David Tilley
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Posts: 49
(3/8/08 13:30)
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2008 Matchbox Convention Ambassador Report
Hi guys,
Well this is it. For me, my tenure as Matchbox Ambassador is over.
It has been a truly wonderful year, and one that has been a true highlight of my life. Little did I know that last July the Matchbox team from Mattel would be calling my name to be the third Ambassador for the brand. I was worried over how things would progress over the course of the year, but I have to admit, it has been a wonderful trip. Sadly, these things do come to an end, and for me, this is it. My last act as the third Ambassador is to give a review of the Gathering in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
So let's get on with it, shall we? Officially the weekend begins on the Friday with registration, but I have to admit many people (myself included) turned up in advance. By Thursday, things were already buzzing around the hotel. By the evening, quite a lot of room trading had already taken place, and a large number of guests had already booked in. The restaurant opposite the Marriott Hotel did not know what hit it, when a large group of Matchbox collectors invaded them Thursday evening. So Friday begins with more room trading, plenty of eating and plenty of respites beside the pool. By the time Friday evening had rolled around, many collectors had already found some great pieces, helped by the informative sheets handed out with the rooms opened up for trading. It was at this time, that the majority of the Mattel team had arrived to join us. Sadly, Corrie Rudy was unable to attend, and George Benz was delayed until the Saturday, but the rest had arrived and taken root in the bar. After a meet and greet in one of the function rooms, Ryu Asada was put to work drawing sketches on the arms of various hotel guests, interspersed with talk of the rock group Papa Roach who were also staying at the hotel. Jim Gallegos had worked hard on getting a special lighting arrangement that lit up on the outside of the hotel with the Gathering logo which was very well received.
So Friday evening ended, and Saturday rolled around. This was when things really started getting interesting. The first of the special models had been unveiled. The dealer model was the Cadillac Sedan DeVille with 75 of them being available in purple for the first 75 people who booked their places, and another 175 available in rose pink. After breakfast we were treated to a variety of talks from various people. The first one was from Mark Curtis, and was a thorough insight into how to spot fake Matchbox vehicles. This was followed by various talks from members of the Mattel team with subject ranging from the creation and production of models, packaging and design artwork, a guide to how to choose colors and the manufacturing process. After this we were treated to a fantastic talk from Paul Carr who had flown over from England to discuss and show photos from his time working at Lesney. Some of these photos of preproduction and prototype models, buildings and characters from the Lesney days were new to many collectors and really got us talking. After this, we had a small break before the evening events begun.
So Saturday evening began with an informal welcome from Jim Gallegos and the second of the special models for the convention. This one was the VW T2 Bus in green and white which was only for the people who attended the dinner and auction itself and was limited to 200. We also received the first batch of special show models. The 450 piece limited edition Ford F-100 Panel Truck was made in gold with a white roof, and the first box was made available to those attending the dinner. We then enjoyed a fantastic buffet of local cuisine which was very well received. After this, we had the news from Mattel which was of interest to collectors.
George Benz was up first, and started off with a business update. Matchbox has explored new areas into how to keep the brand a separate entity from the Hot Wheels brand. Felix Holst then interjected with the news on how the split between the 2 brands is important, and that Mattel and Matchbox are very happy with what has been achieved over the last 4 years. George then continued with a guide to the current line architecture of Matchbox products and we all watched the advertisements for the three 2008 fall drivers (Pop-up playsets, Mega Rig and Power Scouts).
We then moved into 2009, with a look at the key strategies for the team for the upcoming year. In terms of diecast itself (the area we are most interested in), George informed us of the news that there are 20 planned new castings for the basic range for 2009. George then passed over to Felix to bring us details of the items to expect next year.
Felix started off with the basic range. We began with the new tooling planned in the "Real" segment. He re-iterated Matchbox plans to only create production vehicles and not concepts, and unveiled the new production Dodge Challenger as one of the upcoming castings. But as is the case recently, not all new castings are of new vehicles, and followed this up with some classic choices; VW Karmann Ghia Convertible (early production version with lower headlights), Lotus Europa and Mini Cooper 1275s. We then moved back to the present with the Mercedes McLaren SLR and Toyota Prius. The second of these drew a lot of laughter over the slide heading of "Pius". Finally, a few more classics in the way of the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser and Jaguar XK120SE Coupe were shown off.
