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| National Farm Toy Show 2004 |
Every now and then I get a chance to go to a big toy show far and away. This chance was to go to the National Show. I resisted for a while and finally gave in. I thought I do need some vacation and just go to experience the big picture. The group I went with has been going since the show started and hasn't missed a show since. They have been there so many times they have it down to a pattern or a specific time table. The hard part is getting there. We are mostly all from Western Pennsylvania. So, getting there is half the fun on a 12 hour trip. Once I said yes I was to follow their schedule. We left early Thursday before the show and arrived at our hotel in Dubuque at night.
Now on Friday the show doesn't start till 3pm but that is no reason to sleep in and watch TV. The show is a small fraction of what is all that is offered in Dyersville. Remember this is the Farm Toy Capital of the World! We stayed about a half hour from Dyersville so you would think there's Ag dealers between hear and there. Sure enough we came in the back way and stopped at three main dealers all right in a row from each other. John Deere, CaseIH, and Agco were well represented with a small selection of toys to remember what your here for.
Next we headed to Scale Models factory. On the way there are venders set up in parking lots or right along the side of roads to try to make a few bucks. But the factory itself had a mini toy show in itself. There were lots of venders on the warehouse floor. Scale Models didn't let the National show stop them from making toys. In fact they were making the show tractors in a small assembly line right there. They almost could not keep up with the sales of the Ford 8000. I like to see things made in a America. Thanks you Scale Models. Also I was forced to pick up the plastic tractor free by Scale as a souvenir or my trip.
Scale Models Ford 8000 Production Line
Scale Models Toy Show
National Farm Toy Show in the Farm Toy Museum
Then we headed for town to see more toy stores. There was Evers Toy Store with lots of people finding bargains. Lots of stores welcomed Toy collectors and lured them with toy signs or toys in the window. We also stopped at Kate Bossen's store and found lots of people there too. By this time the show was on its way and the flea market was open.
Tent City Outside the Museum
The Toy Tractor Times Table
Kate Bossen Owner of Bossen Implement
The flea market is all around the Museum which is beside the school. This is where I was told lots of bargains and big finds are to be. This is where I had to resist the most because of the great deals. All of the tents and trailers were packed with toys and people. Next was the large room in the Museum. It too was also filled with venders and the start of big name people and publications or the toy world. Our present owner and Original founder of Toy Tractor Times; Jay Hasert and Rick Larson were set up right in the center of the room. Others were not far like Bossen Imp. Dave Nolt and Doug Harke were somewhere in there found to be talking to old friends and catching up on life.
Custom and scratch built 1/64 toys by Gordy Schultz
We tried not to miss anything so we headed to the park were more toys are found. In there was C and D Models and the Williams Brothers, owners of the Big Bud 747. They were selling memorabilia that was enough for one day so we had a nice supper and hit the sack.
Saturday was said to be the busiest day. We first started at Ertl RC across the main highway. People were buying right off the shelves as all the new stuff was set out. I never new Ertl RC made half the stuff they sold in that store. They also had a round about way to the show room were there was everything bran new mostly already out. They room was full of new paint and lots of great models. Bill Walters was there to answer all of your questions. Then we headed to the school to see the rest of the show. There we started in the gym and found lots of recognizable people. Mark Wikner was there with his decals and Gordy Schultz was there with his customs. We also stopped and said high to Dakota Toy's and Burkholders. Then we stopped at Toy farmer and said Hello and got our Show tractor. It’s a beautiful MF 4wd model for the price.
New Precision replicas on display in the Ertl Show Room
Jeff Moore of Moore's Farm Toys
Last thing to see are all the halls of the school mixed with vendors, dealers, and lots of displays such as Long Creek Toy co., Moore's Farm Toys, Van Kley Farm Toys, Don Campbell, Spec Cast, Die Cast Promotions, and many others. I am glad I was not a judge for the displays. They all were different and great in there own way.
Toy Tractor Show.com Dinner
The last big deal was the Dinner. I am not talking about the big dinner at the old bowling ally. I’m talking about the Toy Tractor Show dinner at the Country Junction. There it was great to meet some T.T.T subscribers and Toy Talk members who all will be or already are known for something in the toy world. The rest of the trip was talking of what was seen and heard and missed at the show. I hope I have made you jealous and want to see the show for your self someday. Now I can say I have been there, done that!
Article By Nate Sawyer
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Free Admission to the National Farm Toy Museum
Tim Grube's Fowl Odor Farms Display
Lots To See and Buy |
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More Toys Than People |
