Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Florin Marculescu from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
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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 love cars. Growing up I started collecting 1:64 Matchbox, Majorette, Siku, etc, later on, I got into the 1:24 Bburagos and Revells, then graduated to 1:18. I bought my first 1:18 in 1998 which is almost 23 years ago. My collection was almost 400 models, however, I am trimming down to about 320-330.
2) What was your first diecast or memory?
The silver UT Models Porsche 911 GT2 993.
3) What is your favourite scale, and why?
1:18 because of the details and features. Diecast of course. As a side note, what’s the point in having a 1:18 if you don’t have opening features to admire the powerplant and interior details? Might as well switch to 1:43 as they are so much easier to display and most don’t cost over $150/each.
4) What are some of your favourite models to date? Did you share any photos with us?
Older releases such as the AUTOart Mercedes 500SEC, Kyosho Lancia Delta Integrale, Kyosho Audi R8 GT. I haven’t shared pictures of them, but they can be seen on the shelves.
5) Is there a model that has eluded you, a holy grail of sorts?
The AUTOart Jag XJ13 is one of them. Also the AUTOart Lamborghini Diablo SV.
6) What is your favourite brand/manufacturer, and why?
I stopped buying new models in 2015, so I am catching up on the industry. If I had to split between pre-2015 and present it would be a little like Pre-2015: Kyosho, Minichamps for highly detailed models at reasonable prices. Present: Norev, Schuco for the same reasons as above.
7) Describe your current theme and what your overall goal is?
European cars. At the moment I think I will try to upgrade the lower detail models with better ones as they get released/found. I am not sure if I will continue to add newer models of contemporary cars unless I really like them.
8) Do you display your collection? If yes, how?
Great question. A month ago the answer would have been NO! But now I am displaying in 3 double doors Ikea Billy bookcases and a single one. I also have a spare empty single as a reserve, in case my collection grows.
9) Do you have any other hobbies, passions or addictions?
Yes, 1:1 cars. I am a fan of Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen/Audi.
10) What do you think about the diecast hobby as it stands today?
Mixed feelings here. The pluses are that manufacturers like Norev and Solido are releasing great models that are fully featured diecast ones that are attainable. On the flip side, the general move towards sealed, resin or composite bodied models is somewhat disappointing.
11) If you could change one thing about the diecast hobby what would that be?
More competition in the mid-price level field (again fully opening diecast).
12) Do you modify cars? If yes, what are some examples?
A little bit. I could not stand the balloon tires of the Norev 1977 Porsche 930, so I installed a set of Uli Nowak BBS RS wheels and photo-etched brake rotors.
13) What does your spouse, partner or significant other think of your hobby and your collection?
She is very supportive, thank Goodness!!!
14) What is your daily driver?
I have a 1977 Mercedes 450SEL and a 1988 Mercedes 560SEC as my project cars and a 2017 VW GLI for daily driving duties.
A great collection with nice display cases. I like the lighting in the cases and your wall hangings, too. Congratulations, Florin!
Thank you Steven!
Thank you for the feature, DS Team!!!
A real treasure for sure. Super!
Thanks!
Nice collection! Where I can see pics of modified Norev Porsche? What are the exact dimensions of the wheels?
Thanks! You can see the model here https://www.diecastsociety.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=601&sid=71bf28274e4a1b133f1573731b206b8f
For more wheel info go to https://www.modellbau-nowak.de/shop/?cat=c2_Universal-wheel-and-tire-sets-1-18-Universal-wheel-and-tire-sets-1-18.html
Thanks. The 930 is here:
https://www.diecastsociety.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=601&sid=71bf28274e4a1b133f1573731b206b8f
For wheels look up Uli Nowak
Congrats Florin! Great collection and those display cases look fantastic! Never saw th Ikea before. Were they customized?
Thanks! The cases are standard Billy units from Ikea, the doors and glass shelves were purchased separately also from Ikea – you should find them all under the Billy Book case section on their website.
Congratulations on your collection room. The hobby is so much more satisfying to be able and enjoy looking at the gems someone has been gathering over the years. I very much share your view on where the hobby stands and what to add.
Thank you, it’s very refreshing to know that there are others that are like minded.
Very nice collection. Congratulations.
Thank you!
Thanks Florin!
Great collection Florin and I really agree with your thoughts about our common hobby and how it stands today. I also love the 2 vintage Mercedes that you have as project cars, they are both very beautiful and well crafted expensive classic cars. A friend of mine has a 1982 500 SEC in pristine condition, he let me drive it once and the experience was fantastic. Beautiful and classy interior / exterior and the V8 5.000cc provides an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy your collection and your 2 beautiful Mercs and all the best from me!
Thank you, I am happy you were able to experience a classic Mercedes Coupe!