Collectibles: Searching for those Hard-to-Find Diecast Models
For collectors of any kind, there are always those items that are much sought after, but nearly impossible to find. If they're lucky enough to finally locate them, the price is often exorbitant or there are some other restrictions which inhibit their ability to secure them. With a good deal of patience and persistence, however, even the rarest of these collectibles can be found and purchased without as much difficulty as one might imagine. One simply needs to know where to look.
In the past, people have been pretty much limited to finding rare collectibles at auctions, estate sales and flea markets. Today, much of the searching is done via the internet. Diecast models of all sorts - including those which are considered rare - can be located with the simple click of the mouse on a major search engine.
Suppose, for a moment, that you're interested in locating a specific Formula One racecar diecast model. By going to an online merchant that specializes in this type of model, you'll be able to choose from among a wide variety of rare or hard-to-find models. An example of a site that would carry such items is www.f1models.biz. If, on the other hand, you're more interested in finding rare diecast models of airplanes from Corgi Aviation, you can visit www.planecrazy.biz.
Should you happen to be looking for a diecast model that's considered to be extremely rare, you may have to find specific companies or individuals that handle objects which specialize in items that were produced in a very limited number. If, for instance, you're hoping to add a 1913 Collector's Edition Ford Model T at a 1/16 scale to your collection, you can find this extremely rare model at www.franklindanbury.com. This is a very hard to find diecast model, and they specialize in Franklin and Danbury Mint cars. The price isn't always listed, and you may have to e-mail them for the pricing information, but some collectors are willing to pay higher prices in order to find that one special piece that would make their collection complete.
Maritime enthusiasts who are looking for a diecast model of the RMS Carmania - a very rare Tri-ang ship in 1/1200 scale - would find what they're looking for at www.rubylane.com. With a wide variety of models available, you just may find something else that's on your "love to have" list. Based in the UK, it may require you to pay extra in shipping, and the shipping time may be longer, but will be well worth your while if you can't find the diecast model that you've been looking for anywhere else.
Regardless of what type of model you're trying to find, there's always a way to find it through an internet search. While auctions, flea markets and the other avenues are still used by some, locating those hard-to-find models online is faster and easier - and you may just get a great deal that you wouldn't have found in a brick and mortar environment.
(c) 2005 Dale Stewart - All Rights Reserved
Dale Stewart is a freelance author and diecast enthusiast.