Matchbox Monday casually whips up another Creation with Working Rigs C

Another batch of Working Rigs has appeared, quite quickly after the last one. Wheel Collectors got these in, and as they do, they sent a sample over to me to review. However, I am not too keen on just how much of the Working Rigs series is continually carried forward. They only do a maximum of 16 models in a year, and we are lucky if half of them are new. We might get 1 or 2 new casting, a scattering of new looks, and the same old same old repeated over and over again. I don't know why this series is treated so badly. Even by Mattel standards of not giving Matchbox much, they really seem to drop the ball when it comes to the Working Rigs series. You will see how bad things can be as I work through the latest 4 to arrive.

Because the first model in the list was a small mix up. Wheel Collectors accidentally sent me the RW006 International DuraStar 4400 Flatbed from last year.This is the number 6 of 16 from 2024. However, the thing is, this is the exact same model that has been brought forward to 2025. It is now number 3 of 16, in a fresh package. But, that is it. It is just a fresh package. The model is identical to how it was last year. 

And, if you remember last year, when I was talking about it, as it was batch C last year as well, I remarked how it was a repeat of the 2009 debut for the model. I don't know why they have repeated it 2 years in a row. 

Which is a real shame, as this is one of the cooler Working Rigs. The extending rear end.

And the flatbed that also goes back, and tilts to the floor. Perfect for towing 2 vehicles at a time. This has so much play value. If they had to repeat a look, they could have at least done the other 2009 release. An Adlar58 turquoise model. I am sure Michael Heralda would have liked to see his one come back for another go. It is a disappointment to see them simply use the same model 2 years in a row. So, for me, this gets a big fat 0 for inclusion in the range.

This one is a 2025 release. Updated packaging. Number 4 of 16 for 2025 is the RW027 MBX Crop Sprayer. This year it appears in purple.

This is also a repeat. It was originally a part of the 2013 Farm Crew Mission Force set. Back then, I was not keeping all my non-miniature models, and gave away the Skybusters and Working Rigs that were in the Mission Force sets. Do I regret that? Yes. I wish I had kept all the other items as I had bought them. Still, there is not much I can do about it. It happened. I can't compare the new run to the original, to see if there are visual differences between the 2 models. But, what I can do, is talk about the casting. As we know, the Crop Sprayer has the spray rods separate in the blister, and some assembly is required. 

They clip on the rear of the model, and can only be positioned one way. 

Once attached, the model looks pretty large. But, a crop sprayer tends to be. They have a lot of area to cover. 

The rear end does tilt as well, allowing the sprayer rods to point up or down, depending on what you want to do. It is pretty clever, but there is a problem. 

I have noticed that the rear section that the rods clip into is not tilting all the way any more. I think it is starting to wear a little. It is not easy to show in pictures. 

However, for what it's worth, if they were to carry one forward, they chose a pretty decent one. Mission Force sets were not as widely sold as singles, so this is definitely not the most common of previous issues. So, purely based on the choice of which to carry forward, I would give this a 10. This is not an endorsement of having carry forwards. But, if somebody said to me, you have to carry forward one, that would be the one I would choose. 

When Working Rigs first started, we saw a yellow one in 2010 and a green one in 2011. After the relaunch, we had a red one in 2021.

And last year, we saw a blue one. So, I have to say, this is the first time the casting has seen a carry forward livery. Which isn't that bad, considering. 

Of course, the one model I kept from the 2013 Mission Force set was the MB703 Tractor. So, I had to bring that in for a little photo shoot. 

Next up, another carry forward. The RW029 Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Vacuum Truck takes the number 11 slot in the set, in a very familiar white, orange and blue. 

This VAC1200 look was first used when the model debuted in 2012. It was also used again when the model returned in 2021 for a second outing. And now it is back for round 3. 

This is another shame, as this is a pretty cool model. The rear opens and the tank tips. 

And the vacuum swivels around as well. This has loads of potential, but it keeps getting released in the same livery over and over. 

As this is also release number 3 (I know it is not the following year, like the earlier International), I am still scoring this a big fat 0. They spent all this time tooling up some great castings, and giving them lots of play value. Yet, we just keep seeing the same livery time and time again.

