Cautionary Tale from a New Collector

[Big Al]

(Or, “An Embarrassing Confession”)

Having been at this hobby for a little bit under a year, I figured I could help someone like me who is fairly new at it, to avoid the stupid mistakes I made in the beginning.

My story is like so many others’: Some years ago, I gave my son a case of Matchboxes from my childhood, which (Matchboxes) now are about forty years old. He promptly put them in his closet--never to be thought about by either of us again--and proceeded to play video games. But one day when we were cleaning and organizing, out they came and I had a look at them for the first time in a long time, and I thought, “Wow. These are cool as heck! They have to be worth some money!”

Motivated mostly by a slow-down in my business, and greed, I started to look up some of them on eBay. In my ignorance, I thought that every “double-decker” bus was worth $40, for instance. I had no clue of the variations, quality, or box considerations. So what did I do? I bought a bunch of them! (Fortunately, I only spent a couple dollars apiece on anything; but cumulatively, my expenditures did add up.)

While continuing to buy Matchboxes, I obsessively read about everything, as is my nature. I started from nothing: I even had to learn about the ins-and-outs of buying on eBay; about “1-75 Regular Wheels,” which was a foreign concept to me… I didn’t know what a “Superfast” was, let alone a “transitional wheel” one.

I was very fortunate to happen upon Nick’s site early on; and some very wonderful people. Yes, even sellers on eBay, who gave me some great tips. My learning has been slow but steady, and I’m grateful for the help so many have given me. I cringe at the buying mistakes I must have made in the beginning, and I honestly have no idea yet how bad they were!

A funny thing happened along the way, though. After being able to hold and admire these beautiful diecast models, I fell totally in love with them! No longer was my motivation just to buy and sell them, although I must eventually do that with part of them if only to reduce overstock and support my habit. I actually want to keep some of them, display them properly and—gasp—even roll one or two around occasionally for the fun of it!

So for anyone who may be new at this hobby that happens upon my little story, my advice would be: No matter how smart you think you are, or how much you think you know, or how excited and impatient you get for a seemingly great deal… step back for awhile, and read, ask and learn from the “masters” before you jump in. The deals will always be there. As the saying goes, “If I only knew then what I know now…” (And I still have a long way to go.)

Alan

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Nice story Alan, and I expect other forum members could tell similar tales.

I don't think many collectors can claim to have started out as specific collectors of the Lesney products, simply by the way they were presented in shop displays or in catalogues, it seems a lot of collectors started in the way you describe in your posting and I reckon the idea of 'homing-in' on variations and transitions etc, didn't happen until the mid-70's.

Then there's the collector who as a child, would have had models brought for them, (some of which looked like their Father's real car) and were able to keep them until later in life and unearth them from garages and attics and enjoy them once again.

The idea of buying and selling for monetary gain at club meetings or of course the new world of internet auction sites, is a modern extension to our hobby and is totally alien to me, I have never done this and don't particularly want to.

A couple of forum members are on a steep learning curve at the moment, because they have recently become involved in buying and selling models, as a way of maintaining their collections and is a good idea, if you can make it work, but as you know, it is a minefield out there, so I would imagine you have to tread carefully, but more importantly, you need to know the subject inside out, which for the majority of collectors on this forum means...Lesney products, especially the 1-75 series 'Regular wheels' models and the 'Superfast' models and I am glad collectors such as yourself are enjoying the members contributions and as a relatively new member myself, a forum such as this is definately the place to be, to learn a lot of what we need to guide through the hobby.

Learn by your mistakes...this is true and can be beneficial in as much as buying repaints and fakes etc, will show you what has been done to models to pass them off as original and providing they have not cost a fortune to get them, keep them, you can learn from them.

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Alan, as you may know, I will chase anything with a Rolls-Royce grille on it, but I don't think I am aware of what you collect, how about a few lines about your collection, however big or small it may be.

Best regards,
Kevin, the GHOSTHUNTER.

[Big Al]

Alan, as you may know, I will chase anything with a Rolls-Royce grille on it, but I don't think I am aware of what you collect, how about a few lines about your collection, however big or small it may be.

Best regards,
Kevin, the GHOSTHUNTER.

Thanks, GHOSTHUNTER. You're one of the ones that make this site great.

