"So this is Christmas..." Okay so it's not quite but as this is the December issue I guess that is why that fabulous John Lennon song popped into my head as I wondered what to write for my column this issue.
It's been a funny old year but a very interesting one in the diecast collecting world, with plenty of new models. I might have fallen down a huge hole (in terms of my bank balance) on eBay too, buying all sorts of vintage bits and bobs - the new office is already bursting at the seams. So my New Year's resolution really must be to sell some of it on. Not that I've ever managed to stick to one of course.
One particular niche that I came across completely by accident (a random model got packed into an online purchase, presumably not on purpose as it wasn't part of the original listing) and it made me investigate further. Texaco Scorchers by Zylmex - anyone remember them? Inaccurate but cute little diecast racers that were given away for just 2/- with every 4-gallon purchase of Texaco fuel. There were eight in total and a track system was available too. Well even if you don't remember them, there's an article looming on the horizon for an issue at some point next year.
Talking of packing and accidents, it's time to get my ranty soapbox out. I get a lot of parcels delivered, so much so that our regular postie, Steve, has become a real friend. I'm always interested to see what sort of packaging arrives these days - it ranges from the belt and braces three-times-packed approach to just wrap it in a bin bag and hope the original box is strong enough. Well I can say here and now that the latter does not work. Much as Steve takes great care, somewhere along the way it's going to get biffed about a bit. A mint never-been-out-of-the-box 1/18 scale Hot Wheels Ferrari 333SP did survive, just, but the until recently excellent box is now a mere shadow of its former self. Grrrr! Rant over.
Rick Wilson, Editor