May 19th Matchbox Ambassador Report, by Larry Scaduto...

Ambassador’s Report May 19^th, 2015

By: Larry Scaduto

INTRODUCTION

I’ve packed a lot of information into this report! I’m starting out with new releases along with more Jurassic World models. I’ve received pictures of the latest Special Edition Real Working Rig E-One Mobile Command Vehicle (thank you Michael) and I’m doing a final round up of the Supreme Heroes Collection since I now have featured all 10 models in the series. I’m also going Disco in the PrePro section. Hope you like it! I’m also stepping back to 1971 with some special gift sets and I’m finishing up with my usual selection of articles. Hope everyone is having a good day and my next report should be out by the end of this month. Thank you all for reading. Larry

NEW RELEASES

MB996 Hazard Squad

The Hazard Squad really looks awesome in this “State Police” livery!!!

MB987 ’78 Dodge Monaco Police Car

MB810 Pontiac Firebird

Jurassic World continues…..

MB731 Baja Bandit

Chevy Silverado

MB928 Desert Thunder V-16

MB575 Jeep Willys

MB737 Quarry King

Special Edition Heroic Rescue Vehicles

Here we have the last Real Working Rig that will be offered with a $20.00 purchase of Matchbox products. This is the RW022 E-One Mobile Command. At present, I don’t have any information on what store this model will be available from. But rest assure, I will let everyone know when I get this information. But for now here are the pics. So far this promotion is to end May 31st. I’m hoping it gets extended so we have more time to obtain this fantastic fire truck.

Front & rear views of the E-One Mobile Command

RW036 Fire Stalker available from Wal-Mart & Target purchases (front & rear views)

SUPREME HERO COLLECTION REVIEW

Now that I’ve pictured the complete collection here in my reports, I’ve decided to put them all together in one place for everyone to see.

MB860 Ford Explorer MB906 ’63 Mack B Model Fire Engine

MB796 Hazard Squad

MB771 Ford E-350 Ambulance MB885 Renault Master Ambulance

MB877 International Pumper MB755 Pierce Dash Fire Engine

MB689 Ford Crown Victoria Police Car

MB857 Chevrolet Suburban MB801 International Workstar Brush Fire Truck

So after viewing all 10 models, what would be your favorite? I know some of you have issues with the wheels, but let’s put aside that for just a moment and look at the tampo printing and of course the choice of vehicles used. I usually don’t give opinions on what I think is good or what can be done better. But I’ll go on record as saying the Ford Explorer is the best of the lot!

PREPRODUCTIONS FROM MY COLLECTION

So…..It’s time to break out the shiny silver disco ball for this week’s preproduction selection! All models pictured have a silver chrome finish.

First up is the MB20 Police Patrol that features an unpainted metal Rolomatics Lesney base.

Next I have the MB67 Lamborghini Countach LP 500 S with a white interior, red windows and a white plastic 1985 Thailand base. This model also features gold 6 spoke spiral wheels.

Here is a MB54 Chevy Lumina with a black plastic 1990 Thailand base. (One of my favorite cars)

This MB2 Corvette Grand Sport has a white interior & black plastic 1989 Thailand base.

Next I am featuring the MB75 Ferrari Testarossa. This model has a white plastic interior, grill and tail lights with amber windows. Also this model has a white painted metal 1986 Thailand base with gold 6 spoke spiral wheels

Here is a Jaguar XJ6 with blue windows, white interior and a 1991 white plastic Thailand base

Next is a MB16 Ford LTD with a white interior, blue windows and a chrome 1987 Thailand base.

And next is MB74 Grand Prix Racing Car with a white metal 1988 Thailand base.

And finally I have the MB20 F 1 Racer painted silver with a 1984 black plastic Thailand base.

HISTORY

Let’s take a look at one of my favorite accessories that took me many years to find…..

I’m not sure why I wanted this item so bad. But I did search many years for this and landed 2 of them on e-Bay within a few short months of each other. One set was complete with no labels applied and the other set had the American labels applied and was missing a few parts. The Matchbox Auto Sales (also listed as accessory pack A-2) wasn’t anything really special…. It featured a thin chipboard play surface the size of the box and plastic rails, signs and a building. I understand that the building was from the Super Kings K-13 DAF Building Transporter. The flags were featured on the MG-1 BP Service Station and the lights were from Accessory Pack No. 1. So this set was released using parts from a number of other items made by Lesney.

This was truly an International release! Labels were available in 5 languages so the children can personalize their set depending on where they lived. I don’t recall this set ever being available in the USA, but I could be wrong on this. Released in 1971 this set is very hard to find.

Below were signs that you can cut out and fold on the dotted line. I have a few of them in the pictures I’ve taken.

Also released in 1971, I have the TA-9 Sky-Jack Superfast Track Accessory. This is a motorized lift that keeps the racing going. Mine is still sealed, (And it’s staying that way!!!!) but I included a YouTube video of a later release of the same accessory to show you what this item does.