Bill McMaster.............. (1 Viewer)

[Warrior]

I just received some terrible news; Bill McMaster, the owner of BMC Toys, has passed away.

I'm stunned by this, I just saw Bill about two months ago at the Hackensack Toy Soldier Show.

Bill helped me get my start in this business, his product line of bagged figures and playsets were very popular with my customers back in the late 1990's. He was an innovative person who offered affordable items for collectors young and old.

This is just awful news; R.I.P. my friend, you will be sorely missed.

 

[jazzeum]

I didn't know Bill but sorry for his loss. RIP.

 

[larso]

I just saw the news on TSSD. Thanks Warrior for starting a thread.

About 12 years ago I was looking at producing a line of plastic Anzac figures. I corresponded with a few makers and Bill was a very helpful fellow with his advice and contacts. I really appreciated his time and enthusiasm. I also liked his focus on making historical plastic figures and sets available to kids. My young son recently got me to order a BMC Tiger for him.

Thanks for your contribution Bill.

 

[Warrior]

Anyone who came into the hobby within the past ten years or so probably doesn't have a clue who Bill was; he offered low cost playsets, vehicles and bagged figures, they were sold for a time in mass merchandisers like Toys R Us.

He breathed life into the hobby when he came onto the scene; metal collectors today owe Bill a great deal of thanks as I am not sure if the hobby would be where it is today without him.

Literally dozens of my customers past and present either bought his items for themselves or bought them for their kids, kids who grew up to become metal collectors.

He also joined forces with Andy at K & C and produced an Iwo Jima Playset that came with plastic reproductions of K & C Marines, Japanese, the Iwo Jima Sherman and Amtrac as well as the large display base of the Island that K & C made.

It was a spectacular seller, they arrived in December of that year and the response was off the charts.

And as Larso said, he was extremely helpful to anyone who asked him about plastic projects.

When they made Bill, the broke the mold, a true gentleman and pioneer in the hobby.

I'm still upset to hear of his passing.

 

[Fubar]

This is sad news indeed. George , your words are a fitting testimonial for Bill. Sad time for the plastic hobby community as he will no doubt be missed by his friends and hobby enthusiasts around the world.
Harold

 

[wds0855]

Very sorry to hear this. His playsets were fun and very affordable. I have enjoyed many of them over the years. He will be missed by family and customers alike I am sure.

Walt

 

[Al Fisher]

It's sad that so many of the old time collectors are passing on! We owe so much to them . . . not only were the mainstays of toy soldier shows for so many years, but they recruited many of use into the hobby. Their suggestions and encouragement was so important to us. Rest in peace, Bill.

Bosun Al

 

[marco55]

I couldn't say in better than George and Al.We are losing so many talented people in all areas of our hobby.Sad times indeed.
Mark