September 17 Matchbox Ambassador Report, by Nigel Cooper...

Matchbox Ambassador Nigel Cooper is back with this week's report:

Ambassador Report 4

September has been a very busy month for the Matchbox team, so much so that there was no time for the Matchbox team to send messages or photos during normal working hours for this report. It is therefore with grateful thanks to Dave Weise for this update as he gave up time on Saturday and Sunday to ensure this material reached me. The final email was sent some time after midnight and so I do pay tribute to such dedication. 

Thank you again for your responses. I am pleased that most of you like the dip into Matchbox past and I will continue to do this. Several collectors asked to see the Matchbox Sierra I won in 1983 and here it is. I have always been indebted to Paul Carr when he worked in R & D in Enfield for designing a replacement colour scheme in the guise of a white Rally Sierra XR4i with my name on the roof.

There have been several motor-cycles in the miniature range, though apart from the Honda on a trailer released in 1967 and the plastic bikes on the Holden Pick-up, all have been out of scale with the rest of the range. I do not think that this bothered children as they generally sold well.

The first Matchbox motor cycle and sidecar, a Triumph T110, originally had the number 78 cast on to the base and was one of Odell’s favourite models, but in 1960 a decision was taken to limit the range to 75 models and replace poorer selling or smaller models. 

There was a slight delay in the production of new models in 1960 whilst the moulds were changed to accommodate a new number. Hence, the number 4 on the base of the Triumph is cast on to a small plinth to hide the original number. (The Massey Tractor was a good seller but the recently introduced Fordson Major Tractor was a much bigger model and deemed to be better value for money).

I asked Jack Odell why the box for 66b Harley Davidson shows a blue model and yet the issued model was copper coloured. There had been considerable debate about the colour this model should be. The colours of the Triumph and the Lambretta were colours seen on the real bike and scooter in the UK. Apparently after the Harley boxes had been ordered Odell decided that the blue paint did not make the model look “big enough”. It must have been a very late decision to produce the Harley in copper colour but I have never seen a blue pre-production model and I presume few if any were made. It was a poor seller and yet today it commands a higher than average price for a mint and boxed example.

The first photo of new releases is of a BMW R1200GS motorcycle. It is a new tool and not a retool of the Police version. This motorcycle is a touring/off road motorcycle. I am sure collectors will be pleased to learn that it will be heavier than usual since it will have 2 die-cast parts which are necessary for the manufacturing process.  This is a 2013 tool and is on schedule.  The yellow version arrives first for this year. The blue version is for 2014. 

Collectors generally feel that the current BMW motor-cycles disappear from the shelves quite quickly especially given the fact that there are two very distinct olive shades on the latest version. One would think that these civilian bikes will probably be just as popular. 

Mattel Responses to Collector Questions

4. FROM A CERTAIN DUTCH COLLECTOR

• In the first and second wave of the Skybusters some 2012 models were packed in new 2013 Blisters. This could be explained by the W-number. However in wave B there are three models which have never been issued with a W-number. Two of them also have another variation in that they are a different colour but packed in the SAME box. Why do Matchbox put two versions of the same casting in a wave of 12 Models? 

This is mainly a schedule requirement.  Some models will carry forward from previous years and may be in waves with newer versions of the same model.  We try to space both versions out when we can. 

• Are there any more 2012 (W-numbers) to be expected in 2013. 

Not sure . Would need to check the schedules.

• When could we expect the final Sky Buster issue list of 2011, 2012 and 2013. 

It is time consuming to review these lists. Would need to send at a later date .

• When are we getting the sequence number (1/36, 2/36) back on the blister for Sky Busters 

Refer to answer given above.  

• When are we getting the sequence number (1/120) back on the blister for MB75?

I assume you are referring to ROW cards??  I cannot confirm at this time.

• Matchbox being a multinational company could at last have the Spanish language printed on to the models, at least it would make a change from just English. It would be nice to have 5 packs with models reflecting 5 different languages!!!!! 

Languages and their use on vehicles is a complicated legal and political issue due to translation issues in certain countries. It is an interesting idea however.  

• Australian collectors would like a new Holden or Ford. 

