By Deutsche Presse-Agentur
Model cars should not be dismissed as playthings: For many a car buff, the miniatures are the next best thing to owning and driving an exclusive dream machine.
The collectibles are an ideal gift for petrol-heads.
The selection available is enormous and prices range from the ultra-cheap to ones costing hundreds of dollars.
Pocket-sized miniatures from Matchbox, Siku and Hot Wheels are sold as toys for children. While they often have charm, most car enthusiasts prefer a scaled-down reproductions of their favourite vehicles in more detail than the toys offer.
Andreas Berse, editor-in-chief of the German model-vehicle monthly Modelfahrzeug, admits that finding the right model is not an easy task.
“Around 2,500 new models come out every year,” he explained. “And that does not include all the variations such as different colours.” Berse admits that no one really knows exactly how many different models are on the market.
Anyone looking to start a collection might like to look to their own personal motoring history for inspiration.
“Many want to have on their shelves miniature versions of cars they once owned,” said Berse.
Scale is an important issue, since 1:87 models measure between four and five centimetres in length and will fit into a matchbox, while 1:18 versions demand ample shelf space.
The scale is expressed as a ratio of the original object to the model. For example a 1:43 car has dimensions exactly 43 times smaller than the original. Around the world, scales of 1:87, 1:76, 1.43 and 1:18 are the most commonly found.
The smallest models are so tiny that fine details can only be distinguished with the aid of a magnifying glass.
Berse believes 1:43 is the ideal scale, “neither too small nor too large, and still well-detailed.” Those models are generally between 8 and 9 centimetres long.
Model cars scaled at 1:18 offer a greater wealth of detail and often have working parts, such as doors which open and engine compartments miniaturized right down to the spark plug cables.
CMC, regarded by fans as most upmarket model car manufacturer, turns out models which are hand-assembled from more than 1,500 parts.
“These are comparable with a mechanical watch,” said Berse. “Each CMC miniature model is a jewel that finds a special place in the hearts of our collectors,” proclaims the firm on its website. The CMC miniatures do not come cheap.
All is not lost for the bargain minded. Models costing around 10 euros (US$12) apiece can still display remarkable fidelity, as Peter Brunner, product manager at German maker Schuco points out.
What all models share is a complicated genesis which involves many hours of precision engineering work.
Sculptors need between six and nine months to create a 3D master model from which production copies are cast or injection-moulded in plastic. The masters are often made of brass.
Many cheaper models are still made today using die-cast technology. Plastic remains the material of choice in Germany’s Wiking series, which are made to the 1:87 scale favoured by European railway modellers.
Most carmakers work closely with the model makers and are keen to see their new models in miniature.
“Companies such as Audi, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz want the models to be ready in time for the launch of the real car,” said Berse. Miniatures often go on display in auto-dealer showrooms.
Potential model buyers should examine models carefully to gauge the quality of construction.
There should be no blemishes on the paintwork and tiny components such as wing mirrors and windscreen wipers should be firmly affixed. These are sometimes supplied in an extra bag for enthusiasts to mount.
Model-car dealers can provide much information, especially on whether miniature replicas of specific prototypes are available. The internet is another source of information and ideal for comparing prices.
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