Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Darren Hatty from Melbourne, Australia.
We’re always looking for more collectors to feature on DiecastSociety.com Diecast Collector Of The Month (DCOTM). Click HERE for all the details! ** Remember, for your efforts all winning candidates will be mailed a pair of www.DiecastSociety.com decals! **
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 car mad since I was a little kid. My parents bought me a lot of Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars when I was very young, and the collecting just continued since then. I’ve been collecting 1:18 now for maybe 30 years, and have collected 300 so far.
2) What was your first diecast or memory?
My first 1:18 was a Bburago Diablo VT in yellow.
3) What is your favourite scale, and why?
I mainly have 1:18 since the details are so nice. I’ve recently been collecting 1:64 Bugattis, but I don’t think I’ll be buying that many of those.
4) What are some of your favourite models to date? Did you share any photos with us?
My top 5 favourites are the AUTOart Zonda R, AUTOart Murcielago SV in blue, AUTOart Bugatti Vision GT, AUTOart Ford GR1, and BBR Ferrari 812 Superfast.
5) Is there a model that has eluded you, a holy grail of sorts?
The most recent one I missed out on was the BBR Pagani Utopia in full carbon. One I’ve wanted for a while is a McLaren Sabre, but they dont seem to pop up for sale that often.
6) What is your favourite brand/manufacturer, and why?
AUTOart for sure. I love the detail in their models for the price point.
7) Describe your current theme and what your overall goal is?
Supercar brands in specific colours. McLaren in Orange, Ferrari in Red (of course), Aston Martin in green, Corvettes in white, Pagani’s in carbon, Mustangs in blue, Mercedes in silver, Vipers in blue with white stripes etc.
8) Do you display your collection? If yes, how?
Yes, in a glass door cabinet. I have to get sets of 6 to fill each shelf, so my colour vs brands tends to be in minimums of 6 :-)
9) Do you have any other hobbies, passions or addictions?
Mainly cars, and of course motor racing.
10) What do you think about the diecast hobby as it stands today?
I love it! There is so much variety, and so many people that have such broad tastes in what they like. It’s really interesting to see people’s collections and what they like to buy. As many others have said, there is a big premium in price now, which makes some models really hard to justify buying, particularly if there are those really special ones that catch your eye.
11) If you could change one thing about the diecast hobby what would that be?
More high-end producers doing opening models. It seems the higher end is mostly resin, but who doesnt love opening a door, or hood?
12) Do you modify cars? If yes, what are some examples?
Yes, I’ve modified heaps. My first upgrade was a Bburago F40 which was in pretty poor shape when I got it. I have to make it better than new which took me months to get right. That started an addition to respray and upgrade models. I’ve done a Viper in candy red, a Huracan Performante in Viola Parsifae (purple), Bugatti Chiron upgrade, made some new wheels for a Challenger, resprayed a DB9 in green, and my favorite so far is a Bburago Countach in white with new wheels in white. Check out the photos for some of the upgraded cars.
13) What does your spouse, partner or significant other think of your hobby and your collection?
She wishes fewer cars were taking over her house :-D
14) What is your daily driver?
An Australian Ford Falcon from 2008. I keep my passion for cars to the cheaper and smaller kind at 1:18 rather than 1:1, or I might need a warehouse to house a full-size collection.