After the "Real" segment comes "Action". To begin with, we got to see a 1970s Dodge Monaco Police Car which drew a round of applause. Felix then explained the need for generics before explaining that next up would be a generic Box Van. However, Matchbox realises the need for some real licences, and for 2009 we will see a brand new Ford Ambulance (US style) created as well as a GMC shorter wheel base School Bus. The second of these was felt to be needed as the longer wheel base school busses tend to look a little out of proportion when reduced down to small scale. A European style Street Sweeper is also in the works, as market research has shown that garbage trucks and street sweepers are popular with children. However, this is not planned to be licensed and will be generic. Finally for the action segment there are plans for a classic Ice Cream Van. Matchbox are hoping to have a Bedford or Commer style vehicle, but are more than likely going to create a generic van which will be designed to look very British.
Finally, we get the "Adventure" segment. First up here is a classic Toyota Land Cruiser. Matchbox felt that a classic version of the vehicle would be nicer than the current version. Knowing that the European style pickups are not very well represented, the Mitusbishi Warrior was next to be shown. This vehicle was a popular choice internally at Matchbox as it does have a rather unique look for a pickup. A generic vehicle is in the pipeline for 2009, in the style of a Bowler Nemesis. This is a Paris-Dakar style vehicle. Another new generic is the "Truggy" (cross between truck and buggy) which is used a lot for off-roading. This vehicle is another following in the footsteps of the Off-Road Rider and Rock Climber II which are proving to be popular in tests with children. A Desert Adventurer style vehicle was shown as well as a generic similar in style to a classic Dodge T20. However, I should point out that this list is not the final list of 2009 castings, and things are still subject to change.
This then led us onto a quick talk a bout the unveiling of the Lotus Evora at the British Motor Show on July 22. We were then treated to some shots of the production vehicle, and news that 500 were sent over for the Lotus executives in a special plexi glass case, and another 2000 in US large blisters for giveaways at the stand. The packaging simply states '08 Lotus as the name had not been decided when Matchbox started production of the model.
We then received news on some tooling changes. The Cadillac Hearse, although very popular, has been a bit of a problem. There have been a large number of complaints from consumers all over the world over this casting, and so Matchbox are going to cut their losses on this one. 2009 will see no more Hearses in Europe, and a change into an Ambulance. However, the Hearse will still be available in USA. A small modification to the body and a new interior are being designed for the new vehicle. Finally, the generic Utility Tanker released a few years back will see a new version created, this time a tipper truck. However, this modification will also not see the end of the Tanker.
We were then shown a preview of a few other small things that Matchbox are working on. I say small, as these are accessories that will be attached to the roof of Matchbox vehicles. Firstly, a shot of the new light bar for police style vehicles was shown. This type is a flat rounded edged light bar. We were also showed a few other items that will be adorning roofs in upcoming years. A pair of surfboards are in the pipeline (shown attached to a Dodge Magnum for illustration purposes) as well as a taxi sign. This was attached to a Ford Crown Victoria for illustration purposes too, but this time this is a planned release. The Crown Vic will not have a baseplate modification made, and the front bars will still be on the proposed taxi version. They then showed off pictures of the new utility wheel (based on the Convoy wheel) and classic disc hubcap wheels, as well as the upcoming Superfast 5-spoke wheels that will adorn the modern cars in the 2009 Superfast range.
Talking of Superfast, this was up next. For 2009, Wal-Mart will be releasing exclusively the next set of 20 Superfast. However, these will all be adorning a special 40th Anniversary logo on the box art. 10 models are being planned for a spring release with the other 10 scheduled in for a fall release. The 20 models are pretty much planned to be the new castings from 2008, although as always things are subject to change. One thing that is not though, is a special offer that will be a part of the 2009 series. Matchbox are going to be doing a special mail in offer, which once you have collected so many models, you mail in and get a special Collector's Edition 21st Superfast (currently scheduled to be the VW T2 Bus).
