1:18 Die-cast model cars - advice please!

simisker

simisker

simisker

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It dawned on me this morning that my aftershave-collecting hobby isn't driving me into enough debt, and thus I'd like to start collecting 1:18 die-cast car models too [not the kits; I don't have the time any more].

I seem to recall that there are a few OcUK members who collect these, and was hoping that I'd be able to get some pointers.

Which manufacturers offer good quality models? Are there any highly-recommended online shops? Y'know, that sort of thing. Seeing as I'm aiming to collect examples of all cars that I've loved since childhood, I'm resigned to the fact that I'm going to have to go hunting for discontinued models, too - does this automatically mean Ebay, or are there alternatives?

Thanks in advance :)
 
The one problem with 1:18s is the space they take up, I use Ikea bookcases and you can really only get 5 per shelf and even then it's a squeeze. 1/43rds are easier to store, cheaper and cover more diferent vehicles.

Which manufacturers and retailers to go with really depends on what type of car you're looking to collect. CMC are probably the best of the lot at the moment but they only do historic GP and sports cars - Auto Unions, Merc Silver Arrows, Maseratis etc. Exoto cover a wider range but are tricky to get hold of sometimes. Minichamps are a decent middle ground and cover a wider range of subjects than anyone else.

I can point you in the direction of a few sources but let me know what sort of subject you're thinking of and I'll dig out the appropriate links.
 
Minichamps 1:43's, best I have encountered in terms of price and quality. I don't collect many (I own 5!), just a few F1 cars here and there to add some life to a shelf or desk space.
 
I have loads of 1/18's that are now too big to have out. They sit in the loft in their boxes. I only have my favourite one out now. If you think you only want 5-10 then 1/18's are fine otherwise go smaller.
 
I apologise for sort of hijacking this thread but having searched everywhere, I can't find anyone that does a decent die cast model of the BMW Z4 Coupé. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks :)
 
Scuzi said:
I apologise for sort of hijacking this thread but having searched everywhere, I can't find anyone that does a decent die cast model of the BMW Z4 Coupé. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks :)
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Not get my PM on irc? :o
 
not quite what your after but try some of the country artists speed freaks range :)seem to be taking over my desk at a fair rate
 
depends what type of cars you want to collect. From some models i have (1:43) id say

For 1:43 scale the 2 i like are AutoArt and Minichamps (AutoArt most because they are much more detailed). (AutoArt also do 1:18 as well and they have amazing detail on them)

If you have a ModelZone store or another model shop near you, have a look around at the displays etc so you can get an idea of size and the detail on the models etc.
 
Excellent stuff - thanks, fellas!

Yeah, I know... 1:43s are more practical, and I figured they'd also cover a wider model range, but I'm concerned about the inevitably cruder detail that comes with the smaller territory.

As you've pointed out [writing from experience, I imagine!] one can easily end up with more 1:18s than space, and while I initially thought my list of desirable cars wasn't that long, ten minutes mulling over the subject provided a list of at least 20 :D

I can definitely say that I'm not interested in sport cars; open-wheelers, GTs/prototypes or rally cars [well, most rally cars... an RS1800, 6R4 or 2000GT could easily find a place in my collection, now I think of it!]. My hastily drawn-up list comprises mainly of 70s and 80s european supercars [inevitably, I guess] in road-going guise, plus some vintage and contemporary classics and 'everyday' cars. There's something about models of everyday cars that really appeals, for some reason!

Hmm, I think 1:43 might be the way to go :D As well as the inevitable browsing ideas you've given me tonight, I'll pop down the shops tomorrow and take a close look at some models.

Again, thanks - I appreciate it, even if my bank account won't!

[Oh, and Scuzi - got 120ml of Green Irish Tweed on the way: under 80 quid, and it looks both genuine and new stock :)]
 
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Scuzi said:
Where the hell from?:eek:
Click my sig to email me.
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e-mailed :)

Bloody hell, I can see this new hobby of mine getting expensive, even if I go down the 1:43 route... I've been browsing some more online stores and every page there's a Weismann GT, Jaguar XJ or Alfa Romeo Montreal "wow!" moment. And the list gets longer... :D
 
I've been collecting 1:18 for going on 20 years. Unfortunately I just don't have the space anymore and so some of them have ended up in the loft (safely packaged though!!!)

I used to buy a new one every weekend. Back in the 90's you could get a 1:18 for £15-20.

By the way... always keep the boxes!
 
NathanE said:
I've been collecting 1:18 for going on 20 years. Unfortunately I just don't have the space anymore and so some of them have ended up in the loft (safely packaged though!!!)

I used to buy a new one every weekend. Back in the 90's you could get a 1:18 for £15-20.

By the way... always keep the boxes!
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Heh, don't worry, I keep the boxes for everything!

This is actually a bit of a rekindling of a childhood 'collection', I remember having Bburago models back in the 80s [including a Marlboro BMW M1 and a Fiat Strada, for some weird reason], so for me to have been able to afford them on my very-average pocket money means that they must have been much cheaper [relatively] back then.
 
sr4470 said:
Hehe, reminds me of my childhood playing traffic games with model cars..
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Okay, you got me: I'm actually planning the most stylish bank heist in history, and I'm a perfectionist when it comes to the tabletop planning sessions ;)
 
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