[ChiragM]

Many of us love collecting scale models and we have a thread on the same. I collect 1:18 scale models and all my models so far are diecast models.

Scale models are built using various materials like diecast models and resin.

Diecast models: The primary material used for manufacturing scale models. Molten zinc is usually used as the metal, which is cast into shape. Plastic and rubber are used to add detail to the model. Diecast is the preferred method for low-cost mass-market model car makers. However, deficiencies in the manufacturing process mean that the scale and design may not be accurate. Scale model makers like Maisto use Diecast metal.


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Resin models: To counter the drawbacks of diecast models, including inaccuracies, high-end car models makers use Resin to make the body of the car. The models are much more accurate, but are brittle and can break easily. Resin models can be made with minimal tooling investment, but the manufacturing cost is higher, making the models more expensive. Resin models are much more exclusive as well and can be made according to certain specs. Scale model makers like GT Spirit and BBR use Resin.


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Composite models: Some model makers like AUTOart have started using injection-molded ABS composite parts. These models are more accurate than diecast models but tend to flex and deform under twisting or compression.


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Sealed models: While many diecast cars come with doors that can open, a majority of resin models are sealed, which means you cannot open the doors. Since resin models are fragile, it becomes difficult for manufacturers to add the hinges. To compensate for this, the models are usually highly detailed and more accurate.


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Opening models: I would always prefer car models which have opening doors. It allows us to take a look inside and what's under the hood. Photography is also fun with models which have unique features like the scissor doors on Lamborghinis.


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Do you have a favourite among any of these?

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[1.2TSI7DSG]

Oh I do have a lot of these... I like metal diecast with as much detail as possible

Here's my collection and my favourite Eleanor!

[Sanidhya mukund]

I am a huge fan of collecting scale models. I collect them in all shapes, sizes and specifications. As of date, I have more than 1000+ scale models. Since it is not possible to show all of them, here’s a few from my collection:


1. 1:18 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, 1959





2. 1955 Buick Century, 1:28



3. 1949 Ford Mercury



4. Original Mahindra scale Models, all of them 1:32






5. 90s Maruti Range. Not exactly scale models, but couldn’t find better ones.



6. 1:87 Mercedes-Benz ML320. As small as my thumb.



7. Ford Crown Victoria, New York taxi.



8. 3D printed New York Police interceptor. Placed next to a hot wheels car to show how small it is:



9. Mini Cooper with Union Jack roof and London icons. Both from the London Transport Museum:





10. Tomica 1:61. Datsun Go, Go+, Honda Jazz and Mazda MX5. All of them with working suspension.





11. Siku Haribo Delivery Van:

[mridul]

Fantastic Thread.

Die cast collection is an addicition according to me than a hobby.... In my opinion Die Cast models are easier on maintenance and once in 2 weeks it just needs a dust off with care being taken for small parts...once a month a thorough wash with pure water and some polish...

Here's my humble collection....

Cheers...

[pradyumnakalagi]

What an invigorating thread! Scale models or miniature cars have always been special to me. I don't have a collection as of yet but definitely saving up for one.

Here's a look at my desk garage. Reflects my love for Italian and British manufacturers. The Ferrari 488 GTB is particularly important to me because I got it after winning the first prize at a Model United Nations (MUN) conference

[sjcherian]

Nice thread and useful information but may want to consider merging with this one.
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/shift...el-thread.html (The Scale Model Thread)

[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by ChiragM

Scale models are built using various materials like diecast models and resin.

Thanks for sharing. Just to be precise, die cast is a production method and resin is a material.

These days a lot of die cast models are made using Zamak as material (or some variants). The name zamak is an acronym of the German names for the metals of which the alloys are composed: Zink (zinc), Aluminium, Magnesium and Kupfer (copper).

Zink alone is no good, too soft and it becomes brittle over time. (it is one of the reasons it is difficult to find good well preserved die cast models pre-WW2. Those were made with mostly zink and suffered from what is known as zink rot, basically disintegrating over time.

There is no reason to get a very high quality of the cast, it is just relative expensive and it might still require some further milling for detail.

Resin is the easy and cost effective way to go.

I am particular keen on the old Pocher models, before Hornby bought them
.

Scale 1:8 and you had to assemble it yourself, down to spoking the wheels. All kinds of materials were used. Most of these models were developed by close cooperation of the original car manufacturer using their drawings. Cant really beat that.

https://www.pocher.com/uk-en/shop/1-...tion/asc.html?

I have not come across much yet, but I would think 3D printing will have a big impact on the production of (high end) car model making. (just as it is already doing on just about every other model making industry)

Jeroen

[V.Narayan]

Always happy to see posts on scale models and lovely ones at that. But I am confused about which posts go on this thread and which will go on the original Scale Model thread. Is there some items we plan to cover on this thread which are not covered or cannot be covered on the original one? -genuine question

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/shift...ml#post4966082 (The Scale Model Thread)

[viXit]

Originally Posted by ChiragM

Photography is also fun with models which have unique features like the scissor doors on Lamborghinis.

As a kid, my eyes would fall on the hot wheels cars kept near the counters of the canteen every time we went for groceries. I had a quota per month and slowly through my childhood I collected over 50 hot wheels models. Then they said I grew up and gave them to my brother who made sure the cars set off on drives and never came back

I'd emulate long drives and pretend to be in the cars as I played when I was younger. BUt the most fun thing was photography. I don't have many pictures but this is a picture I took on the iPad and tried to make it look like it's in a studio many many years back

[Jeevith]

Big fan of scale models. I only collect 1:18 and prefer openable diecast models (details add to artistic value IMHO). I also collect F1 models, hope to someday have all the championship winning cars since 1971 (among others).

Taking a trip down memory lane to the last time McLaren used a Mercedes engine....Well not exactly the last, cause this one is from the Australian GP, the first race of the season (see last pic)

This one is Jenson Button's McLaren MP4-29 in 1:18 scale.

P.S., maybe the mods could merge this thread with the existing one.