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Collectable of the Month

LUFTWAFFE BOOKENDS - CIRCA. 1937

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News and Views
11/3/2007 2:43:16 PM - PAUL TIBBETS, an American Hero
We are all extremely saddened by the death of General Paul W. Tibbets, an American hero in the truest sense of the word. A number of years ago, my good friend Dutch Van Kirk (navigator of the ENOLA GAY, Aug. 6th, 1945), introduced me to Paul at a militaria meet we were all attending. To have read Gen. Tibbets book, and then to have met him in person, was a true blessing and one of life's great highlights. For years at air shows and meets, I was able to converse with many of aviation history's most outstanding figures. Gen. Tibbets was one who made an incredible impression on me, both as an American, and as a true leader. Gen. Tibbets saw to it (though his leadership and technical abilities), that we had the B-29 with all the "bugs" rung out, at a time when it was giving LeMay "hissy fits" with engine fires and component failures galore. Gen. Tibbets worked with Boeing to get the "bugs" out, as well as later helping to develop the special "Silver-plate" B-29s for the 509th Atomic Bomb Composite Group. Gen. Tibbets knew that we needed the atomic bomb, to force the Japanese into unconditionally surrendering. Unconditional surrender of Japan was needed, as that was the only way to rid the world of Japan's heinous military leaders, those who had raged war and atrocities on China and others in the Pacific, since the early 1930's, along with the attack on Pearl Harbor. The dropping of the two atomic bombs (on Hiroshima and Nagasaki) prevented a VERY costly (in both Japanese and allied lives) invasion of Japan. For the idiot, infantile and severely historically ignorant revisionists, I say to read up a bit on history of what was ACTUALLY going ON in that part of the world in August, 1945, BEFORE opening up your mouths and proving just how STUPID you are! READ and KNOW your history first, ignorant revisionist, before embarrassing yourselves on any protest of one of the world's finest Americans, Paul W. Tibbets. This man not only did his duty as a great aviation genius, military leader and tactician, but he saved HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of LIVES, in helping to bring the Pacific war to a SWIFT end in mid-1945. God bless Gen, Tibbets, his family, and all of our wonderful veterans, those who are ready and willing to give the ultimate sacrifice, to protect all of us in the good old USA. ~ Gen. Tibbets, thank you for being a part of all the dinners we went out to with Dutch and others, at all those seminars, air shows and various meets over the years. I enjoyed your company and our talks. I wish you an eternity of peace.

9/21/2007 8:39:47 AM - MUSTANGS & LEGENDS, 9/27 - 9/30, 2007!
WOW! The auction that the ToyBum and the 352nd Fighter Group Association set up as the "once in a WW2 aviation enthusiast's lifetime spectacular event" has sold early; the winner using ebay's "BUY IT NOW" option! The winner is going to have a GREAT time at the event! Please read the following, to see what was won: "On behalf of the 352nd Fighter Group Association and ToyBum.com, we offer this auction for your enthusiastic consideration: 1) You'll receive a double occupancy, three night hotel stay at the Columbus Airport Marriott, Columbus Ohio. The dates for this stay include accommodations for the evening of Thursday the 27th, the evening of Friday the 28th, and the evening of Saturday the 29th. These accommodations will allow you to be at THE GATHERING OF MUSTANGS & LEGENDS show for the four days of the show (Thursday the 27th, Friday the 28th, Saturday the 29th & Sunday the 30th of September), dependent upon your own choice of arrival and departure for those four days and three nights. You will be staying in a room that was assigned to the friends of the 352nd Fighter group, the "BLUE NOSED BASTARDS OF BODNEY". These very special 352nd, BLUENOSED BASTARDS OF BODNEY Fighter Group accommodations have been sold out for months! With this now MASSIVE event less than 2 weeks away, there are no accommodations to be found anywhere. However, YOU'LL be staying right in the midst of it all, as a guest of the 352nd Fighter Group Association and ToyBum.com!!! 2) We will deduct (from your winning auction payment) up-to usd$130. This is for either two tickets to the event A GATHERING OF MUSTANGS & LEGENDS, or (if you're alone) for one ticket of your choice! We suggest two of the "four day" general admission tickets, as we feel that's the best. This gives you an all-around freedom (Thursday through Sunday) to THE GATHERING OF MUSTANGS AND LEGENDS events. 3) You will receive one signed copy of the new book "BLUE NOSER TALES - 352ND FIGHTER GROUP WAR STORIES", with the signatures of the authors Robert "Punchy" Powell (352nd Group Historian - Capt., DFC {2 OLC}, Air Medal {3 OLC}, DUC), Sam L. Sox, Jr., and Marc Hamel! This is a brand new release, being introduced at this HUGE 352nd reunion! You'll be with 352nd Fighter Group guys, right in the middle of it all! Mr. Powell and the ToyBum have discussed the fact that getting other signatures for your superb new book will not be a problem. 4) You will receive one signed copy, with the signatures of authors Joe Noah (George Preddy's cousin) and Samuel L. Sox, Jr., of "GEORGE PREDDY - TOP MUSTANG ACE, THE COMPLETE COMBAT BIOGRAPHY OF A 27 VICTORY ACE", originally published by the PREDDY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION! 5) On Saturday evening, September 29th, you and one guest (a party of two) will be seated for a complimentary dinner with the 352nd Fighter Group at their reunion! So far, we have well over 185 Bluenosers attending this reunion dinner, an event that will go down as one of the most celebrated (and maybe the largest?) WW2 Fighter Group reunions in history! Besides being surrounded by too many 352nd Fighter Group associates to count and many aviation authors, you'll also be personally introduced to world famous aviation artist Nicolas Trudgian! 6) Nicolas Trudgian will be displaying his new print "THE BATTLE FOR NEW YEARS DAY" at this event. The winner of this auction will also receive a copy of this print, autographed by Nick. ~ Gathering autographs from many of our wonderful 352nd friends during this event will not be a problem. ~ "In this spectacular painting by Nicolas Trudgian, the P51 Mustang ‘Moonbeam McSwine’ of Captain ‘Whiz’ Whisner leads Red Section of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group, into the defense of their airfield at Asch in Belgium. At the dawn of that New Year’s Day 1945, in the teeth of fierce strafing by German fighters of JG11, Whisner was to be responsible for four of the twenty three Luftwaffe planes shot down during the battle by the 352nd ‘Bluenosers’."

9/17/2007 1:52:20 PM - MUSTANGS & LEGENDS SEPT. 27th - 30TH!
WOW! The ToyBum and the 352nd Fighter Group Association are giving away a "once in a WW2 aviation enthusiast's lifetime" spectacular event! Do you want to go (for up-to two people) to THE GATHERING OF MUSTANGS & LEGENDS, SEPT. 27th - 30th, Columbus, Ohio? Do you need a "double-occupancy" hotel room for 3 nights/4 days? Would you like to own some of the 352nd, BLUENOSED BASTARDS personally signed aviation books? Would you and your companion like to meet too many "Aviation Legends" to count? Would you and a companion like to meet famous aviation artist Nicolas Trudgian, receiving one of his signed Bluenoser Mustang prints? Would you and a companion like to be a part of the 352nd Fighter Group's biggest reunion yet, with the entire evening and dinner for two (Saturday, Sept. 29th) included? Would you like etc., etc., etc.? This event has (over the last months) turned into the premier WW2 aviation event of the century! Every single aviation related magazine WORLD-WIDE has spoken about it for almost one year! Accommodations have LONG AGO been sold out! However, the 352nd Assoc. and the ToyBum have put together a premium package for this event, a package that's better than ANYTHING any WW2 aviation enthusiast could have ever imagined! Please put the cursor on the above "ToyBum on eBay" and click! This will take you to the ToyBum on eBay, where you can see the auction! Don't miss this auction! Don't miss out on one of the greatest times in WW2 aviation history!

7/2/2007 11:18:35 AM - THE TOYBUM'S AT DUXFORD, UK!!!
Hi gang! The ToyBum's here, coming to you from merry old England at the Duxford Museum, and the American Air Museum (AAM) at Duxford! I travelled here with Philip Gray, former Lancaster bomber pilot/commander, RAF bomber command, 1944 to 1945. He's selling his signed books ("GHOSTS OF TARGETS PAST") and superb signed art prints here. Commander Gray's book is in its 3rd printing and ready for the 4th! I'm in the process of donating two books that my friends Ted "Dutch" Van Kirk (navigator) and Gen. Paul Tibbets (pilot) of the ENOLA GAY, mission to Hiroshima, Japan, August 6, 1945 and B-17 "RED GREMLIN" (50 missions before the Belle - American Army Air Corps), first B-17 mission out of England, etc., 1942. They've asked me to deliver/donate the two books to the AAM at Duxford, this being Duxford's 10th anniversary. The weather's a bit rainy, but hey, this IS England! If you're coming to the Duxford Air Show this coming weekend, July 7 and 8, bring a light jacket and an umbrella. There's PLENTY to see and do! The snack shop has great food (just had my first lunch here and it was GRAND!) and the people are THE best! Cheerio mates!

