Matchbox Is Going Green - My Thoughts

It's well known that Mattel is one of the best toy makers around. Their products are very influential, and are effective at inspiring young children to be creative. Well now, they are inspiring young children to have a new mindset. And it's one that we as adults should have too. As of today, Mattel has announced some fantastic news. They have decided to move towards using recycled materials for their die-cast products. 

It's fun being a die-cast collector, but we also have to think about protecting this planet we call home. So using recycled materials is a great way to reduce the overall impact that waste has on the planet. As a child, I was very serious about protecting the environment. This mindset was initiated by my aunt, who had a city job that promoted protecting the environment. Most children might not have a family member with one of those jobs. So I think it's great for influential companies like Mattel to get children hooked on saving the planet.

According to Mattel's website, they are going to make all Matchbox die-cast cars, playsets and packaging with 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic by 2030. I'm glad they're not waiting to get started with these changes, the sooner the better. 

Using recycled materials is not the only way they're encouraging us to protect the environment. E-vehicles are obviously the way of the future, and one of the best manufacturers is none other than Tesla. As you've seen, both of Mattel's die-cast brands have given us their various vehicles. In my opinion, using Tesla's vehicles is a great way to promote this new eco-friendly direction. These releases should also help to influence children into wanting them as their daily vehicles when they grow up. 

 Mattel is also going to make some changes to their fuel station playsets. They have decided to add e-vehicle chargers. Adding this exciting feature should definitely get children interested in driving e-vehicles. So I think this is a great decision.  

Mattel's playsets also have electronics in them. So the decision was made to re-design these sets with a single module that will contain all of the aforementioned. Doing this is definitely a step in the right direction, because it will help to make e-waste recycling easier. 

I also think it's great how they're going to educate consumers on how to recycle their products. This is going to be done with How2Recyle labels.

At the end of the day, I think it's awesome how our favorite toy brand is thinking about the future. I, for one, am in support of this new direction. After all, we all have to do our part, and toy makers getting children involved, is the best way to bring awareness to the next generation. 

Images contained in this post are owned by Mattel, and are available for download here.

White Booth Wednesday #79

It's once again time for another Wednesday showcase here on the boulevard. Here's this week's featured vehicle.

Vehicle: Aston Martin 1963 DB5

Series: 2016 Then and Now

Boulevard rating: 9

How I feel about this release: Being a classic sports car is not the only reason why I gave this release a nine. In my opinion, this classic looks fantastic finished in black, and I love how they chose to use metal flake black. I love the way this paint looks when a light is shined on it. So that helped to make this a very enjoyable release to look at. The wheel choice is the other aspect that contributed to the rating I gave it. These wheels are always a perfect choice for a classic sports car. All in all, this is one release that I'm happy to have.

So collectors, what would be your rating for this release? Go ahead and let me know down in the comments. As always, happy diecast collecting!

My Want List: 2021 Matchbox Mix 2

Alright collectors, welcome to another edition of My Want List. It took some time, but I was finally able to complete my Matchbox mix 2 want list. Overall, this mix features some nice rides, and I'm glad the hunt is finally over. So with that being said, let's get this show on the road.  

The first release for today's post, is the 1956 Aston Martin DBR1. I had to start with this one, and by now you should know why. To this day, these old sports cars are still beautiful works of art. I'm very pleased to see another plain release of this casting.

I really like how silver was picked for this release's exterior color. In my opinion, it's a great color for any classic sports car, and the DBR1 looks absolutely stunning finished in the color. The exterior color isn't the only thing I like. The Matchbox designers took things a step further by giving this release a red interior.  

The one thing I didn't like about the green release that I have, was it's wheels. Thankfully, that's not the case with this silver release. The green one was given five spoke wheels, while this one was given the split ten spoke wheels. I feel these are much better than the five spoke wheels, which are definitely not period correct for this car

The next release that got checked off of my want list, is the 1970 Ford Capri. Matchbox has been on a roll lately with these classic cars, and I love it! Earlier in the year, we got the beautiful Plymouth Savoy, and now we got this car. 

