Marcin Mateja - March 2021 • DiecastSociety.com

Marcin Mateja – March 2021

Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Marcin Mateja from Częstochowa, Polska, 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?

I think it is started from old American movies. I always liked watching cars in these movies. But adventure with scale models started when I was about 10 years old, from plastic models. For many years I assembled plastic models (cars, planes, motorcycles), I also collected 1:64 cars.  I had various kinds of scale models all my life.  Collecting diecast cars started in 2006 when I discovered 1:18 scale, not toys, but real collectible cars. I started with Mustang, and then was another American car and another.  Today I have 61 cars, most of which are American and Australian, and few European cars. I also have a small collection of American 1:64 cars and trucks.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

I remember very well, it was a 1967 Ford Mustang in gold, by AUTOart. It was something beautiful (and still is).

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

It is 1:18 scale. It is a perfect size, for collecting, and for details.

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

Here are a few: AUTOart 1968 Ford Mustang, Classic Carlectables 1966 Ford Mustang, Classic Carlectbles 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Classic Carlectables 1969 Ford Falcon XW GT Bill Bourke Special, GMP 1970 Plymouth GTX, Biante Holden HQ Sandman, CMC Porsche 901, AUTOart Ford XB Interceptor and few others…

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

Yes, it is Classic Carlectables 1966 Ford Mustang Custom (black).

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

I think it is Classic Carlectables and AUTOart/Biante. Classic Carlectable has great model cars, it is diecast, with lots of detail. AUTOart for great shape and outside details.

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

For 1:18 scale, it would be American and Australian cars, years 60/70.  In 1:64 scale it is American police, most featuring 4 door cars.

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

Yes, of course. It is most important in my collection. I have three special glass-case, two for 1:18, and a smaller one for 1:64.

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

I very like photography, especially of my cars, makes photo sessions for my local forum. I always make it outside, looking for a place that will fit the model car theme. Sometimes I modify photos on the computer.  I also collect airsoft guns (and shoot them), but not military, for sport shooting. I liked comic books and sci-fi books.

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

It is not an easy time for collectors. I personally do not collect resin cars (or I should say sculptures?) so it not a big range to choose from, especially if I am not interested in modern cars. I think that resin cars destroyed the model market, it is the main reason for high prices and low quality. Plastic cars from AUTOart could be a good compromise but are far overpriced (and frankly, sometimes too low detailed) and they are producing only modern cars. So I hope that diecast cars will reborn again.

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

I still waiting for 4 door American cars, especially full-size and luxury cars. American cars (from the ’60s and ’70s) are still forgotten in 1:18 scale, and it is very sad for me.  There were more Muscle cars back in those days.

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

Yes, sometimes it happens. I added few details, or just modify what I do not like in the model.  Examples include AUTOart – Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1985) – lowered front suspension, Classic Carlectables – 1980 Holden VB Commodore ATCC – lowered front suspension, AUTOart – 1967 Ford Mustang – I added details to the engine bay, Highway 61 – 1965 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Hemi – I changed wheels for custom version (street) and added side pipes and last – CMC 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS – I removed central front light, and removes mesh from rest of it. Now it is the civil version. But sadly, there are low-quality lights beneath mesh, so it doesn’t look like I imagined.

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

My wife doesn’t fully approve of it, it is an expensive hobby, especially in Poland. But my son adores the collection. And he has his own “the best” cars.

14) What is your daily driver?

It is Skoda Octavia II, with weak, benzine/LPG engine.

4 Responses to "Marcin Mateja – March 2021"

  1. Terrence says:

    Very carefully chosen, eclectic collection. You have good taste. The outdoor photographs are excellent, particularly the red Corvette.

  2. Jorge says:

    Great collection and I really liked the photos!

  3. flathead says:

    These may be the best model car photos, shot outdoors, that I’ve ever seen, with great use of color, background, and perspective. Your use of background in the green Camaro shot (frame 9) is awesome, and normally seen only in the best fashion photography shots. Frame 13 has perfect placement. The red split window vette at the ocean (frame 14) evokes the feeling that you’re right there, breathing the salt air. Frame 39 displays another great use of color, background and perspective. And frame 56 is yet another flawless use of color, background, and perspective.

  4. Giorgio262 says:

    Lovely collection. It’s nice to spot here and there a few cars that I have too. Loved the outdoors photos.

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