A reply from the MCCH board about the state of 1-75 for 2012 - the initial response is from David Tilley, a Matchbox guru and my nemesis.
Have a read, see what you think -
Re: 2012 Batch B\ V case preview!!!
Originally Posted by David Tilley
No matter which direction Matchbox took there was always going to be people who do not like it.
Sadly, the point is that the direction that was taken leaped forward for a while, but topped out and was starting to decline. Toys rotate on cycles in and out of fashion. There are always the "next big thing" and then there are the mainstays. Toy cars are one of the mainstays, but even in that genre there is the more popular stuff and less popular stuff. Sadly, the realism that Matchbox evolved into in the mid-2000s was no longer selling as well as the more fantasy stuff and Matchbox needed to evolve again. Many are stating that Walmart, Target etc have reduced peg space for Matchbox, but stores are saying that they were no longer willing to give space to them. When Matchbox came up with the new direction the stores liked what they were seeing and are planning on increasing space again. Isn't the next big refit in January? We will see what stores allot the Matchbox brand then.
In the UK things are a little different in the way that stores sell, and does not factor in quite as much. But recently, around my area, many more stores are starting to stock Matchbox products. Lately, my local Asda has been selling Matchbox a lot faster than they had a year ago. Sadly, there are still some of the older classics hanging around (worst one being one of my faves the Porsche 914 in green), but the new flashier graphics are enthralling the kids much more than they did. Recent stuff has been selling extremely fast. My local store put out a batch with VW Saveiro the weekend before last. 10 days later the bin was refilled again with another 72 assortment case of models. Twice, I stopped rummaging through because there were kids there on Tuesday who wanted to look through. They are selling faster than I have known them to sell for ages. The bright green Ford F-100 Panel Truck with the panther on the side is the fastest selling version of this casting I have seen since it debuted in orange a few years back. It has not been hanging around at all. My local TRU finally put out a more recent assortment of models, which was the batch where this model debuted. There were 3 of this casting on the pegs at the start of the week. I went in again yesterday and all 3 were gone. Yet the Pontiac Firebird, Ford Mustang GT CS, Toyota Prius (in green), Porsche 914, last year's Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser are still on the pegs. There are also a ton of gray Rock Shockers from 2009 as adventure is also not a huge seller. Construction does not do particularly well either. From what I have seen in the numerous stores I frequent is that the modern cars do sell well (green Porsche 911GT3, Audi R8, Aston, Mini Cooper Cabrio - although strangely not the Fisker), and emergency style vehicles just evoporate immediately. Other utility style vehicles also seem to do well, and sometimes the brighter color vehicles do much better than previous examples (thinking pink Lotus Europa over the blue and yellow)
At this present moment in time, the kids around near me are taking to Matchbox much more than before. Sadly, it is at the expense of us collectors, but this is a toy company whose main market is kids. They are looking to sell to the majority, not the minority.
Me, personally, I do not mind the new direction. Sometimes I like a funky color scheme. I have stated numerous times how I think the new 2012 Cadillac Ambulance is my favorite version of that casting released to date. The new Dodge Charger Police car will likely have a quite realistic black/white color scheme for its debut as these are pretty popular and I bet they will go with the more traditional debut. Plus, the Aston Martin and Mini Cooper will be in very realistic color schemes for 2012, as I doubt that either BMW or Aston Martin will allow for unusual color schemes on them.
But we must also remember that this is not a permanent thing. It is like a pendulum, where it was totally one way, and has now swung to the other side, and will in 2013 swing back towards the middle again. To me, this is not the same as Hero City, as at that time the vehicles had very cartoony graphics. These are bright and in-your-face, but in a different way. They are a different slant on how to brighten things up. I have seen nothing yet that makes me fearful. I am still very much looking forward to seeing what is to come for the rest of 2012.
I started collecting in the 1970s, where we used to have thing like Tyre Fryer, Woosh-n-Push, Stingeroo, Fandango, Clipper etc. These were totally weird fantasy vehicles that are now seen as iconic. Yet, they are still some of the least desirable models in my collection. I am a Matchbox 3" model collector (Superfast - present), and will continue to collect Matchbox models as long as they continue making them and I am phsyically able to do so.
(My reply to this post):
DT, excellent thoughts as usual, but I have noticed that the availability of MB in the UK seems to be focused in the Midlands and North - you do not get anything down south (cos' we are infinitely richer than yow....), so the distribution in the UK is NOT even.
