I'll echo what others have said...in the year ahead I will be much more selective about what I buy. I did the same thing in 2007 as well. It's hard to justify the purchase of $50-$60-$70 die-cast vehicles in today's economy, forget defective, poorly done, Code 3's. If I'm going to spend my hard earned money on something it had better be worthwhile.

Athearn: I'm looking forward to Athearn's releases this year. I'm planning on purchasing a couple of the Ford F-100 panel vans, Mack B pumps and rescues. I'm also planning on picking up a couple more of their 2007 releases in different color schemes. Hopefully we'll see the Mack B's in 1/50 also. Even thought these rigs aren't correct often times for the cities they are replicating, they still look awesome sitting on my shelf. The level of detail and quality of the finished product are unmatched for the price.

Code 3: The last Code 3 I purchased was the San Fran ALF, which incidentally was the only C3 coming into my house last year other than an older one that was received as a gift. Until things change accuracy and quality control wise it will stay that way too. Code 3 is in dire need of someone who knows fire apparatus at the helm. The double pump panel on the Buffalo ALF was beyond sad...add to that the deck gun/tiny wheels/pump panel on the Wichita Pierce. I'd think the fact that they can't sell out a single release with runs of 1,500 pieces would say something.

Corgi: I'm really looking forward to the Pirsch releases coming up, I will be picking some of these up. I would also love to see a Pirsch midmount or tractor drawn aerial. And eventually some cab forward Pirsch's as well. I'm also looking forward to the Lawrence, MA pump that was canceled two years ago. While it's not the best casting, it's from a local department and it's lime so that sold me on it! I am a little concerned though as several retailers have it listed as Lawrenceburg, PA...but the photo is definitely of the Lawrence, MA rig...I guess we'll see.

Yat Ming: Still the best bang for the buck by far, I have 4 of their 1/24 trucks, and am looking forward to picking up more. Also looking forward to the 1/43 stuff, even some of the euro stuff that they are coming out with.

First Gear: Unless they release something from a local department I doubt I will be buying more aside from the Salem, NH Ambulance a local shop is having made and selling.

Matchbox: I'm honestly looking forward to the Pierce engine...Matchbox got me started collecting emergency vehicle 25 years ago as a kid, so I'll always collect them as long as they are done fairly well, I did skip the "Hero City" years though! I thought the International pumper and Mack Rescue were great pieces for 99 cents and have many variations of them...hopefully the Pierce will be done just as well. They do really need a better ladder truck casting...the two they have right now are beyond sad.

The same for me. I gave up C3 years ago, since then I collect a mix of what you might call "classics" from Minichamps, Schuco, Corgi, some French makes and of course Yat Ming. As far as I know, they' re going to bring out more 1/43 this year. In the HO scale, Wiking is the only make I buy these days.

Location: Belgium

I guess if I see something I really would like to have, then I'll purchase it. However, the rising cost of diecast, and gasoline, tend more to determine what items I decide where to spend my mad money. At the moment, my purchases are usually for my kitbash and conversion projects. If Code 3 were to finally issue a Bluebird, or a Bronto, I would buy one.

I agree with the shrinking collection. I may buy two Code three pieces a year. Hard to find room for anything bigger, although I mustered up some room for the FM snorkel and tower. I try to stick just to firetrucks so no 1st gear anymore, but my diecast tastes are turning to muscle cars as Code 3 hasn't really excited me much. My son accidetnally pulled down 8 shelves as one collapsed onto the other and I lsot most of my Code 3's (lime, hollywood tiller fdny with antenae) and I really wasn't that upset (yes, he is still alive) With the economy, 60 bucks is alot for a little fire truck

Being retired the THW's are pretty much out of the picture, Still like the Yat-Ming's as a best value!
Code-3 is a disappointment week after week.

What I really am interested in is the classic rigs. I consider that anything before 1980. So I have been buying the Yat Mings and Corgi offerings. I'm not really interested in a modern rig unless it is something from my area or a very unique rig.

Location: Baltimore