A very tidy model is this - very Top Gear and does the job. A nice addition to the 1/64 garage, but again, why can't Matchbox have this within their range?? Just smells of Mattel trying to smother the brand through deprivation?
Showing posts with label MB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MB. Show all posts
Thursday, December 13, 2012
HW Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
I still do not get - despite Mattel owning both brands - why HW tends to release lambo's and Ferrari's, and the MB range has not seen any for quite a few years now - indeed I think that the last modern Lambo in the 1-75 range was MB49 Lamborghini Diablo. The current Muira in the 2011 1-75 range does not count.
A very tidy model is this - very Top Gear and does the job. A nice addition to the 1/64 garage, but again, why can't Matchbox have this within their range?? Just smells of Mattel trying to smother the brand through deprivation?
A very tidy model is this - very Top Gear and does the job. A nice addition to the 1/64 garage, but again, why can't Matchbox have this within their range?? Just smells of Mattel trying to smother the brand through deprivation?
Monday, December 10, 2012
Thing - by Volkswagen
Living across the border from Germany does have its benefits -
You do get your GST/VAT back on goods purchased over there if tyou get a form stamped - and if it is a lot that you paid, then you are quids in - even if you have to pay the 8% VAT in CH.
So, my car is going in for a service next Tuesday - on a rekkie to check out the VAG Service Centre in Binzen (as I could get my VAT back off the service) I spotted this Type 181 by VW. This was the model that MB16 from 2008.
It is lovely to see a MB in real life - this one was mint.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Matchbox 2012 already out - but looks like Mattel have got it very wrong.....
The MCCH is for me now only used as a point of reference with regards to confirming data and information for the website I run matchbox1-75.co.uk.
it is very rarely these days that I actually read any posts as most of them are totally irrelevant (shade variations, etc...).
However, one member has actually posted a picture of a 2012 1-75 release on a long card.
I have to say that Mattel has got it superbly wrong yet again. Why the re-branding of the MB logo? What was wrong with the lozenge logo?
And the artwork - well, now it has got a little cartooney -
What was wrong with the 2011 packaging? For me, this re-ignited my passion for the brand - the MB logo, the fantastic artwork, the overall presentation. It worked - and worked very well.
But the new direction in branding seems to take us back a little to the Hero City days on 2004 & 2005 - and thus does not seem like the product can be taken seriously. I think Mattel forget that young children don't necessarily like stuff being thrown at them as if they were still 4 years old. Given that some of these little people may actually like the realism as per the 2011 packaging, it is not at all clear what direction Mattel want the brand to take. The days of John Coyne seem to be long gone, and there are only now smatterings of acknowledgements to the root so the brand and heritage. If it ain't broke, don't fix......
It remains to see if these indeed will actually sell. They may well do, so then I eat my words. But I doubt it.
And more to the point, WTF are 2012 models and packaging doing out in October 2011, when we can barely find the actual 1-75 range for 2011 itself?
This is sheer lunacy - Mattel surely have lost the plot a little. Time to make a decision - keep the brand properly going by investing in distribution and getting the product on the shelves, a return to the original packaging as per 2011, and marketing it well. OR just kill it off.
No wonder there is going to be - in say 20 years time - a possible death in the 1/64 scale market. Current collectors may well have stopped, or pass on (to the other side), and then where does that leave it? Technology is changing every single day and will the next generation of children want a 1-75 as a collectable toy OR some new fangled gadget which does far more than a diecast model? My betting is on the latter.
I await to see over 2012 how well this "new packaging" does, but I suspect it may very well bomb. Mattel, I would like you to prove me wrong (but I sincerely doubt it as you simply cannot be arsed).
it is very rarely these days that I actually read any posts as most of them are totally irrelevant (shade variations, etc...).
However, one member has actually posted a picture of a 2012 1-75 release on a long card.
I have to say that Mattel has got it superbly wrong yet again. Why the re-branding of the MB logo? What was wrong with the lozenge logo?
And the artwork - well, now it has got a little cartooney -
What was wrong with the 2011 packaging? For me, this re-ignited my passion for the brand - the MB logo, the fantastic artwork, the overall presentation. It worked - and worked very well.
But the new direction in branding seems to take us back a little to the Hero City days on 2004 & 2005 - and thus does not seem like the product can be taken seriously. I think Mattel forget that young children don't necessarily like stuff being thrown at them as if they were still 4 years old. Given that some of these little people may actually like the realism as per the 2011 packaging, it is not at all clear what direction Mattel want the brand to take. The days of John Coyne seem to be long gone, and there are only now smatterings of acknowledgements to the root so the brand and heritage. If it ain't broke, don't fix......
