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Collectible Models

Trains, Planes, Cars and More

It might just be a guy thing, but - at least in my generation, many years ago - we were raised with and loved model trains, cars, planes and boats.

One of the first gifts I every remember receiving was a beautifully hand carved sail boat that I used to take to Central Park in New York along with many other mini-sailors.

But it seemed all young boys loved to play with model dump trucks and cranes, police cars with working sirens, wind up tanks and fancy cars, One of our favorite activities was making plastic plane models and blowing them up with firecrackers.

Christmas wasn't complete without the Lionel trains running around the tree and we were really envious of kids who fathers filled the basement with a complete train layout.

A Brief History of Models

Wooden models of boats and war machines undoubtedly date back many centuries. Ancient architects had to make models of proposed projects in metal or wood to present to their patrons to get funding and support. In many cases they also built scale models of the machinery it would take to complete the project.

Since that time models have come in many forms.

Models made of wood are usually the most complex to make. Wooden models are made to this day. It can take years to complete a replica of an old sailing ship.

Lionel trains made their first appearance around 1900.

Models - The Modern Era

Model trains, planes, trucks etc really became popular after WWII.

Japan sent a lot of cheap brightly painted tin toys to the US. Many had wind up mechanisms. Those that survive in good condition can be worth a lot of money.

In 1946 Tonka Toys began to sell die cast model trucks and construction equipment. They later branched out into cars.

Aurora, followed quickly by other companies, began to sell plastic model kits, also known as scale models, that had to be glued together and decorated in 1946. The first models were war ships, tanks and planes. Now you can assemble models of just about anything - animals, space craft, robots and buildings, being just a few.

Die Cast Models

One of the hottest things in collectibles these days are die cast models. Ranging in scale from 1:18 to 1:43 this beautifully done replicas of boats, planes, fire engines and more are perfect collectibles, especially for those who love motorized vehicles.

They are authentically painted and have features such as opening doors and engine compartments, real steering and period accessories.

They are not very expensive and it is easy to build a colorful collection of whatever genre interests you - old cars, modern planes, etc.

Plastic and Wooden Models

Wooden models can be found for sale. Well made ones can be very expensive.

However if you have some talent, you can buy kits or get blueprints for wood models and make them yourself.

If you are talented, you will find you will have no problem selling them if you want.

I don't think there is much upside to making plastic models - there are too many kits around. Some of the originals might have some value however,

Vintage Models

Older model trains, trucks and cars are quite popular collectibles. Some of the rarer - not necessarily older - models can also be worth quite a lot.

Original Lionel trains and those made prior to the 60's - with cast iron locomotives - are another very popular collectible and have the added advantage of being self propelled.

There are quite a few Model Guides that can help you determine the value of whatever it is you would like to collect.

The Bottom Line

If you love to have models of all the cars or boats you ever owned in your office or study or if you want to relive your youth, model collecting is just the thing for you.

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