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Diecast Cars, Trucks, And Motorcycles
Some people collect only one particular type, while others collect several different types of diecast models. And there are a great many different toys made of diecast that are collected.
Die cast is a metal alloy of zinc, aluminum and copper. Lead alloys were used in the making of early diecast toys in the early part of the 20th century. As a result of zinc pest, which is caused by impurities in lead and iron, diecast toys made before World War ll are hard to find because they have begun to degrade. It was during the 1950s when collecting models of cars, trucks, motorcycles and airplanes made of diecast started becoming popular.
There are many different sizes and scales of diecast cars, trucks, motorcycles, and airplanes. 1:12 is the largest scale measuring 14 to 15 inches and targeted at adults as is the 1:18. G scale is for NASCAR cars and is 1:25 which is similar to the 1:24 scale. For vintage cars and trucks the intermediate scale is 1:32. Model trucks and farm models are popular in the 1:64 scale. 1:87 is the same as HO model trains and one of the smallest in the market of diecast toy trucks, cars, airplanes, and motorcycles.
Diecast cars include such cars as the 1941 Chevrolet Special Satin Retro-Rod, a convertible with the top down and doors which can be opened. It is 1:18 scale in size.
Another example of a highly sought after diecast car is the 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster which has doors and a hood which can be opened to see the inside. This one was also known as a "woody" because to the wood design of the exterior. Other cars include the 1962 Ford T-Bird soft top, 1964 Mustang convertible and many more in the 1:18 scale.
Diecast trucks include a 1951 Pennzoil Tank truck which is 4.88 inches high by 11 inches long by 4 inches wide. The 1951 Ford F1 Pickup is 1:18 scale with doors and hood which open. Detailing shows the spare tire under the rear of the truck.
When it comes to diecast airplanes there is the German BF 109G-6 Eismmer 1943 Finnland. It has landing gear which is retractable, and a propeller that rotates. Measures 4 inches high by 12 inches long by 13 inches wide and weighs 3.8 pounds.
Diecast trains include the 4-4-0 Pennsylvania RR Locomotive and Amtrak Amfleet passenger which has 3 coach cars connected to the engine.
Diecast motorcycles like the 1922 Indian has many details and shows the saddle bags and engine. Other motorcycles include the Harley Davidson V-Rod and Duo Glide with a side car mounted on it and the 500 cc Yamaha YZR.
There are also diecast models of construction equipment such as the Caterpillar 140H motor grader 226 skid steer loader and GC25K lift truck. And the International RD-14 bulldozer as well.
Restaurants, filling stations, and race ways have been added recently to the line of diecast models enabling collectors to build towns around their model cars, trucks, motorcycles and airplanes.
Models can be collected just about any place and of course the older a model is the more valuable it will be.
Collectors can display their collections in many different ways. Some may want to display them by the date they were produced while others may want them displayed by the date that they obtained them.
A few good places to find models besides searching the internet would be to go to auctions or join a club that has been formed for diecast collectors, or subscribe to some magazines which are written for collectors.
Many companies have produced many different diecast models over the years. Such companies as Meccano also known as Dinky Toys located in the United Kingdom and the Dowst Brothers located in the United States are known as Tootsie Toys. Lesney started in 1947 with the matchbox series which always had 75 vehicles in each series they provided. The Corgi brand started in 1956 and brought about the interior designs for diecast models.
There are many other companies producing diecast models and they all are continually coming up with new models and producing more of the older cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes, trains, military vehicles all designed to keep the collector supplied with the latest version of diecast models.
While some of the collectable models may be cheap there are some that are expensive and it all depends on how much a collector wants to spend on his/her hobby.