Mini Diecast
A Guide to Diecast Toy Collecting
Collecting diecast toys has been a favourite hobby for both children and adults for many years. These mini replicas of full size vehicles have fascinated many generations. Many diecast toys in perfect condition, complete with the original box, special markings and price tags have increased in value enormously. Some of these models were specially made for store openings, launches of new products or special events. They were offered for sale in stores, given as prizes in competitions or sold through catalogs where they could be purchased as sets.
Originally only a few models were produced but over the years they have been manufactured for major racing events, releases of new car lines and to promote cereals, popular drinks and cartoons. All the common vehicles can be found as diecast models including police cars, farm vehicles, ambulances and army tanks.Some popular models include John Deere toy tractors, diecast toy trucks and diecast toy cranes.
The box that the diecast model came with was usually made from thin cardboard or plastic and those models with their original case in good condition are particularly prized. As the boxes were made of flimsy material they can easily be damaged by moisture, sunlight or dirt. Keeping the box in perfect condition is often more of a challenge than preserving the diecast vehicle itself!
Diecast models are often displayed in plastic showcases but some collectors store their prized models in plastic bags or storage boxes. This will keep the cars and boxes dry and away from damaging sunlight. If displayed in showcases the models need to be dusted often with a dry cloth. A damp cloth should not be used on boxes as this can fade the ink or wrinkle the box.
Diecast toys kept over from childhood may be worth collecting if they are examples of rarer models. These include models made for a particular product that is obsolete, or a model made to represent a sports personality. Information on rarity values can be found from speciality magazines, collectors catalogs or your local library. Clubs and conventions are good places to find enthusiasts with the information you need, and to trade, sell or buy diecast toys.
The condition of diecast vehicles may be described as below. Mint generally means that there are no defects or wear marks.
Mint condition - There are no broken, missing or misaligned parts. The paint is perfect and there are no glue marks or other assembly marks.
Mint in Box - These are mint condition models in their original box and packaging.
Mint on Card - These are models still enclosed in the original blister packaging.
Some examples of Diecast Toys that are much sought after by collectors and therefore more valuable include the following.
Limited Editions - These diecast toys were produced in a restricted number and the cast was then destroyed. Limited editions are highly collectible and the number of models produced in the run should be included in the information supplied with the model.
Limited Production Cars - Examples include Matchbox Challenge cars, Treasure Hunt Hunt Wheels, Racing Champion's Chase cars and Johnny Lightening White Lightening cars.
Retired Toy Cars - Toy vehicles that the manufacturer has stopped making. They may decide to reissue the vehicle later with color or detail changes.
Toy Vehicles with Certificates - Vehicles produced by Franklin Mint or Danbury Mint may include Certificates of Title or Certificates of Authenticity.
Diecast toys with their original paperwork and packaging will be more valuable than the same model without the packaging. If you plan to sell a toy vehicle keep the original packaging in as good condition as possible.
About the Author
For more information on collecting diecast toy vehicles and some good deals visit
John Deere Toy Tractors
or
Diecast Toy Cranes
Mini Diecast
 |
 Walthers HO Mini Metals Diecast Greyhound Bus New York GMC PD 4103 187  US $51.99
|
 MINI METALS HO SCALE 50 FORD PICKUP DIECAST TOY VEHICLE MIP US $34.95
|
 GREYHOUND BUS GMC PD4103 12cm long CHICAGO HO 1 87 Scale Die Cast by Mini Metals US $33.53
|
 GREYHOUND BUS GMC PD4103 12cm long LA Dest HO 1 87 Scale Die Cast by Mini Metals US $33.53
|
 BUS GMC TD3610 12cm long yellow LOCAL HO 1 87 Scale Die Cast by Mini Metals US $33.53
|
 MINI METALS HO SCALE 48 FORD CONVERTIBLE DIECAST TOY VEHICLE MIP US $24.95
|
 WOODLAND Scenics OUTHOUSE MISCHIEF HO Scale Die Cast METAL MINI Scene US $16.97
|
 Die Cast Blue Mini Cooper Model Power HO Scale 187 by Model Power US $11.98
|
 Die Cast Yellow Mini Cooper Model Power HO Scale 187 by Model Power US $11.98
|
 Die Cast Red Mini Cooper Model Power HO Scale 187 by Model Power US $11.95
|
 NEW MINI COOPER DR RED BLACK 187th HO SCALE DIECAST US $9.99
|
 NEW 1999 LIONEL DIE CAST METAL WESTERN ALANTIC RAILROAD MINI TRAIN US $9.99
|
 MINI METALS CMW DIECAST 54 FORD F 350 PICK UP RED NEW US $9.13
|
 ctd High Street Diecast 1 87 HO Mini Cooper red black 64 US $8.99
|
 ctd High Street Diecast 1 87 HO Mini Cooper sivr black 62 US $8.99
|
 ctd Welly Diecast 1 87 HO Mini Cooper red black convertible 65 US $8.99
|
 Border Patrol 05 Crown Vic HO Scale Diecast 187 Model Power Mini Collectible US $8.50
|
 US Army Staff 05 Crown Vic HO Scale Diecast Model Power Mini 187 Scale Trains US $8.50
|
 MTA Police 05 Crown Vic HO Scale Diecast Model Power Mini 187 Scale Trains US $8.50
|
 Canadian Pacific Railway Police HO Scale Diecast Model Power Mini 187 Scale Tra US $8.50
|
 Florida State Police Crown Vic HO Scale Diecast Model Power Mini 187 Scale Trai US $8.50
|
 Illinois State Police Crown Vic HO Scale Diecast Model Power Mini 187 Scale US $8.50
|
 Texas States Police Crown Vic HO Scale Diecast Model Power Mini 187 Scale Train US $8.50
|
 California Highway Patrol Crown Vi HO Scale Diecast Model Power Mini 187 Scale US $8.50
|
 1970 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda Purpl HO Scale Diecast Model Power Mini 187 Scale US $8.00
|
 1970 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda Orange HO Scale Diecast Model Power Mini 187 Scale US $8.00
|
who made keychain cap guns?
1970's 1980's 1990's ...Mini, Diecast, working cap gun keychains, looked like real guns, but super tiny. ? where can i get some?
I know the type of keychain you're referring too. I used to love them myself. I remember them being marked "Made in China" on the sides, so I'm sure various manufacturers produced them under contract. Narrowing it down to one particular manufacturer is going to be difficult. I'd love to find some of them myself.