Maritime enthusiasts who are looking for a diecast model of RMS Carmania – a very rare Tri-ang ship in 1/1200 scale – would find what they’re looking for at www.rubylane.com. With a wide variety of models available, you just may find something else that’s on your “love to have” list. Based in UK, it may require you to pay extra in shipping, and shipping time may be longer, but will be well worth your while if you can’t find diecast model that you’ve been looking for anywhere else.

Regardless of what type of model you’re trying to find, there’s always a way to find it through an internet search. While auctions, flea markets and other avenues are still used by some, locating those hard-to-find models online is faster and easier – and you may just get a great deal that you wouldn’t have found in a brick and mortar environment.

******* (c) 2005 Dale Stewart - All Rights Reserved

Dale Stewart is a freelance author and diecast enthusiast.

Some of best deals can be found in flea markets, on eBay and other auction sites. Not only can you find pieces for your own collection, but these will be eventual avenues for you to resell them at a later date. The highlight of auction arena is that you can set a starting price and watch bids increase your income potential – sometimes to a figure much higher than you would have imagined. Setting a reserve price helps, too, so that you won’t lose a piece when someone comes in way under piece’s value.

Picking up models at local department stores, such as Wal-Mart, or through TV shopping forums such as QVC is usually a mistake. While these may have reasonable quality, they’re usually not as well constructed as what you can find elsewhere, and tend to flood market with certain pieces which they sell in high volume in an effort to gain a higher sales standing. Stick to mainstream collection sites and you’ll do much better.

Remember that you may not break bank when you resell a piece, but with a good sense of timing and strong negotiation skills, you’ll be able to realize some type of profit and, with a bit of experience, will increase your overall profit potential.

******* (c) 2005 Dale Stewart - All Rights Reserved

Dale Stewart is a freelance author and diecast enthusiast.