I'm glad Matchbox is the brand that's doing these classics. If Hot Wheels did this casting, then we might have gotten one that looked customized. Anyway, with this Matchbox release, it has a stock body, a stock looking ride height, disk wheels, and it was finished in a great looking silver.

This release features black stripes that were only applied to it's hood. The hood was also given "Ford." This release was also given some additional details, but sadly, they were only applied to it's front end. Honestly, it would have been nice to at least see some tail light details, but oh well. 

All in all, this is a really well done model, and I'm glad they kept things relatively simple for it's first release. I'm hoping it gets many more releases like this one.

The '35 Ford Pickup has made another appearance with this year's mix 2, and it's the next one that got checked off of my want list. This is another example of a classic that's not getting enough attention from Hot Wheels. I mean... they are currently doing the '32 Ford, but I feel there should be more Hot Wheels made hot rods. So Matchbox castings like this, continue to be one of the reasons why I'm happy with my decision to get into this brand.

As much as I like this casting, I was honestly disappointed with it's first two releases. I did get the first one since it was new, but I made the choice to not get the second one. Basically, I was not happy with the designs featured on them. The first one was given a construction design, while the second one was given a soda pop delivery design. 

I'll admit that I was a little hesitant about getting this one when I first saw it's theme. The main thing I was questioning, were the words "swapmeet special." My opinion of the theme changed after I gave it some thought, which is why it was added to my want list. Basically, I could totally see someone deciding to try and rebuild a hot rod with swap meet obtained parts. And once finished, I could see them naming it the "swapmeet special."

Besides the words, this release was also given some additional design aspects along it's sides. My favorite of these, are the worn down paint details, which complement it's matte exterior. I should also mention that the Matchbox designers chose to make the passenger side door blue, which further helps to give this release that pieced together look. Since I didn't get an extra one to open, I don't have a picture of this. So you're going to have to try and find one to open for yourself, or you could try to find pictures on the internet. 

Alright, so after drooling over the first three classic vehicles, I think it's time to take a look at one of the modern cars from this mix. So up next, is the brand new 2020 Audi TT RS Coupe. I have to say, this is a pretty good model. I feel it has great proportions, and I like how it features side rear view mirrors. Those will always be a huge plus for me.

The best thing about this first release for me, is it's exterior color. The Matchbox designer chose to finish this debut release in a beautiful shade of blue. This blue also appears to be based on an actual color that was available for this casting's real-life counterpart. And based on the pictures I'm seeing, I'd say they got the color right. As usual though, I not totally sure since I don't have a way to compare this release to a real one.

Like with most Matchbox releases, this too was given some great looking front and rear tampo details. I only wish it had a European license plate like the one in the pictures I found. As you might know from a previous post, I love seeing international plate details.  

Up next, is another new casting, and I was delighted to see that it was being made. The Bentley Bentayga is the next release that got checked off of my want list. I think we can all agree that it's nice to see these high-end SUVs getting some love from Mattel's diecast brands. As you know, last year's Hot Wheels mainline gave us the '17 Lamborghini Urus. Like the Audi, I'm very pleased with how this model came out.

There are a few things I like about this first release. The exterior color, which is dark blue, is obviously the main thing that I like. The front and rear details are next. Now as good as they are, I do wish the license plate section had a plate instead of just "Bentley." Last but not least, are the wheels. The decision was made to give it the split ten spoke wheels, and I feel these are appropriate for this vehicle.  

Now despite being satisfied with this first release, I do have a small wish list for future releases. Basically, there are a few different colors I'd like to see used for a future release. And they are all based on colors that are offered by Bentley. One of the colors has got to be orange. I might be alone, but I like the orange I'm seeing in various pictures. 

The 1961 Ford Ranchero is the next release that got checked off of my want list. I don't know how could anyone not have this casting on their want list. This is such a great looking model to have, and I like how this release is finished in blue. Usually this would have made it my favorite release, but I still very much like the color that was used for the debut release of this casting. The white one from last year is also okay. 

The interior color is the next thing that I like about this one. Instead of simply going with grey or black like the first two, this one was given a brown interior. I should also mention that they decided to give it a white base, which is nice since the first two were given a grey base. 

The one thing I'm glad to see being used again, are the disk wheels. Due to the model year of this Ranchero, I feel these are the best possible wheels for it. I can honestly say that I will never get tired of seeing them used for this casting. 

