Nov/Dec 2020 edition Issue #13 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine Marshall Buck 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 To read more great columns like this one from model car expert Marshall Buck...
|
I’m back on my soapbox… there are several very common perceptions & misconceptions which I see all the time with collecting good to great models, as well as with selling them. And then, on a lengthy sliding scale, there are always exceptions to the rule, which we don’t have room for here… and I don’t want to bore anyone to death. All of the aforementioned get more complex and confusing if your tastes are eclectic (mine are). |
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.
I’ve previously mentioned other misleading claims made by some manufacturers in my earlier columns, and those also pertain to “perceived value.” And remember, high price does not always buy you quality or value, but in most cases, it does. |
The weigh in….
Weight is important for real racing cars, boxers at their weigh in before a fight, super models on the cover of fashion magazines, and buying roast beef at the deli counter, but NOT for model cars! I’ve heard too many times… “wow this is a great model, it’s so heavy.” Wrong! Many of the “heavy weights” in the model world are barely worth more than the raw material they are made of. Don’t be concerned about “weight,” and don’t tie bricks to any light weight models.
Weight is important for real racing cars, boxers at their weigh in before a fight, super models on the cover of fashion magazines, and buying roast beef at the deli counter, but NOT for model cars! I’ve heard too many times… “wow this is a great model, it’s so heavy.” Wrong! Many of the “heavy weights” in the model world are barely worth more than the raw material they are made of. Don’t be concerned about “weight,” and don’t tie bricks to any light weight models.
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.
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.
This is one of those rare instances where you really get superb value, much more than what you pay for. Metal is not always a good thing. Zamak, the metal used in all diecast metal models is a cheap low end low quality metal, and if it has been contaminated in its mixture, which happens… then models will eventually deteriorate, and the deterioration cannot be stopped… this has happened to hundreds of models. Don’t panic… the vast majority of models made with this metal are still OK. |
The more the better…. Manufactures rave about parts count….’Our model is great because it is made of a million parts.’ Well, truth be told, parts count does not guarantee greatness. That is never, the best or only way to determine the value, quality, or accuracy of a model. Case in point, and I am truly sorry if I offend anyone who bought one of these. The mass produced 1:18 scale Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato model by CMC is the poster child for a good idea gone wrong. Perhaps one of the engineers for this was related to Dr. Frankenstein. |
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
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
To read more great columns like this one from model car expert Marshall Buck...
Subscribe to AutoMobilia Resource
Mar/Apr 2019 edition
Issue #4 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Marshall Buck
Issue #4 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
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!
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.
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!
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.

1:8 scale 1934 Alfa Romeo 8C 2600. Pocher kit, built to an OK standard (better than the majority of ALL built Pochers). Thousands of parts, many working features along with very many poor fitting parts typical of all built Pochers. Never will be worth much, many thousands of these produced, difficult to sell. Price range depending on build quality… $1,200 - $4,500. The one in the photo sold for $1,750 at auction incl. buyers premium.
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.
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.
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.
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.

1:8 scale 1957 Ferrari 315S from MiniDelta, made by Patrice De Conto. Spectacular hand built limited edition. Perfectly accurate. Made in France, sold out edition of 25 models. NO working parts - curbside model, but an exceptional piece of artistry. These do sell quickly on the very rare occasion one comes up for sale. Price range $11,000 to $14,000 and worth it.
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.
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).
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.
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).

