If I tell you your model looks like a diecast, would it offend you?

[meaneyme]

At a show I went last year, I told a really good modeler that his model looked like a Franklin mint build. He was offended by this, REALLY? Anyone here been through that?

[SuperStockAndy]

Well, if it was a Franklin Mint, no.

[Jon Cole]

So the builder was offended that his model was in the same league as a well built overall nice die-cast? Yeesh!

Maybe had you mentioned Danbury Mint....

Edited February 23, 2012 by Jon Cole

[Scale-Master]

I have heard that a few times. At first I was taking it as an insult. But then I considered the source. It is usually meant as a compliment based on the quality of built up kits the person has seen compared to higher end (or just plain cleaner assembled) die-cast.

Now if one of my modeler friends says it, it better be as a joke or that I used a die-cast to start with, or I need to cut back on the clear...

[cruz]

If you personally consider a diecast model, be it a Danbury or not to be a clean and good looking model, Iam sure your intentions were not meant to be negative. I do think some people feel looked down to when this happens because their skills have gotten better and above any diecast produced.

[Harry P.]

some people like to build in a diecast style, that Treehugger/Muppet fan fellow comes to mind with that style of building.

i know that i don't want my models to look anything like a diecast and i see that a lot with overly thick paint or clear, opening panels with huge panel gaps and such. it's not my thing, i don't care for that style of building, but some do and aspire to build in that way and have that "look"

You're talking abut the cheap toystore diecasts. High end stuff like Danbury and AutoArt and others have very precise in-scale panel lines and in-scale paint. The new Danbury stuff is built to a better standard than many modelers could ever achieve... so don't lump all diecasts into the "junk" category. It's just not true. There are many diecasts most modelers would be thrilled to have their models look as good as.

[Harry P.]

oh trust me Harry, i'm not lumping all diecasts together. there are some very nice diecasts out there, and then like you mentioned some that arent so nice.

some builders really like to go for that Dub city/Jada look to thier models and that's okay if that's what you want. if you build in that style however don't be upset or offended if someone thinks your model looks like well, a model or a cheap diecast with little to no realism.

Yeah, I agree on that "Jada look" that some models have. In that case they do look like cheap toy diecasts.

[moparmagiclives]

Maybe he wasnt thinking about the "quality" at all, but stuck on the mind set that his model looks like something mass produced ? Kinda like some one looking at someones custom work, and saying " that looks factory".?

[Guest]

Not if it was a Franklin Mint or Danbury mint. Road Warriors, perhaps.

[Eshaver]

I get lots of comments , both good and bad . I consider the source too as some folks just like running down another persons workmanship because it gives them a feeling of superiority. Yes, I have had people say a couple of my entries looked like Pre- assembled die- casts . I politely show them to the contrary . As to being a bother to me , naw , I got better things to worry about .Ed Shaver

[sjordan2]

Few plastic model hobbyists can aspire to the quality of the high-end diecasts that Harry mentioned, and I'll toss in CMA's resin/plastic products. There are certainly others with jaw-dropping quality and detail. But maybe next time, the best comment would be:

"Wow, that's awesome! Are you a professional model builder?" (Be sure to sound as unctuous as a groupie.)

After all, who wants to be brought down by giving a compliment, and find out that the guy is a jerk when he objects to being compared to the high-end Mints?

[mikethepoormodeler]

Heck, no!! After what some of my builds have been called that would be a great change!

[Wagoneer81]

I'd be ok with someone telling me that one of my builds looks like a Franklin Mint vehicle. I've seen some really nice FM offerings...

[Steven Zimmerman]

I guess I lead a sheltered life; I have NEVER seen an 'off the shelf' diecast that looked as good as some of the models I've seen....

[moparmagiclives]

I guess I lead a sheltered life; I have NEVER seen an 'off the shelf' diecast that looked as good as some of the models I've seen....

Your not the only one, a lot of us haven't im sure, i know they are out there.

[Harry P.]

I guess I lead a sheltered life; I have NEVER seen an 'off the shelf' diecast that looked as good as some of the models I've seen....

Apparently you do lead a pretty sheltered life. There are literally hundreds, maybe thousands, of different diecast models available from several high-end manufacturers that will blow away 90% of the plastic kits out there.