Checked off of my want list next, is the 2018 Ford Mustang Convertible. Unlike the previous releases that had the five spoke wheels, this one was given gold ten spoke wheels. I know these wheels on this Mustang aren't going to be for everyone, but I think it's nice to finally have one of these with different wheels. And it's also nice to see one with a wheel color that hasn't been used for it yet.

Now I need to put the spotlight on the exterior color, as it's the other aspect that made me add this release to my want list. There are many exterior colors that will go great with gold wheels. One of those colors is black, and that's what the designers chose for this release. 

I am a little disappointed with one of this release's aspects, and it has to do with the tampo details. Last year's release of this casting was given a license plate that read "WILD STANG." Sadly, this one simply has the Mustang logo on this section. Maybe you won't care, but I think it would have been nice to see another cool plate. 

The last vehicle that I got was the Polaris RZR. Personally, I'm really not too impressed with this release. For some reason, the designers chose to use the same black that was used for the first release. Sure, they gave it a different design, and this time it's blue. But that doesn't change the fact that it's still the same black. Since this vehicle's body doesn't have enough space for a huge flashy design, I feel they should have made it a different color. 

The wheels are also similar, except this time they made the rim blue. I'm sorry, but a different rim color is still not enough to make me absolutely love this release. 

So yes, I decided to put this release onto my want list. But that's basically because it's a cool vehicle. Now upon doing a Google image search of the RZR, I came across a picture of one that is red and black. So I don't know about you, but I think red one with a black base would be cool. 

Alright collectors, that's all of the releases I wanted from this year's Matchbox mix 2. Aside from the last vehicle, everything else was great. 

So, how did you feel about this mix? Feel free to let me know down in the comments section. Okay, that's all for this edition of My Want List. Thanks for reading, and until next time, happy collecting.

White Booth Wednesday #78

It's once again time for another Wednesday showcase here on the boulevard. Here's this week's featured vehicle.

Vehicle: '68 Dodge Dart

Series: 2017 Hot Wheels Flames

Boulevard rating: 8

How I feel about this release: There were ultimately three colors for this release, and despite having all three, this one is my favorite. Long story short, I like this color combination the most. The wheel color is the only reason why I didn't score it higher. Some of you out there might not have an issue with the chrome gold that was used, but I do. I really wouldn't have had an issue if they made them black and chrome instead. In my opinion, the wheels don't always have to match the color of the design. Anyway, this is still a pretty good release.

So collectors, what would be your rating for this release? Go ahead and let me know down in the comments. As always, happy diecast collecting!

My Want List: 2021 Matchbox Retro Series - First Mix

Welcome to today's edition of My Want List. Matchbox has decided to continue their Target only Retro Series, and I can honestly say that I'm glad because last year's set turned out great. Now unlike the first set, this set is going to have a total of twenty-four models. In my opinion, this is great news. So without further ado, let's get this post started. 

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is the first model for today's review. This casting made it's debut all the way back in 2005, and it was one that I didn't yet have. So I'm glad Matchbox decided to use it again. Now since I am no expert, I will admit that I didn't know much about this casting. All I knew was that it was shaped like a fourth gen Eclipse. But what I couldn't figure out, was why the top of it has a silver section, which the fourth gen doesn't have. So it was once again time to do some homework. 

From what I can gather, this casting is based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Concept E. Based on the pictures I'm seeing, the real concept car was finished in a reddish orange. I believe the color is called sunset pearlescent. Anyway, this Matchbox release of it was finished in a metallic red that I think looks just as good. The color isn't too bright, and it's not too dark either.

The real concept car is seen with nine spoke wheels, while this release was given five spoke wheels. These aren't bed, but I do wish Matchbox had more wheels to choose from. It would be nice if they also had a ten spoke wheel like Hot Wheels. Better yet, it would be cool if they had an actual nine spoke wheel.

One of the things that I like about the real concept, is how it was given white seats. Although I don't have an issue with the choice to give this release a black interior, I do think it would have been cool if they gave it a white interior instead. 

