For
generations, die cast toys have been the favorite among toy lovers and
collectors. It is primarily made thru the die-casting process wherein molten
metal or alloy is injected in a mold under pressure to form desired figures.
Die cast toys have been in the toy industry since 1930s. Throughout history,
die cast cars are the most popular; but some other figures like trucks, trains,
figurines, etc, are also gaining fan bases.
Why
are Die Cast Items Popular?
Nostalgia
plays a big role why die cast item lovers collect this stuff. Most of these
collectors prefer vintage models that they wanted to have as a child. These
vintage die cast items have also been released in limited quantity. Factories
around the world that manufacture die cast cars or toys only release them in
short time frames. Thus, it also costs a considerable amount of money.
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Die
cast toys also preserve their embodied figures for as long as they are in their
best condition. Lead and zinc alloy that are used in die casting are the
strongest materials; it is a given fact that die cast items definitely last for
a very long time thanks to the strength of these materials.
Likewise,
condition of the item is a big deal in buying die cast toys since prices
degrade when your item’s condition is further down the scale. But knowing that
you have strong materials to start with, this gives you a peace of mind that
you have a quality item.
Scaling:
Good Attention to Details
One
of the best reasons why collectors are fund of the die cast toys is the great
attention to detail manufacturers have given to each of these items. These die
casts have different ratio or scale in comparison to the original figures they
embody. There are different scales of sizes: 1:12, 1:18, 1:64 and 1:87. My
favorite is the 1:64-scale since it’s the most popular scale and it also holds
the most practical price standpoint. Of course, you can opt for a bigger scale
sizes but it’ll cost additional price.
What’s
good about them is that, even though some of them are relatively small, they
never lose the individuality and details. Factors like wheel details, colour
scheme, etc, are points in determining the rarity of the die cast item.
License,
Trademarks
Aside
from cars, die cast toys also include action figures or any other popular
characters from Marvel or DC franchise. The die casting industry always live up
to intricate standards where products are subject for approval of partner
studios or franchisers. This will give buyers an assurance that the die cast
figurines or action figures they’re buying have exactly the same proportional
copy as the original.
The die casting industry always live up to intricate standards where products are subject for approval of partner studios or franchisers. This will give buyers an assurance that the die cast figurines or action figures they’re buying have exactly the same proportional copy as the original.
Extra
Functions, Features
As
much as I love the simplicity of these die-casted items, I also loved the fact
that manufacturers infused extra features and functions in these toys. There
are model cars with extra features like opening doors, windows, detailing of
engines and internals. Figurines have rotating arms, accessories, etc. These
made the whole collecting of die cast items fun in many ways.
Of
course this added premium will also cost more due to additional process and
materials used in manufacturing.
The
Wrap
If
you get to have the chance to start a hobby of collecting die cast items, you
should. As a millennial driver, I am always fascinated with highend sports
cars, motorcycles and action figures ever since I was a child. But I always get
to experience those thru collecting their miniature models. And I’m toying with the idea of collecting
once again; this time with bigger scale-sizes.
I
mean, why not? Die-casted items are like antiquities. The older it gets, the
more value you get. Investing with these items is always a good hobby. It may
be expensive, but I’m sure it’s value is worth every cent.
