Classic Metal Works: From Hot Rods to Big Rigs
Think about your favorite car. Did you ever get the pleasure of owning it? For this writer, Ford's 69 Fastback was always my personal favorite, yet just always out of my reach. That was until I was surprised with my own Mustang, well my own die-cast replica. Going through all of the little details of this die-cast Mustang was a surprise, and I was taken aback with how much detail could be packed into this tiny N-Scale model. The 1969 Mustang is just one example of somebody getting to live out a fantasy, even it's through an N-Scale die cast fantasy. Since their introduction in the early 20th century, die-cast cars have firmly cemented themselves alongside model trains and trading cards as one of the world's favorite collectibles. For over 20 years Classic Metal Works has been at the forefront of the die-cast car industry, helping collectors expand their collection with their own personal favorites.
The Early Days of Die-Cast cars
Early die-cast car manufacturers like Dinky Toys and TootsieToys were some of the first to gain a foot hold in the die-cast toy market with modest die-cast models generally showcasing a simple single-stripe color scheme and four rubber wheels. The growing popularity of die-cast cars during the 20th century would see the introduction of giants like Matchbox and Hot-Wheels entering the die-cast market. With a demand in die-cast cars always at a constant, manufacturers have come and gone. And while some have had some success in the latter half of the 20th century, few manufacturers have experienced the meteoric rise that Classic Metal Works has undergone since their introduction in 1997.
Since their introduction in the 1900s, die-cast cars have firmly established themselves as a favorite amongst all sorts of collectors. Despite their relatively small size, the 1:87 (HO) and 1:160 (N-Scale) beautifully capture detail in each model whether it's a shift knob in a hot rod or a mirror on a big rig! The size of HO and N-Scale models also means that you'll be able to conveniently display all of your favorite 1:87 and 1:160 models, but if you are a little pressed for room, I personally recommend sticking with N-Scale (1:160) models to ensure you can utilize as much space as possible to display your collectibles.
Beginnings and Early Success
Located in Sylvania, Ohio, just south of the Michigan border, Classic Metal Works has called this little suburb in Toledo with a population of just over 19,000 home for the last 25 years. Founded by William J. Giacci in 1997, Classic Metal Works would roll out their first series of die cast cars in 1:24 scale catching early success with their true-to-model designs becoming a favorite with die-cast collectors. Giacci would spend his early days focusing mostly on die-cast vehicles that were present during the late '40s to the '70s. But as Classic Metal Work's popularity rose, so did the demand for more N-Scale and HO products. By 1997 Classic Metal Works was expanding beyond their original 1:24 scale, and would release die-cast cars in both HO (1:87) and N (1:160) Scales.
Classic Metal Works Today
Following the success of the introduction of HO and N Scale products, Classic Model Works would introduce their "Mini Metals" series of die-cast cars, making them a permanent fixture and household name for collectors of die-cast cars all over North America thanks to their ability to capture life-like aesthetics in their cars.
The expansion to 1:87 (HO) and 1:160 (N-scale) would see even more intricately designed cars with the 1948 Falstaff Brewing Beer truck and the '61 Chevrolet Impala just being a couple of the die-cast models Classic Metal Works would release under the "Mini-Metals" banner. As the popularity of die-cast cars grew so did the demand for layout accessories, with HO and N-Scale collectors alike looking to scenery to their favorite die-cast collectibles. Classic Metal works didn't waste any time, and along with various HO and N-scale cars would soon begin to release accessories like vintage Coca-Cola bottling plants and billboards most of which would be available in a 1:87 (HO) scale.
Expansion and growth also brought a great variety of designs with die-cast models of big rigs, hot rods, utility vehicles seeing their release in HO and N scale variants.
Nowadays collectors are able to expand upon their die-cast collections with additions like a Coca-Cola big rig or a City of Stinnett Utility truck both of which are beautifully detailed a pack a ton of Americana in a HO-scale punch.
Today Classic Metal works still continues to release die-cast cars in both 1:87 (HO) and 1:160 (N) scale models, with a variety of great die-cast cars featured on the Trainz.com website.
Whether you're new to the hobby, or a life-long collector, Classic Metal Works does not disappoint in variety and continues to release more die-cast collectibles today helping collector's expand their HO, N, and S collections all over the world.
Closing Thoughts and Die-Cast Wishes
The world of die-cast cars is ever expanding, and so is Classic Metal Works. With new designs being released through the Mini-Metal series, Classic Metal works continues to remain a player in the die-cast collectible community thanks to their dedication to their die-cast collectors.
At Trainz.com a number of Mini-Metals favorites like the Coca-Cola transit bus, and various other sought after models are all available for anybody looking to add more die-cast favorites to their collections. So whether it's nostalgia, passion, or just a great way to fill up some empty shelves or the roadways and parking lots on your layout, die-cast cars have nestled themselves deep into the world of collectibles, connecting generations of people through their love for die-cast collectibles.
Trainz.com provides all collectors with plenty of great vintage and modern designs to choose from Classic Metal Works. For me personally, I've got my fingers crossed Mini-Metal releases a model Yugo 45a soon, though I won't hold my breath too long for that one!