Copy - Matchbox Monday splits batch B 2025 into 2

Ah! Five models. Yes, this is a bit easier for me to deal with. Now, Matchbox increased the 2025 basic range from 100 models to 125. Factoring in the 4 Super Chases and 6 Target Reds on top, that means this year will see 135 models in the basic range completely. That is, if everything goes to plan. 2024 was so close. Only a final Target Red got dropped. And with an extra 25 to deal with, juggling everything may lead to something being delayed or deleted. There is never a guarantee. But, if it does, that means we are averaging over 11 per batch. Batch A was smaller. Batch B does, if you include the Target Red, have 11 in it. There are going to be a few batches that are even larger. This means I could be looking at maybe 18-20 or so looks at basics, which means they will be showcased pretty often. This is why I am jumping straight into batch B now, only 2 weeks after showing batch A. I could be doing 2 per month of basics. So, every other week. It is, as some will know, partly down to my not having quite as much spare time to do the big reports I used to. I had to scale back a bit, but people did want them to continue, so I set myself a limit as to how much I want to do in one go. Hence, the double-digit no-no rule. So, as I am about to make a start, I do note that, except for the Target Red, every model in this batch is a modern vehicle. No classics. It's not that they are getting rid of them. This isn't 2013! It was just a random coincidence that left us with none in this batch. So, let's get stuck in.

As with batch A, Wheel Collectors got both power grab and long cards for this batch in.

And, as I start with MB1, the MB1236 '19 Subaru Forester, I do note that the long cards are dated T39, power grab boxes T40. This means there is only a week difference between production runs, but you never know. There may be a variation in there.

But, not in the case of the Subi. This was one of Abe Lugo's creations, and I am still loving it. I have to admit, it is one of my favourite SUV castings. It was so well done, and continues to be a mainstay of the basic range. Now in year 5, it comes in a very dark blue. Or simply Dark Blue Pearl, as Subaru called it. Another real colour option for the model, and with simple front and rear tampo prints, just like all the previous issues, you cannot go wrong with it.

However, I do wonder how much longer this will survive. After all, Subaru unveiled the new 6th generation Forester in late 2023, and production began in late 2024 as a 2025 model. This means that this is an older generation now. Of course, these are technically for kids, and it does specify it is a 2019 model. Do they have to have everything as a current gen? After all, they only recently added a previous generation BMW 3-series, and a previous generation Land Rover LR4. They didn't even attempt a current one. So, this is tough. I would like to see the new generation of Forester to appear, but I love this one so much, I don't want it to go. Torn! Oh, I am giving this a 10 out of 10. I love the deep dark blue colour, and the highlights are spot-on as usual. The black wheels suit it as well. They couldn't have improved on this one.

Let's dive back through them again. Always worth getting these out. It debuted in 2021 in a lovely Jesper Green Metallic. A sort of feature colour for the car, as it was the one mainly used in adverts for the real vehicle. And I did find a shade as well. Always a bonus.

2022 came in a lovely red. No shades for me. I don't know if anybody else found one, but I had no luck.

With the 2023 release coming in black.

Last year was also blue, although that was the complete opposite blue. It was a very light blue, and I did see a shade to that one.

So, 5 years in, all basic range releases. It has never seen an outing outside of the basics. No 5-pack? No 8-pack exclusive as yet. There are still some real colours to go. White? Silver? Bronze? No, we have not seen those yet, and they are all official Subaru colours. Or, this is a Japanese vehicle. Has anybody heard of the Gelande Taxi? This is a Subaru promotion that offers skiers and snowboarders a ride up the slopes in Japan in a Subaru. The 5th generation Forester has been done as a Gelande Taxi for the event, and I think it would be so cool if Matchbox was to recreate this taxi look in miniature. That's an idea for the future.

Hello. It has been a few years. The MB817 Ford F-550 Super Duty saw action between 2011 and 2021, but has not been seen for the last 3 calendar years. But, it returns here, in the brilliant recurring INC livery as MB41. Excellent.

I do love a recurring theme, and this theme has been going almost as long as the Ford has. It debuted in 2012, and has been running since then. I love it. They could livery up any casting in INC clothes, and I am going to be happy. I cannot fault this one. 

