Feed your need for scale speed at RS Diecast and Collectibles in car-crazy downtown Belton

RS Diecast Racing and Collectibles is one of the last of its kind in KC

Just a few years ago, NASCAR and collector car diecast stores seemed to be everywhere. Independence Center, the Great Mall, even Crown Center all had their own dedicated shops, and there were probably a half-dozen independents around town as well.

Today, these stores are few-and-far between. But if you're looking for a good one, look no further than RS Diecast Racing and Collectibles in Historic Downtown Belton, Mo. Owner Richard Smith will be happy to show you his extensive selection of common, and not so common model cars from the world of NASCAR, short tracks, muscle cars, and classics.

"Belton has always been a car town," Smith said while waiting on customers on a busy night during the Belton Car Cruise this summer. "And the downtown Belton Merchants plan to keep that tradition alive in the future."

Belton already has one of the strongest summer cruise nights in the Kansas City area, and many well-known hot rods and customs were built or are owned by prominent Belton collectors. Car-themed murals and other automotive events are in the planning stages to help vitalize this Mayberry-like small town square.

Smith also owns a NASCAR NAPA Auto Parts show car, which he takes to various events to promote his store. When we were there, it was on display among the cruise night cars.

RS Diecast Racing and Collectibles is located at 406 Main Street in Downtown Belton. You can contact them at (816) 322-1143. Or find them on the Web at http://www.rsdiecastracingandcollectibles.com/.

Even if you aren't looking for anything in particular, if you like cars or car racing, you may just be surprised at what you find at this old-school, independent diecast store.

The slideshow below contains a sample of the cool and unusual racing collectibles you may find at RS Diecast. Of course, the inventory changes regularly, so you never know what kind of great treasures you might uncover.