Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Oliver Frost, Greve, Denmark.

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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?

Always been fascinated by scale models and huge cars I loved my hole life. It all started when I was 8 years old, with a yellow Ferrari F40 bought on a vacation to Italy with my parents. From here on my dad and I started ‘hunting’ for models on all our vacations, and suddenly one model became fifty. When I got old enough to move out, the models got packed away and stored for some years, until one day I got hooked on collection again. All my old models got out of storage and I started getting new ones in the collection.
When I met my wife I had around 220 models. Luckily my wife enjoys the models as much as I do, and she also buys models from time to time. Our collection right now consists of 1.020 models, all 1:18.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

A yellow Ferrari F40 from Bburago.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

My favourite scale is 1:18. The car/model is big enough for you to enjoy all the details.  I really enjoy it when a manufacturer takes the time and effort to include specific details of a car. For example opening sunroof, removable trunk floor with details underneath and so on. 

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

I am a big fan of the older models from AUTOart. Some of my favorites are the Cadillac Series 62 and Jeep Grand Wagoneer which I am very fortunate to have in the collection.  There are two models I spend quite a lot of time searching for.  Also, the older BMW models from AutoArt and Kyosho are high on my favourite list. 

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

The holy grail for me is the Cadillac Series 62, which I luckily have in the collection.  But the two models highest on my wish list are the Honda City Turbo and Lamborghini Espada both from AUTOart.

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

I am a big fan of the models from AUTOart. Both the old and new ones. I can understand the criticism regarding the prices of the new composite models, and I agree that they are a bit high. But the models themselves are stunning in my opinion. I don’t think that AUTOart has made a bad call switching to composite. The details are still there, the paint is excellent and as a bonus, we don’t need to worry about paintrash. 

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

There is no overall goal with our collection. My wife and I buy models of cars that we find interesting, cool or funny. We both have a love for cars from BMW and Lexus, but the only limitation is the scale.  Mostly we focus on road cars and not so much racing cars. 

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

All our models are displayed all around the house. Most of the models are in ‘Billy’ cabinets from Ikea. I have put in LED lights so the cabinets are used to illuminate the rooms.

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

As before mentioned I love cars and have done as long as I can remember.  I collect wristwatches, but not on such a big scale as the scale models. 

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

​I think the hobby is in a good place. Many new brands are popping up and offering some interesting and well-executed models. I am glad to see more and more manufacturers making models that have not been made before.  For us who are collectors, it is easy to share our knowledge and passion via social media which I think is fantastic. I think it is fantastic that there are collectors, like myself, in all parts of the world. 

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

I think I would have more/easier access to models from far away continents, (etc. China). There are so many interesting models out there, but many of them are a pain to get to Europe with our customs.

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

Yes in small doses. I like to add forgotten details to the models and do wheel changes or small repairs. 

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

As mentioned, my wife is one of a kind when it comes to the models. She really enjoys them and on occasion adds new models herself. If it wasn’t for her, the collection would not be as big as it is today. 

14) What is your daily driver?

My daily driver is a 2019 Seat Leon Tourer 2,0 TSI.  I also have a 1990 BMW 850i.