The term Die-Cast refers to any toy or collectible model produced by using the casting method. An alloy of zinc and aluminium, the metal used commonly is ZAMAK(or Mazak) to make diecast toys and collectibles. Zamak is also referred to as white metal or pot metal. Although almost anything can be produced by this method the most common die-cast toys are scale models of automobiles, aircraft, construction equipment and trains.
A model car represents an automobile generally reproducing the shapes of actually produced vehicles, as a small scale model. Some of the companies that produce diecast model cars are:
The Ertl Company is an American toy company best known for its die-cast metal alloy collectible replicas of farm equipment and vehicles. The company is based in Dyersville,Iowa, home of the National Farm Toy Museum. Ertl moved its production from Dyersville, Iowa to Mexico in the 1990's and the the original Ertl factory became a warehouse/distribution facility and an outlet store. Detailed, small-scale representations of tractors and other vehicles is undoubtedly responsible for the popularity of Ertl toys. For years Ertl's advertising slogan was "Ertl just like the real thing, only smaller."
Since 1945 Ertl has been producing farm toy replicas. The company has produced farm toys for the biggest names in the industry including John Deere, CaseIH, New Holland, and AGCO for over sixty years. In 1999 Ertl was purchased by Racing Champions and is currently a brand under the RC2 Corp. umbrella.
Maisto is a company that manufactures die-cast models of automobiles, aircraft and a number of Tonka products. Based in California, their products are made in China and Thailand. Maisto creates 1/12, 1/18, 1/24, 1/25, 1/27, 1/43, and 1/64 scale models. The models are based on vehicles that are popular today.
Hot Wheels is a brand of toy cars, introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Johnny Lighting and Matchbox until 1996, when Mattel acquired rights to the Matchbox brand from Tyco. Some are cast in plastic, however, a majority of castings are in metal. Hot Wheels is best known for it's creaton of custom hot rods and muscle cars which it makes in different scales such as 1:43, 1:24 and 1:18, and includes replicas of Formular One and NASCAR cars.
Jada Toys, Incorporated of City of Industry, California, USA is a manufacturer of collectible die-cast model cars founded in 1999 by husband and wife Jack and May Li.
The company works closely with full-scale auto maunfacturers in an effort to stay atop current customizing trends. Donks, which are American vehicles with wildly oversized low-profile wheels and tires, Lowriders, Hot rods,Rat rods and Muscle Cars are manufactored by Jada Toys. Dubs, so named for their 20-inch or bigger wheels, are among the company's best sellers and the most visible in retail outlets. Branching out beyond just diecast, a series of radio controlled models and vinyl figures was recently introduced.
