Die Cast Truck Collection
Diecast Truck Pickup Introduction
Collecting die-cast trucks is a fun and fascinating hobby. Whether you are interested in casual collecting or are a staunch collector, there is something in this hobby for everyone. When starting to collect, or if you are buying a truck for a collector, there is some basic information that all collectors should know about casting trucks.
Diecast Truck Types
While some people strictly collect one type of diecast vehicle, there is a wide range of vehicle types available. Some collectors focus on vintage trucks, and others like to collect trucks from a single manufacturer. Others may focus strictly on one type of truck, such as 18-wheelers, and still others may have an interest in agricultural vehicles or construction equipment. It is important to decide what type of truck interests you the most, so that you can focus your research and purchase.
Die Casting Truck Manufacturers
There are many different manufacturers of die cast trucks. Some of these manufacturers include:
· Norscott – Norscott is the leading manufacturer of Caterpillar diecast construction equipment, as well as other brands such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Case, Claas, Bell, Liebherr and Yale / Hyster.
· Ertl – Ertl is one of the oldest die cast truck manufacturers. Ertl’s primary focus is farm equipment and manufactures John Deere and Case / New Holland farm vehicles.
· Tonkin – Tonkin focuses on highway trucks, mainly 18-wheelers, but its collection also includes log trucks and dump trucks.
· New Ray – New Ray Trucks also focuses on highway trucks, including 18-wheelers and pickup trucks, but their collection also includes specialty trucks such as garbage trucks and tank trucks.
· Yatming – Yatming is a Hong Kong company that manufactures an extensive line of fire trucks and police vehicles in addition to its car lines.
· Corgi – Corgi is a British manufacturer specializing in branded trucks and limited edition collectible vehicles.
· Tonka – Tonka trucks were manufactured more strictly as toys than many die cast trucks manufactured today. Tonka is currently owned by Hasbro, and it now licenses the Tonka name to Maisto for die-cast vehicles. Today’s Tonka trucks include brand name trucks, farm tractors, large rigs, and trucks.
Die Casting Truck Scales
A scale refers to the relationship between the size of the truck model and the size of the actual truck. The main scales for die-cast vehicles are 1:18, 1:24, 1:43, and 1:64. On a 1:18 scale truck, one inch on the die cast truck translates to 18 inches on the actual truck. Some collectors prefer a die-cast toy truck scale, while others collect trucks of a variety of scales.
Die Casting Truck Pickup Resources
Most of the resources for die cast truck collectors are websites created by die cast truck manufacturers and sites developed by other collectors. While manufacturers’ websites can be easily found with a simple search, it is more difficult to locate non-manufacturer resources.