Babe in Toyland with Karen O'Brien - Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Aurora Model Kits and Comics
Posted by toy

While reading the Forum over at Comics Buyer's Guide, I came across a conversation regarding Aurora model kits from the 1960s and 1970s. It's always fun when one interest (comics in this example) crosses over to encompass another interest (model kit building).

Click HERE to read this thread.

Craig Shutt, a.k.a. "Mr. Silver Age" has a fabulous collection of Aurora super hero kits that he built as a kid, so be sure to scroll down the page and check out the photo of them displayed on the shelf in his office.

What are they worth? Built kits, whether they are figures or planes or cars, tend not to be worth much in terms of money. Unbuilt kits still sealed in their mint boxes are the ticket to financial fabulousness in this hobby. And the current edition of Toys & Prices just so happens to have an entire chapter devoted to model kits (popular characters, primarily).

Here are a few mint-in-package values for Aurora super hero kits:

Superman, 1963, $425

Superman, Comic Scenes 1974, $66

Batman, 1964, $275

Batman, Comic Scenes, 1974, $90

Captain America, 1966, $330

Captain America, Comic Scenes, 1974, $145

Hulk, 1966, $325

Hulk, Comic Scenes, 1974, $110

Robin, 1966, $165

Robin, Comic Scenes, 1974, $120

Wonder Woman, 1965, $575

Did you build any Aurora kits as a kid? Click "Comments" below and let's hear about your kits!

Tuesday, April 01, 2008 11:26:29 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [1]

Atlantique City This Weekend
Posted by toy

From coast to coast, there are a lot of shows happening this weekend. The amazing Atlantique City is happening in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and that's a must-see show if you're into antique anything! The aisles are packed with everything from jewelry to furniture, to glassware, to pottery, to toys...you get the idea!

A quick search turned up a wide variety of shows for fans of old cars, old toys, and comics. It's going to be a gorgeous weekend, so find a local show and enjoy the day.

California

March 29 & 30, Pleasanton. 26th ALL AMERICAN GET-TOGETHER Fairgrounds - Pleasanton. All years American Powered Cars & Trucks. Vendors, Huge Swap Meet & Car Corral. For additional information call 925-838-9876 or visit www.good-guys.com

Mar 29, City of Industry . Sat. Comic Book & Collectible Show. 19649 San Jose Ave, SH: 10am-5pm, T: 250, A: free. Frank Zamarripa, 19649 San Jose Ave., City of Industry, CA 91748. PH: 909-444-7955.

Delaware

Mar 30, Newark . Sports Card, Comic Book, & Collectible Show, Aetna Fire Hall. 400 Ogletown Rd., SH: 10am-3pm, T: 50, A: $2, 12 & under free. PH: 302-559-7962.

Florida

Mar 27-30, Palm Beach. 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event: South Florida Fair Grounds & Expo Center, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, Florida 33411. PH 480-421-6694 or http://www.barrett-jackson.com/ .

Mar 29, Pensacola. 1st Annual Panhandle Cruisers National Car Show. Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds. 7am-5pm. PH: 251-946-3327 or http://www.panhandlecruisers.org/

Mar 29, Vero Beach. 31st Annual Antiques Auto Show. Riverside Park. SP: Indian River Reg.-AACA. Clark Ballard, 1115 Buckhead Dr. SW, Vero Beach, FL 32968. PH: 772-567-8920.

Mar 29, Leesburg. Motorcycle & Classic Car Cruise In. Gator Harley-Davidson, 1745 US Hwy. 441. 4pm-8pm. PH: 352-787-8050 or www.Gatorharley.com

Mar 30, Ocala. Live Oak Carriage & Car Show. Hosted by Kingdom Of The Sun Region AACA. S.W. 110th Ave, 1.4 miles South of HWY 40. Vehicles model years 1975 & older are invited to participate in 10 different classes. Registration closes at 11:30am prizes awarded at 3pm. For more information call Carolyn Smith 352-368-3880 or email: skiss1937@embarqmail.com . http://www.cailiveoak.com/ .

