Mattel finally addresses the RLC backorders, and they are trying to make things right...

Now that wasn't so hard, was it Mattel?

Mattel finally addressed the backorder issue with its RLC models, admitting to some manufacturing issues that have compromised the quality of the models.  It seems to us that this could have been mentioned a long time ago, and it would have saved Mattel from a lot of the venom that has been directed towards them in the last few months.  But they finally have said something, and hopefully it puts some concerns to rest.

It does for us.  There are not a ton of RLC models we are excited about, but we were beginning to fear that the planned Toyota 2000GT, 4x4 Silverado, and '55 Gasser would never see the light of day. We now know they will, but just a little later than planned.

We understand that Mattel really owes collectors nothing when it comes to the models they send out to stores.  They create the lines, we decide whether or not to collect them.  But when it comes to the RLC, a group one must pay to join, an explanation for the delay seems a little more vital.  It came, but way too late.  We hope this calms down a lot of nerves, and the rest of the 2014-2015 RLC year will be smooth-running.  It seems the extension of the club membership time was a good idea.

We get that a second hobby for most collectors is to bitch and moan, and that has to get on Mattel's nerves.  But I would also suggest that collectors are a forgiving bunch, as long as they don't feel in the dark.  The problem could have been fixed a long time ago with a simple post like the one that just appeared.

Mattel got it right, just way too late...

Your thoughts?

Wondering why these Hot Wheels Speed Machines basic wheel variations exist? There is a precedent...

There has been a lot of discussion about what prompted the re-release of the final batch of Hot Wheels Speed Machines recently, as well as why instead of the standard comold wheels, these models sport basic OH5's.

I can't answer why they were re-released.  Obviously only Mattel can, but even that might be difficult.  We have heard one member of the design team who worked on Speed Machines say he had no knowledge of the second release.  It could be to fill an order that needed to be filled, but I don't know the first thing about how that works so I won't even try to figure it out.  (By the way, writing about speculating this or that probably comes from the fact that I have been reading a certain article on deadspin for the last hour.  I am sure many of you have been doing the same...)

What I can speculate about is the use of OH5 wheels instead of comolds.  Let's say Mattel did decide to fill a premium line order with the final batch of Speed Machines.  Maybe they had extra bodies and bases lying around, and this was a perfect way to get rid of them.  So the process starts, but there are no comold wheels to use.  Well, one of the most important rules is to keep the assembly line running, and don't stop for anything you don't have to, including wheels.  If there are no comolds, why not use some extra OH5's lying around?  We can do them up to closely resemble the comolds they are replacing, and we have our order filled...

Hence, if the model had grey comolds, now it has chrome OH5's.  Black comolds?  Use black OH5's.  Black with an orange outer rim?  You get the picture...

This has been done before.  Back in 2008, Matchbox released their first batch of that year's premium Superfast line.  The models sported either the classic wheel or standard "sport" Superfast 5-spoke wheel.  That was a bit of a surprise to collectors, as Mattel had told them that a new Superfast wheel was in the works and would debut in the 2008 line (that is the wheel you now see on many Matchbox models like the new Lambo Police).

However, a few months after the initial release of 2008 Superfast Batch A, the models all of a sudden reappeared in stores with basic wheels.  The four sports cars - Porsche 911 GT3, Bentley Continental, Volvo C30, and Audi RS6 Avant - had the basic 10-spoke wheel, and the two classics - Austin Mini Van and Cadillac Hearse - sported the trispokes.  Matchbox variation collectors went nuts trying to find them, and the trispoke Hearse especially became a very hot item, selling for premium prices on ebay.

The funny thing?  The staff at Mattel knew nothing about the wheel change.  I remember going the to the Matchbox Gathering in July, and the designers were the first people that wanted to see the wheel variations.  They speculated that the factory ran out of Superfast wheels, so they put together some regular wheels to look similar in style and used those.  The use of the basic wheels continued through the remainder of the 2008 Superfast range, and the original Superfast wheels returned in 2009, presumably because more had finally been manufactured to compensate for the delay of the new wheels.  The brand new 5-spoke wheel finally appeared in 2009 Batch B, and then moved to the basic range after the Superfast line was discontinued in 2010 to make way for the Lesney Editions.

Alright, I have fully geeked out talking about wheels.  I wonder if any of it made sense, or if any of you even care.  Nonetheless, running wheel switches like these have happened before, and it seems they can happen at the factory independent of any decisions made by the Mattel Design Team.

In other words, I have no idea why it happened.

The 2008 Superfast variations:

Cadillac Hearse

Bentley Continental GT

Audi RS6 Avant

Porsche 911 GT3

(Sorry for the photo quality on these next two.  These pics were taken several years and two cameras ago...)

Austin Mini Van

Volvo C30

October Matchbox Ambassador Report, Part 1: 60th Anniversary Full List & Sneak Peeks...

