Chicago show | Day 2

"I leave with my heart full and my wallet empty." That's what I said to John Kuvakas as we gave a last fist bump and I headed to my car for the drive home to Fort Wayne. 

I came to Countryside this year with no expectations other than the opportunity to reconnect with some familiar faces I hadn't seen since February 2020 right before COVID started its merciless sweep across the country.

This year's show still had a few signs from the lingering pandemic. There were more fist bumps than handshakes. A couple of collectors wisely chose to avoid the larger crowds for their own health and that of their loved ones so there were a few empty seats at the table for Saturday night's pizza party at JC's Pub. And masks were required (but not consistently worn) at the Sunday toy show. But it didn't cast a pall on either event. There were enough tables of models to appeal to everyone's tastes. I came home with 5 models, none of which I expected to find at either show.

On Saturday, I picked up the new Brooklin Corvair Greenbriar camper van and the updated Airstream, both of which will find their way to their permanent home at the RV/MH museum in Elkhart. I also saw a John Roberts version of the Greenbriar camper in orange that predated the official release. I have to believe Brooklin drew some inspiration from it... 

As I mentioned in my previous post, I found a holy grail model there, too. In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have breathlessly told the seller it was a holy grail model as it might have hindered my negotiating ability. He and I both knew I wouldn't be walking away from that table without it. But he was fair and we struck a deal. This 1927 Rolls Aerocar is right up my alley in oddball-ness and it comes with the heft of white metal and the extra details that come from Autotorque craftsmanship.

Sunday started with a very positive sign of the return of the line forming outside the doors of the union hall, the home of the traditional toy show. 

Something pretty cool this time was that almost all the 1/43 stuff was in one section, except for Thomas and Dale. But they were easy to find on another corner section of the room.

Jeff was back for day 2 with the Brooklin show models.

Jim Cowen from Automodello had some uniquely modeled 1/43 and 1/24 stuff to catch the eye.

See, I told you it was easy to find Dale and Thomas.

It sure seemed like Frank was making him beg for a model, but I promise that wasn't the case!

The gang listening to one of John's stories...

Sorry, that was a trick. This photo was from the 2017 show but it could easily have been from today. I think I'm the only one who's gotten older.

And one last look at the 43rd hospitality table... and the amazing hostess Kelly Kuvakas. John's very fortunate to have a partner who can truly appreciate his obsession.

So, perhaps we'll see you at the NABCC event November 19-20 in Allentown!