To Collect and Preserve: Why is Toy Packaging Worth so Much?
In Pixar’s “Toy Story 2,” much of the movie’s plot was driven by the fact that the Stinky Pete action figure was priceless because he was mint in the package, as well as being rare to begin with. On...
View ArticleA Brief History of Matchbox in Germany
A Guest Blog Post from Christopher Leon Gaas, a collector of Matchbox and other 1/64 scale diecast with an interest in the history of the hobby. Beside its huge history in the United Kingdom, the...
View ArticleCitroën DS: A History Through Model Cars
A Guest Blog from Patrick Wehr, owner of Pat’s Modellauto and carcollectorsgarage.com The Citroën DS19 was the successor of the Traction Avant and was first presented at the Paris Motor Show on...
View ArticleDrawing Conclusions: Steve Moye Recalls His Days as a Matchbox Designer
A couple weeks ago, we brought you the story of Rob Romash, Master Modelmaker for Matchbox in the early 2000s. His ability to translate sketches and technical drawings into perfect prototype carvings...
View ArticlePenny Pinching, Processes and Practicality: Possible Pitfalls of Diecast Design
We recently told you the histories of Matchbox Senior Designer Steve Moye and Master Modelmaker Rob Romash, part of the talented team that created many of the brand’s model vehicles in the early 2000s....
View ArticleEntertainment Earth Convention Exclusive Heads To San Diego
We’re gearing up for the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con with a look at two new Entertainment Earth Convention Exclusive items that are sure to enthrall the most dedicated Marvel and Power Ranger fans....
View ArticleColorful Subjects: Meet Mattel Model Painter Glenn Hubing
Over the past few weeks we’ve brought you the stories of some of the folks who helped bring Matchbox cars to life at Mattel. Steve Moye, and Rob Romash worked together for several years defining the...
View ArticleFrom Super Soakers to Redneck Roadkill: Rob Romash Outside of Mattel
We’ve recently brought you some stories of the designers who helped create many Matchbox vehicles from the early 2000s – Steve Moye, Product Designer; Glenn Hubing, Model Painter; and Rob Romash,...
View ArticleCan the Blockchain stop Collectible Fraud?
Musings By Joschik Christian Braun obsesses over collectibles, antiques and toys more than the average person, but (he believes) in a productive way. At hobbyDB we love the idea of the Blockchain. It...
View ArticleTemporary Two Seater: The 1963 Thunderbird Roadster
Over the past few years, we’ve contributed articles to Die CastX magazine for publication on their website and in their quarterly print edition. Here’s the story of an obscure two-seat Thunderbird....
View ArticleEntertainment Earth, Wonder Woman Debut Wittles Line
Entertainment Earth is taking a journey back in time with its new line of Wittles dolls. Wonder Woman highlights the collection’s premier with a 2018 San Diego Comic Con exclusive dedicated to the...
View ArticleHistory Through Model Cars: Citroën Traction Avant
A Guest Blog from Patrick Wehr, owner of Pat’s Modellauto and carcollectorsgarage.com and also a Curator and Champion at hobbyDB. Note: You can click on each of the images to open the relevant hobbyDB...
View ArticleNew Ed Roth Rat Fink Dairy Delivery from Chris Walker and MCHOF
Our good friends at the Model Car Hall Of Fame just announced a cool collaboration between Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and Chris Walker. Walker, one of the most prominent modern Hot Wheels customizers, has...
View ArticleHot Wheels 50th Anniversary Special: Making History on TV
In case you missed it Thursday night, The History Channel aired a one hour “Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Special” with plenty of interviews, diecast images and video, and, well, history of the brand....
View ArticleTo Infinity and Beyond… Well, to $4K, anyway, for this Buzz Lightyear Prototype
One of the great lessons of the “Toy Story” movies was that toys need to be taken out of their packages and played with in order to become loved through such interaction. One of the great lessons of...
View ArticleOdd, Obscure, Out-of-the-Ordinary: 10 More Unusual Model Car Brands
Over the past couple of years, we’ve shared some brands of diecast vehicles that are off the beaten path, obscure, or just plain odd. Some of them are offshoots of famous brands, some of from other...
View Article“Black & Gold” Explores Legend of John Player Special Brand (and more) in...
Of all the auto racing liveries to ever race around a track, one of the most iconic is the John Player Special scheme. Solid black with delicate gold accents and understated script, the cars exuded an...
View ArticleGarbage Collector: Meet Matt Oldweiler, Garbage Pail Kids Connoisseur
Snark and shock have always been profitable forms of entertainment, from Mad Magazine to “South Park” to fail compilations on Youtube. In the mid 190s, one particualr brand really stood out for its...
View ArticleHot Wheels Goes Postal with U.S. Postage Stamps Set
Through rain or snow or sleet or hail, the United States mail… eventually gets there. But the mail is about to get a bit hotter, with a newly announced series of Hot Wheels postage stamps. That’s...
View ArticlePops! For Patients and hobbyDB Team Up to Provide Toys to Kids in Hospitals
Sometimes you need a little fun to pop into your life to brighten your day. Especially if you’re a child spending a lot of time in the hospital. That’s what Randy Lee, Co-Founder of POPS! For Patients,...
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