Pixar CARS: Marco Axelbender

So all of a sudden there seems to be a renewed batch of Pixar Cars being released to capitalize on the forthcoming launch of the new film, Cars 2. Whilst the models for the new film have been released in US&A (now there's a surprise) they have not crept into Europe as it yet.

So at the moment I am mopping up where I can...and some stuff is still coming through that may not have necessarily been released first time around.

Marco Axelbender featured as one of te security guards at the Piston Cup. A good model is this, with the usual standard of Mattel detail that has been prominent on these particular models over the last 3-4 years. I am a little concerned about some white flecking on the front of the car - not sure how that arose, however I am not going to crack the sads about it.

MB52 Ford F-350 Superlift (2012, 1-120)

It was a surprise to see a fair few of the 1-120 line for 2012 available in TRU, Croydon the other day.

I bought two of these examples - one preserved as usual for all my 1-75, and one to be opened so that I can really get a good look at the model.

The body of the model is metal - but as with most things these days, the chassis is plastic. Commentators such as Jono C lament and are so frustrated with this - in a bid to cut costs, yet it can't really be called a diecast model as it has plastic parts! How much rally more does it cost to produce a diecast base I wonder ?

This is a unusual model - Superlift is actually a brand which jacks up 4x4's and gives them a extreme makeover. Indeed, this one was also re-created on real life.

I am really not sure if this one will sell in Europe. Again, it is a vehicle not seen outside of the US&A. Kids want to see what is on the roads rather than what they can't see.

Yet, the Holden VE Ute has been an absolute flyer - it is a very sought after model, and little people can learn about this one and where it comes from. Read MB60 Holden Pick-up from 1977. This is how I learnt about Aussie cars.

I think that the problem with this one is is that if a child asks what is a 'Superlift' ', I am not sure if parents would be able to advise - another part of the learning process is teaching children where and what, so it would be important for me to understand the models being produced.

One very worrying thing about the model is the ease at which the top cage came off - dangerous to say the least and a choking hazard. I would not be happy giving this to a child at all.

I am sure that with a little detailing, this model would come up quite well. But will this one - with the expanded range - become the 2012 peg warmer?

Pixar Cars 2 - Officer (Chase model)

I have been threatening to write a blog post on the models I have got from the Disney Pixar Cars range for ages - for some reason I just can't get my arse into gear.

However, I am going to make more of an effort from now on in - famous last words.....

Of all the places that I would think I could by a chase model, Heraklion airport duty free is not one of them.

For those of you who may remember by Bali Airport post, I was in a trance like state when I copped eyes on the latest releases of the Cars 2 range. Some of these not even hit the shops yet in mainland Europe.

A simple and effective model - I can't even remember the part that this character played in the film!

What does puzzle me is that if these models are aimed at children, how on earth are they to properly realise that this is a chase model - more to the point, will they be checking eBay for this?

Vauxhall's RWD Ute - VXR8 Maloo

Forget your Ferrari's, lambo's and Porsche's - 

If you want thrills and fun, may I suggest a Ute. 

OK, this translates to a pick-up in Blighty, but Ute's are something of a legend in their native Australia. Tradies have been using them for years and Holden and Ford have always had performance versions within the range. 

I had a mission to complete several tasks/challenges when I lived in Melbourne. And one of them was to drive a Ute. Fortunately, my manager at work told me I had to get from Richmond to Carlton to deliver summat and I could take "Shrek" a BA XR6 Ute in Green. 

Bloody hell, I had some fun in that! As there is no weight at the back it is very light and you can easily swing the back out. Further to that, I went up the wrong way in it, and had to reverse. Slightly heavy on the right foot meant that the rear wheels spun and the arse of the Ute bounced backwards whilst reversing. Superb!

I still don't get why Vauxhall refuse to import Commodores and Statesmans as their bigger cars in Europe. I don't buy the BS that it is not economical and there are some tweaks needed for Europe. The V6's these days are very fuel efficient, so I still do not see what the issue is. 

Vauxhall already import the HSV GTS in VXR8 guise and now look to get the HSV Maloo as well. 

The review from Autocar can be read here

What makes this so special is that there are going to be very few on British roads - and they are going to cost a mint - £51k is a lot to ask for a pick-up. And more to the point, you will not see the Opel equivalent. This is exclusively for the British market. And on the track, with the lack of weight and 6.2 LS3 under the bonnet (booming over 400bhp), this is some weapon.

I really want to see Ford UK and Vauxhall start importing these big Aussie saloons. Having driven a VE Series II for a week last year, they are fine cars and very good to drive. They would make great motorway/autobahn cruisers, and I would potentially get one over a 5-Serie or an E-Class on price.

