Features

Best of 2018

1/17/2019

By Mark Macreading
Note: This feature is in the Feb. TT&C 2019 issue.

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It was back in 2001 that we started our annual Best Replicas of the Year feature. It is nice to take a look back at the replicas that were produced over the previous year. It gives us a picture of how our hobby is progressing and a look at how advancements in technology are helping the industry.
The industry has vastly changed over the last 17 years of our “Best of” feature. Companies whose models made the list back in 2001 are not even in business anymore. It also helps us to see what our readers are interested in collecting.
In truck replicas, 1/64 scale replicas are still at the top of the list in popularity. We may be seeing some interesting, positive changes in that market since First Gear bought Die-Cast Promotions last fall. I predict we will see some better OEM truck and trailer combinations from the company in the near future.
The 1/50 scale market is still strong in the construction field, with more detailed replicas hitting the market every year. Fire Replicas still tops the 1/50 scale truck field with its innovative museum-quality fire truck models. Diecast Masters has now added some heavy-duty International trucks to its line-up, which will complement its popular Caterpillar line. First Gear is also expanding its 1/50 scale line with some well-detailed replicas. From what I have been hearing, I believe we will see some interesting replicas produced this year in all the popular scales. Although there were many nice replicas produced last year, these are the ones that stood out to our readers who responded to us.

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Bruce Slifer’s collection driven by Studebaker

1/15/2019

By Michael Petti
Note: This feature is in the Feb. TT&C 2019 issue.

Tow, oil, fire and Bell Telephone 1963 Studebaker diesel trucks from Hubley.

1938 Studebaker trucks.

Studebaker pickup trucks.

Hubley dump truck, log truck and van, which are 1963 Studebaker diesel trucks.

1938 Studebaker Good Humor trucks.

1947 Studebaker trucks.

Front view of 1963 Studebaker mail truck.

Bruce Slifer of Allentown, Penn., has a wide-ranging Studebaker toy collection that began in the 1960s.
“We bought a 1963 Avanti in 1965 and still have it. A 1961 Hawk and a 1964 mail truck came along the way,” Bruce shared. In fact, Bruce has more than 3,900 Studebaker miniatures.
Back in 1968, while at the Macungie, Pa., Das Awkscht Fescht, Bruce’s then 11-year-old son bought a Dinky Toys Studebaker Hawk. From that point on, Bruce started collecting Studebaker memorabilia.
“In 1968, we began collecting Studebaker memorabilia, toys, postcards, literature, dealer items, service pins and anything related to Studebaker. In our can and bottle collection, we even have a Studebaker 55-gallon oil drum and a 20-gallon grease drum. We really got into ‘stuff’ and eBay has helped contribute to my ‘illness,’ ” Bruce said.

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FEBRUARY TT&C 2019 magazine!
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