Collector Snapshot #8 – Julio Zary (aka ‘Julioviper’)

Welcome to our eighth segment of ‘Collector Snapshot’ where a vintage collector is given 10 short questions to answer using only a sentence or two. The same questions will be given to the next collector appearing on the blog. Next up is 38 year old Brazilian Julio Zary, who is a military man and hails from Rio De Janeiro.
I’ve come across Juilo many times on Rebelscum where he is known as ‘Julioviper’. He has posted cool photos of his Model Trem collection and is also often selling Model Trems and Glasslite figures. I love to hearing his stories about being being a kid in Brazil when these figures were on sale there. He also actually runs a blog about Model Trems so go and check it out. All the cool collectors have blogs….
http://modeltremstarwars.blogspot.com.br/
I have a couple of Model Trems myself and am surprised these bootlegs are not more popular. For those who don’t know much about them, check out this great write-up by the undisputed bootleg king himself – Joe Y.http://www.theouterrealmsw.com/Model_Trem_Star_Wars.html
Now to the ten questions. Take it away Julio and thanks for appearing on the blog!
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1. How long have you been collecting?
I have been collecting since 1986, stopped for a while from 2009 to 2013, and now I am back lol. 

2. What do you collect?
I collect Model Trem Star Wars figures, Glasslite Star Wars figures, vintage Kenner and newer figures from episodes IV to VI.
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3. What’s your grail?
My grail is a Model Trem Bib Fortuna all complete, with staff, cape and box in mint condition.

4. What collectors inspire you?
Patsy Pedicini and Martjin Emmelot (VSCW: both Model Trem collectors).

5. What is your most embarrassing moment as a collector?
I had to cry to buy the very last Model Trem from the shop, because it was forbidden after 1988, when Glasslite brought the first and unique wave to Brazil. And it worked, as I got a 2-1B.

6. What is your favourite Star Wars film?
Episode V, I think.

7. What would you change about the collecting community?
Change the thinking of some guys that collecting is a death race.

8. Forums or Facebook groups? 
Forums, because I don’t have a Facebook account, hahaha. Forums are easier to find the info you need.

9. What Star Wars character do you most resemble? 
Han Solo, I think.

10. Is there one thing that collectors may not know about you?
I like GI Joe too, haha.

Finally scored a Model Trem Luke Skywalker! But why was it so bittersweet?

Well I’m not one to regularly post my latest acquisition but this one is very special (check out our recent article in relation to posting collections online – http://vintagestarwarscollectors.com/posting-photos-of-your-vintage-collection-showing-off-or-sharing/). I finally got my hands on a Luke Skywalker Model Trem (Brazilian bootleg) complete with the original box. I’ve been looking for one of these for more than a year so I was over the moon to get a great example at what I think was a really good price. What was also cool was that it was my good friend, Matthieu B, who let me know about the sale and if it wasn’t for him I probably would have missed the boat. This is another reason why I love the Star Wars vintage collecting community.

For those who don’t know much about these Model Trems, check out this great write-up by the undisputed bootleg king himself – Joe Y.

http://www.theouterrealmsw.com/Model_Trem_Star_Wars.html

So here’s the Luke Trem I bought myself, now displayed proudly in my Luke focus cabinet.

trem coup

The figure itself is in pretty good condition for a Trem. Let’s be honest, these Trem figures weren’t exactly made by major craftsmen – the head is very loose and pops up and down very easily and the arms have very loose joints. The figure is also very heavy as it is made from lead. I absolutely love it though and it is fast becoming my favourite loose figure. Actually it is my favourite loose figure!

trem loose

I love the little box it comes in too. It’s really fragile so I’m happy that mine only has a couple of small tears at the front of the box.

trem box

So why was this score bitterweet? Well, I was stoked to finally land a Trem Luke but I was genuinely sad that it was previously part of an amazing limelight on the VSWC blog itself. Yes, that’s right – Aaron Jones is selling up his Luke Farmboy Focus. Aaron is a lovely guy and also a really modest collector so it was a joy to have him and his focus on the blog. The good news is that Aaron is not dipping out of the hobby but is still hanging around the boards and Facebook groups. He might even be back with a new focus in the future and if history is a reliable guide, it will be a focus to look out for!

Check out Aaron’s limelight on the blog. An absolute beauty to behold.

http://vintagestarwarscollectors.com/collector-limelight-1-aaron-jones-and-luke-skywalker-farmboy/

Well good luck to Aaron in his new endeavours. Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy my new Luke and try not to get lead poisoning!