It remains to see if these indeed will actually sell. They may well do, so then I eat my words. But I doubt it.
And more to the point, WTF are 2012 models and packaging doing out in October 2011, when we can barely find the actual 1-75 range for 2011 itself?
This is sheer lunacy - Mattel surely have lost the plot a little. Time to make a decision - keep the brand properly going by investing in distribution and getting the product on the shelves, a return to the original packaging as per 2011, and marketing it well. OR just kill it off.
No wonder there is going to be - in say 20 years time - a possible death in the 1/64 scale market. Current collectors may well have stopped, or pass on (to the other side), and then where does that leave it? Technology is changing every single day and will the next generation of children want a 1-75 as a collectable toy OR some new fangled gadget which does far more than a diecast model? My betting is on the latter.
I await to see over 2012 how well this "new packaging" does, but I suspect it may very well bomb. Mattel, I would like you to prove me wrong (but I sincerely doubt it as you simply cannot be arsed).
Monday, November 19, 2012
Why Matchbox have re-branded......
I was looking for a clear Matchbox logo to update matchbox1-75.co.uk, when I stumbled across this site.
http://www.popgun.com/?portfolio=matchbox-rebrand -
Below is the snapshot of text as to why Matchbox have re-branded. Upon reading the below, this single handly refutes all notion that they are influenced by the likes of the MCCH Forum and the wims and requests of the collector. So as much as the 20-strong army on that board believe that they have a hotline into Mattel, things are becoming more evident - and again my theory:
1. Mark Curtis is desperate to keep kudos with come involvement with Mattel - this started off in 2005-odd and Mattel gave weight to the gathering of people in New Mexico. Now the MCCH Herd expect a show model which Curtis gets from Mattel, etc every year. I believe that Mattel are just being polite. Curtis needs his ego massaged and hence why wants the exclusvity of Mattel backing "his" board.
It will be interesting to see what would happen if Mattel pulled any support from the MCCH and severed ties with Curtis.....perhaps he would revert to eating more pie? (by the size of his lardyness, I think that the answer is yes).
2. Mattel are interested in Sales and not the collector. If they want the older audience to collect diecast, then it should be the Hot Wheels brand. Look at the premium lines of 1/18 and 1/43 scale modes that are coming out and the wonderful castings in 1/64 scale. As mentioned in a previous blog, the pickings of casting lie within the Hot Wheels stable and NOT the MB one.....
3. The direction of the Matchbox brand is very clear - ACTION and ADVENTURE. Like it or not, Matchbox seems to be moving away from the traditional car segment and getting all Lara Croft....
Below are some choice quotes:
Our workflow started with child’s point of view— young boys are in awe of big vehicles. Their power and presence makes them appear larger than life.
Rugged, Heroic and Unstoppable were guiding key words that described the Matchbox vehicle lineup and spoke directly to boys’ imaginations and how they interact with their toys.
With both hands on the wheel, the young Matchbox driver is ready to take on any adventure he can dream up.
I do not see any reference to the adult collector - and again, the so-called Ambassador roll appears to be little more than a goodwill exercise to the small minority of collectors.
It is very clear - those who have a romantic affair with Matchbox are going to face disappointment as the brand progresses. And the refusal to acknowledge this is going to be their downfall. It seems that it is only a matter of time before the range is moved to what I call the larger "Bruder" toys (large Trucks) that you can very easily take to a park and get dirty and muddy.
And with that direction we could see the folding of diecast under the Matchbox name......
SuperKings were the best thing that drove my imagination when I was growing up, yet Mattel have refused to invest in these models again. The HW site is bang up to date, MB is two years out of date. The toys are aimed for the 2-5 year old market and then once exposed to the likes of PlayStation and other character franchises, then the work is done.
Maybe I am reading a little bit too much into it. But the reluctance of Mark Curtis to accept anything bad about Mattel is bordering on silly.....and that collectors do not influence Mattel in any way shape or form.
As an aside, believe it or not, I quite like the 1-120 line up for this year - I care not for the graphics, but as for a bunch of cars and vehicles, it makes a good selection to choose from.
As ever, it would be good to get some free, unrestricted thought and opinion on this particular blog - and welcome comments from those from the MCCH who are muffled with their views.
_______________________________________________________________________
On the brand
Ever since the introduction of Hot Wheels in 1968, Matchbox has lived in the shadow of its more colourful, exciting and flashy Mattel brand-mate. However the Matchbox vehicle line has always kept its wheels firmly grounded in reality with trucks, ships, military and adventure vehicles at its core.
