Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Jon Armstrong from King of Prussia, 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?

My dad bought me Hot Wheels as a kid and would buy the Hess truck each year, so I always had cars to play with and collect growing up. I have been collecting 1:18 scale models for almost 25 years. As of today, my collection is around 160 models with a mix of diecast, resin and composite

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

I cannot remember exactly which was my first 1:18, but I think it may have been the Jouef Mustang Boss Concept in Orange.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

Definitely 1:18, when I started collecting, they offered the best detail for the money, and I could stare at the opening parts for hours. With almost everything in my collection scope being sealed, it is kind of sad looking back on those old moulds that were so special. However, I continue to stick with 1/18 and still buy 5-10 per year (and sell 5 or so per year). Mostly used models, rarely new releases.

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

My absolute favourite is my GMP All Sport Mustang driven by Tommy Kendall. I remember vividly him winning almost every Trans-Am race in 1997. Another of my favourites is my Spark Porsche 962C with the Miller High Life livery. One of my favourite liveries of all time. An honourable mention is the Bathurst 12 Hour-winning Porsche 911 GT3 with the amazing New Zealand-inspired livery made by Spark.

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

I no longer have a holy grail; luckily, they have all been acquired over the years.

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

It used to be Minichamps for the best value. Because I collect race cars only, Spark is now my favourite. But after their recent price hikes for Americans, it’s hard to justify buying them.

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

My theme is strictly racing cars. I am a big fan of Porsche and Ford, so I have collections of their racing cars (my cut-off is generally 1960 subjects or newer). I also love GT cars, so a large part of my collection is 1 of each GT3 car.

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

I have 3 large display cases. One is for Porsche, one is for Fords, and the last is for GT3/GTLM. I also have 12-car cases for Audi, BMW and Mercedes. IKEA cases hold my Jim Clark Fords and Ford open wheelers. The other features are my Flying Lizard Porsches and some Trans-Am/IMSA cars.

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

I have a small record collection, primarily heavy metal. My main passion is racing, and I watch most series on TV and try to get to an IMSA race (or 2) per year.

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

The expense makes it really hard to continue, especially when the quality stays the same or gets worse.

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

I don’t think I would change anything. The people are all kind and fun to interact with online. There is a great array of brands and model options. If there was one thing I would tweak, it would be eBay. Fees and prices can make it hard to make a decision.

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

I have just gotten into modifying cars mildly. I converted a “racing” IS300 from AUTOart that, for some reason, had a street car interior. I took it apart, built a racing interior and roll cage in it. I have some future plans for projects as well.

13) What does your spouse, partner or significant other think of your hobby and your collection?

My wife tolerates them. She appreciates that I keep them displayed, and I stick to the space I have. She has a large collection of plants, so we have an understanding, haha. The price bothers her a bit, but to be fair, it bothers me too!

14) What is your daily driver?

I got rid of my fun cars (Cayman S and BMW M235i) and now drive an older Lexus RX Hybrid.