Glossary
A glossary is a collection of definitions or explanations of words that relate to a common subject or are organized alphabetically.
Acetate: A type of transparent and flexible plastic commonly used in display cases, blisters, and packaging. In collecting, the condition of the acetate (free of scratches, cracks, or yellowing) significantly affects the item's value.
Numbered Base: Refers to the base or stand of a miniature that includes a specific number (e.g., 045/500), indicating that it is part of a limited edition. This numbering often increases the collectible value of the model.
Blister: A type of transparent packaging (usually plastic) where products are housed. Many toys are typically sold in this type of packaging. A blister in good condition usually increases the value of the toys. In some cases, such as Hot Wheels, it can account for up to 50% of the toy's value.
Bubbling: A phenomenon that occurs when air bubbles form between the blister and the cardboard backing (cardback), due to time, poor storage, or a manufacturing defect. This can negatively affect the item's value.
Bubble: The part of the blister where the toy is held in its original packaging.
Canon: A model or prototype that embodies the characteristics considered perfect within its category. Also used to refer to sets of rules, principles, or facts that govern stories, franchises, brands, etc.
Water-slide Decals: A type of decal printed on paper with two layers, similar to stickers, but must be submerged in water for about 15 seconds. Doing so separates the clear base from the transparent film with the print. It is applied to the surface of the miniature and pressed with a blotting paper (commonly a tissue), allowing the decal to adhere and conform to the surface. This type is mainly used for paint-and-build miniatures and rarely for die-cast models, as it requires manual application.
Cardback: A term used in figure collecting for blister-packed items. Refers to the cardboard backing of the package, often containing illustrations, character stats, model information, or full line advertisements. Its condition can significantly influence the item's value.
Casting: A term widely used by Hot Wheels collectors to refer to the mold of a car model. It's frequently used when discussing model variations.
Chase: A term used to describe a special, limited, or hard-to-find version within a line of figures or miniatures. Chase versions usually have exclusive colors, metallic finishes, or unique details. Highly sought after by collectors.
Collecting is a Hobby: A pastime involving the acquisition of a specific type of objects (or even experiences related to them), based on the collector's interests, and maintaining them in a collection. These collections are usually well organized, cataloged, and attractively displayed.
There are different types of collections and collecting fields. People collect various items, from coins, Kinder figures, tea wrappers, beetles, to model cars. In the past, high-quality collections often formed the foundation for professional museums.
Custom: Items customized by fans. They are usually repainted or redesigned to create a unique piece. Their finish is more intimate and artistic, often noted for their level of detail.
Deployment (Military): The act of stationing forces or military resources in specific locations or areas according to a pre-established plan to address real or potential threats.
Die-Cast: Refers to products with metal components. This term is critical when buying figures since metal is used less and less in modern toys. Whether an item contains metal can indicate if it's a reissue, its origin, or the era it was made in.
Diorama: A type of model that displays human figures, vehicles, animals, or even imaginary beings as the focal point of a scene, within a setting meant to represent a specific moment or scenario. Also refers to a scene composition including one or more scale models and a realistic background. It may include miniature buildings, trees, people, animals, natural environments, and any element that enriches the composition. Some companies sell pre-made dioramas to which collectors add their models, though it's common to find accessories for creating custom dioramas.
Displaymate: An accessory or complement designed specifically to enhance the presentation of a miniature or figure in a display case, diorama, or base. May include LED lights, themed bases, mirrors, or printed backgrounds.
Solvent: A product used to thin paint and clean brushes.
Dry Brushing: A painting technique using a brush with very little paint to highlight surface textures and details. Commonly used in modeling to age or add realism to models, figures, or dioramas.
Publishing House: Essential when launching kiosk collections in a given country. In Europe, well-known publishers include Salvat, Planeta DeAgostini, Eaglemoss Collections, Hachette Collections. In South America, countries like Argentina and Brazil use the same publishers, but in others, the predominant one is Luppa.
Scale: The scale of a model or miniature determines how many times smaller it is compared to the real object. A full-size model would be at a 1:1 scale. The number on the right indicates how many miniatures placed side by side would equal the real model's length or height. The smaller the scale number, the larger the model. Example: A 1:43 scale means 43 miniatures would equal the full-size model's length. Thus, a 1:24 scale model is larger than one at 1:87.
Queen Scale: Refers to the 1:43 scale, due to the vast variety of models and themes available. Most kiosk collections use this scale, and if you're looking for a specific car, it’s most likely available in 1:43.
Tinning: The process of adding tin to the joint of two surfaces before bonding them.
Wingspan: The distance between the tips of an aircraft's wings.
Flipper: A term for speculators who buy large quantities of the same toy or collectible figure intending to resell them. This is common when a product becomes trendy and is expected to rise in value. Very common in Hot Wheels today.
Flocked / Flocking: A process of applying tiny fibers of velvet or felt to a figure’s or miniature’s surface to give it a soft texture. Often used in model interiors or special promotional editions.
Free-Wheels (Wheels): Refers to the free-rolling wheel system of a miniature. "Free-wheels" means the wheels can move both forward and backward without restriction.
