Collecting Die Cast Trucks – a Beginner’s Guide
If you’re a kid or a kid at heart who loves to collect model trucks (or you know someone who does), die cast trucks are a great foundation to build a collection around. They have a long history gong back to the 1930′s, and have evolved a great deal since then to become serious collector‘s items. If you want to build your collection but aren’t sure how to start, here’s a beginner’s guide to collecting die cast trucks.
Do you want to specialize? First, consider whether you want to collect only die cast trucks, or if you want cars and other models as well. If you love all sorts of vehicles, than you may want to seek out all sorts of die cast vehicles to collect. If you are a real truck fan though, then specializing is the way to go. Just make sure you know what direction you want to go in before you start buying up a bunch of models and then get stuck with boxes full of models that you’re not excited about.
Then, consider whether or not you favor a particular brand of die cast trucks. Some collectors stick to one brand, while others collect all sorts. If you are buying a piece for the collector in your life, make sure you find out what, if any, brands they prefer. For example, there are avid Tonkin collectors who would never, ever display a Sunstar model in their collection. First Gear fans won’t find a place on their shelf for a Caterpillar.
Also, consider how much room you have and what size model will work best for the way you want to display your collection. Sizes generally go from larger to small, 1:18 scale to 1:64 scale. The smaller you go, the less detail and working parts you’ll have on your models. the larger you go, the more room your collection will take up. Of course, you can create a fine collection with all sorts of sizes, but it’s good to have an idea of what size range you want to stick to.
Once you start collecting, make sure you catalog each and every die cast truck you buy. Why? Because five years from now, you’ll have no idea what models you have! You can buy file folders for each truck and store the receipt, registration, photos and such. or, create a binder and use sheet protectors to store all of your specific truck’s information. many collectors use a box or a milk crate to store their file folders…so you don;t have to get too complex or fancy with it.
You can also create an electronic catalog, and have a file folder for each model you own with photocopies or scanned copies and photos of each truck. A spreadsheet is an easy way to see at a glance which models you have. Just be sure to store all the hard copies of information as well…don’t throw them out! Store your electronic files on an external hard drive, so you don’t lose them if your computer crashes.
Now you’re prepared to start building your collection of die cast trucks! Have fun!