As to my collecting habits, well... you might remember my "clutter." I think that applies to my brain, too. So when I started this hobby lo those many weeks ago , I had no plan. As mentioned in my story, I "thought" that certain models had decent value, but I really bought them because I thought they were "cool." In other words, like most everyone else, I collect what I like.

I was fortunate early on to find a good supply of Models of Yesteryear at reasonable prices. I love those, from almost all eras of production, for the pure "heft" of the metal, and the often amazing detailing.

From the 1-75 regular wheels, getting a beautiful Rolls, or Iso Grifo (which I had never even heard of... my English friend who restores cars had to explain), or a Jag in my hands almost brought me to tears.

I've also ended up with a few of the early mid-50s Lesneys, not necessarily "mint in box." But they hold a beauty all their own, and were quite surprising when I actually could hold one and look at it. It's hard to describe what I'm saying here about those: They are simple, yet elegant. Small little creations that inspire nostalgia and pride in our culture and accomplishments.

OK, I'm done all "waxing poetic." You can gather from the above what I like. I've also ended up with all the usual stuff that comes in huge "lots," like Hot Wheels, Superfasts and the like, and some larger scale models and even "kits" that I try to get my son to build. The problem is my lack of organization, which I'll address this winter unless the wife threatens to kill me for buying more of these things than she ever knew! At that point, I'll get my photo skills down and show you all a few pics of what I've got. If I find anything that I think any of you covet, I accept Visa/MasterCard/American Express/Concubines and Single Malt Scotch. Just kidding. I'd probably send one of them to any of you for nothing, if you wanted it.

See you down the road,

Alan

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Thank's Big Al, your too kind.

I just love model cars, period, it was not until the late seventies that I started to collect them seriously, I.E. search out varations, re-issues and different colours etc and it just so happened, I had a number of Rolls-Royce toys and models from my childhood days and was lucky enough to buy current models to add to them.

In 1979, I had a brilliant idea of putting a model in my pocket as a lucky charm, it was the Y-10 'Yesteryearr' Silver Ghost and it went everywhere with me until 1987, when it was looking a little sad and tired, the tyres were hard, wing stays were broken, I think the windscreen was broken off and a lot of paint had rubbed away from being in trousers or jeans for so long!

I retired this from service and replaced it with a smaller model, (lets face it, a 'Yesteryear' in your pocket, no wonder all the girls kept looking at me, I wondered why !) and the smaller model was the new Silver Spirit just launched by Lesney, in 1987. This stayed with me for a number of years until all the paint became sticky, to the degree you could peel it off like thick tape and lots of it had gone from the model. After those two 'Lucky charms' I didn't do it any more, I sort of grew up, I think, maybe not, anyway, it just shows that some of us just love model cars for what they are.

Thank's again Alan, see you later,

Kevin.

[mcnair55]

I will give you a tip which i have been caught on twice.

Take your time buying mint boxed at swap meets and watch the lighting.On two separate occasions although decades apart i got stitched up with paint that had sun fade to one side.

[Big Al]

Thank's Big Al, your too kind.

I just love model cars, period, it was not until the late seventies that I started to collect them seriously, I.E. search out varations, re-issues and different colours etc and it just so happened, I had a number of Rolls-Royce toys and models from my childhood days and was lucky enough to buy current models to add to them.

In 1979, I had a brilliant idea of putting a model in my pocket as a lucky charm, it was the Y-10 'Yesteryearr' Silver Ghost and it went everywhere with me until 1987, when it was looking a little sad and tired, the tyres were hard, wing stays were broken, I think the windscreen was broken off and a lot of paint had rubbed away from being in trousers or jeans for so long!

I retired this from service and replaced it with a smaller model, (lets face it, a 'Yesteryear' in your pocket, no wonder all the girls kept looking at me, I wondered why !) and the smaller model was the new Silver Spirit just launched by Lesney, in 1987. This stayed with me for a number of years until all the paint became sticky, to the degree you could peel it off like thick tape and lots of it had gone from the model. After those two 'Lucky charms' I didn't do it any more, I sort of grew up, I think, maybe not, anyway, it just shows that some of us just love model cars for what they are.

Thank's again Alan, see you later,

Kevin.

I love it when you talk dirty!

All this talk about hard, sticky, thick rubbing things in your jeans... I'm about to dump the wife!

I do appreciate the story, though... I just can't resist a good laugh!

Alan

[Big Al]

I will give you a tip which i have been caught on twice.

