[Closed] Just a personal observation and no disrespect intended...

If models were to be produced without operating features, I would no longer be a collector.

Frankly, I appreciate (even applaud) the manufacturers with taking the bold steps of experimenting with various mediums. Rather than continue losing money trying to produce diecast, they're probing how the marketplace will respond to various manufacturing processes.

Minichamps, that has for years been a maker of diecast, has been producing a broad variety of images in resin. So has BBR. AutoArt is doing a mix medium combining resin with diecast. I find all of the experimentation quite fascinating and it will be interesting to see where the industry will finally settle. However, for me without the "precision" of precision diecast, (meaning operating features) I will lose interest and my collecting days of new images would be over.

For me, the reality is that we won't ever see Danbury or Franklin Mints produce any more 1/24th diecasts. I think that ship has sailed and with it any hope of either mint resurrecting their die cast programs. And, I'm OK with that. Over the years, I've collected some 200+ 1/24th mint cars and I'm happy with what I have. With both mints gone (at least for die casts), I've focused my 1/24th efforts on the secondary market (either here on the D4C auction site or E-Bay). I've been able to add some very nice cars to my collection at much lower prices than they were released at.

I'm more eclectic. In addition to 1/24th, I have collected a lot of 1/18th images that I could not get in 1/24th for the most part. I also have a fairly large collection of 1/50th earth moving equipment from various manufacturers. On top of that, I have a few of the 1/16th releases from Danbury, a dozen or so 1/12th images and quite a few First Gear trucks.

Next up (and it should be here in the next 8 weeks or so) is a 1/24th Caterpillar D10T from Classic Construction Models. This is Caterpillar's second largest dozer and will dwarf most of the models in my collection with the exception of my Bucyrus 495 mining shovel.

My point is that I'm going to be OK going forward without either Mint producing any more models. The secondary market has served me well and there are plenty of Mint models that I plan to acquire in the future. With my interests focused on that, more mining stuff and some additional 1/18th images that I want, my die cast dollars are pretty much accounted for.

Yep. I'll still get the annual D4C model no matter what it is made of. As for static resin models from any manufacturer, it will truly need to rock my world in order for me to consider buying it. Like Marlowe and many others here, I really like the working features on my models.

I very much miss 1:24 models

I, too, would prefer resin without operating features if the models can be produced in a realistic, precise, accurate manner. It is better than having nothing at all. The resin AE BoS 1957 Imperial Crown Southampton looks pretty nice in 1:18 scale -- at least from the pictures. And it sells for $98. I wouldn't want to go beyond $125-$150 for resin models.

I prefer 1950s to about mid 1960s models. I do like and have purchased Sunstar's Platinum series models in 1:18 -- they are reasonably priced diecast with operating features -- but they are just too big.

There are no more "mints" ... For me, I would pay up for an image I wanted

Regardless of what it was made of. Kinda of tired of diecast anyway with all the worry of rash ... Some of my most prized models are static ( design studio Gassers ) So, if someone makes something I'm interested in, Im in

I just cant see paying as much for a car with less than what we've had. I can forgo the working gas lid and removable fender skirts - but graphics and under the hood details - plumbing, wires and decals make these special and would diminish value if not included (to me anyway)

I didn't realize how many of you PLAY with your cars.

I'll just never live long enough to understand why working suspension, a gas cover opening, or a detailed undercarriage is so important.

After a car is delivered to my home, it is inspected to assure it is perfect, and then they are put on display shelves in their own protective cases. So whether the suspension bounces up and down or a gas cover opens, is of no value.

I've never taken a car out of it's case to play with those features either. Nor have I ever taken one out to show a friend, "Her look the gas cap opens".

And I have always contended, and always will, that the more operating and movable parts these little replica's have, the more chance for breakage and damage.

But alas, we are all different. THANKS everyone for your responses and individual preferences.

I got to believe “play time” must be very limited otherwise these cars will fall apart.

Well even if "play time is limited", each time the car is handled, the risk increases.

My apologies to everyone for my inability to see the reason these "operating features" are needed on something that is going to sit on a shelf for viewing pleasure.

I agree, Ron. I really wouldn't miss opening gas caps, working suspensions, and spinning driveshafts, but for me, a detailed engine bay, opening doors and trunk and detailed interior, decals, etc. are a must. Otherwise, I would stick with M2, etc. and try to modify them a bit. Also, a detailed undercarriage is important.

I agree, Ron. I really wouldn't miss opening gas caps, working suspensions, and spinning driveshafts, but for me, a detailed engine bay, opening doors and trunk and detailed interior, decals, etc. are a must. Otherwise, I would stick with M2, etc. and try to modify them a bit. Also, a detailed undercarriage is important.

Whoops. Sorry about the double post.

Marlowe, the same for me as well