Our Story
Celebrating 20 Years of Diecast Passion
Like many businesses in our industry, Diecast Model Centre was born from a deep passion for diecast models and a desire to share that love with fellow collectors. Our journey began in 2005 when our founder, Ian Baillie, decided to pivot away from a long career in travel and tourism. Taking time to recharge and reflect on the future, Ian realised his dream of creating a dedicated space for model enthusiasts. And so, Diecast Model Centre was born.
Starting an online business 20 years ago was no small feat. Unlike today’s streamlined platforms like Shopify, building a website in 2005 required significant time, effort, and expense. Our first website alone cost over £3,000—a considerable sum back then—and didn’t include hosting or support. eCommerce in those days was like the Wild West: unregulated, experimental, and full of challenges. Yet, those early years were incredibly rewarding. At a time when most model retailers operated physical shops or sold at swap meets and markets, our online store offered something truly unique.
For a few years, business was booming, and we felt unstoppable. But the 2008 financial crisis brought us back to earth. Our customer base then primarily comprised mid-to-high-end collectors, many of whom were hit hardest by the downturn. Faced with expensive unsold stock, it was a difficult period for us. Yet, Diecast Model Centre was built on passion, and we were determined to survive. We adapted, we persevered, and over time, we recovered, albeit at a more cautious pace.
Fast forward to 2020, and just as things seemed to be running smoothly, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. Like everyone else, we faced uncertainty and upheaval. When lockdowns began, online shopping surged, and we had to adapt quickly to keep up with demand while ensuring the safety of our team and customers. Those were challenging times, but they also reaffirmed the importance of resilience and community. We’re thankful to have weathered that storm and emerged stronger.
The years following COVID brought their own challenges. Labour shortages and material scarcities led to rising costs, and by 2021 and 2022, we were seeing stock arrive with ever-increasing price hikes. Thankfully, 2023 brought more stability, and we’ve since been able to refocus on delivering value and quality to our customers.
Today, we’re proud to celebrate 20 incredible years in business. Through highs and lows, we’ve remained committed to our mission of providing exceptional diecast models and outstanding service. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to reintroduce ranges that have taken a back seat in recent years, focusing more than ever on models designed for collectors. While we won’t reveal all our plans just yet, we can promise an exciting year ahead for both loyal and new customers.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next chapter at Diecast Model Centre!
