Beginners Guide

New or Old?

New or old? New models (current or recently manufactured) tend to be less expensive due to greater availability. The is the problem, however, of a limited variety of models. New manufacturers include: Corgi Solido/Verem, Imex, MotorMax, Minichamps, Matchbox. etc. Older models/toys do have the potential for getting more expensive due to scarcity. Two examples of this would be Playart and Polistil, both of which can be expensive, unless you find a bargain! Older corgi and dinky models can become quite expensive, especially in mint/boxed condition. There are also a number of manufacturers that are no longer around. I already mentioned Polistil and Playart. Others include: Zylmex (Zee toys), Dinky, and Benbros.

Size Matters!

Well, to some people it does. Scale is a matter of preference, some folks like 1:35 (large scale), others swear by 1:87 (HO train size). It really depends upon you purpose. Are you construction a diorama which requires constant scale? Or are you just collecting (like me)? Do you have much space? Remember, large scale models require space to display them! Each manufacturer tends to stick with certain scales. Corgi is about 1:50 (although they make some smaller scale models in their Showcase Collection), as is Solido/Verem. New Ray seems to specialize in 1:32. Imex/Zylmex are 1:87. Matchbox is variable. The Matchbox Collectibles (DYM series) is 1:72, others are as small as 1:113. Minichamps specializes in 1:35, and 21st Century toys  and Forces of Valor feature 1:32 and 1:18.

See the table at the bottom of this page for the 'typical' scales for each manufacturer. You can also find a discussion of scale at Onsite Diecast

Details, Details!

How much detail do you want? Some collectors are a stickler for detail. For them models from Minichamps and CDC armour are the best thing since sliced bread! Other models have less detail, such as Imex, Zylmex, Playart. Even within a brand the detail can be somewhat variable. Check the pictures out closely before you buy, especially if you are particular about fine details. Accuracy is also a matter of taste. Some collectors will refuse to collect a model if it is not perfectly accurate. Other just don't care. It is up to you!

Paper or Plastic?

Very few diecast models are 100% metal. Most prepainted diecast models have some component of plastic. Some, like New Ray, tend to have a lot! Others, like Solido, have very little. Generally speaking, plastic is OK if it is used for fine detail. If large portions of the tank are plastic (such as the entire turret), this is usually indicative of a cheaper model.

All plastic pre-built (or partially built) tanks can also be found. 21st Century makes some incredibly detailed, 100 % plastic tanks. Great for any collector! Rocco minitanks are quite popular, with entire collectors clubs. Eko, Trident, and Galoob also make plastic, preassembled tanks. In small scale (1/144), Dragon Can.do, World Tank Museum, Popy and Pegasus fill this niche.

Resin models are models cast with a pourable heavy plastic. Molds are made, and the resin is poured into the mold. After the model cures, the molded is opened, the model trimmed, and often metal parts are added to the model. The assembly is then painted. Done right, the final result is a finely detailed, HEAVY, tank! Makers like King and Country and W. Britain make some wonderful large scale resin models. Other companies like Battlefront Miniatures and Quality Castings make small scale models which are popular with wargamers.

White metal diecast is a special case worth discussion. White metal models are usually unassembled (generally 3-10 parts) and unpainted models, usually 100% metal. They must be assembled and painted, and are usually used primarily by gamers. They can have incredible detail, and usually come in sizes like "15mm" and "20mm", but can come very small (1:300, 1:700). Makers include Skytrex, GHQ, Pit Road, and others.

It cost HOW MUCH?

OK, how much is this obsession going to cost? It depends. Old models in exceptional shape will cost a bit...say $60-$150. New Imex models will cost from $5.50 to $7.95. New Corgi will run from $25-$40. Minichamps can be had for $80-$100. As you can see, prices run the entire range. As such you can find models to fit your budget. For more information, see "where can I buy this stuff?".

A note on collection as an investment. Remember, price is dictated by that age old economic concept: supply and demand. For high price (i.e. for a model to hold its value, or grow in value) requires: limited supply, and a demand for the model. Add to this one more parameter: The condition of the model. This said, a model could be considered an investment if: few are available, many people want them, and the model is in good shape. Can these be guaranteed? It is hard to predict the future! As for me, I consider my collection a HOBBY, not an investment.

