I just learned that Bob Smith, organizer of the R.A.T.S. (Rochester Area Toy Show) show passed away recently. Bob was a long-time contributor to O'Brien's Collecting Toys and O'Brien's Collecting Toy Cars & Trucks. His knowledge of vehicle toys, especially the early tin pieces, was nothing short of remarkable.

   I learned something about toys every time we spoke (which was all too infrequently), and his loss will impact all in the toy hobby.

   I understand that his collection -- which I never saw in person, but from our conversations I can safely say was amazing -- will go up for auction in the near future. I'll keep you posted when the details become available.

   My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Roberta, and their family.

   I'm always pleased to announce show dates in this blog -- it's no secret that I'm a complete cheerleader for attending shows. Toy shows, car shows, farm toy shows, comics conventions, you name it and I'm happy to spread the word. Why? Becuase it's important to connect in person with other collectors/enthusiasts.

   There's only so much we can do online, convenient as it is. I recently interviewed a show promoter half the country away entirely by email. The beauty of email is that there's no danger of me misquoting my subject, but there's also not as much warmth or personal excitement about the hobby coming through, either. So I followed up with a phone call, and had a very enjoyable conversation that I was able to inject into the article.

   The point is simple: hobbies are about people. You take your risks leaving your house and reaching out at shows, no doubt. But a smile and a well-meant "good morning" can lead you to some great pieces for your collection, or parts for your antique car, and probably some new friends that will enrich your hobby experience. Give it a try, you'll be glad you did.

   What show/swap meet/convention are you attending this weekend? Click on "Comments" below and let me know.

   The swap meet season is well underway, and don't forget these winter events as great locations to find toys. Old car fans are often toy car fans, and their events can yield unexpected treasures for your toy collection.

   This Sunday is one of my favorites, and it's been going strong for 35 years -- the annual swap meet at Bill Jacobs Chevrolet in Joliet, Illinois. The event is presented by the Great Lakes Region Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, but don't let the Chevy sponsorship fool you, this event is for all makes and models. There are usually some hearty outdoor vendors as well as everyone inside the spacious dealership.

   For more information contact: Jim McDonald (708) 485-3633 or email glr@vcca-glr.com

   The club Web site is: www.vcca-glr.com

   Hours are 8am to 1pm, and the address is 2001 W. Jefferson near the corner of Rte. 52 and Rte. 7 -- you can't miss it!   

   Bundle up and enjoy the swap meet!

   Pop culture will fondly remember 1986 as the year that several cartoon hero shows debuted and departed. Among them was Silverhawks, a space-cop show featuring humans enhanced with cyborg technology to withstand the rigors of patrolling space. The show featured many of the same voice actors already working on Thundercats, but never really caught on and only aired for the one season.

   Toys from the ’80s, even ones from cancelled television shows, are experiencing a surge in popularity as Gen X’ers reminisce at high school reunions then get nostalgic about the toys of their youth.

   So here’s a little treat for those of you stepping into your own ’80s time warp – it’s Buzz-Saw with Shredator from Kenner’s short-lived Silverhawks line. Brings back memories of pastel polo shirts, peg-rolled jeans, and spiked hair, doesn’t it?

   Because of my dad's interest in old cars and courtesy of his subscription to Old Cars Weekly, I've been reading the automotive writings of John Gunnell since I was a kid. I met John during my first week of employment here at Krause Publications -- he was gracious, made sure I knew where the free copies of the magazine were stored, and told me to help myself.

   I called my dad that night with one of those "you're never gonna believe who I just met" stories that only come along once in a blue moon. When dad drove up here for the Iola Old Car Show that July, I introduced him to John -- which dad thought was pretty cool, indeed.

   Actually, after a lifetime in the hobby, I've come to the conclusion that car people just love to hang out and talk cars with other car people. That's what I did every time I ran into John -- talked cars and car shows. And that's what I'll miss most about his "retiring" from Krause Publications last Friday. He's not retiring from writing, thankgoodness, he's actually embarking on the full-time freelance writing career we all dream of -- John will get to spend his days working on cars, writing about cars, and in his words, "take the laptop outside on nice days and enjoy my backyard while I write."

   Congratulations Gunner, I'll see you at the car shows!

   Happy New Year everyone! After an extended holiday vacation, I’m ready for another year of sharing news and views of the old toys hobby.

   Expect more news from the wonderful world of farm toys – the Standard Catalog of Farm Toys 3rd Edition is officially a hit, and I love to hear input from the readers. Because of my affinity for old cars, I’ll probably feature more news from that fine hobby this year as well, and we’ll all have a great time.

   In the mean time, work here continues on the next edition of the Pez book as well as O’Brien’s Collecting Toys (wow, are you going to love what I’m doing with that book!), so if you have a toy topic on your mind that you’d like me to delve into, click “Comments” below and I’ll get right to it!

   And now that the title of this post has me thinking of Gene Autry, here are the lyrics to that tune:

I'm back in the saddle again
Out where a friend is a friend
Where the longhorn cattle feed
On the lowly gypsum weed
Back in the saddle again

Ridin' the range once more
Totin' my old .44
Where you sleep out every night
And the only law is right
Back in the saddle again

Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin' to and fro
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
I go my way
Back in the saddle again

I'm back in the saddle again
Out where a friend is a friend
Where the longhorn cattle feed
On the lowly gypsum weed
Back in the saddle again

Ridin' the range once more
Totin' my old .44
Where you sleep out every night
And the only law is right
Back in the saddle again

Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin' to and fro
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
I go my way
Back in the saddle again