Tell us what this hobby means to you? 13 questions answered by you, Luis Cantu from Mexico City, Mexico

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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 have been collecting diecast cars since I was 8 years old. Now I´m 61. I got my first diecast around 1959 as a gift from my parents. During the following years I collected about 250 different 1:87 and 1:43 model cars and trucks made by Corgy, Lesney, Sólido and Tekno. Unfortunately, I sold that first collection in 1967, when I felt more attracted by girls, rock´roll and electric guitars. Years later, back in 1984, I purchased a 1:18 Mercedes Benz 300 SL by BBurago, and started my second and current collection, which now accounts 2,146 different 1:18 models and accessories made by AUTOart, Bburago, Exoto, Kyosho, Maisto, Minichamps and Schuco, among others.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

I think my first diecast was a 1:87 Coca-Cola delivery truck made in England by Lesney. I got it as a X’mas gift around 1959.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

My favourite scale is 1:18, because I think it is large enough to appreciate details.

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

I have several favourite models, both classic and current. Among them are the Porsche 917K and the Lamborghini Aventador by AUTOart, the 1961 Ferrari F1 156 “Shark Nose” by Exoto, and the classic Mercedes 190 SL and the E Type Jaguar also by AUTOart. I will send you some photos later.

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

Yes, the 1961 Ferrari F1 156 “Shark Nose”, Car #8 as driven by Ricardo Rodríguez, produced by Exoto’s XS Collection.

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

AUTOart, because of its variety and extensive collection and price / quality ratio.

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

I love all kind and years of cars, so I don´t have an specific theme or goal. My showroom changes themes and brands from time to time.

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

With more than 2,000 models, it is difficult to display all the collection. Furthermore, I keep most part of the models in their original boxes to preserve their value. However I have a showroom where I can display about 30 to 50 models at a time, in some sort of windows I personally designed. I change themes and brands from time to time. The rest of the models are either boxed (mainly the finest, newest and more expensive ones) or in storage out of their original boxes (first purchased models and cheaper brands like BBurago, Maisto, Jadi, Etc.) which I kept well protected from dirt and dust individually enclosed in small plastic bags). All models are perfectly organized by car make and year in alphabetical order. I will send you some photos to better explain myself. I also keep a constantly updated computerized and written registry by car make.

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

Yes. Music and wine.

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

I think it is great, but prices are constantly increasing and that could lead this hobby to disappear. Also, I´m not sure how long a given model may last without losing its properties. I have noted that the paintwork in some old Minichamps’ models have developed little bubbles or spots, and some Kyosho’s plastic parts got dry, stuck and broke, no matter their are well kept away from sun light and humidity.

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

I would like to suggest manufacturers to hear the opinion of the collectors before deciding what kind, versions and colours to develop. Some brands produce exactly the same car, as others are ignored.

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

Not really. Some times I just try to improve their look. For example, I painted black a chromed front grill of a Ferrari Testarossa, to make it more realistic.

13) What is your 1:1 daily driver?

I usually drive a 3 Series BMW during week days, and a Porsche 911 during the weekends.