Sure, the casting is a little dated (I have just discussed that as not important), and it does feature a high plastic content. The rear end being plastic does look a little weird, and the gap between front and rear is noticeable. But, I cannot bad score an INC model. 10 out of 10. Had it been in a non-recurring theme, I might have been less forgiving. I am not sure if this casting is the most popular. It never seems to be a big seller. It wasn't when it was around before, and the newest one does appear to be hanging a little. Perhaps this is just a swansong?

Now, although there was no shading between the 2 I got, they are different. Does anybody know of the casting difference in this model? There are 2 rear sections. One has the ribbed effect in the 2 curved triangular sections coming up from the rear wheel arch. The other has a smooth effect. No ribs. I got one of each.

This has been around since day 1. This is the 2011 debut in lime. 2 of them. 1 with ribs in those triangles, the other is smooth. It is not something that many have picked up on. Especially with many dual models being LHD or RHD, or with lights down or up. Easy to see. This does require a closer inspection.

Well, as I pulled out the others to show that off, I may as well show the rest. If was switched to red later in the 2011 range, as 25 models at that time saw 2 versions during the year.

It was also one of the 10 models for the 1st Editions all-exclusive 10-pack at the end of the year.

2012 saw the model sport its first recurring these. This was the mint National Parks model, which had started in 2007. However, due to a small error, the first batch came out in green. Oops! They quickly did a running change to correct it.

And the Brush Fire Rescue 5-pack saw it sport the Forest Service recurring theme. This started in 2009, and has often been linked with the National Parks theme due to the fairly similar base colour. That is mint. This is more of an olive green. This also still continues to this day. I did note that the windows were found in either a clearer red or milky red look.

For 2013. the model was white in the basic range, but was also chosen to be the Everett Marshall Golf Tournament promotional issue that year. This was the nicest look for the casting, as it was given a full tampo treatment, which enhanced all the details in the rear in that lovely chrome.

For 2014, it simply saw a basic range release in yellow. It was noted that the wheels were either yellow or gold during production. But, you do have to look fairly close to made sure, as they are not the easiest thinig to spot.

It took a year off in 2015, returning as a basic range issue in 2016 in red.

In 2017, it was sold in grey with a green rear in the basic range.

And 2018's basic range was grey with a maroon rear. It wasn't the same. The tampo design was different as well. They didn't just repeat things.

Like they did in 2019, as the 2014 issue returned for a second basic range outing. This time, there was no gold wheel variant. All of them had yellow wheels. It was almost identical, but the newer one was a slightly creamier shade of yellow. It was simply a slight shade variation.

Although it went from bad to really good, as the 2020 basic range release was inspired by a real San Luis Obispo Paramedic vehicle.

And, as I already stated, 2021 was the last year that we saw this. It was in red in the basic range, and was also a part of the MBX Recue (it was supposed to be "Rescue" but they misspelled the artwork on the 5-pack) in a real Boone County livery.

It also saw a final outing in the year as part of the Advent Calendar, repeating the 2016 red look. Except now, it was a much darker red.

That adds up to 15 different looks for the model across 15 years of production. Is that a clever coincidence? I guess it is. I doubt they would have counted them up before releasing the new one. I wonder if it will return?

There are 3 new castings in the batch. I decided to showcase 2 of them this time, and the first is the MB1504 '21 Lexus LC500. It debuts in the MB44 slot for 2025 in metallic dark red.

And this time I do see a small shade between the 2 production runs. One is a little darker than the other.

It's not a massive difference, but I am going to keep both for my collection. I am crazy like that. So, what is the Lexus LC500? This is a first generation vehicle from Lexus. It filled a gap that had been left empty after the SC had finished production in the early 2010s. The SC, which was also known as a Toyota Soarer in some places, had ceased production in 2010 due to flagging sales. There was going to be a replacement, but it got cancelled. However, they showcased an LF/LC Concept at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show. This eventually became the LC (Luxury Coupe), which was unveiled at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show, with a hybrid being shown at Geneva later that year. Production began in 2017 as a 2018 vehicle, but at the time it was only as a coupe. The convertible was unveiled at the LA Auto Show in November 2019, and production began in 2020 as a 2021 model. Hence this being regarded as a 2021 model.

