Custom Tomicas - From Leesburg with Love

Tomica's Pocket Cars were quite the eye-catching series during the late 1970s with their blue denim looking blister pack. I was in awe of the casting choices and realized even then that I could not recognize many of the castings available. But the ones I did recognize were most excellent...Lincoln Continentals, Eldorados, VW Bugs, Trans Am and Corvettes to name a few.

So when I come across 'beaters' of specific castings, I can not resist picking them up and giving them new life. I hope you enjoy looking at these as much as I had restoring them.

Tot Ziens,

Jeff (94SS)

Hot Wheels Customs Part 1 - Staring Matchbox Wheels

Good Day,

I know it has been a long time since I have submitted a new post but life is more than 3 inch diecast toy cars...right:) So I have been working on Hot Wheels lately as I am finding them more interesting then my beloved Matchbox these days. It seems more and more that Mattel are not really interested and/or motivated to push the Matchbox brand at least in terms of toy cars. 

Why else would it be then that the Matchbox page still has 'flash' technology and does not even bother to show the full 120 models for 2011, 2012 and I seriously doubt we will see 2013 updates either. Anyways, enough of that. On to my latest Hot Wheels customs where I have used the one thing Matchbox still does pretty well...that is cool looking wheels.

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy Holidays,

Jeff (94SS)

New 3 Inch JaRu for 2012

I love the unexpected. It is always exciting to come across something these days where I have not seen it posted on the web somewhere, but that is exactly what happened to me today. I was coming from my customer site on the way home and decided to stop in a Giant Foods that I do not frequent much due to location. It has been good for Mattel products in the past, but I always take a look at the 'cheap' toys as well because one never knows. I have seen small planes there from JaRu as well, but never these. There were only 2 models on the pegs which is not uncommon and I picked them both up after some quick review. They have the brand name of 'Real Wheelz' and their corporate name and model number appear on the rear of each model. The first model appears to be a Landrover Freelander with front-end features that makes it look like the Matchbox model. But these are way Jacked-up 4x4s. The Second model is a Dodge Ram Long-cab. This model seems close to the Johnny Lightning model. I will let you all come to your own conclusions. So, are they cheap? Yes (however not in price as they were $1.99 each). Do I like them? Yes, the wheels really set them off but the lack of interior is a letdown and one can see where JaRu tries to make them just generic enough to avoid licensing fees. I will keep my eyes peeled for the other 4 models as the package states there are 6 models in all. The rear of the blister-card was completely white. Leave a comment if you wish to know or see more of these.

Cheers,

Jeff

Scouts!

Just can't get enough of these Scouts!: Just can't get enough of these Scouts!

Some New German and English Goodies

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite new finds from Schuco, Siku, Corgi and some other miscellaneous brands from the 70s and 80s. Some of the beaters will end up getting new wheels and paint. Let me know if you have any questions.

Jeff

RMZ City 2010 Chevy Camaro RS

RMZ City is the name of a new diecast company that had an informative booth at the 2012 German Toyfair. I have finally been able to track down a few examples, although they are pullbacks, this does not bother me. I hope you like these as much as I do.

BTW....I have 2 of each color available for $4 each except the red, which I only have one available. I except Paypal.

Cheers,

Jeff