Even my local TRU struggles to fill with HW (!!), but more to the point computer games, Lego (hurrah!) and other character toys are VERY popular.
As mentioned before it will be a matter of time. in 20 years time when some of us may not even be around, the future of the "collecting" lies in the hands of the next generation - I cannot see them taking this up, and thus the need to cater for the collector for MB will diminish. It is inevitable.
Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Holiday Haul #8: Matchbox 2010 Lesney - '75 Chevy Stepside and Cadillac De Ville
These models have been outstanding within the collection for over a year. They were bought for me in Aussie by Jono C, but for some reason, I never got around to asking him to send them over to me. A beer and a chat later, they are safely in my hands. (Thanks mate – looking forward to the VE Ute’s!)
The models have been created out of pressure from collectors to bring back pure diecast models. That is to say, that they body and chassis are cast from metal, like in the old days before plastic took over. Mattel decided to cash in on the heritage of Matchbox by producing a range of models using the Lesney moniker and adding extra tampos and detailing, as well as increasing the price point to almost double what the standard 1-75 model actually costs. Add to this a replica box like that of yesteryear with artwork similar to those of the original 1-75 of the 60s, and 70s.
I think that there has been mixed success with the ranges released. Mattel decided to release another line of “detailed” 1-75 called the Best of British range, which had plastic bases, but were based on cars and vehicles significant to the UK. The range bombed. Priced at around £3-4 each, the Yanks snapped them up as it was another Matchbox models, “so I just gotta have me one”, but within the UK, unless you were a die-hard collector, this range didn’t seem to sell particularly well. A year later, you could still see them clogging up the pegs where available. Mattel did the same with other lines called SuperFast and Streakers, which were not in line with the original models, but yet another way to milk more money from collectors. I have to admit, I got a handful of SuperFast models, but was complete unimpressed. A little bit more detail, and a bit of glossy cardboard? SuperFast to me meant models that went fast on the floor when you zoomed them. Bit of an insult that the true meaning of the ‘brand’ was not carried over, and £ signs took over. I never got any of the Streaker models, but I am certain that they were in the same vain.
And as with most things, the stiffs at the MCCH would not hear anything bad about the models, as it would jeopardise their “relationship” with Mattel and their ability of try to influence the model line up for future years….
However, the Lesney range of models caught my eye – more so that they had a diecast base, which meant that they were closer to the original 1-75 range of yesteryear. The two models I got were the 1975 Chevy Stepside Pick-up/Ute and the Cadillac De Ville.
I have to say I am very impressed with the 1975 Chevy Stepside. The detailing is really rather exquisite, with the Goodyear logo on the 5 dot wheels – a wheel which traces its origins way back to the early 70s. Love it. The little touches please as well, such as the Chevy logo detailed on the front grill, and the rear detailing on the backside of the model. The paint finish is also HQ, and the actual weight of the chassis and body gives the real feel of an old MB model. With the box that comes with the model that is a bonus, but not in my mind an essential part of the model – serves little purpose if all you are going to do is display the model. But overall, dead chuffed, and very happy with this one.
The Cadillac however, is somewhat flat. Despite the diecast chassis, it just does not feel right…..I simply cannot put my finger on it, but something is missing from the model, and just does not have the presence of the Stepside, and just feels very wrong as a diecast model. The detailing on the model cannot save it either.
The packaging also seems to also be a bit of a waste of time as well. So Mattel have spent time and effort employing an artist and then ensuring that the plastic covering masks over the artwork….? Just seems a little pointless to be honest, as when you remove the model from the packaging, it destroys the visuals. This is one of the main attractions that Matchbox had over the years, and they seem to have scored an own goal with the way that the packaging has been done. Mattel have learnt from their mistake, and the 2011 1-75 range ensures that the artwork is clearly displayed over and above the plastic bubble housing the model. I hope that the brainbox behind the Lesney lot has been put in detention for being a div.
No doubt, Mattel will continue to milk as much as they can by producing these models, and there will be those who will snap everything that they can produce – because it is a Matchbox model, or those who will scalp and sell on for profit to the unsuspecting collector. For myself, it really is a judgement call. For models like the Stepside, which use the old 5-dot wheels, this really does appeal, and I will go out on a limb to ensure that I have this addition to the collection. Indeed having looked at some models on eBay, they look rather nice. BUT – and there is a but – some castings are simply a shocking choice. Who really wants a tarted up edition of the Sahara Survivor or Jungle Crawler?
