As a diehard collector of many things, Diecast is at the top of my list! I do not proclaim to be an expert by any means...but.. it is a lot easier to learn and write about something you love!  So on that note, my hope for this guide is that it will serve as a basic overview of diecast collecting. * This guide will also be my first in a diecast series, with future guides exploring more specific brands, aspects and other sub-categories.

Toys in general have a world-wide appeal as some of the most beloved of collectibles. With diecast vehicles racing to the front of the toyland collecting pack!

Why do so many people collect Diecast?

The reasons are often as varied as the people who collect them, But the following are some of the top reasons I've heard repeated time after time:

• The ability to evoke fond childhood memories, I call it "The Nostalgic Factor".
• With some of these "rolling jewels" selling for less than a dollar~You can quickly build a collection with a low investment cost.
• A very good possibility of High Profits and a High return on your initial investment, should you choose to sell or trade on the open market.
• FUN & The Thrill of the Hunt!!

How To collect Diecast Vehicles

There are many sub-categories in the vast field of Diecast collectibles. With consideration to brands, models, scales, series and financial budget. From models of yesteryear to cars of the future, collectors often find themselves needing to narrow the criteria for their collections. For the beginning collector, it may be a good idea to start with a stricter criteria with room to expand in the future. But the #1 Most Important consideration for collecting anything (including Diecast) is....COLLECT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!  If you collect what you like or even love~ you can not go wrong!!

Here are just a few of the most common ways Diecast Collectors approach this vast hobby:

~SCALES, expressed as a ratio (1:64) or a fraction (1/64). The larger the second number the smaller the size. For example, 1:87 scale means one inch for model is 87 inches true or "real life". The 1:64 scale seems to carry the largest number of diecast collectors but there are several more sizes equally delightful. The following is a scale chart of the most popular.

1:12 - One inch= one foot. Some people refer to this ratio as "The One Inch Scale", most commonly used with dollhouses.                                                                          1:18 - Very popular with auto enthusiasts who collect diecast cars to reflect their love for real cars out on the streets.

1:20, 1:22, 1:24, 1:25 - These ratios fall into the very broad "G Scale". A lot of model train manufacturers make parts & accessories in these scales. The 1:25 scale is often called, "The Half Scale" because 1/2 an inch is equal to one foot.

1:43 - Popular with cars and trains alike.

1:48 - 1/4 of an inch equals one foot, known as "The O Scale"

1:64 - Also known as "The S Scale", is among the top 3 most popular scales in diecast.

1:87 - Also known as "The HO Scale" is very common among model train enthusiasts.

BRANDS/MAKERS

The following is a list of some of the most popular Diecast Makers and Brand Names: Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Tootsie Toys, Corgi, Ertl, Tonka, Buddy L, Dinky, Johnny Lightning, Nascar & Racing Champions.

STREET MODELS

Some Diecast Collectors hone in on their favorite actual street model as the object of their desire. Wheither it be Camaros, Corvettes, Mustang, VW's or Ford Pickups. Maker, scale and other factors take a back seat to favorite street models.

SPECIAL ITEMS

Most diecast manufacturers release promotional items, special series & limited editions. Highlighting certain events, anniversaries, conventions & other special occasions. Many collections have started with a "Special Item".

NEW & VINTAGE

As with most things vintage, you are more likely to pay higher prices for some of the older vehicles, but there are still many available with a reasonable investment. For example, you can find alot of vintage Tootsie Toy cars cheaper than some Hot Wheels made in 2006!  With new items, you have the advantage of keeping your diecast in mint condition or MIP. Condition plays a major part when calculating the value of a collectible.

WHERE TO FIND DIECAST CARS & MORE

This is a very easy question to answer...there are cars, trucks, planes, tanks, motocycles & more everywhere you turn!!  Let's start with my favorite- you guessed it, EBAY! Yes, as with so many other wonders of the world, Ebay is loaded with diecast items just waiting to be shipped to your home!

Yard Sales/Estate Sales~ are a great place to find some loose cars often very cheap.  Most are played with and may suffer some wear but it's a great place to start.

Major Retail Stores~ Including discount chains, toy stores, hobby shops and even some upscale department stores. Some of these release special models & sets that can only be found at that particular store. With some special sets bearing the name of such store.

Grocery, Convenience & even Drug Stores~ also have diecast in their toy sections, often with inflated prices but you can still find a good deal here and there.

Friends, Family, Flea Markets, Auctions & other Internet sites can also be helpful in your search. I have found old cars at parks while using my metal detector! Just like pennies from heaven, these little gems are plentiful~so grab a bag and start picking them up!! There is something for everyone and in no time...You Will Be Hooked!

RESOURCES & GAINING KNOWLEDGE

Few things are as essential to any collector as a good reference/price guide. There are a lot of books out there for specific brands. But for a general overview, I wanted to list some of my favorites that report information on a variety of makers:

• 2006 TOY CAR COLLECTOR'S GUIDE 2nd Edition by Dana Johnson. Includes several brands not always found in some of the other popular guides.
• 2005 MILLERS COLLECTING DIECAST VEHICLES , Informative & in-depth, covers several brands from the 1930's to the present.
• 1998 5th Edition TOYS & PRICES from the publishers of "Toy Shop". Features more than 18,500 toys with over 50,000 prices
• 1999 1st Edition HOT CARS from the staff of Beckett Publications. A collector's Ultimate source for Hot Wheels, Matchbox & Johnny Lightning.

I hope this guide has been helpful & informative if even in a small way. If so, look for future guides where I will explore more specific aspects of Collecting Diecast & More!!  Best Regards in your hunt for treasure & FUN!