IT'S IN THE DETAIL

the May issue of Diecast Collector, I was fascinated by the letter about the Corgi Aston Martin DB5 James Bond model. The sheer amount of detail about this model and previous issues, is incredible. There are also other instances where readers write in to correct the slightest of errors, in features and articles. I have to say, that as a regular visitor to vintage toy fairs, I have often overhead similar discussions. People pointing out slight variations in colours for a particular old Dinky vehicle. Or perhaps knowing that a model had a limited production run and why. Others can point to a model bus and say that the destination board is wrong because the actual bus was never on that route. As a collector of vintage Dinky as well as vintage hollow cast figures, I have picked up a fair amount of knowledge myself over the years. I know for example, if an item has been repainted in a colour that was never originally issued. My main point is to praise all your contributors who write such detailed and informative features in your magazine. The fact that, on occasions, some eagle-eyed readers make contact to point out an anomaly, demonstrates the incredibly detailed knowledge they have. Such knowledge is generally gathered from years of collecting and researching particular models and brands. It is often said that our hobby is the preserve of older people. It would be a great pity if detailed knowledge was lost, with the passing of this generation. Diecast Collector has an important role to play in keeping our hobby and the knowledge alive.

Don Townshend, Chelmsford

ED Many thanks for writing in, Don. When I first took over as Editor, in July 2013, I have to confess that my knowledge was in very specific areas of diecast collecting, but I soon picked up on other areas too. Whilst I would never consider myself an expert (more a ‘Rick of all trades'), I too bow to those that focus on their specific interests. It impresses me so much too, and I hope that being of a slightly younger generation (not by much, though!), I am helping to pass it down a little. It is always so heartening to make contact with and hear from younger collectors, but they are few and far between these days – many are lost to the distractions of electronic devices. But those that aren't certainly give me hope for the future of our hobby and that the knowledge won't be lost forever.