Plastic versus Metal Die-Cast

I would like to pose a question, I’m a journalist for a business mag here in Micronesia and I love building models and making a collection. However, A new shop just opened and it has virtually all the models die-cast you would find in say, ExoctiCar, 1320inc etc. The details on some of these is fantastic, Im just wondering how people feel about working with plastic versus, the new lines of die-cast that seem so real. Just a thought that has been on my mind for a few days, ???[?]

Personally I would rather work on a plastic one due to the fact that customizing it is alot easier. I’m not very familiar with the die cast kits that you are referring to so the level of detailing you refered to may be so goo that they might be better.

Chris: You feel like I do at heart, its just that I see some of this with such fine detailing particulalry some of the rail dragsters in 1/25 complete with engine wiring harnesses and linkages. It simply is amazing. an some from a comany I think it is called autoart is really nicely done. But I love the detailing work! Thanks for the reply back[8D]

I would’nt mind seeing one for sure, who knows could change my opinion. You don’t have a site that shows any of them do you?

Since I’m new to this I don’t think I’m supposed to put company websites out, I’m not sure about that, so I sent you an email. Maybe you can advise me on the rule about that? [8D]

Well, there are some really nice Die-Cast out there. Thing I dont like is that if there is opening doors a lot of them (at least the ones I’ve seen) look pretty crummy. I prefer plastic though. More room for mods. I like to modify and detail.

HEY,
I agree with enzoman. With diecast, there aint much you van do to customize it. Plus, they go together too quick. You are done building it very quick and then you have to spend the money to buy another one. Oh…and ericsay… i would think it would be okay to post a link to a company website as long as the purpose isnt for advertisement.

Randy

ive got some Auto Art cars there good and big but if you put it next to a well done Tamiya kit theres more detail on the Tamiya kit

the only reason i started getting the Auto art cars was becouse you cant get the plastic kits of alot of the subjects they do, ive got a nice Subaru Police Car

heres the link to there site http://www.autoartmodels.com/index.html

The qality of diecast cars has improved out of sight in the last few years. Howver in the small scale (1/43rd) a well built kit will always be better than a diecast, at least that is my experience. However in the larger scales they do have fabulous detail but as mentioned above how many actually have proper door hinges, boot/bonnet hinges etc. At this scale they should have. The gaps between around the opening panels are also generally too much so they have to be displayed open (which is the general idea I suppose because of the level of detail). I’ve also seem many that look very nice but are let down by plastic seatbelts that stand proud of the seats. From my experience for competition cars the detail is “generically” acurate but as many such cars are oneoffs the individual differences seen on the actual car are missing. Now that doesn’t matter if you’re not a detail freak. More and more aftermarket companies are producing detail kits so that different liveries and detail can be added.

My philosophy is if you like it buy it. At least it means you don’t have another kit in the cupboard.

Thanks everybody for the input. I too feel that nothing can compare to a well done Tamiya, some of the diecasts are good, but for me most of the fun is building and detailing the project. Thanks for the advice.[8D]
Eric