Come on guys - you know it makes sense!

World's Largest Ambulance

Blogging has really helped me discover more about the world since I first started -

When researching facts, you tend to stumble across information that you never knew about.

And I have recently found out about the world's largest ambulance based on a MB Citaro in Dubai which has been in operation since 2009.

Makes a change from the usual Sprinter or Renault Master.....

For the full press release, see below.

A Mercedes-Benz Citaro Bus Becomes the World’s Largest Ambulance

• The world’s largest ambulance
• The latest medical equipment with the world’s smallest X-ray unit
• Mercedes-Benz Citaro as the perfect platform

From now on, it is the hospital that comes to the patient in Dubai.

The three Mercedes-Benz clinic buses were ordered so that rapid medical assistance can be rendered in the event of major emergencies, such as accidents or disasters with large numbers of injury victims.

As is well-known, the survival chances of very seriously injured persons in large measure depend on rapid first-aid treatment, and this is the purpose of these large-capacity ambulances.

Particularly owing to the chaotic traffic conditions in and around disaster areas, there are often delays in getting patients to a hospital.

Equally often, there are an insufficient number of ambulances available.

While a two-man crew is normally only able to care for one patient in an emergency ambulance, up to 20 people can receive care from four specialist personnel in the Mercedes-Benz large-capacity ambulance.

These new emergency vehicles now offer the unique possibilities of a fully equipped, mobile clinic with an intensive-care unit and an operating theatre.

The world’s largest ambulance

These vehicles now entering service on the roads of Dubai are nothing short of mobile superlatives.

The ambulances are based on the Mercedes-Benz Citaro regular service bus and the Citaro G. Vehicle conversion specialists Gebr. Heymann GmbH, working in conjunction with the international research and consultancy company Von Bergh Global Medical Consulting, has developed vehicles that meet the very highest medical requirements.

It is not without a measure of pride that the companies concerned describe them as the world’s largest ambulances.

A tour of these buses quickly shows that this is no exaggeration.

Three variants have been produced.

Bus variant A is designed as a mobile intensive care unit, variant B for the large-scale treatment and transport of medium to slightly injured patients, and variant C as a combination of the two.

This variant alone has enough treatment and transport capacity for more than 80 patients.

The very latest medical equipment

There are three observation bays in the interior of the intensive-care bus, and one of these can be converted into a fully-functioning operating theatre.

The technical equipment used to monitor patients covers the entire range, including an ECG and – as a genuine world first – an InSpectra shock monitor with which the oxygen saturation in tissue-matter can be monitored by simply placing a sensor on the palm.

This brilliant development breakthrough is able to warn doctors of the onset of shock minutes before it occurs, so that appropriate countermeasures can be taken.

Internal bleeding can also be detected and monitored with this unit.

Further diagnosis is possible using X-rays and ultrasonic equipment.

The Mercedes-Benz large-capacity ambulances are equipped with the world’s smallest X-ray unit, whose output is so low that precautions such as lead screens are unnecessary.

The X-ray images are shown on a computer monitor in real time.

During treatment the patient lies on an operating table which is lit by fully-fledged operating theatre lights.

A wide variety of operations and treatments can be carried out using disposable instrument sets. The Mercedes-Benz large-capacity ambulances are also well-equipped if the need for a caesarian birth arises. Not only are the necessary obstetrical instruments on board, but the newborn or premature baby can also be given the proper care in an incubator.

The onboard supply of oxygen for patients posed a particular challenge, as this is a major factor in the treatment of injured people. Each of the buses carries 12,000 litres of oxygen, ensuring a reliable supply for up to three days. The gas is fed to the different seating areas by separate lines. Pressing a button causes oxygen masks to fall from special holders, and the oxygen flow to each mask can be individually controlled.

An operator station at the front of these vehicles allows external communication by telephone, radio, internet and fax.

A laptop is included in the equipment, as is a large LCD monitor which enables the individual areas in the large-capacity ambulance to be monitored.

Converting the Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses into ambulances took around 700 hours.

In addition to widest possible range of medical functions, great attention was paid to quality of craftsmanship and visual appearance.

The mediboards (that is, the walls to which the medical equipment is attached) are in a carbon-fibre look, and brushed stainless steel is used in numerous places.

The buses are also the only large-capacity ambulances to feature roll-in systems for stretchers such as those used by paramedical services, so that patients can be rolled into the vehicle in a prone position.

