Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Marcel Slooter from Hellevoetsluis, the Netherlands.

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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 think as a general car guy it is something that occurred naturally. I guess I got my first toy car before I turned one, and got my first 1:18 model more than 25 years ago (I’m 37 now). The collection today contains 160 models in 1:18th scale.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

Tonka/Polistil Ferrari F40. I can’t remember what happened to it, but it’s not here anymore.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

Definitely 1:18. Big enough to get decent details, not so big that it takes up too much space.

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

I guess I have a different favourite model every week, so I can’t really say that I have a particular favourite model or models. I love my CMC models, the details are amazing, but I also very much like the pairing of GT350 Mustangs, the hypercar holy trinity or the Schuco Porsche’s.  But some old UT Porsche’s are still favourites as well…

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

Nope.

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

I can’t just pick one. My most favourite brands are CMC, Schuco and AUTOart. CMC for doing what is the maximum detail possible on 1:18 die-cast models. Schuco for making stunning Porsche’s and Volkswagen’s, for very decent prices. AUTOart for the vast array of models with opening parts and details. That they turned to plastic doesn’t bother me at all.

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

I don’t think there is a specific theme. I guess the goal is to create an overview of the car in general. I don’t collect pre-war and hardly ever take a model twice, like having a coupe and a convertible of the same model, or the same car in different colours. I like the vast variety of the car itself, so the collections will resemble that. Another goal is to keep the number of sealed models as low as possible.

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

Yes. I think there is no point in collecting if you don’t display them, as the models should be enjoyed and looked at. All the models have displayed behind glass or in display cases and in such a way that all the models come into their own. I also like to add memorabilia or booklets etc.

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

Yes, I have 2 dogs, German Shepherds, which I spend a lot of time with. Also, I do some sim racing.

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

I don’t like the ever-growing portion of sealed models. They just don’t do it for me and most of them are well overpriced. If you think not, just open one up and see what you are actually buying. Hopefully, brands like Almost Real are going to make it in the future. That the prices are rising a bit, I don’t really mind, as long as the quality is good.

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

Less sealed models. I get it, that for small production runs of unique editions or rare models, the resin is used. But not for the mainstream models, I think it’s not necessary.

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

Yes, I do. I modified some old models, that are in the collection for a long time, to make them display better, like adding details (brakes, window frames etc) or colour. For example some of my old Bburago models, like the F50 or Maserati 3200 GT. I also made a garage diorama and I’m planning on building a pit box diorama and underground parking diorama as well the next coming years.

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

I’m divorced, so I do as I like.

14) What is your daily driver?

A very boring, company lease Skoda Octavia diesel station. Pretty ideal with 2 big dogs though. Haha…