 www.forkliftscalemodels.com |
Belgian forklift parts and used forklift supplier TVH Group is exhibiting its sizable collection of miniature forklifts, including valuable collectors' items, on
www.forkliftscalemodels.com.
Collectors can view images of more than 500 miniature forklifts, telehandlers, aerial platforms, diggers and skid steer loaders. The collection, owned by the group's founders, the Thermote and Vanhalst families, started more than 40 years ago, a TVH statement said.
There are more than 71 brands in the collection, some obtained in the 1960s.
TVH spokesperson Davy Vanoutryve said the collection was a result of the Thermote and Vanhalst families' passion for forklifts.
"Since the two TVH founders were practically born in a forklift, the passion for the business was there since the very beginning," he said. "No matter if it was selling, renting, repairing a forklift or selling parts.
"The first scale models were received when the two founders started travelling around the world to make the company a global leader in the industry. Occasionally they received a scale model from a supplier as a business gift ... the collection grew and grew."
Vanoutryve named a "handmade oakwood Patria model", a collection of Crown models from Crown Equipment Corp owner James F Dicke and a limited edition series of "casted Hyster models" as precious pieces.
TVH claims the website displays the world's largest online collection of scale models from the materials handling sector.
Not all models are for display. There are 198 models currently available for sale.
"The models that aren't produced anymore are not for sale. We call them collectors' items" on the website, Vanoutryve said. Some of the models are currently displayed in showcases around TVH's Waregem headquarters.
The Thermote and Vanhalst families are keen to add new models to the collection. Collectors who wish to sell can contact the families via the website.
Most models were obtained from OEM suppliers and business contacts, but some were sourced from the makers of zamac models and toys. Zamac is an acronym for zinc and aluminium metal alloy casting.