What's is like? I'm asking because I'm in Miami, and I haven't even seen half of the cars I've seen on here locally, including the Johnny Lightning's. It's disheartening. I started out collecting emergency vehicles then quickly moved on to 1:18 scale. My best local source for 1:18 scale cars was Kay Bee. However, all but one has closed in my area, and the one that remains open does not have a great selection of vehicles (lots of PT Cruisers). The other stores like Toys R Us, Walmart, and Target carry one or two 1:18 scale models, and that's it. We did have a kiosk at a local mall that sold Maisto and Bburago 1:18 models for $40 or more. I felt like picking a fight everytime I passed by there. As it is, there is only one hobby store I can go to, and they do have a somewhat decent collection. The other, larger hobby store closed for unknown reasons.

Now to 1:64 scale cars. Like I said, I haven't seen half or even a quarter of the JLs I've seen on this board. Not anywhere. P.I.P. cars, I've found three (Camaro, Firebird, and Chevelle wagon). It used to be a bit better. I got a lot of the Sizzlin' 70s and Boogie Vans, but it's getting worse. You see the same Coke, Evening Post, and Poker cars. That's about it. Once in a while Target or TRU will get a few JLs, but it's very hit and miss. NASCAR cars are become more difficult to come across. It was only last week that I found Kenny Schrader's Schwan's car and Smoke's Mr. Clean car. So of course I have to hit e-bay, and the shipping kills me. One guy wanted to charge me $20 for shipping four 1:64 scale cars. I refused. I can't really buy from on-line retailers because I cut up my credit cards.

Anyway, I realize this is kind of a rant, but seriously, what does your local market look like in regards to diecast cars? I've seen some people here complain about their local market as well, and I'm curious as to where they live. I don't understand why the local diecast market is so sucky, seeing as I'm in a big city (Miami).

-DL

I live in London, Ontario, Canada. There is a number of Walmarts and Zellers that sell diecast along with a Toy's R Us. The selection is limited as to what they carry. There is also a very good hobby shop. It is the best on in South-Western Ontario. It has a wide range of all types of hobby supplies. I have got to the point where some of the models I have wanted have been bought from on-line retailers. I also have no credit card but I have contacted these places and payed via money order with no troubles. Maybe you could try this route as well.

I have noted that the Jada style cars are really big this year. I have talked to a few people and Nascar is lossing ground as far as collectors items go. My advise is just keep up looking at your area and see what comes up. You may be surprized at what is brought in by a local retailer.

I've all but given up on the Kay-Bee's--2 in my area have since closed--I utilize the "Mom & Pop" hobby stores for my diecast, paint, and customizing supplies. Sure, it costs a little more, but at least they keep many needed (or wanted) items in stock.

The market were I live is also the pits. If I wait around for product to show up at stores around me I'll never own a tenth of the stuff I want. I have found that most of the time I am better off buying from an on-line dealer. If you don't have any credit cards open up a seperate checking account at your bank and use paypal. I would start off visiting some of the sponsors listed at the right. Some of them take pre-orders on upcoming products. Some sell cars seperately and others sell cars in sets, inners, or cases. There are plenty of other on-line dealers out there and from my experience I have never had any problems. I usually use e-bay as a last resort.

For 1/64:
Only consistently finding JL's at TRU and occasionally at WM and Target. HL dried up after Street Freaks 18 came out.
MM have been worse, only new thing seen is a few NASCAR versions.
JADA and MAISTO Pro-Rodz seem to be the most plentiful at all the big box marts and TRU.
The MB NSF cars seem to show up once in a great while at Super WM.

As others have stated, the selections locally where I live are also limited. There are a couple of dealer/distributors who occasionally have some items of interest to add to my collection, but most of what I buy is done on eBay, or through online dealers who carry the type of merchandise that I collect such as Exoto, Kyosho, AutoArt, Highway 61, GMP, CMC, etc. I have found a few dealers that have been very good to deal with and it is nice to deal with people with whom you have established a nice relationship.

I'm very surprised that this is the case in many areas. Thanks to this forum, though, I've found a few on-line dealers that sell JLs at reasonable prices(I primarily collected 1:18s before turning to the 1:64s over the last couple of years). I'll be starting work again in Jan. (I've been disabled), and now I have place to start (Mac's Little Cars). Thanks for sharing about your local market. :)

-DL

I share your pains.
Out here (the Netherlands, Europe) there's almost nothing. 1:43 is the scale that is favorite here. They recently started selling hotwheels again but as far as JL, Jada... nothing. And the Hot wheel are from the 2003 line.
Get al my car tru theBay witch make all my car about 3 time more expencive do to shipping cost.

Aw well it's a hobby!

The Gulf Coast Market is still Katrina strained. It seems that most retailers are in short supply.

Now thats its Christmas time , there is more available here. But rest of the year its not too good . I was getting a bunch at HobbyLobby , but now thats gone too . fortunately there are several toy shows around here year round to get stuff & a diecast hobby store . Also use online vendors or ebay too .

Yeah, the holidays used to bring in some newer stuff, but that's no longer the case, sadly. We need at least one more hobby store in the area, aside from the lone one we have.

It goes a little something like this-
http://www.dwrobertson-photography.com/Images/gal_Glasgow_big_snore.jpg
JL's and MM are rarely restocked, the 1:18's are pretty much dead, although Target has a decent selection of Jada and Maisto cars.
BTW, there's a Target, Wally World, K-Mart, and a Big-Lots here in Rock Hill.

Rock Hill I know where that is I am currently in Charlotte. I Do agree with you on the JL. It is rare now that I see new stock come out. We do get new Maisto Playerz and G Ridez here and ther although I am having a very tough time finding those two 93 Mustang Cobras. Its kinda hit or miss here. One day I can go out and see nothing. Then the next week I can go out and find almost if not everything I was looking for. It doesnt bother me though because I love the thrill of the chase lol. Season Greeting to All!!!!!!!

Target had a Maisto '93 Mustnag Cobra or two last time I went, about a week or less ago.