From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
The term Die-cast toy here refers to any toy or collectible model produced by using the casting method. The toys are made of metal and plastic, the metal used commonly is an alloy of zinc and aluminium. The most common die-cast toys are scale models of automobiles, aircraft, construction equipment and trains, although almost anything can be produced by this method.
Die-cast toys were first produced around the beginning of the 20th century by manufacturers such as Dinky Toys in the United Kingdom and Tootsietoys in the United States.
The first models on the market were basic, considered crude by some
collectors, consisting of a small car or van without plastic windows.
The popularity of die-cast toys only began to really grow from the
1950s, as quality vastly increased. The 1950s also saw people
collecting the toys, as opposed to simply opening the box and playing
with the toy. As a consequence of this, more companies started to
produce die-cast vehicles, namely the Corgi brand produced by Mettoy. Matchbox
also began in the 1950s and quickly became so popular that in some
parts of the world all die-cast cars came to be known as "Matchbox
cars", regardless of manufacturer.
In 1968, Hot Wheels was introduced in the United States by Mattel, to counteract the complaint that they had no line of toys for boys to match up with their line of Barbie
dolls. Hot Wheels eventually gained an important niche in the die-cast
toy market, becoming one of the world's top sellers by the 2000s.
During the 1960s and 1970s, major companies began to advertise in
large numbers with these toys; when the idea that children can play a
large part in a family's decision as far as what product to use came
into wide circulation. Companies such as McDonald's, Sears Roebuck, Kodak,
among many others, paid the toymakers large amounts of money to have
vehicles reproduced and sold with their names and logos. One of the
most famous advertisements made during these decades was the American Airlines London bus, produced by Matchbox, a feat other airlines quickly followed.
Die-cast aviation and military models were produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Primary among these companies was Dyna Flites.
Dyna Flites went bankrupt during the 1990s, but their market share was
quickly taken up by a variety of companies, including Schabak, Gemini Jets, Herpa and Dragon Wings. Corgi Cars were bought by Mattel in 1989
In 1994, Mattel bought Matchbox, essentially making Hot Wheels and
Matchbox sister brands. The two brands continue to sell under their own
names. During this time, NASCAR
began to produce a massive number of die-cast racing cars and trucks,
painted in the colours of the various racing teams. Racing Champions
was contracted by the sports organization, and NASCAR die-cast trucks
and cars became popular among collectors.
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