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RECENT ACTIVITY

Click here to read about recent acquisitions and developments.

SCOPE OF THIS SITE

At this site you will find a database of 1/18 scale diecast models that fall within the parameters described below.

Besides supplying the basic information some models will receive a more extensive critique, and, if possible, will include a picture.

Initially, I am going to restrict this site to the cars that most interest me: pre 1970 European and American passenger cars.

However, as with most of us, I have had to place limits on what I collect. So, what you won't see here (at least not at first):

Not much past 1965.
I find most cars past this date visually uninteresting (...I know, the eye of the beholder...). I appreciate the muscle cars for what they are, but I find that my interest wanes with cars of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Things have improved a little recently, and there have always been the sports and exotic cars.
Custom and celebrity cars.
I prefer to see the original design as realized by the car manufacturers. So, no Mr. Bean Minis, hot rods, customs, movie cars, etc.
Trucks.
No offense to truck aficionados, but they are just not for me.
Reworks and limited editions.
There are some companies that make very small runs of very expensive and sometimes hard-to-find models. Others rework existing models (e.g. Miniminiera variations of Bburago models).
Race cars.
Model race cars seem to be a good investment, as they are tied to certain years and certain drivers. Their value tends to increase with time and events (such as retirements or deaths). I don't, however, do this for investment purposes. So there.
Concept cars.
I would like to collect these, but I've disciplined myself not to. Maybe later.
Off scale.
I don't mean 1/24 or 1/43. I mean 1/16, 1/17, 1/20, etc. that just look out of place with the rest of the collection. Unfortunately, this includes Polistil and a lot of Solido offerings. I may include an off scale model of an important car.

WELCOME TO THE DIECAST CRITIC WEBSITE

I started this site partly to share my passion for collecting 1/18 scale diecast model cars, but mostly to fill a need that I perceive for reliable criticisms of available diecast models.

I started this site partly to share my passion for collecting 1/18 scale diecast model cars, but mostly to fill a need that I perceive for reliable criticisms of available diecast models.
Acquiring a poor quality model wastes money, takes up valuable space, and brings down the 'look' of the rest of my collection. The higher cost manufacturers are fairly reliable, but the second tier makers are variable in quality. I'm sure that other collectors have the same problem. Don't be misled by my use of the word 'critic'. Criticism can be positive as well as negative. In fact, I would much rather dwell on the better aspects of a model manufacturer's efforts. I applaud the trends to higher quality productions and more adventuresome choices of automobiles to reproduce. It would be wonderful if this site had any effect in furthering these trends. Personally, I would rather pay more and get a better quality model, especially since my display space is limited. However, if I really desire a model of a particular car, I have to decide if the manufacturer has done an acceptable (to me) job. It is gratifying to get a high quality rated model for a lower rated price, but I am still satisfied if the quality of the model matches the price asked. If this site helps 'steer' your collection in your desired direction, I will consider my efforts worthwhile. Also, please note that these are my personal opinions; they are not etched in stone. I welcome hearing from other collectors, either with information I don't have yet, or with a different opinion.

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