Hawaii

Mar 30, Honolulu . Wiki Wiki One Day Collectibles & Hawaiiana Show, Blaisdell Center Hawaii Suites. 777 Ward Ave., SH: 10:30am-4:30pm, A: $3.50., kids 7-11 $2. Ilene Wong, PH: 808-941-9754.

Illinois

Mar 30, Wheaton. 17th Annual B.O.P.C. Swap (Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Cadillac) at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL. For information call Dave Pastrick at 630-357-8083 or Rich Barnas at 708-481-7973

Mar 30, Countryside. Collector’s Classic Toy Show. Park Place, 6240 Joliet Rd. 10am-2pm, A: $6. Jim Welytok, PH: 262-246-7171 or http://www.uniqueeventsshows.com/

Indiana

Mar 30, Indianapolis . Super Sunday Indy Automotive Swap Meet & Car & Truck Sale. Indiana State Fairgrounds, West Pavilion, 1202 E. 38th St. 8am-3pm. PH: 708-563-4300 or http://www.supersundayindy.com/

Mar 30 Ft. Wayne . Comic & Sci-Fi Convention, Don Hall’s Guesthouse. Conference Center, 1313 W. Washington Ctr. Rd., I-69 exit 111, SH: 10am-4pm, T: 39-8', F: $55., A: $3., 6 & under free. Jeff Harper, PO Box 24, Uniontown, OH 44685. PH: 330-499-6056.

Iowa

Mar 30, Marshalltown. 35th Annual Swap Meet. Marshall Cty. Fairgrounds. 7am-1pm. SP: Area Restorers Region, Inc.-AACA. Marshalltown Area Restorers, PH: 641-753-5839, 752-3041 or 319-345-2306.

March 28 & 29, Dyersville: 7th Annual Midwest Toy Truck & Construction Show at the National Farm Toy Museum. Hours: Fri. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For info call (712) 889-2961.

Louisiana

Mar 29-30, DeRidder. LA Slow Roller's Car Show. Washington St. Daryl Smith, 1015 W. 10th St., DeRidder, LA 70634. 337-463-8989.

Maryland

Mar 30, Aberdeen . 4th Annual Slot Car Show & Swap Meet, Clarion Hotel. 980 Hospitality Way, SH: 10am-2pm, A: $5., 12 & under free. Douglas Keys, 6831 Beaverdam Rd., Beltsville, MD 20705. PH: 301-474-6596.

Massachusetts

Mar 30, Maynard. 14th Annual " Winter Blahs" Swap 'n Sell. Elks Lodge, 34 Powdermill Rd. (Rt. 62 near Rt. 27). 7:30am-12noon. SP: Minuteman Model A Ford Club. Craig Martin, PH: 978-562-2390.

Mar 30, South Attleboro . Toys, Comic Book, Non-Sport Cards & Coll. Show, K of C. 304 Highland Ave., SH: 10am-3pm, A: $3. My Mummy Productions, Harry Martin, PH: 508-384-8491.

Minnesota

March 29 & 30, Fairmont: 10th Annual D&S Railroad and Farm Toy Show in the Five Lakes Shopping Centre. Hours: Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For info call (507) 235-5026.

Nebraska

March 30, Falls City: Annual Knights of Columbus Farm Toy Show at Prichard Auditorium, 312 West 17th Street, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For info call (402) 245-2797 (day).

New Jersey

Mar 29-30, Atlantic City . Atlantique City Show. Convention Center, One Miss America Way. PH: 800-526-2724.

New York

March 30, Malverene. Greater New York Region of AACA indoor swap meet. Event will be held at the American Legion Post 1 Legion Place, Malverene. Admission is $3. For info call Violet at 718-843-3490 or Bill at 516-764-0611.

Ohio

Mar 29, Jefferson. Swap Meet. SP: Western Reserve Chapter-AACA. David Payne, 3518 Austinburg Rd., Ashtabula, OH 44004.

