It has been pretty quiet on the Breyer end. Finally we got the monthly newsletter for the Collector Club, mostly talking about the Bristol mold in honor of the leap year, with not surprisingly Clooney 51 as the freebie giveaway. There was a very heartfelt article dedicated to Andrea Gurdon, whom if you missed it was the author of the Breyer History Diva blog that passed away this month of cancer. She was the guru of Breyer's early days as a company and knew probably more about vintage models than probably anyone working at Breyer to this day. Her knowledge was absolutely bottomless and her passion was obvious in every post she made. I was glad to see that Breyer honored her memory. Finally, there was the reveal, who will be a new destination as part of the new lottery draw series: Not in the newsletter but on social media was the leaked sneak peek of the new Othello stablemate, made only for Deluxe Collector Club members, and he is absolutely adorable! We saw his prototype last year but not the actual in-the-plastic model. I think I have a new variety of potato chips that I want to conga. I'm always amazed at how Breyer packs all that detail in a tiny stablemate.
Speaking of stablemates, those of you who have been waiting for me to get over my artist's block and start putting out some customs again, I'm happy to announce that I've finally came up with some new designs! I have started on about a half dozen stablemates that will be available in March. They will be incredibly cute, so if you're interested, stay tuned! In case any of you missed the memo, Breyerfest tickets are now available, and we get to see exactly how much those "processing fees" are that Breyer added to ticket costs this year with doing the tickets virtual. Those fees ended up adding a whopping $8 to the price of each ticket, making tickets almost $100 now (and over that if you purchase them at the gate after early bird pricing ends) which is... not what I was expecting. I was more expecting $3 to $5 but it is what it is. For those who asked how much each model is going to be if you order it during Breyerfest week, now you know. If you subtract $98 from the $103 charged at the gate, then divide it by two for both models from one ticket, that will be how much more I'll be charging for extra models at Breyerfest. While I still think the virtual tickets are better than mailing tickets as far as losing tickets goes, I see a huge issue with this: there is no trading of tickets now, so if you don't get the model you want from the preference list, you'll have to have someone willing to scan their ticket for you in line rather than simply trading the ticket stub. Either that or you'd have to buy tickets at the gate and pay the extra admission cost to get your choice of model(s). At least it's still not as bad as the olden days when you had to rely upon the luck of the draw in line. That was true torture. People mentioned that we're getting FREE parking to the KHP included with tickets and that makes it more worthwhile, but 3 day parking was only $13 y'all. Unless you only purchase one ticket (which most people don't since they often bring their spouse, children, friends, family, whomever with them) then you're paying more for parking than you did in previous years. I'm hoping *crosses fingers* that the main reason for such a huge ticket increase that is being disguised as "processing fees" is because there will be variations this year. I know with the variations last year that Breyer had a lot of people going back to buy tickets at the gate, and I think they took note. Maybe it was a practice run knowing that this year will be an anniversary year, I don't know, but early bird pricing will likely be here to stay. It was honestly one of the few things I didn't miss the past couple years when Breyerfest was in person. If they brought it back, me thinks we might be in for some surprises, but don't quote me on that because of the variations offered last year so I don't know what the chances are of them doing variations again. With the fact that the stablemates are deco and since Breyer completely flipped the theme from a rescue/rags to riches theme to a pop music theme, I'm kind of expecting something cool, in which case then ticket prices will be worth it
They also showed in hand pictures of the models for the first time, and a couple of them that I wasn't particularly interested in based on Breyer's stock photos caught my eye. While I was already smitten with Blue Zeus, Alan a Day's Work and The Edge of Glory (all whom I'm hoping to get for my own personal collection) I was particularly enthralled by the amazing coloration of Just Like Fire, the phoenix classics model, and Can't Hold Us Down looks a lot darker than her stock photos that I actually like the more chestnut-y color, as I thought originally that she was a red dun. Breyer didn't really state what color she is supposed to be, but I might pick her up if I end up with an extra ticket. I'm hoping that those corn spots on Blue Zeus aren't as obvious as they appear because in his stock photos they look more grey and blended into the coat versus sticking out like a sore thumb. I'll still try to get him, nonetheless, but I was a bit wow'd by how dark they were in the in hand photos. Everybody else looks just about what I expected. Breyer, where in the world are the Breyerfest tickets? Last year they went on sale February 1st. It is now almost the end of February and we are still waiting to buy our tickets. Y'all better take away the early bird pricing if we're only going to have 2 months to purchase them before tickets go up in price...