The only time this has seen a different livery was in 2022, when it had a black Toxic Tank look. I bet that will return next time we see the casting. As you can tell, I am not exactly impressed with this batch. Which brings me to the final model. 

Nope! I am sorry, but seriously?!?!? This is the RW052 Western Star 49X. It takes the number 16 slot in the series, in the same old livery it nearly always gets. 

This model only debuted in 2022, and this again is the third time we have seen this. Yes, 2022 debut, 2023 repeat and now 2025 repeat. Why? Three out of four year in the same red and white look. 

This was awesome when it first appeared. The tilting rear and the lovely livery made for a great debut. But, fast forward to 2025 and a third outing, I am fed up with it. 

Yes, back in the old days, before Mattel took over, we used to see models sold for year on end unchanged. But, when Mattel changed the rules in 1998, I accepted it, and started getting used to seeing new liveries on a yearly basis. I know they have reasons behind carrying forward certain liveries, but I think that they are relying heavily on things like Working Rigs and Hitch & Haul (now called Adventure Packs) to just recycle liveries over and again. If you like cardboard, you are in luck. If you don't, you are saving money. 4 models in this batch, and every single one of them is recycled from before. I can't go lower than a 0. Yes, I have scored 3 of the 4 models a 0. The other only got a 10, as it was a refreshing change from the other 3. I feel like the Working Rigs series is on life support again, and I would not be surprised if they just drop it again soon. Much like they did with Convoy. They keep coming up with some really cool ideas, and then get limited as to what they can do with them. Sales drop, and they fade away. 

2024 was the only time this has seen a different look. I would have preferred not to have seen this casting at all, than see the original release yet again. Just think, they could have easily dragged another classic out of mothballs. The RW036 Fire Stalker? RW032 MBX Jungle Expedition Truck? RW009 MBX Bulldozer? 3 Matchbox original castings that were created during the original run that have not been utilised since the relaunch. They could have brought some, or all of these back, even reusing the original liveries, and they would have felt fresher. I hope they don't keep rehashing the same few over and over. 

Right, I need a pick-me-up after all that. I can't believe that this is only the second Mattel Creations release from Matchbox for 2025. 2023 and 2024 saw 10 releases throughout the year, and now, over half way through 2025, and we only have 2. Something tells me that Mattel Creations are phasing out selling Matchbox through their channel as well. I feel like this is limping on life support as well. 

Which is a real shame, as they have only gone and given us another brand-new casting. The MB1483 '96 Audi A4 Super Touring. I do enjoy getting new castings debuting as Mattel Creations. I think it makes them extra special.

This one is a traditional release in a large orange box, with a write-up on the back telling you about the model inside. 

But, of course, this is me. I will open everything. I always forget there is tissue paper inside. They wrap the plexicase in tissue paper. I guess they don't want it damaged. 

As if I am going to be bothered. This model is making its way out of the box. We see the usual base, which has a racing corner design to it. 

Although somebody does need to talk to whoever writes things. 2023 First Edition? 2 years too early. 

As you can see, they got licenses through Audi, Bilstein and Castrol for this one. People often forget that they have to apply for all licenses they use. Whether it be a model, or simply a logo. Is it me, or would anybody else want a van with the Castrol logo emblazoned all over it? Renault Kangoo or Ford Transit? Or both. I would not say no to a Castrol liveried van release. 

Anyway, I am sidetracking. Back to the Audi. The cover is removed. 

And the lid of the plexicase comes off. A good few seconds later (as I need to unscrew the 2 screws holding the model to the base)....

And this will be the last I see of this base. Yes, all that effort, and most of it is wasted on me. I am here for the model. Talking of which.

As soon as I unscrewed it and removed it, I could feel the weight. Yes, this one features a metal base. They have been building up their portfolio of metal based models recently, as they want to have more premium content for Matchbox. However, premium content comes with 1 set of 20 Collectors models per year, and the odd Creation. There is not a big premium content range within the Matchbox portfolio. I would love for it to be larger. 