The next model from this mix that I got, is the Volkswagen Transporter Crew Cab. This casting has had some okay releases since it's 2016 debut, and I think this one is just as good. In fact, due to my personal preferences, I think this one is better than the debut release. Most of you might disagree, which is fine, but I just never fully liked the bike tours theme. 

This release was given a design, and I like how it's not anything wild. The overall design consist of four stripes that run along it's sides. Yellow, black, maroon, and white, are the colors that were picked for it. These are an okay mixture of colors, if I do say so myself. I also think they combine well with the orange that was used for this release's exterior color.

As you all know, this casting's previous releases had two different bed variations. I'm not entirely sure if this is the case for this release, so you're going to have to try and find this out for yourself. I actually don't have a problem with either version. 

As you can see, white disk wheels are what the designers chose for this release. In my opinion, these are the best wheels for this version. I think this casting looks the best when it's wheels are the same as the spare that's featured in the bed. I wouldn't care for the wheel choice as much if this was the other version with nothing in the bed.

Up next, is one that I'm sure most of you will love. The '71 Nissan Skyline 2000 GTX is the next model from this first mix. You can always count on Matchbox to release a model that has an interesting appearance. And you know what, that's a good thing because it makes it so we have some neat models to collect. The decisions made for the exterior color, as well as the design, helped to make this a very unique 2000 GTX. . 

Starting with the exterior color, the designers chose to paint this release pink. I mean... how often is it that we get a pink diecast Hakosuka. The PEZ themed one from M2, is the last one I got. This color alone made this a must get for me. The design on it consist of a bunch of yellow, purple, and turquoise octagons that have a silver outline. I never thought I'd see a Skyline decorated like this, but hey, nothing is impossible with diecast cars. It's unique releases like this that make me stop and appreciate companies like Mattel and their brands.

Now I think we can all agree that too much of anything is never good. So that's why I think it's great that the design was only applied to it's sides. As much as I like the design, I feel it would have been excessive to add it to the top of this release. 

This is another one of those Matchbox castings that's two different versions. So just like the Volkswagen, I'm not entirely sure if this release is going to have the variation. So once again, you're going to have to try and find this out for yourself. For those of you that didn't know, the variation has to do with the interior piece. One has a seat belts, while the other has stock seats. The variation also has a different engine, which is seen when you take it apart.

Next up, is the 1972 Ford Bronco 4X4. There are a few reasons as to why I instantly added this release to my want list. The biggest reason has to do with the fact that I literally only had one other release of it before this one. It's the Skyjacker themed one from 2018. I know there were three more releases after that one, but I didn't get them. I didn't like the theme of the first two, and the third one was released in a Top Gun Five pack that I decided not to get. On a side note, I didn't get the pack due to the fifth vehicle being the Swing Wing. Since I already had the bigger Top Gun models, there was no need for that jet.

If you've read some of my older post, then you'd know that I like to have at least one plain release of every casting I like. So that brings me to the next reason for adding this to my want list. This release has no design. In fact, that's the reason why I was initially going to try and get the Top Gun one. 

The exterior color is the next reason why I instantly added this release to my want list. The Matchbox designers chose to use a beautiful shade of metallic purple. I know I liked the Top Gun one due to it's blue exterior, but I will admit that I like this one's color better.      

The Chevy K-1500 is the fifth model from this mix that I got. The Matchbox Retro Series doesn't just feature unique releases like the Skyline, it also features releases that are replicas of a release from many years ago. This basically makes it so we can have an older one without having to turn to the secondary market. With that said, this release is a replica of the one that was released in 1998. 

I really appreciate Matchbox deciding to use the design that was applied to the 1998 release. The other release of this casting that I have, is from the 2018 Chevy Trucks 100 Years set. The design on that one is cool, but I like this one better. So this release is now my favorite. 

One of the other good things about these being done, is that we get to see how an older release would look with modern wheels. In my opinion, the eight spoke wheels used for this one, look much better than the wheels that were used for the 1998 release. 

The 1960 Jeep 4X4 is the last one from this mix that I got. As you all know, this casting was also used for last year's Matchbox Retro Series. And like that one, this too is based on an older release. Back in 2009, Matchbox released a five pack that was called Desert Adventure. This release is basically a re-release of the one from that pack. 

