The amazing and captivating works from Racing Dioramics have to be one of the best kept secrets in the field of specialty car models for collectors. The two partners behind the magic are Crittenden Rumford and Nestor Spinelli. I own four of their fantastic works, and am hoping to acquire a few more… if & when I find any!

Racing Dioramics, based in California, specializes in classic Grand Prix and road racing scenes (mini dioramas or vignettes) in 1:43 scale. Their first little scenes were made in the mid 1980s, and by 1990 they started making them steadily for collectors. Currently prices vary from $450-$650, though some can be higher depending on details and degree of difficulty. Considering the work involved and the rarity of each piece, I’d dare say these miniatures represent great value. Today they build commission work of all eras, and some limited editions of only 10-15 pieces per edition. Their waiting list is a long one, hence they are not accepting any new commissions for any dioramas. But a number of driver figures are available to order as are separate jewel-like little helmets, well… that is if you don’t wait too long.​

As a rule, I do not like any models with figures in them or around them, or any of the mass market CMC type of dioramas due to the fact they are most always poorly done, however… the dioramas by RD are a shining exception to that rule. Each scene depicts a real point in time from auto racing history. These vignettes are truly miniature works of art. Crittenden’s amazing ability to give life to her figures is more than impressive. Combining that with her partner Nestor’s great talent to create the rest of the scene and build the cars is a winning combination. Crittenden tells me that for the cars: “Nestor uses existing kits and modifies them if needed. Sometimes he makes his own model for a diorama. [Nestor has made a number of exclusive RD model cars for their scenes] The driver figures are hand carved, and custom fitted for each diorama. We don’t make many of any one subject. Usually one-offs or just a handful at most.” And keep in mind, the cars shown on these pages are only about 3.5" long.

stakingly carved & hand painted, by Crittenden; no CAD or any sort of 3D modeling. The oh-so accurate faces, period clothing, helmets, and gloves.....even their goggles have separate clear lenses! Folds in clothing, girth of some drivers like González and positions of hands, arms and bodies perfectly replicates the drivers in action, or they could be stepping out, or standing, or waiting in the cockpit for a race to start. No matter the pose, they have life. Each racing car is hand built (some from long out of production rare limited run European kits), beautifully finished, and with many custom added details; some have featured hand-laced wire wheels by Vincenzo Bosica. Each detailed display was, and is, created by hand. 

Over the years RD have produced a few thousand pieces, the vast majority, past & present, are custom one, two or three of a kind. Most are genuinely one-of-a-kind. Previous limited-edition series ran no more than 30 of each, often less. 

If you can’t find one of their full dioramas at the moment (which you most likely cannot), I strongly suggest the following: As I mentioned, RD also produces 1:43rd limited run driver figures and helmets. In the past they also made several 1:18 scale driver figures – long sold out. The 1:43rd figures run the gamut, from the 1950s to the modern era of around 2016, and are numbered limited editions of just 25 of each figure. You must see them! To date there have been about 151 figure editions, 76 of which are sold out. 

For each edition, Crittenden makes one original master, which is then molded and cast. Each figure is assembled and detail painted by her, one at a time. These are made on a “to order” basis. Waiting time is several weeks. Prices range from $75-$165.

The helmets are each custom made; there are no edition limits. For any not shown on their web site, collectors just let Crittenden know what they need for their model and she will see if it’s something she can make. Prices range from $28-$75 each, depending on the graphics involved or other level of difficulty. 

After more than 30 years, demand is still very high for everything they make! That in itself is a true testament to the excellence and desirability of their work.  RacingDioramics.us

​Marshall Buck

With all types of collecting, there are always exceptions to the rule. I’ve found that no matter how stringent one may set their guidelines, there will inevitably be at least one (usually more than one) exception. 
This time I have a few examples of these “exceptions.” A few mass-produced gems, some limited-edition junk, and one… that may appear to defy all logic.
Although I have often pontificated, (big word for me) about the virtues of high end very limited-edition hand built, and custom built models, there are also a reasonable number of mass-produced “gems.”  You just have to look a little, but they are out there. Some are current and some are out of production, but can still be found. Conversely, there are quite a number of limited edition doorstops masquerading as collectible models that you should run away from.

There is no guarantee that just because a model is a limited-edition piece it will be good, and no guarantee that a mass-produced piece will be bad, or not good enough to collect. You just have to know the subject and or carefully look to see if the model in question is a really good…or a really bad miniature replica. There are numerous examples on both sides. Just to make this more confusing… there is also no guarantee that a model manufacturer will be consistent in either the good or bad departments. 
Mass gems…
Although CMC is a perfect example of being inconsistent and have produced some real clunkers, they have also struck gold with several of their models, one of which is the 1:18 scale 1938 Bugatti Type 57 SC Corsica Roadster. They produced a few variations, but the one to have is of the restored car. Produced in a run of 3,000 models which CMC laughingly refers to as a “limited edition” (above 250 is NOT limited). This model is close to perfect. It does have a few faults, but over-all they are minimal. I love this model and the real car, still in John Mozart’s collection. Dealers still have them, and many can be found on eBay.

