May-June 2006
http://www.mbxforum.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
John Yanouzas
Chairman & Newsletter Editor
Scott Firmender
Treasurer
Ray Flader
Secretary
Bob Burdick
Editor, Lightning Rod
John Nijhuis
Editor, Webmaster
Issue 8.3
johny3@earthlink.net
sfirmender@blumshapiro.com
ray.flader@milfordhospital.org
capt1075@cox.net
matchbox@box.nl
CLUB NEWS
Matchbox Forum Shirt
Matchbox Forum is offering to Club members exclusively a specially designed short sleeve golf shirt with a
unique Club logo on it. The deco on the shirt is the same as the letterhead logo above. The price is US$22.00
plus $4.00 postage. If you are interested in acquiring this special shirt, fill in the order form on the last page
with payment of US$26.00 and send it to Club Treasurer: Scott Firmender, 16 Centennial Drive, Milford, CT
06461. John Nijhuis will supply Euro members, Euros 22 plus postage.
A photo image of the special shirt can be viewed on the Forum web page.
Please visit the club's bulletin board more frequently. It's there for you! Access it at:
http://p102.ezboard.com/bmatchboxeurope
2006 Posters
Mattel has supplied Matchbox Forum with enough 2006 Posters for all of its Club members. The Poster can be
obtained either through mail or at the Matchbox Forum table at Matchbox USA Toy Show on June 11th. By
mail: to cover postage, send payment of $1.00 to Club Treasurer: Scott Firmender, 16 Centennial Drive,
Milford, CT 06461
Trivia Contest
The annual MCCD quiz was presented this year by last year’s winner, Burghard Irmisch during the MCCD
Conference in Wiehe (Germany). This year he made a 'different' questionnaire than other years and surprisingly
'none' of the previous winners came even close to 75% right answers! The winner was Holger Huemmer from
Hamburg.
You too can play the trivia game by email. You can view the trivia questions on the Club’s web site. Please
Matchbox Forum-NA
-1-
Newsletter 8.3
send your answers to John Nijhuis in an email with question number and answer. Take a maximum of 15 minutes
and don't consult any books or literature. That way you will do it under the same conditions as those who played at
the MCCD Convention!
Like last year Dirk Schleuer of Model Auto Solingen donated the modified Camp Fun play set for participants of
this trivia contest (see pictures at the MCCD Convention show models). Hopefully we can also get some more
people interested to donate again a show model like was done last year.
Please mail your results before 1 July to John Nijhuis at info@mbxforum.com
A list will be published of all results. All participants (not the highest score.....) will be part of a lottery with the
prize the above mentioned models.
Trivia Quiz is open only to members of Matchbox Forum and MCCD.
SUPERFAST “CHASE” CARS
Mattel has informed us that for the 2006 Superfast line-up there will be several “chase” cars.
Wave A
#56 Porsche Boxter, 50% in red and 50% in silver.
#64 Toyota Scion xB, 50% in metallic dark green and 50% Toyota Scion xB, white
One more will be in Wave B, one more in Wave C. Not sure after that.
A "chase" car is when Mattel splits the production quantity into two by altering some key feature on a model. In
2004 Superfast, it was the #24 Chevy Corvette 5,000 in black and 5,000 in dark blue and in the 2005 USA/ROW
Superfast the #69 London Taxi with 5,000 in 5-spoke wheels, black plastic tires and 5,000 in premiere wheels,
whitewall rubber tires.
Happy Chasing.
Matchbox Forum-NA
-2-
Newsletter 8.3
EVERETT MARSHALL RECOVERY
Hello John,
Everett's condition is very encouraging. Everett had his fourth skin graft surgery on 24 May that was successful.
He is sitting up, talking and eating. He's on a lot of pain meds and his voice is weak, but at least he is speaking.
Possibly, in another week or so, he may go to rehab. Where is undetermined? The family is holding up OK, but it's
a drain on them commuting daily to the hospital.
Several models are in the works to support Everett and all of the proceeds of sales will go to burn foundations,
EMT units and police departments. Stay tuned for that. So for now, he is on the road to recovery quite well - and
knowing E-Man, he wants to be on that road in a Corvette going gangbusters.
Regards,
Bill Shisler
MODELS OF YESTERYEAR & DINKY
The long awaited MOYs and Dinkys are out there though not in mass retail stores. Die cast dealers plan to stock
them, check with Midwest Die Cast and Kiddie Kar Kollectibles. One MOY and one Dinky should be released in
June.