6/22/2007 5:28:27 AM - FOR THE SELLER, PAYPAL = THEFT!
I'm extremely sorry, but the ToyBum no longer accepts paypal as a method of payment. The ToyBum was just cheated again for the second time on ebay, this time (on 6/15/07) by two collectors in France, who's ebay i.d. is known as firstlineup. These are two people who are known as Pierre Bardin & Françoise Balosso. Their address is: 48bis, rue Paul Jozon
77300 fontainebleau
France. Their email is: lesmuriales@voila.fr. Their phone number (Île-de-France)
is: 01.60.71.12.69. The amount they've had paypal remove is usd$438.88. These two thieves told paypal they didn't receive their packet, with the two diecast cars he/she had won on ebay from the ToyBum in May. This was only just a few days after these sellers had just been informed (by the ToyBum directly) that their items (packet) had just been posted to France from here in the USA; posted late because of a death in the ToyBum's family. They're obviously getting a nice, BIG jump on getting these items for free, since their packet had JUST been posted to France. Being informed about the ToyBum's difficulties and that the reason for a slightly tardy posting was a family death must have just given them the excuse they needed to get something for nothing! More assumptions/accusations included written email statements that the items/packet had been insured (when he/she had NEVER even asked for, nor purchased ANY postal insurance!), as well alse accusations that were also slanderously thrown in for good measure! You'd think that the ToyBum having suffered a death in the family (and getting an item out late because of it!) was a punishable offense! You'd also think that as a seller on ebay and my allowing a buyer to use paypal, that automatically I'm some sort of a criminal at the mere WHIM of any buyer out there who gets a bug up their ass! Have you ever had paypal come at you when a buyer (just on the buyer's say-so!) states something negative about the item??? It's absolutely unthinkable on the part of ebay/paypal! Any bank or monetary institution would be sued into oblivion for taking money from someones account on the whim of a buyer and that buyer's comments! Can you imagine any seller (after this happening AGAIN, for a SECOND time!) wanting to continue to conduct business with a company like paypal??? Paypal, a company that (as part of it's many policies) allows itself to go in and take YOUR money out of YOUR paypal account, removing it on just the WORD of a buyer!!! The fact is that ebay/paypal's policies work against honest sellers and cannot differentiate when a buyer is a cheat and a liar! If you also sell on ebay, or have ever considered allowing buyers of ANY items you sell ANYWHERE to use paypal, you had best be totally informed about paypal's policies! As I've found out, allowing paypal to be used by an overseas buyer (let alone in the USA too!) is just plain DUMB! As the paypal representative told me over the phone: "It's all written in our paypal policies, which you agreed to when you came on board with paypal." Paypal = hidden agendas and false assurances. If you're selling ANYTHING, do yourselves a favor and stay far, VERY far away from paypal!!! For the ToyBum, it's now "goodbye and GOOD-RIDDANCE" paypal!!!

3/10/2007 1:13:43 AM - E. KOHRN B.S.B. PACKARD PRINTS
The ToyBum has obtained a few of the very rare, 1982 Edward Kohrn Packard prints. The one's I'm selling are pristine mint, ready for a fine frame. These are never before seen prints that were never put into the hands of the public, coming ONLY from Mr. Kohrn's studio. I discovered them during an auction of his belongings, roughly two years ago. I'm now selling these (as well as other automobilia) out of my extensive collection. The original painting remains with the family. Mr. Kohrn had the prints done for a stillborn project for the BUFFALO SAVINGS BANK of WESTERN NEW YORK, back in 1982. Mr. Kohrn was very well known for his series of BUFFALO SAVINGS BANK Pierce-Arrow prints, a succession of famous prints that brought together Buffalo Savings Bank and Buffalo, New York's history with the Motor Car, namely the Pierce Arrow. Unfortunately, the bank went belly-up before the Packard prints (E. Kohrn's last automotive prints) were ever delivered. ~ The prints are printed on an acid-free, heavy stock paper. Please send your emial and a request and the ToyBum will send you a picture of the print. This print measures 22" inches x 16.75" inches. As always, various domestic and international shipping is available.
I am asking usd$479 per print, but I'm always happy to discuss price. Thank you, the ToyBum

11/3/2006 3:48:11 PM - BUZZ ALDRIN ON THE MOON!
The ToyBum is now handling specialty signed collectables from Astronaut "Buzz" Aldrin, a VERY brave American hero who walked on the moon with Neil Armstrong on July 20th, 1969. As the Lunar Module Pilot for the Apollo 11 mission, ANY personal item from this superb gentleman is something that ANY of us would treasure forever. Please contact the ToyBum with any questions you might have concerning these FANTASTIC collectables!

7/24/2006 1:51:48 PM -
After having suffered through the worst of a debilitating lower back nerve injury for the last few weeks, it looks like my good friend Dutch Van Kirk (navigator, ENOLA GAY, mission to Hiroshima, August 6th, 1945) is on his way to a full recovery. At the age of 85, you'd never think of this American hero as anywhere over the age of 60! Always full of energy and rarin' to go, it was a shock to all of us when we found out that Dutch was in ill health. Myself, 509th author, collector and historian Robert Krauss and his absolutely WONDERFUL wife Amelia (as well as my wonderful wife too) all showed up in Western New York State, at the 2006 Geneseo Air Show a few weeks ago. We arrived with books and photographs signed by Dutch, Paul Tibbets (pilot, ENOLA GAY), Tom Ferebee (Bombardier, ENOLA GAY), C. Sweeney (pilot of BOCK'S CAR, mission to Nagasaki), Jeppson (armament officer, ENOLA GAY), etc., etc. Robert (Bob) Krauss and I wanted to be at the Geneseo air show, even though Dutch was unable to be there. We wanted to be with and help people understand why Dutch couldn't make it to the show. Everyone was extremely understanding and concerned. A wonderful time was had by all. It was a great day and a great show, with great people. Now with Dutch out of the severe pain he was in, we all wish him well and hope for his full recovery. We all hope (God willing) to see him at air shows and events again after October, 2006. Thank you VERY much to everyone for there concern and best wishes.

7/1/2006 12:13:18 PM - DUTCH VAN KIRK
As of July 1st, 2006, Dutch Van Kirk (navigator, ENOLA GAY, 8/6/45) will not be with us at the Geneseo (HAG 1941) Airshow on July 8 & 9th, 2006. Mr. Van Kirk has taken ill and our prayers are with him. At this time, all of Mr. Van Kirk's appearances have been cancelled until at least October 2006. ~ The ToyBum & Robert Krauss (author and extensive researcher on the 509th Atomic Bomb Composite Group, collector, as well as being the manager of Mr. Van Kirk) will still be at the Geneseo Airshow (HAG 1941), on July 7th, 8th & 9th, 2006. At the time I am writing this, Mr. Krauss is attempting to bring other 509th veterans to the Geneseo show, but this of course cannot be guaranteed. ~ Please look for Mr. Krauss and the ToyBum at the Dutch Van Kirk and ToyBum.com tent, as Mr. Krauss and the ToyBum are still planning to attend. All 509th signed items and signed books (Paul Tibbets, Dutch Van Kirk, etc.), as well as unsigned books dealing with all aspects of the 509th Atomic Composite Group (Hiroshima & Nagasaki, August 1945) will still be available for sale as long as supplies last. We hope to see you there.

6/1/2006 12:29:07 AM - "FRIENDLY FOES OVER THE FALLS AIRSHOW"
"FRIENDLY FOES OVER THE FALLS AIRSHOW", June 9 (fly-in), 10th and 11th, 2006, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Just 15 minutes from the Peace Bridge and Buffalo, New York! See the ToyBum at the show! He'll have many rare aviation items for sale, as well as MANY (signed and un-signed) rare aviation books, etc.! An absolutely wonderful and incredible aviation experience awaits all at the "FRIENDLY FOES OVER THE FALLS AIRSHOW", in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, in June of 2006!

5/5/2006 2:41:21 AM - RUSSELL GROUP AVIATION AIR SHOW!
RUSSELL GROUP AVIATION AIR SHOW! Fly-in June 9th. Air Show: June 10th & 11th! Only a few miles from Ft. Erie and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. 15 minutes up the QEW (towards Toronto) from the Peace Bridge. 15 minutes from Buffalo, N.Y. ~ The Russell Aviation Group's Harvard, Spitfire IX and Hurricane Mk.II will be flying! While other fantastic warbirds will grace the sky as well, the star of the show will be the REAL Battle of Britain veteran (numbers matching!) Me/Bf-109E of legendary Luftwaffe ace Hans-Joachim Marseille! This will be an airshow that should not be missed! http://therussellgroupairshow.com/

4/19/2006 12:19:07 PM - AVIATION CONSIGNMENT SALES
The Toybum has been asked by a number of important collectors and famous aviators to act as an agent for the sale of items that are extremely and significantly important. While there is a plethora of different signed and unsigned items from various important collections avaiable (also specific to the collections of aviation personalities themselves), here are two: Certain historical books and other items can be obtained with the signature of "Dutch" Van Kirk, navigator of the ENOLA GAY, first atomic mission to Hiroshima, Japan, August 6, 1945. Other extremely important items can be obtained from the collection of Francis "Gabby" Gabreski, 56th Fighter Group, ETO. Please understand that these items (as they become available) will be available on a first come, first serve basis. With the reputation that has been a solid part of the ToyBum's repertoire for the last 30+ years, you're always assured of a very special and high-quality investment; enjoyable for years to come.

3/24/2006 3:47:40 PM - PILOT'S NOTES FOR GERMAN & BRITISH AIRCRAFT
As we all know, the ToyBum carries a plethora of the British aircraft "Pilot's Notes". These cover most all British aircraft, but many USA aircraft as well. The ToyBum is now stocking WW2 German aircraft "Pilot's Notes" copies. These "Pilot's Notes" style booklets were a WW2 German product and dealt with German WW2 aircraft. Clear and concise, these were manufactured as small and easy to carry booklets; booklets that British, American and German maintenance and aircraft crews would actually carry with them and use. For German aircraft, they're specific to (but not limited to) maintenance (aircraft proper and aircraft sub-assemblies), instrumentation, bombs and bomb loads, fueling, engines, armament, emergencies (land and water landings, bailing out, etc.), glider pulling, Mistel (piggy-back composite aircraft assemblies), start-up/flying/landing, etc. These German aircraft (both known and unique) include (but are not limited to) variations of the 109, the 190, the V1 and V2(!), He-111, He-177, Me-262, Ju-52, etc. Please inquire as to which WW2 German aircraft are available when you write the ToyBum.

3/2/2006 10:40:51 PM - GENESEO AIR SHOW 2006 - UPSTATE NEW YORK
On July 7th, 8th and 9th, 2006, the 1941 Historical Aviation Group (HAG) in Geneseo, New York, will be putting on its airshow. Located on a large WWII style grass airfield in upstate Western New York (Geneseo is near Rochester, N.Y.), aircraft enthusiasts will be transformed back in time for two days of flying history. Presented by the ToyBum, "Dutch" Van Kirk, Navigator of the B-29 ENOLA GAY (Hiroshima, Japan, August 6th, 1945), will be on hand both Saturday and Sunday to sign photographs, books and collectables. His first hand knowledge of that day (August 6, 1945, over Hiroshima), will be a most extraordinary experience to hear about first-hand. The ToyBum will also be there with "Dutch", to advise on various aviation collectables, models, toy aircraft, rare aviation books, etc. ~ For particulars on "Dutch's" appearance and schedule, please contact the ToyBum at toybum@adelphia.net . For information and updates on the show's events (as information becomes available), please go to www.1941hag.org for all of your update/event calendars concerning the show. For driving directions (and driving times) to get from where you are to the 1941 HAG Museum and adjoining airfield in Geneseo, N.Y., please go to www.mapquest.com . The 1942 HAG Group can be reached at (585) 243-2100.