Since I don't have that five pack, this was a must get. I remember how disappointed I was when I found out the original was from a five pack. Coming across altered five packs in my local stores has made me shy away from getting them off the secondary. So I'm glad Matchbox gave collectors like me the chance to own this cool release in it's own pack. 

 

I'm glad nothing was really changed, because I liked how the 2009 release looked with it's exterior color, design, and wheels. The lack of the antenna is the only thing that's different between the two. I personally think this casting looks better without the antenna. 

It's worth noting that this isn't everything that's included in this first mix. The last model is a '63 Cadillac Ambulance. It's not a bad looking release, but I just didn't feel the need to add it to my collection.

So how do you feel about this first mix? Did you get everything, or were there only certain models you wanted? Feel free to let me know down in the comments section. Alright, that's all for this edition of My Want List. Until next time, thanks for reading, and happy collecting.

Today On The Boulevard: Hot Wheels Spring Set - My thoughts On The Two I Got

Alright everyone, it's once again time for another edition of Today On The Boulevard. I usually don't make too much of an effort to try and find some of the themed sets from Hot Wheels. This is simply because I don't always like the casting choices, or what was done to them. Now recently, I stumbled upon the newest Spring Time set, and there were two models that piqued my interest. Now as cool as they are, I do have a small issue with one of the two that I got. So with that being said, let's get started.

Now to start things off, I figured that I'd go ahead and talk about the Nissan Fairlady Z first, since I don't have an issue with it. The best thing about this release for me, is it's exterior color. The card art shows it finished in yellow, while the actual release is finished in a color that I'd best describe as being banana yellow. 

Due to it's color, I decided to nickname this release The Banana Z. I think it's a very fitting nickname for this cool release, if I do say so myself. All jokes aside, I feel this is one fantastic looking color, and I think it helps to make this release stand out from some of the other releases of this casting.

The design applied to it is not bad at all, and I love the colors that were picked for it. Although blue and orange are a bit on the wild side, I feel they mix really well with the yellow. Aside from the colors, I also like how the "spring 2021" decal is small. This kind of detail being big, is one of the reasons why I don't always go for these sets. Personally, these spring time releases don't really need the decal because we all know it's a spring time themed model based on it's pack, as well as the rabbit logo. 

The top of this release was also decorated. A few years ago, I was looking up some of the older Hot Wheels from way back in the day. That's when I came across a casting based on a Datsun that's called Z-Whiz. Now you might be asking why I'm bringing this up. Well... the design that was applied to the top of this release, appears to be based on the design that was applied to the top of the Z-Whiz's releases. I think it's cool when Hot Wheels decides to use a  very old design for a new release.

Okay, let's move on to the one that I have a small issue with. The next one that I decided to get from this set, is the '77 Pontiac Firebird T/A. This release overall is not too bad, and like the Z, I really like it's exterior color. I just have an issue with one of the design decisions.  

As you can see, the sides of this release were given a green stripe with "spring 2021" applied within it. This is an example of what I was talking about. In my opinion, this release had the potential to be a solid ten, had it not been given this detail. Some of you might not have an issue with it, but I honestly feel there was no reason to make this detail this big. Furthermore, I feel the stripe itself wasn't needed since it has a cool flame design. 

Now that I got that out of the way, I want to put the spotlight on a specific design that made me decide to acquire this release. And no, the flames along the sides are not it. Although they contributed to my decision, the design I'm referring to is on the hood. 

The way I see it, the Trans Am hood decal was used as an inspiration for the rabbit design on the hood, and I absolutely love how it looks. Like the Z, I have decided to also give this release a nickname. You might not like my name for it, which is fine, but I decided to nickname this release The Firerabbit. Anyway, this is a very cool design. It's also what made me decide to ignore the "spring 2021" stripe.

Despite my little issue with the Firebird, both of these releases are very cool. And I'm happy that I was able to add them to my collection. The other models in this set are okay, but what was done to them wasn't enough to make me acquire them.  

Okay, so did you decide to get the entire set, or did you only get certain ones? Go ahead and let me know down in the comments section. Alright, that's all for this edition of Today On The Boulevard. Until next time, thanks for reading, and Happy Easter!