Menu
AutoMobilia Resource
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Writers
  • Magazine
    • Digital Mag
    • Test Drive
    • Read Articles
  • Holiday Gift Guide
    • AutoMobilia Holiday Gift Guide 2024
  • Events
  • Classifieds
  • Store
  • Advertise
  • Email SignUp
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Writers
  • Magazine
    • Digital Mag
    • Test Drive
    • Read Articles
  • Holiday Gift Guide
    • AutoMobilia Holiday Gift Guide 2024
  • Events
  • Classifieds
  • Store
  • Advertise
  • Email SignUp
  • Contact

Psst... want to know  a great secret?

10/18/2020

1 Comment

 
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.​
Racing Dioramics Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Stirling Moss model Car
Racing Dioramics Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Stirling Moss model Car
Above and Left: Made about 20-25 years ago...Stirling Moss driving the 1955 Mille Miglia winning Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with Denis Jenkinson navigating. Jenks wearing eyeglasses and sporting his full beard is also holding and looking at his lengthy & famous pace notes. RD made a total of just three of the Moss & Jenks epic MM win in the 300 SLR. The SLR kit was either from Provence Moulage or Starter, both from France, and both long out of business.

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.
Racing Dioramics Bugatti type 35 model car
Above and Right: Below: Bugatti Type 35 road car: the suave-looking driver has wonderful detail. I especially love his scarf flowing behind in the wind, and his amazing cap made up of thousands of hand painted dots in four colors, all done with a single hair! The beautifully built Bugatti is made up from an SMTS kit from England. Only one of these vignettes was made.
Racing Dioramics Bugatti type 35 model car
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. 
Right: Jochen Rindt, the 1970 FIA World Champion, sitting on his Lotus 49 with his gloved hands clasped. Note the goggles hanging around his neck. This is a one-of-one piece, made well over 20 years ago. The Lotus is a great model with extra detailing, including plug wires on the engine.

Racing Dioramics Jochen Rindt Lotus 49 model car
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. 
Racing Dioramics Ferrari F118C Gerhard Berger Model Car
Below: Another favorite is this one-off model of Luigi Muso sitting in his Ferrari 801 waiting for the start of the 1957 French GP at Reims while he smokes a cigarette…See the hot red tip with a little wisp of smoke rising up. He finished 2nd, behind Fangio. I think the cigarette must have slowed him down! Helmet, goggles and clothing are all correct and in period along with his leather driving gloves, which also have open holes on the knuckles. The Ferrari was built from a Renaissance kit from France.

Left: Looking at this Ferrari F188C, with debris stuck to all four tires and Gerhard Berger stepping out, is like looking at a little 3D photo capturing an exact moment in time. I still expect to see him to continue moving…but he doesn’t, and the steering wheel with curled cord is resting on the front cowl. This is from one of RD’s limited editions, of which less than 30 were produced. I believe the kit used for the Ferrari was a Tameo edition, from Italy.

Racing Dioramics Luigi Muso Ferrari 801 model car
Racing Dioramics Graham Hill Lotus 12 model car
Racing Dioramics Graham Hill Lotus 12 model car
Below: Ever determined, you can see it on his face, José Froilán González piloting his Ferrari 553 Squalo in the 1954 French GP at Reims. Unfortunately he was a DNF after only 13 laps, engine failure. The Ferrari model was built from an old Grand Prix Models kit from England, and greatly enhanced with added details including a rare set of hand laced wire wheels from Vincenzo Bosica of Italy. Only one of these vignettes was built.

Above and Left: Graham Hill was one of the all-time great drivers; though he was a DNF with mechanical failure in a Lotus 12 at the race depicted here, the 1958 Monaco GP. The car and figure are wonderfully detailed, and you certainly know it’s Graham Hill when looking at the face with his signature thin mustache. Another one-of-one made many years ago. That US penny gives a little perspective on the detail in this minute size. The Lotus was built from a John Shinton kit from England.

Racing Dioramics Ferrari 553 Squalo model car
Racing dioramics model car Lotus Jim Clark
Racing Dioramics Jim Clark model car
Above and Left: Jim Clark, 1963 FIA World Champion, turning into a corner in his Lotus 25. Notice the position of Clark’s crossed arms and hands on the wheel & his fingers, still gripping with the thumb of his left hand as he leans and looks into the turn. The Lotus itself is a beautifully made model and perfectly placed on the track, built from a Tameo kit. This scene is from one of RD’s limited editions, of which 30 or less were made.

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...
Subscribe to AutoMobilia Resource

Subscribe!
1 Comment

Perceived Value Part III.  Exceptions to the Rule...Quality, Quantity or Both?

