Diecast aircraft collector Angel Alvarez has an extensive collection of 1:200 scale diecast model aircraft. As part of this week’s Collector’s Spotlight Series, we had a chance to chat with him about his passion for the diecast aircraft collecting hobby!
Current Location:
Miami, Florida, US
Collection Size:
101 models
Collection Scale
1:200
DF: The Diecast Flier
AA: Angel Alvarez
DF: When did you develop an initial interest in aviation?
AA: Traveling has been my passion since I was very young, and for me flying has been always where the experience starts. I remember arriving at the airport so excited and looking at the crowd, the runway, the gates, the aircraft slowly moving and imaging myself boarding to live a new experience. My interest evolved over the years when I completed a degree in mechanical engineering. My favorite courses were all related somehow to planes. I had and still have a crush on Thermodynamics, Power Plants, Heat Transfer, and Aerodynamics. I am a natural born collector, and this combined with my interest in planes and traveling became the perfect storm.
DF: When did you start your diecast aircraft collection? What was your first model?
AA: A very good friend of mine introduced me to this wonderful world of aircraft collecting about 2 and a half years ago. My first diecast model was a Boeing 777-300ER from Cathay Pacific. I was so excited about getting this airliner since I had recently flown it from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and Hong Kong to New York JFK . Initially, my goal was to collect those models I have flown. However, I could not resist the temptation of expanding my collection with those models and liveries that I have always liked or grew up with.
DF: What is your favorite aircraft?
AA: My favorite aircraft is the Boeing 777-300ER. I think that this aircraft has the perfect size and shape, and I have had the opportunity to fly it with several airlines: American, British, Cathay Pacific and Air India.
DF: Do you have a favorite aircraft in your collection?
AA: This is a difficult question because I have many favorites. I would say that in the case that I have to leave everything behind but I get to choose five models to take with me, I would pick: American 777-300, Qantas 747-400, American 777-200 “One World” Old Livery, American DC-10, Lufthansa A380.
DF: Most desired model you’re currently seeking?
AA: I can’t think of a most desired model, but my favorite airline logo is Lufthansa. It is simple but right. The A340-300 model would be a nice addition to the collection. Besides that, I would love to have an A380 from China Southern, ANA 777-300 BB8 livery, ANA 787-9 R2D2 livery and the Brussels Airlines A320 Tin Tin livery.
DF: Do you have any plans to expand your current collection?
AA: I definitely do. Besides the above models, I would love the following to be released: British 767-300, Iberia A330-300 (new livery), Air Berlin A330-200 and several A320’s such as TAM, LAN, Swiss Air and Avianca. Also, I would like to expand the A340-600 models (currently I have 4 of these from Lufthansa, Virgin, South African Airways and Iberia (old livery).
DF: Thank you very much for your time Angel!
We hope you have enjoyed this week’s Collector’s Spotlight. Stay tuned for the next collection in the series!
Want to be part of our Collector’s Spotlight? Send us photos of your collection to [email protected]!
