July-August
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 9.4
johny3@earthlink.net
scott@ctcpa.com
ray.flader@milfordhospital.org
capt1075@cox.net
matchbox@box.nl
CLUB NEWS
Tenth Anniversary News
As the 10th Anniversary of Matchbox Forum approaches, the Executive Committee is considering some special
promos. Under consideration are: MBX Collectibles Automobilia Trailer Truck, the current MB75 #40 Chevy
Van and a baseball cap.
To secure the Autmobilia Convoys, 1939 Peterbilt cab Pep Boys and the 1956 Mack B61 Champion Spark Plug
contact John Yanouzas, 7 North Bigelow Road, Hampton, CT 06247, phone 860-455-0138. When the models
arrive from the Netherlands, you will be contacted about payment. The price exclusively for Club members is
$15.00 each plus postage $5.00. You may order one Convoy or both.
Charity Program
The Club’s Charity inventory of models is building up in preparation for the next round of giving. Many thanks
to donations from Rick Nelson, Bill Burger, Joe Tortoriello, Rusty Ponce de Leon, Jim Richards and John
Yanouzas. Some donations have been received in cash. Don’t forget the little tots who get much enjoyment from
a little toy often at perilous time in their lives.
Club Toy Show
The Hampton Barn Swap Meet is moving indoors this year with a toy show to be held on Sunday, 28 October at
the VFW Hall in Willimantic, CT. The theme of the toy show will include a celebration of the Club’s 10 Year.
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Newsletter 9.4
REPORT FROM ALBUQUERQUE
Though I was unable to attend the 2007 Gathering of Friends in Albuquerque, Scott Firmender represented
Matchbox forum and has prepared the following report. Many thanks to Scott for his work. His report has been
augmented with information obtained from other sources.
John Y.
Chairman
MBX Forum
Report by Scott Firmender.
The Fifth Albuquerque Gathering of Friends has now come and gone. And what a great weekend it was! The
weather was perfect, and the people were nothing but friendly.
Friday people arrived at various times. The cocktail hour sponsored by Mattel was held from 5-6 p.m. After
checking into the newly renovated rooms at the Marriott, we were then we did in-room trading and socializing.
The in-room trading continued until approximately midnight.
Saturday started with in-room trading and continuing throughout the day. The only breaks were when people
stopped to eat or to attend some of the interesting seminars being presented.
In addition to the races being held, there were seminars on "Fakes & Frauds II", and "Customizing Your Rides".
Many people attended the "Customizing" seminar, as they were having a competition for the best custom model
produced that afternoon. Prizes were given to the winners.
THE CONVENTION
Saturday evening activities began at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour followed by dinner and a video of the process of
mold making for packaging sent along by Mr. Eckert to show support for collectors.
The Mattel team opened its presentation with a heartfelt thank you to the collectors for putting Matchbox back on
top of its game. The announced sales, through June 30, 2007 were up 34% over the same time one year ago!
They also said this was the largest increase across the entire Mattel line-up of ALL toys.
Robert A. Eckert, III, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer for Mattel, Inc. is behind the brand 100% fully and is
dedicated to honoring commitments to collectors and the buying public alike.
The 2007 Matchbox Team Members
Grant Chapman, Director of Marketing for Matchbox
Christian Zentner, Marketing Manager, Matchbox
Steve Ziemniak, Assistant Brand Manager
Felix Holst, Director of Design for Matchbox & Tyco R/C
Dave Weise, Design Manager, Matchbox Die Cast
Micheal Heralda, Graphics Manager, Matchbox
Ryu Asada, Design Certified on the latest technology
Gerado Lopez, Engineering Manager
Financial Report for 2006
Year To Date Sales for 2007 are up roughly 34% compared to the first half of 2006! Diecast sales are up over
65%.
Based on this stellar sales performance, we are told that Wal-Mart is committed to increasing the Matchbox shelf
space from 2.7 feet to 6 feet! They further said that during 2008, Wal-Mart would be increasing the number of
their stores that carry the entire Matchbox line-up, from 1400 stores to approximately 2800 stores. This is a
tremendous increase for Matchbox at Wal-Mart, as it has approximately 3500 in the U.S. This would mean that
Matchbox would be in 80% of Wal-Mart stores, versus only 40% during 2007.