Hello fellow collectors!

It is nice to be back with another report, and lets call this Part 1 of 2.  I feel like a bit of a veteran now, having gotten my feet wet on the last report.  The distribution system I am using worked well last time, so we will do it again.  The report has been distributed via the Ambassador distribution list, and posted here on the Lamley Group Blog.  And as always, links to the report have been posted on several Matchbox-related websites and forums.

So here we go.  Another report on what I consider some fantastic models coming out.  Of course, as Ambassador, when you release a report these days you feel like you are feeding it to the wolves.  Being Ambassador gives you a bit more of a birds eye view of things, and also helps you gain a better understanding of Mattel and the Matchbox team's point of view, so watching what happens response-wise gets a bit frustrating.  Everyone has their opinions, but I don't know if the fact that this team truly goes to bat for the collector when they can is acknowledged enough.

When I say this team goes to bat for the collector, you need not look any further for evidence than the existence of the 60th Anniversary line.  The story is a long one, but I think it is fair to say that assumptions we all had that a set to commemorate the 60th Anniversary was a done deal were false.  But this team is very aware of the Matchbox heritage, and did all it could to make sure something was done.  And they prevailed.

What they have created is a lineup that gives a nod to the past, as well as a push towards the future.  Using the current lineup of existing tools, the team came up with 24 models (plus a chase) that not only pay homage to models in the past, but also highlight the brand's current focus.  Selections like the E-type Jag, VW Beetle, and Aston Martin DBS Volante are tributes to earlier Lesney castings.  Likewise, Matchbox's construction and emergency vehicle heritage is also acknowledged by the inclusion of similar tools from the current range.

As you look at the list, note the inclusion of a handful of brand new 2013 tools, as well as models that will appeal to international markets.

(One other note: This is the official list below.  Partial lists were sent out by Mattel to hobby dealers with instructions to not release the information, but there were some that did otherwise.)

Without further ado (those who know me know I am full of "ado"), the 60th Anniversary lineup:


68 Mustang GT/CS (MB 812)
Austin Mini Cooper S (MB765)
Volkswagen T2 Bus (MB734)
Jeep Wrangler Superlift (MB832)
Vintage Tractor (MB834)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Police (MB808)
Porsche 911 GT3 (MB792)
1962 Volkswagen Beetle (MB363)
Quarry King (MB737)
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia (MB867)
Ford F-350 Superlift Brush Truck (MB837)
Renault Master Ambulance (MB885)
Aston Martin DBS Volante (MB823)
Route Master London Bus (MB694) (used again as chase model)
Urban Tow Truck (MB830)
Land Rover Defender 110 (MB838)
All Terrain Crane (MB882)
Ground Grinder (MB886) (formerly road grader)
Blaze Blitzer (MB881) (formerly European fire engine)
BMW R1200 RT-P Police Motorcycle (MB841)
76 International Scout 4x4 (MB864)
Austin FX4 London Taxi (MB667)
61 Jaguar E-type (MB688)
2012 Ford Explorer (MB860)



And how about some sneak peeks?

The approach to each model is to give it a higher level of deco than a basic car, and that level will vary with each.  Beside the unique packaging (which will be shown later), the 60th Anniversary will be highlighted by placing the logo on various locations on each model.  You might see it on the front, side, top, or rear.

These models are shown here with Permission from Mattel.

Austin Mini Cooper S
There will be additional deco on the rear, which will include the 60th logo.

68 Mustang GT/CS
There will be tampo on the rear lights.

Vintage Tractor
60th logo will be on the other side, and will be painted matt orange.

Jeep Wrangler Superlift
This will also have rear markings.

Ford F350 Superlift
A nod to the oft-used non-licensed National Parks livery.  I have yet to find out if the color is the same.

Volkswagen T2 Bus
The Bus will also feature rear tail lights and markings.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Police
My favorite of this current batch of sneaks, with an obvious nod to...well, you know what country Lesney called home.  And yes, rear graphics on this one as well.

These seven are great indicators of what is to come with the other 18 models, and the series as a whole. I am truly looking forward to pursuing this set as it arrives in the coming months.

And this is not the only place in the 2013 lineup that the 60th Anniversary of Matchbox will be acknowledged.  Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Ambassador Report to find out more...

First Look: Hot Wheels Mars Rover Curiosity...

Hot Wheels does get all the fun, doesn't it?  Maybe we will learn the story behind this model at some point, but it would be interesting to know who approached whom.  And how much risk was involved.  If this mission failed, are the dumspters at the factory full of Wall-E looking castings, while the crew works overnight to produce another Mustang?

Who knows.  Who cares.  The mission has been a success, and all the JPL nerds have Hot Wheels to take home with them.  That is cool.

