Had the pleasure of being a guest on the Rick Bergman radio show on KDKA out of Pittsburgh, PA this afternoon. Rick is a very thoughtful host and I always enjoy our annual chat. His audience called in with some terrific toys for me to appraise, and it is always a big challenge when you can't actually see the items under discussion.

   The doll questions can be real stumpers, and I always enjoy the callers with Hot Wheels cars or pressed steel trucks the most.

   Well, play time is over, time to dig in get those Christmas presents wrapped!

   Thought I'd share the cover of the 12th Edition. The book will be released in late Spring 2008, but here's a preview.

   Was working on the next edition of O'Brien's Collecting Toys today, and came across some toys to add to the Movies, Radio & Television chapter. Hop Harrigan started as a comic book flying ace and moved to 1940s radio on ABC and the Mutual networks. Hop and his mechanically-minded sidekick, Tank Tinker, were among the popular flying adventurers of the time and even fought the Axis during World War II.

   Most of the collectibles associated with Hop Harrigan are membership premiums from the Hop Harrigan All American Flying Club. Anyone have images of those items? I'd like to include them in the chapter. Thanks!

   Christmas is right around the corner and I've finally sent out all of my Christmas cards. Haven't finished shopping yet, but I have a plan of attack for next weekend and should be in good shape.

   Nostalgia grips me this time of the year and I remember my coolest Christmas ever -- it was the year that I got all 12 of the original Star Wars figures. Not just one or two, Santa delivered all 12 characters!! And yes, I still have them.

   It's your turn -- what was the coolest Christmas present you ever received? Click "Comments" below and let's hear from you!

   The "slogan" of the Marx Toy Company is easily recognizable by multiple generations of collectors -- as the world's largest toy manufacturer for decades, Marx toys were present in most 20th century households.

   It's always a pleasure to pass on information about fun toy-hobby places to visit and shop. The Official Marx Toy Museum in Glen Dale, West Virginia, will make your "must see" list in a heartbeat if you remember playing with tin wind-ups, plastic playsets, litho cars and trucks, or any of their famous action figures.

   Check out their store, the Museum carries a line of re-released toys that are sure to bring back memories as well. It's a nostalgic time of the year, so do yourself a favor and take the online tour of the museum.

   What was your favorite Marx toy? Click "Comments" below and let me hear from you!

   The John Deere line from Ertl continues to impress with its diversity. One of the new releases coming soon is this 1:16-scale LA120 Lawn Tractor.

   The life-sized LA120 is in current production from John Deere, and you can see its specifications here. The manufacturer’s list price for the little powerhouse is $1,849.

   If collecting the real thing isn’t for you, I’d recommend this outstanding replica from Ertl. It can be had for around $16 from a farm toy dealer near you. (I’ve had some reports that this tractor won’t be shipping until January, so be sure to check with your favorite dealer and don’t blame Santa if you can’t have it on Christmas day!)

   Yes, we're working on a new edition of Shawn Peterson's best-selling PEZ book, the Collector's Guide to PEZ. At a hefty 256 pages, this 3rd Edition is the definitive guide to all things PEZ. Shawn includes a nice history of PEZ, Inc., great collecting advice, and information on the many conventions throughout the U.S. each year in addition to every great dispenser you can imagine.

   Thought you might like to see the cover. Shawn sent us this great advertising piece, the PEZ girl, and a nifty idea for a drive-in kind of look. Designer David Jensen ran with the idea and added a touch of cool early '60s kitsch that makes it a real scream.

   Check it out:

   North Carolina collector Brian Moore recently responded to my open invitation to submit photos of toys not picutured in O'Brien's Collecting Toy Cars & Trucks. He sent some nice photos of the Ideal Fix-It Tow Truck and Car w/Dented Fender, No. 3001. The toy was produced from 1955-57.

   Actually, I've never seen the set myself and have never run across it at a show. In the book I list "NPF" as the value for all three condition types because I've never run across a dealer selling one or an auction containing the piece.

   Moore's piece is complete and in original condition -- he and his brother played with the toy, and have no idea what became of the original box.

   What values would you assign to the Ideal Fix-It Tow Truck and Car w/Dented Fender in C6 (Excellent), C8 (Near Mint), and C10 (Mint without box) conditions? What premium above C10 would you add for a mint box? Click on "Comments" below and let me know!!