I have not posted in a long time. Basically I've just had too much else going on and have had little personal time for the blog. Minicars and other items continue to come in, and I've expanded my range of minicar collectibles to include other Japanese car marques, and buses and trucks and in general, any vehicle that reminds me of my visits to Japan.

I see Xanga has made some changes since my last post. Not sure if I like the changes but not much I can do about it. Will have to see what happens...

While I'm on here, I might as well post my newest addition to my Tomica collection. I have to thank my friend Rob G from Australia as I acquired this model from him, along with some other great minicars.

No. 35-2 DOME CELICA TURBO
Scale = 1/68
Made in Japan

This model was first introduced in December 1980 in a black version. According the Tomica Collection book, there were 4 different versions released, and this blue version was the last (and was meant for export). Also, according to the fact that this is a black box with a barcode, it must have been made & sold in the mid to late 80's.

TOMICA DANDY

I purchased this Tomica Dandy Corona from member Toy_Yoda of the Japanese Nostalgic Car (JNC) forum. The box is very worn, and the model has stickers that are peeling a little, but otherwise the model is in great condition and I like it very much.

No. 011 CORONA MARK II hardtop 2000 GSS
Scale 1/47
Made in Japan

* * *

Secret Santa

Back in December I took part in a Secret Santa exchange on the MCCH board. Unfortunately I wasn't able to help anyone out, but I was the recipient of another members generosity. Here are the cars that hoseman sent me... I received these just a few days before Christmas!

HOT WHEELS
HW CITY
TOYOTA AE-86 COROLLA

I have not been able to find this car locally, so it is a welcome addition.

MATCHBOX
1968 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER (FJ40)

This red version was part of a 10-pack in 2009.

MAJORETTE
4x4 TOYOTA

This is a new version for me. I don't know anything about it!

* * *

Package from
MALAYSIA

LITERATURE

Mr. TJIANG of the Tomica Fan Club also gifted me a nice selection of brochures...

TOYOTA BROCHURES

CAMRY

COROLLA ALTIS

YARIS

VIOS

AVANZA

AVANZA VELOZ

FORTUNER 

HILUX

RUSH 

KIJANG INNOVA

HIACE

* * *

DAIHATSU BROCHURES

* * *

ASSORTED BROCHURES
NISSAN and HONDA

* * *

Package from
MALAYSIA

FAST LANE / REAL TOY

Many thanks go to Mr. TJIANG of the Tomica Fan Club for providing me with these models.

 * * *

FAST LANE
 TOYOTA ALPHARD
(from Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

* * *

REAL TOY
 TOYOTA ALPHARD
(from Jakarta, Indonesia)

Comparison of the Fast Lane & Real Toy models - the castings are the same!

* * *

Package from
MALAYSIA

 I received a package from a member of the Tomica Fan Club.

Member TJIANG helped me get a couple of minicars from FAST LANE & REAL TOY. The minicar is a Toyota Alphard. Along with the Alphard, TJIANG also sent a customized Tomica and a variety of Toyota, Daihatsu, Nissan and Honda brochures! 

The contents of the package included a New Year's gift - this custom  TOMICA Honda CR-V with RMZ wheel conversion.

Check out the individual postings for the various items...

* * *

TOYOTAGEEK.COM
UPDATE

I have been trying to get back into the habit of updating my website as well as the blog. I've been cleaning up some pages and re-editing the homepage. I have also added a new Toyota Tale:

The Tachikawa Air Base Crown

Follow the LINK to read some of the memories that a serviceman has for a Toyopet Crown that he owned while stationed in Tokyo in 1968.

* * *

MAJORETTE

I purchased this Majorette from 'copcar65' on the MCCH forum. The model was originally bought at a Renys department store located in the state of Maine.

MAJORETTE TRAILER
TOYOTA RAV4 - "Police"

* * *

Package from
GERMANY
Part 7

LITERATURE

The final items from my friend Cruiser72 were several publications - two issues of TOYOTA MAGAZIN which is sent to new car owners, and a GT86 Brochure.

 TOYOTA MAGAZIN
Sommer 2012 & Herbst 2012

GT86 Brochure

* * *

Package from
GERMANY
Part 6

SCHUCO
PICCOLO

 TOYOPET CROWN
Metallic Blue /  blau-metallic
Limited Edition 500 pcs

From all of the models that CRUISER72 sent me, this is probably my favorite model. The size of Piccolo models is said to be 1:90, or HO guage for model railway trains. This blue version is one of two color variations. I received the black version in 2012.

* * *