I have been on a few forums reading about the response to this model.  I think there is genuine excitement about it.  Although some have said it does not have the details of the real thing.  Uh.......duh!  It is a representation of the real vehicle, and a great little diecast model to have.  The demand for it has been crazy high, and once it hits the pegs it will probably be grabbed up like Super Hunts, at least for awhile. 

Now, we know the real thing can gather, analyze, and transmit all kinds of valuable data, but we still don't know one key piece of information about it.  How does its Hot Wheels counterpart perform on the track?

Who is going to figure that out?


Hot Wheels Mars Rover Curiosity (2012 New Models):

Find the Mars Rover Curiosity at Wheel Collectors...

August Matchbox Ambassador Report, Part 2(A): More details on 2013 5-packs...

I was able to get further details on what the 5-packs will look like in 2013:

1. As mentioned before, 4 of the 12 5-packs will feature models taken from the mainline.

2. Each of the 8 remaining 5-packs will feature 4 exclusive vehicles and one pulled from the mainline. That means that a little over half of the 60 vehicles slated for the 2013 5-packs will have exclusive decos.

3. The 12 5-pack themes for 2013 are as follows (those featuring 5 mainline vehicles are highlighted in red):

· JUNGLE
· EXOTIC
· RESCUE RESPONSE
· BEACH
· DESERT
· MOUNTAIN
· OUTDOOR
· CONSTRUCTION
· POLICE
· BATTLE MISSION
· AIRPORT
· CITY

There is no way around the fact that this is a disappointing development for collectors. What Mattel has told me is that making this adjustment allows them to be able to create more exclusive decos for the 60th Anniversary and other lines.

Truthfully, if those limitations have been set, I would much rather have a collector-oriented 60th Anniversary line instead of an all-exclusive Construction 5-pack, but that is just my opinion.

One other note, the fifth vehicle in the Exotics 5-pack will be the MB609 Mustang GT Concept, which will be pulled from the mainline.

As always, many thanks to the Mattel team for sharing this info with us so quickly. They obviously know this won't sit well with collectors, but at least they are willing to keep us in the loop, no matter what the response.

Part 3 will be posted as soon as Mattel sends over the answers to collector questions. Until then...

-jtl

August Matchbox Ambassador Report, Part 2: Upcoming Mainline Models & 5-pack Models...

As promised, Part 2 of the Matchbox Ambassador Report for August.  Part 3, which answers collector questions, will come in a few days.

As always, these photos are presented here with permission from Mattel:


2012/2013 Mainline:

Many of the details of the what is coming for the remainder of 2012 and some of what to expect in 2013 was broken down by the previous Ambassador, Shabbir Malik, in his final report.  Below are some photos of upcoming models.

Let's start with a new tool for 2012.  It was shown at the Gathering last month, but here is another look at the new 4x4 garbage truck, called the Garbage Grinder.

Alright, now that we've got that out of the way, on to 2013!  Mattel has provided photos of several upcoming models in the basic range.  No new tools yet, but here are some new decos to look forward to:

We will start with a new color on the Batmobile, which was introduced this year.  The black over grey gives it a more menacing look than the debut version.

Next, the BMW Police Motorcycle looking great in a livery similar to police vehicles in Europe and Australia.  Can anyone tell me if there is a police force this livery most closely resembles?

Another model of note, the Austin Mini Cooper S.  This red version is the first of three versions to be released in 2013.  In addition to the basic model in red, there will be a black version with the 60th Anniversary logo that will be a 9/10-pack exclusive, and finally a 3rd version in the 60th Anniversary range, with its own deco and illustrated box.  Lots of fun for the Mini Cooper fans.

Finally, some more upcoming 2013 basic range models (starting with the Ambassador's favorite in this batch of sneak peaks):

Cadillac CTS Wagon

Chevy Van

ATV

SWAT Truck

Skidster

Jeep Wrangler Superlift

Cliff Hanger

2013 5-packs:

First off, some news on 5-packs for 2013.  5-packs will be set up differently, as 4 of the 12 packs will not have exclusive decos.  For these 4 packs, models will be selected from the mainline and used based on the theme.  The other 8 will feature exclusive models.  I am not yet aware of the reasoning behind this, but that info is coming soon, so stay tuned.

Here are parts of two upcoming exclusive 5-packs.  First, here are 3 models from the Jungle 5-pack:

Jeep Wrangler

Jungle Crawler

Road Tripper

And lastly, here are 4 out the 5 models in the upcoming Exotics 5-pack.   This marks the very welcome return of "street" cars to the 5-pack lineup, after no street-car-themed packs in 2012.  I am looking forward to getting my hands on this pack when it hits the pegs.  And in case you are wondering, I am already trying to pry the identity of the fifth car out of Dave Weise.

Fisker Karma

Ford GT

Ford Shelby Cobra

Porsche 911 Carrera

That is it for the sneak peaks for August.  Keep checking back for Part 3, where Mattel answers collector questions...

-jtl