Diecast model cars have supreme accuracy that pays homage to and honors their full-scale counterparts. That accuracy is why many car-lovers engage in this hobby, as it allows them to appreciate the technical and historical innovations of a certain make or era. You likely have that same desire to appreciate your favorite makes on a smaller scale. But how do you start collecting diecast cars? Find out some useful tips with our beginner’s guide.

Diecast Model Cars

If you are a lover of cars, then it seems like diecast model cars are the next obvious option to expand on your interests. From the outside looking in, the average person would assume that all miniature makes of cars have the same quality and detail. However, diecast cars are extremely different from the toys you used to play with as a kid. Manufacturers make these cars to reflect every curve, line, and detail of the actual car from the inside out.

Diecast model cars allow car aficionados to own the car of their dreams or to appreciate a rare vintage model in all its glory. There is also nothing better than searching for that car you have in mind, finding it, and ordering it as soon as possible. Do you want to get into the excitement but don’t know how to start collecting diecast cars? Utilize this guide for beginners to assist with the process.

Understand the Scales

The first thing you should know before diving in is that there is a range of scales available, meaning your car can come in various sizes. The most common sizes are 1:12, 1:18, 1:43, and 1:64 scales, though there are even more. A straightforward way to understand the scales as you collect is that as the car gets smaller, the number grows larger. With so much variety available in scale, you must consider what size you want with each diecast car you collect. It is certainly normal to have a range of sizes in your collection.

Smaller Scale

Smaller sizes of diecast cars would include the 1:64 and 1:43 scales. These scales are perfect for cars you don’t love but still want to have in your collection. Moreover, as you begin, you might consider starting with these smaller sizes as they aren’t as much of an investment. They also give you an idea of whether you want to continue with this hobby. The best part is that these scales still provide a great deal of detail despite their size.

Larger Scale

As you become an aficionado of car collecting, you will find yourself moving to larger sizes. Larger models can be quite intimidating for collectors as they undoubtedly require more maintenance and space—they can seem a lot like real cars in that way. However, many hobbyists enjoy the detailed process of keeping these models in their best condition through diligent upkeep.

Bigger scales will be sizes like 1:18 and 1:12, and with these sizes, you gain the detail and accuracy that might be important to you. Moreover, this scale is perfect for models you cherish and wish to appreciate more in-depth. The details of a larger-scale model will not disappoint.

Car Type

Even though you are at the very beginning of the collecting process, you likely already know the types of cars you want. If you haven’t decided yet, that is something you will need to consider. Many collectors will stick with a period or specific make or model, as it gives their collection a uniform appearance. Moreover, as a beginner, you might find it helpful to stick with a theme to keep you from feeling overwhelmed by the selection.

Time Period

Do you love modern makes, or are you a diehard fan of vintage cars? If you are unsure of the theme of your collection, then that is an important question to ask. Many collectors stick to a certain era of vehicles that they appreciate most, but there are other theme options as well.

Movie Memorabilia

Perhaps you adore the cars in the Fast and Furious series or any Bond movie. If that is the case, then you could start from there and slowly branch out. Keep in mind that those aren’t the only options available. If you have a car in mind from a beloved show or movie, you can likely find a high-quality diecast model of it.

Make or Model

You could also start by sticking with a particular make or model to help you get the ball rolling from there. With time, you can expand your interests into other areas. In fact, you might already have a make or model in mind that you want to collect, which allows you to follow that inkling forward.

Finding Your Cars

One of the biggest worries facing a new diecast model car collector is not knowing where to build their collection. You want to feel confident that you purchase the most accurate cars on the market from a seller you can trust. At LiveCarModel, our replicas have incredible details and features that you can’t beat. We have just about every diecast model you could want. Start your collection today by checking out our Ferrari model cars.

Storing Your Cars

It is no secret that diecast model cars are quite an investment, and with that, you want to take all the best measures to store them. Before you start your collection, you must ensure that you have the necessary space to accommodate your cars. Moreover, it is also important that you figure out how you plan to display your cars, as this is crucial to ensuring their longevity.

Display Case

Keeping your cars in a display case is a popular way to store your models, and many consider it the best way as well. It is essential to keep in mind that your cars will develop dust in areas that can be quite hard to reach and clean. A display case will be beneficial, as it keeps your model vehicles safe and clean, lowering each model’s maintenance needs.