Tell us what this hobby means to you?  13 questions answered by you, George Whittet from Friendswood, Texas, USA

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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?

Love of cars and fascination with detailed miniatures. Diecast detail improved tremendously with 1:18 scale models. I’ve long been a car enthusiast, building models, etc. but when nicely-done larger scale models became more affordable I began to build a collection in earnest.  I started my collection in 2002 and to date it includes 292 pieces and growing.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

My first diecast was a Maisto Porsche Boxster in 1:18.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

1:18 is my favourite for two reasons: it’s large enough to allow for excellent detail, and its popularity encourages manufacturers to produce a wide variety of subjects.

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

Maserati 300 S 1:18 by CMC, Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic 1:18 by CMC, Mercedes-Benz SLR, McLaren 1:18 by CMC, Ferrari 250 GT Testa Rossa 1:18 by CMC, Mercedes-Benz SSKL 1:18 by CMC, Mercedes-Benz 300SLR Uhlenhaut 1:18 by CMC, Mercedes-Benz 300SL 1:12 by Premium ClassiXX, Ferrari Enzo 1:18 by BBR, Mercedes-Benz 600 LWB 1:18 by AUTOart, 1953 Corvette 1:18 by AUTOart, and McLaren F1 Road Car 1:12 by Minichamps.

Yes, please check out my photos.

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

Bauer’s announced but continually-delayed 1:12 Mercedes-Benz 500 Special Roadster.

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

CMC is my favourite because their subjects fit with my theme, their design and their quality of work are exceptional, and their prices are fair.

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

My collection currently is very mixed. My tendency when I began was rather scattershot – anything appealing and affordable.  I’ve since begun culling some and acquiring more models aiming for a theme that will reflect cars that are iconic and define their type, style, or era. I buy any I can afford but the car must appeal to me.

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

Space limits my display options. I keep forty or so of my favourites in individual display cases in my home office and keep the remainder stowed. I rotate models through the displays which lets me show different cars and also gives me opportunity to re-familiarize myself with a perhaps forgotten gem.

I’m also building a photo library of my collection and will set up an on line display once I find a good venue. Very few people get a “face-to-face” look at my cars and few who do share my appreciation for them. I’d really like to have other diecast enthusiasts get a look at my collection and hear their feedback.

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

I enjoy music, woodworking, photography, reading, history, and current politics.

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

I think the hobby will continue to expand as more Baby Boomers, the generation that created the cult of cars, reach the stage in their lives where they have some money and can justify (or rationalize) spending to indulge their interests. I hope model makers recognize this and take advantage of evolving manufacturing technology to expand their offerings.

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

Get a high-end maker to produce classic 50s and 60s cars in 1:12 and larger scales.

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

No. I’m really ham-fisted – it’s all I can do to make simple repairs!

13) What is your 1:1 daily driver?

2007 Ford Edge.