The buses can also be equipped with a rear-mounted equipment box containing generators, tents for the treatment of more injury victims, decontamination systems with the relevant protective suits and an oxygen concentrator. This system enables oxygen to be produced for several weeks without recourse to gas suppliers.

Mercedes-Benz Citaro as the perfect platform

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro regular service bus and the Citaro G were used as the basis for these large-capacity ambulances.

This Citaro bus is a success story in itself.

It is not only in operation in the major cities of Europe, but also, for example, in Lourdes, in German inter-urban services, on the tropical island of Réunion, in Japan, China, Mexico, Dubai and Australia.

Day after day, it carries millions of passengers throughout Europe and well beyond.

It is powered by clean diesel engines, natural gas engines and – as a fuel cell bus – the drive system of tomorrow.

It is the backbone of urban public transport, and an alternative to light-rail systems in the guise of the CapaCity bus.

The modular design of the Citaro provides a high degree of flexibility, both in terms of operating profiles and the production process. This not only allows the use of different drive systems, but also forms the basis for numerous special versions.

Special conversions into fire service command vehicles, police buses, mobile television studios or large-capacity emergency vehicles for events are by no means rare.

In Poland the Citaro is on the roads as a mobile energy advisory centre for the public.

The large-capacity ambulances for Dubai are two buses with a length of 12 metres and an articulated bus with a length of 18 metres.

Comprehensive corrosion protection even under the extreme operating conditions of the Middle East is ensured by cathodic dip priming.

The two solo vehicles are powered by an OM M 457 (h)LA engine with an output of 220 kW (299 hp) and an OM 457 (h)LA with an output of 260 kW (354 hp).

Specifically for the hot conditions in Dubai, both buses feature high-performance air conditioning systems, and air curtains at the doors prevent warm air from entering and cool air from escaping.

Vehicle safety is ensured by the Electronic Braking System (EBS), disc brakes all-round, ABS and side impact protection.

Pixar Cars 2: Kimura Kaizo

I am not sure of how many more of these oversized models will be released in Europe, but I am picking them up where I can.

I can never figure out where they appeared in the film or if indeed they ACTUALLY did appear. But no matter, I carry on this one is a another addition to the Pixar Family.

Things have been slowing down a great tad with the CARS collection - I think that is doing my wallet some good, as I have yet to be seduced via eBay, bidding silly amounts for some models.

That may change.

But as ever, this is a well crafted model with a good attention to detail and that superb paint job which seems to be unchippable. And it is all very Japanese, which strangely gives it an authentic character flavour.....sounds odd, but you can relate to this model if you were in Japan.

Holiday Haul #9: 2011 Matchbox 1-75

Matchbox in Europe is becoming one of the biggest jokes in the realms of diecast of late. The distribution of the 1-75 range over the last 3/4 years has been absolutely shocking despite the good work that the MB team at El Segundo have done in terms of new models.

Such discussions are now banned on the MCCH message board. Nothing can be said about the situation as it is claimed that this damages the goodwill that Mattel give the board....I think that there is a little more to it than that, but will blog about it at a later date.

Ok, so going back to the topic, the ability to get the right models aligned to the correct year for the 1-75 range is near enough impossible. However, besides the US&A the next best market to get 1-75 models is Aussie. When first arrive in Sydney, the shelf space in Myer was full of 2010 models, which were established in terms of availability for some time. As previously blogged, it was not until the last two days of the trip that I - by sheer chance - cleaned up at the Market St branch of Myer.

In total I picked 26 models from the 1-100 range (Aussie along with the Yanks get the 1-100 range rather than the traditional 1-75 range) with some dupes selected for the reason viewing and reviewing, which I have noted my thoughts below.

The first thing you notice and strikes you about the 2011 range is the packaging. One of the most pleasing things about the 2011 range is the introduction of model specific artwork for each model. Absolutely wonderful!! For once, it seems that Mattel have got it right. My previous blog - http://keefyd.blogspot.com/2011/02/2011-matchbox-1-75-thoughts-so-far.html - set out my first thoughts about the range, but now having the actual packaging in my hands, they are truly marvellous pieces of art , an really give it the edge over other brands of diecast, esp. over the sister brand Hot Wheels, which in comparison looks tacky, vulgar and classless...