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WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2008
We are told that the 1-75 line-up will increase for 2008 to 100 models and 25 re-colors, for a total of 125 models
during the year! This is being done as a result of retailer requests, based on the sales strength of the 2007 line.
2008 MB75 Lineup
The 100-model line-up will be broken down into ten groups of ten models in each. For 2008, Mattel is
introducing a total of 18 new tools, which will be introduced throughout the year with a fresh mix out in the
stores every 3 months.
The Ford Panel Van is a new tool based on the Ford F-150 Pick-up casting, which has worn out. The Royal Mail
license is in finalization and is not expected until well into 2008.
In continuing with the move towards realism, Mattel is working on new light bars for the emergency vehicles.
These new light bars will be multi-colored instead of just one color.
Mattel is also working on releasing two new wheel types. One version will be a new version of the disc with a
rim & center hubcap look. The other new wheel will be on Off Road/Utility models with a new style 6-spoke
look.
Die Cast Plus
Mattel, concerned with the realism of its trucks wants to have more realistic castings and less generic models.
Along this line, Mattel is working on what it calls "Die Cast Plus". These models will be slightly larger than the
regular 1:64 scale castings, and will also be a bit pricier. These will not be part of the 1-100 line. Trucks will
continue in the 1-100 line-up, but will not have the level of detailing of the "Die Cast Plus" models. Mattel really
wants to move towards more models that are represented by realistic castings of Peterbilt, Volvos, Pierce (Fire
Truck), etc.
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Wrap Up of 2007 MB-75s
The remaining models in the 1-75 lineup will be released in three batches in September, October and November.
To celebrate its 55th Anniversary, Mattel plans to issue three models that will be re-colored in the special 55th
Anniversary color of Emerald Green. There will be one model in each of the three-themed categories of Real,
Action and Adventure. These models will be released, one each month, in September, October and November. It
appears that each model will also have the 55th Anniversary logo on it. The model in the Real theme is likely the
new Lexus LS.
Hitch-N-Hauls will continue in 2008 with new themes. After 2008 however, this series may receive a break for
a while.
Convoys will also continue in 2008 with many new licenses, but no new tools. After 2008, this series may also
get a break. For 2009, the range is being reviewed. There are talks of adding multi axle, larger utility vehicles to
the range. Good news for Rig buffs.
Special Holiday-issued releases such as Coal Cars, Easter Eggs and Crypt Cars will continue. Not all models
will be exclusive in these releases; however Felix did allude to a special release in the Halloween Cars, which is
"very close to his heart".
Other Special Promos
Walgreen‚s Exclusive 3-packs. A series of licensed 3-packs are due in Walgreens this fall.
Matchbox/Burger King, II
This fast food exclusive range will have 9 models in total, free with a Big Kids Meal or 2 Euros individually. The
models are in a special box for each one. Available in the 3rd Quarter in Europe BUT not North America.
Five-Packs. There will be twelve new Five-packs, with a new one introduced approximately once per month.
Ten Packs. There will be four new ten-packs, with a new one being introduced approximately once per quarter.
The first 100,000 Ten-packs will have a catalog included in it.
TV Hero Five-Packs. Since these were much more successful than anticipated, they will be continued in 2008
with many new themes.
Battle Kings. These will also continue and will now include Play sets that will be set up as "Command Bases"
for the opposing forces.
Battle Kings will continue realistic tools, but the decorations may not be so realistic.
Skybusters. There will be 5 new tools and the line will have 24-36 models in total
Best of U.S. They will be continued during 2007, but have been changed from "Best of U.S." to "Superfast
America". The packaging was also changed to a sharp looking blister card with a white background. These new
blisters should be out in stores in September. We were promised that the entire 75-model line will be completed.
The final models will be distributed, although they may not make it to the shelves until January 2008.
Best of British. They will also be continued in 2008. This was a great success, as the Mattel team is trying to
find a way to re-introduce Matchbox to its native country.
Best of Series. There may be smaller run sets available, of approximately 6 models each, based on the success of
the Best of Series. They are suggesting that new series could include Best of Muscle and Best of International.
A newly themed Superfast set may be distributed though a new exclusive retailer which could not be disclosed at
this time.