Two great looking 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS “tear drop” models from two manufacturers. Light blue is 1:18 from CMC with many working parts, thousands produced in China. Available everywhere for around $450 which is less than list price. The smaller 1:24 scale burgundy car was made by Motor City USA almost 19 years ago, has NO working parts (curbside model), very rare, a highly sought after sold out hand built Ltd. edition of 300 made in the USA. Price range $800 to $900.
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.
Buy the best and you’ll only cry once.
MB
Buy the best and you’ll only cry once.
MB
To read more great columns like this one from model car expert Marshall Buck...
Subscribe to AutoMobilia Resource
Jan/Feb 2019 edition
Issue #3 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Marshall Buck
Issue #3 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Marshall Buck
Whether or not you’re new to collecting models, I would bet you have a preference of scale (size) for models. Of course, not everyone does, though most collectors I know do have a preference, and some will only collect in just one scale no matter how great the model if it’s not in their scale. Which is your favored scale?
1:87, 1:72, 1:64, 1:43, 1:24, 1:20, 1:18, 1:16, 1:14, 1:12, 1:10, 1:8, or even bigger = ginormous scale, which can be in sizes such as 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, or 1:3. My preference is 1:12, but the majority of my collection is in an assortment of all of these scales….except for ‘ginormous.’ With that said, for many years the bulk of my collection was made up of 1:43 models. If you do go for the ‘only this scale’ route, then chances are extremely high you will miss out on more than one special piece worth having. Granted, for some of us, there are space considerations, which may dictate your scale(s), but then again….as collectors (of anything) we can make justifications for a lot…. I say, just keep an open mind, you never know what might turn up. Too small, or just right?…. Sometimes good things, or really phenomenal things do come in small packages. |
There are those among us who are of the opinion that only bigger is better, and that you can’t get much or enough detail in a petite 1:43 scale piece (4” long on average). I beg to differ; just take a look at two examples shown of Alain Bouissou’s amazing custom built 1:43rd Bugatti’s.
The workmanship and artistry is superb. Any Bouissou Bugatti model is worth having. They are exceedingly rare, coveted gems. And yes indeed, they are rather small, but far better and more desirable than many, much larger 1:8th scale models currently produced. Depending on the piece, Bouissou models can range from $2,000 to over $5,000.
The workmanship and artistry is superb. Any Bouissou Bugatti model is worth having. They are exceedingly rare, coveted gems. And yes indeed, they are rather small, but far better and more desirable than many, much larger 1:8th scale models currently produced. Depending on the piece, Bouissou models can range from $2,000 to over $5,000.
Nov/Dec 2018 edition
Issue #2 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Marshall Buck
Issue #2 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Marshall Buck
There are many rarities in the model car market; along with said rarities are countless false claims made every day of the week by model manufacturers and dealers. To make good purchases, you need to do your homework. It helps to get the advice & opinions of a very knowledgeable collector, and/or expert in the field, or a dealer that you trust. Many of us learn the hard way, which can dilute some of the pleasure of this great hobby. I’ll address a couple of the ‘pit-fall’ catch phrases commonly used these days. “Rare” and “Limited Edition.”
The use of the word “rare” in descriptions has become so abused that maybe it should only be applied to cooking food. If a model is one that hardly ever comes up for sale and was produced in small numbers (250 or less), then it is generally considered to be rare, and most certainly if fewer than 100 have been made, it is rare. Numbers don’t lie.
The use of the word “rare” in descriptions has become so abused that maybe it should only be applied to cooking food. If a model is one that hardly ever comes up for sale and was produced in small numbers (250 or less), then it is generally considered to be rare, and most certainly if fewer than 100 have been made, it is rare. Numbers don’t lie.
Once in awhile a model accidentally becomes rare only because it was a dud when new. But that still doesn’t mean you should run out and buy one if you can. Here are two very different examples.
Sept/Oct 2018 edition
Issue #1 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Marshall Buck
Issue #1 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Marshall Buck
Models and toys date back centuries. For real model cars, it may have been just a few miniatures during the 1700s replicating some of the finest horse drawn carriages of that time, and certainly there are a handful from the 1800s. The few that were made would have been for the very well- heeled and royalty. Nowadays the rest of us mere mortals, can acquire some rather fantastic models of all types of automobiles. Most are pieces manufactured from the 1950s to current day, with prices ranging from under $100 to over $100,000.

I have been collecting model cars since I was about 4 years old. Actually, they were toy cars at first (Corgi, Dinky, Solido, and others) and I still have rug burns on my knees from “driving” my fleet across the great land of carpet. There is a significant distinction between ‘toy’ and ‘model.’ Today, I collect mostly high quality, accurately detailed models.... limited editions, custom built one-of-a-kinds, and some semi mass market as well.
My perspective and view on all types of model cars comes from an admittedly unusual combination of factors. I am passionate about automobiles, the work I do, and all types of collecting. For our first issue, I am going to dispense some general information regarding model collecting. The majority of “collectible” automobile models (not kits) have been made from the mid 1960s onward. Be it a one-off scratch built piece, or a production run., some are easily attainable and of course, some are not.
If you are new to collecting (anything), follow this rule: collect what you like, and buy the absolute best you can afford.
The 1:1 collector car market has changed a great deal over the years, and so has the collectible model market. As with the real cars, and anything collectible, there is a great deal of misinformation coming from all directions. There are many factors to consider, and no simple, pat answers. Do your homework, and beware of reviews in model car magazines, as well as the many “arm chair experts” dispensing opinions, advice and information, which is all too often about as accurate as a blind (and certainly drunk) sharp-shooter.
My perspective and view on all types of model cars comes from an admittedly unusual combination of factors. I am passionate about automobiles, the work I do, and all types of collecting. For our first issue, I am going to dispense some general information regarding model collecting. The majority of “collectible” automobile models (not kits) have been made from the mid 1960s onward. Be it a one-off scratch built piece, or a production run., some are easily attainable and of course, some are not.
If you are new to collecting (anything), follow this rule: collect what you like, and buy the absolute best you can afford.
The 1:1 collector car market has changed a great deal over the years, and so has the collectible model market. As with the real cars, and anything collectible, there is a great deal of misinformation coming from all directions. There are many factors to consider, and no simple, pat answers. Do your homework, and beware of reviews in model car magazines, as well as the many “arm chair experts” dispensing opinions, advice and information, which is all too often about as accurate as a blind (and certainly drunk) sharp-shooter.
Collecting Model Cars
Owner of CMA Models, Marshall Buck caters to serious collectors of boutique and high-end model cars.
[email protected]
CMAmodels.com
Archives
October 2020
August 2019
May 2019
March 2019
January 2019
November 2018
September 2018
Categories
All
1:10 Bugatti T-36
1:18 Scale Talbot-Lago
1:3 Scale James Bond Aston Martin
1:43 Scale Bugatti
1:43 Siata
1:87 Scale Model
1:8 Scale Alfa Romeo
1:8 Scale Ferrari
1935 Morgan 3-Wheeler
1957 Ferrari 500 TRC
Model Cars