[hey.rudey]

Hello there TeamBHP.

It has been a long hiatus since my last thread, and the itch to write suddenly hit me again. After a few adventures with my 3 (more updates on that in the future), I wanted to re-explore a world that I had forgotten: blogging and die casts. The last few years in the watch and car community have taught me that gas is actually a number, and passion often works in a different way. What was once seen as toys or indulgences, can be someone’s way of expression or passion. Here is a story about my passion for cars away from the driver’s seat and from my study desk.




Die cast or scale model collecting

The definition of a car guy/gal is pretty vast. There are some who find pleasure in a simple drive or daily commute, while there are some who are after the next big garage addition. Purists and tuners; vintage, modern classics, and modern cars; Sunday racers and track day weapons; city explorers and off road maniacs. Car guys come in all shapes and sizes, but there has been one thing that has fascinated almost all of them: shrinking their cars.

Die cast collecting is an age old hobby that many collectors have engaged in over different eras or in different genres. As a petrolhead, it was natural that I would engage in such a pastime, but what I could never fathom was how much I would enjoy it and take it up like other peculiar hobbies such as watch collecting, and indie video games. The world of die cast collecting is pretty fascinating: the community that it has fostered, the other side of passion for cars, and the pecuniary lengths some collectors go to get a certain model. I never thought that I would be returning to such a hobby, but I'm really glad that I did.





My collecting journey before 1:64s

I started collecting die casts when I was six years old. The first model to join my collection was a silver 1:18 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Cabriolet by Maisto, and I remember being in awe of a "toy" sized "real" car when I had seen it Lifestyle Phoenix Mills (a bygone place of a more simpler and older Mumbai). Something in me sparked and I went on to collect plenty of die casts over the next 8 years. There are plenty of memories associated with each model: some snagged in secret, some birthday presents, and some gifts from grandparents who largely supported my hobby. I somehow even managed to get one of my dream mobiles, a Ferrari Enzo, in the form of a 1:18 Hot Wheels; finding this model proved quite difficult. The last model I got before I took an unknown and involuntary break from collecting was a 2013 Chevy Camaro SS in Racing Yellow with black stripes. I am a Transformers nut (I collected Transformers as well), and with Bumblebee being my favourite character from the franchise, I knew I had got the one that I was chasing after.

Following the Camaro, I never ventured to get an another model. Life went on, and I was transitioning to video game consoles. There weren't any good models that I thought were collection worthy must haves. I went more into academics, and was more inclined towards collecting sneakers, buying watches, and driving actual cars. The prices of 1:18s cars also increased, and the thought of spending more than what I was paying did not sit with me.



All this changed one day when out of the blue, I found a 1:18 Datsun 240Z on Amazon. The price was right and it sat perfectly with my other cars, so I pulled the trigger. When I got the 240Z, it made me feel like a child again. I hadn’t felt the joy of getting a proper die cast for quite a while, so it felt quite refreshing. I had missed collecting, and getting this model had kindled a spark.


Return to collecting

Getting back into collecting had presented two challenges: space to store model cars, and brand vs cost of models and brands. I’m quite careful with my models, I store them with their boxes in a dedicated space at home. As someone with 50+ 1:18 models, I had no issue storing more. Problem was would I be able to maintain 50 more without troubles such as paint rash, rubber wear, fortnightly wipe downs, and so on; a problem many many collectors face. The second problem was the spread of models available to for purchase in the market. I used to collect Maisto, Welly, and Bburago models (fun fact my Welly Lamborghini Muira SV was model No. 5 in India), but with rising prices, limited supply, and similar selection with sellers, I did not find the latest 1:18 offerings unique or intriguing. Nor were the details on the models sharp or special enough for the asking prices. Brands like Solido, the next new affordable range of models, did not excite me. The line up is really good, but the lack of an opening bonnet and boot does not justify the price when compared to Bburago and Welly models. For an example, take my 2006 997.1 Carrera S by Maisto. It had replica Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and Mobil 1 stickers from factory on the car.



Like any car guy in their childhood, I had collected and played with Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars as a child. Thanks to Dad, I also got his vintage Matchbox and subsequent collection which added on to the garage strength. I could never fathom them as collectables and played with them till the chrome on its wheels blacked out. Now that I’m older, they sit either in dedicated display or in storage boxes, but what I didn’t I know was what I was getting myself into.

Thanks to Instagram and Youtube, I was introduced to a newer world of 1:64 models. There was a full fledged community that collected, modified, and photographed these models in realistic dioramas or in outdoor sceneries. It was fun to see detailed Hot Wheels sized cars; these models defied the “realism” of bigger models, but were fun enough to collect. Models from Mini GT, Tarmac Works, and Inno64 seemed tempting, the search to get one of these models began.