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Pop-up Playsets. They will be continued in 2008 with price points ranging from $6, $12, $17, $20 and $30 each.
These have been full in the markets where they are currently being sold. The price points are as follows:
$6, Mini Sets. These are 90-degree opening mini sets. Expect more in more themes
$12, The Classic Sets. These are 180-degree opening sets larger than the Minis
$17, Deluxe Set. These 180-degree opening sets larger then the Classic, but provide more surface area to play.
$20, Light & Sound (in development now). These sets are the same size as the Deluxe, but they produce light and
sound.
$30, 360-degree. Full opening sets offer much fun and entertainment.
Yesteryears. This series will NOT be continued in 2008. The last four castings were produced during 2007, and
new castings would be too costly to be produced. This series may return at some point in the future, as there is a
lot of goodwill with the name.
Dinky. They are currently searching for new distribution channels with which to bring back this series. It is more
likely that this series would be re-released in Europe, as the brand has a stronger base there, and not so much in
the U.S.
The Mattel team thanked Jim Gallegos for his hard work as the second Matchbox Ambassador over the past
twelve months. Jim was presented with a Matchbox Polo Shirt and a 24-carat gold-plated Routemaster Bus!
This model had Jim's name, "Matchbox Ambassador", and the #2 tampoed on it. This was a very sharp piece
which came in it's own plexi-glass display case.
Mattel also stated that John Yanouzas had done an excellent job in the previous year as the initial Ambassador,
blazing a trail for others to follow. They further admitted that he was not previously given the proper recognition
for all of his hard work and efforts. Accordingly, John will be presented with a 24-karat gold-plated Routemaster
Bus of his own with his name and #1 tampoed on it.
The auction that followed the dinner was a great success. Mattel donated a number of items for auction, and that
was a great way to pick-up the evening's pace as much enthusiastic bidding ensued. The auction lasted about 2
1/2 hours.
TOY SHOW
The toy show began early Sunday morning with many vendors arriving around 7 a.m. to begin their set-up.
Approximately 640 patrons passed through the doors. Many of these seemed to be willing to pay for the early
bird floor rights, which allowed access to the vendors at around 8 a.m.
There was something for everyone here, as the vendors were selling not just Matchbox, but many other die cast
brands were represented, as well as other items such as Radio Controlled Vehicles, Beanie Babies, Display
Cases, etc.
I spent a good portion of the day talking to a special vendor, Mrs. Al Unser! She was there as a vendor selling
autographed Unser racing models. She was a very pleasant person to talk to, and was very interested in learning
about the events from the entire weekend.
There was an area for track racing with an official starting gate and finish line for the kids. At the end of the day
the Mattel team even brought out a few pre-production models to be raced against the model of your choosing! I
know my Ford Mustang GT Concept (from the 2004 Hershey Show) was able to smoke all comers in my heat!
Mattel also set up another area with playset displays and various new models. Come to find out, some models
were about to be released, and some were actual pre-production! Some great finds for kids, who were able to
take a model home!
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Most all vendors were there all day until the 3 p.m. closing time, when we began to close down, say our goodbyes, and make plans to return next year. Another great Convention, many acquaintances re-visited, and new
friends made.
MICA CONVENTION
Report on the 22nd MICA Convention in Harrogate, Yorkshire 13-15 April 2007
The MICA desk opened at 9:30. Conventioneers registered, some participated in the Silent Auction, some bought
raffle tickets and most inspected the auction lots.
The afternoon talks were preceded by a brief from Kevin on the new format of the club. Future Convention sites
were also discussed, with cities such as Plymouth, Cardiff and Reading being mentioned. Stewart Orr was the first
guest speaker, his subject being a comparison between Mattel (Matchbox) and Fender (Stratocaster guitars).
Stewart's power point presentation began in 1953 when Messrs Smith and Odell at Lesney Products launched their
1-75 range of toy/model cars; a year later Mr Fender started his electric guitar business. Some of the similarities
included dramatic changes in 1968/69; the collapse of the companies in the early 1980s; management buy outs
thereafter; cost cutting in the 1970s; production moved to the Far East; years of limited editions etc. At the end of
the talk, Stewart strapped on his vintage 1963 Fender Stratocaster and played a rendition of Jimi Hendrix's
Voodoo Doll. Hardy Ristau followed Stewart with a fascinating talk and slide show on very rare Superfast. Hardy
showed the audience many of the earliest known Superfast pre-productions that were basically regular wheeled
models fitted with the new revolutionary axle and wheels to make them go faster.
