Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Francesco Greco from Lucerne, Switzerland.
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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?
The passion for cars. This passion has been forged forever, more than 1000 models!
2) What was your first diecast or memory?
1:18 Lexus GS 400 from AUTOart, in black.
3) What is your favourite scale, and why?
1:1. I can drive them :)
4) What are some of your favourite models to date? Did you share any photos with us?
All models in my collection are my favourite models (from AUTOart, BBR, CMC and Almost Real, and let’s not forget Kyosho). Yes, see photos, plenty shared!
5) Is there a model that has eluded you, a holy grail of sorts?
Yes, several. I was too young and without money in the early days of collecting to acquire some of the favourites… Still need the Mercedes-Benz SL 600 from AUTOart in 1:18. Anyone???
6) What is your favourite brand/manufacturer, and why?
AUTOart, never a problem, amazing details.
7) Describe your current theme and what your overall goal is?
All cars, all scales, all years, all colours. My goal? to stop spending money on car models! This hobby is truly an addiction and an expensive one!
8) Do you display your collection? If yes, how?
Yes, abouvt 15% of my collection is on display today. I don’t have any at the moment, the required space to enjoy the whole lot!
9) Do you have any other hobbies, passions or addictions?
Cars and Sports. My main passion, next to collecting, is travelling the world.
10) What do you think about the diecast hobby as it stands today?
A lot of choice, but the quality is not always “wow”. And the price gets more and more expensive.
11) If you could change one thing about the diecast hobby what would that be?
If it were up to me less brands and overall models released. Focus more on the overall quality.
12) Do you modify cars? If yes, what are some examples?
Nope. A car or car model is like a nice lady: have to stay 100% original.
13) What does your spouse, partner or significant other think of your hobby and your collection?
I’m single, no problem. More models!
14) What is your daily driver?
At the moment, I drive a Lexus GS 300. I am considering my next vehicle. Probably LS 430 or 460.
Nice stuff you have there. Congratulations, Francesco! Yes, this hobby is definitely an expensive addiction, especially if you’re just into 1:18 scale like I and so many others are. If we stop buying, though, the hobby would then probably die for us. That would be sad.
Congratulations Francesco for your beautiful collection! Very interesting model cars you have there and as I can see many of them are also in my collection. Moreover, wow for the 1000+ models, I only have 250+ but I am still expanding my collection, as everyday new interesting and beautiful model cars arrive and I want to enjoy this hobby more and keep the spark alive.
Again congrats for your very nice collection and I wish that one day you will get the opportunity to finally add the Autoart SL 600 in your collection. All the best!
A collection of over 1000 models in 1/18 scale is impressive, even if only 15% are on display. I mean, you still need a lot of space for storing all the others. There is one guy who has more than 4000 in 1/18 (plus more in other scales), which requires real estate on palacial or industrial scale to display everything. Then, a couple of 1:1 exotics probably become part of the hobby for any petrol head.
With my modest 350-400 model collection I only get to „drive“ 25% of them on my simulator, which still is a lot of fun (at much less risk and cost), especially when pushing them and yourself to the edge, unlike in a real car.
These are nice! I am in same boat. Have to store some models because I have too many. Like the Autoart Mclaren F1 in Silver. My first diecast was that same car but a Maisto. Nice colors in your collection as well.
Whoa… That’s what I call dedication. Many, many many things I wish to have in my collection.
Francesco, you passion has become so much more than just a hobby – it is almost a calling. When it comes to cars, whether in 1:18 scale or 1:1, you’re like a living encyclopedia: precise, detailed and always up to date.
Your knowledge, your eye for detail and your enthusiasm are truly impressive. I consider myself lucky to share this passion for collecting – and the friendship that comes with it – with you.
Very impressive collection! I feel overwhelmed with my 170 model collection, I can’t wrap my head around 1000!! Congrats!
Ooh, what a classy and attractive collection! Nicely pictured as well. Thanks for sharing, enjoy!
Lovely collection. The Evos look beautiful !