Why such artwork was not introduced sooner to the range is a bit of mystery...it was more of a token effort on the other "premium" matchbox ranges, and as blogged before the style of the packaging actually was of little value as to open up the packaging and get the model out simply 'tore into' the artwork. Careful removal of the blister shell on the 2011 range means that the artwork can still be kept intact, and one can marvel at the intricate nature it. And to think that this has been done individually for 100 models. Amazing and sterling work!! On the reverse of the packaging is a little ditty about the model, but what I would really have liked to see is pictures of 3 or 4 models from the range on the back which would have truly given the range a heritage feeling. But no matter, it will do. For those in the ROW markets, on a short blister you may find that the actual blister cuts in to the artwork



– like the premo Lesney/Superfast models…..so a little dilemma – to keep closed or to keep open? Better still get a spare (Mattel will love that…)

A little cheesetastic, but a hell of a lot better than what would usually be produced! Have a look at some of the photos of some of the photos from the 2011 1-75 range – quite brilliant I think, and hope that it is not lost on the market that it is aimed at….

Don't stop guys, you are on a winner with this stuff!!

So what about the actual models themselves? For those not in the know, I like to keep my 1-75's within their packaging to ensure that they are kept in good condition, and also to chart the evolution of the packaging of the range, something which I consider to be very important. If I am interested in a particular model, a duplicate is bought, so that it can be 'used' and be playworn.

Before reviewing the models, have a look at the underside of the models – note the little elephant added to the base denoting where the model was made – Thailand



– quite a nifty little touch (although I would still like them to be made in England, but let’s be realistic about that thought –it ain’t gonna happen).
The four models that really stood out are the Pontiac firebird Formula, Lamborghini Muira 400s, Range Rover Sport and Dodge Monaco police.



Although I do love the castings of the Pontiac and Lamborghini, they do disappoint and I will tell you why. Lack of metal (diecast) base. For some reason I was expecting the Pontiac to be the 2011 version of MB4 Pontiac Firebird (http://www.matchbox1-75.com/images/1976/1976_4.jpg) but the weight of the 2011 shattered that dream of having a true modern interpretation of the classic. Gutted. Same applies to the Lamborghini - although not re-created in the range of the 70s, a metal base would have added to the credibility of the model as it would have been the type of casting that would have been used in yesteryear. Don't get me wrong, they are not bad castings, and a plastic base is used to keep costs down to around about the £1 mark, BUT I think I would be prepared to pay around the £2 mark for a little more addition like a metal base.

You have to wonder how they can keep the models around this psychological £1 has mark, as this has traditionally been the price point of the 1-75 range for a very long time, but as other things have risen in price, should the price of these little cars do so as well?

The Dodge Monaco Police Car is a rather nice casting in terms of the livery.



It smacks bang on the real California Highway Patrol vehicles seen in such TV programmes as CHiPs.

OK, so the lightbar is not dual tone in colour (unlike the real car, and Matchbox did actually manage it with MB51 Ford LTD.....laziness/cost custting??ave been nice to see the roof in white as well. The roof is not a massive thing, as a bit of good masking tape and some good acrylic paint will ensure that the detail is up to the job. but where the model fall apart a little is the chassis. As you can see from the photos, the track of the axle is really disproportionate to that of the car, which makes it look very odd.



It would have been far better to have the chassis fill out the body of the car, which would have given it far more presence, and added a lot more credibility. Good, but by no means great.

The best one by far has to be the drug-dealer Range Rover Sport.



Someone in El Segundo must have been on a real trip with this one. I love it! The blinged black 5 spokes and the black body make this look rather a menacing model, and it looks mean in every aspect. The tampo-ing is a little suspect at the back, but again, I have to remind myself that these are play-things for children, and NOT collectors cars. As stated in my HW blog recently, it is the collector that elevates these models to more than their intentional purpose. One could easily customise this model to add that extra value, but as it is, it is a very tidy car and a good inclusion.

Overall, I think the 2011 1-75 carries on where the 2010 range left off. The models are of a good standard, but those expecting more (in terms of really going back to the original true diecast of the 70s & 80s) will feel short-changed, in that it almost so delivers the product. What really makes the 2011 range stand out more than anything else is the artwork on the packaging, which really tugs on you and just draws you to the model – just like they used to in the 70s and 80s when this was standard throughout the range. I will post some more photos of the other models that I grabbed as well.

Note:

17/04/11: It is pleasing to hear/read only recently that Asda in the UK seem to be getting a whole new batch of the 2011 range into their stores, and I think I will have to make a wee pilgrimage at some stage in July. But again, I have to ask the question, WHY cannot Mattel push these model in Europe harder, when they seem to have no issue with Hot Wheels…….despite the proclamations, are we now just marking time before Matchbox 1-75 is finally laid to rest….? There are only so many collectors (who are – lets face it between the ages of 30-60) at this time buying the models, and with the new generation being brought up on a diet of PlayStation, Premier League Football, and reality TV, does the traditional diecast toy still have a place in the lives of today’s children?