19 replies to this topic

[Andy]

I know I am just one of many out there who collect Die Cast F1 models as I do not have either the patience or time to actually build the models myself. I collect all sorts of die cast models and have over 200 in all, not all F1 mind you. I have almost every Jacques Villeneuve model ever produced, except for his Player's car's in 1:43rd scale which have gotten just too damn pricey for me!

I am just curious as to what scale of die cast F1 models you collect? Of the 50 or so F1 models I own (all either Minichamps or HotWheels), I'd say about 1/3rd are 1:18th scale and the balance are 1:43rd scale. I prefer the 1:18th scale ones for the detail (& they're more fun to play with on the livingroom floor!! ) but they are just so damn big that it's hard to find room for so many of them, so I get the 1:43rds. How about you?

[Max Torque]

I collect both 1/18 and 1/43 (the popular scales).

Naturally I have more 1/43s although I started out with 1/18 and, at first, wasn't interested at all in the small ones because they weren't as impressive as their big brothers (I missed many great models in 1/43 because of this stupid policy of mine ).

But when I bought my first 1/43 (a Coulthard McLaren MP4/12 '97) I was hooked. These little models had remarkable quality for their size and also sometimes looked better than their 1/18 counterparts because they were, let's say, more 'solid' as structures.

Also, it is great that these small ones come with a nice plastic base (that can be used as a 'building block to create an entire 'wall' of models as well!) compared to the cheap looking box of the 1/18s (due to the cost of a big base I suppose).

Furthermore, the 1/43 scale has by far the greates selection of models and the most variations.

Plus, it is the price. For example, my local die-cast store has just received complete runs of the Ayrton Senna Collection in both 1/18 and 1/43. Although I would love to get my hands on those 1/18 Senna models, I can buy two and a half 1/43s for the price of one 1/18. So, guess what? First I buy as many 1/43s I can, and then if I have the money AND the 1/18s aren't sold out yet, I will go for them.

[mono-posto]

Yes, I'm a 1/43 addict. (Though as some of you might know, I prefer to build them or collect handbuilts, not all F1 though. Classic Ferrari sports cars too).

This is for the same reasons that Max mentioned.

1. Easy managability of your collection. They just take up less space.

2. Incredible selection. My dbase has over 3000 F1 models listed and growing. (kits and die-casts). All 43rd.

3. And with the right models, the detail is just as good, if not better than larger 18th models.

My one gripe about Minichamps and Hotwheels. Who do they think are buying their products? Kids? Collectors? Why in the hell do they make the wheels roll!?

It's not like we are going to get down and push the thing along the floor and they are obviuosly to fragile for kids.
I've had someone shut the door to my office before and a model rolls off the shelf and onto the floor. A little super glue to the inside of the wheel now fixes that from happening again.

[Andy]

Originally posted by mono-posto
My one gripe about Minichamps and Hotwheels. Who do they think are buying their products? Kids? Collectors? Why in the hell do they make the wheels roll!?
It's not like we are going to get down and push the thing along the floor...

Speak for yourself!! I also have Schumacher's Ferrari in 1:12th scale, about 16" long and weighs about 5 Lbs!! Oh man you better believe the temptation is there to sit down on the floor in the hallway at the office here and... "Zzzoooooom!" But I have resisted so far! For $300.00++ I'd really cry if I smashed it into the wall!!

[AyePirate]

I just started collecting 1:43 scale.
Just 2 cars so far. Gilles' '82 ferrari
126C2 (Long Beach) and Moss' '55
Mercedes W196C (both Brumm).
I picked up these in Italy last year. I live
in NYC. Does anyone know of a decent
local shop that I continue the habit at?

[Slick]

Andy have you ever seen the 1/4 scale Mclaren.

I saw it at the Motor Show in Birmingham. Now that's what I call detail

[hyper!! james]

I don't know what scale it is, but Kit & Carboodle toy and model shop in Bournemouth have a pretty big McLaren too.

My only F1 model is a 1:24 scale Bburago Ferrari F300, which I won from F1 News magazine.

