"Collectable" diecast

[Aaronw]

Ok, the evil D word, but diecast does open up some options not available in plastic.

I really like the trucks of the 30-60's so I've picked up a few from the mints (Franklin, Danbury etc) as well as the cheaper stuff from Yatming, Spec Cast etc.

I'm just wondering how much these really appreciate, if I hack up the '38 GMC COE stakebed I just bought for $75 will I be kicking myself in 5 years because its worth $7500 or will I still be able to buy one on ebay for $50-100?

They call these collectables but they don't seem to be much more collectable than plastic kits or am I wrong here. I buy them to build with but just wondering if I may regret that at some point.

Thanks

[george 53]

Aaron, I think Collectable Is a relative term, Like if you really want it, it's "collectable" Go ahead an build on it if you want, it's your money an car(or truck) I've got about 35 Franklin an Danburys, and Ive got a couple off the bay to modify. I paid 120 for the yellow 69 Charger, an 85 for another one off the bay, just to paint it black,like the one I used to have. Hey, if the urge strikes you, go for it, it's only worth what someone will pay for it! Edited August 30, 2008 by george 53

[CAL]

some of the higher end limited run stuff may be worth something, but by and large they probable depreciate just like real cars

[Zoom Zoom]

Collectable? You can do anything you want with it.

But hands off when it's collectible.

If they call it collectible, you know it isn't.

Basically very little, if anything made today, is going to increase in value and be truly collectible. Too many people are in on it now. If you look at the prices of most average Danbury/Franklin Mint stuff, the resales are generally a lot less than new. Only a few of the very limited editions hold their prices; the ones that are easy to find aren't going to have the same collectibility.

Buy it if you like it; if it's worth hacking up for a project or detailing, have at it. Once you buy it, it's yours. It's only a model

[Harry P.]

They call them "collectible" because that's what they are. But you can also collect old shoes, dirty laundry or anything else. The word "collectible" doesn't necessarily mean "will appreciate in value".

All you have to do is go to ebay and search for "Danbury Mint" in Toys and Hobbies. You'll soon find out how collectible they are...

[Aaronw]

Thanks, kind of what I expected but thought I'd ask.

[HotRodaSaurus]

I think a lot of us have fallen foul of the word collectable, but even limited editions can be a bit deceiving in that catagory.

How about a limited edition of 20 000 as some of those selected subjects Revell pushed out a few years back, personally I would say they should have limited them to say 5000 to qualify but then the price would put people of buying as to tool up for such a small run would be uneconomical.

With diecasts we are into a slightly different catagory here as most kits are priced to build and if they are bought as an investment will loose a lot of value when built.

Diecast's are usually not meant to be played with these days so there is a good percentage they will remain in perfect condition and only something unique will make them stand out as collectables.

When some diecasts were produced in England if you knew anyone on the production side you could persuade them to produce some odd coloured plastic parts such as a red interior instead of brown or a blue canopy for a truck instead of say, green. Instant collectable! But can fetch big $$$$$ in the collector market.

Of course things like this cannot be so easy now as most are made in China but you may be lucky if some parts were produced in a change over period with the machines.

Personally I would collect them for the pleasure of having the car or truck. Limited edition of 20 000? I don't think so.

Just mho

John

[CAL]

good point about things being "collectable". hoarders are a good example of extreme collectors.

i have a pretty good amount of diecast cars that i have accumulated over the years. my father and i like buying the ones that are interesting to us or for me i also buy diecasts of subjects not available in plastic kit form. my father has a significant amount of cars and he likes to have them out on shelves on display for him and his guests to enjoy. most of mine are still in the boxes, not because i want to retain some value for future monetary benefit, but because i don't have the space to display them and because i have small kids that would love to run them around the house.

i have a huge "collection" of plastic model kits and i could give a hoot as to the percieved value of the whole mess, with exception to what my insurance estimates them to be worth in case i happen to lose them in some unfortunate circumstance. i have them because i love model car building!

the mindset these days is that EVERYTHING is a collectors item and worth massively more than it really is.

Dave

You should really get an rider for replacement cost on you insurance if you have a large collection of kits that may be hard to replace or expensive because insurance companies don't value kits very high. I know someone who lost their entire collection to fire and the insurance company classified them under toys at $5 ea for unbuilt kits and $0 for built ones, and their (the insurance company) came up with a lot lower number in the collection than was actually there. He got like $250 for his entire collection and related tools, nothing on paint and supplies. He figures he lost about $10,000.00. So back it up with, they say the best way is with video and keep it in a safty deposit box, along with a paper inventory and update it as needed.

[Clay]

To me collectable doesnt mean "mint condition." It means its something you want to have, not necessarily to resale but a general want.

Myself, I am starting a collection of Marine NASCARs and Wrestling (ie: WCW and nWo) NASCARs. Are they in good shape, the Marine cars yes. The Wrestling cars, no. But hey its something I want and I will continue to try to expand the collection. As of right now there are 3 more Marine cars I need and a few more Wrestling cars. It might be hunting them down thats the best part.