Is plastic actually better than diecast?

Half the Tamiya 1/12th models are diecast. I think its more about the lever of detail Tamiya
decides to put into the models rather than the material. Look at resin and plastic handbuilts.
If the builder is good it will blow almost all the diecasts out of the water.

Best,

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs

 

Autoart just did a better job than Tamiya. I dont think the material really matters.


Best,

Tom Tanner/SD

 

This has been debated to death... and when alls said and done, its a matter of taste and opinion.

There will never be a conclusion to this subjective matter.

 

As a builder of 1/24th-1/25th scale plastic (styrene) models, I'd say plastic is better than diecast, at least in this scale. Paint can be equal depending on the painter and his or her level of perfection. The hinges and panel gaps are usually worse in diecast than plastic, especially in the scales that I work in. As it has been said already, it doesn't really matter what the model is made of, it's more HOW the model is made. Better models take more time and so should cost more, like most anything else. These are my opinions based on my experience, but of course it's only an opinion and I by no means expect everyone to agree with me! Just for fun, here's the Daytona Spyder that I built from the Fujimi 1/24th styrene kit! Ciao, Dennis
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Like some have said, IMO it all depends on the particular model. But I think plastic lends itself better to smaller scales, and I prefer metal in the larger scales.

 

I think the answers are pretty universal that it depends mostly on the quality of the build. From what I have seen a good hand builder will most of the time heavily outshine anything produced as a die-cast. Personally I prefer to build my models as well rather than purchase a pre made die-cast.

 

Like I said, it all depends on the brand.

 

Well IMO here are the faults between both plastic and diecast models.

Plastic is great for details and allows the builder personal satisfaction in the build, but overtime the glue breaks down and then begins to fall apart. They are very fragile when handling which parts come off very easily

Diecast is stronger, heavier, and the high-end cars are extremely well detailed but you're limited in colors available, modifications are limited, and kit-bashing ideas become disasters which leads to limited after-market parts to archive successes in the conversion. If a part such as a hood or a door snaps off then it’s impossible to clue it back.

Both plastic and diecast models are expensive in themselves, so the bottom line is, don’t compare what's better then the other, they both have issues as you can see. Just enjoy your hobby. Just my 2 cents!

 

I think they are both good, but I would rather have diecast.

 

I'm not sure why this has to be a "Pissing contest" between plastic vs. diecast... Each their own guys and lets give this issue a rest!

 

For authenticity I prefer it be based on the car itself. The real Enzos and F50s are composite so the scale model should be as well. Steel or aluminum bodied cars... make them diecast.

 

Its all a matter of preferences.

Most collectors start with 1 kind of material. You collect diecast, plastic or resin.
Diecast is a massproduction material, its made for profit , quality is mostly very poor. Diecastcollectors are mostly non-builders.
Collectors of plastic models are mainly "homebuilders". Plastics are relatively cheap available in different "skill-levels". didn't we all start with a Revell?
Resin and whitemetal are for the advanced builders or collectors with a larger budget! Productionnumbers are smaller, prices are higher, there is an incredible variety of subjects and quality/detail can be mindblowing! Professional builders asking high prices will allways use Resin or Whitemetal.

Then there is the money.... Most collectors start with diecast or plastic, after collecting for some time, they will upgrade to a higher level because of exclusivity, availability or quality. I once started with bburago....now I have around a 150 handbuilts in various scales, all Resin or Whitemetal, it took me 20 years to get to this point, and recently I cought myself thinking about buying a modell of $2000,- There is allways a better one being made or announced.

Lately we see a new development. The quality of diecasts like BBR, Kyosho and CMC is getting better and better.
Prices are very reasonable, quality is getting close to handbuilts, but the productionnumbers are much higher.
European, Japanese and American companies are making them in China, where laborcost is low, which explains the pricelevel!
I have 2 Kyosho models in my collection. They are outstanding, but lack the charm of a classic handbuilt made by a skilled builder.

 

Will never work that way. You really can't compare plastic to carbon fiber, or diecast to aluminum.


Like I said, I like both. It is all on a model to model basis as to what one is better.

 

In view of the current debate,which of the two cars listed below would you advise me to purchase?

AutoArt Lamborghini Gallardo or Tamiya Porsche Carrera GT.

I am trying to decide.

Thanks for any opinions.

 

Yes you can. Not too different from comparing 1/1 and 1/12. Besides, a direct comparison wasn't my point and I always thought that it seemed odd to have such a heavy model. Steel Enzo? Did they make a steel Enzo?

 

Not sure if I agree. I LIKE for my model to have some weight to it. Makes is seem to have high quality....

 

Hey! I've seen this movie before too and got the T-shirt!

It's a great movie - very action packed, it may even have a love story. If you haven't seen it before, you're going to really like it. Diecast vs. Plastic. Two thumbs way up.

and then there's the much earlier 1/43 scale ( French ) version
White Metal vs. Resin

Then there's the one they keep doing sequals to

Handbuilt vs. Diecast

 

She seems to think plastic is better.
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