At 5.30, conventioneers queued up to collect their complimentary Code 2 models. There was a choice of Models
of Yesteryear (Y5 Talbot), Dinky (DY1 Jaguar) and Miniature (MB300 Ford Pick up).
Dinner was called at 7:15 when our own Club padre, the Venerable Donald Keegan said grace. The room had 18
tables and each table was decorated with Matchbox Toys balloons that had been rescued from the Rugby
warehouse that closed in the early 1990s. Mattel UK had delivered Best of British pamphlets and these also
decorated the tables. Spot prizes were hard fought for before the first course.
The auction of 80 lots began at 10:00. The average prices of the 'free' dinner models were £75 for the Y5 Talbot
and £80 for the DY1 Jaguar. A mint boxed blue Hoover was a steal at £300.
The Sunday morning began with a toy show in the hotel run by Messrs Moore and Calcott.
SUPERFAST BEST OF US WRAP-UP
The remaining segments of the 2006 Superfast ended up exclusively at Wal*Mart re-titled Best of US, Waves A
through D. All of the waves have been released though the distribution is uneven at Wal*Mart.
Wave A
9
27
30
40
42
48
49
70
Wave B
5
36
43
47
1971 Chevy Chevelle SS, Orange Body, Blue Stripe (Streaker)
1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix, Silver-Gray Body
Ford Model A, Brown Body "MATCHBOX"
Chevy Camaro SS, Red Body, White Stripes (Streaker)
Pontiac Solstice, Purple Body, Green Stripes
Ford Crown Victoria Police, White Body, Red Stripes
Tractor Cab, Blue Body
Mercedes SL55 AMG, Metallic Light Blue Body
Jeep Liberty, Red Body
Transporter Vehicle, Olive Body, White Rocket
Chevy K-1500 PU, Dark Gray Body
Chevy Blazer 4x4, Gray Camouflage
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60
City Bus, Yellow Body
65
GMC Bucket Truck, Orange Body, Gray Ladder
66
Hummer H3, White Body
67
Ford GT, Dark Green Body, Yellow Stripes
Wave C
6
Ford Mustang GT Concept, Black/Gold Body
15
Dirt Hauler, Yellow Body
53
4x4 Chevy Van, Gray Body "MATCHBOX"
57
Jeep Wrangler, Black Body
58
Jaguar E-Type, Black Body
59
BMW X8, Gray Body, White Stripe (Streaker)
68
Jeep Hurricane Concept, Black Body, Red Interior
71
Mercedes CLS 500, Silver-Gray Body
Wave D
7
1969 Chevy Camaro Z28, Medium Blue Body
352006 VW Golf GTI, White Body
54
Range Rover Sport, Orange Body
61
Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Blue Body
62
1968 Mercury Cougar (Streaker), Silver-Gray Body, Orange Stripe
72Blue Shark, Blue Body (Streaker) Unlicensed, “66” and chase car “Scorpion”
73
International CXT, Red Body
752005 Dodge Charger, Pumpkin Orange Body
Wave E (Superfast Best of US and America)
19
Chevy Camaro, Mat Gray Body, Chrome Base, Orange Interior/Wheels
37
Jaguar XK, Black Body/Base, Tan Interior
46Chevy El Camino, Brown Body, Chrome base, Gold Stripes
1
1957 Chevy Bel Air, Maroon Body, White Roof, Chrome Base
5
Ford Boss Mustang, Gold Body
6
1965 Mustang GT, Red Body, Gray Base, Black Interior
9
17
1957 Lincoln Premiere, Black/Lilac Body, Chrome Base, White Interior
1970 Pontiac GTO, Burnt Orange Body, Black Base/Interior
MEMBERS REPORT
24 July by Doug Vogel
The Latest Finds in the MB75 Range
#19 Mercedes SL55 AMG, Red Body, Black Interior, Med. Grey Plastic Base, Chrome 10-Spoke Wheels.,
Painted Lts. ( Frnt. & Rear), Grille, & Lic Plate, (Rear).
