Good day collectors,
Well, after my diversion in doing a Line Preview Report last month, we are back to the usual monthly reports again. Still, don't get too used to it. I only have 3 more to go (including this one).
Well, with all the news and information coming out of the line preview, there really is not a lot to put out this month. But let's get straight into it, shall we?
We start withy a change that will be noticeable in the coming months. Batch F has recently surfaced, with the MB737 Quarry King appearing in orange with orange wheels. However, they will be changed to gray for the remainder of the production. Keep an eye out for the alteration. We will also say goodbye to a model too. The MB406 Land Rover Freelander was released recently in a Hitch 'n Haul set. Make the most of it, as this will be the last time this model gets used. The license runs out at the end of the year, and due to the model being outdated, Land Rover does not want Matchbox to continue using the model so the license is not going to be renewed. Look out for batch G to arrive in June with 11 new issues (including 1 new casting), namely MB4 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA (now white as the poster showed it in green), MB11 Shelby Cobra GT500 Convertible (new casting), MB13 1965 Ford Mustang, MB29 Smart Cabrio, MB48 Highway Hauler, MB55 1963 Cadillac Hearse, MB56 BW Beetle Taxi, MB62 MBX Mixer, MB80 Honda Ridgeline, MB84 Jeep Rescue Concept and MB99 Jeep Wrangler. As well as these 11 models, we should also see 3 "2nd issue" models, namely MB2 Cadillac Sedan DeVille, MB23 Nissan 350Z and MB67 Guzzler.
So who is looking forward to new wheels? There is a new classic "disk" style wheel that is going to be debuting soon. The first recipient is going to be the MB713 1965 Austin Mini Van in the "Classic Cars" 5-pack, with the MB735 1968 Citroën DS in the Best of International series also sporting it at around the same time. This will slowly spread out through the basic ranges as the year progresses. Talking of the MB713 1965 Austin Mini Van, we are going to be getting a small bonus. Due to a canceled project, one of the upcoming standard 10-packs will be featuring a special green Mini Van as an additional exclusive. This is not the all exclusive "Adventure" pack, but one of the other 2 packs being released alongside.
Hitch 'n Haul has recently seen the release of the first sets for 2008. Alongside these, we saw the last 2 of 2007 continuing in the assortments with the Vacation Set seeing the first run of the cost reduced MB747 Travel Trailer. Well, this vacation set seems to be a very popular one, so it comes as no surprise that the next new sets of Hitch 'n Haul will feature another Vacation Set. Only this time, there will be an MB705 Honda Ridgeline towing it. Alongside this set, there will be a second new addition. Has anybody wondered the whereabouts of the MB682 Snowmobile Trailer? Well, it returns being pulled by the MB712 Desert Thunder V16 in an Arctic set. However, these bring to an end Hitch 'n Haul new releases for 2008. However, 2009 will not see them stopping completely. Although no new sets are being planned for 2009, these ones in production will continue on for a while, although we could see the deletion of the accessories included, and just have the 2 models in the packaging. Trailers do seem to be quite popular with collectors, and Mattel are currently looking at adding in some trailer units into various 5 and 10-packs next year. Nothing is guaranteed yet, but they are looking at utilizing some of these as and when they are suitable. However, there are no plans to use a trailer piece as a single issue.
Battle Kings also appears to have gone a little quiet recently. After the first 3 sets appeared for 2008, we have had nothing. The 4th pack to complete the 2 scenarios will be out soon containing the “Rogue” Island Attack scenario. The models included in this set are Badlander and Airport Fire Tanker. Once this pack arrives, there will be no further new additions for 2009. Matchbox are currently working on a whole new set of scenarios for 2009, which will feature brand new teams together with a brand new look. More information on this will come later.
Now June still sees some brand new additions to keep an eye out for. The next batch of Superfast is slated for a June release in Wal-Mart. June will also see the Best of International and Best of US Muscle become available. If you are a dealer, start planning your orders for these Best of.... sets. Also in June we will find the last of the new playsets for 2008 arrive. Haunted House, a 360° playset, will arrive featuring the debut of the updated MB746 1939 Chevy Van. This model has been retooled to enable it to be put together easier, and as such will contain a brand new "elephant" base. June could be quite an expensive month for some.
** BREAKING NEWS TIME **, concerning collectors from mainland Europe. 2002 saw Matchbox release the "Stars of Germany" series in Germany featuring vehicles from Germany. After the series started spreading out through mainland Europe over the next 2 years, the series was renamed "Stars of Cars" in 2004 and incorporated other European Marques too. Matchboxes have been looking at this series and have decided to evolve the series for 2008. With the direction undertaken in 2005 to create realistic looking vehicles, many of which are European vehicles anyway, it was felt that just recoloring various cars from the basic range for a Stars of Cars series was not a worthwhile practice. However, the other vehicles that appear alongside the cars which feature prominent European style graphics utilizing other languages prevalent in mainland Europe are a good thing. Therefore, 2008 will see a series of mainly action and utility vehicles with European style writing/graphics incorporated into their designs. Due to this move towards the action and utility side of models, calling them Stars of Cars seemed a little odd. Therefore, 2008 will see the launch of "European Edition" models. This first set of "European Edition" models for 2008 consist of 13 models instead of the usual 12 due to one of the casting being available in 2 color schemes. The 12 models are 2008 Garbage Truck, Guzzler, Tractor, DAF XF95 Space Cab, Unimog, Dennis Sabre, Quarry King, Flatbed Truck, Fork Lift, Ford Transit Van, Groundbreaker and BMW 328i Police. The last of these, the BMW 328i Police will be available in 2 different liveries.
Well this is pretty much it for this issue. However, here are a few small notes for those who requested. Matchbox do not have official photos of models created that are not a part of the basic range. People did ask as they often utilize Matchbox official photos when creating manufacturing list model listings. Skybusters should be arriving in batches of 12, and when a new batch arrives, it should contain 6 new additions plus the last 6 models released for a total of 36 models throughout 2008. There may be shortfalls of new releases in some batches, but by the end of the year it should balance out for a full set of 36 new Skybusters. Finally, for those who were wondering, the guys on the Matchbox team are not linked with the guys who work on the Disney "Cars" series. Dave Weise started off in the Disney "Cars" team, but once he moved over to Matchbox he stopped being connected with the Disney team.
So until June, this is your Ambassador saying
Cheerio!
