Diecast Collector – Issue 342 April 2026 – Diecast Collector

Each of these major promotions features famous wrestlers of its own, who have been fully realised in video games, collectable cards, and, of course, action fi gures. It was Wrestling Superstars in 1984 that really began the fi gure trend, though. Created by the toy company LJN, these fi gures were inspired by WWF’s biggest names, including André the Giant, ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan.

These toys were rather limited in their mobility, and while they captured a stylised likeness of the heroes and villains of the squared circle, they were largely built with a sturdiness that meant kids could throw them around. The line was stopped in 1989, although interestingly, a variation on Wrestling Superstars was revisited in 2021, recreating the classic chunky aesthetic, albeit with modern wrestlers. But, Wrestling Superstars ultimately set the standard, despite the line’s drawbacks.

Not only are they fondly remembered and highly sought after, but they were the fi rst signs of a boom in wrestling merchandise. The 1980s were a signifi cant boom period for wrestling, and the 90s saw a continuation of that momentum. The two major competitors during this period, WCW and WWF, both launched new action fi gure lines with duelling companies.

WCW turned to Galoob and then Toy Biz to create their plastic fi gures. At this stage, they still weren’t quite seen as a collectable, but the range and diversity of fi gures available began to grow as large as the wrestling roster itself. The fi gures were still robust, but contained fi ner detailing, with great attention paid to capture the likeness of the wrestlers.

WWF, meanwhile, worked with Hasbro until 1994, which produced stylised, larger-than-life action fi gures. While there was something lifelike about the WCW variations, these Hasbro alternatives felt as if they had been inspired by cartoons. As the famous Attitude Era approached and the WWF became far more gritty, the action fi gure range took the biggest step forward yet.

Jakks Pacifi c took the reins, creating a range of genuine collectables that were highly malleable, incredibly detailed and featuring accessories and weapons. WCW would soon follow suit, with Toy Biz stepping up to the competition. Jakks Pacifi c would dominate the space throughout the 2000s, with the market clearing after WCW was bought out by WWE.

16 Abbots Business Park, Primrose Hill, Kings Langley WD4 8FR Contact us for Vintage Toys, Comics, Movie Memorabilia, Trading Cards, Autographs, Retro Gaming and more! Whats in your loft? 020 3633 0913 www.excaliburauctions.com [email protected] 16 Abbots Business Park, Primrose Hill, Kings Langley WD4 8FR co ■ Stay up to date with the latest news, reviews, and price guides ■ Get inspired by auctions, toy fair, and event reports ■ Features on big-name brands ■ Practical tips for buying, restoring, and displaying models ■ Now has 10 pages of price guides from diecast and trains to toys and tinplate!

■ Review fellows collectors’ collections and have a chance to get your own featured! T&Cs apply, this subscription offer is valid only when paid via direct debit quarterly. HOW TO ORDER YOURS… Why subscribe… Simply scan the QR code seen here, visit https://ccofgb.uk/DiecastCollector or call our team on 01778 392006 and quote DCC/SUBS26. iii gum cards that shaped a generation www.ccofgb.co.uk • April 2026 4 ISSUE 342, APRIL 2026 Turn to page 3 to fi nd out more!

SUBSCRIBE TO DIECAST COLLECTOR FOR 12 MONTHS CONTENTS CollectorsClubOfGreatBritain CollectorsClubofGB @CollectorClubGB @ccofgb FOLLOW US AT Our guide to what’s been selling well on eBay. 66 Marketing marvels and mishaps Ever wondered about the world of the diecast in the pre-internet age? Alwyn Brice takes us back to model promotion, retail successes and the also-rans. 68 A-Z of collecting Alwyn Brice’s alphabetical guide to models past and present.

This time, we move through U and V. 70 The return of the Dune Colin E Shinkin takes a look at the Volkswagen Dune Concept, fi nally resurrected from the DNA Collectables parts bin by Radscale Models. 72 Your collection A pictorial snapshot of your prized diecast models and collections. 74 Model Shop We’ve reviewed your models… now you can buy them directly from us! 35 Ring the bell Grapple with this! George Chrysostomou battles with the history of wrestling fi gures. 38 Back on track Rick Wilson takes a snapshot of the much-loved Scalextric slot racing system from the 1960s.

40 The green belt Alwyn Brice concludes his review of classic British diecast military model suppliers. 42 A very British compromise Mark Nolan attempts to explain how we ended up with two scales with the same gauge, without confusing Father Dougal. 44 The Model Bus Federation This month, Ann Evans and Rob Tysall meet the Model Bus Federation. 47 Toy stories Ed Karswell ponders the world of model collecting. 40 Diecast Collector 06 News and events What is happening in the world of collecting.

12 What’s new The latest models and in-depth reviews. 22 Racing in the veins Francisco Mota takes us to modern times. The livery evolved but kept being one of the easiest to recognise.

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

Book Information

• Unique ID: 9efa4c4e11aaea59
• File Extension: .pdf
• File Size: 39,616,184 bytes (37.781 MB)
• Title: –
• Author: Unknown
• Pages: 81
• Language: English (en)

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