1/30/2006 11:50:25 PM - PAYPAL WON'T COVER A SELLER OVERSEAS!
PAYPAL FROM OUT OF THE USA IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED. PAYPAL PURCHASES FROM WITHIN THE USA (VERIFIED PAYPAL ACCOUNTS ONLY) ARE STILL ACCEPTED.
The ToyBum has several acceptable payment methods for his valued overseas customers, including bank to bank money (wire) transfer at no cost (FREE!). However, paypal is no longer accepted from out of the USA. Here's the reason why: If a buyer using paypal outside of the USA (for ANY REASON) says they didn't get an item (when it's obvious that they did), paypal will immediately take that money out of a sellers account, or leave the seller with a negative balance of their account was at zero. Even with registered post and/or paid for tracking (of which paypal states you'll be safe with), paypal stated that they do not bother to follow-up outside of the USA. As 3 different paypal telephone operators stated to me: "if you allow a foreign buyer to use paypal, it's at your own risk" and "think of it as a cost of doing business". I kid you not, that's just what they said. Even with the easy tracing with registered and/or signed-for mail (even within the UK and Germany - see below), you're still SOL when accepting paypal from ANY country outside of the USA. ~ If you have a paypal business account, the buyer can use a credit card. IF they stop the credit card payment with there credit card company, paypal is STUCK, so they pull the money from the seller's account. This means 'double-trouble' if a foreign buyer pays with a credit card! What caused me to suspend paypal for overseas purchases, was that I almost lost USD$1,800 on a rare toy, with NO help from paypal. An 'ebayer' in Berlin, Germany attempted to abscond with my item, stating that they never got it. Not only was my paypal account "locked-up", but the creep had my toy as well! Luckily, a good friend of mine who resides in Berlin as well went over to the jerk's house and got everything straightened out. However, my troubles with paypal continued, as it took nearly a week(!) to get this persons money back INTO my paypal account! I mean, do you believe this crap??? After this whole fiasco, my friend in Germany told me that they (the Europeans) ONLY do their "ebaying" with super easy to use bank to bank account transfers. We in the USA do not have this payment option, as our powerful credit-card lobbyists work hard in Washington, making sure that nothing will compete with their precious credit cards. That's the 'niche' that paypal found and exploited, that satisfyingly EASY to pay method, for those with open checking accounts. Paypal is a business and they have to protect themselves, but as a "third party" between a seller and a buyer, they always make sure that paypal is the first one NOT to lose anything, making sure YOU lose before THEY do.
So be VERY aware about paypal. Paypal's good if you're a buyer (although you can still run into problems), but paypal's a REAL gamble if you're a seller, ESPECIALLY selling to anyone out of the USA.

11/25/2005 2:15:11 AM - TONS OF DIECAST THIS MONTH!
The ToyBum is selling LOTS of rare 1:43 scale diecast on ebay this month! CHECK IT OUT!

10/22/2005 1:08:27 PM - BUFFALO NEW YORK TOY SHOW
The oldest Toy Show in the country will once again be held on Sunday, Oct. 23rd at the Hearthstone Manor in Cheektowaga, N.Y. It's only 15 minutes from Buffalo and only 3 minutes from the Buffalo Int. Airport!!! If you're looking for an old-style, hands-on "touch and feel" Toy Show, this is THE one! This will be a GREAT event!

9/6/2005 12:54:51 PM - NEW ITEMS!
Not only is the ToyBum offering many new 1:72 scale miniature aircraft items up for sale on eBay this week (see the ToyBum's eBay "stuff"), but he has a lot of new "older" antique items as well, ready for YOUR collection or for early X-mas buying! There's different types of antique books dealing with aviation, automotive and ship items, older signed items and a PLETHORA of all sorts of transportation and military collectables! Since many items are sold before they can be listed, please ask for what you want and do not see. The ToyBum is always shopping around the world, to bring in the most unique collectables, antique toys and auto/aircraft/military books.

9/6/2005 12:48:16 PM - ALWAYS REMEMBER
Always remember that NO reputable company will ever ask you for information about any account you have with them in an email. NEVER click on and give ANY info to ANY company asking you to do so in an email, let alone by telephone. Use common sense and avoid being on the other end of a scam.

9/6/2005 12:42:46 PM - The ToyBum is still around.
This was a very strange summer. Illness and death in the family, so the ToyBum has been taking it a bit on the easy side for the past few weeks. However, he's now ready to go! Lot's of exciting stuff coming up in the near future, so please stay tuned and in the meantime, please check out some of the "Bum's" eBay items. As always, thanks for your support.

9/4/2005 2:35:39 PM - INFORMATION NEEDED
I need the address and phone number of the eBay member kirkmanpage in the United Kingdom/England. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

6/30/2005 9:10:40 PM - TOYBUM CLOSES HIS EBAY STORE
This eBay store stuff was a BIG waste of time. Hardly anyone looks (per the counter) and the "SUBMIT YOUR BEST BID" option given to bidders is a crock. All you get are jerks who make bids like .25 and .50 cents. I can spend $15.95 a month in better places. From now on, all eBay listings from the ToyBum will be as per regular/normal eBay listings; i.e. 7 to 10 day auctions. Thank you.

4/7/2005 4:09:09 AM - ***ToyBum's eBay Store***
Most of the ToyBum's items are now being listed in his new eBay store, under the "Best Offer" style of auctions. Check out the ToyBum's newest items in his eBay store and don't be shy. Make your best reasonable offer. Who knows, you might be surprised and find that the item you thought you couldn't have is now yours!

4/5/2005 2:29:58 AM - WATCH OUT! NEW EBAY/PAYPAL POSTAGE SCAM!
Be careful, as there's a new scam taking place on eBay. There are a few 'collectors' out there (especially overseas) who buy items with PayPal and then say they never received the items, when actually they have. When these bastards from hell make their payment refund requests, PayPal then asks YOU for "proof"; proof that YOU sent the item! If you cannot provide PayPal with proof that you've sent the item, you're SOL and PayPal will take back the buyer's payment; if that buyer becomes insistent.
Be forewarned that if your 'buyer' has asked you to send the item "as CHEAP as it can be sent" to save money on postage (by either type of post; ground or Airmail) and you comply WITHOUT charging them for and/or purchasing a USPS "PROOF OF MAILING" certificate, you're up the creek without a paddle! PayPal WILL refund the buyer's payment if there's no proof of mailing from you, taking the buyer's word over yours.
ALWAYS make sure that when sending out ANY packet, you purchase a "PROOF OF MAILING" slip at the USPS when posting your items. It's usually well under $1 for this little piece of VERY helpful paper and provides PROOF that you've actually posted the item. Be smart and protect yourself, by making sure (whether you include the cost of this in your sales or not) that you obtain one! In the war against the thieves who try their best to cheat us, always be cautious.


3/17/2005 1:16:11 PM - New ToyBum acquisitions
A few of the new items acquired by the ToyBum can be viewed in the ToyBum's Gallery. The various items that were acquired are from the Francis S. "Gabby" Gabreski collection (the book) and pictures signed by Dutch Van Kirk, Paul Tibbets, "Tex" Hill, etc. Other collectables (books, old toys, collectables, memorabilia, etc.) are too numerous to mention. Thanks for looking and don't forget to also watch for the ToyBum on eBay.

2/28/2005 12:00:28 PM - OVMS "Show of Shows" - Lexington, Kentucky 2005
.......and a GREAT time was had by all! Thanks to all the great staff and delightful sellers and buyers! Special thanks to my new friend "Hub"; VP of OVMS and a true gent! Thanks also to everyone who stopped by the MEMPHIS BELLE table to say HI!

2/21/2005 3:34:35 PM - OVMS SHOW. LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, FEB. 24-26
The OVMS show is the largest militaria memorabilia show on the planet. Well over 1,400 tables of STUFF! The ToyBum will be there at the "MEMPHIS BELLE" table with Linda Morgan. She's the widow of Robert Morgan, who was the pilot of the B-17F MEMPHIS BELLE. The Belle was of course the first B-17 in the ETO to complete 25 missions. This was done in 1943. "Dutch" Van Kirk and Paul Tibbets (navigator and pilot of the Enola Gay) will also be there. If YOU'RE going to be there, please stop by the MEMPHIS BELLE table and say hi! ~ The OVMS site can be logged onto at http://www.agmohio.com/SOS.htm

2/18/2005 4:57:48 PM - NEW EBAY STORE!!!
No matter what, eBay is still the hottest selling site in the world, correct? So the ToyBum has now opened up an eBay store! ~ ToyBum's eBay store is listed under AVIATION AUTO CAR RACE SHIPS BOOKS in the eBay store listings. You can also go to the upper right side of the ToyBum's home page and click on the red icon "ToyBun on eBay" to get to the ToyBum on eBay!

2/11/2005 2:24:20 AM - 1:18 scale F-104 Lockheed Starfighter!
Wanna see a picture of the latest in the 1:18 scale lineup of super-detailed, feature packed aircraft? Just ask the ToyBum to send you a super-secret picture of this magnificent interceptor that's scheduled for future release!

1/27/2005 3:59:22 AM - 1861 English TOWER Civil War-era musket!
The ToyBum has recently obtained an original 1861 English made TOWER Civil War-era percussion "cap and ball" musket! England sold this musket to both sides, this weapon being used by both the Confederacy and the UNION during the Civil War. This firearm is PERFECT for Civil War reenacting! Please ask for pictures.

1/15/2005 12:51:52 AM - Märklin!!!
The ToyBum has a whole bunch of pre-WW2 Märklin Rekord (record) and Rennwagen (racing car) on eBay this week! What a find!

