If someone actually told me when I was younger; “Once you grow old, your toys are only going to get more expensive..” then I would have probably not bothered wanting to get old quickly. But smack bang in the face, many years down the line we still love cars. People say that growing old is mandatory, however growing up is a choice. Every man needs a hobby to keep the mind occupied and interest flowing whilst keeping themselves motivated for the daily routine. But why diecast models?
Although for some of the lucky ones, owning actual dream machines are just a signature away, but for the majority of homo-sapiens down on earth, diecast models are the closest opportunity we could get to owning and getting up close and personal with the dream car. We’ve heard it all from others, that these are seen as ‘toys’ but we value it different. They are absolute collectibles and as a hobby, it stands as one of the biggest in the industry.
If you are a collector then you would likely to have heard of Diecast Empire, but if you are not then let us feast your eyes on the miniaturised world of diecast models. From a young age, we would have owned at least one of two Matchbox or Hotwheels car but they were never as detailed to the exact 1:1 model. In fact, there are many replica makers out there now who offer attention to detail by the micrometers, replicating and miniaturing the car’s original figure multiple times smaller.
Diecast Empire was established in 2010, the business kicked off from selling and trading his personal collection on web forums. Back then; choices were limited and there weren’t many varieties in terms of die-cast models in Malaysia. So Kendrew aka MasterLaoda (as most collectors in Malaysia would know him by), the founder and owner of Diecast Empire had to source them from overseas at the start for his own collection. After importing a couple of shipments, it became a business and this was where the trade started. Combining his hobby and business. The response sky rocketed as many diecast collectors supported his venture, whilst helping friends bring in sought after models for their collection.
Today, they represent most of the world known brands in Malaysia as an exclusive distributor including – AUTOart, BBR Model, FrontiArt, MR Collection, TrusScaleMiniatures and more. More recently, Diecast Empire had also ventured into the higher end, Amalgam models. Targeted to arrive their store late March 2014. With growing interest in the hobby here in Malaysia, they are convinced to bring in more new and interesting brands onto our shores in the near future, expanding the hobby to its full potential for enthusiasts.
Although the newly opened physical store is stationed in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam; Diecast Empire mainly operates online and the store merely acts as a showroom and a warehouse to hold his growing inventory. As of now, Diecast Empire holds over 3000 models in storage worth close to RM500k.
Yes – that’s right. These diecast models are not cheap. Ranging from an affordable RM25 a pop to the upwards of RM3k; its your choice to pick and choose between the different sizes and attention to detail. From the short interview, Kendrew mentioned that – “The price range of die-cast model is from RM25 for 1:64 scale, up to RM25,000 for 1:8 scale. Most collectors would go for 1:43 and 1:18 scale, which cost about RM150 and RM400 respectively. While some 1:18 scale handbuilt models by Italian would cost more than RM1,500.”
For example; this Pagani Zonda Cinque made by Peako Model costs a whopping RM1280 for what many would see simply as a ‘toy’. But its more than just that…
Don’t for a second think downsizing would save you money either because these resin castings are really expensive to begin with. A 1:43 scale will still set you back five-six hundred ringgits.
Each piece of die-cast model involves the input of several hundred trained pair of hands applying their skills throughout the production process. From a collector’s point of view, for a die-cast model to be deemed as ‘good quality’, it must satisfy the following basic requirements: the model should replicate the model’s original figure as closely as possible. At the same time, the body should be painted evenly and in a consistent shade without ripples or peeling effect that would detriment the beauty of the casting. Fittings of accessories like the chrome trim, bumpers and panels should also be aligned correctly to uphold its standards of quality.
“As we collect die-cast models, we also learn about the culture and history of cars. Once you start collecting, you will never want to stop. We have gatherings once in a while to share and discuss our thoughts on collecting die-cast models” – says Kendrew.
This hobby is a learning experience. The kind that many would appreciate. Especially if you had started at a young age, you will tend to appreciate the value of these collectible items as investing in certain models can also yield great returns in time.
Once you enter the community – you’d be surprised at the sheer size of the market, as there are many collectors alike; however unseen by the eyes of the public. Understand that the interest in cars can flow along more than just the physical 1:1 scale. Many enthusiasts can diversify themselves in so many ways – venturing into hobbies such as automotive photography or collecting miniature models. We are always on the lookout to meet more people like this! Drop us a line won’t you?
Catch Kendrew a.k.a MasterLaoda in future Zerotohundred Magazines as he gives us his exclusive reviews on new diecast models in our upcoming issues. This month, he reviews AUTOart’s 1/18 Toyota Sprinter Trueno ‘Initial D’ version on Zerotohundred Magazine’s Issue 6 this March 2014.