Pennsylvania

Mar 28-30, Reading. Indoor Rod & Custom Show. Berkshire Mall. SP: Pretzel City Rod & Custom. Mick Dornes, PH: 610-856-7097.

Mar 30, Altoona. BCAAC Super Spring Swap Meet. Blair Co. Convention Ctr. SP: Blair Cty. Antique Auto Club. Dale Crum, 710 Brush Oaks Dr., Altoona, PA 16602. PH: 814-946-4745.

Mar 29-30, Pittsburgh . Steel City Con, Expo Mart. SH: Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 10am-4pm, A: $7. Orangestone Promotions Inc., PH: 814-262-0503.

Tennessee

Mar 28-29, Sevierville. Corvette Expo. Events Ctr., 6 mi. off I-40, Exit 407. PH: 865-687-3976 or http://www.corvetteexpo.com/

Texas

Mar 28-30, Bowie. Auto Swap Meet. SP: Piston Heads Auto Club. Freddie Lebetter, PH: 940-872-9643 or Kato Verden, PH: 940-872-4089 or http://www.bowieautoswapmeet.bravehost.com/

Mar 28-30, Salado. 31st Annual TX Packard Meet. Stagecoach Inn. SP: TX Packard Assoc. Beverly Clark, 735 Ware, San Antonio, TX 78221. PH: 210-922-1300.

Wisconsin

Mar 30, Franklin. Milwaukee Slot Car Show. Crystal Ridge Ski Hill, 7900 W. Crystal Ridge Dr. 9am-1pm. PH: 414-573-8903.

Mar 29 Madison . Comic Book Show, Comfort Inn & Suites. 4822 E. Washington, SH: 10am-4pm, A: free. Alan, PH: 309-657-1599.

Car Shows | Toy Shows

Friday, March 28, 2008 4:03:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

Comments [0]

Farmall Super M in Pink?
Posted by toy

One of the great things about taking a road trip is that if you keep your eyes open, you just might find something unexpected and extremely cool. While driving through Beecher, Ill., to the Beecher Farm Toy Show, I spotted a restored Farmall in a driveway. Nothing unusual, given the popularity of restoring vintage tractors these days -- but this tractor was pink! Dad and I continued on to the show, promising to stop when leaving town to take a closer look.

On our way home, dad pulled into the driveway and I hopped out to trespass (just a little and only for a minute) and took this picutre:

Don't adjust your screen! This Farmall Super M is pink!

A little Internet homework provided some neat answers. According to the Illinois & Indiana Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club Web site, owner Tammi Greenwald of Beecher restored the tractor and painted it pink, "to aid in her efforts to raise awareness of the need for better breast cancer detection and research...The Pink tractor has been in many parades and tractor rides in the area. Tammi is planning some long distance drives to help raise money for the cause."

Well done, Tammi. I'm sorry for the brief trespass, but so glad that we stopped!

For more information on breast cancer go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:14:16 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

Comments [3]

Smith-Miller Bonanza Truck
Posted by toy

The newest pressed-steel truck release from Smith-Miller is a Bonanza Concrete Truck. Limited to just 100 pieces, this beauty will set you back a healthy $1295. Die-hard Smith-Miller fans will love this truck -- it's a rolling work of art.

For more information, click on the company name above.

Here's a picture:

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 10:06:08 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

Comments [0]

Mid-Ohio-Con Sold!
Posted by toy

I received the following press release regarding the sale of the Mid-Ohio-Con. Note that the show will move from its traditional Thanksgiving weekend slot to the beginning of October for 2008.

For Immediate Release
Monday March 24, 2008

Mid-Ohio-Con To Be Acquired By GCX Holdings
Mid-Ohio-Con 2008 Scheduled For October 4th-5th

R.A.P. Promotions, Inc. announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell Mid-Ohio-Con to GCX Holdings LLC. Now entering its 28th consecutive year, Mid-Ohio-Con is one of America's longest running and most successful pop culture conventions. Every year, Mid-Ohio-Con brings fans of all ages together with leading comic book writers and artists, film and television creators and stars, as well as publishers and retailers from across the nation.