K1875 MOY 30 Duesenberg, black body/roof, purple fenders/hood, white side walls
K1876 MOY 38 Zephyr, white body, cream interior, side skirts, white side walls
K1878 MOY 12 Ford Model T, cream body, gray chassis “Matchbox”
K1882 Dinky 58 Porsche, red body, brown interior
K1885 Dinky 60 Jaguar XK, blue body, light grey interior
The price point for the MOYs and Dinkys is likely to be US$18-$20.
Early responses from the collector community are positive. Collectors are excited about the MOY & Dinky
models. Here are some of the comments and questions:
"Biggest problem may be trying to find a place in my house for these. . .problem? What problem? HA!! Can’t
wait till these hit the market! THANK-YOU for this GREAT news!!!" Rook DeCoster
"What would be most useful is a list of ALL shops in all countries that will be selling the models. I fear that
limited distribution will make these models a one time only. Hope you can assist." Kevin McGimpsey
"Can you ask if they have an image of the packaging?" Tom Sarlitto
"I will purchase all of these. Problem is that two dealers in my area were told in February by their sales reps that
these ranges were canceled, so I suspect unless Matchbox can heal their wounds there may be some lost sales."
Bob Neumann
"Yes I plan on carrying them. I am checking to see if they are back on my order sheet. I will let you know. How
many do you need? Tom Sarlitto
"Wow! I'm now a huge fan of the Dinky's.... the MOY may pull the dollars out of my pocket as well. Going to the
dark side of the traditional scale! The Porsche is a real killer! Excellent design & detail." Terry O.
“These are simply beautiful. I cannot wait to get these into my collection.” Jim Gallegos
“Thanks for sharing the pictures. They all look great. Hopefully they will find their way to Australia. The Model T
Van is my favourite. But one comment, it is a shame that the two Dinkys appear to have generic wheels. This
seems to be a big step backwards compared to the original Matchbox Dinky Series.” Jonathan Crellin
Matchbox Forum-NA
-3-
Newsletter 8.3
MATCHBOX USA CONVENTION/TOY SHOW
The 2006 Matchbox USA Convention/Toy Show held at the Durham Fairgrounds on June 10-11 is history and
Charlie Mack made some new history.
The weekend began on Friday with about 70 Matchbox collectors visiting the Matchbox & Lesney Museum.
On Saturday as the vendors were setting up, some collectors came to the Fairgrounds to socialize and get an early deal on models.
The in-room trading that occurred in previous years was replaced by the Saturday morning trading at the Fairgrounds. There were
over 80 tables of old and new Matchbox models as well as other brands such as Hot Wheels and Corgi. The Commercial
Building at the Fairgrounds is a huge building over 10,00 square feet that allowed the tables to be spread out and plenty of space
to walk around and not be crowed.
On Saturday afternoon the Mattel staff arrived including John Coyne, Felix Holst and Tracey Smith. Mattel provided the two
models it had prepared for the show, a Police Car and the 1957 Chevy Convertible dealer’s model. Both models sported a
specially designed Mattel logo for the West/East Matchbox Toy Show.
Saturday evening festivities began at 6:00 with a beverage-hors d’oeuvres reception followed by a sit down dinner in the
Fairground’s building prepared by a local restaurant included several main dishes of barbecued chicken and meatballs, pasta and
salad followed by a 25th Anniversary cake for dessert. Each dinner guest received a dinner model, the newly casted 1961 Jaguar
E-Type and one person at each table won by lottery a white Delivery Truck with a special West/East Toy Show logo. The
Powerpoint presentation made by John Coyne and Felix Holst after dinner provided a wrap-up of what is happening in 2006 and
a brief peek into the plans for 2007 and some thoughts about 2008 product.
After the Mattel presentation, Charlie Mack honored the five collectors who have attended every show in the 25-year run, each of
them receiving a special shirt and MOY model. A special large-scale convoy was unveiled decorated with speedy recovery
wishes for Everett Marshal and presented to Bill Shisler of Color Comp for delivery to Everett. Bill gave a brief update on
Everett’s recovery and revealed that soon some non-family members may be allowed to visit Everett as he is being prepared for
rehabilitation. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The evening ended about 10:30 p.m. with an auction that had
about 140 models and other Matchbox memorabilia in it.
Polling of the dinner guests about a 26th year Toy Show produced a widespread agreement that Charlie should go for another one.
The Toy Show opened at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday with more people coming through the gate than in any of the last five years. The
attendance was about 400. Coffee and donuts were available for attendees. Foot traffic was brisk tailing off at noon until 2:00
p.m. During the entire morning lottery winners were announced, as there was brisk trading went on.