We will not be pursuing any new Holden or Ford for Australia at this time.

(Best I can do for our Aussie friends then are two pre-pro Holden pick-ups in white, not cream, and olive green from the days of Lesney)

• It is claimed that Ford in Europe have eased up regarding licensing requirements. Are any new Fords planned? 

There have never been issues with Ford of Europe regarding licensing. I cannot comment if new European Fords are on the radar. 

• General Comments from collectors:     The new designs pictured are certainly giving off the right kind of impression. I like the look of the Toyota 4-Runner very much. The overall livery is fun but not cheap and the choice of wheel design certainly compliments the look.  

We are glad that this model is well liked.

The following images are for Sky Busters.  Mattel knows that there are some collectors who are interested in them and so here are some of the latest issues.

New Sky Busters Air Grabber in orange for 2013 and a green version is for 2014

 This Sikorsky helicopter will be part of the 2014 Police Mission Force pack.

The next 4 aircraft will be part of 2014 Sky Buster Singles.

Whilst on the subject of Helicopters, here is the 2014 version from the Dino Adventure 5 pack.

Finally, here is a blister card that was hand-made at the Matchbox factory that never went into production. Some of the letters from “Diecast” have fallen off.

Nigel Cooper

September 17th 2013

July 15th Matchbox Ambassador Update: More 2014 sneaks, some news on Sky Busters, and this year's Gathering auction...

Greetings collectors...

Well, this is a bittersweet day.  I have officially submitted my final weekly update as the 8th Matchbox Ambassador.  I have one more report to submit following this week's Matchbox Gathering, and I will share some thoughts then, but this is my last weekly update.  It has been quite a run, but I am more than happy to pass the reigns over to Victim #9...

But there is not space for sentiments right now because we have a lot to get to.  Mattel has provided me with my last batch of sneaks to cover, and we have some details on the upcoming Gathering, which starts Friday in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Let's start with the sneaks, plus a little news.  As always, these photos are shown with permission from Mattel:

We will start with two singles set to be released in the 2014 range.  Have a gander at the 2014 versions of the BMW Police Motorcycle and Urban Tow Truck:

A little tidbit from Mattel on these two: both are slated for a tooling modification later in 2014.  I don't know if that means that these two versions will see the changes, but it is something to look out for.  Let's see who will be the first to notice them...

Next, four models from the upcoming 2014 Arctic Adventure 5-pack: Vantom, Blizzard Buster, Frost Fighter, and ATV:

Now, a little about the Sky Busters Mission Force sets.  Up until now, the Mission Force sets have included two Sky Busters vehicles, a Real Working Rig, and a basic Matchbox vehicle.  Moving forward, Mission Force sets will no longer include a Real Working Rig.  Instead, they will consist of two Sky Busters and three basic vehicles, all with exclusive decos.  Here is a partial preview of one of those sets in 2014, the Space Mission Force set: the Shuttle (it can't called the Space Shuttle without the NASA markings), Express Delivery, and ATV (look for the ED and ATV deco's in an upcoming 2014 playset as well):

Lastly, some news on a significant change to the Sky Busters line.  In an effort to improve the overall aesthetic of the models, the Matchbox team has created new landing gear that will be included on most of the models for 2014.  Gone is the awkward metal axle on the rear landing gear, as well as the rivet on the front gear.  In their place comes new, more realistic landing gear.  They will continue to have tiny wheels that turn, but now on much more realistic gear.  If you look closely at the Shuttle above you can see the new gear.  Or just take a look at the F-35B in its 2014 deco:

I think we can agree that this is a welcome change and a vast improvement to the overall look of the Sky Busters.

So there you go, my last batch of sneaks provided by Mattel.  But I do get a little bonus.  The Mattel team is bringing to the Gathering several prototypes of 2013 and 2014 models in various stages of development to show to collectors as part of their presentation.  They have granted me permission to photograph them in my little Lamley photo studio, so I will be able to show them to everyone as part of my report on the Gathering next week.  I will also be posting photos from the Gathering throughout the weekend here on the Lamley Group blog, so check back often.  I will have photos of the exclusive models, auction items, and many other goodies.