1/6/2005 1:27:48 AM - More to watch out for!
Your favorite ToyBum came across a seller on eBay who is marketing the SAME "signed by 3 famous fighter pilots" print as original, while it's a copy after copy that's actually being sold. The way your ToyBum looks at it is that he will only buy a signed item with a minimum of proper provenance; for himself OR for re-sale. Without even the most minimal provenance, you're taking a chance. ~ Also, ALWAYS ask IF the item you are buying was signed by the historical personality's own hand, or by an "auto-pen". Yes, an auto-pen is a device that's used by many famous celebrities, as it is difficult for them to sign many items. An auto-pen makes an exact copy of an autograph, as it is an actual copy from the hand of the signer. However, the key word is STILL "copy". This way, items can even be signed after the person has passed away. However, unless you ask, you may NOT be told you're item WAS signed by an auto-pen. Be safe, be aware and ASK questions! The money you save MAY be your own!

1/3/2005 3:37:50 AM - HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I would like to take a moment and wish everyone a very Happy New Year. If only the world could live in peace and history was not continually repeating itself, with modern weapons being the only difference. My utmost wish is for health and happiness to everyone, everywhere. Do something nice for someone AND for yourself today.

12/8/2004 5:20:24 PM - MAKE SURE YOU'RE SURE!
When obtaining items on eBay within the past two months, your ToyBum (who has been on eBay for well over 4 years), has come across more fraudulent sellers then ever before. Want a bit of advice to try not to get scammed youself? Then please read on. ~ ALWAYS make sure that you try to ask EVERY question you can think of, even if it seems silly! I always ask "can you please tell me if there are any defects (no matter how small) on this item?", even if the item is listed as MINT. If the seller is reputable and you're cordial, they'll understand and be happy to answer you. Remember: Sellers on most online auctions are also (most of the time) buyers AND collectors themselves. Yes you can still run into problems, but usually the creeps, cheats and liars will rarely e-mail you back; a tell-tale sign. If possible, always pay for an unsure item with a credit card. If the seller doesn't take credit cards, then pay through a payment service that DOES take credit cards; if possible. Always give yourself a way out, so that YOU don't pay for someone else's trickery! ~ HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

12/8/2004 5:13:31 PM - BE CAREFUL!
Make sure of the postage/shipping charge BEFORE you order an item, or bid and win it on an online auction. MANY of the eBay "we'll sell your items for you on eBay if you bring them to us" stores have such usurious shipping charges that it borders on the ludicrous. Your ToyBum was recently forced into paying $27.50 for a $4.90 packet, because he DID NOT LOOK AT THE POSTAGE CHARGES FIRST! This same company listed $99.00 as the shipping charge for a medium size glass bowl; a $10.99 shipping charge to anywhere in the USA at most! UNBELIEVABLE! So I leave you with two VERY important words to the wise: BE CAREFUL!

11/14/2004 1:09:44 AM - PAYPAL ACCEPTED!
The ToyBum provides almost infinite types of payment methods for your ease this holiday season. Please click below on the ToyBum's "PAYMENT/SHIPPING POLICIES page for complete information. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

11/14/2004 1:04:37 AM - GERMAN LUFTWAFFE WW2 TECHNICAL BOOKS!
Many more of these books have just been made available to the ToyBum, DIRECT from Germany! Now they're available to you! NO WAITING! ~ Depending upon the aircraft, vehicle or weapon system described, these books were printed between 1935 and 1944. These are all VERY high quality, perfect reprints of original technical manuals of hard to find ORIGINAL Luftwaffe information. The German's listed the original, very valuable and fascinating editions as part (teil) numbers. Now YOU can own the same exact books WITHOUT paying the exhorbitant pricing of an original collectable; IF one was even able to find one. TERRIFIC for the hobbiest or the WW2 aviation/Luftwaffe history enthusiast! These books describe (as per the official Luftwaffe/factory originals) the different aspects of some of the most interesting WW2 German Luftwaffe aircraft and secret weapons. Many of the books have never been available before, with only partial information being scattered over many books in the past until now. Here, incredibly rare ORIGINAL information is available DIRECT from the source(!), on each aircraft or weapon system. There are between 1 to 11 volumes pertaining to each aircraft or weapon system, marked in parenthesis next to it below; i.e. (5). ~ If you are a collector, these excellent reprints are superb background to display behind a built model, diecast collectable or historical exhibit. It is the ToyBum's pleasure to make these available to you. ~ Available aircraft and weapon systems technical books are: Bf-109B (3), Bf-109 G-2/G4/G6 (1), Blohm und Voss {B&V} P-194 (1), Blohm und Voss {B&V} P-170 (1), Dornier 17E (3), Me-210 (1), V1 FZG-76 (4), V2 A4 (3), TRANS-OZEAN-FLUGZEUG-TRANS OCEAN AIRCRAFT (1), Ju-52/3m (2), Me-262 (12), Fw-190 A7 & A9 combined (8), Fw-190 A-1 (1), Fw-190 V1 & V2 (1), MK 108 aircraft armament (1), BMW 801 Focke-Wulf 190 engine (1), DB 601 Me/Bf-109 engine (1), Do-335 Nachtjäger night fighter double seat version (1), Ta-152 breakdown (1), Ta152 electrical (1), Arado 234 (1), Me-328B jet (1), Junkers 87 B-1 (4), German aircraft instrumentation (2), WW2 German aircraft paint colors (GLAZURIT-WERKE) Die Flugzeuglackierung (1), He-111H (4), He177 with radio guided bomb (1), Junkers 86 A-1 & D-1 (1), German fighter plane {Fw-190, Me/Bf-109}, etc. gunsight - Revi 16B Relexvisier (1), . German ground warfare vehicle reprint tech. books available in a similar format are: BMW motorcycle TYP R11 & R16 (2), VW TYP 7 166 (2), VW TYP 166 amphib. (2), parts list for VW TYP2 82 (2). All text and picture descriptions are in German. Each book decribes a number of a different system or different systems of each aircraft or vehicle. The ToyBum is not sure if the books sold in groups are actual complete "sets", as there were most likely updates, etc. However, ALL books are complete unto themselves.


11/11/2004 11:11:33 PM - YANKEE AIR MUSEUM AT WILLOW RUN DESTROYED!
Last year, the ToyBum had a terrific time at Willow Run's Yankee Air Museum. Many pictures of this historic event are in the ToyBum's "Gallery", just below. On October 9th, 2004, the museum and most of the non-flying artifacts were destroyed by fire. Let us all contact the museum at www.yankeeairmuseum.org and do what we can to help rebuild this superb air museum. The wonderful people who have dedicated themselves to this museum and the rebuilding of it deserve nothing less than our whole-hearted effort and help.

11/4/2004 3:25:32 AM - ENOLA GAY
Yep, the ToyBum is going berserk gathering info on the ENOLA GAY, the restoration of the ENOLA GAY and lesser known particulars about this B-29 and the mission. For some interesting facts on past restoration projects for this historic machine, copy, cut, paste and click on http://www.nasm.si.edu/galleries/gal103/gal103_former.html . This is a "ToyBum recommended site".

10/29/2004 4:12:56 AM - Kinda made my skin crawl.
Your friendly, always finding something unique ToyBum was offered a very bizarre item the other day. It was an original AUTOGRAPHED(!) and authenticated copy of MEIN KAMPF! Guess whose autograph it was? I mean, how could I even bring it into my home or office? In any case, the sale price is $115,000, so I don't think it'll be going anywhere too soon. ~ The ToyBum does have a book done of Hitler by Hitler's staff photographer before the war. It was found by a friend of a friend of the ToyBum's in the Reichstag, about 7 days after Germany surrendered. This book is a composite of pictures of Der Fuhrer as Hitler wanted everyone to see him. Yeah, a real sweety pie. Anyway, this book is interesting, as it's a unique historical item of pictures. But to have Hitler's signature? THAT'S a bit much!

10/11/2004 12:42:18 AM - MEMPHIS BELLE - ROBERT MORGAN
Looking for a fine investment from the estate of Col. Robert Morgan? Would you like to own a piece of history from the pilot of the "MEMPHIS BELLE" & "DAUNTLESS DOTTY"? The ToyBum is assisting Linda Morgan (widow of Robert Morgan) in the divestiture of the many items still available from the estate of the late Robert Morgan. Please contact the ToyBum ASAP before all these fantastic items are gone!

10/6/2004 11:52:51 PM - Yes, I KNOW!
PLEASE stop with the e-mails. YES, I know the real "ENOLA GAY" was a hot-rodded B-29 WITHOUT any gun turrets, but Model Power screwed up; not me. I mean, FIVE e-mails(!) just a few hours after I put this up IS a bit much. Rest assured that your "ToyBum" hasn't lost it. I only look at this model as being "representative" of the ENOLA GAY, but not as a true representation of the plane itself. Besides, I like the 1:200 scale, so let's all just relax and take a nice deep breath.

10/6/2004 6:40:17 PM - The holiday season is coming up fast!
If you care more about quality rather than quantity, the ToyBum has the finest and most eclectic selection of antique military books and collectables around! What are you looking for to please the collector in your life (or yourself) this holiday season? Is it something so unique and special that there's no chance of duplication? Is it something so incredibly singular so that the special collector in your life will be the envy of everyone he shows your holiday gift to? The ToyBum also accepts PayPal! Look over our sample selections and then send us an e-mail or give us a call at (716) 628-4885. Let's ask the ToyBum to help you with your specialty gift shopping for the up and coming holiday season!

10/5/2004 6:38:32 PM - SQUARE TRADE WORKED!
The ToyBum wasn't happy that it cost him $20 to use this service for something eBay SHOULD have removed, but (unfortunately) it was the only way to go after this cheat late521 on eBay with a minimum of fuss. As the ToyBum mentioned earlier in News & Views, an eBayer from France called late521 won/purchased an item on 8/6/04. After continual reminders to late521 and no payment, the ToyBum left a VERY well deserved negative feedback. When late521 saw this, the idiot gave the ToyBum a negative feedback BACK(!); saying "it" had paid by PayPal! Even though eBay could see that he had never paid the ToyBum by PayPal by looking into the ToyBum's PayPal record, eBay would not remove the negative. So, $20 later and a bit of e-mailing with a Square Trade rep., the negative left for the ToyBum by late521 was removed by eBay (Sq.Trade insisted on this). However, the ToyBum's negative left against late521 was left up and WILL be left up for all to see FOREVER. With late521 not being able to prove his false PayPal payment number as anything more than a ruse (that number matched nothing), late521 was in BIG hot water. Late521 had no choice but to realize that while the feedback he left for the ToyBum would have to be removed, the feedback the ToyBum left against late521 would remain until the Sun burns out. This is at least a nice victory (even if small) against the lying cheats who sometimes inhabit eBay.