Mattel donated models left over from previous Hershey Toy Shows and Toy Fairs for the benefit of a fund raiser that is being
organized for Everett Marshall. The proceeds will be given to the medical emergency organizations that aided Everett in his fight
for life. The models sold at the Toy Show netted US$280. Another initiative is underway to print a get-well message on the pair
of Mattel Superfast models, the Chevy Corvette and the Ford Mustang from the 2005 Hershey Toy Show. Bill Shisler has
offered Color Comp’s services to get the tampo work done. As Matchbox Collectors’ Ambassador I have been designated to head
up the task of selling these models. More information will be announced as this initiative gets organized. Collectors will have an
opportunity to show their caring by supporting the fund raising and at the same time acquire models that were missed. Other fund
raising efforts are underway also.
John Y.
Chairman
Matchbox Forum
Review of 2006
A review of 2006 product shows that 18 new tools in core line and one in Superfast (Blue Shark re-tooled) were
made for 2006. The Gladiator was delayed until 2007 until the real model is up on the production line. It will
reflect the final production design of the real Gladiator. The Bentley that was in the original plan for 2006 did not
materialize but Bentley has agreed to move forward on a Matchbox model. This is an exclusively licensed to
Matchbox. We may see a replica of this car in the basic line by the end of 2006.
Matchbox Forum-NA
-4-
Newsletter 8.3
The new wheels for 2006 include:
Standard wheel
Performance wheel
4 x 4 Utility wheel (two profiles of tires)
Convoy wheel
Retro wheel
The Dinky models for 2006 are mostly European cars: Bentley, Citroen 2CV, Mercedes Galwing, Porsche 356,
Jaguar XK150. More new tools are needed for the future in this line.
A Look into 2007 & Beyond
At this point, Mattel’s thinking for 2007 is to remain simple and focus on the Basic Car Line, Playsets, Mega Rigs
and possibly a return of Superfast in 2008.
1-75 line-up will be expanded to 100 models (75 tools, 100 decos) satisfying the call for more variety and 21 new
tools such as:
Audi R8
Lotus
Exige (Toy Fair model)
Lexus GS 430
Honda Civic Type R
Alpha Romeo GTV
Bulldozer
Tractor
Car carrier
Unimog
’72 Bronco 4x4
Rally Car
1965 Austin Mini Van
Jeep Gladiator
Rally Service Truck
#68 Chevy Van (Chassis retooled)
These will feature factory colors, muddy tires and mud deco and wrap-around lights and more realistic innovations
as the Mattel design team creates them. Even the generic models are not so generic anymore a lot of work has been
put into making them look like real models.
Toy Fair model for 2007 is “International CXT.” Jeep Gladiator that was pulled off of the 2006 line is now
definitely back in for 2007 line.
Multi-packs will continue the themes of Real, Adventure & Action and come out in more variety. Plans call for
fifteen 5-packs.
Hitch ‘n Haul will be continued with 12 different 2-packs featuring Vacation, Fire, Police and Dragons.
$10 packs will include a new large-scale fire engine and a dump truck.
Large packs will continue on the theme of Action.
Convoys will continue and include two new tools, a new cab (license undetermined at this time) and a flat bed
truck that will come in a variety of cargo like pipes and boxes. The Fork Lift will be compatible and integrated
with the flat bed cargo.
SkyBusters will show five new tools including Air Bus A380 and Boeing 787 and plenty of real license deco such
as UPS, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and United.
Battle King sets may appear in 2007 featuring Jungle, Arctic, Desert & Sea tools and figures to go along.
Dino Eggs will be freshened and they will include Exclusive models.
Beyond 2007 Mattel will continue to strive for die cast bases, 2-piece wheels, moving parts. opening doors and
suspensions in a 1:64 collector line.
Matchbox Forum-NA
-5-
Newsletter 8.3
Classic US and European cars will be the centerpiece and even possibly retooling some Lesney models.
Exclusive to the UK will be the Best of British, a similar line as the Stars of Cars done for Germany.
GERMAN MATCHBOX COLLECTORS CLUB CONVENTION
May 19-21 at Wiehe, Germany
Reported by John Nijhuis
Collectors began arriving on Thursday. They joined us Friday Morning for a classical tour to Weimar. In an old
stage coach we visited the city center. Of course this travel led us also to the Anna Amalien library and one could
have a view over the reconstruction work after the major fire and the nearly complete destruction of this world
cultural heritage. MCCD donated a quite high three-figure amount for the reconditioning of this library (proceeds
from the donation model "fire-brigade Weimar", 2004). Back to the hotel one could welcome other collecting
friends from Holland and Switzerland. Also for the first time a great Disco was organised for the Friday night!
