Display fountains unique way to show off replicas

Die-cast replicas are clearly the most popular of racing's true collectibles. Yet, how to display those miniature masterpieces has presented collectors with a quandary since they first rose to prominence more than 15 years ago.

Some collectors just place them on a shelf or desk. Other industrious enthusiasts build elaborate dioramas. But in terms of store bought displays, there weren't many options. Until recently, the hobby has pretty much been limited to those clear acrylic cases that actually carried over from the scale plastic model market.

That all changed late last year when Backyard Distributors, Inc. (BDI) released its first series of driver-specific Die-cast Display Fountains.

Each fountain is made of durable, high-impact ABS plastic and designed to showcase a 1:24 scale die-cast car. The fountain features a low voltage light and pump, which flows water down the face of the checkered flag graphic and creates an appealing visual effect.

"Initial response to the BDI Die-cast Display Fountain has been overwhelming," said Harold Raymond, co-owner and vice president of BDI. "They are very colorful, and the flowing water is a popular feature with race fans. It generates attention and has a really calming effect. The light is just bright enough that it can double as a night light if need be. It's a great way to show off your favorite die-cast on a display that is specific to the driver of the car."

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Indeed, each BDI Die-cast Display Fountain is molded in team colors and decorated with the driver's name and car number. Team and sponsor logos are highlighted on the front and side panels.

Featured drivers include: Rusty Wallace, Jeff Green, Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick, Mark Martin, Kyle Petty, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dale Earnhardt, Michael Waltrip, Scott Riggs, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth, Joe Nemechek, and Robbie Gordon. A Victory Junction Gang Camp display fountain is also offered.

The Display Fountain measures 12.5"x10"x8.5" and has the on/off switch conveniently located on the cord.

The genesis of the BDI Die-cast Display Fountain is quite interesting. The concept evolved from another product that had nothing to do with racing.

"We used to own a lot of Aaron's rental franchises," Raymond explained. "While owning those stores, we developed a decorative fountain -- a backyard, front yard, indoor fountain. They were, or course, full size fountains, much larger than the Die-cast Fountain Displays. We produced them at a factory in Mexico and offered them for sale throughout the entire Aaron's chain. It was an extremely successful line. We were making about 8,000 fountains per month. That's what launched BDI."

Recognizing the burgeoning popularity of NASCAR through the Aaron's involvement with Michael Waltrip, Raymond and his business associates started looking at a way to adapt their fountain to racing.

"We took a look at the NASCAR collectibles market and saw that die-cast is the biggest seller," Raymond continued. "We also saw that there weren't very many types of display cases available-just a few plexiglas covered displays, wooden racks, and what have you. Nothing unique. So we came up with the idea of creating a smaller scale lighted fountain, adding the driver-specific decoration, and making it into a die-cast display. It's a unique piece that can fit in any situation. It really enhances the die-cast. It's amazing to watch people the first time they see the Die-cast Display Fountain. Their initial reaction is, 'Wow, I gotta have one.'"

BDI has taken the concept a step farther, designing similar display fountains for scale replica bass boats and even miniature motorcycles for Orange County Choppers. More innovative NASCAR products are in the offing, including a lug nut paper towel holder that we'll be spotlighting once they hit the market.