Glossary

Specialized glossary on collecting, miniatures, die-cast models, scale modeling and vintage toys. It includes technical definitions and essential terms to identify, evaluate and preserve scale models.

Acetate (transparent plastic)

Flexible plastic used in display cases and blisters. Its condition (free of scratches, cracks or yellowing) directly affects the collectible value.

Numbered base (limited edition)

A stand with a specific numbering (e.g., 045/500) indicating a limited production run and increasing the exclusivity of the model.

Blister (transparent packaging)

Plastic packaging used for many toys. In lines such as Hot Wheels, the blister can represent up to 50% of the item’s value.

Bubbling (blister air bubbles)

Air bubbles between the blister and the card due to aging or manufacturing defects. It significantly reduces the collectible value.

Blister bubble

Transparent cavity where the miniature is housed inside its original packaging.

Canon (reference model)

A prototype considered perfect within its category. Also used for official rules or principles of a franchise.

Water decals (professional decals)

Decals that must be submerged in water to apply the transparent film onto the miniature. Common in advanced scale modeling.

Cardback (blister backing card)

Cardboard backing with illustrations and information about the model. Its condition affects the item’s value.

Casting (model mold)

The mold used to manufacture a Hot Wheels car. Essential for identifying variations.

Chase (rare or limited version)

A special, hard-to-find edition with exclusive colors or finishes. Highly sought after by collectors.

Collecting (miniature hobby)

Activity of acquiring, cataloging and displaying items according to the collector’s chosen theme.

Custom (customized miniature)

A model modified or repainted by fans to create a unique artistic piece.

Deployment (military term)

Positioning forces or military assets according to a strategic plan.

Die-Cast (metal casting)

Miniatures with metal bodies. Indicates quality, production era and origin.

Diorama (scale scene)

A model representing a scene with vehicles, figures or natural elements.

Displaymate (display accessory)

Accessory designed to enhance the presentation of a miniature in a display case or diorama.

Solvent (paint cleaning)

Product used to thin paint and clean brushes in modeling.

Dry Brushing

Technique used to highlight raised details with minimal paint.

Editorial (magazine collections)

Companies such as Salvat, Planeta DeAgostini or Hachette that publish collectible series.

Scale (model proportion)

Ratio between the real object and the miniature. Example: 1/43 means 43 miniatures aligned equal the real length.

Queen scale (1:43)

The most popular and varied scale in collecting.

Tinning (metal joining)

Process of adding tin before joining two surfaces.

Wingspan (aircraft)

Distance between the tips of an aircraft’s wings.

Flipper (speculative reseller)

Person who buys large quantities of a toy to resell when its value increases.

Flocked / Flocking (velvet texture)

Application of tiny fibers to achieve a soft, velvety finish.

Free-wheels (free rolling)

Wheels that roll freely forward and backward.

Themed background (display scene)

Printed background used to enhance the presentation of miniatures.

Photo-etching (etched sheet)

Sheet engraved using light exposure.

H0 (1/87 railway scale)

Favorite scale in railway modeling.

HP (horsepower)

Unit of power.

Injected parts (plastic components)

Plastic pieces added to die-cast molds through injection.

Kit (model kit)

Set of parts used to assemble a model.

Kitbash (kit combination)

Creating a new model by combining parts from different kits.

Limited Edition

Product manufactured in reduced and numbered quantities.

Model (functional model)

Scale representation of an object or building.

Modeling (representation technique)

Activity of creating models that reproduce real objects.

Mattel (manufacturer)

Company that owns Hot Wheels, Barbie and other brands.

Minifigure (Lego figure)

Small figures included in Lego sets.

Minio (protective paint)

Orange paint used to protect metals.

Mint on Card (MOC)

Figure completely new and sealed in its original blister.

Mockup (preliminary model)

Sample version used for visual review before production.

Modeling (prototype creation)

Craft activity to create models used as production references.

Scale modeling

Interpretation of a real model at a reduced or increased scale.

Doll collecting

Collecting dolls from different eras and styles.

Patina (natural aging)

Natural wear that can increase historical value.

Base (miniature stand)

Acrylic base where the miniature is mounted.

Plan (top view)

Orthogonal projection from above.

Template (cutting guide)

Profile used to guide precise cuts.

P.R.C. (Made in China)

Alternative marking for products manufactured in China.

Prototypes (internal samples)

Test figures never intended for sale.

Pull Back & Go (pullback mechanism)

System that propels the miniature forward when released.

Purge (collection selection)

Process of deciding which pieces to keep or sell.

RAL (color code)

Numeric system used to define colors.

Redline (classic Hot Wheels)

Early Hot Wheels models featuring a red stripe on the wheels.

Repositioning (theme change)

Changing the focus or theme of a collection.

Reprint (reissue)

Re-release of older models with variations.

Resin (artisanal models)

Material used for handcrafted scale models.

Royal Navy

United Kingdom’s naval force.

Scratchbuild (built from scratch)

Model constructed entirely without commercial kits.

Section (cut profile)

Resulting profile from cutting an object.

Spin-off (derived line)

Product originating from a main franchise.

Stickers (adhesive decals)

Printed adhesive decals used to decorate miniatures.

Sweet 16 (first Hot Wheels)

The 16 original Hot Wheels models released in 1968.

Pad printing (professional printing)

Process used to print logos and details on miniatures.

Theme (collector specialization)

Selecting a specific type of model or category to collect.

Test (editorial test)

Trial release in two regions to measure demand.

Security strip

Transparent strip ensuring the packaging has not been opened.

Tuning (vehicle modification)

Technical and aesthetic modifications applied to cars.

Acrylic display case

Acrylic box used to present and protect a miniature.

USAF

United States Air Force.

USAAF

United States Army Air Forces (1941–1947).

USN

United States Navy.

Vintaging (vintage restoration)

Restoring old models while preserving their retro appearance.

Zamak (die-cast alloy)

Zinc alloy used for die-cast bodies.

Waterline (ship models)

Models whose hull is cut at the waterline.