“I am delighted to have reached an agreement to sell Mid-Ohio-Con to GCX Holdings”, said Roger A. Price, President of R.A.P. Promotions and founder of Mid-Ohio-Con. “I know that the GCX team is excited about the opportunity to continue the tradition of Mid-Ohio-Con and I’m looking forward to working with them as we get underway with the planning and execution of the 2008 event. We have selected the weekend of October 4th–5th for Mid-Ohio-Con 2008 and we will be reaching out to invite guests, exhibitors and sponsors shortly.”

“Mid-Ohio-Con is a fantastic event with a unique heritage and a loyal base of fans that have enjoyed this convention year after year,” said James H. Henry, Managing Director of GCX Holdings. “We are committed to staying true to the things that have made Mid-Ohio-Con successful in the past while looking for opportunities to further grow the event over time. We are particularly pleased that Rog has agreed to stay on to work with us since his insight, knowledge and relationships are second to none and will be invaluable to us in the future.”

Mid-Ohio-Con 2008 will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center at 400 North High Street in Columbus, OH. The event will be held in Exhibit Hall E and several adjoining panel rooms which will offer more than 70,000 sq. ft. of space for exhibitors, panels and other activities. As the winner of multiple Prime Site and Inner Circle Awards, this state-of-the art facility has become one of North America’s most popular sites for local, state, regional and national groups and organizations.

Contacts:

James H. Henry
GCX Holdings LLC
jhenry@gcxholdings.com

Roger A. Price
R.A.P. Promotions, Inc.
conman@midohiocon.com

Comics Buyer's Guide Senior Editor, Maggie Thompson, regularly attends this show and always gives it an enthusiastic recommendation. You can read her show reports from the 2007 con on her blog (click the "Beautiful Balloons" link to the left).

Monday, March 24, 2008 2:00:43 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

Comments [0]

Beecher, IL Farm Toy Show
Posted by toy

The cure for cabin fever has to be a toy show. Hands down, there's nothing better than walking and talking your way through a show to chase the winter blues away. And when you attend a show as well-established as the Beecher farm toy show, you find a wonderful mix of veteran dealers who are very knowledgeable about the items on their tables.

I found a number of new additions to my collection, including a 1986 Ertl Farmall H in its box. I love the Farmall H, and seldom pass one up. I also found a couple of 6" Thundercats figures and two copies of the oversized Star Wars comic book -- hey, they were only $2 each!

But the real treat of the show was discovering the dealer who had the Product Miniatures Cockshutt Co-Op tractor with its original box. I've never seen one in person, and it was a joy to find it.

Here are some photos from the day:

Chuck Eckel of World of Trucks has been a dealer at the Beecher farm toy show for more than 20 years. In addition to scale die-cast trucks, he offered scale corn and hay bales to display with your trucks.

Veteran farm toy dealers Don and Kathy Obermeyer offered this gorgeous Product Miniatures Cockshutt Co-Op tractor (right). At an asking price of $550, its a toy for serious collectors. Yes, that's a Product Minatures Farmall M on the left, but I already have one of those.

Toy Shows

Friday, March 21, 2008 1:24:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

Comments [0]

Peotone Swap Meet
Posted by toy

I didn't think it was cold last Sunday morning until we started walking the outdoor portion of the swap meet sponsored by the Peotone Car Club. Brrrrrr!!! Needless to say, the outdoor vendors are hearty folks!

We ran into a ton of car enthusiast friends, and stopped to get caught up with everyone. That's half of the fun when you go to an early season swap meet -- everybody is ready to put winter behind them and start enjoying the old cars hobby.

Sorry if these picutres are out of focus, but I forgot my gloves and after a few minutes in that cold wind, my hands were shaking!