With very little to differentiate between production years, I can see why they just put down the first year. This casting was created by Abe Lugo, and is the first of 2 new Lexus castings debuting this year. I will get to the second one shortly, as this was in a Moving Parts batch which I am showcasing next month.

I have to say, when comparing this to pictures of real ones, Abe has done an amazing job. The only minor thing I can spot is that the rear wheel arch flares out a little more in real life than the model depicts. It's a minor detail. That is me getting really picky. It may not be so much flaring out, as the rear end of the door perhaps curving in just a little more, as real ones appear to have a small gap between door and wheel arch. But, then, that is quite difficult to do in miniature. Adding in a thin gap like that.

He has the angles of the rear depicted very well. I can't argue with that.

The overall shape has been captured perfectly. Abe has done a great job here. I am a big fan of this one. I think it may be my favourite Lexus casting to date. Hmm! I might have to double-check the previous ones.

The first Lexus we had was the MB714 Lexus GS430 in 2007.

The second was the only "classic" Lexus, with the MB1229 '94 Lexus LS400 arriving in 2021 (well 2022, as it ran late).

And in 2023, we had a double whammy, as the MB1383 '22 Lexus LX arrived in Moving Parts.

And the MB1409 '12 Lexus LFA arrived as a premium only casting (due to the metal base), in the Collectors series.

Yes, this is my favourite Lexus to date.

And this debut version is absolutely beautiful. The dark red is an official Lexus colour, known as Infrared. It comes with wonderfully detailed front and rear tampo printing. I can't ask for more.

And the interior colour is correct. It is officially known as Toasted Caramel. Hmm! Caramel. They have nailed this one out of the box. Scoring? Inclusion. I am giving this an easy 10. Casting, well, it is a little tough. I did point out the slightly unusual look to the rear wheel arch, but I don't think they could have successfully done it correctly without causing issues in production. The real one does have a thin gap, but that would be wafer thin in miniature, and would likely have blobbed up during production. So, I am not actually going to downgrade it because of it. 10. Design? I love it! An easy 10 again. Whoa! A perfect 30 out of 30 for the new casting. Brilliant stuff. I wonder if the other new casting chosen for this report will get the same?

But, before I get there, this is a new casting, so I always show a base shot.

The other new casting I am showing in this report is the MB1493 '23 Toyota Prius Prime. It debuts in white in the MB102 slot.

Wait a sec. Haven't I already showcased the Toyota Prius Prime? Yes, the MB1456 casting debuted in the final batch of 2024 Moving Parts.

Here it is. It came in red. I checked back on my report and re-read my comments to ensure I was not repeating things too much. I actually gave that casting a perfect 30 out of 30 for a new model.

And, I have to admit, the build of the 2 models is almost identical. Aside from a slight change to the sides (difference between opening doors and sealed ones), the shape and size is identical. They look like they are cut from the same cloth. But, there is a twist.

Garry Gopinath created the Moving Parts model. Abe Lugo created the basic range one. Is this simply a case of when 2 designers are as talented as they are, the end results are going to look alike? Or more that they worked together in making sure they both did?

I honestly can't answer that one, but one thing I can answer easily. Do I want 2? No. I am not a fan of making the same model available in both basics and Moving Parts. There are only so many slots available in the 2 ranges, and I think it is a total waste to put the exact same model in both. BMW i8? Nope! Chevy Corvette C8? Nope! Why wasn't one the convertible? I could have gone with that. 1968 Toyota FJ Land Cruiser? Nope! Why couldn't one have been a different year? Earlier in the decade, with a slightly different look? I could have gone with that. Sometimes they do things right. 1970 Ford Bronco (basics) and 1978 Bronco (Moving Parts). 2019 Ford Mustang GT, hardtop basic, convertible Moving Parts. Range Rover Evoque, again hardtop basic and convertible Moving Parts. These are the similar vehicles I can get behind. Even the 2018 Dodge Charger in basics and 2020 Charger SRT in Moving Parts. It was a more aggressive and slightly updated look. It was different. But 2 identical Prius castings at the same time in both ranges is something I don't want to see. I would even make this point if they decided to make the 1980 Porsche 911 Turbo as a basic. It's my favourite car. But, there is a Moving Parts one. Don't do a basic as well. Just release more Moving Parts. Please, release more Moving Parts. It hasn't been used since 2023. Anyway, I am sidetracking. I just don't want to see the exact same vehicle used in both basic and Moving Parts. It is a waste of a slot. So, when it comes to inclusion, I am dead set against this. A big fat 0! That is a zero. I didn't forget a 1 in there. Had this been the first to arrive, the Moving Parts one would be getting the zero score for inclusion. This is purely down to timing. First out the box, yes! Cool. Second one, boring. Do something else. That is how I feel about doubling up on castings.