The search led me shops such as Karz and Dolls, Miniature Toy Shop, and many more. One thing that caught off guard was the price of these models. Back when I was a child, Hot Wheels cars used to be Rs. 50 and increased till it was Rs. 110 (before covid, currently 180 that is if you get them). I could never fathom paying Rs. 1000 and more. Prices varied with brands, but all of these models seemed pretty expensive. Still curiosity got the best of me, and I got a Mini GT TRD Supra 3000GT.

At first glance, it looked like 1:18 car shrunk down, but the details were impressive. The plastic bits didn’t feel shabby, and the interior (or whatever I could see) was better than Hot Wheels. It wasn’t anything like my bigger cars, but it felt right. And that led to a new obsession.





Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Not as big as 1:18 models, and therefore easy to store
2. Compared to 1:18 models, less expensive and easy to pursue
3. Many manufacturers make 1:64 models, including prominent 1:18 scale makes
4. Wider variety of models: whether it is a factory stock car or tuner modified like LBWK, Top Secret, HKS, etc
5. Many imaginative models (models that don’t necessarily exist in reality)
6. Shrunken details such as disc brakes, sirens, joints, engine dioramas are more interesting
7. Many supporting accessories and dioramas are also available like 1:18s

Cons:

1. Not all models are inexpensive. Some models can range from 3000 to 10000 excluding big rig trucks
2. Shrunken details may be flawed such as headlights and A pillars
3. Wheels and tyres don’t often replicate the quality of 1:18 or other bigger scales
4. Quality control vastly varies, especially in more introductory offerings from Mini GT and Tarmac Works
5. Only select stores and sites keep detailed 1:64 models
6. Not all brands are easily available in India and therefore have to be imported. For example, Tomica Premium Neo Vintage often sell at premium rates over Facebook and private groups

The collection

To simplify what you will be reading further, I refer my The TRD Supra as the first model in my new realistic 1:64 scale collection. This was followed by the Mini GT. The Calsonic No. 12 R32 GT-R and the Tarmac Works Mazda A Spec FD RX-7. I thought that I was turning into a JDM collector, until I started exploring into European models. I have yet to explore into the American side of things, but that does not exclude them.

Most of my collection is focused on historical race cars or their production versions, tuner specials, Mercs, JDMs, and interesting cars like the Lexus LFA. My search for these models have often led me to cross borders over the internet and search for cars in the UK, Germany, Australia, and the US. I am also trying to get into dioramas and have got a mat. I do want to get a Ferrari collection, and improve on my movie car collection.

This is where I stop writing for a bit and let the pictures do the talking











What I think I did better as a collector this time around

It is no secret that anything and everything excites me. I believe in quality over quantity, and that has led me to be more selective of what I purchase. More than the brand, I focus more on the model and its details; what is a Ferrari without its prancing horse. I do try to space out purchases (who am I kidding), and avoid pre-orders to avoid funds from being stuck incase something pops up. I also do meet other collectors and we exchange a lot of good info on releases, prices, sellers, and maintenance. I do have a price cap on what I spend, and always avoid spending over MRP even on Hot Wheels (Dear Scalpers, F* You).


Coda

There is truth in the saying that the journey or the chase is sweeter than the result. The people I have met and interacted with due to my models has doubled since I became more public about my collecting. The exchanges, stories, and passion are congenial, and even non car guys get pulled into this. If I had to do this all over again, I don’t think I would do anything different.

Till then, happy collecting to other connoisseurs and I will be back with more blogs from this year.

[GTO]

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

Going to our homepage today

[ArTigor]

As a scale car collector, everything that is written here resonates with me. You have a lovely diverse collection. Generally most of the people who come into this hobby fall for the usual herd mentality of running behind the 'hyped' models, untill and unless someone has a true passion for scale cars and an understanding of automotive history/trivia. Those who have a deeper knowledge go into theme based collection. Love your thematic approach to the hobby! I myself started collecting scale cars based on the theme of their importance as a cult classic or something which has appeared in movies or any other media. It makes the joy of collecting much amazing. Do keep uploading more pics.

[Dippy]

Originally Posted by hey.rudey

Here is a story about my passion for cars away from the driver’s seat and from my study desk.

Hey there,

First of all I must say that made fort a wonderful read. Going through those paragraphs I could almost see my life flash by me as a collector.

I feel our idelogies match when it comes to collecting. I too am one who goes for quality over quantity. I am primarly a 1:18 collector though I do collect 1:64 as well. Just like all kids my journey started off at age 2 when my dad got me a 1:64 VW Passat. Today most of the paint is gone but I STILL have that car with me.

