Tell us what this hobby means to you? 13 questions answered by you, Robert Judy from Banning, California 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’ve been a modeler and motorsports fan since the early sixties.  I acquired my first die cast model in 1993. I currently have more than 100 models.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

My first die cast was Mario Andretti’s 1969 Indy 500 winning Brawner Hawk in 1:18 scale by Ertl.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

My favorite scale is 1:18 & 1:12 because they make a more impressive display with various motorsports memorabilia.

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

I really don’t have a single favorite, perhaps Minichmps 1:12 scale Lotus 97T Renault John Player Special that Ayrton Senna  drove to win his first Grand Prix at Estoril, Portugal in 1985.  Also any Porsche 917 or 935.  I am happy to share photos.

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

Yes, Mario Andretti’s Lotus 79 John Player Special with which he won the world championship in 1978. I waited too long to order and they were all gone. I suppose I could find one if I looked hard enough, but I’m sure I’d be paying top dollar.

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

I like Spark for their subjects; vintage Formula One, Le Mans and IMSA-Camel GT. I like resin over die cast. Resin has sharper detail, more realistic.  Also, I prefer curbside models for several reasons;  I don’t consider my models as toys, I don’t roll them around on my desk, opening doors, boots and bonnets, impressing my friends with under-hood detail.  I really don’t care about anything that can’t be seen when the car is buttoned up.  I don’t care about working suspension – I want the model to sit right have the same stance as the 1:1 prototype.  I display my models as they would appear on track, I want realistic gaps where the doors and bonnets meet the body.  When the model has opening features these gaps are usually large and diminishes realism. Curbside (sealed body) models solve this problem because doors and hoods don’t need to open. 

Also costs are reduced by not having to replicate all that under-hood detail.  Perhaps manufacturers could give buyers an option by offering two versions of a particular model; one curbside and one with operating features. This may be solution for collectors on a budget who can’t afford to pay 200 – 400 dollars for a model.  My favorite Spark model is their Martini Porsche 935/70 Moby Dick. They got every detail right on this one, it’ a beauty!  My only complaints with Spark are graphics/decals and non-poseable front wheels. Their decals have somewhat of texture to them, looks like fine sandpaper – not smooth, not glossy. Also there is clear decal between the small sponsor stickers so that several small decals are applied as a unit – not appealing.  

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

Motorsports, motorsports and motorsports.  If the car doesn’t have a number on it’s side, I’m not really interested.  Auto racing has a rich history and many brave drivers have lost their lives in pursuit of glory.  My overall goal?  Just to enjoy my collection and I do enjoy it immensely. I collect what appeals to me, I don’t feel that I have everything produced and I’m not driven by investment values.

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

I feel there is no point of acquiring a collection if it cannot be displayed.  I also collect motorsports memorabilia and it’s only natural to display it with historic scale models.  I have five dust proof glass department store style display cases in which to house my collection.  I put a lot of thought into how each car is posed, I don’t crowd my models together.  I give them plenty of space so they can be enjoyed.

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

Watching motorsports on TV and in person… and Rock & Roll music.

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

I think it’s pretty healthy.  We’ve lost GMP and Carousel 1, but other companies have stepped in to take up the slack producing many historic racing cars.

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

I would like to see companies respond to  their customer’s concerns and criticism.  I know that, on their website, Spark welcomes comments collectors may have.

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

Absolutely!!  I’m a plastic kit modeler from way back. Many models produced are not as accurate as they could be and need a little help.  For instance; people may or may not know that racing cars do not have any chrome plating.  It only adds weight and any extra weight is undesired.  What may look like chrome on the real car is highly polished alloy.  I’ll receive a model with chrome plated parts and it just does not look right.  I brush Testors Dullcote on those parts and the effect is much more realistic.  Also, tires. The sidewalls are usually too shiny and the lettering (Goodyear, Firestone, etc.) is just too bright white.  I have a set of artist’s chalk of various shades of grey, I merely rub my finger on the chalk and then rub my finger on the sidewalls. They look a lot more like the real thing after this treatment.  I do brake lines, hoses, wires, use model paint to detail and modify driver figures to make them look more believable.

13) What is your 1:1 daily driver?

1988 GMC 3500 1-ton commercial work truck.