What is the Best Nascar Diecast Brand? | A Comparison Of Each Brand’s Strengths
For many collectors, NASCAR is one of the most sought out for collecting. These NASCAR cars are not just collected because of the vehicle. Most of the time, they are collected with the history and its driver in mind. However, there are numerous Nascar diecast brands out there. While Lionel Racing is the official NASCAR diecast brand, they have multiple brands under them and what’s best for you depends on what you value.
If you’re looking for details, Elite diecast is the Best NASCAR Diecast brand. The brand is very meticulous in providing every small detail to replicate the real Nascar stock cars. However, if you prefer model cars that capture important historical moments, the NASCAR classics brand is the best choice.
In this blog post, we are going to talk about these NASCAR diecast brands. Then, I am going to explain where they’re good at. Your job is to determine which matters to you most and align it with the brand’s strength. If you’re asking for my recommendations, I like Elite diecast since I am a fan of detail.
The Best Nascar Diecast Brands
Lionel Racing, formerly known as Lionel NASCAR Collectables, is now the official NASCAR diecast brand.
Since 2011, Lionel has been producing NASCAR diecasts replacing motorsports authentics.
These are some of the NASCAR diecast brands manufactured by Lionel Racing close to NASCAR fans’ hearts.
1. Action Racing Collectables
Lionel Racing’s ARC diecast cars are an essential part of any race fan’s experience.
For the past 25 years, star drivers and teams have promoted Action Racing Collectibles (ARC) cars as the choice of champions.
Lionel Racing merged the ARC Platinum, ARC Gold, and ARC Silver brands into one brand, Action Racing Collectables, in 2018.
From the 1:64 scale cars that both kids and collectors love to the larger 1:24 scale cars that track fans cherish, these souvenirs are unique to the sport and bring fans closer to their drivers.
Diecast Action Racing Collectibles are meticulously produced to replicate what fans see on race day.
Each Action Racing Collectibles 1:24 scale diecast features replica paint schemes as well as intricate parts and pieces.
2. ELITE Diecast
This is the most detailed NASCAR® diecast available today. ELITE diecast, Lionel Racing’s premium 1:24 scale diecast brand, is meticulously designed to replicate every detail of a real NASCAR stock car.
Not only does each diecast body accurately reflect the contour and body shape of the cars seen on the track, but the details under the hood are also incredibly accurate.
Other factors make RCCA ELITE diecast so collectible because each ELITE diecast is meticulously crafted with realistic parts and pieces.
Also, these models are produced in extremely limited quantities, which adds to their collectability.
Select ELITE diecasts are made in high-end plated finishes, adding value and collectability to the finished product.
3. Raced Wins
Every NASCAR driver’s ultimate goal is to take the black-and-white checkered flag and drive the car into Victory Lane.
The precious moment that fans want to remember as well, which is why Lionel Racing manufactures Raced-Win diecasts.
Raced Win diecast, a replica of the winning car in Victory Lane, allows each fan to capture those winning moments and remember them for years to come.
It takes time, patience, and expertise to create a Raced Win replica diecast—that’s what makes it even more valuable.
4. NASCAR Classics
There was a time when racers were as tough as the cars they drove. These forefathers raced to live and lived to race, and it is their competitive spirit has helped to shape NASCAR into what it is today.
NASCAR Classics diecast cars range in time from the early 1940s to the late 1990s to honor those motorsport heroes, and each one captures those crucial moments in the sport’s history.
In 2011, Lionel Racing debuted the first diecast in this line. Every year, at least one NASCAR Classics car appears on Lionel Racing’s annual best-seller list.
5. Autographed NASCAR Diecast
What makes an Autographed NASCAR diecast so collectible?
These autographed model cars allow fans to personalize their collection with one of the most sought-after souvenirs – a genuine signature from a motorsports celebrity.
These diecast cars are also sold in limited production runs, which adds to their collectability.
Each 1:24 scale NASCAR diecast car is signed on the windshield in silver metallic ink, making the signature bold and easily readable.
However, due to the shape and dimensions of the cars, Lionel Racing NHRA diecast may be signed on the hood with an ink color that contrasts with the car’s paint scheme.
One of the most essential factors to consider when purchasing an autographed car is authenticity.
Each autographed diecast must come with a Certificate of Authenticity stating that the car was personally signed by the driver, team owner, or crew chief.
6. Special Finishes
Apart from the standard diecast cars produced by Lionel Racing, several unique cars are highly collectible and highly sought after by NASCAR fans.
One of these items is diecasts with a special finish.
Every year, Lionel Racing offers a standard finish diecast based on how the car performed at the track and several Special Finishes.
Special Finish diecasts have either a special paint additive or are chrome plated to give them a more upscale appearance and feel.
These are also produced in minimal quantities, making them highly collectible.
7. ICON Diecast
The ICON diecast from Lionel Racing is a legendary new finish reserved for the sport’s legendary moments.
Each ICON car is fully plated in gleaming chrome finish — the body, chassis, engine, interior, and wheels — is inspired by the championship trophies that Lionel Racing creates for Goodyear at the end of each race season.
The pieces are then polished to perfection, resulting in a trophy piece that any collector would be proud to own and display.