But, when it comes to the other 2 scores, I can't argue with those. As I already said, this looks almost identical to the Moving Parts one. That scored perfectly across the board, and this will follow it on the other 2 categories. Casting is perfect in its execution and cannot be argued with. So it gets a 10. And the white looks great, and with the same tampo as the red Moving Parts one, that can also not be argued with. I like the gunmetal look for the wheel hubs as well. So, again, this is a 10. But, for a new casting, that does leave it with a 20 out of 30. Not a great score. As I said, if this had debuted before the Moving Parts one, the scores would have been reversed.

It is a new casting, so again I will show the base.

But, this is something I just don't like seeing. With so many vehicles to choose from, please stop using the exact same one as a regular and opening parts casting. They could have done a Corolla Cross instead. Plenty of modern Toyotas to choose from.

After that little rant, time to move on to the last model in this report. The MB1345 Karma GS-6. Wait a sec, that doesn't say GS-6 on the package. It says Revero. It takes the MB112 slot in the range and comes in a pale blue.

It also says Revero on the base.Still the same MAN number. It appears that Karma might have asked for a change. Often, vendors ask for a small change to the base details. BMW 1M to BMW M1, the year on the Audi TTRS or Honda Ridgeline. These things get requested, and Matchbox will happily change them. So, we are to refer to this as the Revero from now on. That makes it easier.

Karma calls this Slate Blue. It is one of their official colour options. It looks so different to most of the colours we see, and this really makes it stand out. And, just like the previous issues, we get simple front and rear detailing. I would not expect anything else. Unless we get a premium release, and they do it with the "Blackout Package", with various items, like doors handles window trim etc all being turned to black. It is an official option on a Karma.

I think the darker window works well to counter the lighter colour. And the black wheels give it a cool look as well. I think this looks great, and it gets a 10 from me. So funky! So different.

Now, this has only been around 3 years now, so has not many releases under its belt. But, this is the 2nd blue one. Or, you could say third. I mean, the variation in the debut blue from 2023 was massive. As yet, I have not seen a shade to this release. But, I have not checked against the later run in batch C. It may be different.

As you can see, when they wiped off the GS-6 name, they also wiped off Karma, and re-wrote the whole line. I remember in the Lesney days, they would often just wipe and replace names, leaving bases with oddly misaligned lines.

And, when it was sold in 2024, it had 2 releases. Grey was the basic range release, and green was a part of the MBX Electric Drivers 5-pack.

And both did have GS-6 on the base. This is the debut of the updated name for the model.

I have to admit, when I do my cataloguing, I tend to stick to whatever came originally on a model. So, I have to admit, I have catalogued the newest one as a GS-6 in my collection. I don't know if others do the same, or whether they actually go with the base name, or even retroactively updated older ones to the new name (akin to the Regular Wheels era from 1953 to 1969ish being retroactively named after Superfast debuted). Especially when it comes to some of the Matchbox originals castings that often get updated names as they go along, things can be quite confusing. I just stick to the one name for my own personal collection. And if it started one way, I just leave it like it. So, Revero or GS-6, it's still a Karma. I wonder if they will do any others? Like the Kaveya? That looks cool. The Gyesera and Ivara are 2 new vehicles coming soon. I think one of those could be a really cool Moving Parts release.

But, for now, I am going to pause the Batch B stuff. The other half of this batch will be reviewed in a few weeks. I have something different to showcase next week. This half saw 2 new castings. One amazing addition and one I didn't want.

As well as 3 others, all in blue. Dark, medium or light. It's all blue. The Karma does stand out. Well, so does the INC.

As these "move" away, I start planning my next report. Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.