Model car

A car model or model car is the scaled-down replica of a car. The assembly of such models operated within the context of modeling distributed as a hobby. For each area there is to buy ready-made models.

The range of the car model building is divided into several areas.

Scale models

Scale models are based on the original as closely as possible. Car models are mainly built and assembled. The basic model consists in the larger scales almost always made ​​of metal, the parts ( windows, headlights, tires, wipers, etc. ) are usually made of plastic. Models in 1:87 and smaller are usually made entirely of plastic. Very fine parts such as the radiator grille or windshield wipers are made from photo-etched parts. Racing car models are mostly covered with wet decals to reproduce the authentic racing look.

Worldwide, there are more than a hundred manufacturers of car models, plus there are countless small manufacturers. These represent models in small series (10 to 100 pieces) ago, often the model is here made ​​of resins, not as in the large-volume producers of plastic or metal.

Car models are roughly sorted, collected after model types, model manufacturers and / or scale classes.

In German-speaking standards prevail 1:87 ( H0 nominal size ), before 1:43 ( nominal size 0) and 1:18. In the field of commercial vehicle models ( construction machinery, trucks and buses ) is the 1:50 scale widely used (eg Conrad, NZG, Joal, Tekno, Corgi, etc.). Other notable standards are 1:8, 1:12, 1:32 (especially agricultural models ), 1:64, 1:120 ( nominal size TT ) and 1:160 ( nominal size N).

1:18

The classic measure of "large" models is 1:18. The models will be collected mainly in Europe and North America, where the focus of the model range are. There is also a Chinese domestic market, whose models but - although it is also available outside role models - are rarely offered outside. Especially highly detailed models in this scale consist of more than 1000 items, and even in the lowest price ranges opening doors and hoods, and a steering are common. Many models also have a suspension and an openable trunk.

Manufacturer of 1:18 models include Minichamps, AutoArt, Kyosho, Yat Ming, CMC, Norev, Revell, Sun Star, Bburago, Hot Wheels, Maisto, Welly or Ricko. Some of 1:18 models are created as promotional models for the model manufacturers.

1:24

The Collector 1:24 scale has its origin in the U.S. and is also collected still mainly there today. Around since 2003, is also in Germany a considerable increase in demand for models in 1:24 to feel - mainly due to the current trend of tuning models (eg by Jada ), which are mainly offered in 1:24. At 1:24 models, the doors and the hood can be opened normally.

Models of this scale fit together to make a garden path of the nominal size IIm and therefore are also in demand in this area.

In addition, the scale of 1:24 is used for modeling of stand models made ​​of plastic or Resin. Here are primarily the models from Tamiya from Japan and Revell mentioned.

1:43

1:43 is the scale with the largest selection of models and also the largest overall community of collectors. He is considered the (so-called ) international collector's scale and is actually almost everywhere produced and collected in the world. In particular Japanese models are getting only 1:43 often.

1:43 was in the 1970s and 1980s often mainly as a "toy", eg Gama and Solido, on offer. Many interesting and higher quality models existed until the 1990s, usually only in small series or as a kit for specific manufacturers. Meanwhile, there is a very large and often in direct collaboration with the developed model manufacturers range. The models are much more detailed, but also more expensive than the earlier toy models.

1:64

The generally often referred to as " Matchbox cars " car models in scale to 1:64 (the " toy cars " vary roughly between 1:52 and 1:67 ) are enjoying great popularity especially in children. That's why this spring, usually made ​​of metal and plastic parts, models often fantasy or orient themselves freely on real models. Of course there is also located close to the prototype exploratory models. Major manufacturers are: Siku, Matchbox, Hot Wheels, and Majorette. A big difference to the model car 1:43 scale consists in the fact that in this case the opportunity to play with the car for children is in the foreground, on detail so much emphasis is not placed. For example, at Matchbox, Siku, etc. generally move the vehicles, ie the wheels turn. This is at 1:43 models no mandatory requirement for resin models, it is often not possible to rotate the wheels at all, or they are out of round and " eggs ".

For several years, toy collector models are offered in 1:64 scale except. The produced in China and the U.S. brand " Code 3 " sold firefighters models are finely detailed and rather unsuitable for children.

1:87

Models in 1:87 scale were originally used as features for a model railway in the nominal size H0, have now developed but especially in the German-speaking area to a private collection area. The models are usually made ​​entirely of plastic, since 2000, there are also some models in metal. In this scale, there are some advertising models, especially German automakers.

Metal models in 1:87, there were by the company in the form Schuco Piccolo series already in the 1950s. The time in its detailing quite comparable with plastic models, models were completely displaced in the aftermath of these from the market and were only offered as replicas for collectors.

Since about 2000, however, re-established, among others, the Chinese manufacturers Welly and high-speed die-cast models in 1:87. The models of high-speed are mainly used by Schuco distributed in Europe (as Edition 1:87 ). The models from Welly were until 2007, if they were not redundant to high-speed developments, also from Schuco, since completely sold by Vollmer. In addition, several of these models are also available under other brand names, partly as promotional models in various sectors in the trade. Details that would overwhelm the die- manufacturing, are supplemented with these models made ​​of plastic. The models are priced settled well below the plastic models, where the detailing is much easier. " Drown " In addition, especially in bright colors, the details in the coating. Following a similar concept to work various mainly active in the U.S. market manufacturers such as Classic Metal Works or Model Power.

Function models

Similarly, as stated Scale models, it will be taken in terms of fidelity a cut in order to operate the model by remote control or as a slot car on the race track or may be able to perform some functions. The best-known manufacturers in this regard Carrera, Ninco, Fly, Scalextric and SCX.

Competition models

Driven by electric or internal combustion engines, which are held in a variety of classes worldwide competitions for more than 30 years. Although not always true to the original, there are certainly models that look appealing to the eye. Of course, (Speed ​​models z.Beispiel ) find depending on the class, pure functional buildings.

The Hyracer is the first hydrogen-powered model car in the world.

Refined model cars

Tuning is possible not only in the field of real automobiles. Also in the model car segment, it is a popular hobby. Its spread has been promoted mainly by model car manufacturers such as Jadatoys and more recently Maisto. Also released in 2001 movie " The Fast and the Furious" aroused the enthusiasm of many. For tuning and hence for the corresponding miniature models

Model car tuning is particularly widespread in 1:18 scale. This detail- abundance hard to beat scale offers the most opportunities for modifications. As a basis for tuning finished metal model cars are mostly used, rare plastic kits. These basic models are disassembled and reassembled after making the rebuild. Modifications are often made ​​to the rims, the body and paint as well as the interior. Tuning parts are obtained now in many online model car shops.