#23 Lexus GS430, Metallic Gold Body, Tan Int., Black Base, Chrome 10-Spoke Wheels., Painted Lts., (Frnt. &
Rear), Grille, & Lic. Plate (Rear).
#31 Austin Mini Van, (Sorry, I Cannot Come Up With This Color!) Dark Off White/Creamish Body, White
Interior, Med. Grey Base, Jag Type Wheels, Painted Grille and Front Lights, Side Graphics: "Authentic
British, Auto Parts & Service, Serving London and the Home Counties".
#40 Chevy Van, Orange Body (W/Stripe Graphics), Chrome Base, Tan Interior, Jag. Type Wheels., Side
Marker Lights are Painted on.
#49 Ford Crown Vic Police, Black Body/Interior, Black Base, Same Graphics as White Version, White Stripe
above Blue Along Length of Sides.
#54 Tractor, Blue Body, Black Plastic Fender/Interior/Insert, Medium Base, White Wheels; Sawblades Frnt.,
Off Road Rear.
#64 Dune Buggy, (New Variation) Same Blue Body, Chrome Wheels, White Roll Bars instead of Red.
#73 Hummer H3, Same Nat'l Parks Livery, Three Wheel Varieties:
1st Sm. Chrome 6-Spokes, Front and Rear.
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Newsletter 9.4
2nd Sm. Chrome 6-Spokes Front, Lg. Chrome 6-Spokes Rear
3rd Lg. Chrome 6-Spokes, Front and Rear.
More variations
#12 Lotus Exige:
1st) Yellow Body Version comes without Grilles on the Hood Vents.
2nd) Yellow Body Version Comes with Grilles on the Hood Vents.
3rd) Green Body Version Comes with Grilles on the Hood Vents.
#35 City Bus, Local Orange Version:
1st) Small 6-Spoke Chrome Wheels.
2nd) Large 6-Spoke Chrome Wheels.
MATCHBOX at The Boston Area Toy Collectors Club Event.
The MATCHBOX Marketing Group, MATTEL, Inc., El Segundo, California, has confirmed that 200 of their first
Bentley Continental GT’s will be earmarked to arrive at the elegant Seventh Annual National Collectible Toy Event
organized by the BATCC and held at the posh Lantana facility in Randolph, Massachusetts on the evening of Friday,
September 21st, 2007, 6:30 to 12:00 midnight.
To mark this occasion a new Bentley Continental GT will be on hand to allow discriminating attendees and the media
the ability to do an exacting one-on-one comparison. The MATCHBOX brand, first launched in 1953, had had a long
successful relationship with British Motor Cars. An exciting display and more MATCHBOX surprises will await
attendees and VIP’s in the Grand Ballroom.
“Good Job, Stephen!” exclaimed John Yanouzas, Chairman of MATCHBOX Forum. “The MATCHBOX collecting
community applauds this effort between the BATCC and the MATCHBOX Marketing Group.” Tom Bartsch, editor of
Toy Shop magazine echoed this feeling; “This will definitely be a special for MATCHBOX collectors.” Even the
legendary MATCHBOX collector, Louis Sicard, says, “This is a breath of fresh air. What a fun time this will be!”
JACK ODELL
By Victoria Moore
For decades they were the toys that every little boy coveted above all others and kept in proud, neat lines on the
chest-of-drawers beside his bed. Being violence-free, mercifully quiet (with none of the whizzes and bangs that
plague modern playthings), needing neither batteries nor electricity, and guaranteed not to make a terrible mess
all over that clean floor, they were also a favourite of parents every where Now, for millions of people all over
the world, the name alone is enough to transport them back to a golden era of childhood.
The inspiration for Odell's creation came, surprisingly, not from a motor-obsessed small boy but a girl, his
daughter Anne. Her school forbade pupils to take in any toys that would not fit in a matchbox. Anne quite
happily used to fill hers with a selection of spiders and other creepy-crawlies.
One day, though, in 1952, her father gave her something rather more impressive to show off to her friends. Into
the sliding drawer of her matchbox he slipped a miniature model of a road-roller (based on an Aveling Barford)
he had crafted from brass and painted shiny red and green. Among Anne's friends it was a huge hit; all of them
wanted one and so the Matchbox legend was born. Since then, more than 12,000 different models, and more than
3 billion miniature vehicles, have been produced and bought in 130 countries under the Matchbox brand name.