As a side note. eBay has certainly been a boon for collectors. It has provided for the "supply" and the "demand" side of the equation. Now collectors of obscure items (like diecast tanks) can meet potential sellers. It has also made collections more valuable by providing the "demand" side of the equation... a ready market of potential buyers. Capitalism at its best! :-)

Do I dare open the package?

The most expensive models are older models, which are "mint in box", or MIB. But if I don't open it, how can I display it!!!!! Oh what a problem! I don't have a great answer. Short of buying tow versions of a boxed model, and keeping the extra in the closet, I tend to carefully save the packaging, so the model can be repacked if the need arises. If the tank is on a card (cardboard card encased in a plastic bubble), this something between tricky and impossible......what to do? I haven't the slightest :-)

What's a PZKFWJLKN IIV with the dufelgrab turret?

OK, armour comes with all sorts of obscure names, so you may want to supplement your obsession with research materials. There are a LOT of great web sites out there devoted to armour and to military modeling. There are also a LOT of good books available, including those from Osprey and Squadron. Spend a few dollars and buy some reference books, you'll be glad you did.

Keeping tabs

Or what have a bought? I would suggest that you track your goodies in Excel (for small collections) or Access (for larger ones). Custom software such as TreasureSoft (www.treasuresoft.com) can also be used.

Where do I buy this stuff?

OK, now I'm off to buy some models, but where? The answer: eBay, Internet Dealers, Hobby Shops, and Toy Stores. Toys stores can be a great place. Some of my best models were acquired from KB toys and Toys-R-Us, generally at a discount! Hobby Shops are a good place to find detailed diecast like Corgi and Minichamps, as well as plastic models like Rocco. Internet Dealers provide a LARGE variety, and make comparison shopping very easy. For example you can find the same Imex tank selling for $5.50 on one website, and for $7.99 on another. BEWARE SHIPPING COSTS, however, they can eat your lunch.

Jim T., another collector, offers theses suggestion when buying from Internet vendors:

"I wanted to provide some very useful suggestions based upon my own experiences:

1.) Even though we are in the Internet age, I strongly recommend that when you are ready to make a purchase, you definitely need to call the dealer to confirm product pricing, shipping costs, insurance if available, return policies and product availability.

2.) All too frequently, web sites are days and many times weeks out of date. Based upon my last 4 purchases, 5 dealers' web sites were inaccurate regarding pricing and product availability.

3.) I typically ask a number of questions to prospective dealers and then usually select two as a test. Also, I let them know this upfront. If they provide quality service, competitive pricing and can fill the order promptly, then they will get my business. To date, this process has been very successful for me. "

Thanks Jim!

What about eBay?

Do not shop eBay if you have an obsessive compulsive personality (like me!). There's just too much good stuff. eBay is the Mecca for people who collect obscure items (like diecast tanks).

Some hints regarding eBay:

1. Be an informed shopper - research the going price for items before buying. Use the completed items search, or surf the web for prices!

2. Look at the photos carefully. Check the condition. Don't trust the written description...look at the photos, and ask the seller for more if necessary! A side note: broken and bent barrels are common, and not easily identified on photos!

3. BEWARE OF SHIPPING. Some folks seem to make up for a low auction price with higher shipping costs. Ask before you buy.

4. Check the sellers feedback. Odds are if others have had problems, you will too!

Model Comparisons

Below I have summarized some features of different models. I make no claim as to the accuracy of the information below :-)

More Info...

First, visit my Links page for much more online information!

For a different point of view on the differences between various model types, please visit this page at Onsite Diecast. It has a very good discussion on different manufacturers models, including pros and cons.

Military Vehicles Past and Present - a good article about military vehicles in small diecast from Briethaupts Diecast website. You can also visit Breithaupts Toy Car Webzine

A nice diecast glossary from Daniel Beck's Model Car Collection

That's it for now. I hope this helped. Happy collecting!

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