Eaglemoss’ Star Trek Federation Cardenas Class Starship – USS Buran NCC-1412 [With Collector Magazine]
Ask the average collector of diecast military models when the so-called “Golden era of diecast collecting” occurred and they readily point to the early 2000s, when collecting was relatively inexpensive and there were loads of products to choose from. While that may be true to a point, I consider the current era to be equal to or even surpassing that period, largely for a different reason. While pricing for most models has certainly risen over the years, so too has the quality of the finished products we now see coming to market, particularly when it comes to some of the artwork many manufacturers have managed to achieve.
If you disagree, and you are free to do so, consider the following three models as Exhibit A. The Star Trek models produced by Eaglemoss have certainly been a hit-or-miss affair, oftentimes featuring misaligned painting, tattered parts or even missing parts. But when they do hit a home run, it usually comes in the form of a grand slam. Take, for instance, their USS Buran (EMSTDISC07), a special edition Discovery-era starship that features a beautiful multi-hued exterior and a sleek angular design, a far cry from some of the more primitive shapes and schemes seen in some of the original televised episodes.
Corgi’s 1:48 scale German Fokker D VII Fighter – 4649/18 “Seven Swabians” Wilhelm Scheutzel, Jasta 65, September 1918
Then, of course, there’s Corgi’s WWI era 1:48 scale Fokker D VII fighter that sports the famous “Seven Swabians” caricatures adorning the aircraft’s fuselage (AA38906). While they may seem out-of-place for a deadly warplane, they nevertheless showcase some of the talent achieved by the aerodrome artists of the period as well as the craftsmen that have followed in their footsteps 100 years hence.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Boeing F-15J Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – JASDF 50th Anniversary Scheme, “Mount Fuji”, 2004
And, if that wasn’t enough to get your heart racing, how about Hobby Master’s upcoming F-15 sporting a delicately created depiction of Mount Fuji ensconced in cherry blossoms (HA4514)? While most collectors seem to gravitate towards operational schemes, its hard to imagine this aircraft doesn’t catch their eye and gets added to even the most crowded shelf space.
Yes, prices have gone up over the years but so too has the work and craftsmanship that goes in to the average model. Golden era? We’ll let collectors decide, as after market prices decide which models are the most sought after and which gathers dust despite their affordable cost.