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
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
Almost 30 years later, I have funds and an understanding wife, so I've started a collection of new stuff. 
