Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Colin Spence from Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

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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?

As a massive F1 fan from the early 80s I started collecting after seeing Onyx 1/43 models advertised in an F1 Mag I subscribed to in the 90s. Once I bought a few I was hooked, and so it began.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

My first diecast was Gerhard Berger’s Ferrari 412T2 by Onyx.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

1:18. I started out collecting 1:43 and had a few 1:18 but I’d amassed over 100 1:43s before I decided to sell up to focus on 1:18. Just so much more presence and detail that you can really appreciate. Also far more impressive when displayed.

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

My favourite F1 cars of all time are Ferrari 126C2, 126C2B, 641-2, Renault RE30B, Renault RE40, Williams FW07 and Brabham BT52B. I just love the cars from 82 and 83. I’ve Villeneuve’s 126C2 from San Marino on order in 1:12 scale by GP Replicas. When it arrives, it’s gonna top the lot.

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

Yes. I also collected all Jean Alesi and Fernando Alonso models in 1:18 and two have alluded me to date. Firstly, the Ferrari F40 LM raced by Alesi in 89 at LagunaSeca. Originally only made by BBR in 1:18, I saw with joy on your website that it was being replicated by Top Marques so is currently on order. Secondly, True Scales Alonso’s Cadillac DPi from 24hrs of Daytona in 2019. So low an LTD edition I missed ordering on release and haven’t seen one for sale anywhere!!

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

Has to be GP Replicas for a few reasons. Firstly, they were the first to replicate those models from 82 and 83 that I really wanted. Secondly, the paint finish is exquisite as are the decals. And presented in showcases just puts the icing on the cake.

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

Current Themes are 1982, 1983, Gilles, Alesi, Alonso, Group B Rally and a handful of other cars I like from the mid-70s through to Verstappen’s 2023 Red Bull.

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

I display all 100+ of my 1:18 scale models on shelves in a roof space/man cave. All are in showcases. As you can see from the photos I try to capture every model in the same pose.

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

Interested in music, football and cycling. Been watching F1 for over 40 years and have been collecting models and memorabilia for the last 30.

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

It’s great that so many good manufacturers out there now from good budget manufacturers like MCG to GP Replicas with Minichamps and Spark in between.

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

Models are a) just getting too expensive which makes me glad my collection is almost complete barring the odd model release to top it up. Also, in the UK the prices seem to be higher than anywhere else, partly due to Brexit.

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

I only fit cigarette branding decals to models to authenticate the look from the period. Just makes them more representative of what were the full race liveries. I also converted a Jaguar R3 to Alonso Test spec. Photo attached.