The Danbury Mint who are still in business, but sadly stopped manufacturing their own models in 2013, have produced some of the finest mass-produced models ever. Yes…ever. Their early models were not very good, but in later years (and until the end) they employed a few car guys who were also model car guys. These fellows knew what they were doing and took great pains to do proper research and make great, extremely accurate models. DM’s later pieces were really hard to fault, and the phrase of getting “a lot of bang for the buck” applied perfectly. They made many excellent models.

​The two I am showing are their 1:12 Cadillac V-16 Roadster (issued in 2008), and 1:24 scale “Kookies Kar” T-bucket Hot Rod (issued in 2009) as featured in the 1960s TV show “77 Sunset Strip.”  Both models are superb, highly detailed, and extremely accurate. The Cadillac is so good, it rivals many scratch built models, and was a real bargain when first offered, priced at only 1/3 of where it should have been.

Limited junk…
Two of the current crop of prolific model manufacturers are Top Marques Collectibles (TMC) and Tecnomodel. Both crank out models like sausages, produce their models in China, offer three to six versions of each car, make claims that neither lives up to, and both have an almost perfect score of failing miserably with regard to accuracy and detail. Though once in a great while, each will produce a great and fairly accurate model…possibly by accident. You don’t have to be an expert to find and see the flaws on their models. Top Marques produce their sausages…um I mean ‘models’ in 1:18 and 1:12 scale. Tecnomodel used to make great 1:43 and 1:24 hand built models in their home country of Italy, but that has changed. Now it’s mostly 1:18, all from the Orient. The only plus, or slight win for Tecnomodel is that each version of model is very limited; usually to under 100 of each.

Defying Logic…
Sometimes you find a piece that is oh-so crude, but you are attracted to it, and as a bonus, it carries some significance. Such is the case with the very rare (only 7 models made) 1:24 Nardi Blue Ray I acquired. Each was personally made by Jim Simpson, who had owned and restored the real one-of-a-kind Nardi Blue Ray, which now resides in the Blackhawk Museum. Jim is a very interesting fellow and a model collector too!

I happened to find the piece shown when previewing automobilia lots at Bonhams Greenwich auction several years ago. It was in a box of assorted models… long story, but the auction house and other bidders had overlooked this and other pieces in the lot. Next to it was an enameled “Simpson Design & Development” emblem. I knew I was onto something… I won the lot, love the model, received confirmation of its provenance… and no, it is not for sale.

Marshall Buck

Dealers and manufacturers will often tout special extras or various features to try to emphasize value, which usually do not add any or much value, such as an included display case, and/or parts count, and working features…Well it all depends, there is no simple answer on working features, though with that, you should always consider… How good and accurate are they? No point in having them if they are far out of scale and/or the part(s) appear to have been made by The Three Stooges.

It’s a material issue….
Too many people get hung up on the material a model is made of. Materials rarely matter; resin, metal, plastic (styrene), wood, paper…. Just judge how good (or bad) the piece is based on how it actually looks, and if it rings your bell. You’re not buying a diamond engagement ring here, and the right model will most likely hold its value better. One great “material” example is the 1:12 scale Ferrari 288 GTO by Tamiya. Perfectly accurate, excellent quality, terrific detail, many working parts, top notch fit & finish, beautiful paint finish, and it is almost all plastic including the body… oh and it is also mass produced.  

It’s bad enough that they made one version, but to maximize their financial return on this thing, they created five versions, which they promptly foisted on innocent collectors. Yeah, each has lots of parts, along with lots of flaws. All are very wrong in many ways. It’s a toy at best, or a Franken-pig model. It was not based on any one of the real DB4 GT Zagato’s… It is a combination of several cars, with some fantasy thrown in. It’s easy for any collector to see why it is wrong by simply doing a quick internet search or opening a good Aston Martin book. Do the same when judging any model, it helps.
 
In our next issue I’ll have part III, and will show some of the good (even from CMC) and what to look for. 
 
Marshall Buck

There are many variables with collecting models, which a good many collectors fail to realize; and of course, there is perceived value, good or bad, which always comes into play.

Before we dive in, the first, and most important rule for collecting in general is, enjoy it. The second important rule is, if you have no concerns about value now & selling later, or ever, and you like it and can afford it, then buy it. However… if you want to assemble a good or great collection (with value) then the “second rule” changes!
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Some people make funny comparisons when justifying what they are buying/collecting; either by kidding themselves that a truly overpriced model is worth it, or conversely that a very expensive model is not worth the price. Both are somewhat right but mostly wrong. And, it is simply not only about what someone is willing to pay.

