Who says that toys are for kids only? You can still have some fun with them regardless of age and no one can tell you otherwise. It’s a very unique and rewarding hobby that can easily raise your serotonin levels in this dark and dull world. After all, hobbies of any kind are quite beneficial, both physically and mentally, because you get the chance to do something you love. One particularly interesting example of toy collections includes a wide range of scale models due to their lifelike appearance and great detailing.
You know all those fancy cars you used to be in awe of as a kid? The actual ones are still pretty expensive to get and not everyone can afford a lavish car collection but you can most certainly have the next best thing – a scaled-down version of your favourite cars, trucks and virtually any means of transport you can think of. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? You may or may not have heard of these types of toys before but they’re most definitely catching on in recent years. Whatever the case, we’re here to give you all the basic information so that you can start building your collection of high-end plastic model kits. We’ve got your back.
What Are Scale Model Toys?
As previously mentioned, scale model kits are basically smaller versions of real-life vehicles. They’re three-dimensional collectibles that closely resemble their real-world counterparts and as such, they’re quite valuable and different from regular toys. Collectors usually take great pride and joy when assembling and displaying their models. It’s a great exercise for your brain too, because you’re the one that has to put all the parts together to get the final look. And this is exactly what makes this process special and enjoyable.
These plastic model kits come in a variety of sizes, starting from 1:8 and all the way up to 1:87. The choice of size depends greatly on your personal preferences and the type of collection you want to build. The so-called collector’s edition is a 1:43 scale model. This means that it’s 43 times smaller than the actual vehicle. At the end of the day, you don’t have to go for the most sought-after or widely-beloved model if that’s not your cup of tea. Have a look at all the available sizes and decide which one is most suitable for you. After all, your collection is yours only so you shouldn’t feel biased as to what others might think.
What Types of Scale Model Toys Are There?
You can literally find a scaled-down version of almost any type of vehicle out there. Here’s a list of the most popular ones.
Scale Cars
This is a classic option, especially given the fact that there are many car lovers out there. Whether you’re into vintage collectibles or those modern-day models, you’ll surely find something that works for you. Proper assembly of scale model cars is the key to getting the best results.
Scale Aircrafts
If you’re an avid fan of flying and the different types of aircraft that are used to navigate airborne travel, then these types of plastic model toys are the perfect option for you. The level of detail is extraordinary and you’ll have the chance to collect all the major airforce and space shuttles to your heart’s content.
Scale Boats
Seeing as not everyone can afford maritime adventures on luxury boats, you can always collect your favourite models and store them in your home. Or, say you want to have those popular classic boats that were used throughout history and you’re eager to admire their beauty up close. Whatever the reasoning behind it, a scale boat model collection should be enough to satisfy your interests.
Scale Figures
Now this one is interesting because here you have models of people instead of inanimate objects. And not just any type of people, we’re talking astronauts, rally mechanics, street riders and so much more. Sounds really cool, doesn’t it? By getting these along with your favourite vehicles, your collection will be complete.
Key Considerations
We know that you’re excited about starting off with your new hobby but there are still a few considerations you need to keep in mind.
Storage Space
Buying your favourite models sounds good in theory until you run out of places to store them in practice. You should have a designated area in your home where you can safely store your toys and prevent them from breaking or getting damaged. In addition, you can decide between keeping the toys inside or outside the box. If you keep them in the box, they’ll be more protected and won’t get covered in dust that easily. On the other hand, if you decide to take them out, you’ll be able to bask in their glory since they’ll be on full display. It’s up to you to decide which road you want to take.
Cleaning And Maintenance
The good news is that you don’t really need any special tools or equipment to take proper care of your models. Just keep them in a dry spot at room temperature and you should be just fine. Remember to dust or wipe down the toys every now and then to keep them shiny and clean since they’re bound to collect dust particles over time.