Popgun collaborated with Matchbox on a major brand overhaul that began by redefining the target audience, brand personality and attributes. Rugged, Heroic and Unstoppable were guiding key words that described the Matchbox vehicle lineup and spoke directly to boys’ imaginations and how they interact with their toys.
Following much exploration it was decided to retain the equity in the existing 70′s Matchbox letterforms, but update the weight and finish to align with the new brand values. Packaging, structural concepts, segmentation and trade dress soon followed.
With fresh gas in the tank and a GPS pointed toward success, the awesome new Matchbox brand can demolish any type of terrain.
On the graphics
Beginning in 1953, Matchbox has maintained the fine tradition of product line illustration for packaging in order to spark a child’s lively imagination. Wanting to change its recent illustration style from a flat, comic book approach to realistic renderings, Matchbox looked to Popgun to refresh its style, incorporating rich detail for their young audience to study and discover.
Our workflow started with child’s point of view— young boys are in awe of big vehicles. Their power and presence makes them appear larger than life. We transformed Matchbox’s 3D production files from grey scale models with little detail, into vivid vehicle illustrations, that, combined with evocative backgrounds, bring together an over the top sense of realism.
With both hands on the wheel, the young Matchbox driver is ready to take on any adventure he can dream up. Vrooooooom!
http://www.popgun.com/?portfolio=matchbox-rebrand -
Below is the snapshot of text as to why Matchbox have re-branded. Upon reading the below, this single handly refutes all notion that they are influenced by the likes of the MCCH Forum and the wims and requests of the collector. So as much as the 20-strong army on that board believe that they have a hotline into Mattel, things are becoming more evident - and again my theory:
1. Mark Curtis is desperate to keep kudos with come involvement with Mattel - this started off in 2005-odd and Mattel gave weight to the gathering of people in New Mexico. Now the MCCH Herd expect a show model which Curtis gets from Mattel, etc every year. I believe that Mattel are just being polite. Curtis needs his ego massaged and hence why wants the exclusvity of Mattel backing "his" board.
It will be interesting to see what would happen if Mattel pulled any support from the MCCH and severed ties with Curtis.....perhaps he would revert to eating more pie? (by the size of his lardyness, I think that the answer is yes).
2. Mattel are interested in Sales and not the collector. If they want the older audience to collect diecast, then it should be the Hot Wheels brand. Look at the premium lines of 1/18 and 1/43 scale modes that are coming out and the wonderful castings in 1/64 scale. As mentioned in a previous blog, the pickings of casting lie within the Hot Wheels stable and NOT the MB one.....
3. The direction of the Matchbox brand is very clear - ACTION and ADVENTURE. Like it or not, Matchbox seems to be moving away from the traditional car segment and getting all Lara Croft....
Below are some choice quotes:
Our workflow started with child’s point of view— young boys are in awe of big vehicles. Their power and presence makes them appear larger than life.
Rugged, Heroic and Unstoppable were guiding key words that described the Matchbox vehicle lineup and spoke directly to boys’ imaginations and how they interact with their toys.
With both hands on the wheel, the young Matchbox driver is ready to take on any adventure he can dream up.
I do not see any reference to the adult collector - and again, the so-called Ambassador roll appears to be little more than a goodwill exercise to the small minority of collectors.
It is very clear - those who have a romantic affair with Matchbox are going to face disappointment as the brand progresses. And the refusal to acknowledge this is going to be their downfall. It seems that it is only a matter of time before the range is moved to what I call the larger "Bruder" toys (large Trucks) that you can very easily take to a park and get dirty and muddy.
And with that direction we could see the folding of diecast under the Matchbox name......
SuperKings were the best thing that drove my imagination when I was growing up, yet Mattel have refused to invest in these models again. The HW site is bang up to date, MB is two years out of date. The toys are aimed for the 2-5 year old market and then once exposed to the likes of PlayStation and other character franchises, then the work is done.
Maybe I am reading a little bit too much into it. But the reluctance of Mark Curtis to accept anything bad about Mattel is bordering on silly.....and that collectors do not influence Mattel in any way shape or form.
As an aside, believe it or not, I quite like the 1-120 line up for this year - I care not for the graphics, but as for a bunch of cars and vehicles, it makes a good selection to choose from.
As ever, it would be good to get some free, unrestricted thought and opinion on this particular blog - and welcome comments from those from the MCCH who are muffled with their views.
_______________________________________________________________________
On the brand
Ever since the introduction of Hot Wheels in 1968, Matchbox has lived in the shadow of its more colourful, exciting and flashy Mattel brand-mate. However the Matchbox vehicle line has always kept its wheels firmly grounded in reality with trucks, ships, military and adventure vehicles at its core.
