Mr. Christopher Ferrone to the Rescue

Saturday, February 17, 2024

-6° Celsius / 21.2° F

Overcast

Mr. Christopher Ferrone To The Rescue

    Lately, I've been reconnecting with  people and companies who have helped me write this block. If it wasn't for all of these contributors, my blog would not be what it is today. They have all most-generously taken the time to give me permission to write about them and their toys, as well as sending me their fine photos, or allowing me to screen-capture them.

    Mr, Christopher Ferrone is one of the many people who has been so kind as to help me out. When he's not working very hard with his company, he enjoys restoring old toys. Restoring is not quite the word, because his toys start out in poor condition, and "magically" with the skill of an artist, a class I mechanic, and a Michelangelo of an artist, they are reincarnated to a new life. By the way, as I was searching how to spell Michelangelo, and I discovered that Michaelangelo (Michaelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance).  

    Here is the background from Christopher on his latest masterpiece:

"Here are a few pix from a truck I completed since we last spoke.

It is a composite formerly a Keystone dump truck, 

with additional customized pieces, such as a front rescue,

winch, recovery, crane, and standard toe boom on the back.

This is  to create a rescue style tow

 truck, in case my other toys break down on the road"

   Not only does Chris have a mastery of toy restoration, but he has a great sense of humour!

    What can I say? When I look at these photos that Chris sent me, I'm astounded! Not only does he restore them back to a new condition, but he's able to create parts that were missing. His masterpieces are truly amazing!

I've been up very early today, and after finishing writing this post, I'm all set for this day. It's a great feeling to see someone so talented having the skills, talent and ability to bring these toys back to live.

As always,

thanks to everyone for visiting, 

and have a great day,

wherever you may be.

(Mr.) Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com 

 

 Friday, May 7, 2020 

Sunny with clear skies

     16 C  61 F                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                   I Get A Little Help (Again) From My Friend                                  

       I hadn't heard from my Chicago friend (Mr. Christopher Ferrone) for a while. About 3 weeks ago, I received an e-mail. I don't know where Chris finds the time to restore his marvelous old toys, but he manages to always surprise me. Chris is a successful businessman in Chicago, but his passion is in restoring toys, and he does this fantastically. Hopefully, all of us will see the day that COVID-19 comes under control, and We can all get back to our normal routines.

                          A Buddy "L" Burlington Zephyr Train Pressed Steel Circa                                  1935-1936

As always, Christopher always amazes me, and I never tire of his wonderful restorations.

Soon, I hope we all will get back to our normal routines, and will travel. Some of us by jet, by bus, by car, and of course by train.

Trains are not as popular as they were in the 1900's-1960's, but they still are a way of travel for those who appreciate the scenery, and traveling in a relaxed and  tranquil manner.

        Take care everyone,  and have a great day, 

  wherever you may be. 

(Mr.) Stacey Bindman

(toysearcher@gmail.com)

                                                                                                                        

A Big Surprise on A Fine Autumn Day

Thursday, October 18, 2018
Sunny and Clear Skies
3 C   37 F

A Big Surprise on 
a Fine Autumn Day

    Yesterday, I received a pleasant surprise from a friend in Chicago. I call Chris a friend because I know him a bit, and he has helped me with my blog. For those who don't know, Chris owned a sightseeing bus company in Chicago, as well as a garage for maintenance on the busses. When he had the time, Chris was busy making new toys out of old ones. I just checked and I've been able to write  10 posts about this very-talented man. Today will be my 11th post. 

     Chris sent me photos of a toy that was wasn't 100% happy with in the past, and so he improved on it and added a hauler/loader as a second toy. I also liked his original toy that is the first one shown below.

                                      

Below is the original superb toy that Chris restored

back on May 7, 2015. Wow, the time certainly went by fast!

Please click here to revisit Chris' post on his first restoration

 Below is Chris' ( or Chris's) remodelled  truck/dumpster. I like both variations of this toy.

In the toy above, I like the sheet metal that was used for the dumpster portion of this nice truck.. The metal looks like the type of flooring that one might find on the steps of a bus.

I also like the new wood variation of the  truck/hauler. Using a combination of wood and metal, gives the toy a more old and "retro" appearance. In either case, both are superb!

Below  is a screen-capture of all the posts that I've had the pleasure in writing about Chris and his 

exceptional talent in restoring old toys with his own personal touch. 

  When I had searched for the date when Chris send me the original remodelling of this old toy, I got an idea for a new post about Chris. I'm going to have a post about all of the fine toys Chris has created, and I'm going to title it 

"A Retrospective of a Master Toy Restorer".

So that's it for today.

Thanks for dropping by,

And as always,

Have a great part of the day or night,

wherever you may be.

Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com

Christopher W. Ferrone Helps Out

Sunday April 9, 2017
Partly Sunny
6 C  41 F

 Christopher W. Ferrone Helps Out

    Finally the weather is getting nicer. Up here in Montreal, it was a somewhat average winter. There wasn't as much snow as usual, but in the last several weeks, we had a huge snowfall of  about 17 3/4 inches  (45 cm). And just this week, there was rain all day long for 3 days. Today, it's finally sunny but cool. But this upcoming Monday, it's going to be 20 C (68 F). 

   I received an e-mail from a friend by the name of Christopher W. Ferrone. He's the President of Americoach Systems, Inc. In Chicago (Illinois, USA). When he's not busy managing his company, his hobby is to take old toys and restore them . Sometimes he just restores them without any changes, and sometimes he alters them like the toy that I'm presenting today.

In Christopher's own words

Hi Stacey

here is a new truck and steam shovel I just completed

the truck is a 1930's Wyandotte, and the steam shovel is a 1920's Metal Craft

both were sand blasted and modified

Note the cab of the truck has been extended slightly and a Portal window has been added, check out the vertical exhaust stack from the hood of the truck .

The steam shovel formerly had its own set of wheels, but I thought it would be cool to mount it on the rear for the truck, I fabricated the base mounting system .

Both pieces are base coat metal flake, and clear coat......hardly "period" for the 20's and 30's, but a cool "spin" and a modern look ??

Both of these toys were broken when I got them.  I only buy broken toys, no fun if it is all together ....right ?

again......sorry for the terrible photos......but at least you get to see my kitchen....hahahah!

Thanks for posting all of my work !

I hope you like this toy

thanks

Chris

  When I Wrote this blog 4-5 years ago, I also liked to restore toys, but nowhere near the excellent skills of Christopher. I would remove the old paint, find replacement parts, then re-paint the toy. Christopher, on the other hand is an "artiste". Not only does he restore toys, but he works with broken toys, and even is creative. In the case of today,s toy, it is unique. It's a "creation" from 2 toys put together with Christopher's fantastic abilities. 

   If Christopher hadn't informed me that this toy was a combination of 2 toys, I would have thought that it was an authentic toy from the 1930's, such is the skill of Christopher. I always enjoy receiving

e-mails from Christopher, because Ian always anticipating new "art" from his magnificent abilities.

  His e-mail gave me the impetus (motivation) to write this post and to start writing again.  

 So thanks Christopher for your kind effort to help me out, and I especially liked this most unique toy.

Thanks for dropping by,

and as always,

Have a great part of the day or night,

wherever yo umay be,

Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com

Mr. Christopher Ferrone Says Hello

Saturday February 25, 2017
Overcast,  record warm
17 C  63 F

Mr. Christopher Ferrone

Says Hello

It's been an "acceptable " winter up here in Montreal (Quebec, Canada). The weather hasn't been took cold, and  the snow hasn't been too much. Also, the older that I get (I'm 68), the faster time seems to go by. It was just fall (September 22), when I started the countdown to spring (March 22), and as of today, there are only 25 days to spring!

Of course, there are still 2 months after the first day of spring until the weather is warm enough to prepare the grass, and start to mow the lawn. I can't wait!

Mr. Christopher Ferrone is one of my readers who  is the president of  Americoach Systems Inc., a company that  is in "Specialized Transport Technology, Safety, Management, and Logostics". Christopher specializes in bus transportation in Chicago, Illinois.  Chris also happens to be a toy enthusiast, and restores and innovates old toys into new ones. He's quite an "artisan", and very capable at what he does. 

Today's post is his latest model that he has magnificently restored and innovated.

In his own words…...

"Hi Stacey 

I hope you are well !!

and that the winter is not too harsh !!

I just finished a 1930 Marx/Studebaker custom fire truck

I started with just the cab and side fenders

I made the body/box and rear step, ladder racks, front bumper

I obtained a grill from another truck and customized it to fit this one

base coat / clear coat finish.........."retro red metallic, and clear

wood wheels

I hope you like it

thanks

chris"

I don't know where Chris finds the time to make such a nicely-restored toy firetruck, but he does.
It's always great to hear from Chris and see what his latest "piece-de-resistance" is .

Thanks Chris, and I hope all jus well with you and  Americoach Systems, Inc. in Chicago.

Mr. Chris Ferrone Says Hi

Thursday, January 22, 2016
Sunny and Seasonally Cold

Mr. Chris Ferrone

Says Hi

   It's always nice to hear from people whom I can call my friends, and so it was today. I opened my e-mail and lo and behold, I had a friendly greeting from Mr. Chris Ferrone.  Chris is the president of his own company  called Americoach Systems, Inc. "The company specializes in Specialized Transport Technology, Safety, Management, and Logistics".

   When Chris is not busy working, he creates interesting new toys from old.  Below is the e-mail that he sent me:

Hi Stacey

hope you are well during this  winter!?!?