You get a little bit of everything at an early season show. Old cars and trucks are on display or for sale (top image), and there are always tons of parts to peruse. I didn't need Mustang parts (bottom image), but I imagine someone arrived who did.

Car Shows

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 1:26:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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Star Trek: The Collectibles
Posted by toy

New projects for this year include Star Trek: The Collectibles. This 256-page all-color book takes an in-depth look at the wide world of collectibles based on the original Star Trek television series. Author and veteran Star Trek collector Steve Kelley includes everything from action figures and clocks to props and trading cards.

Though the series only lasted three seasons in the mid-1960s, the collectibles keep coming.

The book won't be available until late September (you can pre-order a copy by clicking on the title above), but here's a sneak peek at the cover:

Many thanks to designer Tom Nelson for this stunning cover. Yes, that's the die-cast Franklin Mint U.S.S. Enterprise -- but doesn't it look real?

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 7:06:12 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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Swap Meet in Peotone, IL
Posted by toy

Let’s face it, cabin fever has been tough this year—and I’m as desperate as everyone else to get out and enjoy my hobbies. When planning my weekend activities, I just had to find a toy show to attend, so I was very pleased to discover that the Beecher Farm Toy Show will happen tomorrow. With my Sunday open, I went straight to the Calendar section of Old Cars Weekly to find a swap meet. I’m in luck—the Peotone Car Club is hosting its 20th Annual Swap Meet on Sunday at the Will County Fairgrounds.

Here’s the info:

20th Annual Swap Meet

Peotone Car Club

Inside at the Will County Fairgrounds, Peotone, IL

Doors open at 8am

For information call Carl or Betty (708) 258-6920

Swap meets have a character all their own, and in the cold, damp mornings of early spring, they are among my favorite places to be. I might or might not find a useful car part, but I’m running low on shop cloths (you know—those red ones that you can’t live without) so I won’t leave empty handed. Besides, I like to support the activities of car clubs, so I’m sure to enjoy my trip to Peotone.

Car clubs are a topic I intend to visit in more depth, both here on my blog and in the pages of Old Cars Weekly, and I’m pleased that this swap meet is sponsored by the Peotone Car Club. I joined a car club this year, the Ford Galaxie Club of America, and am really enjoying the newsletters and all of the amazing knowledge of the club members.

Are you a member of a car club? Click “Comments” below and tell me all about it!

Car Shows

Friday, March 14, 2008 2:31:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

Comments [0]

Farm Toy Show in Beecher, IL
Posted by toy

The 23rd Annual Beecher FFA Toy & Craft Show is this Saturday, March 15. The show is held in the gymnasium of Beecher High School, in the town of (you guessed it) Beecher, Illinois. With a name like Beecher, you might think it’s one of the towns nestled along Lake Michigan’s shores, but it’s actually about 37 miles south of Chicago along the historic Rt. 1 (a.k.a. Rt. 394 today).

I’ve attended this show with my dad in years past – we haven’t been to Beecher in a number of years – and was always pleased with the variety of toys present. Honestly, craft shows aren’t our thing, so we skip those tables and head straight for the toys. As I recall, a few pressed steel pieces made their way into dad’s collection via this show, and it’s a good lesson in keeping an open mind and an open eye when attending farm toy shows.

The show is sponsored by the Beecher FFA and the Ag Advisory Council, and all proceeds go to Agriculture Scholarship – so you know your $3 admission fee and the money you spend on a hot dog for lunch are going to a worthy cause. (Heck, have two hot dogs!)

Weather permitting, dad and I are headed down Il. Rte. 1 on Saturday, hope to see you there!

Here’s the show info:

23rd Annual Beecher FFA Toy & Craft Show

Saturday, March 15, 2008

9am to 2pm

Beecher High School

538 Miller St, Beecher, IL 60401

Admission: $3 adults, $1 students

Sherrie Jepsen (708) 946-2266

Kelly Koehne (708) 417-8695

Pedal pull at noon.

Toy Auction at 2:15

Toy Shows

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 1:53:58 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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