Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Gunther Scheirlinckx from Middelkerke, Belgium.

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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?

Over 20 years ago, late 90’s I went to visit a friend who had a big Ferrari collection and I really wanted something similar. And since we drove Mercedes at home, it was an easy choice. I always wanted to stick to one brand, and back then, the variety wasn’t that big. So I started in 1997 and these days I have around 400 1:18 and 110 1:43 models, all Mercedes.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

My first diecast wasn’t a Mercedes, but a Bburago Lamborghini Countach. Bought it when I was 16 but did not have the money to buy more. I still have that car in the original box. Never going to sell it.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

Still, 1:18, because of more detail, more car for the money. There was a time I wanted to change to 1:43 because the variety and choice were much bigger, but in the end, I stuck to 1:18.

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

My all time favourite is the AUTOart 190E Evo II limited edition. Would like to have it in 1:1 too, but they are really expensive these days, with only 500 made worldwide. Also the CLK LM # 35 by AUTOart is one of them. It took me a long time to find that car. And the yellow L6600 “Deutsche Bundespost” truck by Minichamps. Ultra rare…  You can find them somewhere in the photos…

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

I’m still looking for the Distler 35 HP. Did not buy it when I had the chance. But I think there is going to be a new release of it, so…

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

Not really a favourite. The manufacturer that releases the cars I like is fine.  Sealed or not sealed, diecast or resin. I have to admit that it is not that important to me.

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

I do not have a theme – I collect streetcars, race, F1, trucks… Whatever I like.

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

All the models are on display in IKEA cabinets in one ‘man cave’. I think I’m the only person that enters it.

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

Yep, piano, tv-series, padel (a mix between tennis and squash) and of course 1:1 cars.

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

Difficult, the increasing prices, some times the lower quality of releases, make it difficult to me to keep up. I have to make choices, and since I am not a millionaire, I can’t have them all. For starting collectors I think it has to be hard, certainly if you want to have a big collection.

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

I think everybody would agree, the prices and the fact new models are more and more sealed.  I don’t care much about sealed models, but the fact you can buy a full opening model for 1:3 cheaper than a sealed one, that bothers me.

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

I only modified 2 cars until now, a CLK GTR that I gave a “Diecastexchange 3 years’ livery (loooong time ago) and a C63 estate S204 out of a C63 sedan and a regular C class wagon.

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

They just let me be, as long as I do not exaggerate. They respect my collection. But I can’t remember the last time my wife entered my man cave and I have to girls, not interested in cars whatsoever.

14) What is your daily driver?

What do you think? A Mercedes C350 plug-in hybrid S205 wagon.