Townsman, 1991-11, Page 17farm machine. Adding the details and
decals as the final step ultimately
gives each toy its distinct personality.
The task will take Bill anywhere from
two to 14 hours, depending on what's
required. The replicas retail anywhere
from $50 to $400. One, which Bill
says is made from spun tin and is very
detailed, is similar to the Franklin
Mint Car and sells for $275. He also
docs restoration work on older
machinery.
When Bill first began making
farm toys, he worked from his base-
ment. However, he eventually out-
grew those facilities, so leased a
chicken coop from a neighbouring
aquaintance and began the extensive
cleaning and renovating required to
transfomt it into a functional factory
environment. Now, though there is
still work to do, Bill's compact work-
shop is spacious enough to accommo-
date not only a good size work area
but a display area as well. Up on the
second floor of the building, the walls
are lined with shelves, holding exam-
ples of Bill's miniature masterpieces,
in addition to the line of ERTL toy
farm machinery he carries at this time
of year to supplement Christmas sales.
Love of farming
evident in shop
Bill's appreciation for rural
industry is evident while browsing
through his shop. Not only are there
the examples of machinery from past
and present, but he also has on hand
an extensive collection of old maga-
zines. One find, which Bill is quite
proud of is a 1920 Waterloo Boy. "A
rare piece of literature," he says.
"Having these [magazines] here offers
something of interest for people when
they come in."
With an eye to producing real-
ism and quality in his work, Bill uses
the magazines himself for accuracy
when crafting his toys. "For inspira-
tion I have Farmer Advocates that
date back to 1888," he says.
Bill's story is an inspiration in
itself. Though a chapter had ended for
him he took his love of rural life and
rallied, embarking on a career that not
only makes others happy, but is equal-
ly satisfying for him.
A
ABC Investments 32
All Around
The House Inside Front Cover
Bainton's Old Mill Back Cover
Blessings Unlimited 21
Blyth Festival 3
Campbell's Cameras 15
CJCS Radio 4
Cliff's Plumbing & Heating 30
Erb's Country Kitchen 21
Gemini Jewellers 32
Goderich Art & Frame Shoppe 17
Hotel Bedford 36
Huron Ridge Flowers 20
Huron Woodcraft... 29
J.B.'s Fine Lingerie 28
Jim & Lane McKague 39
Just Desserts 21
Lakeport
Communications Inside Front Cover
Lakeport Steel
IND
M. C. Smith 10
Madelyn's Diner
Middaugh Collectibles 9
Moonlighting Photography 13
Old Mill Back Cover
Olivalore 20
Powell Printing 34
Shirl's Nook 20
Stoddart Jewellers 28
Stone Crock Inside Back Cover
Sue's Kid's Kloset Inside Front Cover
Tasty Nu Bakery & Cheese House 21
The Book Shop 12
The Diner Inside Front Cover
The Olde Shed 35
The Tole Booth 20
Village Collectables 20
Wm. Wallace Garden Furniture 3
Zehrs Markets 37
Zilliax Furniture 29
11 Zurich Pharmacy 20
37
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TOWNSMAN/NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1991 15