9/26/2004 6:33:27 PM - TOYBUM CHANGES THE WORLD (ALMOST)
The other day I stated in "News & Views" how there are companies out there who charge for items on your credit card, KNOWING all to well that these items will not be out within ANY specified amount of time. Then, when you choose to wait no longer, they have the nerve to charge you a fee to cancel! Well, one such company's President and CEO called the ToyBum yesterday to explain that he would no longer be doing that. He was concerned that the ToyBum might "tell" on him, but he was assured that the ToyBum had much more pressing matters to attend to in his life. For the ToyBum, dealing in this way is just as bad as giving out your Social Security number to a stranger on the phone. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! DON"T give up control to others(!), especially control of your finances.

9/26/2004 6:25:24 PM - ONCE AGAIN, BE CAREFUL!!!
Insist (with courtesy) that those you buy you models and collectables from CHECK(!) your item(s) BEFORE it's sent! I must admit that MOST of the screw-ups I'm either forced to correct and/or live with usually come from auction site purchases, such as eBay. I realized that I did not have a Corgi 1:72 P-51 "OLD CROW" Mustang in the ToyBum collection, so I purchased one on eBay. Great price and the item arrived from overseas FAST! It looked great! NOW a month later, I wanted display it on it's gear (stand-still props with the planes on a stand look strange to me) and the left gear was twisted! It was twisted in a way that you would never have noticed, unless you wanted to put the gear in place. Got a few older Atlas diecast aircraft out of Europe recently (yes, Atlas build quality is more miss than hit) and found things like two left gears on some models, etc. Sure, some jerk may say your purchase is A-okay, but make sure that they know that it'll be easier on everyone concerned, if you're told BEFORE shipment if there are any known defects. This way, you'll then have a leg to stand on.

9/24/2004 9:01:38 PM - BE CAREFUL!
There are a few "toy guys" out there who ask you to "pay ahead", so that you may 'reserve' certain items. BE CAREFUL, because 1) MANY times the item(s) they speak of are NOT rare and easily available (sometimes cheaper), 2) these items they want you to "pay ahead" for and 'reserve' may be months (even a year or more!) away from actual production and 3) if one of these companies you've paid ahead to go out of bizz, you're S.O.L.! KNOW who you're dealing with! MAKE SURE that the company you're dealing with keeps proper records! I stopped dealing with a seller of 1:18 aircraft on the West Coast because this guy 'says' that while he put 2.1 million dollars into a new facility, he was still doing all of his orders/paper work WITHOUT any computers! YES! All by hand! Add to that the fact that his wife is SO ditzy that she took a "pre-paid" order from me earlier this year (one of those 'it'll be out soon' models I got suckered into!) and this order is now no where to be found! The guy at that company told me (in his sarcastic writing style) that this order was never paid for. I have the credit card slip for the order and will now proceed to ream him through the credit card company, but why go through the hassle? Remember kids - IF an item is paid for and not delivered within 30 days ANYWHERE in the USA, you have a write to your money back. ALSO, if you do order something on your credit card that 'won't be out' for awhile, NO seller has the write to charge you a fee for canceling your order if your item is not delivered within 30 days. That's a fact no matter what that seller's 'policies' are! When you buy something ANYWHERE (in a store physically or on the net), be aware of your rights!

9/14/2004 11:20:09 PM - "ENOLA GAY" Paul Tibbets SIGNED!
WOW! The ToyBum has obtained a Paul Tibbets SIGNED(!) 1st PRINTING(!) "ENOLA GAY" 509th Composite Group "FIRST ATOMIC BOMBARDMENT GROUP" picture record book! There is ONE for sale! Inquire ASAP to the ToyBum, as this MINT-NEW book is gonna go FAST!

9/8/2004 6:05:40 PM - 1:18 21st Century Toy aircraft decals
ToyBum has procured the politically incorrect Swastika tail decals for all versions of 1:18 scale 21st century WW2 German aircraft! Also available are correct markings for other 1:18 scale 21st Century Toy WW2 aircraft! Thin and perfect, they're just what you need to correctly finish these large WW2 aircraft! Contact the ToyBum for availability and pricing!

9/8/2004 5:48:22 PM - Ebay's Square Trade
For the first time, the ToyBum has decided to use eBay's "Square Trade" system to see what will happen. The negative exchange between me and the eBay liar late521 is pretty self explanatory, so I could have just left it all alone. The fact that I only had 3 negatives (out of over 1,050+ positives since 2001) from 3 losers who's eBay feedback runs under 75% is really no concern. Those particular three are proven losers from their own feedback. However, I wanted to try this $20 'mediation' and review it for all of us before others go spend their hard earned $ on and because this one REALLY stuck in my craw. The proof is so incredibly straight forward and clear that my request should be granted. Actually, the negative should have been granted for removal under eBay rules alone! The rip-off is that in order to argue a negative feedback (even one that is a proven lie and is fraudulent from a skank eBayer such as this late521 sleazball), one must pay $20(!) to eBay's "Square Trade" subsidiary to try to get the negative feedback removed. I'm trying it because this French 'buyer/bidder' said (in a retaliatory negative feedback) that he had paid by PayPal quite some time ago. There's no PayPal record of this (the jerk shoulda just said he sent me the money!) and all involved are finding it VERY interesting that this moron has NEVER requested the item! If you or I had actually paid for an item, wouldn't WE be interested to know where it was?! Anyhow, I'll let you all know the outcome or you can check it out on my site at toybum-is-fun! on eBay over the next weeks.

8/10/2004 1:13:06 PM - 1:18 SCALE PAPPY BOYINGTON 1943 F4U-1A CORSAIR!
The ToyBum was able to scrounge up 4 brand new "everything works on 'em like the real thing" 1:18 scale (custom made by special request) "Pappy Boyington" F4U-1A Corsairs! Everything IS paint imprinted (no decals) and slightly weathered! They're on the way by FedEx as this is being written! Two are already sold; two are left! 1st come, 1st served! YOWZA! These are HOT! - NEWS BRIEF: During the war, the folks back home needed heroes to pin their hopes on, such as Major "Pappy" Boyington; leader of the "Blacksheep Squadron". He shot down 20+ (the actual number is up for debate) Japanese aircraft. This F4U-1A Corsair (number 86) "Lucybelle", is faithfully reproduced for collectors. This is an exact replica of the F4U-1A aircraft used by Boyington for a National War Department News Photo-Op in 1943! ~ As Major Boyington arrived and the "photo-op" was about to take place, ground crews hastily put on the Japanese kill flags without realizing some were on backward! 21st Century Toys Master Modeler Roy Sutherland made sure this and many other bits of "personality" were faithfully recreated into and ON this incredible custom imprinted Corsair! Just look at the weathering on the wing root and horizontal stabilizer! If you've been around aircraft, you know what gravel (coral) can do to paint when it's kicked up by the prop. This is an ultra-limited and VERY realistic F4U-1A model (with tons of working features) that was flown (by Boyington) in the South Pacific during WW2 in 1943! A quick look into the cockpit shows that even the pilot's Mae West life vest has VMF 214 stenciled on it! The prop has an authentic "Hamilton Standard" prop decal and the list goes, on and on and......... ~ In addition to the all correct historical markings AND detailing, "Pappy's" Corsair comes with all the features you've come to expect in military collectibles produced by 21st Century Toys. The propellor turns, the canopy slides, the wings fold and the 90-degree landing gear retract just like the real thing! The highly collectible pilot action figure not only belongs to the proper squadron, but also is fully articulating and can be posed outside the cockpit! ~ PSSSSSST! Wanna see a secret pic? Go to "Other" under "Diecast" and click/scroll!




8/8/2004 6:03:50 PM - COMMEMORATIVE/CONFEDERATE AIR FORCE
WOW! The Commemorative/Confederate Air Force B-29 "FI FI" and B-24 "Diamond Lil" flew into town this week! The ToyBum got to go through "FI FI" with a fine toothed comb; taking pictures GALORE! As most of us are aware, "FI FI" is the last flyable B-29 (WW2 B-29, NOT the Korean conflict B-50) left in the world! This is a phenomenal aircraft! The flight engineer showed the ToyBum through the plane and explained a lot. There are even pictures of the ToyBum "bombing" Japan, etc. A great time was had by all, including the many veterans who came to see the planes and relive the memories; some memories remembered and some memories purposely forgotten. ~ The Commemorative/Confederate Air Force needs our help to keep these magnificent memories of the gallant sacrifice of our veterans alive with their HUGE flying inventory of WW2 (and other) aircraft. If you would like to make a donation, or if you have any material pertaining to the WW2 air war that you would like to donate to their museum, please contact the Commemorative Airforce at www.commemorativeairforce.org . Thank you for your support!

7/27/2004 3:17:14 PM - A general review of aviation art print books.
While I have many signed and unsigned copies of R.Taylor, N.Trudgian and other artist's aviation art print books, one must now watch what one buys within this genre. A few years ago, a Canadian company had the rights to all of Taylor's aviation art print books. These were the large, hard cover ORIGINAL copies; beautiful and vibrant in their execution. Since then, another company has taken over the copyright and has reprinted these books in a MUCH smaller, SOFTCOVER crap half-ass format. Even the paper that these smaller sized 'art prints' are now copied onto is of a much lower quality. Yes, these books are a bit cheaper then the originals were, but at 3/4's the size OF the originals, they leave much to be desired. What this means is that when you're buying a "Taylor" (or other artist's) aviation art print book on the secondary market (eBay or otherwise), make sure you get what you pay for! ASK if what you are looking at is hardcover OR softcover! ASK if it is a reprint of an older copy. ASK about the condition of ALL pages, as well as the book itself! The first hard cover original LARGE editions have value. The new soft cover ones have little if any value; above and beyond the inflated asking price.

7/13/2004 3:01:18 PM - 3 RARE GERMAN WW2 ID MODEL AIRCRAFT
Just in from one of the ToyBum's WW2 Luftwaffe contacts within Germany! The scale is roughly 1:72. There are three with the original stands! They are a Dornier 17, a Vickers Wellington and a Blenheim. All are in their original and excellent condition, with just a bit of worn surface paint. Pictures of provenance and the 3 German identification models upon request.