Popgun collaborated with Matchbox on a major brand overhaul that began by redefining the target audience, brand personality and attributes. Rugged, Heroic and Unstoppable were guiding key words that described the Matchbox vehicle lineup and spoke directly to boys’ imaginations and how they interact with their toys.
Following much exploration it was decided to retain the equity in the existing 70′s Matchbox letterforms, but update the weight and finish to align with the new brand values. Packaging, structural concepts, segmentation and trade dress soon followed.
With fresh gas in the tank and a GPS pointed toward success, the awesome new Matchbox brand can demolish any type of terrain.
On the graphics
Beginning in 1953, Matchbox has maintained the fine tradition of product line illustration for packaging in order to spark a child’s lively imagination. Wanting to change its recent illustration style from a flat, comic book approach to realistic renderings, Matchbox looked to Popgun to refresh its style, incorporating rich detail for their young audience to study and discover.
Our workflow started with child’s point of view— young boys are in awe of big vehicles. Their power and presence makes them appear larger than life. We transformed Matchbox’s 3D production files from grey scale models with little detail, into vivid vehicle illustrations, that, combined with evocative backgrounds, bring together an over the top sense of realism.
With both hands on the wheel, the young Matchbox driver is ready to take on any adventure he can dream up. Vrooooooom!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Why are Mattel not giving Matchbox a fighting chance (Pt 2)
Following on from my recent blog about the appalling way MB is marketed, here is yet more evidence that Mattel indeed couldn't give a monkey's toss about the Matchbox brand.
Can someone - preferably from Mattel - please explain as to why HW get's so much promo material and prominence and MB is reduced to some joke of an effort. You only have to look at matchbox.com and note that the 1-75 range is stuck in 2010! FFS !
Below are some snaps I got using my ipod phone thing in Weil am Rhien, DE on Saturday......
Here is the HW effort:
And here is the awesome MB effort !
Yes, exactly.
Can someone - preferably from Mattel - please explain as to why HW get's so much promo material and prominence and MB is reduced to some joke of an effort. You only have to look at matchbox.com and note that the 1-75 range is stuck in 2010! FFS !
Below are some snaps I got using my ipod phone thing in Weil am Rhien, DE on Saturday......
Here is the HW effort:
And here is the awesome MB effort !
Yes, exactly.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
MB73 - Volkswagen Saveiro Cross (1-75 - 2011)
Born in Brazil, I was fairly pleased that for the 2011 range, MB were embracing models from all around the world, like they did back in the day of Lesney. This is what helped me learn about cars from a very early age.
OK, I only picked this up the other week, as the final batches of models for 2011 enters 2012 (go figure - Mattel have no idea about distribution).
I think that there could have been a little more detailing that would have gone on here, esp. with the front end. Just detracts from the model somewhat....which is a bit of a shame.
However, this is a good inclusion rather than the constant demands of Americana from certain members of the collecting community.
OK, I only picked this up the other week, as the final batches of models for 2011 enters 2012 (go figure - Mattel have no idea about distribution).
I think that there could have been a little more detailing that would have gone on here, esp. with the front end. Just detracts from the model somewhat....which is a bit of a shame.
However, this is a good inclusion rather than the constant demands of Americana from certain members of the collecting community.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Last foray into Norev.....
It has been bugging me for a while about the QC issues that I have been experiencing with the 1/64 Norev's that I have got recently. I mean they are not really pocket money toys - you could say that they are a premo product. In fact, whilst at the Citroen stand at the Geneva Motor show last Friday, there were hundreds of the buggers on sale for €4 each at 1/64 scale, and a handful of 1/43's as well - not enough classics for me to actually part with my cash (where are are classic CX's, BX's and XM's?? I don't want the new C5!!)
It was with a bit of reluctance that I picked up a five pack Emergency gift set. I am really not sure if these models are meant to be played with - again they look far too detailed to be let loose in the hands of little people, and car crashed to kingdom come.
So, let's have a look at them then. As with all of them, they have the famous Norev tramline suspension - bouncy bouncy at first, but I think the fun will be taken out when the wires get bent....
The first model is a Gendarmarie Citroen C4 - this is the second casting that I have of this model, and as far as I am concerned 'job done' - a good casting I think, and especially like the way that the boddy looks a little jacked up. I don't know but looks like it gives the impression that is it really fast. So i like this one.
Next we have the Peugoet 308 in Police livery. No opening parts on this one, but again, as fairly nice casting. Like most of these 1/64 models I really do love the accuracy of the wheels, and with this model it is no different with those 308 wheels. Lovely. HOWEVER. There is a down side. As this is meant to be a toy, you would expect the zoom zoom factor to be in order yet when doing zoom-zoom on a flat surface, you simply end up with locked up wheels, and the car doing a handbrake turn. Different story on carpet.....but a negative.
