Vincent G. - March 2018 • DiecastSociety.com

Vincent G. – March 2018

Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Vincent G. from France.

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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?

Since my youngest age I was fascinated by automobile, I recognized all the models which I crossed on roads.  I started my collection as soon as I was able to buy me my first models in the 90s.  Now my collection represents more than 500 models

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

My first diecast was a Bugatti Type 59 from Bburago, a present of my godfather.  My first purchase were the Dodge Challenger Concept from Maisto, and the Porsche 911 996 Turbo from AUTOart, two opposites in quality!!  My first resin was the Renault Clio Williams from OttOmobile.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

My favorite scale is 1:18, the perfect size for me. 1:43 is already good, but I found too small in cabinets. With 1:18 we can see more details, they look much better at this size. But it misses a little of variety.

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

I shall have no collection if there was only one J ! This question is very hard to answer.
We can be delighted on the reproduction of a model for which we waited for years, or for the exceptional quality of an other one.  The old Kyosho (like the BMW’s) was beautiful. High quality and details for lower price. The same for the Audi RS4 from Minichamps, or the Bentley’s line. Today the « quality » is different.

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

With years I was lucky enough to find all the models which it missed in my themes. It went on for years, but the models are here now. I had several grails over the years, BMW M3 E46 CSl, BMW Art Cars, Maybach’s Dealear Edition, Mercedes SLR McLaren, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX Ralliart, Subaru Impreza Type R and 22B…

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

The same answer as my favorite model, they are many manufacturers.  About the quality that is CMC, the detail of their models is unequaled. AUTOart was a very good, but now I don’t like so much their composite models. In the past, I loved Kyosho and Minichamps, but today I find they do less well. Then in resin models, I really like OttOmobile and GT Spirit. They make unpublished models of very good quality and at contained price.

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

I collect street models only, no race car or prototype. Through years I built up myself several themes, first was the German cars, with Audi, BMW and Mercedes, because I like it. But in German cars is Porsche too, but they are too many models, also I have only 911’s in Turbo and GTxx versions. I like too the European (Ford, Peugeot, Renault, VW) and Japanese (Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, …) sportscars, and British cars (Rolls and Bentley).  I buy whatever I like, regardless of the manufacturer if that goes into my themes. I have from Anson to CMC models. My choices on model start in the 80s, period of my birth.

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

Yes I’ve built homemade cabinets. For more than 500 models we do not find much in trade. And I modified two others for more capacity. They are all with LEDs.

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

Sports, photography, « do-it-yourself » I like to tinker.

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

Since a few years this market took a turning point. Resin arrived massively maybe too many, by exaggerating we see a new manufacturer every month. We can say that there are two markets : diecast with opening parts and closed resin. It’s a pity that the diecast wants to make more margin by making more and more often closed diecast.  There is also a subject of the prices, they are more and more raised. Many people cannot follow any more the rhythm and that’s too bad.  New generation are the composite models too. But I am not convinced of it yet. Opening parts seem fragile to manipulate and there are still defects.

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

I like too the “everyday” or “common” car, but today the manufacturers make it less and less. The manufacturers surf on the fashions, today it’s the tuners like RWB, Rocket & Co., but there is overdose.  Then more cars with opening parts, to really see all details of the model.  Lower prices, that all and young people can collect.

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

Yes I do. But I’m very bad in body painting, I let make this.  I make some improvements and modifications, like BMW M3 E92 GTS (except body painting), the Fairlady Z Nismo Roadster (by making a mix with 2 models)…  I don’t like model kits (because painting of the body!), but I make the Mustang 1/12 from Revell, including the painting!

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

My spouse supports me, she know that’s my passion, she lets me live this passion and respects it.  She doesn’t like specially cars, but she comes with me at toy fair and motor show.

14) What is your daily driver?

I’m driving a Seat Exeo.

9 Responses to "Vincent G. – March 2018"

  1. Scott says:

    I love the display cases very impressive, nice collection

  2. Jonathan says:

    Very impressive. Nice work!

  3. Rafa says:

    Very strong and nice collection and display cases too! Congrats and keep following your passion!

  4. Karsten says:

    Oh, a kindred soul with similar collection preferences! Congratulations on you collection, Vincent! What´s the big wheels on the cabinet in the third picture?

  5. crz says:

    That is one impressive collection!

  6. D N'D-Land says:

    Wow, I can relate to your collection very well. I also love my “everyday cars” & wished that more companies like Norev would keep up this trend..and also stop sealing their diecasts. Great collection & excellent work on those cabinets! Cheers!

  7. Roberto says:

    Really nice job! Love the labels.

  8. Chrisrobbens says:

    Congratulations with this beautiful collection!!
    Nice work with the displays!

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