Themed Background: A cardboard, paper, or plastic print placed behind a figure or miniature in a display case or package to contextualize or set the scene. Common in dioramas and limited edition presentations.
Photo-Etching: A sheet engraved using light exposure.
H0 (HO): The most popular scale in model railroading, equivalent to a 1:87 scale. The standard track width is 16.5 mm, representing the 1435 mm real rail gauge.
HP [abbreviation]: Short for horsepower; a unit of work or power.
Injected Parts: Refers to plastic or silicone parts inserted into die-cast molds using a plastic injection process. These parts (like tires, bumpers, headlights, mirrors, etc.) complement the base mold.
Kit: An English word meaning equipment, also used to describe model sets.
Kitbash: A technique where parts from different commercial kits are combined to create a new, original, and personalized model. Common in creative modeling, especially sci-fi, fantasy, and war gaming, where official models may not exist.
Limited Edition: Indicates a product made in small, numbered quantities, enhancing its exclusivity and value. Common for promotional, anniversary, or special edition collections.
Purge: A moment all collectors face—due to space issues or changes in focus—when they must decide which pieces to keep and which to sell or trade. This process is called a "purge."
RAL: Stands for Reichsausschuss für Lieferbedingungen (National Committee for Delivery and Quality Assurance). It is a standardized color coding system established in Germany in 1927.
Redline: Refers to the earliest Hot Wheels models, recognizable by a red stripe on the outer edge of their wheels. Released in 1968, these are among the most valuable Hot Wheels in existence.
Repositioning: A shift in the focus or theme of a collection due to space, changing interests, or collector evolution. Usually involves a purge and reorganization of the display area.
Reprint: A reissued version of a previously sold-out or vintage model, with slight changes in paint, packaging, or detailing. Often used to attract nostalgic collectors or introduce classic models to new audiences. May feature improved tampography or materials.
Resin: A material used in artisanal model construction. Resin allows for hand-molding of miniatures in a semi-artistic process. These models are usually low-production, often hand-painted, and lack metallic parts, using plastic components for tires, windows, lights, or accessories.
Royal Navy: The naval warfare branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the United Kingdom's oldest military branch, historically referred to as the Senior Service. From the late 18th to early 20th centuries, it was the most powerful navy in the world and a key force in establishing the British Empire.
Scratchbuild: A modeling technique where models are constructed entirely from raw materials rather than kits. Requires advanced skills and creativity. The modeler uses basic materials like cardboard, plastic, wood, or resin to build unique, handcrafted pieces.
Section: The profile resulting from a cross-sectional cut of an object.
Spin-off: A product or series derived from a main line or franchise, but with different characters, themes, or models. Common in collections that expand into thematic variations.
Stickers (Decals): Traditional decals consisting of an image printed on a two-layer paper backing. The top layer carries the print and adhesive, which is transferred to the surface. Although they offer high graphic quality, their thickness may prevent full adherence to miniature contours.
Sweet 16: Refers to the first 16 cars released by Mattel under the Hot Wheels brand in 1968. These models mark the beginning of the brand. Despite color variations or design changes within that year, all are considered part of the original Sweet 16 lineup.
Tampography: The dominant printing method in recent years for applying logos, stripes, and inscriptions on model cars. Using chemical emulsion and intaglio engraving, a silicone pad picks up ink and transfers it to the model surface. The pad's flexibility allows it to conform to the object’s shape, achieving high-quality prints. This process has largely replaced hand-painting and traditional stickers.
Theme: Because it’s impossible to collect everything, collectors usually focus on a specific theme (e.g., rally cars). At this stage, a purge is often necessary to eliminate unrelated models (e.g., street cars, fire trucks, military vehicles) and specialize in the chosen theme.
Test Issue: A limited market release by a publishing company in a specific region (often two provinces) to gauge public interest. Typically involves 4 issues and no advertising support—only word of mouth and social media buzz. If successful, the collection may launch nationally.
Tamper-evident Strip: A clear element placed around blister packs or boxes to prevent tampering. Highly valued among collectors seeking factory-sealed items. Its presence guarantees authenticity and that the item hasn’t been opened.
Tuning: Refers to technical and aerodynamic modifications of street cars. Includes upgrades like powerful audio systems, lights, visual enhancements, and creative customizations.
Acrylic Display Case: A box-like display unit made of transparent acrylic, commonly used to protect and showcase scale models. Typically includes a black plastic base with the model’s brand, name, and year printed, and a detachable transparent top cover.
USAF: United States Air Force.
USAAF: United States Army Air Forces, the aerial warfare branch of the U.S. Army during and shortly after World War II. It was the direct predecessor of today’s U.S. Air Force, existing formally from 1941 to 1947.
USN: United States Navy.
Vintaging: The act of seeking, acquiring, or restoring vintage models to preserve or enhance their original retro appearance. Common among collectors who value authenticity, often involves gentle cleaning and careful repairs.
Zamak: A specific zinc alloy used to mold the bodies of scale models. It is injected into molds at 470°C using an injection machine. The resulting shell is trimmed and polished in a centrifugal drum with ceramic stones.
Waterline: A term for ship models finished at the waterline level, omitting the underwater hull.