September 2011 ~ Car News

Jumat, 23 September 2011

Can't afford that Super Duty Trans Am? Get a diecast Firebird instead !

06.37 Unknown No comments

A diecast Firebird is an affordable, great way to own the Firebird of your dreams. The 1973 through 1974 Super Duty Trans Am was arguably the best Firebird ever built during the original muscle car era. 455 cubic inches of real Pontiac power under the hood. Round port cylinder heads with large valves, a forged bottom end, an 800 cfm carburetor, enlarged intake runners to match the heads, and provisions for dry sump oiling made the Super Duty one bad factory hot rod. Even rarer than the Trans Am was the Formula SD, with only 48 produced in 1973. 252 SD Trans Am's were produced in 1973. The Super duty was hugely underrated in the horsepower department. If you have ever drove one, or rode along in one than you know the true power of the 455 SD engine. Combine the great handling of the Trans Am with the Super Duty engine and you get one of the quickest , best handling, most valuable muscle cars ever built. The six digit price tags on most Super Duties today is a great reason t
o look into collecting a diecast Firebird.
The SD is not the only diecast Firebird model available though. If you are into the newer models you can even get a 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am. Complete with the legendary 3.8 turbocharged and inter cooled V6 engine. Or how about an original 1969 Ram Air Trans Am ? Almost any version you can think of is available as a diecast firebird model. Even the fourth generation models are represented.
Starting a diecast Firebird collection is an economical way to get the muscle car that you used to own, or always wanted, but could not afford. Or you could use a diecast Firebird to compliment your collection of real cars. Diecast model cars can also increase in value over time as well, so you could say that they are an investment for the future. Whatever your reason for collecting diecast muscle cars, it is a great hobby to get into, and you can start collecting today.
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Diecast Models

06.11 Unknown No comments

The production of diecast model cars and other vehicles started in the year 1934.At that time, diecast cars and trucks were merely an addition to model railways, to make them more realistic, therefore not really regarded as collectibles by people. The early diecast models were not as coveted as they are today, due mainly to the fact that they were made with a alloy with high lead content. As we know, lead breaks easily, thus it was not possible to build the models to a good level of detail. Besides, they were not meant to be made after real vehicles. Soon, manufacturers realize that there is a great market for such models. They began to build diecast models based on actual vehicles, for example, Dinky Set 36A was based on the Armstrong Siddely, 36B a Bentley, and 36F a Salmon sports car. Gradually, the quality and emphasis on detail improved dramatically. Models started to have diecast alloy bodies, rubber tires and tinplate radiators, and miniature f
igurines were also included.
 Later, more types of diecast vehicles came out, like tanks, boats and airplanes. Today, items made from that era are hardly seen. If they are still in the hands of collectors and are in good condition, they are extremely highly valued. These can fetch a good couple of hundreds in an auction. The 1950s was another important chapter in the history of diecast vehicles. New production methods were found, and new competitors entered the market, thus satisfying the collectors' desire for more variety and detail. Diecast models created during these times have better running gear and finer details, much more comparable to the ones made in the present day. --Rod Low Diecast Tanks is a website filled with resources for any diecast collector, but has a shop specifically geared towards diecast tanks. You'll be able to find tips of collecting and caring for your diecast models and will also be able to share information and comments with others who sh
are the same interest. For more information visit Diecast Models.
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Collecting Kids Diecast Collectibles

05.37 Unknown No comments

Toy Collectors will find that all good sales action die-cast cars and collectibles are available in almost every style and price range, and this fact makes action diecast cars and collectibles perfect for the collector who is just starting out. No matter what your interest or style, you are sure to find action die-cast cars and collectibles that appeal to you and fall in your price range!

Corgi started making Diecast Models in the mid 1950s and were the first to introduce plastics in their models in the form of interior detail and windows. During the 1960s Diecast Models started to appear with Company Logos such as McDonalds, Kodak and Texaco, as it was a way of getting their product name into the home each time that a Toy Model was bought for the children. Corgi are a solid and sizeable company. The same company produces from soldier toys to Harry Potter items but will always be best known for its diecast range of toy motor cars.
Collecting toys is a fascinating hobby enyoyed by millions from all over the world. Collect your dream car whatever you want it to be! You can spend a whole lot less and collect your favorite cars!

