Matchbox 2017 Preview, Part 2: '16 Toyota Tacoma & Fiat 500X...

This is Part 2 of several posts showcasing the EP and 3D prototypes Matchbox brought to show at the Gathering earlier this month.

Here are two more models that are in the EP phase - meaning the casting is done, and it moves on to getting any final touches, and then color and deco.

The first is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, and the second the Fiat 500X.  The Tacoma is a surprising choice, considering an earlier Tacoma was released just a few years ago as a Life Guard truck.  This Tacoma carries the new body style and grill, and also has an accessory - in this case, a tent.

Accessories seem to be the thing in the auto world, and it is cool to see Matchbox tapping into that with both the Brookwood and now the Tacoma.  Like the Wagon, the Toyota sacrifices its interior to get its accessory, and also like the wagon, it is removable.  No interior is a bummer, but I think this model is far more interesting with the tent.  Plus, with Matchbox dedicated to metal bodies for all models, especially licensed, I can take this with no problem.

The Fiat is also a surprise.  Seeing a Fiat isn't surprising, but the 500X is.  A little more obscure, but with Hot Wheels already producing a fairly stock 500, this is welcome.  And it looks rally-like, especially with its roof rack.

So here they are, two more models to look forward to in 2017, and based on where they are in development, it shouldn't be too long before they hit the pegs...

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Matchbox 2017 Preview, Part 1: '59 Chevy Brookwood Wagon & 1951 Hudson Hornet Police...

Time to walk through the upcoming 2017 Matchbox New Models.  Through the end of this week and into next, we will showcase the photos that Matchbox allowed me to take while in Albuquerque for the Gathering.

Hopefully you were able to see the presentation last Saturday night on the Lamley Facebook Live feed.  If not, definitely check it out.  Most of the details about the models were presented there.

Here, we will basically show the photos we were able to take.  Some of of the models are EP status, meaning the castings are complete, but without the color and deco we will most likely see.  The others are SLA, or 3D prints.  A lot can change on those over the development process, but you can basically see what is coming.

I am excited about what is coming.  More licensed is always welcome, and there are quite a few.  Originals, or unlicensed models, are inevitable, so my only request - and I think most of you share this - is that the originals look real.  Less fantasy and more realism.  I am not too concerned about the brand of an Arctic vehicle, just make it look like a real one.  And I think the team accomplished that this year.  There is a lot to like, and a lot MORE to like.

But we will start with two licensed models, and more specifically two classics.  The '51 Hudson Hornet Police and '59 Brookwood Wagon are Matchbox no-brainers.  Two that seem like they should have been made years ago.  They fit wonderfully and naturally.

Two things of note, one from each model.  The Hornet will have lights cast into the body instead of with the window piece.  We will see how that looks on the finished model.  The Brookwood sports the fantastic roof rack and canoe, which I personally love.  Accessories are all the rage, and this works well.  The roof piece is removable, and the extra piece also means the Brookwood will have no interior.  We might even see additional roof pieces made.  If so, I have plenty of ideas.

So here are the first two.  Many more to come...

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Save the Date: The 2017 Matchbox Gathering of Friends has been announced...

Sad you missed this one?  What with all the Miata-ing about and whatnot, this year's Gathering was a massive success.

And yes, many of you watched the presentations, and got to see what was coming in 2017.  But how much better would it have been to be there in person?  You would have had a meal, a chance to chat with the team, bid on some awesome auctions, and even walk away with a Dinner Model.

You should definitely do it next year.  And now that you have a year to prepare a trip to New Mexico, you have no excuse.

Next year's event has been announced.  Straight from the event organizer himself, Jim Gallegos:

The 2016 Matchbox International Gathering of Friends Convention is in the history books and set many records for the event.  If you missed it or if you were in attendance it's never too late to start planning to start planning for 2017.  Registration opens up at midnight Mountain Standard Time 31 December 2016.  We hope to you will be a part of our 15th annual celebration.  Email Matchb0x1@aol.com for further information.

I promise you won't regret it.  The event has so many attendees returning each year because it is so damn fun.  And also remember, if you are one of the first 75 to register, you will get the rare 1-of-75 variant of the Dinner Model.  That is always a treat.

So start thinking about it.  Talk to your significant other and talk about the joy of Santa Fe, green chilis, and of course finding Walter White's house (which isn't that far from the hotel).  Oh, and playing with little cars for a whole weekend.

See you there...

A great night of #diecast and #matchbox discussions tonight at @mc_gathering

A photo posted by @matchboxworld on Jul 17, 2016 at 12:28am PDT

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The 2016 Matchbox Gathering is in the books. Here is the presentation if you missed it...

Still lots of Gathering coverage to come, but first, sleep is most definitely the priority.

I had a long drive home yesterday, and today the Albuquerque airport staff will be busy loading all kinds of diecast goodies on planes destined for locations all over the world.  The Matchbox Team is romping and rolling the brush truck back to LA, and I am sure Jim and Vicki Gallegos are getting some well-deserved zzzzzzzz's.

So once everything settles, look for some more coverage.  The Team granted me permission to photograph all the 2017 New Models in their various states of development, so that is coming soon.  Dirk will have his final Ambassador Report to post, and there is other stuff to get to as well.

Hopefully many of you watched the presentation live on the mc_gathering Periscope feed or on the Lamley Facebook Page on Saturday night.  There were a ton of comments, many of which Gerry from Matchbox read after the presentation.  The live feed was definitely a success so look for that to happen again next year.

In the meantime, if you did miss it, the video is posted below.  It is 50 minutes long, so give yourself some time, or fast forward through to what you want to see.  No one will be offended.  New Model presentation starts at 9:05 in, Licensed models at 19.00, and the Skyline Custom Contest winners at 40.00.

The video below that is a quick run through the EP and SLA examples of the 2017 New Models the Team brought to share.  Photos of these coming soon.

Enjoy.

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