Thinking here that Mattel might have run out of ideas, and just plonked for the first ones that might have been easy to convert to a Lesney edition……
Indeed, it has been reported on the MICA website that Mattel are actually scaling back with these models – even diecast is not immune from the likes of the economic climate at present, and the figures don’t seem to add up for 2011. You can almost visualise some of the hardcore @ the MCCH looking to top themselves as 3 models will not be produced this year…..(D’oh – get out more you bunch of anoraks!)
This is very much a mixed bag – and I am not certainly going to go out of my way to get any more. Well, fact of the matter is that Mattel still cannot get their arse into gear with regards to distribution in Europe, so I never really stood a chance even if I was a massive fan of this range.
The models have been created out of pressure from collectors to bring back pure diecast models. That is to say, that they body and chassis are cast from metal, like in the old days before plastic took over. Mattel decided to cash in on the heritage of Matchbox by producing a range of models using the Lesney moniker and adding extra tampos and detailing, as well as increasing the price point to almost double what the standard 1-75 model actually costs. Add to this a replica box like that of yesteryear with artwork similar to those of the original 1-75 of the 60s, and 70s.
I think that there has been mixed success with the ranges released. Mattel decided to release another line of “detailed” 1-75 called the Best of British range, which had plastic bases, but were based on cars and vehicles significant to the UK. The range bombed. Priced at around £3-4 each, the Yanks snapped them up as it was another Matchbox models, “so I just gotta have me one”, but within the UK, unless you were a die-hard collector, this range didn’t seem to sell particularly well. A year later, you could still see them clogging up the pegs where available. Mattel did the same with other lines called SuperFast and Streakers, which were not in line with the original models, but yet another way to milk more money from collectors. I have to admit, I got a handful of SuperFast models, but was complete unimpressed. A little bit more detail, and a bit of glossy cardboard? SuperFast to me meant models that went fast on the floor when you zoomed them. Bit of an insult that the true meaning of the ‘brand’ was not carried over, and £ signs took over. I never got any of the Streaker models, but I am certain that they were in the same vain.
And as with most things, the stiffs at the MCCH would not hear anything bad about the models, as it would jeopardise their “relationship” with Mattel and their ability of try to influence the model line up for future years….
However, the Lesney range of models caught my eye – more so that they had a diecast base, which meant that they were closer to the original 1-75 range of yesteryear. The two models I got were the 1975 Chevy Stepside Pick-up/Ute and the Cadillac De Ville.
I have to say I am very impressed with the 1975 Chevy Stepside. The detailing is really rather exquisite, with the Goodyear logo on the 5 dot wheels – a wheel which traces its origins way back to the early 70s. Love it. The little touches please as well, such as the Chevy logo detailed on the front grill, and the rear detailing on the backside of the model. The paint finish is also HQ, and the actual weight of the chassis and body gives the real feel of an old MB model. With the box that comes with the model that is a bonus, but not in my mind an essential part of the model – serves little purpose if all you are going to do is display the model. But overall, dead chuffed, and very happy with this one.
The Cadillac however, is somewhat flat. Despite the diecast chassis, it just does not feel right…..I simply cannot put my finger on it, but something is missing from the model, and just does not have the presence of the Stepside, and just feels very wrong as a diecast model. The detailing on the model cannot save it either.
The packaging also seems to also be a bit of a waste of time as well. So Mattel have spent time and effort employing an artist and then ensuring that the plastic covering masks over the artwork….? Just seems a little pointless to be honest, as when you remove the model from the packaging, it destroys the visuals. This is one of the main attractions that Matchbox had over the years, and they seem to have scored an own goal with the way that the packaging has been done. Mattel have learnt from their mistake, and the 2011 1-75 range ensures that the artwork is clearly displayed over and above the plastic bubble housing the model. I hope that the brainbox behind the Lesney lot has been put in detention for being a div.
No doubt, Mattel will continue to milk as much as they can by producing these models, and there will be those who will snap everything that they can produce – because it is a Matchbox model, or those who will scalp and sell on for profit to the unsuspecting collector. For myself, it really is a judgement call. For models like the Stepside, which use the old 5-dot wheels, this really does appeal, and I will go out on a limb to ensure that I have this addition to the collection. Indeed having looked at some models on eBay, they look rather nice. BUT – and there is a but – some castings are simply a shocking choice. Who really wants a tarted up edition of the Sahara Survivor or Jungle Crawler?
Thinking here that Mattel might have run out of ideas, and just plonked for the first ones that might have been easy to convert to a Lesney edition……
Indeed, it has been reported on the MICA website that Mattel are actually scaling back with these models – even diecast is not immune from the likes of the economic climate at present, and the figures don’t seem to add up for 2011. You can almost visualise some of the hardcore @ the MCCH looking to top themselves as 3 models will not be produced this year…..(D’oh – get out more you bunch of anoraks!)
This is very much a mixed bag – and I am not certainly going to go out of my way to get any more. Well, fact of the matter is that Mattel still cannot get their arse into gear with regards to distribution in Europe, so I never really stood a chance even if I was a massive fan of this range.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Reality is always different from the theory.....Vanguards MGB
I got very excited with regards to the Vanguards MGB Bronze Yellow (VA10709) when it was first announced at the start of the year. it looked the business from the pre-pro from the Corgi Website.
Those Maltese wheels were spot on and was something that really grated me on previous other models from the vangaurds range as they were never quite right in terms of accuracy.
As I was in the UK last week, Modelzone and Allders visted.
MGB available.
Quality Check followed and then viewed this -
(you will just have to tilt your head - Photobucket is not playing ball).
This infuriated me - why on earth can Corgi not get this right with the wheels yet again? Tempting me with the pre-pro pictures, and then in real life it is a total let down.
I refuse to accept poor production models any more. It is getting beyond a joke. Why can the wheels NOT reflect what has been created via the pre-pro???? This makes the model flawed and as a result I did not by this one. I have the same problem on the MkIII Cortina 2.0 GXL.
Absolute joke and to be honest I am gutted. Hornby, this is not good enough.
Those Maltese wheels were spot on and was something that really grated me on previous other models from the vangaurds range as they were never quite right in terms of accuracy.
As I was in the UK last week, Modelzone and Allders visted.
MGB available.
Quality Check followed and then viewed this -
(you will just have to tilt your head - Photobucket is not playing ball).
This infuriated me - why on earth can Corgi not get this right with the wheels yet again? Tempting me with the pre-pro pictures, and then in real life it is a total let down.
I refuse to accept poor production models any more. It is getting beyond a joke. Why can the wheels NOT reflect what has been created via the pre-pro???? This makes the model flawed and as a result I did not by this one. I have the same problem on the MkIII Cortina 2.0 GXL.
Absolute joke and to be honest I am gutted. Hornby, this is not good enough.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Shigeko, Okuni & Miles Axelrod - TRU's 10-pack Toyko Mix Up - Pixar Cars2
I am very surprised these days with the sheer amount of Pixar Cars2 models that have been released by Mattel these days. Seems that Mattel cam be bothered with this profitable line over the Matchbox 1-75 range.....
And more so, Europe seems to be trading blow for blow in terms of availability for the new range of models. TRU seems to be as good a place as any to look, and with a 20% off voucher made a £49.99 purchase of the Toyko Spy Mix Up (a 10 pack gift set) a little more palatable. Ok, I am whinging about the price again, but I have to realize that this represents a steady £4.99 a model, which is around the normal retail for each single.
Ok, so I have or a couple of dupes - these can easily be flogged on eBay if necessary. What was appealing - as ever - are the exclusive editions that not normally would be available in general sale as a single. These are quite cute additions and complement the Toyko scene very well.
Along with these two, Miles Axelrod is an addition to the Pixar family. I love the fact that the number plate at the rear of the model is a rather accurate replication of the type of plate you would normally see on a UK car. This attention to detail really pleases me.
I am really pleased that we are not so far behind the US in terms of models. It was a complete mare with the original Cars releases with some models still appearing from time to time even now. Long may this continue.
And more so, Europe seems to be trading blow for blow in terms of availability for the new range of models. TRU seems to be as good a place as any to look, and with a 20% off voucher made a £49.99 purchase of the Toyko Spy Mix Up (a 10 pack gift set) a little more palatable. Ok, I am whinging about the price again, but I have to realize that this represents a steady £4.99 a model, which is around the normal retail for each single.
Ok, so I have or a couple of dupes - these can easily be flogged on eBay if necessary. What was appealing - as ever - are the exclusive editions that not normally would be available in general sale as a single. These are quite cute additions and complement the Toyko scene very well.
Along with these two, Miles Axelrod is an addition to the Pixar family. I love the fact that the number plate at the rear of the model is a rather accurate replication of the type of plate you would normally see on a UK car. This attention to detail really pleases me.
I am really pleased that we are not so far behind the US in terms of models. It was a complete mare with the original Cars releases with some models still appearing from time to time even now. Long may this continue.
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