Diecast construction equipment models have become more and more popular. You can find just about any construction type vehicle has been modeled.
Diecast metal models in 1:87 scale seem to become more popular all the time and provide serious competition for the traditional plastic models. The 1:87 scale ranges of High Speed/Schuco, Motormax and Welly are here mentioned only in passing mainly because the quantity of models was already so large that I did not want to take the time to note them all in detail.
Gaugemaster as well as Kerico make a line of 1/160 scale (N gauge) buses. They have pretty good detail considering how small they are.
Games with diecast models are always great fun for the family or a group of kids. But a lot of the makers of tinplate cars got into serious economical problems after 1960 when rising wages made the production more and more expensive. Also, demand for tinplate toys decreased because of a lot of new toys such as slot racers, plastic kits and - later - radio-controlled cars came into the market, and took market share away from the diecast toy manufacturers.
Corgi started making Diecast Models in the mid 1950s and were the first to introduce plastics in their models in the form of interior detail and windows. During the 1960s Diecast Models started to appear with Company Logos such as McDonalds, Kodak and Texaco, as it was a way of getting their product name into the home when a Toy Model was bought for the children. Corgi are a mainstream company. The same company produce both soldiers and Harry Potter souvenirs.
Diecast metal models in 1:87 scale seem to become more popular all the time and provide serious competition for the traditional plastic models. The 1:87 scale ranges of High Speed/Schuco, Motormax and Welly have been mentioned only in passing mainly because the quantity of models was already so large that I did not want to take the time to note them all in detail (and those by Universal Hobbies, which are my favorites, were sadly not shown at all).
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Starting a Diecast Model Car Collection

05.08 Unknown No comments

The impulse to collect is strong with many people. Collecting diecast scale model vehicles is a hobby that is fun and can be a great way to escape everyday pressures for a little while.
Every collector has his or own specialisation and every diecast model car collection has its own personality.
When it comes to model vehicles some people will collect a marque Cadillac, Jaguar, VW or they might collect cars they have owned or Formula 1 race winners or 1/43 scale British cars of the 1950s or tractors or - well, anything. Often the theme of a collection is hard to define though the collector will know just what is to be included and what is not.
I collect classic toy cars of the 1950s and 1960s, like Dinky and Corgi, but also modern models of a similar scale of cars of the same era. I also have some smaller models in the collection and a few that are models of newer cars; I can't quite explain why but they belong there as well.
If you are starting your collection, you may well want to build up numbers without spending too much too quickly. A good way to achieve this goal is to look for bargains. Just because a model is cheap does not necessarily mean that it is inferior and the search for a bargain can be exciting in itself and will improve your nose for a good scale model to add to your collection.

One source of bargains is Ebay where you will find people selling off unwanted gifts and collectors who are thinning out their collection or unloading models that do not quite fit their collection's theme. Remember that you are unlikely to find everything that you want among the current offerings of the model manufacturers. They have to vary their ranges over time to keep their customers interested so, for example, if you are looking for that exact model and colour of Ford that your uncle used to have, the chances are that you will not find it among current models but you may find it among the contents of an old collection.
Another source of bargains is where a manufacturer is unloading excess stock originally produced to sell with part-works. These are often indistinguishable from models that were on sale earlier at a much higher price. The main cost of producing a diecast model is in the design and the mouldings. Once the first few hundred have been produced the cost of producing one more is minimal so the manufacturer can sell at a greater profit or a lower price. This kind of bargain may be found on Ebay or among the stock of any diecast model dealer.
Cararama is an inexpensive brand of 1/43 scale model diecast cars which offers great value for money. Corgi Vanguards models of classic British cars also offer good value. Altaya and del Prado models too are remarkably good value. You will soon get to know which model manufacturers offer the best value on your particular specialist area. For example, if farm tractors is your thing, Universal Hobbies has a fantastic range of precision scale models at a reasonable price
You will also become familiar with the best dealers to buy from. Low prices and good service do not always go together and as time goes on collectors will find their favourite dealers. It is best to buy from a friendly, reliable and approachable dealer like Golden Age of Motoring who have a great range of models which any collector will enjoy browsing and great prices too. The Golden Age of Motoring model shop always has some worthwhile items in the bargain basement as well as examples of the cream of top quality precision models from such manufacturers as Neo, Sun Star and AutoArt.
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Diecast Cars, Bikes and Racing Books - For All Motorsport Enthusiasts!

