Some
History on the term 1:18 scale
1:18
scale is the name of a type of diecast model
cars originally produced in the late 1980s,
around the same time that the old-car hobby enjoyed a
huge increase in popularity.
At
the time of the inception of the 1:18 scale, Ertl
and Revell
were selling a limited number of diecast models of cars,
mostly older American models (although Revell Germany
sold a number of diecast German and American models).
ERTL's 1:18 scale line was called "American Muscle"
and through the 1990s, the number of different models
increased exponentially.
By
the mid-1990s, other manufacturers became aware of the
popularity of this scale, and introduced their own lines
of models. These companies included Yat
Ming, Sun
Star, Motor
Max and Maisto.
Often, cars featured in collectible car magazines (such
as Collectible Automobile) were soon the subjects of 1:18
diecast models.
As
time went on, not only did the variety of 1:18 diecasts
grow, but the quality did likewise. Early examples suffered
from poor chrome plating quality, inaccurate interior
details, and body dies that did not accurately reflect
the actual body lines of the cars themselves. Unlike plastic,
which is much easier the shape than metal, some of these
models have heavy lines or shapes that reflected these
difficulties.
During
the early 2000s,
these problems were solved, and the quality and accuracy
of models improved drastically. Today (2006),
many features are found in mainstream, low-priced diecasts
that were only found in models costing upwards of $100.00.
Engine wiring and plumbing, carpeting in the interior,
detailed instrument panels, seatbelts, and photo-etched
details are common even in models costing under $50.00.
Around this time, "premium" manufacturers including
Highway
61, GMP,
AUTOart,
and Lane
Exact
Detail began to offer very high quality, high-detailed
models at higher prices ERTL has recently introduced a
new line of high-detail models in their "American
Muscle Authentics" series, at reasonble prices.
Generally
these models are made with attention to details which
replicate a real model. It will have a working steering
which steer the wheels in larger models. Doors, hood and
trunk that open. Tyres that are mounted on a workable
suspension system. The hood opens to show a detailed engine
complete with a things like an exhaust system and other
items contained in a typical car engine.
In
smaller scales some of the details are elliminated. So
eg in 1:32
or 1:43
scale cars the steering and wheels will not be working.
Likewise only the front doors and hood will be functional,
with non opening rear doors and trunk.
Typically
companies that make such model cars will have a licensing
arrangement with real car manufacturers to make replicas
of their cars, both in current production or of models
no longer produced.
Today,
the lower-priced models are easily obtainable from a number
of diecast merchants, both online and in brick-and-mortar
stores such as Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and K-B Toys (in the
United States). Premium models are typically offered on
the Internet from such sites as Ebay, as well as number
of online diecast stores. Often these stores offer the
models at significant discount from list price. As time
goes on, more and more collectible (and modern) cars become
the subject of 1:18 diecast models, so at this time there
is a very large number of diecasts to choose from. Significant
categories include:
Antique/Classics
(pre-World War II)
Fifties Cars
Muscle Cars (1960s
and 70s)
Modern Cars (1990s
and newer)
Trucks
from all eras
Understanding
Scale
Diecast
Directory
See
ALL 1:18 scale diecast model cars
(in stock and out of stock)
See
only IN STOCK 1:18 scale diecast model cars
