The Collectors: Brian gathers and creates an amazing collection of model transport vehicles

The Collectors: Brian gathers and creates an amazing collection of model transport vehicles

By Maurice Garvey

ONE of the best things about any collection is the link it represents to childhood and a time when one started to take an interest in their hobby.

This is the case for Bohernabreena resident Brian Collins, who picked up his first model truck in 1999, and developed his hobby and collection to such a degree, that he even started a side business, creating and selling model transport vehicles.

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 Brian Collins picked up his first model truck in 1999

Today Brian enjoys the art of model collections with his young son Christopher (9), who shares his father’s enthusiasm for the craft and is able to wax lyrical on the many intricate details contained in a sample bespoke piece.

Brian’s small business Brian Collins Enterprises stocks a range of models and some of his creations have been commissioned by Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and Dublin Fire Brigade.

I first got into it in the late 90s when I was still in college. I’ve always been fascinated by trucks, and liked the colour scheme of the Mulgrew truck, which is an Oxford diecast. That sparked my interest,” said Brian.

After a number of years collecting various models, and travelling to different shows and trade fairs, Brian decided to start his own venture.

“I started the business in 2008, not the ideal time to start any business but it has gone well and I have built up a customer base,” said Brian, whose fulltime work is in the import industry.

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“The most popular things for customers are anything Irish related, we have done JCB’s, Massey Fergusons.”

In 2013, Brian was commissioned by Dublin Bus to create 1,000 Gemini Eclipse Double Deckers, which subsequently sold out.

“Even to this day, I still get people calling me about them,” he said.

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In 2015, he was commissioned for a Bus Eireann Expressway Model, in 2019 it was a Dublin Fire Brigade Ambulance and just last month, he added a DFB Scania Truck to the collection.

The last three are available to purchase on his shop website.

Viewing a sample selection of his massive collection, the attention to detail on some of the models, diecast and different scale sizes, is astonishing.

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A small selection of Brian’s massive collection, the attention to detail on some of the models, diecast and different scale sizes, is astonishing

For Christopher, it is the little details that stand out.

“I like the bin lorry Hino and the skip truck – I’ll use all the accessories like the mini bins,” he said.

Sadly Covid-19 means no public shows this year, but Brian has no plans to stop adding to the collection.

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“I don’t drink or smoke, this is all about looking after the pieces you have. If I see something and take a liking to it, I will buy it, in case I miss out.

“You remain as a child in some way, you never grow up. Some people like Dinkys or others like Hot Wheels. I like anything transport related.”

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