Hello,

First time posting on the TNF forum. Let's see how this goes...

After searching the web for a while, I thought I'll ask all you TNF members fo advice on the best place to find diecast models on the net. I'm particulary interrested in Porsches history in motor racing, but racing cars (make that cars in general) is also of interest. Since I live in Sweden, any european sites would be good, but I'm thankful for everything.

Best Regards,
/JJ

A friend of mine runs a company called 'Special Stages' - he specialises mainly in rally car models but as his company is only a few months old he is very anxious to build his business and will bend over backwards to help.

The web adress is www.specialstages.com

Thanks! I'll be sure to check out the web site.

/JJ

Hi Jan
...check out those sites...very expensive and very far away from sweden but worth a look,something ou don t find very often outside australia...have fun
cheers Marty

www.biante.com.au look for the biante models there...http://www.classiccarlectables.com.au/

www.ewacars.com is the web site for the US dealer Eric Waiter. He has books, models, video tapes and some slot car stuff. Often he has 50% off sales, so it might be worth the postage if he has something you want at discount.

There is no doubt whatsoever that the best place for diecasts is EBAY!

I know my collection is small compared to a few other members but I pick up quite a few racing and sports car diecasts for extremely reasonable prices; AND they are almost always brand new, and in their boxes.

www.exoto.com

But Barry has the best answer. Go to Exoto and see what you like then buy it on Ebay.

Jan,

If you ever visit Stockholm there is a store called "1:43" on Odengatan that is worth visiting.

There is actualy a model car webstore in Göteborg! Hi-speed models They (he?) sell mainly kits and hand made (expensive!) models, but it might be worth checking out.
(And if you are not into kits already I would recomend that you give it a try)

If you look for a good genaral die-cast webstore in Europa I would recomend that you look at Grand Prix Models not only do they have a very large number of models, but they also have a excelent search possibilitys, that few (no?) other webstores I have seen has (you can f x search for F1 cars from '67 if you have a particuölar interest for that year).

Grand Prix Models is an excellent place for hand-made models and kits, but they really do not specialize in die-cast

Welcome Jan.............

I think that all depends of the subject do you want to collect. For example, I try to buy Formula One and Sport cars from 1950 to 1980. I think you must to collect exclusively cars in the 1/43 scale..............there are some manufacturers that Brumm, models usually are affordable, but if you want to be more sophisticated, it will cost you much more money................

On the other hand, there are subjects almost impossible to find. For example, cars that participated in the Carrera Panamericana (1951- 1955), I find some models at www.mafma.com, but usually are kits, if you want to buy the built model, it will be more expensive.....................

www.ebbro.com
www.zeteo.com

[If you look for a good genaral die-cast webstore in Europa I would recomend that you look at Grand Prix Models not only do they have a very large number of models, but they also have a excelent search possibilitys, that few (no?) other webstores I have seen has (you can f x search for F1 cars from '67 if you have a particuölar interest for that year). [/B][/QUOTE]

The address you gave of GPM is no more valid: the new one is www.grandprixmodels.com; moreover GPM do not have a great range of die casts, they nearly only sell special kits or handbuilt items.

Thanks for all the links, I'll be sure to check them out.

If any of you happen to be in London, I can recommend a store called Model Zone (I think it's located on New Oxford Street). I bought a beatiful 1:18 model of a 1970 Porsche 917K there last week, which now sits proudly in my livingroom. Actually it's the first car in the collection, but I'm expecting it to grow (a 1998 GT1 should be arriving soon). Thanks a lot for your help!

try the following : www.alpimodel.com, very quick service, 24hrs to UK, only advertise what they
have in stock, or clearly state that it is due soon
www.raceland.de, good service,

www.car43.ch

Remember, Jan, some 'diecasts' are in fact resin.
If you are good with your hands, go to http://www.tronmodels.com/
They have a good range of resin and metal kits at very reasonable prices. The built cars are very expensive but they make some very unusual kits like the 1960 rear-engined F1 Ferrari and the 1960 F2 Ferrari that eventually developed into the famous sharknose F1 car.

There are some unusual sports cars there too.

Try www.toynutz.com - they have a great list of links to manufacturers and dealers - and a yahoo discussion forum I'm neglecting because I'm spending too much time here!

If you like Sport-prototypes, www.sparkmodel.com

The SPARK model company may not necessarily be the best place for models, but is certainly a unique place....

Where else can you get a 43rd diecast model of Henri Pescarolo's Matra Simca with which he came 3rd in the 1970 MACAU GRAND PRIX?

Exoto have several 1:18 scale Ferrari 500s @ around US$500.00 and although I'm not saying that the above version is in the same class as the Exoto models I still reckon that the Polistil 500 when fitted with Burago wheels for a likely cost of $10.00 - $20.00 - off ebay or market stalls is still a pretty good deal. Polistil also made a W196 which is good value and a 250F which is terrible as the fuel tank has a curious "flattened" appearance.

Re 1:18 Polistil diecast GP cars here is the W196

Straying off the topic a little but I wonder if I could hack the W196 about to make Maybach 111?!

Also, would there be scope for someone to commercially make replacement fine scale wire wheels for 1:18 models; and perhaps drivers as well?

To get back onto the topic there is in Melbourne a new diecast model shop in Frankston; cross the level crossing at the start of the Frankston - Dandenong Road and instead of veering left towards Dandenong go straight ahead about 150 metres, it is on your right, the last of a small row of businesses. It has a huge range of diecast models.

I have say to Modelworks of Stoke Gabriel in darkest Devonshire provide a superb mail order service. They are collectors themselves and I have been dealing with them for many years. Find them at
www.modelworks.co.uk
They are currently operating a Christmas service whereby family and friends can contact them and they will tell your relatives which models you want, and even gift wrap them. Obviously you have to give advance warning of your wish list!

Alpimodel still provide an excellent service. I ordered a number of Brumm models unavailable here and they arrived from Italy within 48 hours. Terrific service.