The Saturday morning began with sunshine and an extensive breakfast. Briefly before 10 o'clock, an original AEC
Leyland Titanium double bus moved forward and loaded the winners of the MCCD 'Dancing with the Stars' from
the previous evening (John Nijhuis with Steffen Trundt) on their way to the exhibition center of MOWI
WORLD. This is the world's largest railway model exhibition on more than 12,000 m2. Arrived on the parking
area of the exhibition center a group photo before this beautiful bus.
In the model railway facility we were most friendly welcomed by the managing director Mr. Stiegler for a quite
interesting guided tour.
In the afternoon we used the model railway facility for a common coffee drink with Thueringer Cake and one
could feel the tension of the following activity: 'the Auction'. Loosened by a glass of sparkling wine, some rare
pieces changed owner. One was a special 'golden' dinky donated by the company Schirrmeister (printer of the
Code 2 models in Germany). The proceeds from this model went to a food project in India. This Dinky was
auctioned for €135 or US$160. For a picture, see the Convention Model Picture Overview.
Back at the hotel we had just some time for room trading before the Gala Diner started. However before we
started our Thueringer dinner we took our club chairman Dirk Schleuer on a strange mission! A film scene
similarly to "mission Impossible" was presented to thank Dirk and his team for all the work done for MCCD.
Following this event Dirk and its team recognized the participants, which were present at all 10 meetings. They
received a special MOY Mercedes Benz or a Wrecker Truck in Gold. But that did not remain the only honour.
Printer Uwe Schirrmeister, which works closely for many years with the MCCD, handed over a special edition of
a Dinky Studebaker golden Hawk in gold (limited to 6 pieces) to Dirk and his Team for all the work done.
During the diner we had the customary lottery with two special rare models as the final prize, a special made
Yesteryear and an MB75 Wrecker in gold. John Nijhuis, who bought only orange tickets (Ajax!), won one of the
prizes and was extremely happy with the gold truck.
After opening the lottery packages and examining the prizes, the annual 'Matchbox Expert' trivia was held. Next to
this, Burkart also introduced a great knowledge test for our partners. 15 ladies joined him for this Trivia. The
knowledge test for the men had a surprise winner: Holger Huemmer from Hamburg. See Matchbox Forum News
for a complete overview of the Trivia.
The Top Ten competitors of the ladies test all received a special model. The ladies with the best four scores had to
determine the 3rd and 4th places as well as the two Finalist by throwing 5 Hot Wheel models in trash can. Both
Finalists had to compose a text on a well know Dutch/German tune. In the end, the Team with Betinna ‘Speedy’
Maas, Ralf Hornborstel, Dirk Schleuer and John Nijhuis won the final round with a smashing performance on
stage and by this helped make Bettina Maas the first Miss Matchbox!
At midnight, the Dinner ended with a surprise, a large 10th Year Birthday cake in the shape of a Matchbox car.
Matchbox Forum-NA
-6-
Newsletter 8.3
On Sunday morning we had a nice Toy Show in the MOWI World Restaurant.
Faithfully the slogan: Nothing is older than successes from yesterday, lets us look forward, which convert
discussed things of the Workshop and tackle our next meeting! All Matchbox Collectors a successful and
healthy season 2006-2007.
FROM CLUB MEMBERS
Reported by Scott Firmender
I have acquired the following "interesting and unusual" Mega 10-pack. The 10-pack is standard, for it
includes the new Premier model, but, the model itself has a different logo. The Premier model is the
'33 Ford Coupe, in yellow. The left side has the logo "blacked-out" via 2 magic markers, while the
other side has the "Color Comp, Inc."logo. This was found in the North Haven Target, in a sealed
package.
Matchbox Forum-NA
-7-
Newsletter 8.3
CLUB SHIRT ORDER FORM
Name:
Street Address
City/Town
State/Zip Code
Size: Medium
Color Preference:
Large
Blue
X Large
Tan
2X Large 3X Large (circle your size)
Light Grey
Black (circle your preference)
Since supply is limited in each color/size, your color preference cannot be guaranteed. We will try to
honor your choice, but you must be willing to accept any color. A photo image of the shirt can be
viewed on the Forum web site. A limited number will be available at the International Gathering of
Friends in Albuquerque, NM.
Matchbox Forum-NA
-8-
Newsletter 8.3