Diecast or die cast refers to the process of forcing molten metal, under great pressure,
into a die or form to give it a specific shape i.e a model. Although the die casting
process is expensive to set up, once it has been large runs can be produced at a relatively low
cost. The fine texture of the metal and the precision of the die can combine to create very detailed pieces when desired.
In addition to die cast there are other types of metal toys, cast iron and stamped
metal. Companies producing cast iron toys included Arcade, Wilkins, Hubley, Kenton and
Vindex. Stamped metal involves shaping a sheet of steel. Companies producing stamped
steel include Tonka, Buddy L, ERTL, and Nylint.
There are many different types of diecast models :-
Cars and trucks - Automotive models have long been the main stay of the
die cast industry. Companies producing automotive models include big names such as Corgi, Matchbox and Dinky.
In recent years the range of automotive die cast models has increased especially with the
increase in popularity of racing models such as F1 and NASCAR.
Aviation - Aviation models have increased in popularity in recent years and are generally
produced in smaller scales than other vehicles due to size constraints. Military models tend to be the
most popular. Corgi prodce some fine aviation models.
Construction - Construction models have enjoyed increased popularity in recent years and the
range of models is extensive. Almost every type of construction machinery has been modelled. Most of these are aimed at the
collectors market rather than as toys.
Latest Die Cast Model Related Articles
What does scale mean ?
"Scale" refers to the ratio of the linear size of the model to the size of the real object being modeled.
The first model cars appeared soon after the first original cars. In Germany, Märklin, Bing, Carette and other companies already produced detailed tinplate car replicas soon after 1900.
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Diecast or die cast refers to the process of forcing molten metal, under great pressure,
into a die or form to give it a specific shape i.e a model. Although the die casting
process is expensive to set up, once it has been large runs can be produced at a relatively low
cost. The fine texture of the metal and the precision of the die can combine to create very detailed pieces when desired.