{"id":2264,"date":"2022-12-22T14:12:07","date_gmt":"2022-12-22T19:12:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/erbgroup.com\/?p=2264"},"modified":"2023-07-24T10:57:00","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T15:57:00","slug":"connecting-through-collecting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erbgroup.com\/fr\/connecting-through-collecting\/","title":{"rendered":"Connecting Through Collecting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Diecast trucks are a fun and memorable way to show pride; they are also a great way to create collections that turn into treasured keepsakes and spark connections that last a lifetime. Mac Irvine is one of the few individuals who has collected each of the many Erb diecast releases over the years. However, his collection isn’t complete yet. With over 450 trucks, he was on the search for a specific one that led him right to our home terminal.<\/p>\r\n

Erb Diecast Trucks\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n

Mac is a retired school superintendent; before that, he was part of the Canadian Navy and various armed forces for half a dozen years. He started his diecast collection 30 years ago and since then has collected nearly 450 trucks, 24 of those being our Erb diecast trucks. He loves keeping records of the local trucking companies and their diecast truck models. While reflecting on his collection, “In terms of quantity and quality, Erb takes the cake!”\u00a0he added.<\/p>\r\n

Mac\u2019s collections started with Schneider trucks, as they had a yard in Aberfoyle. However, growing up in Stratford, where our trucks often pass, The Erb Group’s bold branding and cool moves caught his eye. Most of Mac’s Erb models were bought through a connection at Twin City Diecast and Classic Collectibles, keeping collectors informed about upcoming releases. Since these companies have closed, he’s had to rely on the internet for his search, leading him right to our Baden Terminal.\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Connecting Through Collecting<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n

Through collecting, Mac created new connections and a stronger tie to The Erb Group than just admiring our diecasts. In his search for the remaining diecasts he needed to complete his collection, he found our Senior Corporate Fleet director, Jim Pinder online. Although Jim didn\u2019t know much about our diecast releases, he referred him to our CEO, Wendell Erb. Through exchanging a couple of emails back and forth, Mac was touched by how patient and accommodating Wendell was in helping him source the trucks he didn\u2019t have, despite not being a customer or employee but just an ordinary collector. Mac also collects with his son. \u201cIt\u2019s all fun and games until we spot a rare one, and the challenge is who gets it if there\u2019s only one \u201che added. In this case, Wendell made sure each of them got the newest release of our diecasts. \u201cIt was a true testament to the people first and community values of the company,\u201d Mac said while reflecting on the experience.<\/p>\r\n

On the lookout <\/strong><\/p>\r\n

For any other diecast collectors, looking for tips and tricks, \u201cYou have to be very patient during the search and look in quite a variety of places,\u201d said Mac. \u201cWhat makes collecting more difficult is there are far fewer releases of diecast vehicles then there were years ago.\u201d Another aspect of collecting is following the makes and models. Amongst the many challenges collectors face, Mac says the main obstacles he faces now are finding a source for specific diecasts, where to store them, and sourcing their original packaging. Keeping the packaging in good shape is just as important as the truck itself and is a clear indicator of the specific type of truck it is and enhances its value to other collectors.<\/p>\r\n

Some other tips include:<\/p>\r\n