As previously explained, various things delayed our May update. Cumulatively, this June update was also delayed. So I shall skip the usual goofy introduction. I do want to mention that we have a great new collector’s site at the top of our 1/64th-scale Links page, so please check it out!

And now, on to the photos!

June 2016

As a long-time, faithful reader of Suncoast Diecasters, you’re tempted to say, “Ah! A garbage truck! Surely this has been acquired by Original Ken!” Reasonable, but incorrect. “Well, then,” you continue, “it certainly must belong to Emergency Back-up Ken!” Nnnnope. This was purchased by Gary — EBU Ken’s wingman — as a gift for his nephew.

For your edification: It’s the Lesney (Matchbox) Refuse Truck, model 15-C, made in England.

Now, here in fact is an Original Ken item: his other passion, Willyses …Willysesees … Willysoi …. Anyway, Ken also collects Willys miniatures. In this case, the ’41 Willys done up as a Hot Rod magazine special edition.

Ken got cheezy and nabbed this Chuck E. Cheese’s-edition MX48 Turbo. The MX48 actually comes from the Max Steel toy line — also by Mattel, conveniently.

Big Tractor Mike goes all literary again with two tomes: First is this Beckett Price Guide, which is actually very dear to all Suncoast Diecasters members, because we is included in it. Yes, as a genuinely published club, we thus officially exist.

…And second is this history of Hot Wheels, the amazing story of how a toy company has lasted despite making only one toy.

Ed purchased these 1988 Volkswagen Transporter Ambulances…

…And then wisely bought this beautiful 1970 Heavyweights-series Dump Truck.

Doug flatbedded this VW pick-up. I mean, Doug picked up this VW flatbed.

From: BTM, this curious item, To: Doug’s li’l boy, is a Stock Car Miniature. That’s actually the brand name. As Ken explained, and is further verified by this ebay article, SCM (as it’s known among fans and collectors) was the first toy company to specifically bring NASCAR and other pro-racing names to the collector market. Poor choice in business location combined with a highly questionable zoning board decision led to the company’s downfall.

All in all, it makes possible this delightful father-and-son moment:

This … is the face … of a man in pain.

Okay, here’s the story: Ed makes the excellent decision to buy from Big Tractor Mike this Matchbox 1/43-scale Speed Kings-series Mercedes Benz Ambulance…

…So, naturally I take photos of it, delighted to discover the model also still has the original “man on stretcher”, and in good condition.

A few moments later, BTM RAOKs Ed with his other Binzulance, which also still has “Ye Man uponne Stretcher” … Only, not in so good a condition, as the “blanket” fell off instantly (not to mention the stretcher’s handles are broken off).

I was intrigued to notice there was significant sculpting of the poor guy’s face, so I propped him up and took a photo, from which I cropped the portrait that started this whole adventure.

I presumed that the guy’s face was all there was to him, that the blanket piece covered basically nothing. Imagine my surprise when, upon looking more closely at the broken stretcher, I realized the patient is a full head-to-foot sculpture, with impressive — indeed, let me say thoughtful — detail. His shirt is open, but he clearly has an undershirt. No shoes, but he’s not barefoot, he’s wearing socks. Most impressively, he has some sort of splint or brace on his left leg.

You can check out the guy’s vitals here.

For its great physical condition, its original box, its opening doors and hatch, and particularly for its completeness in not only still having its patient, but also because that accessory is itself in great condition, I very easily declare this Matchbox Ambulance to be Suncoast Diecasters‘ Find of the Month(*) for June 2016. This is not merely a great model for FotM, it’s one of the coolest FotMs we’ve ever had. Well done, Ed, well done!

Get yourself some free Binz wallpaper.

See you at the July– er, I mean August meeting!

~WM