Anyways I wanted to remind everyone that the single day (event) stablemates and the celebration horse will only be available for presale on my website through the end of the month. On February 29th they will be removed and no longer offered. Stablemates will not be offered as extras Breyerfest weekend, as I only purchase as many as I have presales for. As for the celebration models that I don't end up pre-selling, they will be donated to Toys for Tots at the end of the year. I did the same the past two years with all my extra Nikolas and Bravour models, and will continue to do so for as long as I offer Breyerfest pickups. I think this is a great way to give back when most of us really only need one model for our collection. Also, Vintage Club 2024 model, Scorpion, has been reduced to $150 and FREE shipping if you pre-order him by 02/28. After that, because I will have to have him shipped to me first, his pricing will go up. I will be breaking even at this price with the fact that the Vintage Club models have increased this year and the shipping that Breyer charges so you will be getting him at cost. Right now I only have limited shelf space and must focus on collecting only what I really truly want, and this mold is not one of my favorites, so I'd really like to find him a home where he will be cherished. He is limited to just 1,000 pieces. Several other models in my store have been reduced as well. Stablemates are buy one get one 50% off until the end of the month using the code SMSALE (it will show up as 25% off each stablemate in checkout) and include my stablemate customs as well. All models* in my store include FREE shipping the rest of the year and taxes are included in the pricing, so what you see is what you pay. *FREE shipping will not be applied for leftover Breyerfest models posted the weekend of Breyerfest or pre-ordered Breyerfest models I'm saddened to announce the news that Andrea Gurdon, owner of the Breyer History Diva blog, has passed away from cancer. She was the inspiration behind starting a blog of my own back in 2016 when I didn't even know if Breyer blogs were a "thing" as I loved her wittiness, sense of humor and honesty in her posts. I think she and I would have been good friends if I had gotten the chance to meet her. Sadly, in all my years of going to Breyerfest, I only went to the Clarion last year for the first time since my kids are now old enough to stay home and I could shop the halls kid free. She was gone from her room when I went there, most likely at Breyerfest, so I never was able to say hello. She was a legend in this hobby, a collector for many years and was very informative about the vintage molds. I was sad to read how excited she was to get My Fight Song at Breyerfest this year, knowing how much she loved that mold, and now it won't come to fruitation. I will keep her family in my thoughts and prayers during this tough time while Andrea now flies in the golden skies with all the horses of the past whose portrait models she had in her amazing collection. Rest in peace, Andrea.
I have been reached out to about a large collection that will be going up for auction. The models were owned by a long time collector (who shall remain unnamed due to privacy) who has collected models since the 1950s that is dispersing her 4x5,000 piece collection. I am honored to be able to share this with everyone, and hope that you will spread the word to fellow collectors. The first 300+/- models have been posted so far, and I'm told more will be posted in future. There are a lot of rarities that you don't see anymore, so if any of you are looking for grails, I highly suggest checking it out. You can see what is for sale at the following link:
https://larryrichieauctioneer.hibid.com/lot/185251625/--701721-limited-edition The first Vintage Club horse is available for purchase to members only! His name is Scorpion and he's a stunning flaxen chestnut appaloosa on the Stud Spider mold. I love him, as a modern paint job really brings out the vintage molds, but unfortunately I don't collect the mold so he is up for sale in my Model Horse Store to anyone who wants him but isn't in the club. Shipping is included in his pricing and he will be shipped directly to you from Breyer! Also, come tomorrow there will be a bunch of stablemates posted to my store as well. They cannot be combine shipped with Scorpion, since he'll be coming directly from Breyer, but I'm now offering FREE shipping in my store the rest of the year (Breyerfest models are excluded from this except the stablemates) so if you order anything with him, just a heads up that they won't be shipped together. Be sure to check out my Model Horse Store page tomorrow for exciting Breyerfest, chase and rare stablemate models!