I didn't know if you are "still in business" so I sent you some photos of my newest truck (toy)

the cab is a 1930's ty-nee-tot dump truck

the box is from a 1930 Keystone fire truck

the ladder turret tower is from a 1930 keystone fire truck

the ladder is from a 1950 Tonka fire truck

and I made the remaining pieces

hope you like it !!!

thanks

Chris

Of course I like Chris'  new truck that he titled "Frankenstein". However, this fine new composite is much more than poor old Frankenstein. I admire people who can work with their hands and create things. 

Currently, I'm taking a drawing course to try and improve on what I can draw from sight. However, I think that you have to be born with this "talent". I'm working on creating form (3D) on paper, but everything keeps coming out 2D as shape or outline. As a photographer I can easily create 3D, but as far as drawing goes - I can't.

Below:  

The start of the fire engine- A 1930's ty-nee-toy dump truck

 Below:

The finished restoration. The body is from a 1930's Keystone fire truck.

You can see the skill and "eye" that Chris has, and the find job that he did in integrating 2 different toy company parts into one single unit.

Below:

The ladder parts are from a 1950's Tonka  firetruck

Also, whatever parts were missing or needed to be made, were in fact made by Chris.

He certainly must have an outstanding garage to repair his "real" trucks, while using the "shop" to work on his smaller toys.

I especially like the extra length of ladder and how the ladder extends from the rear of the fire truck.

I like how the truck is well-balanced to accommodate the ladder placement extension at the back!

Below:

The mini-tower that Chris made to support the tower.

Notice the small bell behind the fire truck cab. Proportionally it's actually quite big, and must make a great noise for any young child!

 Below:

Notice the attached wire pull at the front of the toy. 

Chris also made that himself for children to pull the toy.

For the "purist" toy collector, I'm sure some people would say that these rejuvenations of old toys are "heresay". However, these new reincarnations are truly great, and AI'm sure any child would simply adore them.

I'm always interested (as are some of my readers) in people who restore old toys, so if there is anyone out there who would like to be a contributor to my blog, by all means please write me.

So that's it for another cold winter day, and I hope you enjoyed seeing another one of Chris' masterpieces.

Thanks for dropping by,

and as always,

have a great part of the day or night,

wherever you may be,

Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com

Mr. Tom Sanders Continued: The Best of Two Worlds

Friday, January 15, 2016
Clear, windy, and cold

Mr. Tom Sanders Continued:

The Mix of Two Worlds

   Whenever I write a post, I always send an e-mail to the person or company that I am writing about. I let them know that their post is up, and that they should proofread it. I let the person inform me of any spelling or content errors, and if any content should be changed or removed.

   I did this for Mr. Tom Sanders' post yesterday, and he graciously wrote back and thanked me for the blog entry. However, what Tom also did was provide me with content for today's post.

   I forgot to mention that Tom just doesn't restore toys. He is an "artisan extraordinaire" when it comes to restoration, but his major forte (strength in French) is receiving custom requests from clients from all over the world.  What these clients do is ask Tom to create specify combinations of toys, written mementos, and add additional content to create either a wall decor or a tabletop item. As you will see below, he creates "works of art" for people who have had fond memories of times past., or just want to have a memento of where they might have worked in their past.

Below: 

Tootsietoy Prototype # 12 Lumber Truck with Tandem Trailer

Owner:  A Forestry Lumber Museum in Belgium

 Below:

Buffered and Lacquered Clipper

(Personal Collection)

Custom Wyandotte B-24 Prototype.

What Wyandotte almost produced!

(Very rare)

Below:

The Marx "Minutemen Project - Update:

This was a USAF (United States Air Force) Aerobatic team in the 1950's.

The project will include 5 Marx Sabre Jets and a Marx "C-54" support Aircraft

Aviation Scale Models Projects 

AN A.C.Rehberger cast metal model of the Boeing B-314 Pan Am Atlantic Clipper, 

of which it is only 1 of 10 known to exist. THe airplane came on a clock, but the client

wanted a more Art Deco look hinting of the Pan AM style.

Battle of Britain Project:

This will include a custom stand to display the artifacts and the airplane model.

All of the artifacts are from a squadron in the RAF (Royal Air Force) in 1940.

As you can see, Tom has been quite busy restoring toys, but simultaneously finding models that can be combined for people who have cherished memories of times gone past.

Tom's passion for his work is certainly exemplified with the work that he creates for his clientele who want to have memories of  long ago - the best of both worlds.

I certainly enjoyed writing this post, thanks to the material that Tom Sanders sent me. You can surely see Tom's passion for wanting to share his work band many talents with everyone. 

Thanks Tom, and continued success,

Stacey

Thanks for dropping by on this cold winter day,

and as always,

have a great part of the day or night,

wherever you may be,

Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com