Yves Charland has been passionate about miniature models and car racing since the early 1970s. It all started at the age of 14 with plastic stick-on cars. He maintained and furnished an impressive collection until 1979.
Then he put the passion on hold to focus on real cars and powerful engines. A visit to Florida, to the site of the Daytona 500, rekindled the sting. Yves Charland started collecting again in 1996. This time, it was miniature metal models, or “diecast” according to connoisseur jargon.
Family and profession oblige, Yves Charland put the collection in drawers from 2001 to 2015. He brought it out again in 2016 and created a Facebook page two years later to reach other fans.
“The passion started early as a teenager! I traded older metal models with friends and acquaintances. Why diecast rather than anything else? I have been a fan of vintage cars and racing since I was young.”
— Yves Charland, owner of YCM Diecast
Now he is an administrator of five public pages related to miniature collections. The love for small cars never left him, to the point of creating a company in 2022 and opening a branch two years later in the urban center of Cowansville.
A shared taste
Until recently, Yves Charland only sold online – on his own website – before opening his branch on rue Principale. He invited friends and other followers to an official opening held on Saturday. In the parking lot, there were a few vintage cars on display for the guests to enjoy. Inside, a host of collectibles of all kinds.
There are a host of objects related to motor racing. (YCM Diecast/Facebook)
“I still sell items online, but I decided to open a physical branch at the request of both customers and those around me,” explained the proud owner.
He looked for the ideal location for several months and chose to settle in Cowansville, since according to him, the market there is flourishing. There are a lot of collectors in the region.
“The search for premises took place from January to August. We worked for about six weeks to get the place in order. Lots of work on the board! Renovations, painting, installation of stalls and products. It must be said that we are happy to open our doors today and meet people.”
When he says “we”, Yves Charland includes his partner Lucie Bazinet. The couple shares the passion and visits exhibitions of old cars every year. Opening this branch is a small leap into the unknown, but a great step for them.
A small overview of the collection of miniature models found on the market. (Nicolas T. Parent/La Voix de l’Est)
A wide range
YCM Diecast specializes in the sale of new or used metal model cars of all scales. The walls of the branch are also covered with Nascar racing cars. Notice to connoisseurs, we also find the famous First Gear 1/34 trucks there. “We sell figurines, clothing, dioramas, decorations and metal signs on site,” explains Yves Charland.
A few vintage cars were in the parking lot of the branch on the occasion of its official opening held during the day on Saturday. (Nicolas T. Parent/La Voix de l’Est)
It is therefore possible for a collector to get their hands on a product directly at the store (350, rue Principale). The company also offers free delivery to meeting points in certain towns in Montérégie, Estrie and Centre-du-Québec. Finally, it can ship via Canada Post. Packages are insured in the event of loss or damage.
For more information, simply visit the YCM Diecast website.