Super Touring was devised by the FIA in 1993, borne out of the British Touring Car Championships, and Australia, France and Italy were first off with championships. Other joined and a world cup was also instigated for a few years. The Audi A4 Super Touring replaced the older Audi 80 Competition, although privateers still used the 80 for a short while. It debuted late in 1995, although made a proper outing in 1996. It was immediately successful, and Emanuele Pirro, an Italian racer who had been in Formula 1 in 1989 through 1991, was the runaway winner of the 1996 Super Tourenwagen Cup, which was the German series from 1994 through 1999 (in between the original DTM and the current DTM). 

The livery of the model is very similar to that driven by Emanuele. Of course, there are a few differences. The number on the door is different. He never had the "M" from Matchbox in the livery. Or Matchbox across the rear. The rear spoiler on the model is plastic, and has been done in black. The real one had a colour coded spoiler. I am not sure why they went a different way for that. 

But, I think they have done a terrific job with the casting. The look of the model is very accurate compared to real ones. 

The attention to detail in the tampo printing is also amazing. I think this is an awesome debut.

I am extremely surprised that we got to see something like this from Matchbox. They have allowed them to stretch their parameters a little. 

I have heard a few people complain about the wheels. I know there are only so many real rider options available. They could have created a new wheel, but then you run the risk of creating new wheels for everything and having loads of wheel hub styles. I don't think this is a bad wheel style. 

So, how do I score this? Pretty easy. Inclusion. This is not something I would have thought we would see from the Matchbox brand. I love it. An easy 10. Casting. I cannot find anything to fault with the casting. Another 10. Design. Paying homage to Emanuele Pirro's 1996 title winning look is another 10 from me. Even with the little Matchbox bits they sneaked in there. 

Well, I could finish my report here. But, I thought this was a little short, as I really didn't feel there was much to say about the Working Rigs. So, shall I slip a little dive back in?

Let's get to the first Audi. The MB025 Audi Quattro. 1982 was the first time that Matchbox ever did an Audi. They chose a great one to start off. I am a big fan of the casting, and have this lovely plain black pre-production sample.

It then debuted in white with orange and brown patches and 20. 

It ran through 1983, and for year 2, production was switched to Macau.

Base shot of the change.

Macau made models could be found with clear or amber windows. 

For 1984, it came up with a new look, more closely aligned with the actual rally car of the time. Again, amber or clear windows could be found.

For 1985, the US market dropped the model, and it continued as an ROW exclusive. It stayed unchanged, except that they were no longer able to use the Pirelli logo (they wanted money, this was the early era or license fees). Amber windows could be found.

And again clear windows were also found.

During the 1980s, the model was sent to Brazil under license by Trol, who made models for the local market. They used the original look as a basis, and the model could be found in either white or red, and wheels were often locally sourced ones. 

In 1986, the model turned into a plum look, and the first non-rally look. Wheels could be either 5-arch or 8-dot at the time. 

Both of these are Macau made. 

However, as the look was around until 1988, later on, it switched to China production. 

They only appeared with 5-arch wheels, and were a notably darker plum shade. 

In late 1986, there was a plan for a BP promotion in the UK. The plum model was simply turned into blue, and a BP logo added to the front. Production actually started before BP pulled the plug. So as not to waste them, they overprinted the BP logo with an Audi logo and popped them in multipacks and sold them in the USA. 

The model was given a final look for 1989 in charcoal. This simply was found in a few shades through the year. After 1989, the ROW market dropped the model as well. 

Shades also occurred with the base as well. Glossy black to a flat black look. But, although the model was done in the basic range, we did see a couple more outings. 

China saw a promotional release in 1992 in blue, with various Chinese writing on the model. 

And of all places, it finished in Brazil. Brazil released a series of 4-packs in 1993. The Audi was in one of the packs in green. After this, we never saw the casting again. The new Audi takes us to an era just after this casting retired. Coincidence? Yes, obviously. 

Well, that does it for me this week. A rather bleak start hopefully ended on a nice note. Yes, we saw 4 carry forward Working Rigs. Only 1 was of any interest to me. 

But, I thought the Mattel Creations was really cool. 

So, as these head off, I look forward to next week, and reviewing some all-new looks on models. Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.