Your diecast model collectibles may comprise anything from farm equipment, submarines, war machines, trains, trucks, automobiles, cars, helicopters, ships, vintage machines, or similar compilation. Whichever is your assemblage, all of them serve one crucial aspect, i.e., taking you back to the associated time. If you belong to that time, then you will reminisce about your memories, but if you don’t, then you will understand how things were in the past. The narrower your choice is more valuable your collection is.
You can collect your diecast models based on the below information. It is up to you to choose any one category or a few of them or set a value for each suggestion.
Classify Your Interest
Choose the collection you would want to collect, this will help create a direction for your collection rather than a vague anything and everything kind. For instance, you may choose cars, trucks, or any specific make or a category such as American classic diecast model cars.
Size
Diecasts come in various sized scales such as 1:12and 1: 18 being the larger models, 1:36 a medium type, and the 1:43 and 1: 64 the smaller kind that is preferred. Collecting scaled models gives you more freedom to create various setups using them rather than different sized models.
Make
You may be a fan of a particular make. It can be a specific brand or a particular model car. This kind of collection gives you more in-depth specifications meaning a better reason to boast about your collection.
Timespan
Suppose you have diecast model collectibles of American classics cars of 1968’s such as Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and few others, isn’t that something to be proud of? It is worthy of collecting diecasts of the older generation, which speak a lot about the history of these vehicle developments.
Now that you are all geared up for your collection with your chosen categories, next comes the display area. What good are collectibles if they are not displayed majestically?
Display for Diecast Model Collectibles
You can display your diecast model collectibles cars as an open display or in a box. The open display gives you scope to create an element of interest using various themes. Boxed display saves space yet gives you a showcase to display your models. You can also try to be creative in display box models. Choose airtight displays with a tight seal to keep the moisture and dirt from getting in.
Complete acrylic models give a classy look, whereas the wooden display boxes provide a rustic look for your classic American cars. Everyone can enjoy them only when they are displayed. Also, they provide you with an exciting topic of conversation with friends or your kids.
Lighting
Whatever is your display mode, it does not come to life unless you keep the collection in a well-lit place. If you cannot find such a place, consider wiring up some lighting, for the display, it is worth all the attention. However, take care. No direct sunlight is incident on them as the UV rays can fade the colors and disintegrate the interiors or rubber parts.
Maintenance
As you are done with the arrangement part also next comes the maintenance. If you think you can set up in the display and forget about them, that’s not true. You need to take proper care to preserve in good shape.
They require treatment similar to that of fine art regarding display and for maintenance. Only then the value of the collectibles remains intact. Follow the below tips for maintaining your diecast model collectibles as good as new.
- Ensure they are kept at room temperature
- Keep the environment dry for preventing mildew.
- Dust them from time to time else they will tarnish.
- Protect them from sunlight to save them from fading
- Use warm water with soap and a soft cloth to clean stubborn stains.
- Clean the dirt in interior places using a damp Q-tip
- Do not use solvents or alcohol for cleaning.
- Polish the exteriors with little car polish for shine and protection
Check Before You Buy
These collectibles grow in value as they age—the older and rarer the model greater the value. However, you need to have in-depth knowledge of various variables that play a significant role in deciding the value of the diecast. If you plan to buy one of the classic model cars, even though you come across similar casting, they may differ in cost.
The deciding factors can range from the color to branding and anything in-between. If you are particular about investing in vintage car collection, then you need to have access to acknowledged collector’s books. These guides will help you learn which models can fetch you the most dollars and which do not. It is essential if your collection motto is making money.
Apart from vintage collection – limited collections, upcoming die cast models, film reproduction vehicles from popular movies are also of high value. Though dedicated collectors enjoy the value of acquiring what they love rather than the monetary element, and if they make a profit, then it’s a bonus.
Final Note
Diecast model collectibles offer a fantastic substitute when you cannot afford the real one. Though initial diecast models were not as sophisticated, current models are built to the accurate scale of an actual model and exact décor and etching details. Diecast models are favorite collectibles for all generations alike. It is both fun and educational for younger but memories for older age people. They make an ideal gift, which can become an inspiration for starting their collection.