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Code 3 Collectibles Kaput

3 comments

Friday press release:

Notes and News – August 19, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Code 3 Collectibles Ceases Production

Van Nuys, CA, August 19, 2011.

Matrix Holdings Limited, announces that 2011 will be the last year of production of Code 3 Collectible die-cast vehicles. The company, Code 3 Collectibles (www.code3.net), will continue to operate its online business in an effort to sell all remaining inventory until further notice.

Arnie Rubin, founder of Funrise Toy Corporation, launched Code 3 Collectibles in 1997, aiming to ignite the emotional chord between Funrise Toys and the "little kid" in "big kids" – the adult toy collector. Code 3 Collectibles focused on producing high quality, limited edition die-cast replicas of emergency and firefighting vehicles, but also held licenses to create collectibles for Smithsonian Air and Space Products, Star Wars licensed products and a line of 3-D movie posters under the brand Legendary Casts.

"We have been passionate about the Code 3 Collectibles brand since we launched in 1997. During that time, we have had an amazing connection with our collector base. We appreciated their passion and loyalty. Unfortunately, the recent economic downturn has made it extremely difficult to continue the high standards of manufacturing that has made Code 3 Collectibles who we are," said Arnie Rubin, CEO of Code 3 Collectibles.

Funrise Toy Corporation and Code 3 Collectibles are headquartered in Van Nuys, CA, and are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Matrix Holdings Limited. Arnie Rubin is both CEO of Funrise and Code 3 Collectibles, and Vice Chairman of Matrix.

Salute to a Friend

Larry Lorance, founder of fireengines.net, posted a great tribute.

Salute to a Friend: Code 3 Collectibles 1997 – 2011

In the early years, many of us remember the great folks who provided us with these models, Scott Schellhase, Arnie Rubin, Jewell Morson, and fellow collector Orlando Ramos.

We also remember Code 3 Collector Days that were organized by all these great folks. Fellow collector, Glenn Morson, takes us back to Code 3 Collectibles Day in 2004.

We could always count on Glenn to supply us with the "scoop" of what was happening at Code 3.

Messageboard rants about decline in quality

In researching this article, found some fan sites that were critical of a decline in the quality of the items.

What do you think?

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Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Also on FireGeezer…

Posted by on August 20, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Funding & Staffing, News • Tagged: , , , ,
  • Dawn Birkett

    I bought the Show Emergency fire trucks, the Engine and the squad. I was hoping I could of bought the fire house but it was not available.

  • Bonzo_mulllins

    I hate this article! I know, I know all things must come to an end, but this really sucks!  The news that Code3 will be “closing their doors” is like losing an old friend.  We might not always talk or visit with one another, but they are always there when you need them.  I have several code3 Models in my library and I try and buy one when ever they come out with a new model that I either rode on or find interesting…. That section of my library that houses the Super pumper system would be a case in point…. While I like many others will mourn their leaving us I would like to thank them for providing us with some of the most outstanding examples of fire apparatus i have ever seen….  You will be missed…..

  • Obfd9013

    ebay…….