Die Cast Vs. Styrene

[m408]

I have seen here, several topics on die cast models, and have a question? Why would one buy a pre built die cast model when the idea is to build something your self?

My modeling skills suck. I could have much better displays if I just bought completed cars.

What am I missing here? There must be a reason that folks go for the die cast things. Please enlighten me.

[Rob Hall]

I have seen here, several topics on die cast models, and have a question? Why would one buy a pre built die cast model when the idea is to build something your self?

My modeling skills suck. I could have much better displays if I just bought completed cars.

What am I missing here? There must be a reason that folks go for the die cast things. Please enlighten me.

Lots of reasons...the main appeal to me for a lot of diecast is subject matter..there are just so many subjects that are available in diecast that never were and never will be available in a styrene kit...

[Phil Patterson]

I have to agree with Rob. If I've bought a diecast, it's because it was a subject matter that I thought would never be done in plastic. Some that I have that I know there'll likely never be kits of include the 41 Plymouth by Maisto.. I think. 1916 Studebaker Panel truck by Liberty Classics, 1917 Maxwell touring by Ertl and anything else along that line. I also like the Wild Cherries Gremlins and Pintos. I'm really looking forward to their 79? Chrysler Town and Country wagon.

I've got no problem with diecast, it's just easier for me to work with styrene, though it's hardly a deal killer by any means.

Oh, can't forget the Johnny Lightning 38 Bantam and 57 Ford Courier, those are sweet as well!

All in my preferred scales of 1/24th or 1/25th.

[HotRodaSaurus]

As someone who is ok at plastic modeling I look at this way.

Some modelers are collectors and can build a reasonable representation of a vehicle they want if the kit is produced.

Unfortunatly not all collectors have the skill or time to work on a project so if a die cast is available they can buy and display right away

I also agree on the subject material disscusions as there could be a limited market for the not so popular models of vehicles.

A friend likes them simply because they are made of metal.

I only have 2 die cast, a DM Hirohata Mercury and a (I think) Racing Champions 49 Mercury, that I converted into the Ayala/Bettancourt car. I bought these because I thought the pre-chopped RC Merc was a quick route to see how it would turn out. Now Revell have produced a pre chopped car I may have another go. The Hirohata? I just didn't have the time to convert the AMT 49 to a 51 especially that back window.

Personally I like diecasts but prefer to do it myself

All the controversy about die-cast should not be taken too seriously though, dont forget they have ben around since the 1960s! How many of us built one of those Hubley Classics back then. Even Dinky Toys produced a couple of their 1/43 scale cars in DIY form, usually easily spotted at swapmeets by poor paint and screw assembly(Mercedes 600, Rolls Royce Phantom V and a London bus to name 3)

[Harry P.]

Why buy a diecast? Simple...because I like them!

You can't compare a pre-built diecast to an unassembled model, because they serve two entirely different purposes. One doesn't "replace" the other. Some people like building models...some like collecting pre-built models, and some do both.

It's like ordering take-out vs. cooking it yourself. They're both food...

[Len Geisler]

Milt,

I think harry hit the nail on the head......Take out or cook on your own it is all food. I buys some diecast because that is the only way the subject is available, or it is something I like and the price was right. My latest was a Fresh Cherries 85 Buick T-Type, $7.00 a little wax and it is done......

Just my 2 cents.....

[Guest Davkin]

I guess that's it in a nutshell. Some people's motivation for buying the pre-built diecast, (and for building some plastic models.) is that they want miniature representations of 1:1 cars they'd like to own that they know they never will. That used to be at least partially my motivation for collecting/building as well but now model building for me is a form of creative expression much more than building small versions of cars I'd like to own so the pre-built stuff does absolutely nothing for me anymore.

David

[BKIN10SECS]

I LOVE DIECAST.....and the reason being...there came a point in my model building that I just got really tired of seeing the same stuff year after year, reissue after reissue. So I began to look elsewhere for subject matter and I found it in Diecast. I totally understand why a lot of contest entering model builders have a hard time with seeing diecast entries....with some I do too...reason being most of the time just a simple wheel swap is all that is performed to that diecast, and then entered as if it was a built model....I'm not with that!!!!! But as I continue to build and modify diecast, and most of my builds are of the curbside genre...but I like to say they are curbside plus because they just aren't nice paint,wheels and dark tinted windows (not that there is anything wrong with that style) I just try to add a lil bit more. I do body mods,paint,interior and I just started some machining etc. I can remeber when in the early to mid 90's there were some shows not acknowledging low riders, and then it took a lil time for the tuners....all I'm saying is there is a lot of good diecast stuff out there...can it sometimes get pricey....oh yea but diecast is kool and I think it will be an imerging subject matter that we will be seeing more of on the contest level. On the same token does that mean I will never build plastic again...of course not, but it doesn't matter to me what that car or truck is made of...if I can use it or it looks good or it may something really different and kool, that I know I can't find it or ever will find it in plastic...guess what...I'm buying it, I may put it on the shelf or I may modify it and if possible....enter it

I posted this in a similar topic.....I think it is sort of the same thing when a person who may purchase a fully restored car...he could just park it in his drive way and be done....or he could customize it and end up with something totally unique and kick a**.....to each his own.....