Heath arrived today. I'm going to start adding reviews to the club models through my blog since so many want to know if getting them second hand is worth it or not. Heath was a model that I've wanted since last year when we saw the preview of him, and Othello has been my favorite mold since I bought Wintersong all the way back in 2007. I still like him better than Shannondell when choosing a Shire/Clydesdale mold, although he is a shelf hog. I can live with a shelf hog though, I can't live with an unstable mold that falls over at any given bump, which is what made me depart with my Shannondell conga. Anyways, once I saw on social media that Breyer was using the same packaging that they used at Breyerfest last year for club models now, I was on edge the entire time after reading about numerous instances where people received models with rubbed or broken ear tips due to the cardboard paper packaging. I'm a bit worried that the Vintage and Premier Club models are going to arrive this way, but I'm hoping not due to their higher prices. Heath is absolutely stunning with his strawberry roan body. I would even venture to say that he is the most beautiful color ever made on Othello. He is neither overly roaned and his mane/tail, although pearly, are not overdone either, and I love the colored stripes throughout his mane rather than just being one color. I couldn't find any overspray on his spots, either. Overall, he is nearly perfect and a welcome addition to my collection. Breyer is getting much better at making roans look a lot more realistic, I'll give them that. I think mine was on the lighter side compared to others I've seen. Thankfully mine arrived without any issues to his ear tip, so there is hope that flawless are out there, for those of you who are still waiting for yours. I will say that you must remove that cardboard wrapping over his head very carefully. Don't just yank it off. I pulled the cardboard off the head of Speos at Breyerfest last year, causing a nasty ear tip rub on the first model I opened. Thankfully I was able to exchange him, but I learned my lesson to be gentle with this packaging. Of course, some people reported that their Heaths had arrived already with the ear poking through the cardboard in which case I'd definitely email or call Breyer to inform them that this is happening. Just... be nice about it, ya'll. Nobody wants to go to work dreading a hoard of complaints when all they do is work there. That's all I ask. I do think Breyer should've at least bubblewrapped the faces and tails rather than used the cardboard paper. It would still be using less bubblewrap while at the same time eliminating much of the headache from this new "economical" packaging. There was absolutely no other cushioning in the box other than the paper, and a lot of space for him to float around in. Mine apparently was banged around so much that there was a nose indent on the front of the box and it was split down the side from the weight of this model rattling around during transit. I worry about this packaging moving forward and am truly shocked Heath arrived safely despite all that. For Breyerfest models, it seemed ok. For models sent through the mail... no.
If any of you missed out on a particular model for Breyerfest this year that you'd like me to pick up for you, the wait list is now live on my website under my Breyerfest Pickup page with the terms and conditions. There will be no other presales on Breyerfest special runs so this is your best bet to secure the model of your choice if you didn't get a chance to pre-order your model(s) of choice in January. Almost all models, minus Wells, were still available last year via wild card ticket, so there is a good chance that your model(s) will still be available at Breyerfest. If you're contacted from my wait list, you'll have 24 hours to pay for your model and it must be paid for in full. Unfortunately my payment plan option only is given to those who pre-order. Prices are listed on my Breyerfest Pickup page. People who purchased one special run from me should have received the 30% off coupon code for the celebration horse by now. If not, please contact me. Shipping for this guy must be paid ahead but I'll deduct the shipping you paid for him from your shipping total when invoiced in July. Remember that he, along with the event stablemates, have been moved to my Model Horse Store page so that I could place my wait list up on the Breyerfest Pickup page. You must use the cart option on the upper right corner of the page to checkout. Also, Breyer has announced that the first Collector Club special run of the year, Heath, will be available for purchase tomorrow around 1 PM EST. If y'all forgot who he was, he was the Othello shown on the Collector Club membership order page: If I am lucky enough to snag one, I'm really looking forward to adding this handsome fella to my collection. I'm figuring that Kirk will be released some time this month but I doubt that Heath will still be available to combine shipping because that's how Breyer likes to do us. I noted at the bottom of the email Breyer had sent out is this: "Limit 1 model per Collector Club account. Abusing the system to secure additional models is against club rules and repeat offenders may lose membership access/privileges going forward." Honestly, I think that's how it should be with all club models, especially gambler's choices. I'm still kicking myself for not being able to secure the Santa Surprise last year.
