Diecast airplanes

Introduction

Diecast airplanes are miniature models of real airplanes that are made of metal, usually zinc alloy, by using a moulding process called die-casting.

Diecast airplanes are not only toys, but also collectibles that can appeal to aviation lovers and hobbyists of all ages. In this article, I will give you some tips and advice on how to start and grow your diecast airplane collection.

1. Choose Your Theme and Scale

One of the first things you need to do when starting or growing your diecast airplane collection is to choose your theme and scale. A theme is the category or genre of airplanes that you want to collect, such as military planes, commercial planes, vintage planes, or movie planes. A scale is the ratio between the size of the model airplane and the size of the real airplane, such as 1:18¹, 1:43², or 1:64³.

Choosing your theme and scale will help you narrow down your options and focus on the models that interest you the most. You can choose a theme and scale based on your personal preference, budget, space, or availability. You can also choose more than one theme or scale if you want to diversify your collection.

Some of the most popular themes and scales for diecast airplane collectors are:

• Military Planes: Military planes are airplanes that are used by armed forces for various purposes, such as combat, reconnaissance, transport, or training. Military planes are often admired for their power, technology, and history. You can find models of military planes from different periods, nations, branches, models, and roles. Some of the most popular scales for diecast military plane models are 1:18¹, 1:72⁴, and 1:144⁵.
• Commercial Planes: Commercial planes are airplanes that are used by airlines for passenger or cargo transport. Commercial planes are often admired for their design, comfort, and efficiency. You can find models of commercial planes from different eras, countries, companies, models, and types. Some of the most popular scales for diecast commercial plane models are 1:200⁶, 1:400⁷, and 1:500⁸.
• Vintage Planes: Vintage planes are airplanes that are considered to be of historical or cultural significance, usually from the early days of aviation to the mid-20th century. Vintage planes are often admired for their style, nostalgia, and innovation. You can find models of vintage planes from different countries, brands, models, and types. Some of the most popular scales for diecast vintage plane models are 1:18¹, 1:43², and 1:72⁴.
• Movie Planes: Movie planes are airplanes that appear in famous movies or television shows, such as Top Gun, Star Wars, or Air Force One. Movie planes are often admired for their personality, uniqueness, and action. You can find models of movie planes from different genres, characters, scenes, or episodes. Some of the most popular scales for diecast movie plane models are 1:18¹, 1:43², and 1:72⁴.

2. Research Your Models and Brands

Another thing you need to do when starting or growing your diecast airplane collection is to research your models and brands. Researching your models and brands will help you learn more about the features, quality, and value of the models that you want to buy.

You can research your models and brands by using various sources, such as:

• Books: Books are a great source of information for diecast airplane collectors. You can find books that cover specific themes, scales, or brands of diecast airplanes. You can also find books that provide general guides, tips, or advice for diecast airplane collecting. Some examples of books for diecast airplane collectors are:
  • The Collector’s Guide to Diecast Toys & Scale Models by Dana Johnson
  • The Encyclopedia of Matchbox Toys by Charlie Mack
  • The Ultimate Guide to Hot Wheels Variations by Michael Zarnock
• Magazines: Magazines are another great source of information for diecast airplane collectors. You can find magazines that feature news, reviews, interviews, or articles about diecast airplanes. You can also find magazines that showcase collections, displays, or dioramas of diecast airplanes. Some examples of magazines for diecast airplane collectors are:
  • Die Cast X Magazine
  • Model Collector Magazine
  • Diecast Collector Magazine
• Websites: Websites are a convenient and accessible source of information for diecast airplane collectors. You can find websites that offer online catalogues, databases, or forums of diecast airplanes. You can also find websites that sell, trade, or auction diecast airplanes. Some examples of websites for diecast airplane collectors are:
  • Diecast Model Centre¹
  • Quality Diecast Toys²
  • Model Toy Auctions⁴

3. Buy Your Models and Accessories

The next thing you need to do when starting or growing your diecast airplane collection is to buy your models and accessories. Buying your models and accessories will help you build and expand your collection with the models that you want and like. It will also help you enjoy and appreciate your collection with the tools and items that you need.

You can buy your models and accessories from various sources, such as:

• Online shops: Online shops are a convenient and easy way to buy diecast airplanes. You can browse through a wide range of models and brands, compare prices and features, and order and pay online. You can also benefit from discounts, offers, or free delivery. Some examples of online shops that sell diecast airplanes are:
  • Diecast Model Centre¹
  • Quality Diecast Toys²
  • Amazon
• Local shops: Local shops are a traditional and personal way to buy diecast airplanes. You can see and touch the models in person, ask questions and advice from the staff, and support local businesses. You can also find rare or vintage models that may not be available online.

• Packaging: The packaging of a diecast airplane model refers to its original box, case, or blister pack. The packaging of a diecast airplane model can affect its value, protection, and display. You should check the packaging of a diecast airplane model before buying it, especially if it is new or mint. You should look for any signs of wear, damage, or tampering, such as tears, stains, creases, or stickers.
• Price: The price of a diecast airplane model refers to the amount of money that you pay for it. The price of a diecast airplane model can vary depending on its rarity, demand, quality, or condition. You should compare the price of a diecast airplane model before buying it, especially if it is expensive or collectible. You should look for any factors that influence the price, such as supply, popularity, edition, or certificate.

4. Display and Care for Your Models

The last thing you need to do when starting or growing your diecast airplane collection is to display and care for your models. Displaying and caring for your models will help you showcase and preserve your collection with pride and passion. It will also help you enjoy and appreciate your collection with beauty and quality.

You can display and care for your models by using various methods, such as:

• Shelves: Shelves are a simple and practical way to display your diecast airplane models. You can arrange your models on shelves according to your theme, scale, or preference. You can also add labels, signs, or lights to enhance your display. You should choose shelves that are sturdy, stable, and spacious enough to hold your models. You should also clean your shelves regularly to remove dust or dirt.
• Cabinets: Cabinets are a secure and elegant way to display your diecast airplane models. You can store your models in cabinets with glass doors or windows that allow you to see them clearly. You can also add locks, keys, or alarms to protect your models from theft or damage. You should choose cabinets that are durable, stylish, and suitable for your space. You should also clean your cabinets regularly to remove dust or dirt.
• Dioramas: Dioramas are a creative and realistic way to display your diecast airplane models. You can create dioramas that simulate scenes or environments where your models belong, such as airports, runways, hangars, or battlefields. You can also add accessories such as buildings, trees, vehicles, people, or weather effects to enhance your dioramas. You should choose dioramas that are compatible with your theme and scale. You should also maintain your dioramas regularly to prevent damage or deterioration.

When displaying and caring for your models, you should consider some factors, such as:

• Lighting: Lighting is an important factor that affects the visibility, appearance, and mood of your models. You should choose lighting that is bright, even, and natural for your models. You should also avoid lighting that is too harsh, dim, or artificial for your models.
• Temperature: Temperature is an important factor that affects the stability, preservation, and comfort of your models. You should choose temperature that is moderate, constant, and dry for your models. You should also avoid temperature that is too hot, cold, or humid for your models.
• Handling: Handling is an important factor that affects the functionality, protection, and enjoyment of your models. You should handle your models with care, gentleness, and respect. You should also avoid handling your models with force, roughness, or negligence.

Conclusion

Collecting diecast airplanes is a rewarding hobby that can bring you many benefits. You can appreciate the variety and realism of airplanes, express your creativity and personality, and connect with other collectors and enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can always find something new and exciting in the world of diecast airplanes.