Dear collector friends,
My earthly life will soon end. I look forward to being with my Savior, Jesus Christ, who has loved me,
forgiven me, died for me, and now will save me. I've lived a full life and have been blessed beyond
most men. I certainly have had much to be thankful for.
Among those blessings (but really not very high on the priority list) has been the opportunity to gather
and enjoy some of the greatest toys ever made. Collecting toys has been my hobby for over 20
years and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Through this website I've also enjoyed the opportunity to
share with you my collection and what little I've been able to learn about them.
I have more information to post and will do so as I have time and ability. But, right now the primary
task is to offer these toys for sale. Since I don't plan to take any toys with me (there'll be plenty
there already) I will be selling nearly all the toys you see on the website. There are a few that I'd like
to leave to friends and family, but most will be sold.
The proceeds from the sale of the toys in my permanent collection will be donated to the Christian
school I served as principal. Zion Lutheran School of Fallbrook, California will be the recipient. It is a
school of about 400 students in grades Preschool through Grade 8 (www.zlcs.org). The work they
do there in providing children not only with the highest standards of excellence in education, but also
teaching them about their Lord and His saving grace is the finest combination of ingredients possible
for a full, happy, and eternal life. It is my heartfelt desire to assist them in this endeavor.
Only the toys shown on the pumpkin-colored pages are mine to sell. There are teal-colored guest
pages scattered throughout the site, but I'd better not sell those toys since they don't belong to me.
Each of my toys for sale will be marked with a code number. It is imperative that you make note of
that number when inquiring about a toy or purchasing a toy. I will be assisted by my good friend Pete
Jungersen (as well as others) in this project and we want to be sure we get the correct toy matched
up with the right seller.
Due to the sheer volume of toys involved (there are over 530 toys on the site) we beg your patience
when it comes to shipping. Everything will be expedited as quickly as possible, but some delays can
be expected. I really appreciate your understanding on this.
I've decided to place "Buy-It-Now" tags on most of the toys. In some cases I will post a "Buy-It-Now"
tag on an entire segment of the collection - such as the Doepke Railroad items. Should the segment
not sell within a reasonable amount of time, I will either lower the amount or offer the toys individually.
To keep things simple, shipping charges will usually be based on the selling price - see For Sale
Policies page for details. I'll have to purchase shipping boxes for many of the toys since my supply
on hand is not nearly enough to meet the task.
I sincerely hope all of this makes sense. My goal is to provide you with an opportunity to acquire
some excellent toys while at the same time provide needed funds for the school I love, Zion
Lutheran. I am more than happy to answer your questions, receive your suggestions, or just chat
about the toys in my collection.
I'm sure this website will continue, at least for a while. My friends will monitor it and manage the sale
of the toys when I am no longer able. The long-term future of the site is still undetermined.
I've "met" many wonderful people through this website. Fellow collectors have been supporting me,
encouraging me, and praying for me throughout my illness. You have all become my good friends
and I wish you a happy life, hopefully a life filled with the toys you've grown to love, but most of all, a
life based on Jesus Christ who loves you more than you could ever know.
My doctors are telling me I've only a few months to live. I will keep you posted on the "About Me"
page.
Thank you all. It's been a great ride.
Tim