But now onto some breaking news from the Gathering. Coming to stores in the USA in December will be a brand new range of vehicles. A brand new range of trucks are going to be released in US stores (all major chains are going to be taking these). These are slightly larger than the basic range, although are not classed as Superkings. The width is pretty much almost the same, just a little larger, but lengthwise these are going to be around 4 inches long. The first models in the series are all licensed and include a selection of vehicles across the worlds of construction, city services, and emegency. A few of the vehicles set for release are the Pierce Fire Engine, Autocar Garbage Truck, and Mercedes Benz Cement Mixer. Felix shows that last year they attended the Bernadillo Fire Department in New Mexico and spent the day with the firefighters and equipment, and as such the Pierce Fire Engine will be depicting their Fire Department logo on the side.
Some people may already be aware, but the Dinky name has been loaned out by Mattel to Norev in France. Mattel still own the rights to the Dinky name, but are not currently making the models. Norev have recreated the original Dinky look with a set of European vehicles in 1/43 scale (with vehicles like the Citroen 2CV, Citroen DS, Renault Dauphine, Citroen H Van, Buick Roadmaster, Simca Chambard, Peugeot 403 and VW Beetle). The boxes for these also look extremely similar to the original Dinky boxes. The guys at Matchbox are very impressed with how they have turned out, but unfortunately, this range of vehicles which are going to be released in Europe will not adorn the Matchbox name anywhere.
So there was one more item to attend to before the auction began. I have been privelaged to have been chosen as the third Matchbox Ambassador, but knew that my time was drawing to an end. Felix called me up to the podium to accept my reward for my year-long service. However, they decided to play a small trick on me. Luckily they had a test model of the Ambassador vehicle back at their offices, and decided to encase it in resin. I have a bit of a reputation as someone who opens up all of my models, and they thought it was a great way to get back at me for it. So when I headed up to accept, I was handed a large block of resin with a bus in the middle. I have to admit I was a little flabbergasted, as well as highly amused by the scenario (as was everyone in attendance). Luckily (for me) the real award was then brought out. A beautiful gold plated Routemaster Bus with my name and details on the sides and roof. Next, was the announcement of the new Ambassador. As was the case last year, the recipient was not ready to accept, and had to be prompted. Terry Ozima, the president of the Illinois Matchbox Collectors Club (IMCC) then took a trip (pun intended) to the podium to accept his new role. Felix Holst, George Benz and I were there to greet him and I passed over his plaque to initiate him into the realms of the Matchbox Ambassador. It was a real honor to pass over the title and all that comes with it to such a great person, and a true Matchbox lover. I know he will be just as good (if not better) an ambassador as myself, and will look forward to reading his reports each and every month.
At this point the information was finished, and the auction started. Dan Bush worked wonders as the auctioneer with Mark Curtis and Jim Gallegos showing the models as well as Barbara and George Shannon working the results booth. Dave Weber worked as the official results scorer for the event. The auction went through extremely swiftly, with a few dozen lots from Mattel starting us off. These consisted of a number of preproduction items of new models from recent years, as well as the posters being used for the event and 2 ring binders with a listing of the complete e-sheets for all 125 vehicles in the 208 range. However, the second of these books contained bonus e-sheets of the convention models, Superfast and a few other items. These in particular were huge successes with the Jaguar E-type and Utility Trailers being the best of the preproductions. The MCCH auction (95 lots number 00 to 94) then followed, with a variety of different items, from preproductions, books, signed artwork, rare models, unusual packages and a whole variety of different products that pandered to everyone's desires.
The auction finished shortly after 10pm, at which time some people retired to bed, others rediscovered the bar and poolside seating area, and some just hung around for a chat.
Sunday consisted of the Matchbox show which was extremely well attended and received the largest attendance so far for any of the Matchbox Gatherings. Many last minute finds were being had, and many friends bid their farewells as things started to wind down throughout the day. The remainder of the Ford F-100 Panel Trucks were sold by the team at Mattel as well as passing out a whole host of Matchbox stickers. The team hung around for the day talking with collectors and playing with the kids in the kids play area, as well as signing a huge array of vehicle/artwork.
All in all, it was a tremendous success, and if the tradition dictates, next year will be even larger. Hopefully more of you will be able to attend. Mark your calendars for the third weekend in July 2009, with the dinner and auction on July 18.
So this is it. I hope you have all enjoyed my reports from the last year. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing them out for you all. So now all that is left for me to do is sign off, and pass you over to our new Ambassador; Terry Ozima!
Terry, the floor is yours….
  
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