Shrinking Models

A friend recently sent me photos of some very hard to find model horses that she'd just received. Her initial excitement had turned to dismay when she realized that one of the pieces was a shrinky.

Shrinkies are models from the late 1970s through the 1980s (there are exceptions to those dates)  that are degrading. Signs may include include a vinegar smell, liquid oozing from the model, or the shrinking of the model in size.

I check my collection periodically for shrinkies. While I am sad to see them deteriorate, I don't want them to get to the oozing stage and have liquid pooling on my shelves. The call from my friend prompted me to do a check. Here is a look at them, some of which I already knew about, while others who were a (sad) surprise.

The dapple grey Five Gaiter (1987 - 1988)

American Indian Pony (1988 - 1989)

Project Universe (1987 - 1989)

Dapple Grey Running Mare and Foal (1987 only)

The dark grey foal to the left of the shrinking mare (1991 only)

My sister's old smoke Western Prancer (which she got in the 1970s)

My very early chalky Western Horse (1951 - 1953)

You can see degradation of the plastic on his legs - it's rough, discoloring, and just a mess.

  

He lives in that box bottom - he can no longer stand and while he isn't yet oozing, I'm taking no chances.

Then there are some models in my collection that I am keeping an eye on. (There is some natural shrinkage as the models cool when they come out of the mold so height can vary a bit among pieces from the same mold. Those are not shrinky pieces.)

My JAH Saddlebred Weanling (1990)

Appaloosa Stock Horse Foal (1983 - 1986)

Golden Bay Clydesdale Stallion (1990 - 1991)

Dapple Grey Belgian (1979) He has been this size since I got him decades ago with no more changes, so I don't think he is a shrinky.

There are those who enjoy collecting shrinkies and actively look for them. While I did purchase the grey Running Mare and Foal because they were shrinking, the rest of the shrinkies in my collection began degrading after they'd been with me for a while.

Unwelcome surprises, but not unexpected. That's just a part of collecting.