Tell us what this hobby means to you? 13 questions answered by you, Vincent Preston from Perth, Australia.

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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 was a motor sport fan long before collecting, dad took me to the South African GP 1967, that was it. Always wanted the original Senna collection, but could not afford it. Took an interest in diecast again, after moving to Australia. I have been collecting for nine years, and have about 190 items.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

Minichamps Mclaren MP4/19 2004 version, David Coulthard, new for $83.00, on 10 November 2006.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

There is only one scale, 1:18, I do have three 1:12 cars, but 1:18 is my preference, the right size, detail and reasonable price. I did buy a a 1:43, but to me a toy, too small and lack of detail.

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

I am fond of the Exoto Tyrrell P 35, I have 7 of them, I like the Japanese version, Scheckter mainly. The Exoto Mercedes C9,( I have 5) are also up there with the Nissan R89C ( 3 of them) None Exoto, I love the Toyota  TS020 by AUTOart.

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

I have a few which I never managed to get, mainly due to expense: Exoto 312 T4 USA, 312 T2 and Porsche 935 finish line.

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

Exoto and AUTOart. They have the best detail, at a reasonable price (depends when you bought it) Happy with TSM but not in the same league as Exoto. The Mazda 787B by AUTOart is a good example of what they can do.

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

I collect only racing cars, no road cars, as racing cars have a great history/story behind each car and driver. McLaren and Senna  are my main focus, but also cars I’ve seen race in person (spent the day in the P35 pits). Some of them are just plain pretty, Porsche 917 K.

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

All displayed as you see, in order of the years they raced, old to latest. don’t like cars in boxes, I like to see them open. I walk into my display room everyday just to look and admire the cars.

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

Very much into watching motor sport, F1, Moto GP and super Bikes, world and UK. Follow EPL, Arsenal, and go to local games, where my son plays in the National Premier League U20.  Other interests, Military technology, Zulu Wars, Second World War, from a German perspective, I collect diecast Tiger Tanks.

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

I think the hobby is in decline, just reading the various forums and auction sites, not much around, some forums get very little posts. The prices have gone up and the quality come down, in certain instances. It must be very hard for young collectors to get into the hobby. Not sure about the resin cars, time will tell how they fair.

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

I’ll be selfish here, get manufactures to produce more 1:18 F1 cars from the 70/80 in high detail, with removable body work, and produce less road cars.(thumbs up to AUTOart for the Camel 99T and TSM for doing more old cars).

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

Very little, mainly decal changes, have fitted tyre valves, antennas and made new visors on the helmets of Exoto drivers. Also re painted two McLarens, only parts of the body work.

13) What is your 1:1 daily driver?

Toyota.