02.13 Unknown No comments

Race Rally Road are the motorsport experts, dedicated to supplying a diverse range of diecast cars, car books and diecast bikes. With access to literally thousands of diecast bikes and diecast cars and a huge selection of racing books, motorsport enthusiasts will almost certainly find their desired collectable or automotive book.

Matthew Dagg, the founder of Race Rally Road is a performance car driver and motorsport enthusiast himself, and ensures the R3 products are of the highest quality. Motorsport experts and devoted fans will be truly amazed with the detail involved in the diescast cars and bikes. The collectables have been carefully designed to accurately replicate the life-sized models and all at a favourable price.


Take a peak at minichamps diecast cars. The Mercedes Benz W196, winner of GP Italy 1954 and the BMW M3 GTR, winner of Le Mans 2001, are just two of minichamps exquisite diecast cars.

Race Rally Road also has access to many other collectables by Autoart, Kyosho, Biante, Classic Carlectables and Exoto to name a few. The diecast cars and bikes are primarily in the scales of 1/18, 1/43 and 1/64 and commemorate significant motorsport moments that will forever be recognised.

The Alfa Romeo 8C by IXO is one of the classics, as the winner of the Le Mans 1932. The modern Aston Martin DBR9, winner of Le Mans Class 2007 honors a race that devoted fans will never forget.

For the automotive book worm, Race Rally Road supplies a large selection of books by renowned publishers from around the world; including Graham Robson, Anthony Pritchard and Ewan Kennedy. R3's racing books, automotive books and motor sport history books enable readers to relive meaningful motorsport moments where legends were made.

Aston Martin enthusiasts will be absorbed in Anthony Pritchard's Aston Martin A Racing History' and Ferrari fans will adore Leonardo Acerbi's automotive book Ferrari All the Cars', which contains every Ferrari every made described and illustrated.

As new titles are released, R3 endeavors to include them on the website. If there is a title you are searching for email Race Rally Road at sales@racerallyroad.com. Likewise if there is a particular collector car or a limited release model that you are seeking make an enquiry to info@racerallyroad.com.

For further information about Race Rally Road's diecast cars, car books and diecast bikes, visit www.racerallyroad.com.

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Diecast Cars Make Great Gifts for Children and Collectors

02.04 Unknown No comments

The well-known toy diecast cars aren't just for kids; many of their collectors are indeed adults! These timeless collectibles will be a favorite for generations to come. Many people even collect hundreds of diecast model cars as they are released and display them in collector's cases at home. One can only speculate exactly why so many people so enthusiastically enjoy die cast collectibles, but here are some ideas: Diecast Cars are Affordable Compared to most other collectibles, diecasts are very easy on the pocketbook. Many diecast models can be purchased for $1 or $2 each. Because these items are small and affordable, more people have access to them. When a toy or collectible item is cheap enough, it usually catches on more consistently among people and stays popular for a long time. This makes diecasts a popular birthday or holiday gift.
 Memories Collecting diecast cars is a great way to inspire and spark fond memories. A lot of people remember playing with diecast model cars as a child and if they resume their collection as an adult, they reminisce on the good times they had during their childhood. Something that provokes memories always makes it a hot seller and timeless collector's item. Available in High Numbers Die cast collectibles have been mass-produced in much higher numbers than many other toy collectibles. This makes them easy to find. Most other collectibles exist in extremely limited editions, but this usually isn't the case with diecasts. Any that are difficult to find can be hunted down online at specialty hobby websites. Local hobby shops sometimes have quite a selection as well. It's Fun It is probably a good guess that some people collect diecasts because it's just plain fun. The thrill of hunting down new diecast models can be a
great source of entertainment for diecast enthusiasts around the world. The fan base is constantly growing as more people discover the joy of collecting diecast models. Nascar Diecast Collectibles Those who already collect Nascar gifts often add Nascar diecast collectibles to their existing Nascar theme. This makes for a great way to integrate decoration themes such as Nascar, John Deere, and other popular diecast licensed products. You name it and it has probably been featured on a diecast car. Anything from legendary race car drivers, cereals, and sodas to M&Ms, cities, and more have graced the body of diecasts. What's next? Only time will tell.
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History of Scale Model Diecast Cars and Trucks

