Tell us what this hobby means to you? 13 questions answered by you, Doga Kececioglu from Istanbul, Turkiye.

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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 always have been a cars & motorsports fan. Even when I was very little, I knew almost every brand, I could draw all the logos of the brands. As a child, my father brought me matchbox cars from his abroad visits. The first model I remember was a Ferrari Testarossa (Bburago) in 1:18 scale. I’ve lost it over the years. In 2001 I actually started collecting diecast cars.  I have about 210 model cars at the moment which are displayed in our living room at home.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

The first one is a Ricko Alfa Romeo 156 GTA.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

My favourite scale is 1:18 because you can see more than enough details. 43 is so small. 12 / 10 or less looks like toys to me.

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

I love the AUTOart Zonda R of course, as every single one of you do. I like the AUTOart’s 911 GT3 & RS’ . I also like the Kyosho Ferraris.

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

I don’t think there is one.

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

Hard to tell.  I think, AUTOart & Kyosho are to of the bests but AUTOart seems to be my favourite. Right amount of detail in an affordable price. Even the non-Signature models have enough details. The proportions are correct most of the time.

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

You can name my theme Top Gear or Fifth Gear. Starting from subtle classic cars like the Citroen DS or Karmann Ghia to hot hatches of all kind, VW Golf MK I to Clio V6 or Megane RS. Super Sports Cars, McLaren F1, Porsche 918 etc. Most Ferrari & Porsche models. As racing cars I have WRCs mostly. I don’t have an overall goal, I missed some cars back in the years like Mercedes 190 EVO or Escort WRC, I try to find them. For the future, for now I’m waiting for cars like 911 GT3 RS, Jaguar F Type…

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

Yes, at home, in our living room. I’m quite lucky, my wife also loves them. It was her idea actually. I’ve kept them in their boxes for about 12 years.

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

Technology, computing, music. I have different sorts of loud speakers, headphones, amplifiers etc. It is not like a collection but, let’s say an expensive hobby. I also love motorsports, go to track-days.

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

It became more popular in the recent years. Manufacturers do their best to cheapen the products but keep the details as high as possible. I never understood hi-end part of the hobby, 2.000 USD for a 1:18? No, not me…

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

For my own collection, I would  want to hate 1:18 and love 1:43. They are easier to purchase, less space needed, more alternatives and so on. For the hobby itself, I would ask the manufacturers to widen their options (colors may be).

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

I prepared a diorama with a ML320 Mercedes. It was a crashed car with the airbags blown etc. Nothing more.

13) What is your 1:1 daily driver?

I have a 2009 Renault Sport Clio 197 and a 1981 Mercedes 280 SLC. I daily drive them both :)