Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Greg Noss from Garden Grove Califonia, 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?

I’ve always had a passion for cars and an interest in racing. Collecting Diecasts gives me an avenue to own the cars I will probably never be able to afford. I usually tell people this is my lottery car purchase wish list. I currently have 42 cars with two more on preorder.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

My first diecast purchase was actually two cars the AUTOart Mazda 787B and the 1:12 Saleen S7. I waited nearly two years to find the Mazda at a price I thought was reasonable. That was more than 25 years ago.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

1:18 all the way! It is a good size to be able to see a very high level of detail and you can display them in a reasonable amount of space.

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

The original Mazda 787B, Ferrari FFXK, Bugatti Divo, and my Vision Concepts, All of them are in my images.

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

Gumpert Apollo, with a nice build finish. I have found a few over the years but the build finish always left a lot to be desired. Pagani Zonda R (all black) AUTOart made one but it was just too expensive at the time. Now I realize I should have purchased it. A couple of cars that have not been produced as diecasts yet so I can’t exactly say they are elusive, Czinger 21C, Hennessey Venom F5, Rimac Neverra, and Ferrari Daytona SP3 I saw this car in person at Pebble Beach this year (2022).

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

It depends, I own models from AUTOart, they have a great level of detail and affordable prices. Bburago makes some really nice-looking models that are very inexpensive (3 in the collection). Maisto rolls out their entire lineup at Costco so I can pick them up for under $20 each (8 in the collection). I have purchased a more expensive model that has a much lower level of detail and finish. For someone starting out, they are a great way to get something in your collection.

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

My primary focus is collecting Vision GT cars that have been inspired by Gran Turismo and my F1 showcase where I highlight the manufacturers that win the series each year.

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

Yes, the whole collection is on display in my office in custom cases I designed and built.

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

Mountain Biking, Skiing, I like designing and building things, like I said before I have a passion for cars and I am a performance driving instructor so I have been blessed to drive the street version of a lot of the cars in my collection.

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

I love that they are producing some very high-quality models of some very cool cars.

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

Reign in prices and reduce the times to release. The prices are going up pretty quickly so some of the models I would like to acquire are out of my price range.

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

No, I have thought about it but I haven’t.

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

My wife allows my passions as long as I keep things within reason. She does think my office looks really good.

14) What is your daily driver?

2021 Porsche Boxster GTS 4.0.