Investing in Diecast Models – How You Can Find Diecast Bargains on Auction Websites

Posted by admin on February 8th, 2010 filed in Accessories
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Pre Second World War Dinky Toys have proved to have been a first rate investment for those collectors who managed to forsee the future and buy at the right time. The fact that most of these models, whether ships, aircraft or vehicles, suffer from metal fatigue, fails to deter the buyers. The models themselves although crude by modern standards are still bringing fantastic prices at auctions.

Metal fatigue however appears to be a thing of the past, technological progress in model castings having hopefully solved the problem. Although it is not yet possible to restore these early Dinky Toys to their original condition, I understand that there are treatments available designed to stop any further deterioration. This has got to be good news for those who invested in them, as without treatment a collection of metal debris in a fading box would not have funded many retirement plans.

Browsing through the diecast models being offered on e-bay over the Christmas period, I was shocked and saddened to see the “buy now” prices for the Corgi 1/43rd scale range of old commercial vehicles.

For an investor these models have got to be the biggest diecast bargains on e-bay ever..

The models were made in Britain before all the big names in model manufacturing shifted production to China.. They were beautifully painted, well detailed, and well presented in good quality boxes with viewing panels. Most importantly the scale was constant. They are now for sale on e-bay at less than their original cost. These models are virtually being given away.

That they did not appeal to children at the time they first appeared on the market is not surprising as they certainly looked old fashioned, but why they did not appeal to collectors is a mystery.

When these models were produced Matchbox were also producing models of commercial vehicles which for the price were excellent value. The Matchbox models however varied in scale with only the box size remaining constant.

Because Matchbox apparently flooded the market with their models, the only ones making money for those who bought them as investments, are those models with odd manufacturing differences, such as colour variations, thereby making them unique.

I do not think that Corgi flooded the market with their 1/43rd scale commercial vehicles.

It may have been that the Corgi models in the Thorneycroft and Mack range of vehicles in this scale were quite large and therefore difficult to display, but the Ford range of vans although little bigger than the cars, are still for some reason not attracting the buyers.

It is difficult to believe that the size of the model was a problem. Corgi seem to have had little difficulty in attracting collectors to their 1/72nd scale models of Lancaster and Halifax bombers which are presented in far larger boxes than the Classic commercial vehicles.

These Corgi commercials could well be the antiques of the future and there surely will never be a better time to invest.

James Bridge is a retired architect and now writes about his hobbies. He has been collecting Diecast models since his childhood. James is a keen historian and is particularly intersted in the first and second world wars. For more information on diecast models visit his site at http://diecastmodeller.co.uk or visit his personal site at http://jcbridge.info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Bridge


Buying Nascar Diecast Collectibles From eBay

Posted by admin on February 5th, 2010 filed in Nascar Diecast
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A lot of die-hard NASCAR fans these days are collecting their favorite drivers’ cars in the form of diecast miniatures. Just about every NASCAR driver has been represented in the various collections, with more coming out every season. One great way to get your collections started is to purchase your NASCAR collectibles through eBay.

All of the most popular drivers are represented on eBay, including the late “Intimidator” Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., the ever-popular Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton, Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart, and Mark Martin. You can find a wide variety of diecast collectibles for each of these drivers and more on eBay.

You’ll also need to understand feedback, shipping, return policies, insurance and payment methods. Once you have that out of the way, it’s time to figure out what cars you want and how to find them.

eBay is very easy to navigate. You’ll first have to go through the “Toys & Hobbies” portal, then click on “Diecast, Toy Vehicles”, followed by “Cars, Trucks-Diecast”, and finally “NASCAR”. From there you can start perusing all the different cars available.

Another facet you need to familiarize yourself with before diving into NASCAR collectibles is the lingo associated with the hobby. As you will discover, abbreviations and acronym are an intrinsic part of eBay buying and selling, and NASCAR collectibles are no exception. As with every hobby, there are also a number of terms that have been simplified due to their common usage. You will need to understand that MFG means “manufacturer”, i.e. who made the collectible, that H/O means “hood opens, i.e. the interior can be seen.

You will also need to understand scale. Scale represents the proportion of the collectible in comparison to the real vehicle. 1/64 scale is the smallest scale and the cars measure about 3 inches long – the size of most Matchbox cars. 1/24 scale vehicles are very popular and measure about 8 inches long. 1/18 scale is the largest and most detailed scale, but its sheer size (and therefore increased cost) cause many people to not collect cars of this scale.

eBay is a great way to keep track of the running value of cars you already have and cars you are looking for. Also, you must take steps to protect your collection. Never keep your cars in direct sunlight and keep them away from extreme heat and humidity.

Hopefully this puts you on the right track towards establishing your own NASCAR diecast collection. eBay is a great place to get started, as long as you exercise caution and deal with trustworthy sellers. Play it smart and you can find some great deals that will give your collection a head start.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irwan_H_Nuswanto


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