7/13/2004 1:49:12 PM - wir Kämpfer im Weltkrieg
The ToyBum was at a rare book auction in Manhattan N.Y. this past weekend. Looking to add some unique aircraft books to his ever growing collection, the ToyBum attended. He decide to obtain this non- aircraft volume and offer it up for sale, as it is most unique. It is an official "Recording Book" for the German Land War Veteran of WW1. It was printed in 1929 by Neufeld & Henious, Berlin, for the German Veterans to record their WW1 military experience. Oberarchivrat im Reichsarchiv Potsdam,oberstleutnant a.D., with the help of noted WW1 German war veteran Helmuth Greiner. This magnificent HUGE coffee table sized book covers all of the WW1 land battles concerning all of the German land regiments from 1914 through 1918. Near the end of this book are the pages where the Veterans would record their experiences and all the specifics of their service history. The hundreds of incredible black and white pictures are enhanced by beautiful full page colour painting plates by the then noted German WW1 artist Erich Mattschatzare. These full page color plates concerning and relating to specific actions (between 1914 and 1918) are absolutely breathtaking. ~ There is only a slight bit of edge wear to the outside binder. Every inside page, picture and colour plate are like new. All text is of course in German and written in the old German style of script. At the end of the book (after the pages where the German veteran inscribed his recordings), is an entire map section pertaining to all the great European land battles of WW1. This 544 page book weighs about 12 to 15 pounds and measures 12.5 inches high, 10 inches wide and 1.75 inches thick. To those seriously considering the purchase of the volume, the price is POA and pictures of it are available.

7/13/2004 1:11:29 PM - ANOTHER LUFTWAFFE MANUAL IS FOUND!
 Along with the original documentation just obtained by the ToyBum on the Focke-Wulf Ta-152H, the Dornier Do-335 A-6 Night Fighter (Nachtjäger), the Daimler-Benz DB601 technical engine manual for the Me (Bf)-109 E,F, & G variants and the BMW 801 technical engine manual for the Focke-Wulf A, C, L & D variants, the ToyBum has procured another one! It's the He-177, complete with the "Fritz-X" remote controlled "flying bomb" installation! The "Fritz-X" was a remote-controlled anti-shipping device used by the Luftwaffe in the last months of WW2. This is an absolutely indispensable find for the WW2 aircraft/Luftwaffe enthusiast! Contact the ToyBum for more details!


7/13/2004 1:04:40 PM - Russian Plastic Models!
Before the "Cold War" ended, the Soviet Union was producing some very fine models in the 1970's and early to mid-1980's. These were of some of their finest aircraft; those they were most proud of. The ToyBum has obtained a fairly large collection of these models, specific to the Soviets older Bombers, Airliners and Helicopters. These are all mint boxed and just like new!

7/8/2004 12:06:25 PM - WW2 paperback
When he was a boy in school in the late 1950's through the late 1960's, the ToyBum expanded his interest in aircraft by ordering all of the then available paperback "Ballantine Books" that related to the air war in WW2. A terrific day that the ToyBum still remembers, was being home from school sick on a Friday in 1965. The doorbell rang mid-day. A box from Ballantine(!!!) was in the hands of the postman, containing several new air war editions. The ToyBum had to stay in bed the whole weekend, but never was a weekend more enjoyable to the ToyBum as a kid than that one! One of the ToyBums then to become favorites in that box was "THUNDERBOLT", by Robert S. Johnson; with Martin Caiden. Continually adding excitement and knowledge to the ToyBum's aircraft/WW2 air war "repertoire", the Ballantine company was publishing literally EVERY Air war Aces memoirs (Allied and Axis) over the next few years. Eventually, some (not all) of this series was taken over and reprinted by Bantam. When these books became overwhelmingly popular in the 1960s (only a few had been printed in the 1950's, including "The First & the Last" by Adolf Galland), Ballantine began to print all of the Allied and Axis Naval and ground campaign veterans first hand accounts; for many famous battles during WW2. The ToyBum has bought out litterally hundreds of these books from full collections and single copies for the past two years and continues to do so when the opportunity arises. Now many of you can also read of these varied WW2 "up front and there" accounts of WW2! Almost every Ballantine (and later re-published by Bantam, etc.) paperback "pocketbook" that was ever printed on the air, ground and sea war during WW2 is now in the possession of the ToyBum. Many of the same books vary with terrific and original cover art work, pictures and sketches! These true accounts are the last word from the mouths of those who were there during the 2nd World War.

7/6/2004 12:39:06 PM - 1:18 scale Focke-Wulf FW-190D's are available!
YES! The HUGE 1:18 scale Fw-190D S1's are now available in TWO versions! Retracting gear, opening canopy, super datailed cockpit, pilot figure, working action features, etc., etc.! Also available are politically incorrect but historically correct markings for the tail! What a find! Contact der ToyBum for more mouth-watering details! ~ Brief history of the red & white striped bottom 1st edition 1:18 scale 190D S1: In 1945, the Me-262 base of JV 44 (the "Galland Circus") was faced with constant airfield raiding by allied aircraft. The Germans employed Fw-190's (D S-1's and A-7's) to protect this airbase from the strafing attacks. Also, the Me-262's were VERY vulnerable to attacks from allied aircraft when taking off or landing. To be much more recognizable, the bottom of these 190's were painted with red & white striping. This helped to protect them from friendly ground fire. This 1:18 scale version is a Focke Wulf Fw-190D-9-S1; "Red 3" of JV 44. The pilot of this aircraft was Waldemar Wubke.

7/4/2004 12:06:40 PM - LUFTWAFFE MANUALS FOUND!
Along with the original documentation just obtained by the ToyBum on the Focke-Wulf Ta-152H, the ToyBum has procured three more fantastic finds! As follows, they are the original documentation for the Dornier Do-335 A-6 Night Fighter (Nachtjäger), the Daimler-Benz DB601 technical engine manual for the Me (Bf)-109 E,F, & G variants and the BMW 801 technical engine manual for the Focke-Wulf A, C, L & D variants! Absolutely indispensable for the WW2 aircraft enthusiast! Contact the ToyBum for more details!

7/2/2004 12:14:46 AM - Focke-Wulf Ta152 obtained!
Yes boys & girls, the ToyBum has obtained an original and complete technical manual for the electrical system (elektrisches) for the very unique Focke-Wulf Ta152! More to follow!

7/1/2004 11:29:32 PM - THE RED BARON
A truly unique and rare item has been found by the ToyBum! It's a 1st edition(!), 1927 book entitled "THE RED KNIGHT OF GERMANY: The Story of Baron Von Richthofen". The original pictures in this book are ultra-rare and breathtaking for those interested in this subject. There is even the original detailed list of ALL of his victories (and final defeat) in this superb WW1 military biography of one of the worlds foremost aces.

6/24/2004 12:23:18 PM - LUFTWAFFE WORLD WAR TWO TECHNICAL MANUALS!
These are technical manual set reprints that the ToyBum has procured for the following aircraft: V2 "Vengeance Weapon 2" (3 book set), Me262 (12 book set), Arado (AR) 234B-2 (1 book), Ta152H-O & H-1 (1 book, all electrical), Fw190A-7 & A-9 (2 books encompassing armor, electrical and weapons). ~ ToyBum is in the process of trying to negotiate the acquisition of an original Focke-Wulf parts manual (and additional original paperwork) for the Ta152! Keep those fingers crossed!!!

6/24/2004 12:12:13 PM - 1:18 SCALE FW-190D!!!
They'll be here by August '04! TWO different markings! Ask for info.!

6/3/2004 12:24:26 AM - GEMINI JETS DC-8 1:250 SCALE
Pre-production(!) example obtained by the ToyBum! It's up for auction right now on eBay. This eBay auction ends at 21:13:41 PDT on June 12, 2004. This diecast is RARE! Best of luck bidding!

6/2/2004 7:34:09 PM - 1:18 SCALE BBI F/A-18C HORNET
FUSELAGE LENGTH IS OVER 3 FEET AT 38 INCHES! WINGSPAN IS OVER 2 FEET AT 27 INCHES! BESIDES THE FULLY RETRACTING TRICYCLE GEAR, THERE IS JUST SO MANY ACTION FEATURES AND DETAILS ON THIS THAT YOU JUST WON'T BELIEVE! THIS IS NOT A KIDS TOY! WOW!!! WHAT A MODEL! IF I HAD OPENED UP ANY AIRCRAFT MODEL LIKE THIS FOR MY BIRTHDAY OR FOR CHRISTMAS BACK IN THE 60's, I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE TURNED INSIDE OUT FROM THE EXCITEMENT!!! ~ WANNA SEE SOME PICTURES OF THIS BEHEMOTH? GO BACK TO THE TOYBUM HOME PAGE AND CLICK UNDER "DIECAST" ON "OTHER". ~ AS YOU READ THIS, THE TOYBUM HAS ONE UP FOR SALE ON EBAY RIGHT NOW!!!

5/25/2004 1:14:05 AM - 1:72 SCALE AIRCRAFT KITS!
The ToyBum has aquired hundreds of mint-boxed older 1:72 model aircraft kits! Let him know what you're looking for!

5/12/2004 12:28:25 AM - INCREDIBLE NERVE!
Since the good old "Toy Show" has pretty much bitten the dust with the 2nd coming of our hobby (ebay, the whole www, etc.), there are those who are real deadbeats selling through the mail who have to be sanctioned or outright removed from the site they are dealing on. These are the sorry souls who insist on charging double/triple or more postage. They are trying to make up for the 'loss' they perceive, in the false perception that their item did not sell for 'enough". These are usually people who couldn't list an item correctly to save their sorry lives. I dealt with that type of joker for the past 3 days on ebay, a REAL loser! He insisted that I double my postage to him, or he wouldn't sell me his items that I had won from him on ebay. When I protested (firmly YET politely) that I would be happy to give a bit for handling but not DOUBLE(!), he sent me a VERY nasty e-mail. He 'explained' that I had to cover his car insurance, gas. time, etc. I kid you not. In any event, I told him to stuff it. I write this to ask that all of my fellow hobby and collector friends make sure that as much as we may want a certain item or items, that we do NOT allow ourselves to be charged usurious postal fees by SKANK sellers. The phenomenon in this new age of "website collecting" seems to be those who try to make up some type of a bizarre 'bottom line' in the form of outrageous postal charges. Report this type of behavior to the site it happened to you on! Don't allow it to go unchecked!