A very savvy collector might think something is too expensive for what it is, and might be right, but just as often, said collector could be dead wrong. You owe it to yourself and to any seller (private or dealer) to do your due diligence. You really need to understand the models in order to make good/informed decisions. The same rule applies to all collectibles.

Two common pitfalls I have seen; both due to lack of understanding & lack of due diligence. Collectors missing out on something that was a once in a lifetime opportunity, or great rarity. The other side of the coin is for those who bought something that was just not a good purchase, or anywhere near as special as they thought. 
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Bear in mind, there is a huge difference between limited edition hand built models that were made in the UK, Europe, and the USA, and the much more common mass market ones cranked out of factories in Asia.  Limited = a couple hundred or less vs. the mass of thousands. Then to make it all a bit more complicated, there are custom built, and scratch built models.

There are too many scenarios to list here, but the most common, inaccurate comparison I have heard time and time again, is... incorrectly comparing a truly limited-edition hand built model to a mass produced one. Can’t tell you how many times I have heard someone try to knock a price down or justify their misguided belief by making a real stretch and comparing two or more completely dissimilar models (or any other items).

​Rarely is one of these comparisons ever valid; most often it’s an “apples vs. oranges” comparison. Sure…. those are both fruits, and they’re round, and grow on trees, but are still completely different. This “stretch” also happens with average & midrange mass market models. 
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Here is what I always look at and consider before I buy. Please note: the rules are a bit different for a custom built or scratch built model…. that’s a future article. OK, in this order: Subject matter, accuracy, overall quality, fit and finish, fine detailing (the quality-accuracy-and fitting of these parts), working parts if any, rarity - is it a hand built Ltd. edition, low/mid volume edition, or mass market, model brand (but this last one is a variable).

Don’t forget your due diligence, and keep in mind: Quality vs. quantity. Buy quality, it wins every time. Add in rarity with quality, and it’s a no-brainer. A low price on something one thinks is substantial in value most often is not, hence the low price. Do NOT buy based solely on the size of the model or how many parts it is made of. Yes, they can add value, but not always.
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Buy the best and you’ll only cry once.
MB

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​1:3 - Five foot long!  
James Bond Aston Martin DB5. 
Created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the movie “Goldfinger” the first Bond film to feature the DB5. Pictured with the model is the late Sir Ken Adam who was the set designer for the James Bond films of the 1960s-1970s. Christie’s in London held an online auction in 2014 for this model and other assorted James Bond collectibles with proceeds going to benefit a UK charity for children. The gold painted model with its 24K gold plated trim, also signed by Sir Ken sold for close to the high estimate at $86,000.  No word on whether or not the buyer paid with cash or gold bars.

Then we have the custom builts or limited runs of 10 or less by some of the master builders such as Alain Bouissou (France), Vincenzo Bosica (Italy), Matsuyoshi Hayakawa (Japan), or Stephen Barnett (UK). Depending on the artist, prices range from about $2,000 to $10,000.

With the wide range of available 1:43 models, even the most persnickety of collectors can find, or at least appreciate some pieces in this scale.

Want something smaller? Yes, I said smaller. Well, there are models in ultra-petite 1:87 scale….under 2” long. I couldn’t resist picking up several. Most of these run from as little as $10. to about $50. and there is a substantial selection.

Conversely…..you can also go wild with a very limited, or one-of-a-kind ‘ginormous’ piece just as one collector did with acquiring a 1:3 scale model of the most famous car in the world….
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Marshall Buck

    

When it comes to anything collectible (models, art, watches, etc), “Limited Edition” is without a doubt one of the most overused and abused phrases. The majority of model manufacturers these days use those two words to imply something is better or more worthy than it truly is.

If more than 250 are being made, then in reality it is not so limited, and if multiple versions of the same item are being made, then it may add up to being less than a good value. With regard to model cars, any edition over 250 pieces is simply not a true limited edition. 

The worst offender I can think of has to be Mattel, with their 1:18 and 1:43 Hot Wheels “Elite” Ferrari models: First came Mattel’s regular mass market runs with no edition claims (that was fine), later they produced slightly more detailed models of the exact same cars, but these were marketed with their “Elite” branding, and claimed to be Limited Editions. Prices went up too.

Printed on the top of each box in bold type was “Limited Edition” in four languages along with the edition size stating - “1 of Up To 5,000” but even more egregious were their many editions of “1 of Up To 10,000.”  Then in search of more victims, Mattel offered up higher priced “Super Elite” models with a bit more detailing and leather display bases, limited to only 2,008 of each..... oh please.

How they ever got away with that, I’ll never know. In conclusion, buy with your eyes open, and buy what you like.
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Marshall Buck