black mamba

Years ago, I let a hobby get away from me. It became an obsession. Texaco service stations began offering diecast airplanes...a new one each year. I picked up a couple just because I liked planes. I discovered they also put out a number of diecast trucks...wreckers, oil delivery trucks, just a whole bunch of different ones. So I started adding them to my small collection. Then the obsession kicked in. I cut a deal with a local Texaco distributor and he allowed me to buy these items in case lot quantities. I would resell them to other collectors.

Before I knew it, I had over 400 of the things stashed at home and in my office. By then, and because of my relation with that distributor, I had also acquired a massive amount of printed promotional material on the stuff put out by Texaco to their dealers. In a short time, along with 3 other collectors, I was recognized as one of the largest collectors and source for Texaco diecast stuff in the country.

When Texaco merged with other outfits, the situation changed dramatically. No longer were kids hounding their fathers to get them the latest plane or truck at the gas station. The whole dynamics of the game changed. Fortunately, I could see what was coming and I was able to significantly reduce my holdings. However, I still have well over 100 of the most desirable planes and trucks. I'm now considering the best way to sell off most of that. A few pieces I'll always keep.

The item in this post is one of the rarest items produced and it honors the memory of Davey Allison, the NASCAR driver who was killed in a helicopter accident.

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StanMac Loc: Tennessee

I haven’t seen a Texaco station in my area for years. Are they still in operation?

Stan

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Here are some ideas:

Start here: The Diecast Model

Randy's Die Cast
eBay
etsy

JustJill Loc: Iowa

How cool! Do any of them by chance be Spec-Cast ones? Before my husband retired he was the graphic artist for that company and designed the logos for their airplanes and the boxes they came in, as well as other products!

jack schade Loc: La Pine Oregon

That is very nice.

jack

black mamba

There are some in my area, Stan. They quit offering the diecast stuff many years ago. Kids today have other interests.

black mamba

Thanks, Dave.

eBay used to be the primary venue for buying, selling, and trading this stuff when I was still active. I'll scope out the others you mention. I appreciate you mentioning them.

black mamba

Hi Jill.

I'm very familiar with Spec-Cast. I had, and still have, a bunch of their stuff. They put out a good product.

Tom

black mamba

Thanks for dropping by, Jack. I appreciate it.

Tom

tcthome Loc: NJ

black mamba

Thanks for the visit and for the thumbs up.

Tom

JustJill Loc: Iowa

You could always try renting a table at a toy collectors show.

black mamba

That's certainly one way. However, I'm shifting through old contacts and exploring the option of selling them to a single source in a single sale. If that doesn't work out I will probably donate them to a suitable organization that will put them on permanent display. I know of a couple automotive museums that would love to have them, including the planes. I will keep maybe 20 or so that are on display at my home...some of my favorites and most rare one ones.

I do appreciate your suggestion, Jill.

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

I, too, started buying the Texaco truck banks and airplanes. I bought a bunch of them as well. I sometimes would get three of each edition, including the special edition ones. My basement room is full of them. At one time, the #1's were worth up to $1,000.00 a piece. I have been thinking of selling all of mine too. But now you can't even get the price I paid for one of them. As I always say: "Buy low, sell even lower." UGH!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

That's a great collection!
Davey would have been one of the best, probably better than Earnhardt. Hang on to that one for dear life!

Nice shots of the die cast, too.