Plastic vs Metal Models: Which Is More Worth Collecting and Building?

[Potaka]

I’ve been thinking about a question while building models: fundamentally, what are the differences between plastic and metal models? Which material is more popular, and why?

From my experience so far:
Plastic models are easier to assemble, offer rich detail, and are lightweight—great for complex shapes. They’re also easier to paint, sometimes producing unexpectedly good results.
Metal models feel more solid and have a better tactile quality. Their parts are often more precise compared to plastic models. Many metal models also feature complex moving parts, and some can even actually operate, which gives a great sense of accomplishment.

For me, I personally prefer metal models, since I’m not very good at painting and would rather have a complete piece right after assembly. I’ve built T700 and DM135 in metal, and WS-15 in plastic. In my opinion, metal models are generally much more detailed and meet my standards for collection better.
(Disclaimer: That’s just my humble opinion. 😃 If you have different thoughts or experiences, I’d love to hear them — do you lean more toward metal or plastic kits, and why?)

What about you? What factors do you usually consider when choosing model materials? Which do you think is better for beginners or for collectors?

 

 

[Mike 1017]

Not a model but a stamp steel toy manufactured by Buddy L. Great history of the company on-line

Rostraver, PA. Coulson's Briggs Stratton Buddy L Army Transport Conversion Truck | eBay

 

[Potaka]

12 hours ago, Mike 1017 said:

Not a model but a stamp steel toy manufactured by Buddy L. Great history of the company on-line

Rostraver, PA. Coulson's Briggs Stratton Buddy L Army Transport Conversion Truck | eBay

 

That’s really cool! Buddy L toys definitely have a special place in history — those stamped steel trucks were built to last. Thanks for sharing the link. It’s interesting how collectibles can overlap with models in terms of craftsmanship and nostalgia. Do you also build scale models, or are you more into vintage toys like Buddy L?

[Mike 1017]

11 hours ago, Potaka said:

That’s really cool! Buddy L toys definitely have a special place in history — those stamped steel trucks were built to last. Thanks for sharing the link. It’s interesting how collectibles can overlap with models in terms of craftsmanship and nostalgia. Do you also build scale models, or are you more into vintage toys like Buddy L?

I am into building models. My wife and I go Antiquing. I have seen some Tin Toys going for BIG BUCKS. I know nothing about Tin Toys, and I have never seen a Buddy L in person

I remembered Buddy L from an article that I read in a 1993 Collecting Toys Magazine. even back then some were selling for Thousands of $. A collector paid $6,500 for a Bubby L 4-piece outdoor train. 

Mike

[stavanzer]

To get back to the Question.

If you build Models, plastic kits are the standard for detail and easy of building.

If you collect miniature cars, diecast (Bburago, Franklin Mint,Ect.) are the most common choice.

There are some Metal Model Kits (Pocher is the most well known), that rival or exceed plastic kits in detail, but are very time consuming and difficult to build.

There are a few Master Craftsman who produce tiny numbers of Museum Quality Cars every year. These are seen rarely and sell for many thousands of dollars.

Speaking for myself only, the two hobbies, Model Building and Diecast Car collecting are two different hobbies. Related, but not the same. There is some overlap (the Hubley Metal Bodied Cars), but mostly I view them separately.

I have no metal body kits, no tools for working metal, and no desire to build in metal, for the most part. Many of the techniques differ for building the two and I'm not ready to expand my skills in that direction right now.

YMMV

Good Luck!  

[Bugatti Fan]

The model builder and the model collector.    Both enthusiastic about things miniature in their own different ways.

Some like the build process whether it be an inexpensive kit or one of those esoteric highly detailed MFH offerings. Each model offering the next challenge and developing their model making skills along the way.

The collector just likes to buy a ready built model, put it on a shelf and admire it. Again, depending on the depth of the collectors wallet anything from a Burago costing fairly little to those highly detailed models like Amalgam make. The interest here tends to be forming an interesting collection or buying high end models to both enjoy and as an investment.

Nothing wrong with either approach as long as the models are enjoyed by both sets of enthusiasts.

Edited 15 hours ago by Bugatti Fan

[stavanzer]

Noel says it well.

[Potaka]

19 hours ago, Mike 1017 said:

I am into building models. My wife and I go Antiquing. I have seen some Tin Toys going for BIG BUCKS. I know nothing about Tin Toys, and I have never seen a Buddy L in person

I remembered Buddy L from an article that I read in a 1993 Collecting Toys Magazine. even back then some were selling for Thousands of $. A collector paid $6,500 for a Bubby L 4-piece outdoor train. 

Mike

Wow, that’s quite a story! 😲 It’s amazing how some of these vintage toys like Buddy L have appreciated so much over the years. $6,500 for a 4-piece train set is insane! I love that you and your wife go antiquing together — it must be fun stumbling across hidden gems.

Since you build models too, do you ever try to blend that with vintage finds, or do you keep them completely separate? I could imagine a metal Buddy L truck sitting alongside a finely detailed scale model — the contrast would be incredible.

[Potaka]

20 hours ago, stavanzer said:

To get back to the Question.

If you build Models, plastic kits are the standard for detail and easy of building.

If you collect miniature cars, diecast (Bburago, Franklin Mint,Ect.) are the most common choice.

There are some Metal Model Kits (Pocher is the most well known), that rival or exceed plastic kits in detail, but are very time consuming and difficult to build.

There are a few Master Craftsman who produce tiny numbers of Museum Quality Cars every year. These are seen rarely and sell for many thousands of dollars.

Speaking for myself only, the two hobbies, Model Building and Diecast Car collecting are two different hobbies. Related, but not the same. There is some overlap (the Hubley Metal Bodied Cars), but mostly I view them separately.

I have no metal body kits, no tools for working metal, and no desire to build in metal, for the most part. Many of the techniques differ for building the two and I'm not ready to expand my skills in that direction right now.

YMMV

Good Luck!  

Thanks for the detailed breakdown! I totally agree — building plastic kits is a very different experience from collecting diecast cars, even if both involve miniatures. I’ve always admired those Master Craftsman pieces — the level of detail and patience required is just incredible.

[Potaka]

15 hours ago, Bugatti Fan said:

The model builder and the model collector.    Both enthusiastic about things miniature in their own different ways.

Some like the build process whether it be an inexpensive kit or one of those esoteric highly detailed MFH offerings. Each model offering the next challenge and developing their model making skills along the way.

The collector just likes to buy a ready built model, put it on a shelf and admire it. Again, depending on the depth of the collectors wallet anything from a Burago costing fairly little to those highly detailed models like Amalgam make. The interest here tends to be forming an interesting collection or buying high end models to both enjoy and as an investment.

Nothing wrong with either approach as long as the models are enjoyed by both sets of enthusiasts.

Well said! I think both approaches are valid — whether it’s the thrill of building or the satisfaction of curating a collection, the passion really shows. I personally enjoy the building process, but I also admire collectors who assemble a beautiful display of rare models.

Do you ever find yourself tempted to build a model you initially bought just to collect? I’ve caught myself doing that more than once — a rare find that ends up on my workbench instead of the shelf!