Which Car Model Brand is the Best? A Look on the Best Diecast and Plastic Model Car Brands
If you are a Diecast cars collector, this question at one point may have come across your mind. While there is no direct answer to the question, we all have different preferences and tastes as far as model brand cars are concerned.
The best car model brand depends on your preferences. If you are looking for the one with the highest quality model kit, Tamiya is a good choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for attention to detail in the car models, then AutoArt. Sun star for elegance and detail.
This article will discuss the best car model brands today. You can then pick which your best car model brand is considering out of these brands. As earlier said, everyone has their preference.
Update: I recently made a poll among a community of 24,300 to find the best Diecast Car Model Brand. If you’re interested, please check this post: Which Diecast Car Brand is the Best?
The Best Model Car Brands on the Market
The following are some of the best car model brands in the market.
1. Sun Star
Sun Star is a model car brand dedicated to manufacturing high-quality diecast cars worthy of car collectors. There are several sun star model cars on the market today.
Sun star cars are manufactured on different scales, distinguishing them from the leading car companies. Sun Star model cars are elegant and detailed, making them collection worthy.
2. TSM Model
True Scale Miniatures brand or TSM was founded in 2006. TSM released its first model car into the market in 2007.
The brand model cars feature scale reproductions of Garage Essential.
Their model cars are inspired by iconic vehicles such as Formula 1 and other sports cars.
TSM Company started manufacturing diecast cars in 2008, where it first manufactured a 1:18 scale. TSM diecast cars are manufactured with opening doors, rotating windshields, and tail area. They produce very detailed model cars.
3. Yatming
Yatming car brands are well-crafted model cars that are irresistible. The brand has manufactured its diecast cars for habitual collectors. They are ideal brands for collection as they meet all the qualities of diecast cars out there in the market.
Yatming model cars are far beyond toy cars. Instead, they produce highly detailed vehicles and are perfect as displays.
They look precious, and it is projected that Yatming cars will be worth a lot of money for some years.
Yatming model cars scale ranges between 1:18 and 1:43. They replicate American and European cars as their models.
Currently, there are two famous Yatming cars, the Presidential Limousine and Fire Motors. These two are worth collecting
4. Revell
Revell is a well-known American and German automobile model kit manufacturer.
Revell has been dedicated to designing and regularly delivering quality plastics model kits for nearly six decades.
Their models are very detailed and available on many different scales.
Revell has a wide variety of model kits depending on the modeler’s experience in modeling.
They even have children-friendly model kits suitable for pre-school children, which don’t include small parts and can easily be assembled.
Junior Kits have also been specially designed to meet the needs of children. These kits can give first-hand experience to the modeler and fine-tune their modeling skills in the future.
The company has also tried numerous times to make its models unique.
They’ve produced colorful cars and planes that are simple to put together but practical and durable.
5. Hot Wheels
Hot Wheel is a brand of model cars created by Mattel, an American toy company.
Hot Wheels was Matchbox’s major competition until Mattel bought the Matchbox in 1997.
Several car manufacturers have now given Hot Wheels permission to construct scale versions of their vehicles, allowing them to use unique structure designs and specifications.
Hot Wheels were originally intended for children and teenagers.
However, some of their models, particularly their limited edition models, have risen in popularity among adults.
Examples of these limited-edition models include the Treasure Hunt and the Super Treasure Hunt.
Here is my photo with my 1988 Honda CR-X Super Treasure Hunt.
Who Makes the Highest Quality Model Kits?
Tamiya is the best model car brand that makes the Highest Quality Model Kits. This is because they gave much attention and engineering to their model kits, which makes their models very realistic. Furthermore, their models are easy to build with simple, easy-to-understand instruction manuals.
Tamiya’s quality is top-notch, and their models are nearly identical to the real thing.
In fact, some people also call the Tamiya model’s quality “Museum Items” because of its incredible attention to detail.
Furthermore, their models are very easy to build with clear instructions, and everything you need to build the model is inside the kit.
What’s more, they are not just making car kits. They also have others, such as planes, ships, motorcycles, and tank models.
Many modelers prefer the Tamiya brand when it comes to modeling, such as Tamiya paint, Tamiya Cement, Tamiya Nipper, etc.
Who Makes the Most Detailed Diecast Cars?
AutoArt usually makes the Most Detailed Diecast Cars. In fact, not only does the body of the car look so detailed, but it also is so detailed that even the car’s motor looks very realistic. Furthermore, even the interior of the cars, such as the seat, dashboard, and others, look very true to life.
Most of the diecast AutoArt cars scale is 1:18. They also make slot vehicles in 1:12, 1:43, and 1:64 scales, and also 1:24 and 1:32.
AutoArt features an online diecast collectors club and sells various car-related accessories. Carry-on Items: It mainly sells current model cars and some racing cars.
That is why most collectors love AutoArt because of its incredible attention to detail.
Recommended Read: Did you know why AutoArt produces one of the most detailed model cars? This is because they use a unique way of creating models called AutoArt Composite. To learn more about AutoArt Composite, you may check this post: What is AutoArt Composite?
Who makes the Best Plastic Model Cars?
Tamiya is the best model car brand that makes the Best Plastic Model Cars. The reason for this is their incredible attention to detail that the models look very realistic. Furthermore, their kits are very easy to build and design. That’s why they are the best when it comes to plastic models.
While Tamiya is still excellent, one problem with Tamiya models is that their prices are often fairly high. Nonetheless, they work well together and pay close attention to detail; thus, you get the quality for its price.
However, price-sensitive people can opt for alternatives such as Revell.
“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
