The greater Matchbox universe turns its attention toward Albuquerque this weekend, as the 8th annual Matchbox-oriented “MCCH Route 66 International Gathering of Friends” event takes over the Albuquerque Marriott. There will be no on-site registration; the event sold out months ago. For those who got in early, it will be the usual assortment of catching up with old friends and trading some really cool toys. Er, we mean, trading some exclusive low-production hand-crafted quality diecast collectibles for the discriminating consumer.

For those not registered, there will be two certain highlights. First will be the room-to-room trading. A diecast fan hasn’t lived until he or she has walked into a hotel room, only to see every square inch of flat surface–beds, night-tables, drawers, desks, windowsills, extra ironing boards borrowed from housekeeping–covered in toys for sale. Rooms stay open throughout the weekend, depending on the activities (although with a club-only dinner and auction on Saturday night, there will be few rooms open at that time). The second will be the toy sale taking up the ballroom on the ground floor of the Albuquerque Marriott. More than a hundred tables filled with anything and everything in the realm of diecast cars: old, new, Matchbox, Hot Wheels, the newest brands, classic models you never knew existed, all will be available, and often at prices that will ensure that everyone goes home happy.