8. NASCAR Authentics
When it comes to diecast cars and other vehicles, Lionel Racing, The Official Diecast of NASCAR, is the sport’s official mass retail partner.
Lionel Racing’s mass retail line, which includes 1:24-scale diecast cars, 1:64-scale diecast cars, and 1:64-scale haulers, is merchandised under the NASCAR Authentics brand.
NASCAR Authentics diecast cars are available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Meijer, and others.
Top 10 best selling NASCAR diecasts of Lionel racing
- Chase Elliott Napa Chevrolet ZL1
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hellmann’s Darlington Chevrolet Camaro
- Chase Elliott Mountain Dew/ Little Caesars Talladega Win Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Jimmie Johnson Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Chase Elliott Hooters Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Martin Truex Jr. Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry
- Chase Elliott Napa Chevrolet Roval Win Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Chase Elliott Napa Watkins Glen Win Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Chase Elliott Mountain Dew Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Kyle Busch Interstate Batteries Auto Club Speedway Win Toyota Camry
What’s next? For more information regarding the Most Valuable NASCAR Diecast Cars, Feel Free to Check this Blog post: The Most Valuable Nascar Diecast Cars | A Detailed Guide
Source
“Only the things I love”
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So, here are the things I love when taking care of my Diecast Models.
Cleaning the Models
The first we are going to talk about is cleaning the models.
Removing Dust
- Air Brush – For me, this is the best since it not just removes dust but you can use it in painting/clear coating.
- Air Duster – This is a good alternative to Airbrush
- Normal Brush – If you are short on budget, you can use a normal brush. However, make sure that the brush has soft bristles because there are some hard brushes than can cause scratches. That’s why I recommended a good brush that can do the job properly.
Cleaning and Shining Hacks
Well, here are some of my cleaning hacks for removing scratches, oxidation, and so much more.
- Removing Decal Adhesive – Use Goo Gone on those hard-to-remove decal adhesives. It works fast and works like charm!
- Waxing and Polishing – Here is something a lot of people don’t know. Waxing protects the clear coat and paint while polishing shines the model. Instead of buying it separately, use a 2 in 1 to save money. Get this instead.
- Beginner Wax – The wax I recommended earlier is good and provides the best results based on my experience. But a beginner might have a problem especially if they’re not good at applying wax. Solid wax reaching hard to reach surface can be hard to remove. You have two choices here. One is to use a qtips to reach those surfaces, another is to use a liquid wax I recommended.
- Cleaning Wheels, Rubber, Plastic – Do not forget that rubber and plastic surface are quite different, especially in the cleaning process. Just wiping it down won’t do the job. That’s why I use Meguiar’s Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner and Conditioner. Works like charm!
- Make the Wheels Shine! – Making our models look good won’t be complete without tiny details such as shiny wheels! Do not forget this because however small this is, the difference can be as big as night and day.
- Remove Scratches Easily – Tiny scratches are not the end for your model. Here is a simple trick I’ve been using to make my models look scratch-free even without repainting. Use T-Cut.
Painting the Models
Painting Tools
Make sure when you paint models, have these ready.
- Tape – A tape is important if you are painting a straight line. Furthermore, it will prevent your paint to scatter on other parts. I recommend Tamiya Tape since it is really made for models. Furthermore, they stick really well preventing paint splatters.
- Brush (Beginner) – Find a good set of brushes to paint your models. Of course, you can opt for an airbrush but it’s quite expensive.
- Airbrush (Intermediate/Expert) – This will yield a significantly better result than an ordinary brush because you can easily spray the paint evenly. I recommend this if you know what you’re doing.
- Stand(Optional) – Stands are good because it can be hard to manually hold the models while painting. It is optional but in my opinion, the price is well worth it for the comfort it gives.
- Drop Cloths – Drop Cloths will protect your surroundings from the paint.
- Primer – The most common beginner mistake I see is painting models without any Primer. A primer will prevent imperfections such as bubbles or paint not sticking to your models. It is a small price to pay for quality results.
- Clear Coat – A clear coat will protect the paint of your models. This will make the paint last longer. Also, it is the one responsible for making your models shine.
Paints
Of course, you can’t do painting properly without paint. So here are the ones I recommend.
- Acrylic Paint – Good for beginners because it dries quickly. However, it doesn’t produce results as good as enamel paint.
- Enamel Paint – Provides a good quality finish and longer-lasting paint. However, it takes longer to dry and requires expertise to use.
Model Maintenance
Model Storage
- Simple Wood Cabinet – While it doesn’t let you display your models, wooden cabinets are good storage for these models. For one, they are not heat conductors which means that the temperature inside will remain constant and remain cool. Furthermore, they prevent light from reaching the models which can cause oxidation.
- Clear Cabinet with Lock – If you want to display your models, then I recommend this. It closes so dust won’t easily get to your models. I also recommend you don’t put more than 1 model in each compartment since metals are good conductors of heat.
Model Photography
So you want to show off your models to others? Well, I got you covered.
Here is my beginner-friendly model photography tutorial that teaches everything from taking pictures to the editing process.
You will also see me doing hands-on photography in that tutorial.
Here is the link: How to Take Pictures of a Diecast Model or Model Kit | Helpful Illustrated and Video Guide
