Thunderbird Diecast Blog

Doing some more inventory and decided to work a little bit on the Micro page. My old notes state these started coming out in 1985 but not sure of what time of year. Other sites say Galoob started in 1987 but I’ve been checking chassis dates on some and have come across 1986 and 1987 dated chassis for the all red tbird models. I think I have 3
different packages that had red models in them – each package different. The very first package had no #3 on it, just plain U.S.Classics Collction and I’m pretty sure I picked up that model’s package in 1985 in western Washington state. It will be interesting when I locate those packages in my boxes to see what I can find about package dates if any. As I recall it was a couple more years before anymore red tbird packages showed up on the market in my area, coinciding with the 1987 dates other sites say are the beginnings.  Then the white models started showing up.  While browsing another site, found that there were more wheel variations than i have noted, so will be watching that more closely when I finally come across my boxed up packages.

Working on my inventory and came across some of the last Rios I picked up. This was a set of Rios produced in either 1998 or 1999, not sure of when but I picked them up in 1999. I suspect limited in production but they are made in Italy so not sure of numbers made. The set consists of two reds and one white. One of the reds comes with a driver, Chuck Daigh. At the moment can not remember what they cost new. They show up on ebay infrequently. The white one has different style wheels from the other two. Now to find some old photograph of the 56s being raced back then. I might already have one in my files to go along with these models.  I’ve had the models since they started showing up here in the states, but just now photographing them as I didn’t have a digital camera back then.

Inventoried some more boxes and found a couple more models to display so took their pictures and replaced the ones I had on the site.
Also took some photos of the Letreset tbird models – seem to have 6 variations of them now. Those are on the site now too. The Letreset models were rather cheap models available in the mid to late 80s. 50 cents comes to mind, not a lot of detail on them. They have sort of a semi continental kit molded into the bumper but no fender vent, non-porthole hardtop and the words Letreset International beside the body long stripe.  Chassis are unmarked. other than Made in China.   Some say they are manufactured by Summer.

Added photos of the new Matchbox release. Another to come. Also added a photo of a 55 paper cutout you can find for free on the internet. Sent out newsletter this afternoon with the Matchbox model listed, along with some other items of interest. You’ll find the link to my email newsletter on the main diecast page just below this blog’s link.

Updated the memorabilia page tonight with photos from Steve Legel of the Steak N Shake kid’s meal boxes, some greeting cards found in Walmart and Dollar tree, along with a brochure sent to me a friend. Also some of my own scans and photos.

Found out recently that SteakNShake is celebrating their 75th Anniversary and have car shaped boxes to present their meals in. They have started with the 55 Tbird in 3 color styles using the Kid Stuff 55/56 tbird box that’s been out for a number of years. The SNS boxes are in yellow, green, and blue with different syled flames on each and stickers to add onto the boxes. If there’s a SNS restaurant in your neighborhood, they sell the boxes for $1. I’ll have photos of the boxes on my site within the next few days – on the collectibles page.

Currently trying to update the 1955 T-bird lists with thumbnails and correct any misinformation I’ve put on there in the past.  This will be an ongoing transformation as most of my models are still packed away from a move.  A new display room is in the works.  Right now the insulation is going up.

When unpacked (it’ll be a couple of years), I’ll be making new photos and correcting scales previously posted that were incorrect or missing.  Currently using old photos from my files and  many of those models are still in the package.

  I’ll be using this blog as my new update page for Thunderbird diecasts and Collectibles.  You’re welcome to comment if you have anything to add to any of my posts.

I’ll also be adding other comments or observations on the blog that are not included in the newsletter that goes out.