Dennis Kwan - February 2013 • DiecastSociety.com

Dennis Kwan – February 2013

Tell us what this hobby means to you? 13 questions answered by you, Dennis Kwan from London, Ontario, Canada

We’re always looking for more collectors to feature on DiecastSociety.com Diecast Collector Of The Month (DCOTM). Click HERE for all the details! ** Remember, for your efforts all winning candidates will be mailed a pair of www.DiecastSociety.com decals! **

 

1) What first got you collecting diecast? How long have you been collecting? What is your total model count as of today?

Before I started collecting I was a big Gran Turismo fan and I was looking for GT memorabilia. At the time there were some special GT stuff out there and during a search on ebay the Gran Turismo Nissan Skyline R34 popped up for a price I couldn’t say no to and that pretty much lifted the flood gates. I’ve been collecting for nearly 9 years and have about 60 models, although this is probably down from about 100 after selling off some to scale down the collection.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

I believe my first diecast was a 1:24 Dodge Viper RT/10 in yellow by Maisto from back in the 90s. 1:24 was the only scale within my price range since my parents would be paying for me so I had quite a few 1:24s back in the day. Of course I played with them all as a little boy and of course they all have broken/bent wheels from pushing them around on the floor. I got my first taste of 1:18 when I got a 1:18 Mercedes SL500 by Revell for my birthday. I still have it and yes it’s broken.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

1:18. The best size and selection. I have a handful of 1:43 but they’re just too small and too expensive for what you get.

4) What are some of your favourite models to date? Did you share any photos with us?

One of my favourite models is my BMW M3 CSL painted in Estoril Blue. I bought it from another diecast member. For the money I could have bought a sealed MR resin but this one is by far more special to me. I’m sort of a M3 nut if you haven’t noticed!

5) Is there a model that has eluded you, a holy grail of sorts?

Surprisingly, nothing comes to mind. I’ve been able to acquire all my holy grails. I am still missing a M3 GTS but who knows when/if that one will come out.

6) What is your favourite brand/manufacture, and why?

I don’t really have a favourite manufacturer. I will buy from whoever makes the model I’m after, namely AUTOart, Kyosho, and most recently Otto now that they’ve been delivering some delicious Bavarian beauties.

7) Describe your current theme and what your overall goal is?

Most recently I’ve slimmed down my collection to a more focused selection. It can still be thinned out some more but I think I have a good grasp. As most collectors who know me, I’m a keen M3 collector but I also share a passion for exotic super cars such as Ferrari. But I always left room for a few exceptions that don’t particularly fit the bill. I still have them in the box though so those might get let go in the future.

8) Do you display your collection? If yes, how?

As much as I can of course! I have three Ikea Detolfs and some AUTOart singles. I’d like to do more but I plan to move soon so I will sit tight for now. I was lucky enough to snap up 5 mint Ikea Bertby displays in my storage waiting to be set-up in my new home. I love these things and it’s unfortunate they were discontinued but I believe they were taken off the market after too many accidents of them falling over so I will be sure to fix them to the wall safely. I should be able to jam 10-14 cars in each one. They’re the wrong colour but I’ll have to refinish the doors before they go up.

9) Do you have any other hobbies, passions or addictions?

I also like to collect money but I’m terrible at it and the government won’t let me have too much of my own money. Diecast is my main hobby but I do have a modest watch collection. I try to keep the number of hobbies limited as money has been tight lately. I suppose one of my hobbies is browsing things I can’t afford; it sure is cheaper!

10) What do you think about the diecast hobby as it stands today?

I think there are a lot of budget brands really stepping up their quality like Welly and Norev (to a lesser degree), and HWE (recognizing it’s not budget but has improved massively). I don’t buy Welly or Norev but I do see them make great strides in quality and I can still remember when people were complaining about their crap quality. They still have room to improve, but I think it’s safe to say they’ll still be here in a few years time. That being said, it’s going to be a very critical time for them to win over new customers given the rising cost of other makers such as AUTOart. I will also give Paragon the benefit of the doubt and hope they get their sh*t together to improve their products, especially at their asking prices.

11) If you could change one thing about the diecast hobby what would that be?

Lower prices!

12) Do you modify cars? If yes, what are some examples?

Just wheels, seats, simple swaps, and whatever is easy. I tried to do more but I’m just not good at it.

13) What is your 1:1 daily driver?

Right now I drive a 2009 Honda Civic. Not great but it gets me around. I was offered a job that required me to have a car. The position started in a few days so as soon as I got the offer I popped down to the local Honda dealer and picked up my car the next day. Somewhat of an impulse buy isn’t it? Right now I’m shopping for a 2009+ BMW M3 coupe.

 

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2 Responses to "Dennis Kwan – February 2013"

  1. joey says:

    Congrats on being picked, nice collection!!!!!

  2. Vi En says:

    Nice! Especially the group of white M3s

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