While doing a set of photos earlier today a thought came to me of just how much I have enjoyed myself since I started collecting die-cast model cars.   I know when I was much younger I loved building the scale model kits offered by AMT, Revell and others but I would have never considered myself a collector.

 I guess like many other men my age I let life get in the way of having a hobby that really gave me satisfaction. You know the story! Work - Work   - Work.  

I can’t say for sure that I would be a collector today if it were not for a very good friend of mine who got me started.   We would spend hours visiting Toys R Us and other stores in search of new models. Road trips were not uncommon.   I had a lot of fun with my friend AJ.  

I remember when AJ purchased an entire collection from a guy in Iowa off the Internet.   We traveled from Michigan to Sioux City Iowa non-stop to pick up over a 150 models.   Talk about a road trip!

Collecting is not always just about the little cars!   Some of my best memories are of the people I have come to know because of it.   All these thoughts got me thinking!!

  I wonder how many people don’t have or have never had a hobby because no one has ever taken the time to start them on there way.

Back in the 90’s collecting I feel was much easier than it is today. Large retail stores allowed collectors to actually hold and look at the product before a purchase was made.   That is not the case with today’s collector. I did however find, at one of the local retail outlets the model featured in this story.   A 1934 Ford Hot Rod Pickup    {one other nice thing about Christmas is many of the retail stores bring the models back in inventory.}

The model that I have featured here was less than $30.00 and is one I would consider a very nicely done replica.    Is it as nice as the higher priced models from GMP, Hwy 61 or Lane Collectibles and others?   NO!   However it is still a model I will enjoy!

The point I am trying to make is collectors don’t need to purchase expensive models to enjoy the hobby of die-cast collectibles.   There are many wonderful models produced by companies such as Ertl, Road Legends, Maisto, Dub City and others that are very nicely priced.  

Need a nice Christmas gift for someone?   How about a nephew or older person that spends a lot of time alone?   Take a little time and find a model you feel they may enjoy.   Include a little history about the model you are presenting to them.   The Internet makes it easy to find the history behind many of the models.

 Presenting a child with the history behind the new model he has just received will add a deeper meaning than just receiving another toy.   I must give a word of caution when presenting nostalgic automotive items to the older generation.   We all have a story about our favorite car.

Give a Die-Cast replica for Christmas. Who knows, you may start someone on a life long enjoyable hobby.

There is one more thing though! .   I  wonder what ever happened to all those old model cars I never finished?

ABOUT THE MODEL

The model featured in this article is a custom 1934 Ford replica manufactured by Road Legends.   Road Legends is a popular brand that can be found at many internet dealers as well as some of the larger retail outlets.   More photos of this model may be found in the DCP manufactures gallery located Here