About Oxford Diecast
Oxford Diecast: Britain's Leading Diecast Model Vehicle Manufacturer Introduction to Oxford Diecast Oxford Diecast stands as the world's largest manufacturer of 1:76 scale diecast model vehicles, a British success story that has grown from its Welsh origins to serve collectors worldwide. With nearly two thousand different models across multiple scales, Oxford Diecast offers unmatched variety in cars, buses, trucks, military vehicles, fire engines, aircraft, and railway equipment. Founded in 1993 in Swansea, Wales — inheriting the legacy of the famous Corgi factory — Oxford Diecast combines British heritage with extensive product development. Producing 400 to 500 new products annually, the company ensures collectors always have something new to discover. At Grocefully, we help you compare Oxford Diecast prices across UK retailers, ensuring you can build your collection at the best available prices. Whether you need 1:76 vehicles for OO gauge railway layouts, 1:148 models for N gauge, or larger display scales, price comparison helps you collect more for less. The Oxford Diecast Story: From Welsh Factory to World Leader Oxford Diecast represents the continuation of British diecast manufacturing heritage. The Corgi Connection The story begins with Corgi Toys, the legendary British diecast brand that revolutionised the toy car market from its Swansea factory. When Mattel acquired Corgi, operations moved from Swansea, Wales to Leicester, England, with manufacturing relocating to China. This corporate decision left the historic Swansea facility and its skilled workforce available. Enter Lyndon "Taff" Davies, who would found Oxford Diecast and acquire the former Corgi factory, maintaining Swansea's diecast manufacturing tradition. 1993: An Explosive Start Oxford Diecast Limited was officially incorporated on 5 November 1993, with registered offices at Fforestfach, Swansea, Wales. The company exploded onto the scene, producing over 500,000 diecast products in its first year alone. This remarkable launch demonstrated immediate market demand for British-designed diecast models and validated Taff Davies's vision for the company. Early Success with Promotionals In its early years, Oxford Diecast developed a range of promotional stylised vehicles, serving corporate clients seeking branded model vehicles. This promotional business provided steady revenue whilst the company built its collector range. Manufacturing remained at the Swansea base, continuing local employment and diecast expertise. Neath Plant Expansion In 1998, production moved to the Neath Plant in Swansea, a facility solely focused on Oxford Diecast products. This dedicated manufacturing capability supported growing demand and product expansion. The Neath facility operated until 2000, representing the final years of UK-based manufacturing. China Production In 2000, Oxford Diecast relocated production to a plant it owned in China. In 2001, the UK factory closed and moulds shipped to China — a process taking over a year to complete. This transition followed industry trends whilst allowing Oxford Diecast to invest in product development and expansion. Design and business operations remained UK-based. 2005: The Scale Model Pivot A transformational business decision came in 2005 when Oxford Diecast shifted focus from promotional items to scale models — delivering what the collector market truly wanted. The first new range in 1:43 scale commenced, beginning with the Mini, then Mini Van and Morris Minor. These highly detailed collector models established Oxford Diecast's reputation for quality and authenticity. 2007: The Automobile Range Launch The Oxford Diecast Automobile range launched in 2007, featuring a selection of 1:76 model cars including the Humber Super Snipe and Ford Anglia. This scale — perfect for OO gauge railway layouts — would become Oxford Diecast's signature. British classics dominated early releases, appealing to collectors nostalgic for vehicles from their youth. Scale Expansion Oxford Diecast systematically expanded scale offerings: 2009: British N Scale (1:148) introduced for N gauge railway enthusiasts 2009: 1:43 scale expanded for display collectors 2013: 1:87 scale (HO) added, initially concentrating on American cars This multi-scale approach allowed Oxford Diecast to serve different collector needs and railway modelling standards. 