Tell us what this hobby means to you? 14 questions answered by you, Jameson Neumann from Michigan, USA.

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

I was always obsessed with cars, engines, and how things worked.  So as I got older, I sought out more detailed replicas along the way.  When I was 16 I purchased a Kyosho RX7 for $25 and kept it in the box.  When I found it was worth much more than I paid, it dawned on me to keep the mass produced cars by Maisto and Bburago loose, but to buy more of this good stuff and keep it in the box.  Today I have over 600 1:18 scale cars.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

The Kyosho RX7 was the first car I kept as a teenager, but I can picture going to KB Toys as a kid and getting the Maisto BMW 850i when I was 9 or 10.  Before that it was all Matchbox and Tonka.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

I focus on 1:18 for its overall balance of price and detail.  I now have about 30 1:12 cars, I enjoy them as well but space and price becomes more of an issue.

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

I have an woode sided AUTOart Jeep Wagoneer that I love.  I also swoon for my 1:12th scale Otto BMW E36 M3.  I am attached to my first CMC which my wife bought for me, an Benz SLR even if I don’t like the car and hate the wheels on the model itself. 

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

I have a few holy grail cars though they are often odd ones.  There was a 1:12 scale mid 90’s Dodge Ram pickup that I always lose out on, an 1:16 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse is another odd one.  More current, I am in need of the Initial D hero cars, the white AE86 and yellow Mazda FD by AUTOart.  I am desperately trying to source a fairly priced Elite A-Team Van!

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

I enjoy AUTOarts, but due to pricing I lately enjoy Norev, Otto, GT-Spirit and Sun Star.  Much of my collection is made up of older pieces from Kyosho, Hot Wheels Elite and the hey-day of affordable AUTOarts. 

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

I used to buy something for being a bargain and let it sit in a box.  Now that I have cars free of boxes(I have them stored), I am collecting with more focus.  I sold off all the motorcycles I had and open wheel race cars.  I am putting my efforts going forward to buy mostly street cars now that I have dedicated cabinets for cars sporting a livery.

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

All of my cars are in my finished basement.  I do not have a single car anywhere else in the house.

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

All my other hobbies still relate to cars.  I enjoy modifying my 1:1 cars very much.

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

I think the hobby is in transition.  The cost of making detailed diecast replicas in countries with proper “finger craft” is only going to continue increasing.  Like it or not, more and more resin is going to be a continued trend.  I have been embracing it as best I can.

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

Price.  I used to be able to buy most AUTOarts for $20-50, then I adjusted and spent $50-70.  Now it seems like an AUTOart is $150-300 on average.  I go for quirky subject matter and that is what resin offers and at agreeable price points.

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

I leave cars alone but I would paint wheels and do engine swaps when I was younger.  I only tamper with a car now when making a replica of my 1:1 where I will do color/detail changes and wheel swaps.

13) What does your spouse, partner or significant other think of your hobby and your collection?

I have an incredibly supportive wife who never gives me any grief about collecting.  She goes with me to shows and has bought me some of my best cars.  She gets excited and insists I buy a car if she thinks it’s “pretty”!  She has even mentioned wanting to have her own cars by Danbury Mint and Franklin mint of the vintage she responds to, pre 60’s cars.

14) What is your daily driver?

I have two cars for myself.  My dog carrier/DD is a highly modified 2006 Saab 9-5 wagon with a stick, 1 of 12 made.  My summer DD and toy is a HIGHLY modified ’98 BMW M Roadster.  It has an after-cooled supercharged setup running a lot of boost as well as cams, headers and all supporting hardware.  It’s got the power of a Viper in a Miata sized package.