A Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Scale Model Cars

You can never be too old for toys, right? Who are we kidding, model cars are more than just your regular toy. In fact, they’re incredibly detailed and lifelike representations of their real-life counterparts. If you’re a car enthusiast, collecting model toys can pose as an outlet for your growing passion and fascination. No wonder it’s one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Most of us mere mortals don’t have the budget to afford an actual car collection, so scaled down models are the next best thing.

You’re probably giddy with excitement to get started with your new hobby and honestly, who could blame you? It’s quite a rewarding and thrilling experience. If you’re trying to find out as much information as you can before you start building your own collection then look no further because we’ve got everything covered for you.

What Are Scale Model Cars?

Scale model cars are three-dimensional representations of real-world cars. You can even find collectibles that are accurate representations of some of the most popular vintage cars throughout history. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it?

When browsing the stores, you can find scale model cars in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1:8 to up to 1:87. The most commonly used and sought for scale is 1:43, which is also known as the collector’s scale. What this means is that the model car is 43 times smaller than its actual, real-life counterpart. You can’t really go wrong in terms of size, it’s mainly a matter of personal preference. Generally speaking, larger models tend to be more expensive than the smaller ones so make sure you take your budget into consideration before making a purchase.

What Tools Do You Need to Assemble the Models?

These days, model cars come in a pre-packed assembly kit which can consist of over 100 parts. They’re not necessarily that difficult to assemble and you’ll probably have detailed instructions to follow but having the right tools to help you out and make the whole process easier won’t hurt.

The most basic model car kits will require a hobby knife and file to complete the assembly. For more complicated kits, you might need a paint set, masking tape and scissors as well as an assortment of sandpaper just in case. And remember to stay safe with a pair of glasses to prevent injury since you’ll be dealing with miniature shards and car parts.

If you’re only just starting out, we’d recommend getting and assembling more basic kits until you get the hang of it. No need to rush into more extravagant models just because you’re feeling adventurous. You have all the time in the world so take things slowly and chip away at your own pace.

Factors to Consider Before Making a Purchase

Apart from your budget and how much you’re actually prepared to invest in a new hobby, there are a few other things to keep in mind when building your collection.

Storage Space

While we’re sure you’d like to get your hands on all of your favourite models as soon as possible, you need to think about where you’re going to store them once you bring them home. Sure, one model car doesn’t take up too much space but is just one enough? You’re right, probably not.

It’s a good idea to have a designated spot in your home which you’ll use to store your collectibles. You can even design you own shelves to accommodate to your needs. A well-positioned and well-lit display can make a huge difference in terms of presentation. Make sure it matches the surrounding décor for a more cohesive look.

Display Type

Do you want to display your cars inside or outside the box? You might want to put some thought into it. Keeping the models inside the box can prevent dust and other external factors from damaging the surface. By doing this, you can even save up on space by stacking the boxes on top of each other. If, on the other hand, you want to show off the quality and build of your models, you can keep them outside the box in their full glory. In this way, both you and your guests will be able to marvel at their beauty. Bottom line is, there are benefits to both options so it’s up to you to decide what’s more important – preservation or presentation.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Scale model cars don’t require any special attention or pampering but it’s nice to keep them in a safe spot at room temperature to ensure they last you a lifetime. Dust or wipe your models down with a cotton cloth regularly to keep them squeaky clean and prevent tarnishing or potential damage.

Benefits of Scale Model Cars as a Hobby

Literally any hobby you take part in can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being because you get the chance to do something you love. We think it’s safe to say that there’s nothing more enjoyable and fulfilling than that. Collecting and building scale model cars can have numerous benefits for kids and adults alike so there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t take it up as a hobby. We promise you won’t regret it. Hopefully, we’ve given you the information you needed to get started. Happy collecting!