The Citroen C5 Estate is also a decent little casting. Again, no opening parts and suffers from the handbrake syndrome that the 308 does as well. But as a casting, I think it would diplay well.
The Citroen Jumper tipper is one of those castings that I call brilliantly flawed. As can be seen from the pictures, the front bumper looks like it is about to be ripped off, but the irony is here is that I actually quite like it like that - shows the working class roots. So I let that pass. Like the others, I love the wheels which are very accurate and the model is in good proportion. The Tipper part let's it down. Although it works without issue, when putting the model back in the packaging, the rear tail flap snapped in half. FFS!!! Couldn't believe it, and was well narked....
It is possible to super glue it back, which I did, returned back to the packaging, and it promptly snapped in half again. Bugger and arse. Not happy.
Finally, with have the Renault Kangoo - a cute little van with a working sliding door. A good, honest little casting, with nowt really wrong with it.
So there we have it. The last Norev castings I will be getting for some time. This lot are not a bad lot, but as noted above, there are some major flaws with them. As a consumer, I have a right to be demanding and therefore expect the QC standards to be far higher than they are. At a lower price point HW and MB, you will necver have these problems, and even with the over-priced Superfast /Lesney MB editions you would never see these QC issues. So, would I buy any more again?
Only for the reason that you cannot get these castings in MB guise (as Mattel are simply not interesting in getting a license for modern French castings, and concentrate on those US&A models that the MCCH Mafia insist they produce.....). But has a value toy to play with, these are too pricey for the likes of little people. I think that Norev should pay a little more attention to the quality of the models and elevate them to Tomica LV status, and then you will really have a winner. I am glad that I have these castings, but at the same, feel slightly miffed that these are beautifully flawed.
It was with a bit of reluctance that I picked up a five pack Emergency gift set. I am really not sure if these models are meant to be played with - again they look far too detailed to be let loose in the hands of little people, and car crashed to kingdom come.
So, let's have a look at them then. As with all of them, they have the famous Norev tramline suspension - bouncy bouncy at first, but I think the fun will be taken out when the wires get bent....
The first model is a Gendarmarie Citroen C4 - this is the second casting that I have of this model, and as far as I am concerned 'job done' - a good casting I think, and especially like the way that the boddy looks a little jacked up. I don't know but looks like it gives the impression that is it really fast. So i like this one.
Next we have the Peugoet 308 in Police livery. No opening parts on this one, but again, as fairly nice casting. Like most of these 1/64 models I really do love the accuracy of the wheels, and with this model it is no different with those 308 wheels. Lovely. HOWEVER. There is a down side. As this is meant to be a toy, you would expect the zoom zoom factor to be in order yet when doing zoom-zoom on a flat surface, you simply end up with locked up wheels, and the car doing a handbrake turn. Different story on carpet.....but a negative.
The Citroen C5 Estate is also a decent little casting. Again, no opening parts and suffers from the handbrake syndrome that the 308 does as well. But as a casting, I think it would diplay well.
The Citroen Jumper tipper is one of those castings that I call brilliantly flawed. As can be seen from the pictures, the front bumper looks like it is about to be ripped off, but the irony is here is that I actually quite like it like that - shows the working class roots. So I let that pass. Like the others, I love the wheels which are very accurate and the model is in good proportion. The Tipper part let's it down. Although it works without issue, when putting the model back in the packaging, the rear tail flap snapped in half. FFS!!! Couldn't believe it, and was well narked....
It is possible to super glue it back, which I did, returned back to the packaging, and it promptly snapped in half again. Bugger and arse. Not happy.
Finally, with have the Renault Kangoo - a cute little van with a working sliding door. A good, honest little casting, with nowt really wrong with it.
So there we have it. The last Norev castings I will be getting for some time. This lot are not a bad lot, but as noted above, there are some major flaws with them. As a consumer, I have a right to be demanding and therefore expect the QC standards to be far higher than they are. At a lower price point HW and MB, you will necver have these problems, and even with the over-priced Superfast /Lesney MB editions you would never see these QC issues. So, would I buy any more again?
Only for the reason that you cannot get these castings in MB guise (as Mattel are simply not interesting in getting a license for modern French castings, and concentrate on those US&A models that the MCCH Mafia insist they produce.....). But has a value toy to play with, these are too pricey for the likes of little people. I think that Norev should pay a little more attention to the quality of the models and elevate them to Tomica LV status, and then you will really have a winner. I am glad that I have these castings, but at the same, feel slightly miffed that these are beautifully flawed.
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