2015: Oxford Rail Launch Oxford Rail launched in 2015, filling a growing gap in the OO gauge railway market. Adding locomotives and rolling stock to the product range allowed collectors to source both vehicles and trains from a single manufacturer. Oxford Rail continues expanding, complementing the established vehicle ranges. Thirty Years of Excellence In 2023, Oxford Diecast celebrated thirty years of operation — three decades of continuous product development, collector engagement, and British diecast heritage. The company continues developing approximately 400-500 new products annually, maintaining excitement for collectors. Family Leadership Continues On 1st October 2017, Eloise Davies — daughter of founder Taff Davies — was appointed Managing Director of Oxford Diecast Ltd. This generational transition ensures family values and founder vision continue guiding the company. The Oxford Diecast Product Range Oxford Diecast offers comprehensive vehicle coverage across multiple scales. Scales Available 1:76 Scale (OO Gauge): The signature Oxford scale and the most popular UK scale for model railway layouts. Perfect for OO gauge layouts and display collecting. 1:148 Scale (N Gauge): Smaller scale for N gauge railway layouts and compact displays. 1:87 Scale (HO): International standard scale, particularly popular in North America and Europe. 1:72 Scale: Military and aircraft standard scale. 1:50 Scale: Large display scale for trucks and commercial vehicles. 1:43 Scale: Traditional collector car scale for detailed display models. 1:18 Scale: Large format scale for premium display pieces. This scale variety ensures collectors can find appropriate sizes for their specific needs. Oxford Automobile The car range spans automotive history: Classic British Cars: Morris Minor, Austin Seven, Ford Anglia, Humber Super Snipe, Vauxhall Victor, Hillman Minx, and countless others celebrating British motoring heritage. Modern Vehicles: Range Rover, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mini (new and classic), and contemporary favourites. American Classics: 1:87 scale American cars including iconic models from the 1950s and 1960s. European Makes: Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW, and continental classics. Oxford works with major manufacturers — Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ford, Volkswagen — ensuring authentic licensing and accuracy. Oxford Haulage Commercial vehicles in 1:76 and 1:148 scales: Manufacturers: Volvo, DAF, Mercedes, Scania, MAN, Atkinson, AEC, ERF, Foden, Ford, Leyland, Scammell. UK Haulage Companies: Stobart, Malcolm, Royal Mail, and numerous historic liveries celebrating British road haulage heritage. Vehicle Types: Articulated lorries, rigid trucks, flatbeds, tankers, and specialised commercial vehicles. Oxford Buses Bus models across scales: Double Deckers: Classic Routemasters, modern Wrightbus designs, and regional operators. Single Deckers: Various body styles and operators. Liveries: Major UK operators plus heritage and preserved bus liveries. Oxford Military Military vehicles for collectors and modellers: British Military: Land Rovers, trucks, and support vehicles in military liveries. World War II: Classic military vehicles from the conflict. Modern Military: Contemporary military vehicle representations. Oxford Emergency Services Emergency vehicle specialisation: Fire Engines: Various eras and fire service liveries. Police Vehicles: Cars, vans, and response vehicles in police markings. Ambulances: NHS and private ambulance service vehicles. Oxford Aviation Aircraft models in appropriate scales: Civil Aviation: Airliners and commercial aircraft. Military Aviation: Fighter aircraft, bombers, and support aircraft. Classic Aircraft: Historic aviation celebrating British aerospace heritage. Oxford Rail Railway equipment complementing vehicle ranges: Locomotives: Steam, diesel, and electric locomotives for OO gauge. Rolling Stock: Wagons, coaches, and freight vehicles. Accessories: Railway-related structures and equipment. Oxford Commercial Specialised commercial vehicles: Ice Cream Vans: Classic and modern ice cream van models. Circus Vehicles: Fairground and circus transport. Farm Vehicles: Agricultural machinery and farm transport. Quality and Collecting Understanding Oxford Diecast's approach explains collector enthusiasm. Accuracy and Detail Oxford Diecast models feature accurate proportions, detailed finishes, and authentic liveries. Research into original vehicles ensures models represent their prototypes faithfully. Consistent Scale Within each scale, Oxford Diecast maintains consistent proportions, allowing collectors to display vehicles together knowing they'll look correct relative to each other. Limited Editions Many models are produced in limited quantities, creating collectability and investment potential. Once production runs end, models become sought-after on the secondary market. Collectors Club Oxford maintains a collectors club with worldwide membership, offering early access to new releases, exclusive models, and community engagement. Club membership connects enthusiasts globally. Documentation Models include packaging with vehicle information, supporting collectors who appreciate historical context alongside the physical