Speaking of the Gathering exclusives, Jim Gallegos, the organizer of the MC International Gathering of Friends, has been nice enough to provide us another sneak peek of the Code 1 Exclusive models made by Mattel.  Last week we showed the Dinner and Dealer Models, and now we have the world exclusive of the Early Bird Model, the rarest of them all.  Only 75 have been made, and it will be given to the lucky 75 first registrants of the Gathering.  It is a variant on the Dinner Model.  Sit down, because this one is a stunner:

Here is another angle:

Ok, maybe Jim got a little nuts with the crop function on his computer again, but still, a real beauty, eh?  You first 75 are VERY lucky...

Alright, finally, some detail on another part of the Gathering that many come to witness: the charity auction to benefit Rachel's Courtyard, the playground in the sky at the Children's Center at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Combine a great cause with the nutty collector's appetite for rarities, and you have one entertaining show.  Collectors, including yours truly, come ready to spend.  Mattel gets into the action by donating preproduction models and prototypes, and those donations usually fetch the most.

Well Jim has provided this year's auction list, and it is below for your perusal.  There have been some very generous donations from some very generous collectors.  There might be some additions as we get closer to the auction, and Jim will make sure those attending will know what they are.  There are some great items, starting with Mattel's donations, pictured below:

It's gonna be fun.  Here are all the donated items, listed by number (Mattel's are intermixed in):

1.  Tomica Long London Bus "Barnes Pianos"

2.  Hot Wheels Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-R "Kenmeri", Signed by "Mary" Star from Japanese Commercial from 1970

3.  Blizzard Buster E/P, unspun metallic black body, non polished window, tan treads, chassis has no engraving

4.  Model of Yesteryear Y-31-1 Morris Courrier. (Special 10/10 model for attendees who have attended all 10 Conventions) 1 of 36 overall Code 2 models made for the Leipzig Convention.

5.  Battle Kings Armored Personnel Carrier F/S Plated body, pink gun, white chassis without engraving china casting

6.  K-29 Ford Van "Mr. Softy" Mint Moxed

7.  56 Buick Century Police car E/P white body, VUM base no engraving

8.  Hot Wheels "Sunburnerz" full set of 5

9.  Matchbox 'Regular Wheel #4 Triumph Motorcycle "Smooth Tread"

10.  Austin Mini Van 1965 F/S, raw zamak, black base, non polished window, gray interior

11.  Matchbox Austin Mini Cooper, "Mattel Nurnberg 2008" Code 2 model made for the Nurnberg International Toy Fair.  Less than 50 made in Dark Green

12.  Isuzu Amigo Retool E/P non production blue body, brown interior, VUM base no front grill or chassis engraving

13.  Matchbox, My Classic Car and Show Case Assortment (5pieces)

14.  Matchbox Shand Mason "Gold Plated": 1 of 3 in existence produced by Matchbox USA

15.  Special 1 of 4 Cadillac Print by Mattel Designer Michael Heralda

16.  Matchbox Premier Conoy "Mayflower"

17.  BMW 1M 2013 assembled E/P, non production yellow body, VUM chassis, tan interior, white wheels

18.  Gold Matchbox toy fair London bus in clear case

19.  Matchbox Taco Bell 4 Piece Set

20.  Blaze Blitzer 2013 E/P unspun, non production metallic green body, VUM chassis, tan interior

21.  White Rose "Coors Light Race Car in case" #4452 of 5000`

22.  Ford Explorer (police) 2012 E/P unspun non production white body, tan interior, blue window, no engraving on chassis.