5/11/2004 1:47:09 AM - 1:18 SCALE DECALS FOR 21st CENTURY AIRCRAFT!
New decals to "upgrade"! Super-thin pro-decal sheets available for almost ALL 21st Century 1:18 aircraft!!! Do you want to be "politically" or "historically" correct? ~ For a sample, check out the 1:18 scale 21st Century P-38's nose art in the "Other" section, under "Diecast".

5/11/2004 1:18:01 AM - BBI F-18C COCKPIT!!!
This fully detailed 1/6 Scale F-15C Cockpit is a jewel-in-the-crown of BBI! This fully loaded and precisely accurate cockpit is absolute perfection for any aviation enthusiast! It's a perfect companion piece to the Elite Force Eagle Aviator figure that is already available. This impressive F-15C Eagle cockpit brings detailing to new levels and is not a typical static model. It features a light-up instrument panel(!) that operates with just a flip of a switch. Collectors will have an impressive replication of what an Eagle pilot actually sees when his plane is ready for action! Another outstanding feature is the artificial horizon indicator that actually moves left or right with the corresponding movement of the flight stick! Other noteworthy features include the removable ejector seat, moving rudder pedals and throttle lever. True to BBI's high standard of excellence, the ladder and canopy frame are made of diecast metal. This collector piece is in a class by itself! Note: Elite Force Aviator figures sold separately. Requires 2 AA batteries for light-up instrument panel, not included. Available (tentatively) in July 2001. Please look under "Diecast" and "Other" for a "sneaky" pic.!



5/11/2004 12:54:57 AM - 1:18 SCALE FW-190D!
Yeah, I know. Hard to believe, isn't it? If all goes well, we're going to see this baby by July and a BF-109G sometime this fall! Other 1:18 scale aircraft featuring FULLY working features (available before the end of the year) will be the following: P-47D "Bubble Canopy", TBM "Avenger", etc.! See "Others" under "Diecast" for a SNEAK view of the FW-190D, the BF-109G and the "Avenger". Better close your mouth when you see 'em, unless you wanna catch some flies!

5/11/2004 12:42:50 AM - BBI 1:18 F/A-18C HORNET!!!
Scheduled for a May/June release (tentative), this HUGE model will be a whopping 37" in length and have a 27" wingspan; with Sidewinders loaded! The pre-production example (which the ToyBum got a quick peek at), left him gasping for air! FULLY working EVERYTHING!!! Only 500 are being produced for world-wide production! The ToyBum is hoping to get between two to four!

5/11/2004 12:26:00 AM - 21st CENTURY 1:18 BOYINGTON F4U CORSAIR!
The ToyBum is obtaining a few copies of "LULUBELLE"; "Pappy" Boyington's F4U Corsair in 1:18 scale! EVERYTHING works on this HUGE aircraft, including fully retractable landing gear and tail hook as per the real F4U Corsair, opening cockpit with FULL detailing, removable and posable "Pappy" pilot, folding wings, etc., etc.!!! This is an actual 21st Century Toys CUSTOM production of only a few! It will be super-detailed and weathered! Stay-tuned for more news! ~~~ PSSSSSST! Wanna see a secret pic? Go to "Other" under "Diecast"!

4/15/2004 8:06:31 PM - GET RID OF OLD DECAL YELLOWING!
Want a simple/easy way to get rid of almost any decal yellowing, whether the decals have been applied on your model/diecast already or still on the sheet? Put them out in the sunlight! This could be on the back deck of a car parked in the sun, or on a window sill where the sun always shines. This "sun-action" will "bleach out' the yellow 98% of the time! This trick even works if decals have been cleared or "Futured"!

3/6/2004 12:28:33 AM - MASSIVE ENGINE FAILURE!
Back in Feb. 2001 at the Nürnberg Toy Fair in Nürnberg Germany (where else?), I met one of the "Corgi" people. Hey, anyone who's knows me knows that my biggest vice is that I'll tell ya what's on my mind; right? So I say to this Corgi guy "hey Mr. Corgi, you can either put landing gear on your diecast aircraft or snap the doors on, correct? So why not do the same with the props?" Before he called security, I was able to explain that one set of props could be static as they are now and one set could be scaled clear disc spinners; ala Wiking 1:200 scale German I.D aircraft of WW2. I told him that when you put a prop-plane on a stand with the gear up and its props standing still, you get the effect of massive engine failure. So why not make a prop that that looks like it's spinning? Travel agency models were done that way for ages in the 50's and 60's. Obviously no diecast aircraft manufacturer has done my idea yet, but when I saw Corgi's new tiny Boeing 314 "Clipper", I bought an extra to put my own discs on. I think a good scale rendition of a clear disc representing a spinning prop would be a nice alternative to "massive engine failure on a diecast prop-plane; don't you? Yes, it may not be an exactly "perfect look", but most diecast aircraft have gaps and other imperfections anyway; right? Think about it.

3/6/2004 12:08:26 AM - HELP!
Will somebody PLEASE tell them to stop making 747's! If I see one more god-forsaken 747 diecast in one more god-forsaken livery (BUTT-HOLE airlines or WHATEVER!), I'm gonna SCREAM!!! HEY HERPA, GEMINI, BIG-BIRD, etc., how about some old props? What about an old BV139 float plane? What about ANY older airliners with a prop? YEAH, it's easy to do one jet after another, but when will we see some old nostalgic flyers for a change? Wouldn't diecast older Clippers and prop-airliners sell? I mean, don't produce 30 million and try to dump 'em on the market like Corgi did; just make a few at a time. Jeez, look at Tekno's old DC-7 "Seven Seas" diecast. With today's diecast technology, could you even begin to imagine what that would look like in 2005? Gemini's 1:250 DC-8 Super-61 is a start, but lets work on some prop stuff guys, okay?

3/5/2004 11:59:30 PM - It's gonna be a bit late, but...........
The fantastic 1:48 scale diescast of Don Gentile's P-51B Mustang 43-6913 336th FS, 4thFG 8th AF 27.16 kills, 19.83 in Mustangs, is now showing a release date of April. Hey, whatever, right? Why not wait until they get it so perfect that we just faint when we see it? I don't know about anyone else, but the ToyBum is certainly patient for stuff that "yanks the crank"!. Terrific is what terrific be.

3/5/2004 11:52:49 PM - GMP 1:35 P-51 MUSTANG
This diecast just has to be seen to be believed!!! The biggest goof that GMP made with this bad-boy was limiting it to only 1,000 pieces. It's all sold out! ToyBum was able to acquire only ONE. He is in the process of doing a complete photo study of this magnificently modeled piece of aircraft history, so stay tuned. Hey, at least you'll be able to see what all the "hubba-hubba" is about!

2/20/2004 10:57:29 PM - A word from the ToyBum
"Some of the rarest and most limited items are sold out before we even have a chance to list them! Collectors are asking us everything about the collectables market and what is available all the time; for their personal collections and for investment. When you place your next order or you e-mail us to chat, always remember to ask about our newest acquisitions and/or what we might be in the process of procuring. Don't hesitate to make it a point to specifically ask the ToyBum about items that you're looking for. If we do not have it, or it isn't on the way from the many collections we buy and put into our stock, we can sure give it one heck of a try to find it for you!

2/12/2004 12:13:51 AM - 1:48 scale
This 1:48th scale beauty, listed in the ToyBum's line-up as #156 (under the "Diecast: Aircraft" section), is now showing a release date of April, 2004. Wanting to make a great diecast even better, a few details have been changed. Hats off to a company that is dedicated to making an item the best it can be for the addicted collector, rather than rushing something out just to have had it for sale sooner; around the 2003 holiday season. Hey guys, we're patiently waiting. Best of luck!

2/11/2004 11:49:15 PM - Nürnberg Toy Fair 2004!
WOW! What a rush! The new 1:87 scale and intensely detailed beyond belief Alfas and Porsches from Martin are to DIE for! Live pictures of these little beauties will be available by the middle of March 2004; when the ToyBum's special one-off 1:87 Nürnberg Toy Fair Alfas and Porsches arrive! The ToyBum also just bought a few more collections from Europe! MANY books (auto, aircraft, ship, military), old WW2 Luftwaffe stuff, etc,. etc. are abundant AND for sale! Another year after the International Nürnberg Toy Fair begins again!

1/26/2004 12:55:03 AM - WW2 GERMAN PILOT'S NOTES!!!
The ToyBum has been able to get a few of the German versions of the "PILOT'S NOTES". These are similar to the versions printed in England during WW2, except for the fact that these are based on German aircraft! One interesting multiple set is on the Me262! A set on the V2, as well as the electrical component book to the Ta152, etc. is also present! These were the same types of books as used by the ground crews and pilot's for the Luftwaffe, for German aircraft and weapons systems, such as the V1, V2 propeller and rocket aircraft! Wouldn't this be a fantastic addition to your military library, or as a collectable to add to your model/diecast collection? ~ Please note: While very nicely illustrated, all text for these books is in German.

12/13/2003 3:28:56 PM - PAYPAL!!!
Did you hear? The ToyBum is accepting PayPal! ToyBum has TWO PayPal accounts for your convenience! One account is for normal "PayPal to PayPal" account payments. ToyBum's other PayPal account is for PayPal credit card payments. It's now easy, fast and simple to obtain your favorite, most desired collectables and books; quickly and conveniently! Any questions? Just ask "the ToyBum".

12/13/2003 3:19:45 PM - WE'RE IN!!!
The ToyBum is in his new "headquarters"! 1,410 sq. feet of collectable's heaven! Books, models, cars, planes, ships, etc.; ready for online sales. Christmas is just ahead. What R U looking for? The ToyBum has items from all over the world. Send him an e-mail. He's always glad to answer.

11/27/2003 11:05:47 AM - THE NEW TOY MUSEUM!
The ToyBum is opening a 1,410 sq. ft. "Toy Museum" in mid-December; with an adjacent shipping facility. This will enhance the quality of ToyBum's efforts to bring you only the finest in old/new Transportation Collectables (Auto/Aircraft/Ships, etc.), as well as Auto/Aircraft/Ship/Military Books, etc. While not open to the general public, this state of the art facility will add the "final touch" to the quality of dealing with the ToyBum. Yes, you will still be able to EASILY receive orders BEFORE Christmas. No problem.
Stay tuned throughout the week and watch for the ToyBum's "Grand re-Opening"!

