Tom - I originally started dealing in diecast cars back around 1994. As I was the General Sales Manager for a Toyota dealership I would do a lot of traveling to various auctions across the country. Every chance I got I would check out hobby shops and the local TRU’s (Toys R Us). I would take models I had purchased to car shows I would enter my real cars in.

I studied html when internet system started and along with myself and a partner bought a few domains and sold web space and built websites. When I finally had to retire from having Hepatitis C in 1997 I opened National Diecasters as something to do. After being a manager in the auto industry for 17 years, working 6 days a week and 10 to 12 hours a day I didn’t know what to do with myself.

National Diecasters has grown way beyond what I could have ever conceived originally. I sold half of the business in 2002, acquired an 8,000 sq. ft. warehouse, and had to hire help. Currently we have over 400 different items in stock. Also we have mirror site in Switzerland that has become very well known in Europe.

DCP - What Product lines do you carry?

Tom - You had to ask. Let me see f I can remember all of them. Action, Auto Art, Carousel One, Exoto, Hwy 61 RC2, Lane Exact Detail, GMP, Kyosho, Minichamps, Precision Miniatures, Road Signature, Maisto, Jada, Muscle Machines, Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning, Liberty Classics, Ricko, Revell and there may be more.

DCP - Have you always been a collector?

Tom - I have been collecting diecast a long time, even before the American Muscle Series began in 91.

I always have been into muscle cars and Corvettes. 1st one was a 65 Chevelle SS I got while in high school. When Jan and I got married in 74 we had a 72 Z28 Camaro that was the only one the local Chevy dealership had got that year due to strike at GM. We have owned too many muscle cars to even name but here are some. A lot of them my wife and I both performed frame off restorations. 1965 Chevelle SS, 1972 Z28 Camaro in Cream Yellow, 1969 Z28 Camaro in Hugger Orange, 1969 Z28 Camaro in Lemans Blue, 1981 Corvette Beige, 1961 Corvette white, 1967 Corvette Roadster in Silver Pearl, 1962 Impala SS 409 red, 1990 Corvette ZR1 Red, 1971 Olds 442 convertible Blue, 70 Pontiac GTO red, 1974 Chevelle Laguna black, 1967 Camaro SS 350, 4 different 66-67 SS396 Chevelles, 2000 Corvette Coupe 6 speed Black - 2003 Corvette ZO6 Torch Red. Had the Hugger Orange 69 Z28 in Super Chevy back in ‘84, and the Yellow 72 Z28 in Muscle Car review in 1990.

DCP - That is a pretty impressive list of cars. You say you have been collecting a long time. What would you say is your favorite model in your collection?

Tom - That’s tough. Most likely the Creative Masters 69 Z28 Camaro in Lemans Blue. It is 100% identical to the one I sold a few years back. Even had the same headers and chambered exhaust.

DCP - Can you tell our members a little about Tom McAlister personally?

Tom - I am 48 years old, married with one daughter, two dogs, and 2 cats. I enjoy building high detail models and spend a lot of time getting detailed photos of real cars before building them. My biggest hobby is my latest C5 ZO6 Corvette. I told myself I would not modify this one but that lasted all of 1 week. Can’t believe how much power you can get out of that little 346 cubic inch engine.

DCP - Things in this hobby have changed a great deal in the last few years. What are your feelings about the hobby of Diecast Collectibles and what do you see for the future?

Tom - At this time I think the hobby is going in the right direction. 10 years ago could you have imagined the detail of the Hwy 61, Lane cars, etc.? I believe Hwy 61 will out last some of the others in the high detail market. Main reason is their price point with the level of detail and craftsmanship. Some of the other companies do have some extremely detailed items but personally I believe they will price them selves out of business. In the lower price line of cars you will see more detail and exactness on the body and interiors but to keep the price in the under $25.00 range it will be tough to a full detailed engine and chassis. Some of the lower priced cars you should look at are the latest releases from Hot Wheels, Yat Ming ( Road Legends ), and Welly. Some of them have to overcome some of their earlier releases but don’t ignore them or you may be passing on some very nice items.

DCP One more question for our readers. Considering the future. What would you like to see happen in this hobby?

Tom What would I like to see happen in the hobby? I wish the manufacturers would give dealers a better estimated date of issue!! You think the customers get tired of delays. Just think, we dealers have to put up with the manufacturers who evidently have no idea when an item is to be released but announce a new item and date of issue anyway.

DCP Tom thanks once again for taking the time to share with our readers.

National Diecasters
1303 Woodleigh Rd
Dothan, AL 36305

Warehouse/Shipping
National Diecasters
511 E. Maple Ave
Suite B, Geneva, AL 36340

Phone number: 334.678.7537