White Metal vs. Resin

I like the “charm” and feel of the Brooklin models and some of the other hand made brands like Motor City USA Models, Durham, Franklin Mint and Mini Marque 43.  They display very well and hopefully will hold up and retain some value.

I also started collecting resin mostly in the beginning, after the FM 50/60 Collections. Today my collection is about 45% white metal and the rest resin & diecast. As I started discovering the white metal models, the overall look and the weight seemed to appeal to me more. And then there is the charm, especially the Brooklin models. I find that the most thrilling part of collecting them.

The resin models are nice, but I do find the "dropping of parts" annoying. A few of them are missing a piece here and there, which is a drag. So far, the Goldvarg models have been the best-not one loose trim piece or any other related issue.

The resin models do have a more crisp look which I can see when I do comparison photo sets, but the white metal has become my preferred choice.

I like all of the variations, diecast zamac, white metal, resin and plastic. Each of them can have their pluses, yet to me, it is just the replica itself, as a representation of a certain automobile in miniature.

I collect all materials. My decisions are based on the subject matter. Once I display my models I rarely touch them so parts falling off is not a problem.

I started as diecast collector: Minichamps, Auto Art, Norev, Kyosho, Ixo, etc... Later I discovered resin models and I gave priority to them over diecast and this is my actual collecting philosophy. I have among 20 white metal models in my collection, the main of them are models I did not find in resin or diecast and some impulsive purchases... The main reason I don't collect white metal model is their price range, which is not for me. Also, I prefer the resin and diecast ending. But that's only my opinion, for sure many have very different thoughts about the question.

Regards

I'm mostly a 60s fan and there are few of these in white metal.  The best resin models can and should look like a shrunken 1:1 and those are the ones i collect.

And no, you really can't manhandle them!  It's look but don't touch.

@mark-lampariello

Mark, Brooklin makes a beautiful '67 Buick Wildcat, 2 and 4 door hardtops, in several colors. I love this one!

I collected white metal, mostly Brooklin, when I started collecting back in 1990 (not counting vintage Matchbox, Dinky, Corgi, etc.).  I began with Brooklin which were around 22 pounds sterling as I recall.  In recent years I collect about 80% resin; mostly Goldvarg, rarely NEO due to QC issues, and a fair number of the others if they appeal, like Esval and similar quality level companies.  I appreciate resin models because there are many cars modeled that I would not buy if they were white metal price range.  To spend Brooklin prices now I have to love the car represented; whereas with resin prices I can buy many that I "like very much" as well.  I have for example most Goldvargs produced but would not buy a white metal version of many of those selected marques due to cost.  The latest 64 Buick is a perfect example of this IMO.  It is a lovely model but that particular car is not one I would pay white metal prices to have in my collection.  I have ordered it and look forward to having it on display.  Quality resin models provide a wide variety of marques, model years and body styles for a decent price.  I expect that my collecting habits will reflect my current pattern for many years to come.

@moe-parr

Oh yes this is great, particularly as detailed by John Roberts. I would prefer the added detail but that put it out of my price range, unless I considered it my budgeted allotment for 2 models.  Perhaps I should have "commissioned" one from him, but there have suddenly been so many other 60s subjects to add!  As my 97 yr-old aunt still says, "An embarrassment of riches".

And some of Brooklin's latest such as their spectacular '56 Buicks may make me add to my small grouping of favorite 50s subjects. 

We need to move to a lower tax state or go down to one 1:1 car [game changer].

@bob-jackman I agree with Bob. Material is not relevant if I like the toy or model, I even have plastic models by Herpa and Norev.