Meet Rick Brewer: Inside the Collection
Some people collect toys. Rick Brewer collects memories.
Jul. 26, 2026
Rick Brewer isn't your typical collector.
Like many collectors, he loves toys and pop culture from the 1970s and '80s. He's also handy enough to restore many of them to the way they looked when he was a kid. But what truly sets Rick apart is the reason behind his collection.
After suffering a stroke, Rick lost part of his memory. Now, every toy, action figure and piece of nostalgia helps unlock another piece of his past. One memory at a time, he's rebuilding his childhood through the collection he loves.
Today, Rick's collection includes around 3,500 items, and it's still growing every day. More than just a display of pop culture, it's a collection with heart, proving that sometimes the best treasures aren't just the ones you find, but the memories they bring back.
1. Shogun Sky Arrow II
The Shogun Sky Arrow II is part of the Shogun toy line and was one of the gifts Rick received for Christmas as a child. Today, it's one of his most prized possessions.
Rick remembered it was one of his favorite toys growing up, but after his stroke, his memory of it was hazy. Before he could find the toy, he first had to rediscover the memory of it.
When Rick finally tracked down the Shogun Sky Arrow II, the memories came soaring back. It was an emotional moment that reconnected him with a piece of his childhood.
Even better, Rick still has the original box, and at Collector's Call, we're always excited to see the box. Not only does it complete the display, but it also adds to the toy's value.
Released in the late 1970s, the Shogun Sky Arrow II is estimated by our expert to be worth around $200.
2. Star Trek: The Motion Picture Trailer
Star Trek holds a special place in Rick's collection because it brings back one of his earliest memories. It was one of the first movies his parents took him to see, and it became one of the items that helped launch his passion for collecting.
Rick remembers the impact Captain Kirk had on him, comparing Kirk's leadership and confidence to that of his own father. A self-described "Trekkie techie," Rick has always had a deep connection to the franchise.
Before losing part of his memory after his stroke, Rick could recall nearly every detail and quote from Star Trek.
According to our expert, this item would be worth around $300. But for Rick, its value goes far beyond a price tag. He would never sell it because it represents a special time in his life and a childhood memory that will always be out of this world.
3. CB Radio
This classic CB radio holds a very special place in Rick's heart.
Rick's parents loved taking pictures, and while looking through old family photos, he spotted something familiar: this CB radio. The moment he saw it, he started crying because he realized it was one of his favorite childhood toys.
For Rick, it was never just about the CB radio. It represented a specific moment in time and a memory he thought was lost. When he found the exact model in an online auction, still brand new in the package, he knew he had to bring it home.
After more than 40 years, the packaging had started to deteriorate, but Rick restored the CB radio and brought it back to life.
According to our expert, he had never seen one still in the box. Rick's discovery even brought back a memory our expert had forgotten about. While the CB radio was valued at around $400, its sentimental value is priceless.
4. Remco Bulldog Tank Toy
The Remco Bulldog Tank is a perfect example of the kind of toys Rick has always loved. Known for their realistic details, these toys appealed to Rick because he was drawn to items he could imagine using and recreating in real life.
This particular tank started as a repurposed piece with missing parts, but Rick tracked down the pieces needed to restore it into a complete unit. While there are still quite a few of these tanks out there, many are missing pieces after decades of play and wear since their release in the 1960s.
For Rick, this tank is more than just a collectible. It's another connection to his childhood and another piece of the past brought back to life.
According to our expert, this Remco Bulldog Tank would be worth around $300. More importantly, it proves Rick's dedication to rebuilding, restoring and crafting memories piece by piece.
5. Playskool McDonald's Playset
This McDonald's playset brings back a supersized serving of nostalgia for Rick.
The set includes a large play mat, a drive-thru, a cash register and miniature figures, capturing a time when McDonald's was a place where food and fun came together. Rick had no memory of this toy until he saw one again, and suddenly, a whole meal of memories came rushing back.
Rick was fortunate to find a set with many of the original parts and pieces, but he continued searching to track down the missing pieces and complete it. Today, the playset is in great condition and serves as another connection to his childhood.
Do you remember your favorite McDonald's Happy Meal toy?
According to our expert, this playset was a major marketing tool for McDonald's in the late 1970s. A complete set would be worth around $250.
6. Kodak Camera
This is a true Kodak moment.
This camera represents where Rick's collection journey began. Out of all the things Rick lost and later reacquired, this is one of the original items he received as a child.
Some memories are so powerful that even memory loss couldn't erase them. Rick always remembered this camera and the special meaning behind it. He treasures the thoughtfulness of his parents, especially his father, who gave him this camera because he knew Rick would take care of it.
For Rick, this camera represents more than just a collectible. It captures the appreciation, trust and bond he shared with his father.
According to our expert, this camera would be worth around $100 today, which is a great value for an item with so much history.
7. The total value of Rick's pop culture collection:
