First Look: Matchbox 60th Anniversary Routemaster Double Decker Bus standard and chase versions...

We are going to dedicate this entire day to the Matchbox Routemaster.  As well we should.  It is a model that totally deserves a little love.  Two versions have been released recently, and the Matchbox team released the first sneak peaks of the modern Double Decker just a couple of days ago.

So this morning we are going to showcase those two new versions, along with a shot of each Routemaster released previously since the casting's debut in 2006.

Both versions this year, the 60th Anniversary standard AND the chase, highlight what the future will be for the Routemaster casting.  According to Mattel, the model is too big, has too much metal, as well as too many pieces, to be basic model.  It is just too expensive to produce.  So it will take the premium route.  Think of it as Matchbox's version of the Hot Wheels Drag Bus.

So here it is taking the premium route to great effect.  The standard version, sporting a large Union Jack on either side, not-too-subtly pays tribute to Matchbox's origins.  It is also the first version to sport the very appropriate disk wheels.  But the star of the show is definitely the chase.  The clean deco combined with the spectraflame red paint make this bus the best version yet.  Plus the nod to Hackney, Lesney's home in the UK, gives it that final perfect touch.

The Double Decker is an iconic UK vehicle, but also an iconic Matchbox casting.  There have been several versions over Matchbox's history, so kudos to the Matchbox team for making it the symbol of the 60th lineup.

(2013 Routemasters for sale...)


Matchbox Routemaster Bus (2013 60th Anniversary standard & chase variants):

The Routemaster Family:

2006 Basic

2007 Best of British

2007 Matchbox Gathering of Friends Dealer exclusive

2007 Basic

2008 Best of British

2008 Basic

2008 Dream Halloween

2009 Best of British

2009 Basic

2010 Basic

2013 Toy Fair

2013 60th Anniversary Chase

2013 60th Anniversary

There is another Code 1 Bus mixed throughout as some of you know.  There have been seven gold Routemasters produced for the outgoing Matchbox Ambassador.  The 8th will be given away this July (I hope).

Family Portrait: The Hot Wheels AMC Javelin collection of HWC's1.eyed.jack...

I love family portraits. No, not those hanging on the walls of many homes that reveal bad hair choices made in the past. Nor the process of standing awkwardly while an over zealous photographer gets to know me a little too well while positioning me for a photo I don't want to be a part of. Of, and persists on calling my father "dad", as in "ok dad, let's have you sit here and we will put mom here and sis here and...". You get the picture (so to speak).

Anyway, the family portraits I am referring to photos done by collectors of their entire collection of one casting. That could include colors, wheel variations, etc. I am a completist of many models, and enjoy taking those pics as well. And I will show a few in the future.

But I also like showing those from other collectors. In this case, HWC member 1.eyed.jack posted a pic of his Javelin collection. Jack is to the HW Javelin what I am to, say, the HW Datsun Bluebird 510 (among many others). If there is a variation, I want it.

And I thought Jack's collection was cool to see. I even had a hand in helping him. The OH5 10-pack version in metallic brown was one I found, and traded it to Jack for a very rare 10sp Nissan GT-R in black. We both made out very well in that trade.

If you have a family portrait you want to share, post on the Lamley Group Facebook page or email it to lamleygroup@gmail.com.

Thanks Jack!