I was strolling through a local Walmart recently (looking for ammo) and as I do most of the time, I looked to see if they had any new 1/18 Maisto bikes, but I got a neat surprise: Model kits, glues and paints were back on the shelf. I have to look back, but I think it has been 6 or 7 years since Walmarts have carried 1/25 model kits.
How it is important for out diecast hobby you may ask? Well, the way I see it, it the past it was a natural progression to go from making model kits, then to getting into budget diecast models and then start buying higher end model. I would say to a one, that all the "old timers" experienced this. But that foundation was built and it led most collectors to appreciate all models not just the higher end ones.
I see that a segment of our hobby has never had that foundation and just think this hobby will bring joy just throwing money at what ever seems popular and exclusive or worse yet, have never seen or heard the actual car, but by golly, they were able to purchase one on their xbox game, so they are now experts on the car.
There is nothing like putting together a miniature version of a car that you admire, the results don't matter, as it could look like a pile of crap, but in your eyes, it is the Mona Lisa.
That feeling is sadly missing in so many "serious" collectors nowadays.
So, in my view, there may be hope. Sure, model kits have not gone away, but the ease of access that WM provides may lead other retailers and who know, maybe we will start seeing 1/18 Maistos and Foundation Hot Wheels once again and perhaps a new generation will emerge.
As I look at this picture, I can't help to notice that there is only one Ferrari and no Lambo...I wonder why that it?
There is hope....there really is hope!
How it is important for out diecast hobby you may ask? Well, the way I see it, it the past it was a natural progression to go from making model kits, then to getting into budget diecast models and then start buying higher end model. I would say to a one, that all the "old timers" experienced this. But that foundation was built and it led most collectors to appreciate all models not just the higher end ones.
I see that a segment of our hobby has never had that foundation and just think this hobby will bring joy just throwing money at what ever seems popular and exclusive or worse yet, have never seen or heard the actual car, but by golly, they were able to purchase one on their xbox game, so they are now experts on the car.
There is nothing like putting together a miniature version of a car that you admire, the results don't matter, as it could look like a pile of crap, but in your eyes, it is the Mona Lisa.
That feeling is sadly missing in so many "serious" collectors nowadays.
So, in my view, there may be hope. Sure, model kits have not gone away, but the ease of access that WM provides may lead other retailers and who know, maybe we will start seeing 1/18 Maistos and Foundation Hot Wheels once again and perhaps a new generation will emerge.
As I look at this picture, I can't help to notice that there is only one Ferrari and no Lambo...I wonder why that it?
There is hope....there really is hope!