First things first, those of you who are in the Stablemate Club for 2024 will be welcoming Lanin to your herd! He is a color shifting black with a purplish hue Criollo stallion on the Mirador mold with all new roached mane. Unfortunately I took a break from the Stablemate Club this year so I will not have any extra models available from this club, however I may have some Vintage and Premier Club models available later in the year. Next, I did want to remind everyone that event stablemates will remain up on my website for at least another month, however they will be moved to my Model Horse Store and no longer on my Breyerfest Pickup page. Also, I will be listing some older regular runs from a collection I recently bought in my Model Horse Store. Those who purchased a single special run from me will be getting their coupon code for the celebration horse on Monday, February 5th, to use in the Model Horse Store. Finally, I will be bringing back my wait list this year for Breyerfest special runs. Anyone who didn't get a chance to order but still would like to eventually order a special run can fill out the wait list form. Let me remind you that this doesn't guarantee you a model but it will give you first dibs at any extras I get on my preference list, or via wild card at Breyerfest. Since the tickets will be going up this year after April, unfortunately so will the special runs for the wait list people, but it still won't be nearly as much as second hand prices are going to be. I have left up the pricing for all the special runs on the Breyerfest pickup page for you to see what the cost is going to be, which is also where the wait list form is going to be.
Thanks again to everyone who pre-ordered pickups this year and for another successful year! I assumed the decorator would be something spectacular since Breyer saved it for last, and I wasn't wrong! Wowza! This is Better Than Revenge, a tribute I believe to Lisa Frank with her wild colors and zebra pattern. This gal went live today at 3 PM central time, but we had a few hiccups. My pay in full plan wasn't showing up and shipping was being charged that shouldn't have been. Those of you who have already ordered if you get an email for a partial refund, don't panic! Your model is still secured, this is only a refund for the extra shipping charge that shouldn't have been charged. Refunds may take a few days to go back to your account. For any future orders, I have fixed the issues and the remaining models (only a couple spots remain) will not have the shipping charged to them. If any of you who have already put in your order wish to pay in full, please contact me. What a line up this year! I think Breyer used just about every possible color in horsedom. I'd say this year was even more colorful than the rainbow year of 2021. The unique Quagga, the leopard appaloosa, the red dun pinto, the dunalino, the liver chestnut overo, the bay mare and her black foal, the dapple grey Arabian, the blue roan Fireheart and this awesome decorator. Add in the light grey Paso Fino, the black and white pony and the bay roan blanket appaloosa mule limited editions... and Breyer really didn't leave anything out this year! Now that we've seen all the special runs, what is your speculations about any variations? Since Sorry Not Sorry and The Edge of Glory were advertised as being glossy, I'm going to eliminate them from the matte/glossy split since Breyer has never reversed that... yet anyways. I'm going to guess Miss Independent will be our matte/glossy split since she's the only solid colored pony that isn't a glossy or a new mold. The mane/tail split I would guess will be going to the decorator since she's the only one that has a different mane style, unless they put feathers in the mane and tail of Can't Hold Us Down, which would be awesome. Now, the color split is a little harder, but I'm going to guess Sorry Not Sorry. I could see him as a black leopard appaloosa, and he's a bit of an older mold so the split would make him a bit more appealing. I really hope they don't change The Edge of Glory because he's amazing as it is. The Quagga only came in one color in real life so I don't see his color being changed.
Of course, with it being an anniversary year, I'm expecting some micro variations thrown in. I'm wondering if it'll be like the year 2014 where the event stablemates were all decorators and were a sneak peek to the traditional micro runs that showed up that year? All of the stablemates were a silver charm color, as were all of the traditional micro runs. This year maybe we'll get rainbow colored filigrees on all the models? Similar to the Santa Surprise on the Huckleberry Bey mold, perhaps, but in non-Christmas-y metallic colors? One can dream. |
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