1:18 scale diecast replicas are 1/18th the size of the real item. Most popular in this category are 1:18 scale automobile replicas – usually made out of Zamak zinc diecasting alloy[1] with plastic parts. "1:18 scale" is the colloquial reference to this class of toy or replica.
Description
Virtually all 1:18 scale models produced in recent years have opening doors, hoods, and trunks along with functional steering wheels which turn the front wheels. Tires are often mounted on workable 'springy' suspension systems. Normally the hood / bonnet lifts to reveal a detailed and accurate engine bay (whether this is a separate cast piece or simply a portion of the cast and painted body located between the fenders).
Higher end models are equipped with genuine leather interiors, accurate engine detail, operational sunroofs, movable windshield wipers, adjustable seats, operational gear levers and other realistic accessories. Most models are approximately 11 in long by 5 in wide by 4 in tall, depending on what vehicle is being represented. Such detail is common to 1:18 scales and larger. Typically, and according to local law, companies that produce model cars will have licensing arrangements with real car manufacturers to make replicas of their cars, both in current production or of discontinued models.
History
How 1:18 scale became a standard in diecast, especially during the 1990s, is somewhat of a question, but some of the first 1:18 scale cars appeared made in tin in the United States and Japan after World War II. These, however, were not precise in detail or proportion, but became popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Before World War II, some vehicles appeared in this size. Also, rather by chance, other manufacturers like Marx in the 1960s and 1970s simply made 1:18 scale large plastic toys. Plastic models in the United States, though, were usually produced in 1:25 scale.
The first zinc alloy metal cars in this scale (and also 1:24 scale) from European Manufacturers appeared around 1970, made by the likes of German Schuco Modell, Polistil, and Gama Toys. Pocher, the Italian kit maker, even manufactured kits in a large 1:8 scale. A review of models by Consumer Reports in 1979 discussed American plastic and European diecast metal models in 1:25 and 1:24 scales, but did not once mention 1:18 scale, showing that it had not yet come into marketing popularity (Consumer Reports 1979). European model makers like Schuco (which was later revived), Gama and Marklin went defunct and the market for 1:18 scale grew steadily during the mid-1980s, mainly with the likes of Bburago, Polistil (both Italian companies mass-manufacturing models in Italy) and then, later, the Asian Maisto which, arguably became the principle manufacturer of this scale worldwide. Around this time, 1:18 scale cars based around a single model that was variously repurposed were famously used for the climactic Stay Puft Marshmallow Man sequence in
Significant Categories of Replicas
- Antique/Classics (pre-World War II)
- Construction vehicles
- Fifties Cars
- Formula 1 Cars
- Modern Cars (1990s and newer)
- Muscle Cars (1960s–1970s)
- Police Cars
- Sports Cars
- Touring Cars
Manufacturers of 1:18 replica automobiles
See also
Further reading
- Consumer Guide. 1979. Model Cars. New York: Beekman House. ISBN 0-517-294605.