9/28/2003 10:53:16 AM - HUNDREDS OF PLASTIC MODELS!
HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF MINT-BOXED PLASTIC MODELS GOING UP FOR SALE ON EBAY! Click (above right) on "ToyBum on eBay"! All kinds of mint-boxed older plastic models from the past (mid-1950's through the late 1980's) are going up for bid! CHECK IT OUT!!!

9/28/2003 10:48:25 AM - CHECK OUT TOYBUM ON EBAY!!!
Check out the ToyBum's stuff on eBay!!! Lot's O' stuff for sale! The holidays are coming, so please keep looking and asking, as we're here to help with all of your collectable needs. The ToyBum (on or off eBay) also accepts PayPal AND credit card purchases through PayPal!

9/22/2003 6:02:32 AM - TOYSHOW!
October 26th, Buffalo, New York. At the Hearthstone Manor, near the Buffalo International Airport, the 33rd MMA (Motoring in Miniature) Toyshow will take place. ToyBum will be traveling to be there with an assortment of his special goodies! This is one of the original PREMIER toyshows still operating and definitely worth a look! Please contact the ToyBum for further information.

9/4/2003 8:20:30 PM - PAYPAL or CREDITCARD!
Yes, it's official! The ToyBum has hooked up with PayPal to make it as easy as 1-2-3 for you to pay for all of your special purchases! While the ToyBum still accepts money orders, you can now pay direct by credit card with PayPal, or from a PayPal account direct. When you pay the ToyBum by credit card through PayPal, you do not have to be a member of PayPal. Now it's all easier than ever!

8/28/2003 12:54:45 PM - ACE'S SEMINAR AND AIRSHOW!
.......and a great time was had by all, especially by the ToyBum! On August 9th & 10th, 2003, the ToyBum attended the Willow Run Airport & Yankee Air Museum's "Thunder Over Michigan" event, one hour west of Detroit. Eighty WW2 aircraft flying all over the place! Pictures galore! Tours and flights in all sorts of aircraft! AIRPLANE NIRVANA! ToyBum was also able to join other corporate "hotshots" in having dinner that Saturday night with some pretty outstanding individuals, such as "Chuck" Yeager, "Bud" Anderson, Günther Rall, etc. Over that two day period, the ToyBum was able to meet and talk with many other WW2 aviation personalities, such as Charlie "COMBAT" Hudson, the most highly decorated B-17 bombardier of WW2! Charlie flew as a bombardier in B-17's in the early days (late 1942 through early 1943), WITHOUT fighter escort! He shot down many German aircraft, with a great eye for "deflection" shooting. It's all in his book; also available signed, with many of the other "Ace's" memoirs also available! See the ToyBum's book sections! WOW!


8/28/2003 12:52:23 PM - FANTASTIC RARE COLLECTABLES & TERRIFIC DEALS!!!
Looking for something special for your collection? Want to start a collection for yourself, get an interesting item for the home or office, or send a unique gift to friend? What you see listed here on www.ToyBum.com is only about 1/10 of 1% of what we carry. Whatever your interest or needs may be, we carry older aircraft/auto/racing/ship and historical items. We have older diecast, books, resine (resin) auto kits and built-ups, white metal auto kits and built-ups. We carry thousands of older aircraft, ship, armor, auto and auto race car plastic kits in original boxes; from ALL manufacturers! We also offer drop shipping direct to that special friend or relative. Gift wrapping is also available at minimal charge. Please feel free to contact the ToyBum with your needs. We're only an e-mail away.



8/28/2003 12:29:36 PM - ONE MORE THING ABOUT AUCTIONING ITEMS.....
When clearing out a home and auctioning off the items of a deceased love one (or using a selling firm/auctioneer/thief for a house sale), KEEP AN EYE on the people organizing the items for sale in the home, or when they are taking the items to another building; a building the "Auction House" uses for its 'auctions'. KEEP TRACK OF THE ITEMS! Allow nothing to leave the house if it is not on a manifest! Make sure ALL the items have been taken to the new location. Many of these "sellers" are going to be looking for valuable items or money, so NEVER let ANYONE remain in a/your home unsupervised, no matter what kind of a story they hand you! A comment I had heard lately at a house sale (one of the many over the years), was an arrogant owner of an auction firm saying to an associate (in front of a house full of buyers), "These idiots have no idea what they have!"

8/28/2003 12:14:24 PM - AUCTIONING ITEMS (cont.)
.......4) Trust no one and demand records. DEMAND to know how the catalog will be laid out; along with everything you want to know, as the auction is being set up (step by step) and is progressing to the final date of sale. Demand to know how you will be paid and when, as well as what THEY pay for and what YOU pay for! GET IT IN WRITING! 5) Percentages are a farce and are changed without notice! The 1% to %5 "Loss Insurance" is a farce, unless YOU can absolutely prove that something is lost, broken or destroyed beyond repair. How can you find any information out, especially if you are not in contact with your items; especially if they are taken overseas?! Remember that an auctionhouse will insist that the broken item can still be auctioned. Besides, what price is each item agreed on when an item is lost or destroyed? DEMAND to know WHAT everything is! GET IT ALL IN WRITING! 6) Insist that a clause be put in you contract that if ANYTHING is changed from the original contract, the auction house loses it's commission and it is forfeited to you! This will get the cheaters to sit up and take notice, as those who would not cheat you would add that clause in. 7) Make sure that in the contract, the clause that states when you will receive your payment also states that it will be NO LONGER than 30 days. Any longer and the auction house should then forfeit its percentage back to you! ~~~ The ToyBum is always willing to answer any questions you have about the "How To" of properly selling your valuables (or those of a deceased loved one) so that you are not cheated.

8/28/2003 12:09:50 PM - AUCTIONING ITEMS
PLEASE! Be VERY careful with whom you consign your valuables with! While making sure the Auction House you're dealing with is reputable, watch out for hidden scams! 1) List EVERY item in a proper manifest and make sure that you keep a copy of the manifest! 2) Make sure that everything that the company SAYS it is going to do for you WILL be done! i.e. listing each item separately in their catalog, or at least describing each item for maximum sale value, rather than just throwing it all in a lot for a quick sale. This is usually done so that a pre-set 'partner' can get a box filled with expensive items cheap at the auction; for a future sale at high prices. Also, watch that items are not "switched", so that an expensive item goes away with a bunch of not so expensive ones. It is always best to check each of the items being sold; also checking as items ARE sold. 3) Arrogance and over-friendliness: Watch out for the "don't worry about" types who want you to consign, or the arrogant auction house owners who just use your items for filler. These people will get you to sign away your family members collectables to you and then just do what they want with 'em. Some of the larger and well know auction house owners will sell your items at a loss, as they have SO much stuff to auction and they ONLY want to promote items they feel will enhance their standing in the auction world and to potential "high-end" customers.
You must watch out for an auction house proprietor who will over-promise and under deliver. If they have catalogs on line, see how they list. Auction houses who list many "case-lots" of fine items are just filling up their auctions. They're only giving proper attention to the highest of the high-end items.

8/28/2003 11:37:05 AM - BE CAREFUL!
Know with whom you're dealing with! Everything that we send you by e-mail from the ToyBum is virus scanned. Know that your safe with the ToyBum. Also, please remember NEVER to give out sensitive information when asked by e-mail (or by phone) to strangers. There is no reputible company that will ask you to update your private information by e-mail. Delete these e-mails right away. Better yet, put your e-mail opening on an eight second delay. This way, you can see what's there and delete it immediatly, without it opening. This helps keep out computer viruses.

7/9/2003 1:30:17 PM - INDONESIAN ARTWORK!
MORE GOOD STUFF LOCTATED! Rare Indonesian artwork (framed Batiks, wooden sculptures, etc.) will be available very soon to grace your living or working quarters! Pictures will be up shortly, when the ToyBum returns from the UK (England), Washington D.C. and Manhattan, New York. Stay tuned!

7/9/2003 12:52:34 PM - ANTIQUE POSTCARDS
The ToyBum has located a HUGE collection of incredibly unique antique postcards; well over 1,500!
99.9% of them are in superb condition, including hand-painted oriental themes! The gist of this extensive postcard collection is from the early 1900's through the mid to late 1950's. At the moment, they are being sorted. Some may be put on ebay. Feel free to ask questions and stay tuned for more exciting news from "The ToyBum"!

2/5/2003 12:06:21 AM - Nürnberg Toy Fair; Nürnberg, Germany
Nürnberg Toy Fair; Nürnberg, Germany, January 30 to February 4, 2003. It was for the trade only and the Germans are VERY strict about this. 2,800 toy and hobby companies were represented with over 60,000 new products that were shown for 2003, compared to last year. In all, over 1,000,000 hobby/toy related items were shown in an area the size of 10 football fields! "Cottage industry" artisans were there too; old world craftsmen who make the limited edition items (aircraft,cars,ships,etc.) that you and ToyBum love. A true "treat" were the many Nürnberg Toy Fair collectables and specialty/sample/givaway items in ALL scales that ToyBum procured. This was THE Toy Fair of the year! There were many toyshows of older collector items being held in the "old" town of Nürnberg too! I was drunk on Toys-Toys-Toys!

HANS-JOACHIM MARSEILLE'S Me/Bf-109E 

Ed Russell, the ToyBum and H.J. Marseille's 1940 109E

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ToyBum's Private Gallery

OVMS "SHOW of SHOWS", LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY, 2/24 to 2/27 2005

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As long as Dutch and the ToyBum can find a good restaurant within the cities & towns they meet up in, they're usually pretty happy & content. ~ The ToyBum is standing on the left with "Dutch" Van Kirk (navigator; ENOLA GAY Aug 6, 1945) standing on the right. "Tex" Hill, (18.25 victory Ace, Sqd. Ldr. 2nd sqd., American Volunteer Group {AVG} "Flying Tigers") is sitting in the front. The ToyBum sat down with Tex for a bit, to hear some of Tex's experiences during the war. Especially interesting was talking with Tex about the battle for Salween in 1942. One is in awe just to be in the same room with these heroes.

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