I still have many 1:64 cars from my childhood, the Made in England Matchbox, Corgi, Made in France Majorette, Norev and the likes. Not in the best condition but worth their weight in gold for me. I will try and share some pictures in this thread.

My first 1:18 car was a Ferrari F40 by Bburago. I am lucky to have a good number of Made in Italy Bburagos in my collection. The current ones don't quite match up to them, though I still buy them. I have a some Hot Wheels Ferraris as well.

1:18 prices have really gone through the roof especially the Autoart ones. I'm really glad i picked up some nice 1:18 Autoarts in the 2022-2005 period for prices like 2,800 to 3,500/- each.

You mentioning the Enzo reminded me of a funny story of how I got lucky. Back in 2003, there was this supplier in Mumbai that I used to buy cars from. He didnt have a shop as such. He would call me about incoming stock and I would tell him if I wanted the car or not.

The guy ordered the Enzo for me (I paid 3,000/- then) and when it arrived he called me to have it picked up by my office boy. Before ending the call, I just casually asked him if he got anything else in the consignment. He replied nothing great, I have this one 1:18 F1 car, Jordan 191 Schumacher!!!

I went Then I asked him if it was green had the 7 Up logo on it. AS expected he replied in the affirmative. i asked how much. 4,000/- he replied.

"Send it with the Enzo" said I. And thats how I landed my 1:18 Michael Schumacher Jordan 191

I have got back to collecting Hot Wheels again now. But I am clear I will never pay anything more than the MRP. There are just too many scalpers out there. Heck even some stores sell at inflated prices. For eg: a popular shop in Colaba South Mumbai was selling the 1:64 Optimus Prime for 1,500/- . I got it from another shop for 499/- MRP. Yes I am a Transformers nut too.

Ending this post sharing my 1:18 Ferrari, Formula 1 and Lamborghini collection:

[bhairavp]

Nice cars - but nicer watch! Which model gold PP is that? 5065 in yellow gold?

[Chillout]

Was wondering if this post was for the cars or for your watch collection, nevertheless fantastic collection and as you mentioned when you hold them it always brings the child in you and makes you feel younger.

[kurnofhindukush]

Where can we get these here in India?

[deathwalkr]

What a lovely collection and an amazing display as well

Awesome stuff.

[ishaan_jc]

This collection is so refreshing and your take on collecting these beautiful die casts is inspiring.
Always been an avid fan of them, and have a small collection myself, the thought of paying such exorbitant prices just doesn’t sit right with me. I can understand it selling out so quickly but I really hope Mattel and other brands recognise India as a potential market with collectors who are willing to go the extra mile to procure these cars. Seeing only fantasy cars on shelves just hurts that little bit more when you find out someone bought all the other ones just to resell them. I hope good times are coming!
Keep posting more, love to see this!

[hey.rudey]

Originally Posted by ArTigor

Generally most of the people who come into this hobby fall for the usual herd mentality of running behind the 'hyped' models, untill and unless someone has a true passion for scale cars and an understanding of automotive history/trivia. Those who have a deeper knowledge go into theme based collection. Love your thematic approach to the hobby!

Do keep uploading more pics.

Hi ArTigor, thank you for your kind words. I absolutely agree and resonate with this. I feel collections are very personal and should be collected as per one's liking and reasons. I often see people going and buying entire lots of Hot Wheels or certain watches without trying to understand the history and story of some of the models or brands. Avoiding the same and sticking to my guns

Posting some more pictures here which I didn't add in my post

Originally Posted by Dippy

Hey there,

First of all I must say that made fort a wonderful read. Going through those paragraphs I could almost see my life flash by me as a collector.

I feel our idelogies match when it comes to collecting. I too am one who goes for quality over quantity. I am primarly a 1:18 collector though I do collect 1:64 as well. Just like all kids my journey started off at age 2 when my dad got me a 1:64 VW Passat. Today most of the paint is gone but I STILL have that car with me.

I will try and share some pictures in this thread.

I have a some Hot Wheels Ferraris as well.

He replied nothing great, I have this one 1:18 F1 car, Jordan 191 Schumacher!!! "Send it with the Enzo" said I. And thats how I landed my 1:18 Michael Schumacher Jordan 191

Hi Dippy, I'm glad you liked the post. Please do share more pictures of your cars, would love to see them. The story about the Jordan 191 is really cool. It reminds me of the time my Dad and I went and bought the Wellys 1971 Pontiac Firebird because we were and still are nuts about it. My Dad and I had gone to a known Shivaji Park store (when they used to keep 1:18 models) to pick up my Sony PSP from modding, when we spotted the Firebird. My Dad decided to buy it on the spot and we were coming up with reasons to explain my Mum on why we bought the car. If I remember it right, I had gotten a model just a week prior. My mum was quite cross with us that evening but it all was quite worth it!

