Tell us what this hobby means to you? 13 questions answered by you, Sashen Chetty from Durban, South Africa.

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1) What first got you collecting diecast? How long have you been collecting? What is your total model count as of today?

I’ve been a huge car fan since I was a little boy. I got my first model at the age of 9 so I’ve been collecting for 14 years. I initially started collecting 1:24 models but I moved on to collecting 1:18 models in 2012 when I started working and earning my own money. My model count at the moment is 25 (20 x 1:18; 5 x 1:24).

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

My first diecast car was a 1:24 Maisto Ford Shinoda Boss Mustang.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

My favourite scale is 1:18. I think the main reason is because there is such a wide variety of models that are offered in this scale. I started off collecting 1:24 scale models, but I moved on to 1:18 scale because I wanted better detailed models and of course the variety.

4) What are some of your favourite models to date? Did you share any photos with us?

My top 5 models in my collection would be; BMW M3 E46 – AUTOart, Ferrari 458 – Hot Wheels Elite, Lamborghini Murcielago LP670 SV – AUTOart, Honda S2000 – AUTOart, and Mercedes Benz C63 AMG – AUTOart.  Yes. See photos.

5) Is there a model that has eluded you, a holy grail of sorts?

Fortunately no. My holy grail back when I started collecting 1:18 models was the Hot Wheels Elite Ferrari 458 in yellow. They were extremely hard to find for reasonable prices. I managed to find a BNIB one from a French seller on eBay after a year of searching.

6) What is your favourite brand/manufacture, and why?

AUTOart is my favourite brand. They make a wide variety of cars, a lot of  them which I like and the details on their models are top notch.

7) Describe your current theme and what your overall goal is?

I collect “performance cars”  i.e. high performance versions of regular cars, like BMW M3’s, Mercedes AMG’s, Hot Hatches, etc. I also like the odd muscle car and supercar.

8) Do you display your collection? If yes, how?

Yes. I have a bookshelf which I use to display my models. It’s only temporary as I plan to build a display cabinet sometime this year.

9) Do you have any other hobbies, passions or addictions?

The car scene in Durban, where I’m from is quite big. There are a lot of car shows, drag racing events happening throughout the year, which I attend. I also have a big collection of car magazines as well. Another hobby of mine is video games. I have a PS3 and I love playing games such as Grand Theft Auto, Need For Speed, Gran Turismo etc.

10) What do you think about the diecast hobby as it stands today?

I think it is a great hobby. Through forums on the net, you get to meet people from all over the world. I also made a lot of new friends locally through collecting. I think the price increases from some of the manufacturers are putting the hobby in danger as a lot of people are getting out of the hobby as a result of price increases.

11) If you could change one thing about the diecast hobby what would that be?

It would be nice if the model manufacturers did like a survey or came onto a diecast collectors forum to get ideas as to what cars to produce for the future. This way, models of cars that collectors want, would be made. There are plenty of models that are made, which do not sell very well. GT Spirit is a brand that I’m really impressed with. They seem to be making a lot of the models that us collectors want. A big thumbs up to them.

12) Do you modify cars? If yes, what are some examples?

No. I am too afraid to try and modify any models.

13) What is your 1:1 daily driver?

I currently drive a Toyota Corolla 2001 model. It’s my first car and I’ve had it for almost 3 years. It’s not the fastest or best car to look at but it’s perfect for a young individual like myself who needs something reliable, cheap to maintain and light of fuel. My dream car is a Honda S2000. I hope to own one in 2 years time, when I turn 25.