An oldie but a newbie-Hey thats me !

[Bsmooth]

I grew up with Matchboxes and Corgi's with the occaisional revell or Monagram kit thrown in.If I could build models for a living I think I would, but so far i haven't found a way, so I'll collect a few instead. This looks like a great place, and I can't wait to start collecting.
Well I already have a few Brumm early F1 cars, and 1 Vitesse 1967 Lotus 49.
I am looking for a Spark Cheetah “Cro-Sal Special”, item SPA-43 1453, but haven't found any so far available, so If you know where I can get one for a reasonable price, or have one to sell, let me know.
Please also direct me to anything I should read about retailers or info that you think would be important as far as which manufacturers are the best value, or anything else.
I also race in iRacing which I find is a blast. If you see your adreneline flowing and the red mist flying you should give it a try.
My real name is Bruce .

[43rdMuscle]

Welcome to the site! My main theme is US vintage muscle cars. Did you get much snow in the last couple-o-days?

Frank

[Bsmooth]

We were lucky didn't get much, but that wind over 80 mph was quicker than some cars I've driven !

[DeadCanDanceR]

Welcome aboard!

[JSB33]

Hi Bruce, welcome to the group!

For some of your questions, there are so many answers that need more info.
What types of cars are you looking to collect?
Are you looking at $30 cars (IXO) or $50-60 cars (Spark) or cars in the hundreds? Kits? (Resin and white metal)

The neat thing about 1;43 is the choice.

[scalainj]

Welcome to the forum Bruce

Plenty of knowledge on here so ask away

Cheers

Andy

[a-fordable]

welcome BRUCE! you will like it here, the site creator had you in mind when he formed this WONDERFUL place-----------------neal

[RaceOddity]

Welcome to the asylum Bruce, once you are in, the boys here will keep you entertained and enlightened for years..
Scott

[guitardave_1]

Welcome aboard Bruce. We will hopefully be able to provide answers and temptation in equal measure!

Have heard a fair bit about iRacing - never tried it yet. Not sure whether my PC or my wallet would be up to it!

[Bsmooth]

Thanks for the welcome guys. What do I collect? Well so far just a couple of older F1 Brumm's. But I do want to get that Spark Cro-Sal Cheetah If I can find one.That and the Exoto Sharknose. But I think I missed the boat on the #4 Phil Hill belguim winner.Last time I checked they had boosted the price to almost $1000. I was hoping to catch a double coupon sale and get it for around $350, but thats really out of my price range.
Mostly I'll probably get 1/43 scale, because as you say theres such a variety. I also like the older lemans cars like the Ford GT's, Ferrari's and such, maybe a nice Gulf Porsche 917. I'm a bonafide race nut, watch F1, Nascar,Lemans, Sports Cars, even the SCCA runoffs, when I get the chance.
I actually raced a RX-7 in SCCA for a real short time, what a great car. Also tried the Richard Petty driving school, and that was a blast, I didn't want to leave !
Looks like a great bunch of people here, I'm sure I'll enjoy my stay.
BTW how do the Brumm's compair with other diecasts in detail? The IXO and Spark models seem a great value.

[JSB33]

For the 917's and Ford GT's it sounds like Spark, Bizarre and IXO will be you brands of shoice. And Minichamps has something for everyone.
I only have 1 Brumm, some parts are outstanding and others not so much. Pretty much just like every maker.

[43rdMuscle]

... I'm a bonafide race nut ...

Any interest in "1320 straight lining" (drag racing)?

Frank

[Bsmooth]

I'll try and watch them If I get a chance, and I did get a chance to see the jet cars up in NH once, but generally I'm mostly into the road courses and Nascar. But for sound I don't think anything come even close to Drag Racing, except for possibly the Space Shuttle launch !

[JSB33]

That is the thing that I remember from seeing some Drag racing about 25 years ago, the noise is fantastic!
The Fuel cars are something everyone should see/hear at least once.

[43rdMuscle]

... But for sound I don't think anything come even close to Drag Racing, except for possibly the Space Shuttle launch !

For me it's the ground shaking rumble and the smell of nitro-methane. The speeds are nice but are secondary. I've attached a link to videos of some vintage dragsters:

http://cacklefest.com/video.shtml

Frank

[a-fordable]

When you are concentrating on your left leg, right hand, and right foot, the only thing you will hear is the track announcer say> " the FORD wins : AGAIN

[43rdMuscle]

When you are concentrating on your left leg, right hand, and right foot, the only thing you will hear is the track announcer say> " the FORD wins : AGAIN

Now Neal, you know that your left leg is pushing, your right foot is tapping waiting for the tow truck and your right hand is waving as that CHEVY is driving past you.

Frank

[a-fordable]

you are a mean man FRANK! -- so be nice