Who: Robert Richards, 48, of Colerain Township, a packer for Gaiam Inc., who is a lifelong Matchbox vehicle enthusiast.

Robert Richards holds a 1956-59 model of a 1926 Morris Crowley. (Tony Jones photos) | ZOOM |

        On display: 1,100 of the miniature models in different sizes including: automobiles, trucks and other transit vehicles.

        Where: In his 12- by 8-foot toy room, in the basement of the home he shares with wife Patricia and their two pet cats. He had it converted four or five years ago and describes it as wall-to-wall toys, a miniature Motor City, with custom-designed shelving and display cabinets, he has filled it with Matchbox as well as other types of model cars. There is also a mat on the floor with a pattern that looks like roads.

        Inner child: “I shouldn't mention that I still play with them occasionally,” he says.

        Salad days: Mr. Richards' interest in Matchbox vehicles began when he was a child growing up in Auckland, New Zealand. His parents bought them for him to play with. But, like many people, when he grew up he lost interest and gave most of them away.

        If I knew then: He began to regret his generosity when he began collecting in earnest around 1970.

        “I definitely wish that I had kept them,” he says, sighing. “Most of the ones that I gave to people in the early days are worth a lot of money now.”

        Avocation: Since realizing his mistake, he has been scouring specialty collector shops, toy stores, flea markets (Trader's World is a favorite) and conventions trying to replace them. Of course, he's always finding new items, too.

A room in his basement holds his collection. | ZOOM |

        Even though he visits the official Matchbox Web site (www.matchbox.com) to keep up with new products and special promotions, he hasn't made use of online auction sites such as eBay. Somehow, he believes that that would take some of the thrill out of the hunt.

        Around the world: A frequent traveler, Mr. Richards has purchased Matchbox products in his native New Zealand (he moved to the United States in 1991), Australia, Singapore, Canada, England and many countries in Europe. He points out that even though these items are purchased in foreign countries, the labeling is always in English.

        “Matchbox cars are truly international,” he says.

A great ride

       1947: Matchbox Toys (USA) Ltd. begins in London when two former schoolmates, Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith become partners in a castings business called Lesney (combining their first names).

       1952: Jack Odell joins the business and creates the brass Road Roller. He puts it in a matchbox-sized container for his daughter to take to school.

       1954: The original Matchbox Series of four different models is shown at the Harrogate Toy Fair in Great Britain. Marketing expands sales efforts.

       1960: Lesney continues to expand internationally and goes public.

       1969: Lesney introduces its “SuperFast” to compete with Mattel's Hot Wheels.

       1971: Lesney opens a 200,000-square foot plant in Moonachie, N.J.

       1982: Universal International Holdings, a Hong Kong-based OEM toy manufacturer, acquires Lesney.

       1983: Matchbox International is formed.

       1992: Tyco Toys, Inc. of Mount Laurel, N.J., acquires the company, Universal Matchbox, for $106 million.

       1997: Tyco Toys, Inc. merges with Mattel, Inc. of El Segundo, Calif.

       2002: Matchbox celebrates its 50th anniversary.

State cars

        To commemorate its golden anniversary, Mattel has released a new product line called: “Matchbox Across America.” It features 50 new designs, each representing a state: a Ford Crown Victoria state police car for Ohio, a horse trailer for Kentucky and a 1997 Chevrolet Corvette for Indiana.

        Each package includes a collectible miniature license plate bearing the name of the state, its abbreviation and a number corresponding to the order in which that state joined the union.

Road trips

        If you would like to join in the fun, consider making a “road trip” to see the Matchbox Rescue Team mobile birthday party. The tour includes a Matchbox Rescue Team obstacle course and a play area where kids can try out their rescue skills. There will also be product demonstrations and displays.

        The closest stops are in the Cleveland area. The schedule is as follows:

       June 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Toys "R' Us, 1601 West River Road, North Elyria, OH
       July 3, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., Toys "R' Us, 27048 Lorraine Road, North Olmsted, OH
       July 4, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., place to be announced, Cleveland
       July 5, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., Toys "R' Us, 8515 Day Drive, Parma, OH
       July 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Toys "R' Us, 21200 Miles Ave., North Randall, OH
       July 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Toys "R' Us, 590 Howe Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH
       July 10, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., Toys "R' Us, 317 Boardman Poland Road, Boardman, OH

        In addition to other promotional events (check www.matchbox.com), the celebration will culminate with the largest International Matchbox Toy Show on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 at Chelsea Piers in New York.

        Share your prize possessions with Marsie Hall Newbold by mail: c/o The Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202, e-mail: marsolete@aol.com. Please include a daytime telephone number.
       
       

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