The term 'model car' usually refers to a scale model representation of a car or other similar powered vehicle. Sometimes this is taken to mean a factory made diecast car which has been fully assembled and painted, and usually presented in a glossy box with a window to show the model car at its best. Alternatively a construction kit which must usually be glued together and painted to obtain the desired realistic effect, can also be known by this description.
Probably the best known maker in the UK of diecast model car was the Dinky Toys company. Although production finished many years ago, some of their models in original condition can command extremely high prices by collectors worldwide. Modern production methods of casting and painting means that manufacturers can achieve incredibly realistic detail on their model car, even on the lowest price versions.
Construction kits however, in spite of their high detail of moulding, will require a considerable amount of skill by the model maker to achieve a really high quality finish. A model car assembled in this way, will of course provide many hours of pleasure in the making, before seeing the final result. The normal material used in construction is polystyrene, but metal diecast is also starting to be used.
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