SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

What really is diecast?

2454 views
12 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Waukesha, WI
What really is diecast?
Posted by David Voss on Saturday, November 29, 2003 5:52 PM
I know this might seem like a silly question, but what is considered diecast? Most of the stuff I've seen called diecast is what I would have thought as being diecast. However, I've seen a bunch of primarily (in some cases 100%) plastic items labeled as diecast. Now I'm confused.

In doing some research I came across the following guide.

Mike's Diecast Tanks and Armour - Beginners Guide
notably the section labeled..."Paper or Plastic?"

David Voss Senior Web Developer Kalmbach Publishing Co. Join me on the FSM Map
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Third rock from the sun.
Posted by Woody on Saturday, November 29, 2003 6:05 PM
I don't know the proper answer to your question, but if I run into a "diecast" made of plastic, I doubt I'd buy it. I collect diecast airplanes and 1:18 cars. I just bought an American Muscle brand Mach 5, Neat-O! www.rcertl.com

" I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." --John Paul Jones
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: USA, GA
Posted by erush on Saturday, November 29, 2003 6:49 PM
In my book, if it ain't diecast metal it ain't diecast. If it's plastic it's just a preassembled model or what ever you want to call it.

I don't know if any body else has my book though...Confused [%-)] or has read it! Tongue [:P]

That's my My 2 cents [2c] worth anyway and y'all know what opinions are like.

Eric
Hi, I'm Eric and I'm a Modelholic too. I think I have PE poisioning.     "Friendly fire...isn't"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 29, 2003 7:07 PM
have you seen the Die cast on a Dragon 1/72 kit like the panther? becouse the hull is die cast
it melts at a low temperature aswell
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 29, 2003 8:18 PM
In the context of plastic models I would expect diecast to mean the major parts are formed of metal that has been poured into a mould.

In a general sense diecasting can include plastic injection moulding, as it is essentially the same process with different media.

Did I add to the confusion?
Bruce
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 29, 2003 10:26 PM
The true definition of diecast as it's applied to the diecast hobby and industry, is that parts and in fact whole models are cast in ZAMAC or WHITE METAL, and sometimes PEWTER, via the use of molds made specifically for that purpose. You will also find some items from some very prominate makers that are stampings in tin or tin alloy. This makes for some beautiful models but they're not true DIECAST, however they are much sought after by diecast collectors, including myself. Some folks may apply this term to plastic molded products but to a true DIECAST collector, "If it ain't molded in metal it ain't diecast". YES, it's a small distinction, but it's a distinction that has defined the hobby of diecast collecting since it's inception.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 29, 2003 11:16 PM
I would agree diecast is metal...low melting temp properties usually...and very in-expensive
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: NE Georgia
Posted by Keyworth on Sunday, November 30, 2003 4:39 AM
Diecast is metal, period. Anyone touting materials other than essentially potmetal, are straphangers looking to make a buck of another industry's standards.
"There's no problem that can't be solved with a suitable application of high explosives"
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Fowlerville, Mich
Posted by dtraskos on Sunday, November 30, 2003 7:32 AM
I say diecast does not mean metal. It is a method , or a procedure.Common usage has caused people to onsider it a noun. If tinstead of metal , plastic is used in the die, it is still diecast. The same die was used, but the material was differant..
Right or wrong I have spoken.

Dave
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Washington State
Posted by leemitcheltree on Sunday, November 30, 2003 7:57 AM
Hard to say, really.........
But generally I'd class a diecast model as being:
Diecast (usually a zinc or aluminum alloy) for the major components and plastic for the details.
There are quite a lot of very fine diecast models being manufactured today - in the auto genre, the local model shop sells diecasts exclusively - Biante, AutoArt (the two are really the same), GMP and others make 1/18 scale models that are simply superb. There's also a couple of 1/6 scale GT40's (Mkl and Mkll) that are just amazing - working suspension and latches.
No longer can the diecast level of detail be compared to those horrible Burago things. But then again, for the price of a single example of some of those lovely models you could buy 20 Burago models. You get what you pay for.
Cheers
LeeTree
LeeTree

Cheers, LeeTree
Remember, Safety Fast!!!

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: New Zealand
Posted by nicholma on Monday, December 1, 2003 1:57 AM
As far as I'm concerned and most of collecting friends would agree diecast = zamac or white metal. Technically anything made in a die could be diecast but as far as this hobby is concerned diecast = metal.
Kia ora, Mark "Time flies like the wind, fruit flies like bananas"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 2, 2003 10:12 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by traskos

I say diecast does not mean metal. It is a method , or a procedure.Common usage has caused people to onsider it a noun. If tinstead of metal , plastic is used in the die, it is still diecast. The same die was used, but the material was differant..
Right or wrong I have spoken.

Dave
At that rate you could, conceivably, call anything made with dies, diecast including our plastic models. However as I said above, diecast collecting is a very specific hobby involving the use of ZAMAC or Zink and more recently Aluminum. The only use of plastic may be in detail parts but really very little.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 2, 2003 11:34 PM
the die is cast - julius caeser
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.