[Guest Davkin]

it's probably more cost-effective to buy a FM or DM model, particular if you consider what your time is worth.

My time is priceless that's why I try to spend it creating with my own two hands rather than sitting and staring at mass produced models. While the quality is quite high on many of these models nowadays they are still produced on an assembly line and none are unique.

David

[Albert Wallace Jr.]

I hafta agree with everyone else..it's the "subject matter" that gets my interest. Sometimes you have to take what's available, and then put "your" spin on it. Your still building a model car, and "modified" die cast is a growing class in most contest...( I think).

Some "before" and "after"

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Albert

[Harry P.]

Nice work!

[Guest Davkin]

Nobody is really talking about modified diecasts. At least in my mind if you totally disassemble and heavily modify a diecast it's no different then building a plastic kit. What we are really talking about here is the difference between collecting and building, and in some cases people apparently build to collect.

David

[Robert81]

Collecting Die-cast vehicle has been imprinted into the human Male's mind since we where children. I have a big box of Hot-wheels and Matchbox cars in my living room, that my son and daughter love to play with. Not to mention the 500 or so "sealed on card" Hot-wheels I have. I have a few larger Die-casts. Most of which have been modified.

Don't forget, there are some nice unassembled Die-casts out there, too. I'm currently working on a Revell Fast & Furious 70 Dodge Charger Die-cast, that is more accurate, and easier to build than AMT's crappy 69 DOH turned 70 Charger.

Edited February 6, 2008 by Robert81

[Harry P.]

Nothing against collecting diecasts, if that's one's thing, & I know many modelers are also diecast collectors, & that's cool. It's just for me there is no fun in simply collecting.

I like to build, and I also like to collect diecasts. My collection is roughly 50:50 kits vs. diecasts.

In my mind kit building and diecast collecting are not mutually exclusive. To me, building kits is one thing, and collecting diecasts is a whole other thing. They're two different aspects of my total hobby, which is miniature cars. The fact that I collect diecasts has absolutely no bearing on my ability or "dedication" to building kits. I don't get the negative attitude some people have for diecasts. Sure, they're not like building a kit yourself, but they don't claim to be a substitute for building. It's apples and oranges...and I like both.

After all, the name of the magazine is Model Cars...not Model Car Building. It's never been restricted to only building plastic kits. A diecast feature here and there is fine with me...

[Guest Davkin]

I don't think anybody here is putting down diecast collectors.

Here's a "What if?" question for those of you that both build models and collect pre-built diecasts. What if you could no longer do both for whatever reason? Which would you give up, the collecting or the building? I suspect most here would give up collecting first, so the builder should the focus of MCM,

(not that it isn't but I am concerned over the direction it may be heading) and I beleive that a publication that caters to both hobbies risks becoming so watered down in it's content that it serves neither hobby very well.

David

[Harry P.]

I see your point, but to me, kits and diecasts are all part of the same hobby...model cars.

I wouldn't worry about the magazine getting into diecasts too heavily. There's already a regular feature on diecasts...so I'm pretty sure the focus of the rest of the magazine will stay mainly on building.

[Harry P.]

Every diecast you non-collectors take a pass on means more for me!

BTW...I just placed an order for a new Danbury Mint 1:12 1930 Cadilac V16.

Here's just a partial list of features:

Operational cloth convertible top.

Working headlights, tailights, brake lights through the brake pedal.

Running board courtesy lights come on when the door is opened.

Roll up windows.

Driving lights that "steer" along with the front wheels.

Operating suspension.

Golf club compartment door opens...golf bag and clubs inside.

Illuminated dash gauges.

Operating hood louvers.

Adjustable seats.

Removable tire jack.

All the usual underhood bells and whistles.

And that's just what I remember off the top of my head!

I think even you non-collectors out there might want to see a few photos of this one when I get it...

Edited February 6, 2008 by harrypri

[m408]

Thanks all for the inputs. I didn't mean to stir anything up. Was just wondering.

I am an average builder, at best. I wouldn't even think of posting anything here, but really enjoy seeing all the great builds, and trying new things that I learn here.

To me, modeling is a hobby. I love working with my hands and seeing an end result, even if it is not great. That being said, I can understand collecting. I have friends who collect trading cards, coins, stamps, etc... and get great pleasure from it.

[Harry P.]

Thanks all for the inputs. I didn't mean to stir anything up. Was just wondering.

I am an average builder, at best. I wouldn't even think of posting anything here...

Why not? That's what this place is all about.

Don't worry about being "average"...that's what most of us are!