OK, I'm hoping to lean on the combined expertise of this group... here's the story.
I work as the communications director for a large international hardware wholesale distributor that's been around since 1945. Starting in the late '70s, as best as I can tell, one of our staff in distribution started collecting and displaying diecast trucks in his office. At first, these were often gifts from trucking companies looking to earn our business. Over time, he also just starting buying them (or others gave some to him) and they went on display. It was his tradition that when one of the companies went belly up, he turned the truck on its back (you'll see what I mean in a minute).
So he retired probably a dozen years ago and left all the trucks in place. Now, our company is about to move out of the office/warehouse we've been in since 1947 to new digs. The logistics team reached out to me (they know I'm a collector) to ask what we should do with them. We want to take the old ones representing our company (HWI/Do it Best) with us for our archives, but there's no interest in the rest.
My point person in the department wanted to just toss them. While I don't collect trucks, I just couldn't bear to think of them all going in the trash. But I need to provide them an easy solution. I'm guessing there might be a few that are worth something but I did some spot checking on a couple and they were listed on the 'bay in the $20-$30 range (but that doesn't mean anyone was buying). They're a little dusty and they have no boxes. There is no interest by our company to have anyone spend any time researching them, listing them for auction, or processing them for shipping.
These are the only ones we're keeping.
So what should I advise? I need to get them an answer by 10/10 or they're headed to the compactor.
Consider donating them to a childrens hospital or charitable organization like
Khedive Shriners. They could use as a fundraiser.
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
A tough situation. We all hate to see them wasted. I just sent an email, Randy.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
How about donating them (in cleaned up condition) to a Christmas charity that provides toys for needy kids?
There is the Pacific Northwest Truck Museum in Brooks Oregon, near Salem. They might consider a donation and set up a display of them. They have a huge display of 1:1 18 wheelers, and other trucks, both old and new, so lots of space. Their email is office@pacificnwtruckmuseum.org. Website pacificnwtruckmuseum.org
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA