First Look: Matchbox 2014 Toy Fair Dump Dozer...

Alright, where to start on this one?

A bit ago I mentioned that my approach to Matchbox would be simple.  With the brand going in a different direction than what I normally collect, I would mainly feature those models that interest me or that I know would interest the Lamley audience.  I reserved the right to say what I want, but I am frankly tired of the "Matchbox is doomed and hates collectors" diatribes.

Now my mentioning that I am tired of the diatribes does not mean I am a blind collector who will like anything Matchbox puts in a blister, it only means I am tired of them the same way I would tire of my favorite food if I ate it every day.  We know Matchbox has moved away from collectors for the most part, and I am frankly fine with it, whether I collect more Matchbox or not.  Let them do what they want.  If they feel the need to separate the two Mattel diecast brands more now than they have in the past, that is their right.  I will just continue to collect what I want.

But I know others feel betrayed by the brand and its current direction.  I get that too.  But I feel all that has been said, and I am fine moving on.  I will enjoy the Matchbox models I like, even if they come out few and far between.  There is plenty to keep me busy from Hot Wheels, Kyosho, TLV, and others.

So that leads to the Dump Dozer.  We didn't feature the yellow Dozer when it hit the pegs a couple of months ago, frankly because it isn't a model we wanted to feature, and we know the kind of response it would get.  But since Mattel decided to make it a Toy Fair model, it seems like we should at least give it some attention.  Plus, it was made easy to feature it because our Lamley cohort, David Tilley, is a Matchbox completist.  Hence, he bought one and had it shipped to me so I could ship it to him.

So here it is?  Do I like it?  Nope.  Why would I?  Looking at it strictly within the context of its deco, they did a very nice job with it.  The metal-like paint they gave the model looks good, as does the overall deco.  It is a good promotion piece for what Mattel wants to convey to retailers brand-wise, which is the purpose of this model anyway.  It is not aimed at collectors, but as a giveaway to retailers.  Obviously many find their way to collectors, as this one has, but it is meant to convey where the brands is headed.

And the brand is headed towards...wait, what was it...oh yeah...Unstoppable Vehicles for Heroic Adventures.   Seems like a mouthful, but take it for what it is.  I will happily select the BMW 1M and Alfa 4C as my UVfHA, but kids these days probably have different views on that.  Hence, construction.

So there it is.  Now let's wait to see what Hot Wheels' Toy Fair model will be...

(And the best way is to follow the Rusnak2000 on Toy Peddler.  He got this one for us, and will be one of the first to get the Hot Wheels model, in case you are interested.)


Matchbox Dump Dozer (2014 Toy Fair):

Just Unveiled: Matchbox 2014 Toy Fair Dump Dozer...

Late last night we got a message on the Lamley Facebook page letting us know that the Matchbox Toy Fair Model for 2014 had just been unveiled.  A Toy Peddler seller we have dealt with many times in the past now has a few in hand, and wanted to share.

And the model chosen by Mattel to represent Matchbox to retailers?  The infamous Dump Dozer:

Well isn't this a development?  The Toy Fair models are supposed to signify the direction of Matchbox, and based on the amount of new construction models in the 2014 lineup, I get why they chose the Dump Dozer.

Collectors will obviously not be happy, and we can get into that when we do a First Look (one is on its way to Lamley co-founder David Tilley).  As much as some might not like it, I think we can at least agree that the model won't look better than this.  How is that for silver lining?

We are still trying to get word on the Hot Wheels Toy Fair Model.  I could be a 2013, but historically it is a new model for the upcoming year.  So your guess is as good as ours.  C7 Corvette?  I can always dream of the Datsun 620 being the model, but I highly doubt it.  As soon as we know, we will pass it on.

In the meantime, visit rusnak2000's Toy Peddler listings to grab the Dump Dozer and other Toy Fair models if you feel so inclined:

2014 Toy Fair Dump Dozer

First Look: Matchbox 60th Anniversary All-Terrain Crane, Ground Grinder, and Blaze Blitzer...

Yesterday was Memorial Day here in the US, and after posting the Matchbox Ambassador Update, I closed the laptop and headed to the Spiral Jetty with my daughters.  We were up to our knees all day in the Salt Lake enjoying one of my favorite pieces of art, and arrived home late Monday.

So as has been the case before, we have postponed our Matchbox Monday post to Tuesday.  But that does not mean the regular Matchbox feature still can't be supported by MVE Collectibles.  It can.  So as usual, we ask you to check out MVE Collectibles and see the plethora of Matchbox and other brands for sale (including the three we are featuring today).

Last week we featured these three castings together as new basic models, and Matchbox up and released the 60th Anniversary models right at the same time.  Neato.  We also mentioned last week that the type of vehicles these three represent is not one of Lamley's fortes.  Nothing has changed since then.

We can offer our opinion, and move on the photos.  So once again, the Crane doesn't do it for us, but we will say this livery and color scheme is a vast improvement over the basic version.  We can also say that other two are improvements over the basic versions, but not as much, because we already liked the looks of the basic versions.

There.  Our opinion has been put forth.

Yours?


Matchbox All-Terrain Crane, Ground Grinder, and Blaze Blitzer (2013 60th Anniversary):

February 18th Matchbox Ambassador Update: A new model for 2013...

Hello fellow collectors, and Happy President's Day to our friends in the US.  I am happily taking the day off from my normal job, but rain or shine, the Ambassador duties continue to call.

With that let me throw out some thanks to the Matchbox team at Mattel for doing all they can to keep these weekly updates going.  They are sometimes at the mercy of what FEP's come in, and there are some weeks that they don't have anything to show.  I manage that on my end, but some weeks will be more fruitful than others.  But we will always do our best to bring a decent update to our Matchbox-collecting friends.

With that, there are a few tidbits to share this week.

First off, the team is excited to let everyone know that the development of the Dodge A100 pickup is ahead of schedule, and the model is returning to the 2013 lineup, instead of being delayed to 2014.  The team is very excited about this one, and from everything I have heard, it may be a serious contender for collector's model of the year.  As soon as I have a sneak, I will be sure to show it here.

The team has also noticed the positive response to the latest Mission Force set, and is happy you have noticed the push towards realistic liveries on those models.  You can see the same thing in the latest EMT 5-pack that is just hitting stores.

2013 Batch C has started appearing in stores in many countries, and Batch D will soon follow.  Some dealers already have Batch D in hand.  If you are a follower of the Lamley Group we will profile a few models from both batches this week.

Lastly, several of you have asked about the status of the Real Working Rigs.  The line has not been discontinued, but there will be no new tools or decos for 2013, outside of those RWR included in the Mission Force sets.  I don't know if there is anything different slated for 2014, but it will be my successor's job to figure that out.

There are still more questions into the team and I will share their answers as soon as I get them.

On with the sneak peaks, as always shown with Mattel's permission:

We will start with a new version of the 2000 Corvette in green.  The model looks quite sharp, with one exception.  Those yellow wheels don't seem to fit.  Never fear, those are the wrong wheels.  The actual version in stores will sport gold 5sp wheels.

Next up is a running change on the upcoming 2013 version of the Sowing Machine.  I previewed this version a few weeks ago:

But you variation collectors should also be on the lookout for this one as well:

We have already seen running wheel changes on a few models, and it appears we have more coming.

Finally, a new model to preview.  It is a new non-licensed road grader, the Ground Grinder.  Dave describes it as the RWR's little brother, and it was made to fit in the basic range and be a nice play companion with the Ground Breaker, Scraper, and Road Roller.  It will also appear in the 60th Anniversary Line with a different body color and deco.

There is more to come next week, and keep returning to see DLMer's views of Batch C and D.

Until then...