02.01 Unknown No comments

Diecast (or die cast, or die-cast) toys were first produced early in the 20th century by manufacturers located in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The first scale model diecast on the market were basic, consisting of a small car or van body with no interior. In the early days it was also common for impurities in the alloy to cause the casting to distort or crack for no apparent reason. As a result, diecast toys made before World War II are difficult to find in good condition. The high-purity alloys used today avoid this old problem. The popularity of diecast toys as collectibles developed in the 1950s once their detail and quality increased. Consequently, more companies entered the field and began adding interiors and clear plastic windows in their model cars diecast. In the last 1940s, the popular Matchbox 1-75 series got its name because there were always 75 different vehicles in the line, each packaged in a small box designed to look like those
used for matches. These toys became so popular that "Matchbox" was widely used as a generic term for any diecast toy car, regardless of who the actual manufacturer was. In 1968, Hot Wheels were introduced in the United States by Mattel. Because they looked fast and were fast (they were equipped with a low-friction wheel/axle assembly), Hot Wheels quickly gained an important niche in the diecast toy market, becoming one of the world's top sellers and challenging the Matchbox 1-75 series in popularity. In 1997, Mattel bought Matchbox, essentially making Hot Wheels and the Matchbox 1-75 line sister brands. The two brands continue to sell under their own separate names. By the 1980s, it was apparent that many diecast vehicles were being purchased by adults as collectibles, not as toys for children. As NASCAR enjoyed increasing popularity in the 1990s, a large number of racing-related NASCAR diecast cars and trucks, painted in the colors of the different ra
cing teams, appeared from various manufacturers. In addition to cars, trucks, buses, agricultural implements, and construction equipment, diecast aircraft and military models became popular. From about the year 2000 on, the quality and accuracy of models improved dramatically. Around 2005, "premium" manufacturers began to offer very high-quality, highly-detailed models at higher prices. Today, many features are now found in mainstream, low-priced diecasts that were once only found in models costing upwards of $100. Engine wiring and plumbing, carpeting in the interior, detailed instrument panels, seatbelts, and photo-etched details are common even in a diecast model car costing under $50. Today, scale model diecast cars and trucks from all over the world are affordable and highly prized by collectors.
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History of Diecast Car Models

01.45 Unknown No comments

Building a spectacular compilation or using the collectables as toys was not the initial purpose for die-cast car models. Models were made for marketing purposes. To plan for new cars, manufacturers would make scale and full-sized replicas of the real vehicles. Clay or wood was used for some of these models. In others, the material that the real vehicles were made from, was sometimes the same as that which the replicas were made from. Another purpose for the die-cast cars was to add realism to train sets.
During the first 30 years of the 20th Century, car models were made from basic slush cast plaster and iron. The 20 years following, cars, trucks, and military replicas were formed from tin and pressed steel, better quality materials. After World War II models made in different kinds of alloys became prevalent.
Europe became the place where these alloys established an enormous presence. In the United States, there was a demand for plastic cars, but not so much for the die-cast metal cars, as they were rudimentary in form. Japan became privy to the tin and pressed steel models by the 1950s. The nation continued its production during the 1960s. When the 1970s creeped around, Japan was producing die-cast cars. The chief producers of die-cast metal cars presently, include China and countries from southeast Asia.

The size of the models depended on the particular niche companies were attracting. Because railroad layouts already established a basic universal scale, before World War II, car and truck models from Europe had to conform to that size in order to be included in the display. Additionally, in order to appeal to children some companies concentrated on small scaled replicas.
Precision was the name of the game for European model vehicles, featuring the complexities of doors, trunks, and hoods opening up. This occurred because in Europe the labor market increased after the war. Consequently, there was a greater pool of laborers available to manufacturer the vehicles. In contrast, in America, the labor force was not as large, therefore, the replicas were made from simple cast iron or plastic, and consisted of very few parts.
In Europe, the doors, trunks, axles, wheels, and hoods were all separate parts in the manufacturing process. In the United States, all of these items would be included in one large, unimpressive piece. However, after some time, American automotive dealerships were in need of promoting their new arrivals, so the models became more sophisticated. This complexity was aided by technological advances. Additionally, adults have become more interested in collecting the models since the 1980s, therefore manufacturers have been producing less toy-like renditions. Today because of the high cost of production, moving parts are becoming less prevalent.
Licensing arrangements have been made between the real car manufacturers and the manufacturers of the die-cast models. There was a time back in the 1950s and 1960s such agreements were not necessary because the real car manufacturers welcomed the popularity of the models because they provided free advertising. This is not the case anymore, as the real car manufacturers seek legal ways to protect the originality of their vehicles.
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