Ramble On

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Hi there!

In this section of my site, I get to tell it like it is. (from my perspective :-) I get to ramble on about all things Redline and Hot Wheels related. I'll be posting new messages as time permits or if something really starts to bug me and I feel it's time to write an article about it. I guess this is a way to introduce myself to the Redline community and tell my perspective - for what it's worth.

(Like they say, "That and $2.50 will buy you a cup of coffee!")

The difference between Redline collectors and "new Hot Wheels" collectors.

I think many of us probably started out as "New Hot Wheels" collectors. We probably took our kids to a toy store and re-discovered that familiar Flame logo and said, "Wow, I used to have these!" Bought a few, took them home and opened them up. Maybe even purchased a track set to play with... er.. race them! Our kids couldn't understand the fascination that these little cars held for us, but they didn't know the thirty year history that came before. But, if you're primarily a Redline collector like me, then you have developed a kind of aversion to the hobby of collecting "new cars". First editions, Treasure Hunts, Limiteds, etc. are all well and good, but we've all seen the hobby and it's negative elements. These include scalpers, fights in aisleways, pulling a First Edition out of a kids hands, etc. How about the variations that aren't really variations? (repaints carefully re-sealed in blisterpacks)

I know a much better hobby. It's called Redline collecting. In this hobby, people help each other out. They will tell their friends about cars their friends are looking for. They'll spend hours on the phone discussing color shades, U.S. vs. Hong Kong differences, rarity and values. They love the cars, not the hunt. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy both, but to get so carried away with having to have it NOW, is just too much.

In my hobby, friends network and share information about rare variations. They meet up as often as possible and create clubs to further share and even race their treasured cars.

In my hobby, we prefer loose cars (out of the blisterpack) because we can then touch them, roll them, race them and display them! Touch brings back memories, too.

Now, before you start to think that I don't like the new cars, let me clarify. I love some of the new cars! The hot rod themed cars that Mattel is doing are nothing short of spectacular. The tampo designs, attention to detail (even in an .89 cent car) wheels and colors are all very cool! I'll stop in at a Toys R Us or Target and pick some up, (months after the scalpers have squeezed the profit-juice out of them) take them home and open them immediately! What I don't like is the attitude that pervades much of that hobby. The "I've got to have it NOW" ~ "I want to be first on the block with this F.E." ~ "I'll put it on eBay, I'm bound to get at least $15 for it" ~ "This is RARE!"

This attitude is all wrong. And what's up with leaving them in Blisterpack? There are more Blisterpacked First Editions in the average collector's house than the nearest mega-Wal-Mart! Guess what? They'll still be there in ten years and when someone tries to "Cash in", because there are so many around, they won't be able to get much for them....

The biggest concern I have is when people say, I'm buying one for me, one for my son and one for his College.

COLLEGE? Using First editions and Treasure Hunts as a college savings plan has got to be the worst idea I've ever heard!! There are plenty of viable investments out there that you can get into for far less than people spend (monthly) on new Hot Wheels! Ouch!

I am so glad to be a Redliner. I have made great friends in this hobby and the few negatives I've encountered have been less than 2% of the total experience, usually from dealing with an "outsider", someone who is NOT a Redline collector. If we can keep the good-natured spirit of this awesome hobby going, we will see it last a good long time. If we let the "First Edition" spirit permeate this hobby, we're in trouble. It's up to each of us to keep it going and warn others of any foul play or bad attitudes coming in.

I'd like to hear your comments.

Dave Espino ~ 9-2-00