| Model cars are basically a miniature | | | | Miniature cars, or model cars, as they are |
| representation of actual cars, and they are | | | | popularly known, have a common scale of |
| normally a to-scale model of the real cars. | | | | 1:25th, however, some model cars are prepared |
| Model cars are normally made of die cast | | | | at a larger scale of 1:20th. |
| metal and most companies dealing in die cast | | | | |
| metal offer a lifetime warranty for their | | | | Stepping into the Modern Age |
| model cars. Model cars are of several types, | | | | |
| and the best types will have quite some | | | | Maybe the first usage of modern model cars |
| intricate details and movable (but | | | | was in the automobile industry, when AMT and |
| unbreakable) parts, just like the original | | | | its sister company produced 1/25th models of |
| cars. | | | | the popular coaster and friction models. |
| | | | These models were mostly used as a toy for |
| Model cars are prepared from all kinds of | | | | children who used to come with their parents |
| material, right from wood, plastic, resin to | | | | to the automobile shop to buy cars. |
| die cast metal. The die cast metal model cars | | | | |
| are supposed to be the strongest of any kinds | | | | Die cast models are manufactured in various |
| of model cars. They are strong and sturdy and | | | | scales, like 1:18, 1:24, 1:48 and 1:43. |
| take a lot more of wear and tear than other | | | | Today, a die cast model car is created with a |
| model cars. | | | | great amount of detail, as compared to when |
| | | | die cast models first burst on the scene. |
| The First Model Cars | | | | There are several details that vary from |
| | | | model cars of different scales. The die cast |
| While model cars are mostly seen as toys and | | | | model cars created in the 1:18 scale are |
| gifts for children and teenagers, they were | | | | mostly the ones created as the collectors' |
| never designed or marketed as children's | | | | editions. |
| toys. In fact, some models today are | | | | |
| collectors' item and more expensive than any | | | | The prices of die cast model cars vary from |
| other toy in the market. | | | | model to model. Obviously, the price |
| | | | increases with an increase of details and |
| The first die cast model cars were prepared | | | | even graphics. Some die cast model cars are |
| by Banthrico in the late forties. These model | | | | so detailed that they will even have the |
| cars were, of all things, made especially for | | | | decals and other designs that are seen on the |
| the banking industry. Basically, these model | | | | original models. |
| cars were miniature banks, and they were | | | | |
| given to people who opened a new account in a | | | | Today, there are several ways in which you |
| particular bank. The cars had a slot at the | | | | can buy model die cast cars. Most toy shops |
| bottom, through which the bank account holder | | | | will have all the major types of model cars, |
| could put in their loose change. | | | | and you can get quite some relevant model die |
| | | | cast cars. Also, there are several websites |
| The most popular car models at that time were | | | | that cater to people who wish to collect die |
| the Buicks, Lincolns, Packards, Chryslers, | | | | cast models of cars. These websites are known |
| Dodges, Cadillac, Ford and Chevrolet. | | | | to offer the rarest of die cast model cars. |