Hello, and a Happy New Year to you... if it isn't much too late to say that.
I hope you're well and managing to avoid the January blues. But if, like most, you feel a little less joyful than usual, I hope this article will give you something to smile about. That is, of course, if you are a diecast collector!
I plan to make this a regular blog series, writing about the latest developments in the diecast and hobby space. What better way to kick this off than with a visit to the 70th Toy Fair?
I could only attend for the one day, so it was an early start to get to the Olympia in London, where the event takes place, and boy, those tube trains haven't got any quieter have they? A few cups of coffee later, and - excuse the pun - I was full of beans, ready to take on what is a truly mammoth event.
All I can say is the atmosphere at Toy Fair is electric; there's something so special when the toy and hobby industry comes together for three days of fun, and plenty of serious business too!
It was brilliant to catch up with new and existing suppliers, putting faces to names and seeing the latest products on display. That's all I can really say at the moment, but I'm sure you will start noticing plenty of new ranges over the coming weeks and months. That said - if there's anything we're not stocking and you think we should, let us know.
I best stop waffling and get to it: Tiny City Diecast—a brand many of you love just as much as I do. We started selling a small selection of their products in 2022 and the positive feedback I received from everybody was fantastic.
I tried to ensure the Tiny team knew how much you value what they do and how we all can't wait for more UK models.
There are already exciting plans in development for the UK market; they're just taking a little longer to hit the shelves because of the time that was lost to Covid 19.
Here are some of the 1:76 Scale Mercedes Sprinter models to be released by Tiny. The Transport for London Incident Response Unit (ATCUK64006) is currently in production. Fingers crossed we won't have too much longer to wait. The Warwickshire Police Van is still a while off.
Two 1:43 Scale BMW Motorcycles are planned, too. Release dates are still to be confirmed, but the liveries are Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service. You can also catch a rear-view glimpse of the brand new Sussex Police Van. More on this below!
Here you can see some of the previously released fire models, the 1980s Ford Transit Ambulance and the brand new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (ATC64316) as teased above. This 1:76 Scale van is the first to be released for the UK market and will be in stock very soon. If you'd like to pre-order, please email us, and we'll add your name to the list.
Two prototypes were also on display at Toy Fair. These are Scania New Generation Emergency One Pump Ladders. Even from the tooling, you can see how incredibly detailed the final models will be. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are the first liveries that will be produced. I must say a huge thank you to everyone in the UK and Hong Kong who has contributed to bringing these to life.
I look forward to seeing the finished product and adding a couple to my own collection!
Many different Shell vehicles have already been produced. Several of these are available right now at Phillips Hobbies. At the time of writing, we have the 1:76 / 1:64 Scale Petrol Station Diorama in stock, too. You can find this on our website here if it interests to you.
Many of the brilliant models in this image are available from stock. The BMWs are 1:64 Scale, and the buses are 1:110 Scale.
Here are some more images of the stand, showcasing the variety of models in the Tiny range. We do not sell everything shown here, some due to the licensing terms, others just because we have yet to order them - so please get in touch if there's anything you'd like us to try and source for you.
Please take a look at the Tiny items we currently have in by clicking here. There are over 100 to choose from!
You'll agree there are some impressive vehicles in the range. I look forward to seeing which models come next and growing the Tiny selection at Phillips Hobbies.
Until next time, keep on diecast collecting!
George Phillips