The bestselling vehicle of all time is the boxy Model A Ford car, while one of the most popular has been the
Shovel-Nose Tractor.
One of the reasons for the toys' enduring success is that they have always sold for pocket-money prices; the very
first cost around seven-and-a-half old pence and they now retail for £1 to £2. But some original, well preserved
examples of super-rare models from the early Matchbox decades have acquired cult collector status and led to
heady auction-room bidding frenzies.
The story starts in 1947 when Leslie Smith and his friend Rodney Smith, who had served together in World War
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II, pooled their savings and used them to buy a second-hand die-casting machine for £600 which they used to
make parts for real car engines. They called their business Lesney Products, a combination of their two Christian
names, and ran it from a bombed-out North London pub, the Rifleman.
But it was the arrival of Jack Odell who changed the firm's fortunes. Born in 1920, Odell had also served his
country, as an engineer in Italy and North Africa. After the war, he returned home where he worked as a casting
engineer in factories on the outskirts of the capital, and, in 1952, he joined Lesney as a replacement for Rodney,
who had emigrated to Australia.
Their first miniature was a model of Elizabeth II's Coronation coach. It had initially been struck to commemorate
George VI's approaching Silver Jubilee which would have been celebrated in May 1952. But the King died some
months earlier, leaving Lesney with one million tiny stagecoaches on their hands and no idea what to do with
them. According to Leslie Smith's son Andrew, "Someone came up with the idea of gilding the coaches and
marketing them for the new Queen's Coronation.
"The problem was that the Queen travels by herself and the coach they'd already made had a king and a queen in
it. So they changed the colour and chopped the king off at the knees. If you look inside, you can see the Queen
and a pair of shins." Nonetheless, the coaches sold like the proverbial hot cakes. Their success, and the tiny road
roller that he had made for his daughter Anne, gave Odell an idea. He began work on a series of toy vehicles cast
in zinc.
There were four in the initial range. No 1 had, of course, to be the Diesel Road Roller. The other three were a
dumper, a Massey Harris tractor and a cement mixer. All were packed in a smart yellow box and sold through
sweet shops and tobacconists. The real beauty of them lay in their precision: each was an exactly-to-scale replica
of the real thing, with all the dashboard dials in precisely the right place, and they could have more than 300
separate parts.
As the company expanded, Matchbox experts would fly round the world taking countless photographs and
measurements of the vehicle they were working to reproduce, just to make sure it was exactly right. More toys
were added to the series every year - a Land Rover, a London bus, a bulldozer and a fire engine were all among
the early additions - until it eventually numbered 75.
While Smith ran the business side of things, Odell looked after manufacturing and design. He was incredibly
hands-on. One worker recalls being interrupted by Jack as he was cutting the one-inch passenger seat cushion for
a Model T Ford. "He said he wanted it deeper as he felt it did not look as if you could sink into it, so he started
cutting it himself until he said: 'That's what I want.' He was an engineer inside and out and he wanted perfection."
The company went public in 1960, making Smith and Odell millionaires. By the end of the Sixties, Matchbox
cars, with "Made in England" stamped on the chassis, were being churned out of 13 factories by 6,000
employees.
The cars even conquered the American market. In 1968, both its founders, Smith and Odell, were made OBEs.
The following year, the firm felt its first serious competition, from Mattel's Hot Wheels cars produced in Hong
Kong where labour was cheap.
The Seventies brought more turbulent times for Matchbox, in the form of national electricity strikes and a strike
at one of Lesney's factories. Odell and Smith persuaded the workers to return by cutting their own salaries by 75
per cent, from £100,000 to £25,000. Then, Odell retired in 1973, leaving Smith to run the company without him.
Faced with fierce competition, Smith was forced to move some of his manufacturing to the Far East, and replace
the distinctive matchboxes with modern blister packs, but it was not enough to save his company and Lesney was
declared insolvent in 1982.
To everyone's surprise, in the next year, Odell acquired some of the Matchbox die- casting and set up in business,
making a range called Days Gone at a factory in North London.
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