National Transport and Toys Museum

Friday, 11 December

National Transport and Toy Museum  
http://nttmuseumwanaka.co.nz/

The National Transport and Toy Museum is the Southern Hemisphere's largest private collection open to the public. It represents more than 50 years of collecting by one Mr. Gerald Rhodes. Entry fee is a mere $17NZ (Ned got the senior discount @ $15NZ).

Ann and the Security Guard

Mr. Rhodes started his career as a sales representative with International Harvester. He then went on to establish his own car and truck wrecking business - a good way to start collecting...

He lived in Christchurch, where there is humidity + sea breezes to cause cars and trucks and such to rust. He therefore decided to store his collection in Wanaka because of the dry Central Otago climate.

In addition to the obvious start to his collection (a "business perk"), he procured most of the museum's items from auctions, flea markets, garage sales, newspaper advertisements, magazine advertisements, and word of mouth. Nearly all the toys have been purchased in New Zealand, mostly from the Christchurch and Canterbury Region. Only 3% of the cars, trucks, boats and planes have been purchased abroad.

While well worth the entry fee, the museum is my idea of sensory overload. There are 70,000 items on display, with new items being added by the heirs of Mr. Rhodes (who passed away three months ago on 13 August 2015). Below is a mere smidgin of a sampling...

Cars and Trucks and, and, and ... 

The collections are stored in aircraft hangars and include cars, trucks, fire engines, scooters, earth movers, racing boats, as well as a few vintage aircraft.

But a small sampling of the Smurfs

  Toys
There are heaps of toys – some in mint-condition, still in the original boxes, others having obviously been enjoyed if not loved. … Smurfs, every kind of Barbie imaginable, models, train sets, Legos, Meccano sets (“engineering for boys”), Lincoln Logs, stuffed bears (mostly the Teddy-type), dolls and dollhouses… It’s a genuine trip down memory lane!

Dollhouse

Note: Engineering for Boys - We've Come a Long Way, Baby! 

Recumbent Bicycle built with Meccano
(by boys, not doubt!)

Iridescent Star Wars Legos

Push a button and the Lego dude sings & plays! 

Not shown are the planes and trains and boats and tractors. Below, however, are some significant cars in our own lives: Ann's 1973 VW Beetle and Ned's 1965 Ford Mustang. Also featured below is the car of Ned's dreams...

Ann's 1973 VW Beetle

Ned's 1965 Ford Mustang

The car of Ned's dreams - a convertible Cadillac with fins!