Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Lukas Sack from Hamburg, Germany.

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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?

Well, like many boys I was fascinated by cars since I was 2 years old or something. Since I probably won’t own my dream cars as 1:1, I wanted to at least have some nice authentic replicas to look at. I started serious collecting around 2012, before that I only had a few individual models. At the moment I have around 130 1:18 scale models.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

My first diecast car in 1:18 would either be a Smart ForTwo by Maisto or a Skyline R34 from ERTL (in 2F2F look, back then I wasn’t even aware of the Fast and Furious franchise, I just liked the look).

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

That’s 1:18. I simply love all the details some manufacturers can put into them and I love that you can open the models (well, at least in the past) and take a look at the engine or interior. Plus, they look more stunning when displayed in my opinion.

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

Phew, in general I’d say most of my favourites are from AUTOart and/or Ignition Models. As you might have seen, I kinda like Nissan GT-Rs. The Clubman Race Spec R34 by IG is a stunning model. But apart from the Skylines, I just love the Agera by AUTOart. It’s a really sexy car in real life and I think AUTOart made a great model of it.

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

That’s pretty difficult. I don’t want to belittle any model by having one single favourite. There just so many models I would never even think of giving away… But the aforementioned Agera or IG Skyline come pretty close.

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

At the moment I’d say AUTOart. They simply take up the majority of my models and produce(d) many cars I love. Although I’m not really fond of the current direction they’re going, you can’t ignore the magnificent models they’ve done so far.

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

Current theme is difficult… I started with a few Skyline R34s and models of cars I like in real life. That hasn’t really changed, although I’d say if there was a main focus, it has to be JDM.  My overall goal is to finally stop, but it’s just too difficult. I’m running out of space and it’s not exactly a cheap hobby, but there are so many models I am still looking for (Looking at you, CMC SLR McLaren).

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

Yes I do, in my sleeping room. I have got three display cases seen in the pictures. It started off with the big one, which was basically a simple IKEA shelf outfitted with glass and lights. Unfortunately, the shelf is not available in the colour and dimensions anymore, so I had to get the smaller display cases which somewhat fit to the big one. But still, not enough space to have all the models in them. So I have some models either in their original packaging or in single cases.

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

As you might have seen next to my cars, I also love (military) aviation. I have got four US jets in 1:18 to go along with the cars and several smaller scale planes.
Apart from that I really like 3D modelling and some PC stuff in general.

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

Well, I really dislike the current trend of models feeling cheaper, being completely sealed and/or reaching absurd prices. I know this is a much-debated topic and I can’t really say anything that hasn’t been said already, but if I compare my AA C7 Z06 with the AUTOart Agera, Huyara or even one of the R34 Skylines… It feels kinda off. And although I do have quite some resin models, they simply don’t feel the same.

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

I’d have the focus shifted back on actual diecast cars with openable bits.

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

Well… Not as much as many other probably, but I did some decal work in the past and added lights to a few cars (police Dode Charger, for example). Not perfect, but it’ll do.

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

“Your nuts.”  Haha, well… It’s difficult. But as long as I can keep them (and adding to it every now and then), there’s no problem.

14) What is your daily driver?

Currently I’m not really in need of a car, as I can reach all of my destinations/points of interest with public transportation easily (and it’s not even that bad).