Who would have thought that owning one of the worlds largest, private Lego collections could take you so far. Tom Lucieer of Angaston, South Australia, not only has met the Queen (of England) but is a frequent guest of her majesty and family when they are in Australia. He's also met Prince Charles, Lady Diana and Camila Parker-Bowles. Not only that, he grew up with TV Vet, Dr Harry, and is a friend of the Irwin family (yes, that's Steve Irwin's family).Tom will happily tell you all this as part of the guided tour of his collection, which, aside from Lego, includes much railway memorabilia and colourful anecdotes about days gone by, his achievements and more. Frequently he will finish each particular monologue with the phrase, "Have you got that?", just to check that he hasn't confused you because, as he points out, his display and the stories behind it are a lot to take in at once.
In the photo you can see Tom holding a special award, which I think is for being the toy retailer of the year for 2004 (I'm not entirely sure, too much to take in). He explains he owns the Toyworld store in Nuriootpa - adding it's a great place to buy Lego. Obviously he is very proud of this award as it was by his prompting that I took this particular photo.
Tom's Lego collection is vast going right back to the days when Lego sold wooden toys (before they invented the plastic bricks). If you have followed my site for a number of years you will know that I'm something of a collector of Lego. I still have the very first sets I was bought from as early as 1974. Based on what Tom told us about the value of some sets, from periods later than this, I reckon I could be sitting on a collectors gold mine. For example, Tom has a complete set of 'Fabuland' characters. These came out in the early to mid nineteen eighties and are no longer available. Tom's set is valued at around $4000 dollars. I've got a few Fabuland sets, still in very good condition.
One of the first sets I was ever bought was Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's 'Spirit of Saint Lewis' aeroplane which is in Tom's collection. I think it was released in 1974 but I'm not quite sure.
Aside from early Lego sets, Tom has all the latest sets too. He gets them even before they are released in the stores including all the latest Star Wars, Harry Potter and Batman sets. There is also has a good collection of working Lego trains, based on actual trains, which he demonstrates for you.
If you're a Lego collector of any level, Tom's display will be of great interest. Be sure to look him up. His details can be easily tracked down through local tourist guides or from one of the regions visitor information centres. It's probably a good idea to call him first, just to let him know you're coming. Set aside about an hour for the complete tour.
This tour I would recommend to anyone, it's the best $2 I have ever spent in my life and Tom makes it what it is, probably more entertaining for adults
ReplyDeleteWe were amazed at Tom's stories also, not only a rail worker he was "commisioner", and we were amazed to learn that the mayor came to open his display in one of "those German blimps" apparently Tom has a stretch limousine that is used to pick people up from Adelaide airpot too.
ReplyDeleteTom certainly does have a lot of interesting stories. The only trouble is remembering them all. You almost need two trips.. though I reckon he has enough stories not to repeat himself too much.
ReplyDeleteDid you also know that Tom has been visited by Di twice and Elvis too? Regardless of his great tales, the lego collection is phenomenal. I saw all these sets i could only dream about when I was younger (and now!). Well worth the visit, the only downer is not really being allowed to explore all the shelves, as he kept us moving and focussed on what he wanted us to see.
ReplyDeleteA few people I've spoken to suggest that maybe Tom's stories aren't entirely true. I think they all probably have some element of truth and maybe Tom embellishes more and more as time goes on. One thing is for sure, his tour of his Lego collection is made all the more interesting for his stories.
ReplyDeletewe visited Tom many years ago- he told us he drove the Queen ,friends and his pet cat down to the local for a nice pub meal. The cat wore a seatbelt and sat in the seat next to him at the front of the bus. Our kids were quite impressed and openmouthed at all his wonderful tales.
ReplyDeleteI used to take my grandson there years ago the lego man had a small gold coloured carriage which had been given to him by the queen and was picked up by an armed guard every night and taken to the bank vault. I remembered one year he might have had had beans for lunch as our tour was accompanied by
ReplyDeletepassing wind every few minutes. hilarious. does any one know if he is still there and how to get in touch. I know he used to get angry if you rang or knocked on the door when he was busy it was always a bit hit and miss if you could have a look or not
I do wonder if he is still there i went in 2006 on a visit with my niece and family it certainly was a colourful visit after a lecture on security and not touching exhibits which were wired to police station before we went in we all had to stand in the dark in the garage and be quiet before he switched the alarms off i whispered sweeney todd to my niece just before the lights cane on.
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