[LAone]

for me, it would be different. i get the "aren't your wheels on wrong??" question...lols.

but yeah, im with harry. there are some diecasts that make you wonder if it actually runs..

[Harry P.]

there are some super nice diecasts out there and not just in 1/18 scale. if you really look, there are some awesome models out there of stuff you'd never see as a plastic or resin kit and finished in a way that you'd only hope a builder could do as nicely.

Exactly right. But of course, that level of quality doesn't come cheap. Then again, it's a case of you get what you pay for. The high-end diecasts are not for everyone... they're expensive, but man, they are nice!

[moparmagiclives]

Exactly right. But of course, that level of quality doesn't come cheap. Then again, it's a case of you get what you pay for. The high-end diecasts are not for everyone... they're expensive, but man, they are nice!

And thats why I havent really seen any OMG diecast models, I dont normaly go looking for stuff I cant obtain. I'm sure there is some crazy stuff from the other side of the pond as well. I have noticed that alot of the really nice stuff, and colletors stuff is 1:43 scale though.

[Dragline]

I have a clear case in front of my terminal at the NAPA I work at. I put a car in there as I finish new ones and let it sit there for a couple of weeks till I decide to replace it. I have gotten compliments and offers to buy them from time to time. One day this guy came in and asked how much I payed for the die-cast. I laughed a bit and explained I had built it.

He said he built models and didn't believe that the paint job on it was my work. I chuckled a bit and pulled out the box from underneath the counter and that pretty much ended it right there.

Now when he comes in he goes right for the case to see what else I have whipped up.

I also have 2 customers who collect die-cast cars. One of them has given me over 10 unbuilt vintage kits over the last year. I promised him I would build his in the bos service station to display his own cars.

Model cars have started many a conversation for me.

Bob

[Harry P.]

Try coming even remotely close to this level of quality with a plastic kit:

[moparmagiclives]

What makes it so much better ? Is it because it's a better casting? That would be the manufacture right? Not the material? And even once it's cast and ready, was it not assembled by people? Or is it the fact that it's the five thousandth one just like it built that makes it of higher quality? It's a neat model, not my style but neat. I think those pocher kits you've talked about turn out better then that one.

[Harry P.]

What makes it so much better ?

The level of detail, the level of quality, the fit and finish of the parts, the perfectly in-scale fidelity of the window glass-by the way, it's real glass, not molded plastic- and other parts (wipers, hinges, etc.) the flawless (and I mean flawless) paint, etc. etc.

[Jon Cole]

Check out Danbury's Hirohata Merc. The hood has photoetched working springs. Engine is fully wired and plumbed. Chrome everything. Even has the hood latch up front. How many models do you see that on?

Elsewhere, she has movable spots, opening doors (no big dogleg hinge here). All glass is trimmed in real metal, not BMF. The steering works, and the side skirts are removable. The trunk opens up on smaller, more to scale doglegs, and have just enough resistance to hold the metal decklid up. The fully carpeted trunk holds a spare whitewall with wheelcover. It can easily be removed. The chassis shows full detail, with the already mentioned poseable steering, metal brake and E-brake detail w/ springs, and plumbed dual fuel pumps.

Inside, the floors are fully flock carpeted, with a contrasting color border piping visible on the tranny hump. The steering wheel can turn the wheels, and the split front bench folds forward for access to the back seat. While the doors are open, notice how easily the wing windows open and close.

The downers? Well, all their brand and licensing is cast into the bottom of the chassis floor. The car is heavy, there is a lot of metal in this car. There is a door gap issue, but nowhere as bad as other diecasts, or a few plastic kits for that matter. The sides wear chrome plated side spears, and everything has a near flawless paint finish, Most of us would be so lucky (or skilled) to have it this good by our own hands.

This car... is what I think of, when we talk about diecasts. I have a few Jadas & Welly cars, some I have given away, others I spy on for wheel doners. But... not my Mint cars. They are close enough to museum quality for me. And at the cost of about five new model kits, owning one feels like ya have something real special on your display.

[Harry P.]

Another Danbury model that will blow most plastic kits right out of the water: