others, it’s still a fun pastime full of fun and games. So, if you’re considering diving back into the world of diecast collecting, or this is your first time hearing of this hobby, here’s what you need to know to get you started.

What are Diecast Cars?

Let’s start with the basics, getting to know these cars. A diecast car is a miniature replica of a real car made using a die-casting or metal-casting method. These scale models are usually made of zinc or lead alloy and come fully formed as one piece that looks like the real vehicle on a small scale. After the base is made, other elements can be added such as paint to replicate the real vehicle as much as possible. What’s great about diecast cars is that they come in various models, from vintage classics to modern sports cars, trucks and even replicas of racing cars. You can also find cars with details such as doors opening or fully modelled interiors, making them incredibly realistic and fun to play with.

Types and Sizes

Diecast models are available in various sizes, known as scales. The scale represents the ratio of the proportion of the model in comparison to the original real-life car. The bigger the second number, the smaller the model car. So, for example, you have scales that start from the most sought-after 1-18 diecast cars to 1-64.

The biggest scale-produced cars are on a scale of 1-18 and these show off the car in most details but it makes storage difficult so very few are manufactured or collected. Collectors and hobbyists who want more authentic details such as working hoods, doors and boots should opt for models built on the 1-108 scale. These cars will have finer details, such as operational lights, engine electrical wiring and a realistic interior which makes things much more fun and interesting.

Other scale models are also great and one of the most common model car ratios in the world is 1/43 while the most expensive scale models are the 1-24 scale which can have the same amount of detail as the 1-18 cars, depending on the manufacturer. Apart from the scales, these cars come in different styles and themes. You can find anything, from vintage and classic car replicas to sports cars, trucks and many other options so there’s something for everyone in the world of diecast cars.

How to Choose

If you’re just starting or coming back to this hobby, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the many choices and the huge number of options available. But what you have to do first is to think about what makes you happy and excited about cars in general. Are you drawn by a specific car model, brand, era or something else? Maybe you’re a fan of race cars or what excited you the most are trucks. These are all things you need to consider before getting your first diecast car. Knowing your preferences can help you narrow down the choices and pick wisely.

Another important factor is the brand of the diecast car. There are many manufacturers out there and each one of them has different features and their own advantages. Brands like Kyosho, Maisto, UTOrt, American Diorama and many more are some of the most popular brands among collectors, but other brands might offer more affordable options if you’re not ready to spend a lot of money on this hobby.

Maintenance

One of the most important things about collecting these diecast cars is the maintenance. Taking care of your cars is key to preserving their value and appearance. While most diecast cars are made from metal which makes them very durable, regular care will keep them looking sharp and fresh. The number one enemy of these cars is the dust, as it can accumulate and dull the finish. To protect them from that, you can keep them in display cases which are a popular option because they keep the cars safe from dust and they also provide a great way to keep them organised and showcased in your home.

To clean them you don’t need much, just a soft brush or a microfibre cloth is enough to remove the dust without scratching the paint or damaging the surface of the models. Avoid using harsh chemicals as these can damage the paint as well as the plastic parts on the models. Clean them regularly and you will keep the models in great condition.

Collecting 1-18 diecast cars or any other scale models can be a fun and exciting hobby for many people not just for car enthusiasts. Even if you’re new to this hobby, there are an endless variety of models, scales and themes so you can choose the ones that you’re most interested in and with a bite of care and attention these cars can bring you joy for years to come.