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| THS Diecast Cars - The #1 Online Source For Diecast Replicas! Diecast cars and Nascar diecast replicas from Action, DUB City, Jada Toys, Maisto, Motorsports Authentics plus more brands of diecast model cars! A model car is a miniature representation, or scale model, of an automobile or similar powered vehicle, generally reproducing the shapes of actually-produced vehicles. Other miniature ground-running vehicles, such as trucks, buses, etc. (but not railroad trains or tracked military vehicles) are usually included in the general category of model cars. The line between model and toy cars is not well-defined; some toys can be scaled and detailed well enough to be considered models also. Miniature cars which are poorly proportioned or lack significant detail are usually considered to be pure toys rather than models. History of Diecast Cars Banthrico started producing die cast promotional model car banks in the late '40s for the banking industry. These banks were available as a gift to people that started a new account and had a slot in the bottom to put their spare change. Usually the banks name and address was painted on the roof of the car. These primitive promotional cars included Buicks, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Packards, Desotos, Chryslers, Dodges and of course the more common (relatable) Chevrolets and Fords. In mint condition, today these cars are exceptionally sought after. About the same time, another company, Product Miniature Corporation was introducing promotional models made from plastic to the public, many of which were also in the form of banks. Many Chevrolet bank models had the inscription on the bottom "To help save for a rainy day, or to buy a new Chevrolet" The almost mandated scale for these cars was 1:25th, however a few Chevrolets and Plymouths were produced in a larger 1:20th scale. The model car "kit" hobby began in the post World War II era with Ace and Berkeley wooden model cars. Revell pioneered the plastic model car with their famous Maxwell kit derived from a toy. Derk Brand, from England, pioneered the first real plastic kit, a 1932 Ford Roadster for Revell. He was also famous for developing a line of 1/32 scale model car kits in England for the Gowland brothers. These kits were later introduced by Revell in the U.S. During the 1950s to 1960s, interest in the hobby peaked, and AMT introduced the model car kit in 1958. Jo-Han, Revell and Monogram started producing model car kits about this same time, and it was considered a "golden age" for model car building from these new innovative customizing kits. Most of these kits were known as "annual" kits, which was the unassembled kit version of the promos that represented the new cars that were introduced at the beginning of each model year. Often these companies would change, for example Jo-Han produced the 1972 Ford Torino, and MPC did full-size Chevrolets in the early and mid-1970s. Typically, the kits had more parts and details than the promos. For example, kits often had opening hoods, separate engines and suspension parts, while the promos were molded with hood as part of the body, and chassis with metal axles and one-piece chassis with suspension details molded in. 1969 and 1970 Chevy Impala kits were made by both MPC and AMT, as were some Camaros. Interest in model cars began to wane in the mid-1970s as a result of builders growing older and moving on to other pursuits. By the early 1980s, model building had been largely replaced by video gaming as a favorite pastime of American youth. A resurgence was experience in the late 1980s, due to many who been involved in the hobby in past years rediscovering it. Monogram helped spark the revival with a series of replicas of NASCAR race cars, as did AMT with a kit of the 1966 Chevrolet Nova, which modelers had been requesting for years. Model specific magazines sprang up, such as Scale Auto Enthusiasts, Plastic Fanatic, and Car Modeler. These spread the word, helped advertisers, and brought modelers together from all across the country. Today, many of the classic models from the golden age of modeling have been reissued. Not only does this allow modelers to build the cars they always wanted (but couldn't obtain or afford), but it tends to lower the prices of the originals. In some cases, the classic models have been issued with all-new tooling, which allows for even more detailing that comes with modern manufacturing/design methods. These include AMT's 1966 Fairlane and 1967 Impala SS, and Monogram's 1967 Chevelle and 1965 Impala Super Sport. Fully built scale model cars made of die cast metal are very popular among collectors. These models are manufactured in various scales like 1:18, 1:24, 1:48, and 1:43, among others. Larger-scale premium models today are generally made with attention to details which replicate a real model, such as a working steering which steers the wheels in larger models, doors, trunk/boot, and hood/bonnet that open (the latter showing a detailed engine complete with things such as an exhaust system and/or other items contained in a typical car engine), and tyres mounted on a workable suspension system. In smaller scales some of the details are often eliminated. So, e.g. in 1:32, 1:48, or 1:43 scale cars, the steering and wheels generally do not work. Likewise, only the front doors and hood might be functional, with non-opening rear doors and trunk. (There are exceptions to this, of course.) Courtesy of WikipediaCollecting Diecast Cars & NASCAR Diecast Replicas as a Hobby Collecting diecast cars is a great way for automobile fans to collect and own versions of their favorite cars. No matter what your age is, collecting diecast model cars can be an exciting hobby. The next best thing to parking a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS in the garage, is parking it between the 1969 Chevy Camaro and the 1996 Chevy Impala SS on the display shelves of your diecast cars. When you get started with collecting diecast model cars, the first thing is to decide on the scale that you're going to collect. Collectors tend to collect the diecast model of particular brands, NASCAR drivers, or cars that they love and have owned. NASCAR diecast cars are the most popular with collectors of diecast model cars. Large scale diecast cars are generally made with attention to details which replicate a real model, such as a opening doors, trunk/boot, and hood/bonnet, steerable wheels, detailed interior, a detailed engine compartment, and tires mounted on a workable suspension system. NASCAR diecast collectors know their cars, from limited editions to Total Production amounts-there's a lot more than meets the eye when beginning your own Nascar diecast collection. The hottest NASCAR diecast cars on the market today tend to represent the leader board. Whether you are new to NASCAR diecast collecting or a seasoned collector, something to consider is the preservation of your collection. The tiniest flaw, scratched paint, dented molding, or broken wheel will considerably devalue the over all NASCAR diecast collection. |
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