We know, publishing a blog post with a list of “new year’s resolutions” is about the most cliched thing a business can do to mark the turning of a calendar page…so this won’t be one. Instead of resolutions, we’re giving you instructions, something to provide you with a little direction as you look for ways to keep the model collecting hobby fresh in the year to come. Here then are your marching orders for 2025:
CLEAN YOUR MODELS, YOU FILTHY ANIMALS
Look, we get it: we’re all busy. Family, careers, doomscrolling social media…the demands on our time are endless. Still, if you’re going to dedicate precious square footage in your home or office to the display of model cars, you owe it to yourself and to your guests to show your collection in its best light. That means taking a few moments to give your cars a conscientious cleaning. Start with the right products: a soft-bristle brush, a canned air duster or other gentle air blower, and a set of specialty hobby swabs for getting in those hard-to-reach crevices. Taking five minutes to give your favorite model a glow-up will make a huge difference in the quality of your display…we promise, you’ll be amazed.
BACK AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD AND BUY A MODEL IN THE
REAL WORLD
It might sound counterintuitive for an online diecast retailer to suggest that you do something other than order your next model car off the Internet, but sometimes there’s simply no substitute for the tactile experience of exploring a high-quality diecast model in person. Dedicated model car shops are virtually extinct here in the United States, so if you have one in your town, make a point of dropping in to check out their wares. Pop-up vendors can also be a great source for diecast, so you might find your next treasure under a tent at a motorsports event or a car show. Finally, keep your eyes open for diecast expos in your area…may we humbly recommend Model Citizen’s own such event, Diecast Cars & Coffee, set to take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025 in Culver City, California?
GROW THE CULT – RECRUIT A NEW COLLECTOR
As long as you’re heading out to go model shopping, why not grab a buddy and take them along? Car enthusiasts tend to flock together (since few “normal people” can tolerate our nerdy ways) and chances are you have a gearhead pal who hasn’t yet started a model collection of their own. Take the time to introduce a friend to the great things that diecast collecting can offer: the intense detail of the models, the storytelling power of a well curated collection, the simple thrill of the hunt. Plus, we all benefit from the introduction of new blood into the hobby, as model companies will respond to increased demand by offering an ever wider variety of subject matter…more voices, more choices!
So, there you have it: your road map to a fun and fulfilling year of model car collecting. Now get busy.