Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Shinji Nukumi from Tokyo, Japan.

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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 have been collecting 1:18 scale cars for the past ten years. I began with AUTOart, whose remarkable detailing drew me into the hobby.  Today, I own more than 300 models.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

AUTOart Lamborghini Diablo 1:18.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

I collect exclusively in 1:18 scale. The level of detail is superior, and it allows the true lines and proportions of the real automobile to be faithfully reproduced. It is also ideal for collecting a wide range of models.

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

As factory-built models, my favourites are the GMP Ferrari 330 P4, the Exoto Jaguar D-Type plain-colour version, and the 512 BBi.  Among the pieces I have customized myself, the highlights are the 250 GTO 64 Mk2 (based on GUILOY) and the Ferrari 512 BBi (based on Kyosho).

The 250 GTO 64 Mk2 is available as a resin model, but no diecast version with a functional engine exists. Using a GUILOY as the base, I rebuilt the car with a Kyosho 250 GTO engine, metal wire wheels, a fully modified body, and a complete repaint. There is likely only one such model in the world.

I also refined the detailing and paintwork of the Ferrari 512BBi and 365 Daytona, adjusting the body lines to match the real car. I believe it is now the most detailed 365 Daytona model available. I have enhanced the engine detailing of dozens of models.

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

I think many 1:18 enthusiasts can relate — my “holy grail” is the Exoto 1:18 Ferrari 250 LM.  I’ve been waiting for years, but it seems Exoto will never release this model.  The company may have reached its end, which is truly unfortunate.  Fortunately, CMC has now released their own 250 LM, and I plan to add it to my collection soon.

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

I would like to say CMC, but ultimately it has to be Exoto.

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

My original goal was to collect all the legendary cars by era. My major theme was to trace the history of the automobile.  Therefore, I do not buy low-cost models with poor detailing. Even if expensive, I collect only pieces that truly capture styling and detail.

First, I completed every Le Mans winner and runner-up from the 1940s to 1970.
However, after 1971, I felt that Le Mans cars became overly dominated by aerodynamics, losing their purity as automobile designs.

Thus, my post-1970 collection focuses mainly on road cars shaped by Italian car designers.  I believe I have acquired most of the iconic cars. For models that manufacturers never released, I use 3D printing to modify and complete them.  For example, full-open versions of the Countach LP400S and Ferrari 512 BBi do not exist. Kyosho released them, but their detailing is crude, so I modified them myself.

I also created wheels and body parts that manufacturers never produced, using a 3D printer. I do the painting as well. Although I wish to build entire bodies from scratch, I currently limit myself to modifications due to time constraints.  I also improved the detailing of low-quality models to fill gaps in the collection, though I have stopped recently due to time limitations.

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

I arrange them chronologically, as shown in the photos, making it easy to compare rival cars of the same era.  There is a strict chronological rule behind the layout.

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

I have nearly completed my model car collection, so my interest has shifted to wristwatches.  I now apply the metal-working, painting, 3D modelling, and 3D printing skills developed through model-car modification to watch repair and watchmaking. Immersing myself in model cars allowed me to develop a wide range of fabrication techniques.  I buy watches from the 1960s—Omega, Heuer, IWC, etc.—restore their movements, and polish their cases.

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

It has become far too expensive compared with the past, and production lead times are excessively long.  Resin models have increased as a result, but they do not have the same appeal.

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

I would like to see the Ferrari licensing issues resolved.

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

Yes—wheels, engine, paint, adding windows—everything.  I have an airbrush, 3D printer, lathe, and all necessary tools.

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

They think I am crazy!

14) What is your daily driver?

Living in Tokyo, a car is not essential, so I spent the money I would have used on a car to buy model cars instead.  If I had not collected diecast models, I probably could have bought a Porsche.  However, I have no desire to sell my collection—and I plan to have it placed in my coffin with me.