Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, George Falzon from Malta.

We’re always looking for more collectors to feature on DiecastSociety.com Diecast Collector Of The Month (DCOTM). Click HERE for all the details! ** Remember, for your efforts all winning candidates will be mailed a pair of www.DiecastSociety.com decals! **

 

1) What first got you collecting diecast? How long have you been collecting? What is your total model count as of today?

I am very passionate about cars, in general. It is this passion which drove me to take up collection of diecast cars. I started collecting diecast cars fifteen years ago, and am currently the proud owner of 115 diecast models.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

I bought myself my first diecast car fifteen years ago, and yet I am able to recall every single detail of that transaction as though it were just yesterday. It was a yellow Ferrari 550 Maranello (Maisto), a model I have come to prize for its sentimental value in particular. A photo of this model is annexed to this document.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

My favourite scale is 1:18. In fact, all my models are of the same scale. It is the best scale in my opinion, as, at this scale, the model is of perfect size (that is, neither too big nor too small) for its detail to be appreciated.

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

I consider all my models to be amazing, hence their being in my collection. Nevertheless, yes, I do have my favourites, in particular – Bugatti T57 (Award-Winning Version) by CMC; Alfa Romeo Spider by BBR; Mercedes C63 AMG by GT Spirit; Mercedes GLE AMG by GT Spirit; and BMW X6 M Sport by Kyosho. I have also pre-ordered the BMW 435i M Sport by GT Spirit, which should reach me just in time for Christmas. The very fact that I have already pre-ordered it goes to show that it will also be one of my favourites once it becomes part of my collection. Yes, photos of all the above-mentioned models are attached.

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

Yes, there are two actually: the Peugeot 406 sedan 1999 model and the Opel Astra Twintop Coupe Cabriolet in scale 1:18, as so far I have only come across both in scale 1:24. Surprised? I don’t blame you!

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

If I were forced to choose, I believe my favourite brand would be GT Spirit at the moment. The models are meticulously crafted by hand, with a tremendous attention to detail, and they are all limited edition. They are truly worth every cent spent upon them.

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

I collect road-car models, rendering that my current theme. I do not have a goal as such. All I am striving for is a collection which keeps growing. Any avid collector can attest to the fact that there is no finish-line, no particular number of models which could be considered “the perfect number”.

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

Yes, I display my collection in 3 showcases (shelved, and including two turn-tables) lit up by strategically-placed LED lights. I went as far as to collect 1:18 figurines of various founders of automobile manufacturing establishments, which figurines I hand-painted myself. I currently have Enzo Ferrari (Ferrari), Nicola Romeo (Alfa Romeo), Ferdinand Porsche (Porsche), Henry Ford (Ford Motor Company), Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler (Daimler-Benz, subsequently Mercedes Benz), Wilhelm Maybach (Maybach Motorenbau), W. O. Bentley (Bentley Motors Limited), and Jean Bugatti (Bugatti). Although currently housed in a spacious garage, the plan is to give my collection a more prestigious place in my own home once the structural works it is currently undergoing have been completed.

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

Yes, I play football with a local football team, and I am passionate about photography.

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

From what I can perceive through social media, it is quite a popular hobby. I have noticed that many collectors buy models over the Internet, rather than from local vendors. It seems as though collectors are increasingly basing their trust on online vendors, and opting to purchase their models online despite the risks which international delivery of such models might pose. I am one such collector, and I choose to take such risk purely because I find it to be more cost-effective than buying models from local agents in Malta.

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

Well, being a collector, I would obviously desire to have prices reduced; however, I do appreciate the level of precision involved, and I would always choose quality over quantity.

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

No, I have never modified any of my models.

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

I am fortunate enough to have a girlfriend who not only understands my passion, but helps nurture it. She likes cars, and we consider it a win-win situation: she always knows what to get me for my birthday and at Christmas, and I have an ever-growing collection. Get me a diecast model as a present, and watch me turn into a kid in a candy-store!

14) What is your daily driver?

I drive an Opel Astra Twintop Coupe Cabriolet.