Hello all,
Finally got a few minutes to report from Toyfair. I have been here since Friday and today was the last day. Saw lots of posts and lots of comments on the forum and thought I would post here instead.
Was able to speak with Daniel from Baggermodel magazine - and want to give him another plug here as I think this magazine is fantastic! Everyone should subscribe! http://baggermodelle.net/
Had dinner with Steven from MCW and that is always a good time. Unfortunately we did not get to spend as much time together as normal as my time at the show was a bit shorter this year. Someone should ask Steven about how we made it to the restaurant on Friday night - had to cross a frozen lake! - it is REALLY cold over here.
Visited with friends at NZG, Joal, Conrad, Motorart (yes, they are here), Norscot, Bymo, WSI and ROS. Saw models presented by Universal Hobbies, Ulma, Siku and many others. Also got to spend some time with Bruce from Drake Trailers in Australia, Nicholas from TWH and Ryan from DCM. Had a wonderful lunch in the Joal booth with Brandon and Mary from BRI. Met Sebastian from Tekno for the first time (we have been emailing each other for years). Met up with many old friends and made some new ones. It was altogether a very good show and I am happy I came.
Sorry that Roy could not make it this year - Brandon said it was not the same without him!
Here are my views of what I saw at the show:
- There are a number of new models which all look very nice. The number of new models released at this show was not overwhelming, but the quality and type of models released is very nice.
- Keep in mind that at each toy show, there is a large construction show looming not to long afterward and many manufacturers typically provide models to companies for the shows. Intermat is coming this year and I am aware of many new models coming for Bauma as well. We have also heard there may be a few surprises at MineExpo later this year.
- All manufacturers were telling us the same thing - they are all cautiously optimistic for the future. OEM companies are getting back to asking for new models as they have taken some time off over the last few years.
- All model companies have new models coming later this year - ALL of them! Conrad tells me that they are actually booked through 2013!
- There are many rumors floating around the show - and one of them will probably shock the industry relatively soon, if true. As I do not like to spread these rumors, do not call me to ask. My lips are sealed. Just watch the news over the next few months.
- I always have a great time at the show as it is an opportunity to meet with and discuss the industry with many people who are tied into the business very tightly. Some have strong opinions and some do not - but overall, the feeling here is positive.
- I will not list the new models presented at the show as other people and websites have done so already. Steven from Miniature Construction World is a great resource for this information. And of course you will see the models posted on our site as soon as we get an opportunity to list them.
You will see the new models presented at the show listed on the DHS website for pre-orders in the next week or so. I encourage you to continue to support your favorite diecast company and order from us when the models are presented.
By the way - nobody mentioned how really COLD it is over here right now!
Thanks for checking out the blog. I will post here later this week.
Thanks!
Chuck
