A View into the Life of Mr. Hot Wheels

Did you grow up with Hot Wheels?  Are you still collecting Hot Wheels?  

One of the first and greatest designers of Hot Wheels was Larry Wood, also known as Mr. Hot Wheels.   Larry has been a car guy since he was 15 years old and had a passion for drawing all sorts of cars especially hot rods for his buddies in school.  

When he grew up, he worked for Ford and then later got his dream job at Mattel where he became known as Mr. Hot Wheels.  He designed Hot Wheels for more than 40 years and continues to do consulting work.  

 

He now has his own garage, known as Elwood's Garage, where he does his own personal work and houses his collections, including his cars and models. Hot Rod did an interview, shown below, with Larry talking about his life long love of hot rods and drawing. 

Just as Larry talked about during his interview, he has kept himself busy after retiring from Mattel, still designing his masterpieces.  Here is one of his designs that he created himself to use to go on vacation.  He used a 1938 COE truck and a trailer he found in  Michigan and completely reworked the whole thing. It is definitely a unique piece of ARTwork! 

Click here to see Hot Wheels on our website

Haying the Ertl Way!

Does the smell of freshly cut grass bring memories flooding back to you? Haying season is at our door steps and the smell of fresh cut grass means hard work for many farmers.

When you think of "haying the hard way", you might think of earlier days when haying meant a lot of physical work for the animals and farmers alike.

However, though farming is still hard work, with new technology and innovations, haying has become a less tedious chore than before.

If you are the John Deere kind of farmer, Ertl has some new 1/16 Scale models for you to choose from, which entails a lot less work than buying a real tractor!

John Deere Model 430 Utility Tractor
#45404 - 1/16 Scale - July / August Arrival

John Deere Model 5010 Diesel Tractor
#45442 - 1/16 Scale - August / September Arrival

John Deere Model 730 Wide Front Tractor
#45445 - 1/16 Scale - September / October Arrival

Let's not forget to add the balers to the hard work of collecting your farming memories.

John Deere 568 Round Baler
#15949 - 1/16 Scale

John Deere 348 Square Baler
#45220 - 1/16 Scale

Father's Day SALE

Father's Day is quickly approaching.  

Whether you're the one searching for the perfect gift or the Father buying something for himself, we have the perfect items now at greatly discounted prices!

Enjoy the savings!

Just Announced: 2013 Wings of Texaco!

The NEXT Wings of Texaco has been announced and will be the 1935 Spartan Executive 7W T68.  This plane was a well-known aircraft that premiered during the middle of the Great Depression.  It was designed for comfort for the wealthy, including arm rests, ash trays, cabin heaters, ventilators, deep cushions and large windows.

This is the sixth of seven Spartan planes employed in the Texaco Fleet. Texaco purchased it in 1950. An earlier version, the T51, was also used by Texaco and is #14 in this series.

The model has a lot of great features that you will enjoy, including:

• The body of the airplane is diecast metal.
• It has a 12" wingspan and movable flaps. 
• It also features a locking coin bank with key.
• You can display it in flight with its custom display stand.

These models will arrive this Fall, so make sure and get your pre-orders in today!!!

#CP7078 - 1/39 Scale - September / October Arrival
Wings of Texaco Airplane Series #21 (2013) Regular Edition 
1935 Spartan Executive 7W T68 Anniversary Edition 

#CP7079 - 1/39 Scale - September / October Arrival
Wings of Texaco Airplane Series #21 (2013) 
1935 Spartan Executive 7W T68 - Special Edition in Red 

A Whole New Off-Road Experience: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

If you are a Ford F-150 fan, or even if you're not, the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will be your new favorite!  It sets a whole new level of the off-road experience.  With the now standard 6.2 liter V8 engine, it will provide you the horsepower to accomplish any task in almost any condition.  

With great sights and sounds, this video shows off what the Raptor can really do...

If you can't afford the "Real Thing", or your spouse won't let you get one...you can get the next best thing!  You will enjoy the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in 1/24 scale from Jada.

2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor in Primer Black
#96387-PRBK - 1/24 Scale  

These models have some great features that you will enjoy including:

• Opening doors, hood, and tailgate
• Detail interior including gauges, pedals, gear shift and much more
• Rubber-like tires with detailed chrome hubs
• Raptor decal on the side of the bed
• Raised Ford logo on the grill along with logos on the tailgate

This model is also available in three other colors coming later this summer in July or August!!!

2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor in Red
#96387-R - 1/24 Scale  

2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor in White
#96387-WT - 1/24 Scale  

2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor in Black
#96387-BK - 1/24 Scale