8/1/2019

1 Comment

 
July/Aug 2019 edition
Issue #6 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
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.
Danbury-Mint-Kookies-Kar-CMC-Bugatti-model-cars.jpg
Two exceptionally great mass-produced pieces. Danbury Mint - 1:24 “Kookies Kar” T-bucket with original packaging originally priced at $149. now sells in the range of $250 to $350. CMC - 1:18 Bugatti T-57SC Corsica Roadster. Plenty still to be found in the $400-$500 range.
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.
Danbury-Mint-Cadillac-V16-Model-Car.jpg
Danbury Mint - 1:12 Cadillac V-16. Originally priced at only $495 when new. If you find one now, in good condition, expect to pay $1,200 to $1,500, and well worth it.
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.
Tecnomodel-Aston-Martin-DB3S-Model-Car.jpg
Tecnomodel - 1:18 Aston Martin DB3S. Only 90 of the #22 Spa 1955 winner produced. It is the best of the 4 versions offered, which is not saying much. It’s a place saver at best. Priced between $200-$280 depending on seller’s optimism.
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.
Jim-Simpson-Nardi-Blue-Ray-Model-Car.jpg
Jim Simpson - 1:24 Nardi Blue Ray. Handmade, painted with exact paints as on the real car. Made in 1991. Value? More than a cup of espresso!
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!
Top-Marques-Ferrari-250-TR-Model-Car.jpg
Top Marques - 1:12 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. Any 250 TR is difficult to model well, but it can be done. Unfortunately, there is a lot wrong all over with this one. Looks good from maybe 15 feet away. It works as a toy, but not as a serious collectible. Three versions offered for combined production of 1,000 models. Priced in the $400 range.
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

To read more great columns like this one from model car expert Marshall Buck...
Subscribe to AutoMobilia Resource

Subscribe!
1 Comment

Perceived Value, Part II

5/15/2019

0 Comments

 
May/June 2019 edition
Issue #5 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Marshall Buck
Aston-Martin-Model-Car
1:18 scale Aston Martin “Franken-pig” by CMC. Prices range from $400 - $600 depending on seller and version. Always found on eBay.
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. 
Picture
1:24 scale resin Ferrari California Spyder tied to a brick for “value.” The brick weighs 6 pounds, the model weighs all of 1/2 of a pound. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” and don’t judge a model by its weight.
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.
Ferrari-288-GTO-Model-Car
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.  
Ferrari-288-GTO-Model-Car-In-Pieces
Fabulous 1:12 scale Ferrari 288 GTO by Tamiya. Extensive detail. Still available; prices range from $500 - $700 depending on seller.
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. 
Picture
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

To read more great columns like this one from model car expert Marshall Buck...
Subscribe to AutoMobilia Resource

Subscribe!
0 Comments

Perceived Value Part I

3/1/2019

1 Comment

 
Mar/Apr 2019 edition
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.
1934-Alfa-Romeo-8C-2600.-Pocher-kit
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.
1957-Ferrari-315S-from-MiniDelta_Patrice-De-Conto
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).
1937TalbotLagoModelsMarshallBuck
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

To read more great columns like this one from model car expert Marshall Buck...
Subscribe to AutoMobilia Resource

Subscribe!
1 Comment

It's a Matter of Scale

1/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Jan/Feb 2019 edition
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?
BugattiType54ChassisbyAlainBouissou_ModelCar_MarshallBuckAutomobilia.jpg
​1:43 Bugatti Type 54 Chassis, by Alain Bouissou. Extensively detailed. Brass, copper & aluminum construction. Steering wheel is made of wood. Value $2,800+.
​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.


Read More
0 Comments

Numbers Don’t lie

11/1/2018

0 Comments

 
Nov/Dec 2018 edition
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.
NotRareMarshallBuckAutomobilia
Only one of the items on this plate is rare, and here's a hint: it is not the 1:18th CMC model (thousands were made).
    
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.
BugattiT36ModelCarMarshallBuckAutomobilia
Accidentally rare! Classic Collectibles 1:10th Bugatti T-36. Issue price $495. Value now $1,500.

Read More
0 Comments

Since I was 4 Years Old

9/1/2018

3 Comments

 
Sept/Oct 2018 edition
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. 
1935MorganThreeWheelerModelCarMarshallBuckAutomobilia1935 Morgan Three-Wheeler.
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. 
​


Read More
3 Comments
    Marshall Buck Model Cars
    Marshall Buck

    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

    RSS Feed

Home
Writers
Articles
Digital Mag
Events
Gift Guide

Subscribe
Classifieds
​Store
Advertise

Contact
Privacy Policy

Automobilia Resource LLC
1217 Cape Coral Pkwy East #178
Cape Coral, Florida 33904
Main office: 954-579-5280
Subscriptions: 224-558-8955
Picture
Copyright © 2025     Automobilia Resource LLC.     All Rights Reserved