23.  Matchbox Regular Wheel #46B 'Beales Bealesons' Removal Van

24.  Matchbox Regular Wheel #67 Saladin Armoured Car

25.  Real Working Rigs Freightliner Vacuum Truck : E/P, non production tan parts, VUM and blue body details, non production red base

26.  Matchbox Cadillac Sedan de Ville "MCCD at MICA" Code 2 Made by the German Matchbox Collectors Club Deutshland MCCD. Distributed to attendees in 2010

27.  Land Rover SVX E/P unspun plated body, black interior, gray base non production lettered tires

28.  Matchbox 1994 Christmas Treasures Morris Ornaments. 4 piece set.

29.  Real Working Rigs : Tactical Police Truck E/P , non production pearl white body, tan base, VUM chassis, green wheels

30.  Matchbox y-22 Ford Model A Van "Matchbox and Lesney Toy Museum" #0064 of #2000

31. Seagrave fire Engine E/P non production orange body, VUM chassis, no engraving

32.  All Terrain Crane 2013 E/P unspun with non production green body, VUM base, tan interior and red boom.

33.  Color Comp Matchbox Cadillac Ambulance "San Luis Obispo Fire Chief") 1 of 3 made in Orange

34.  Renault Ambulance 2013 E/P, non production tan body, white chassis

35.  Matchbox Promos, 3 pieces (Ford Lightning "Astros"), Chevy Suburban "Mastercard"), (Ford Transit "Dunton Engineering")

36.  Flame Smasher 2013 E/P non production tan body, black base, non production wheels, non engraving on base

37.  Matchbox Regular Wheel #46B Pickford Van- rear bumper

38.  MCI Bus with 2000 Disney parks graphics, white body

39.  German PS 1000 Set

40.  Urban Tow truck E/P unspun, metallic red, non production VUM base, tan interior

41. White Rose "Coors Light Race Car in case" #2306 of 6750`

42. Gold Matchbox toy fair London bus in clear case

43.  Color Comp Matchbox Seagrave Fire Engine "San Luis Obispo Fire" 1 of 55 made

44.  Ground Breaker E/P unpainted body, non production VUM base, purple shovel, no engraving on base

45.  DAF XF 95 Truck cab F/S non painted body, white base with no engraving , with convoy wheels

46.  Hot Wheels Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-R "Kenmeri" Signed by "Mary" Star from Japanese Commercial from 1970

47.  Convoys : White Ford Aeromax cab & box trailer with Pepsi graphics

48.  Real Working Rigs Colet K/30E Jaguar: E/P , with non production VUM window, no body graphics, Non production blue body and VUM base

49.  Hot Wheels set of 4 Movie Cars, Ferris, Back to the Future, Beverly Hills Cop, Rockford Files

50.  Deluxe Convoys Rig with Yellow MAC cab and VUM tanker trailer will Shell oil graphics. Has deluxe 2pc wheels

51.  Hot Wheels Boulevard set of 5 vehicles.  Bronco, Corvette Porsche

52.  Matchbox Color Comp set- 10 models from Matchbox USA events

53.  Matchbox Pre Pro "Morphed Viper"

54.  4X4 Fire truck E/P, non production pink chassis and interior, metallic green body, non polished window, no chassis engraving

55.  Ford Transit Connect E/P, non production flat blue body, non engraved black base, tan interior & unpolished window

56. Matchbox Pre Pro "Stealth"

57.  Real Working Rigs : Farm Sprayer E/P with non production yellow body, black sprayer arms

58. Matchbox K-49 Ambulance "Malteser Hilfdienst"

59. Tomica Long London Bus "DFPS Seaways"

60. Matchbox Superfast #57 "Land Rover Fire Truck"

61.  Color Comp Matchbox Cadillac Ambulance "San Luis Obispo Fire Chief") 1 of 15 made in Red

62.  Motoyama "Penzoil" Nissan GTR Racer, very detailed.

63.  Gold Matchbox toy fair London bus in clear case

64.  Convoys: Dark Blue Kenworth Cab & Box trailer with Matchbox Action System graphics

65.  City Bus E/P non production Red body, tan interior, unpolished window ,  black chassis with no engraving

66.  Land Rover Defender 110 retool E/P , non production Dark blue body, unpolished window , black interior.

67.  Gold Matchbox toy fair London bus in clear case

68.  MCI Bus with JAWS graphics & blue and white body with deluxe 2pc wheels

69.  Audi RS6 Avant F/S, unspun , unpainted body, non production tan interior and black base

70.  Real Working Rigs Freightliner Vacuum Truck : E/P, non production tan parts, VUM and blue body details, non production red base

