The 45th Annual National Farm Toy Show is still currently scheduled for November 4, 5 and 6, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa.
National Farm Toy Show 2022
- By First Gear, Inc.
- Aug 15, 2022
First Gear, Inc.
30th Anniversary
- By First Gear, Inc.
- Feb 9, 2022
30 years ago today, Rich Knight, Terry Leonard, and Gary Roop came together to form their own diecast company. They argued over what to call the company, but ultimately went with First Gear as everyone knows when driving a stick shift, you always start out in first. The company’s roots began in Downtown Dubuque at 801 Jackson St. developing their signature promotional 1/34 scale for custom imprinting. First Gear’s first model ever produced was a 1951 Ford Dry Goods Van.
First Gear’s level of detail and quality set them apart from their competitors and the idea of getting your own custom diecast replica took off. The company quickly expanded their offerings with more models and in 1993 they moved west to setup shop in Peosta.
Fall of 1993 - Joel Wood (Graphics), Terry Leonard (Legal), Deb Schuster (Accounting), Fred Waelchi (Sales), Mike Drapeau (Warehouse), and Rich Knight (Owner)
Knight Family breaks ground at new Peosta headquarters, 1995
Business took off in the mid 90’s and by 1995, First Gear broke ground on their very own facility in Peosta at 8668 Kapp Dr where they are located today. The new facility allowed them to ship product globally, warehouse product, and expand their staff.
2001 First Gear Staff Photo
In 2018 First Gear acquired its leading competitor, Die-Cast Promotions, driving home the fact that First Gear is one of the leading diecast companies in the U.S. producing premium diecast replicas. Today we are proud to continue serving the diecast community and our clients worldwide with a product and a business that will last for generations to come.
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
The Folks at First Gear
8668 Kapp Drive
Peosta, IA 52068
563-582-2071
Mid-America Truck Show 50th Anniversary
- By First Gear, Inc.
- Jan 28, 2022
The 50th Anniversary of MATS is schedule for March 24-26, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky
Toy Truck 'N Construction Show
- By First Gear, Inc.
- Jul 21, 2021
The 31st Annual National Toy Truck 'N Construction show will be held August 6-8, 2021.
July 2021 Releases
- By First Gear, Inc.
- Jul 19, 2021
Check out our July 2021 NEW RELEASES! CALL NOW to place your pre-order for these items!
June 2021 Releases
- By First Gear, Inc.
- Jun 22, 2021
Check out our June 2021 NEW RELEASES! CALL NOW to place your pre-order for these items!
May 2021 Releases
- By First Gear, Inc.
- May 3, 2021
Check out our May 2021 NEW RELEASES! CALL NOW to place your pre-order for these items!
PPAI Expo 2021
- By First Gear, Inc.
- Nov 2, 2020
The countdown to the 2021 PPAI Expo is on! Mark your calendars for January 11-14, 2021 for an online virtual show - PPAI Expo Direct-2-You. Show is only available to PPAI Distributor and Exhibitor Members.
The Busted Knuckle Garage®
- By First Gear, Inc.
- Sep 1, 2020
First Gear has teamed up with The Busted Knuckle Garage® to offer a new brand of unique and run replicas for car and truck enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NEW First Gear website!
- By First Gear, Inc.
- Jul 22, 2020
For the past several months we've been building a new website with enhanced features. One of the best new features is that we are mobile friendly, hooray! You can now browse through our product catalog from the comfort of your bed late at night trying to figure out what replica would look best on your shelf.