Sharing a pic of my old Hot Wheels Ferraris. I do want to restart collect Ferraris in detailed 1:64s as it is a marque I'm very fond of

Originally Posted by bhairavp

Nice cars - but nicer watch! Which model gold PP is that? 5065 in yellow gold?

Originally Posted by Chillout

Was wondering if this post was for the cars or for your watch collection, nevertheless fantastic collection and as you mentioned when you hold them it always brings the child in you and makes you feel younger.

bhairavp yes that is 5065 in yellow gold. A friend of mine had brought it along with a beautiful 90s Royal Oak 36mm Military Dial Ref No. 14790ST

Chillout thank you! Have been blending my passions off late

[Dippy]

Originally Posted by hey.rudey

Hi Dippy, I'm glad you liked the post. Please do share more pictures of your cars, would love to see them. The story about the Jordan 191 is really cool. It reminds me of the time my Dad and I went and bought the Wellys 1971 Pontiac Firebird because we were and still are nuts about it. My Dad and I had gone to a known Shivaji Park store (when they used to keep 1:18 models) to pick up my Sony PSP from modding, when we spotted the Firebird. My Dad decided to buy it on the spot and we were coming up with reasons to explain my Mum on why we bought the car. If I remember it right, I had gotten a model just a week prior. My mum was quite cross with us that evening but it all was quite worth it!

Sharing a pic of my old Hot Wheels Ferraris. I do want to restart collect Ferraris in detailed 1:64s as it is a marque I'm very fond of

Relatable story haha. Btw, is the Shivaji Park store Prabhat Gift Centre? I have bought stuff from him too. I had bought my Castle Grayskull from there.

He even had a good collection of 1:18 cars. I picked up a Lexus LS00 and Toyota Land Cruiser LC80 from them. It was a brand called Road Tough. Paid Rs. 600/- for each.

They also used to have a good Tomica collection.

Another store was Hobby Planet. It was essentially a shop in an apartment on the first floor of a building. Got many 1:18s from there including a rare 1:43 Maisto Ferrari 550 Maranello.

And latest addition, got the 1:18 Ferrari SF90 Spider yesterday.

[hey.rudey]

Originally Posted by Dippy

Relatable story haha. Btw, is the Shivaji Park store Prabhat Gift Centre? I have bought stuff from him too. I had bought my Castle Grayskull from there.

He even had a good collection of 1:18 cars. I picked up a Lexus LS00 and Toyota Land Cruiser LC80 from them. It was a brand called Road Tough. Paid Rs. 600/- for each.

They also used to have a good Tomica collection.

Another store was Hobby Planet. It was essentially a shop in an apartment on the first floor of a building. Got many 1:18s from there including a rare 1:43 Maisto Ferrari 550 Maranello.

And latest addition, got the 1:18 Ferrari SF90 Spider yesterday.

Dippy yes! I got most of cars from them. And yes back in the day they had a whole shelf filled with Tomica boxes. I have never been to Hobby Planet, but would to check it out if they still keep cars

[tunedv8]

I say, I love love love the collection!

The Porsche GT1 is something I am looking for.

However, I must ask - where did you get your display cases from? I built mine using acrylic through a local sign board maker. But the quality is stupendously low.

Your cases look beautiful.

[hey.rudey]

Originally Posted by tunedv8

I say, I love love love the collection!

The Porsche GT1 is something I am looking for.

However, I must ask - where did you get your display cases from? I built mine using acrylic through a local sign board maker. But the quality is stupendously low.

Your cases look beautiful.

Hey tunedv8, thank you. The Porsche was a last minute Diwali pick up right after the LFA and it was absolutely worth it

As for the cases, I picked it up from Cars Collective Online when he had the stock. As for the quality, it's good but some dust does seep in from the top, especially in the topmost row. I would say custom is the best way to go with a sliding door

[silverado]

Originally Posted by Dippy

Btw, is the Shivaji Park store Prabhat Gift Centre? I have bought stuff from him too.

Excellent thread, My fav from his collection is the Yellow Gypsy.

So lovely to see that name( Prabhat Gift Centre ).I have been buying scale models from them since ages.
There is a new scale model store that has opened on LBS road Ghatkopar ( TCI ), did anyone get a chance to visit it?

Some 20-25 years ago, Tomica used to have SALE at an outlet in Andheri which used to be published in papers.
I have had a chance to collect 4-5 models at discounted prices back then.

Tomica/Takara Tomy has been one of my favorite brands and the best thing i love about them is that even for 1:43/1:64 models they have plush suspension.