Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Maciej Osowski from Gdansk, Poland.

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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?

It’s hard to tell to be honest – I had model cars since I can remember. But serious collecting and big growth in my 1:18 collection started around 2014. Until that moment I had around 10 1:18 scale models. As of today, I have 88 1:18 cars.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

I believe this was 1:24 Fiat Cinquecento from Bburago. The first one I actually remember getting was 1:24 Maisto Ford Explorer – it was around 1994 or 1995 I suppose.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

I collect only in 1:18 – for me, it’s the best balance of affordability, the number of different models available and the space needed for maintaining the collection. I used to collect some 1:43 (I’ve had around 70 pieces) but realized that I need to stop diversifying and focus on my favourite scale. Since that, I sold all of my 1:43’s.

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

The first ones that come to my mind are Tatra 603 from BoS models and Fiat 126p from Laudoracing. Tatra has got its own picture, 126 can be seen in the Fiat family photo.

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

I don’t have a particular model that comes to my mind right away – there are models of cars that I particularly like, but I don’t think like spending so much money on a single model – the first one that comes to my mind is Lancia Thema 8.32 from Top Marques. I am hoping for the third reissue of Fiat Coupe from OttOmobile – they did 3rd Barchetta, so why wouldn’t they do a third Coupe?  There are 2 cars that nobody did a 1:18 scale model – Fiat Cinquecento and Skoda Favorit – those are the cars that would be money no object for me!

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

The most prominent brand in my collection is Norev – mainly because of their pricing and profile that fills my needs, but as far as my favourite I’d say Laudoracing for the fact that they specialize in Fiat cars, even though I think they are slightly overpriced.

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

I follow a couple of rules that I’ve set for myself – strictly no American cars, no race cars. I’m also not buying models of cars that are in production at the moment and I prefer ordinary cars to supercars.  My only goal is to have more Fiat models as they are my favourite car brand.

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

Yes, as you can see I display them all in Ikea vitrines. I also have one extra vitrine, which I’ve already prepared for some additional shelves. So I think that for the moment I have space for an additional 40 more models.

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

Yeah, I love searching for flight deals and of course visiting those new places.

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

I am not against resin models as some part of the community – I think that because of the shift from diecast to resin there are plenty of new companies that make models of some niche cars.  My problem is the one that everybody points out – constantly increasing prices. I still remember pricing for some models here in Poland around 2010 – you could get AUTOart Millenniums for 30-40 euros, Kyosho F40 and Testarossa were around 60 euros. It still bothers me that I didn’t buy them then!

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

Decrease the prices :D  But apart from that, I’d love to see more models of common cars in common specifications – for example, I have models of Opel Kadett and Fiat Punto – both are GSi and GT specs which were quite rare in real life. I’d love to have them in basic trim, with black, plastic bumpers and wheel caps.  There is an upcoming model of mk1 Ford Fiesta from Norev – I was very enthusiastic about it up to the moment when it turned out to be a model of an XR2 variant.

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

No, this would be disastrous.

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

I live alone so I don’t have to bother.

14) What is your daily driver?

I don’t feel the need to have a car at the moment. I have an old motorcycle though.