[Zawed]

I collect 1:43 scale, mainly due to cost and space factors. Like Max says your can stack 'em up. I don't have many:
JV's 96 Williams
Berger's B196
Berger MP4/6
Panis JS43 (1996)
EI F310b
Fisi's 97 Jordan (My favorite)
HHF Sauber 96

All Paul Minichamps
And a Porsche 956 Wollek/Boutsen in Marlboro colours (Quartzo)

[cjpani]

Originally posted by AyePirate
I just started collecting 1:43 scale.
Just 2 cars so far. Gilles' '82 ferrari
126C2 (Long Beach) and Moss' '55
Mercedes W196C (both Brumm).
I picked up these in Italy last year. I live
in NYC. Does anyone know of a decent
local shop that I continue the habit at?

You might want to take a look at exoticar gallery,located at 280 Park Av. & 48th.

Excellent place!!!!

Regards,
cjpani

[Witt]

Just bought my first model before christmas - the Minichamps 1:18 Jenson Button Williams. I also got given a 1:18 1998 Frentzen Williams. I personally think the bigger the better, but as all you guys have pointed out, i'll probably branch into 1:43's when i realise how much i can save with the smaller ones. I'm gonna try to buy at least one 1:18 model for every year (usually of my favourite car/driver). One day my collection could be as impressive as all your's are now!

[AyePirate]

cjpani,

thanks for the tip!

[mono-posto]

There is nothing like amassing a large collection of 1/43 models. It fills one with pride....;)

I should hope that all of you classic rock fans know who this is!
(hint: One of the more famous model collectors. Particularlly likes to collect models of cars he actually owns, like the 250 GTO. His is s/n 3757GT).

[MN]

Is it Pink Froid(sp?) drummer Nick Masen(sp?)?

[mono-posto]

Your copy of 'Dark Side of the Moon' is in the mail.;)

Now, who's the only man in the United States to own TWO McLaren F1-GT road cars?[p][Edited by mono-posto on 01-16-2001]

[Andy]

Slick - 1/4th scale McLaren?? No I haven't seen this, must be cool! I have seen a 1/8th scale McLaren Radio Controlled car which was pretty awesome! That one was big enough! Maybe the 1/4th one is for Baby-Hugo!!

Mono-posto - Did you see when Damon Hill put Nick's vintage Ferrari in the kitty-litter last year at Goodwood Festival?? Typical Hill!;)

[mono-posto]

You've got to give the guy credit though, his cars just don't sit in some locked up private showroom, he actually races them. I have another great picture of Nick blasting around a corner in his Bentley (1930's era) with goggles on and leather skull cap. Not a care of his 'investment' actually gets a bit used.

Ralph Lauren has a 250 GTO as well and I doubt it's ever been driven since he's owned it.

[Linus27]

Maybe you guys can help me make my mind up. I have all of Alesi's cars except one Ferrari in 1/43th scale. I can get his 2000 Prost in 1/18th scale but I am not sure if it is worth it as it was a bit crap. Should I go for the 1/18th or get the 1/43rd scale and maybe wait and get the 2001 Prost in the 1/18th scale if it is better. Lets face it, its just got to be a better car

[Max Torque]

Linus, I already have bought the 2000 Alesi Prost in 1/43. It is awesome. It even has full uniform logos and a two-element rear wing (just like all 2000 Minichamps models). Excellent piece. The 1/18 hasn't come out yet, but I think it will definetly be worth it as well. Since you are an Alesi fan I would suggest you get both.

[Linus27]

Max

HAHAHA So your saying buy both. Bugger :)

[Andy]

Linus - Get the 1:18th! The only reason being (unless you can pick both scales up!) that Minichamps does such an excellent job on the painting and this car is such a cool/beautiful blue! Don't worry about how well the actual car did. I'm not even a Prost fan (Alesi's O.K. though ;) ) but I'm gonna get the 1:18th of it just because it's such a cool looking model! Hell I got both the 1:43rd & 1:18th of BAR-01, the Zipper-Car, because I liked the way it looked! God knows it was even worse than the 2000 Prost!