Three speed collection

[jrkilburn]

So, some of you may have seen my recent ads on here in the for sale section. Here is why...

This all started 25 plus years ago in a small town in rural PA when a local hobby shop opened and I was hooked. Became, and have been friends with, the owner and one day he asked me to help polish some frame rails on his still new in the box Blazing Blazer, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. It was not and has not ever been for sale so it was up to me to get one of my own.

After raising three boys, 20 years of military service and a second wife I have reached a point that I could start a hunt and actually be able to afford my unicorn.

I was able to score a nearly new vintage Bruiser that had never been painted and soon after a similar condition box art vintage Bruiser. With the re-re's all over the place the vintage trucks prices dipped a bit and the Bruisers became affordable again.



As you can see I had to display them. That led to a poster of the Bruiser from original advertising. When I found it I also found the Hilux and Blazer, I figured it would balance the display out. Well, once they were hung it only made sense to want to display those kits too. The search began....

I was graciously given the opportunity to purchase ONE vintage truck for my birthday and purchased this hilux. A true vintage truck with patina and wear that proves this truck was built to be run back in 1982ish.



While awaiting its arrival I began looking for the unicorn Blazer in a restorable condition, the good ones were priced way too high and their value is honestly inflated and often missing parts that can't be found anymore.

So I stumble across one only to discover it's not just a Blazing Blazer but also another Hilux. The seller refused to separate them and they had to be purchased together.... Now remember, I am waiting for a hilux to show up already, so after a few days I pulled the trigger and bought the pair. I figured I need a Mountaineer so I'll get a body set and I can complete the collection.

All three arrived today, packaged like they were priceless art work (in my opinion they are artwork). Here is what I received...



So as I sit here, contemplating the assembly of these three speeds, I am taking the time to share my experience. Not to gloat or show off, but to show the new younger generation that hard work, patience and love for this hobby may one day provide you the opportunity to be able to get that "Unicorn".

This collection is an investment, an investment not just for monetary purposes but an investment in myself that proves I can get what I want if I work at a goal that seems so far out there that it may be impossible. Similar to what my military service has taught me and I guess it was a gateway drug and I want more of those experiences.

I will post up my progress soon.


Sent from Apple headquarters

[1BadJeepBruiser]

Wow awesome collection. I have still never owned a BB to this day and I kind of regret selling my original Hilux...I always thought the locking hubs were just so awesome. Mine even had the good steel inserts in them.

[jrkilburn]

One down one to go.

[jrkilburn]

Another one finished. Probably the cleanest of the bunch as well.

[jrkilburn]

Not quite complete but they are all here. Mountaineer is in the works and is the next project to be completed.

[spankrjs]

Nice Collection

I remember seeing the Hilux/BB combo come up for sale, looked interesting

I will have to post a picture of my collection, similar:

(x1) OG rebuilt Hilux
(x1) new built OG Bruiser
(x1) built from NIB by me OG Mountaineer
(x1) rebuilt BB
(x1) project BB
(x1) project OG Mountaineer
(x1) NIB BB
(x1) NIB rere Bruiser

Damn things are addictive, and fun

[new2rocks]

Awesome job preserving that history. I remember looking at those boxes admiringly whenever I went into Orange Blossom Hobbies in Miami as a kid (which was often). My parents got me a Hornet for my 13th birthday (which I loved), but that was all they were willing to subsidize. :( Almost 30 years later, I have funds and an understanding wife, so I've started a collection of new stuff. But I think back to those days frequently and smile whenever I do. It's one of the reasons Tamiya will always have a special place in my heart, even if they haven't quite kept up with the times. Thanks for helping to keep these classics alive!

[bretkissick]

Very nice collection! Thank You for your service

Bret

[pvo_srt4]

great collection...Im not an expert on these things but can you provide some insight into this light fixture...bought/made? I would love to have one of these on my work table

[jrkilburn]

Sorry I missed your question on my lamp. My wife bought it for me off etsy. Mostly a old switch box and water pipe.

[rocpede]

That's a very nice collection of 3 speeds!!

[yota trail finder]

drooooling over this collection also! please update us if anything changes! or if you take one out for a drive... take the camera!!

cheers!

[jrkilburn]

I do drive the white hilux on occasion. I am picking up another Blazer tomorrow, I'll update the collection photo when it comes home

[yota trail finder]

Originally Posted by jrkilburn

I do drive the white hilux on occasion. I am picking up another Blazer tomorrow, I'll update the collection photo when it comes home

Sweet! Can't wait for the pics!

[jrkilburn]

Its home.



I'm lucky to be the caretaker of this collection.

[yota trail finder]

that is amazing.. ive been searching for the hilux poster! i found the blazing blazer one and purchased it... still searching far and wide for the lux... lol! awesome collection. i wish mine was as great, maybe one day, or i can dream lol!

[rocpede]

Very nice Blazing Blazer!!!!


Sent from my 2500HD

[jrkilburn]

I got the posters from eBay, send an email to the guy with the Blazer poster and ask him for the Hilux.

[chino63]

Very nice collection for sure, you have some very nice history sitting there.

I miss having my second original Hilux, it was the first R/C my daughter drove.

[jrkilburn]

Got a chance to do a trail run today with the Blazer.
She did very well and no injuries or broken parts!