model. Shopping for Oxford Diecast in the UK Oxford Diecast enjoys extensive UK distribution. Official Channels OxfordDiecast.co.uk: The official website offers the complete range with all current releases and pre-orders for upcoming models. Specialist Model Retailers Phillips Hobbies: Official Oxford stockist carrying all new releases Roads and Rails: Extensive range of OO Gauge diecast vehicles Osborns Models: 1:76 scale specialist Classic Collect Models: Die-cast specialist retailer Bellford Toys and Hobbies: Collector-focused retailer Model Railway Shops Model railway specialists nationwide stock Oxford Diecast for layout enthusiasts. Local model shops offer the benefit of seeing products before purchase. Online Marketplaces eBay UK provides both current releases and discontinued models for collectors seeking specific items. Secondary market prices for limited editions may exceed original retail. Understanding Oxford Diecast Pricing Oxford Diecast offers genuine value in the collector market. Accessible Entry Point Prices start from under five pounds, making Oxford Diecast accessible for new collectors and those building extensive collections. This affordability distinguishes Oxford from premium-only manufacturers. Scale-Based Pricing Larger scales command higher prices due to material requirements and detail complexity. 1:18 models cost significantly more than 1:76 equivalents, reflecting size differences. Limited Edition Premiums Limited production runs may carry modest premiums at release. Secondary market prices for discontinued popular models often exceed original retail significantly. Railway Layout Economics For railway modellers needing multiple vehicles to populate layouts, Oxford Diecast's value pricing makes realistic scenes achievable without excessive budgets. Practical Tips for Oxford Diecast Collectors Define Your Focus Oxford's extensive range means focusing helps build coherent collections: By scale: Concentrate on one scale for consistent display By vehicle type: Specialise in buses, trucks, or cars By era: Focus on 1950s, 1960s, or modern vehicles By brand: Collect specific marques like Ford or Jaguar By theme: Emergency services, military, or haulage Track New Releases Oxford releases 400-500 new products annually. Follow announcements to secure new models before they sell out. Preserve Packaging Original packaging significantly affects value for future sales. Store boxes carefully even if displaying models. Join the Collectors Club Club membership offers exclusive models and early information on releases, valuable for serious collectors. Check Secondary Market Discontinued models often appear on eBay and at model fairs. Patience can secure sought-after items at reasonable prices. Oxford Diecast in British Collecting Culture Oxford Diecast occupies a special place in British hobby culture. Railway Modelling Integration The 1:76 scale perfectly matches OO gauge — Britain's most popular model railway scale. Oxford Diecast vehicles populate countless layouts, adding realism to railway scenes. Nostalgia Appeal British classic cars — Morris Minors, Austin Sevens, Ford Anglias — evoke memories for collectors. Oxford Diecast captures vehicles from viewers' youth, creating emotional connections beyond mere model accuracy. Haulage Heritage The trucks and liveries of British road haulage history find permanent preservation in Oxford Diecast form. Companies long merged or disappeared live on in detailed miniature. Accessible Collecting Value pricing means collecting isn't limited to wealthy enthusiasts. Ordinary people can build meaningful collections over time, democratising the hobby. Conclusion Oxford Diecast's journey from the historic Corgi factory in Swansea to world-leading manufacturer demonstrates British expertise in diecast production. Founder Taff Davies's vision, now continued by daughter Eloise as Managing Director, has created a company producing nearly two thousand different models across seven scales. Thirty years of continuous development have established Oxford Diecast as essential for railway modellers seeking realistic vehicles, collectors preserving British motoring heritage, and enthusiasts across every vehicle category. The 400-500 new products released annually ensure the range constantly expands. Whether you seek a perfect Morris Minor for your OO gauge layout, an Eddie Stobart truck for your haulage collection, a classic Routemaster bus, or aircraft for your display cabinet, Oxford Diecast likely offers exactly what you need — and at prices that keep collecting accessible. Using Grocefully to compare Oxford Diecast prices across UK retailers helps you build your collection whilst managing costs. For collectors passionate about diecast vehicles, Oxford Diecast delivers British heritage, extensive variety, and genuine value.