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.

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.