Take your time buying mint boxed at swap meets and watch the lighting.On two separate occasions although decades apart i got stitched up with paint that had sun fade to one side.

Thanks for the tip. I'm actually searching out some Matchbox shows here in Pennsylvania, although I think they'll all be next year at this point. I've never been to one, and I never would have thought of what you just mentioned. Another reason to love this great site!

Alan

[kwakers]

Hello Big Al, kwakers here. I believe there is still a huge Toy Show coming up in York Pennsylvania that I have heard about for years. A search on the net should give you details, or perhaps a note to DTE, (Diecast Toy Exchange) on E Bay who are located there in a store front.
You have in fact missed the Hershey Matchbox Show that was in late September, the Macungie Toy Show that is always the first Saturday in August, and the Carlisle Spring and Fall Shows where some Lesneys can be found every year. If you are further West in Penn., there is a Toy Show in Rochester N.Y. in November that I should be attending. Those are only the shows I am familiar with, I am sure Toy vendors in your area can give you leads on local shows that occur through the year as well as Train Shows that usually precede the Christmas Holiday. Small Toy shows are sometimes disappointing in numbers of dealers, but they may have the best Mom and Pop dealers/ collectors that are selling spares at realistic prices. I really enjoyed your story as well as the laughs and comments from Ghosthunter and others. We really are a varied group that Nick has drawn together here. Remember, you are not a new collector, you are just 'playing' through a second childhood with some very cool old Toys..........kwakers

[Taniwha]

Nice story and wise words Big Al. I think all of us go through that initial phase of excitement and getting carried away. Sadly, many get burnt and end up leaving the hobby. Play the "long game" I always say - if you are in it for the enjoyment, then the odd mistake hurts less. I've always felt too that for everything I've ever paid too much for, I've found at least two bargains.

Cheers,
Gavin

[Ewan]

Great words, both from Al and those who have commented. Al - it looks as if you are discovering the same as me - that this forum is a great place to be. I am one of the members who is at the very start of a very steep learning curve (that's part of the fun) and I am eternally grateful that members with more knowledge and experience share it, and in such a friendly way. I am well aware that I must have posted queries on here that have glaringly obvious answers but nobody has ever taken that tone in their replies. I was born in 1973 so am a 'Superfast' era guy, I just happened to 'discover' the RW models by accident and this has a cautionary tale of it's own.

I'm a bus nut. Books, photos, tickets, fleetlists, you name it and I've collected it, including models. I was for 5 years a bus operator. My interests cover a pretty small geographical area and this is not well catered for by EFE and OOC so finding models that interested me was not easy. You can buy said models and customise them but it's pricey. You can buy kits in white metal or resin, but they're pricey. One day I hit on the notion of searching eBay's diecast buses category starting with the cheapest stuff first and a whole new world opened up. The 74 Fleetline, the 70 Thames, the 21 coach and the Husky Duple Vista - all really good bus models, relatively cheap and of personal interest. To fund this new collecting hobby I bought joblots from ebay, kept the buses and sold the remaining items back on ebay. Goodness knows what may or may not have passed through my hands before I discovered Nick's site and the forum.

Back to the cautionary tale - as mentioned above one of the models I was hunting out was the 70 Thames. My grandfather ran buses and he had a Thames minibus just like it. I've got 3 in total, all of which were 'playworn' and all of which were dumped in brake fluid to strip the paint. It is only a few days ago that Nick mentioned in a post on here that he'd been looking for a crimped axle Thames for years. I genuinely thought that one of mine had crimped axles..... Following a rush up the step ladder into the attic I found that none of them do, and for that I'm very grateful, because I wouldn't have known the significance at the time of buying and it would have ended up paintless. Now, if I ever come across one, there is only one place it's going, and it's in Nick's direction - not into a jar of brake fluid, and I hope that demonstrates the value of this forum and the site - if they didn't exist then people like me would be trashing models that some people spend years looking for.

The dealing side of it is a necessity for me, I'm a carer for my son and in all probability will never be able to work again so it's the only way to fund my hobby. When I started splitting joblots I would only keep the buses and the real beaters with broken bits or bad repaints. Things are improving now, and I can be a bit fussier about what I keep and what I sell which is enabling my collection to slowly grow. I've also got around 100 odd beaters to sort through! One piece of advice - if your collection is in an attic accessible only by step ladder, buy a step ladder which is a bit too short. That way your wife will not/can not haul herself up there and the size of your collection will remain your secret