71.  Real Working Rigs: MAN TGS Flat Bed Truck E/P with unpainted cab, non production tan rails, red boom & blue base

72.  Pre Pro Matchbox Volvo P1800S, Model from 2010 Gathering

73.  Husky 1571 Pedestrian Figures (1967-69) Mint on card

74.  Lone Star 11 Gran Turismo Coupe "Corvette", 1960's C9+ in Mini Mite Box

75. Lone Star 402 Mini Garage 1960's C9+ Impy Accessory Box

76.  Benbros 13 Austin Champ 1950's, C9.5 in Box w/ 1 flap missing

77.  Matchbox Pre Pro Mercedes SLR McLaren From 2009 Gathering


Hmmmm, I think we have covered it all.  One more report to go, covering the Gathering, the news from Mattel, the preview of new castings for 2014, as well as the announcement of the new Ambassador.  Remember, check in several times here during the weekend for updates, and check back here at this time next Monday to get the full report.

Until then...

May 6 Matchbox Ambassador Update: New Sky Busters and other new models...

Greetings fellow collectors...

We now enter the month of May, which means the countdown to The Matchbox Collectors International Gathering of Friends in July has begun.  We mention it here for several reasons.  The first is because it is simply a can't-miss event.  I have gone the last five times, and this will be my sixth.  The second is because the Albuquerque, New Mexico event has been adopted by Mattel as their yearly event.  Members of the Matchbox Design and Marketing team attend, mingle with the collectors, and preview the next year's new models and direction.  It is always an interesting time.  If you are thinking of attending, I highly suggest you try.  We hope to see many of you there...

(Oh, and there is that other reason that attendees return home with Code 1 exclusives, many times the best-looking models Matchbox will produce all year.  So there's that...)

But before that, we still have a lot to cover for 2013.  Mattel has many FEP's coming in, and we will preview them here each week as we normally do.  There are many to get to, so let's get started.  As always, these photos are provided with permission from Mattel...

We said last week we had something new for Sky Busters.  We do.

First, I asked the team about an interesting development reported from Brazil.  Sky Busters have been found in Brazil packaged as Hot Wheels.  I asked if these were official Hot Wheels models, and in fact they are.  This is Mattel's way of getting some Matchbox models into markets that do not accept both brands.  Mattel won't elaborate, but some countries don't take both brands, so doing this allows product to get into those markets.  The repackaged Matchbox-as-Hot Wheels models could show up in other markets, but I was not provided a list (I have heard that they have been reported in China).  And this only applies to Sky Busters at this point.  If you see them in your area, let us know.

We also have a brand new extension of the Sky Busters line to announce, called the Color Shifters.  This is a series of 10 planes, each coming with a water squirter (not shown below) that will clip onto the axles of each model.  When the wings are squirted with or dipped in warm water, they reveal a new deco and different color.  Cold water changes them back.  So look for this series of 10 planes soon, including a playset with one of these models as well.

Here are a couple of examples of what to look for:

Thunderbolt (cold)

(warm)

Stealth Launch (cold)

(warm)

Turbo Tornado (cold)

(warm)

We also have a few new decks to show from various lines.

I did ask about the UFO Mission Force set we saw partly previewed last week.  The VW T2 Bus does not glow in the dark, and the other three models included in the set will be the Flying Saucer and Twin Blast Sky Busters, as well as the Satellite Communication Real Working Rig.  Here is the Flying Saucer:

We have another Mission Force model, this time from the Construction pack.  Have a gander at the RWR Excavator:

Lastly, two models from the basic range, including a brand new tool.  Say hello to the Deep Diver, Matchbox's new ocean adventure submarine:

Not a model I think any of us expected in the Matchbox lineup, but on its own it is very well executed. I think this can be a popular model with kids for sure.

Lastly, a new very attractive zamac deco for the Terrain Trouncer:

That is it for this week.  When I get sneaks from Mattel I try to keep a theme for each report, so look for another emergency theme and city life theme next week.  Two Ambulances that I am sure many of you will be happy to see, and a new deco for the ever-popular Seagrave Fire Engine.  Those, plus a new model for you street food eaters (yours truly included...).

Until then...