Matchbox Monday finally finds batch F

It has been a good few months since I showcased batch E of the 2024 basic range. For some reason, things got a little stuck in some countries. Other countries are continuing on, and I have seen people showcasing their finds up to batch K! Seriously? Batch 10, and I am just getting to batch 6. I was reliant on Wheel Collectors here, and they also have the next batch as well. The UK is still stuck. In fact, we went from 2024 batch E to somewhere in the middle of 2023?!?! And it would be the batch with the MBX Mini Cargo, AKA the 2020s biggest peg warmer. Still, at least things are slowly getting moving again. So, let's dive in to the 6th batch of 2024, and finish off with a little confusing Target stuff.

And first up, we get our sole new casting of the batch. The MB1440 '23 Ford Police Interceptor Utility. A model that, to be honest, I wasn't really sure was required. We only had a Ford Police Interceptor Utility recently, and it looked decent. I am not sure why they have given us the updated one. It takes the MB36 slot in the 2024 range in white, with a familiar theme.

I have to admit, the casting does look sharp. Especially at the front, where the grille has been very carefully depicted. I think that is very good, as it is likely to never be detailed up. So it needs to be shown on the casting itself.

Hmm! No tow hook on the rear. Still, was the last one ever used to tow anything? Again, this area is likely to not see any tampo printing, unless the model gets a Collectors outing. So, this looks pretty decent in the way that they have cast the rear of the model.

Comparing to real ones, I think they have pretty much nailed the look of this. Comparing to the real pictures, I think the essence of the vehicle has been captured very well. However, there is one thing.

Those wing mirrors are tiny. And it is a shame they didn't add the extra spotlight as well. I thought that was a nice touch with the previous casting. They added the bull bar on the front of the casting. They should have enhanced those wing mirrors and added a spot as well.

There is an interior inside, but the window is a very dark smoke, so it is not easy to see. I have to admit, this new casting is not really grabbing me. So, to start the scores. Including this new casting? Well, I will give it a 5. Sure, it is nice to get an updated casting, and it may have been that Ford asked if they could update it as Ford updated the real one. In which case, they will accommodate. But, I was never overly thrilled with just getting another of the basically same vehicle. Casting? Well, the front and rear ends are great. The side profile looks amazing. Those wing mirrors, I feel, are the one thing that lets it down. So, I will give it a 9. I will get to the design in a minute. But, first.

New casting, new base. New photo. And, as it is very logical....

The previous Ford Police Interceptor Utility. You know, the 2016 version, with large wing mirrors and a spot.

You can see just how much extra those large wing mirrors and spotlight enhance the model. You can also see that the new grile is a notable part of the new casting. But, the rest is fairly similar. The lower lights are a little different in shape. The model is a very close match in size to the last one, but you can tell it is 100% all new.

The rear looks pretty similar, although as I noted, the new one no longer has a tow hook. To be honest, I think it is best without it. They weren't utilizing that function, so why keep it?

The real SUV is not a radically changed model from how it was in 2016, which is why I was wondering the need to update it. You can see a few differences when you place the 2 together, but if they were in different pictures, side on (how they are in a package), would you really know? Now, my final score. Design.

This is, I believe, the 4th outing for the Peel Regional Paramedic Services design. Peel Region is in the Greater Toronto area of Canada, and incorporates the cities of Brampton and Mississauga, as well as the town of Caledon. You might not have caught it straight away as Peel is not mentioned clearly on this model, and the blue used is a lighter hue to previous outings. The first one was the MB994 '63 Cadillac Ambulance in the 2021 Target Retro series.

Which was followed in 2022 by 2 different releases. The basic range saw the MB1178 International TerraStar Ambulance.

And the Moving Parts series saw the MB1310 '19 Ram Ambulance debut in the same scheme.

I don't remember seeing anything Peel related in 2023, so this brings us up to 4 releases in this [real] recurring theme. I love it. So, this is an easy 10 for me. It may have only scored a 5 for inclusion and 9 for casting, but the final look cannot be argued. I am a sucker for recurring themes.

The second model in the batch is the MB1297 '57 Ford Custom 300. For 2024, it takes the MB41 slot in blue.

You could say that this model has its own recurring theme. It is now on its third outing in the basic range, and all 3 follow the exact same pattern. I like it when they are consistent with these models like this. I believe Ford called this Dresden Blue. It was a simple mid-blue option for the 1957 cars. Some would have a partial white cover as well, but not all of them. Some were all-blue. So, this is a perfect replica of a real model from that time. The side sees a simple pin stripe and door handle depiction. The wheels are a simple hub design. You cannot argue with any of these in miniature.

With the front seeing headlights and the Ford letters depicted. It also retains that chrome base as well. We have not see any rear tampos to the basics, but I still like this. I cannot really argue with it, so I am giving this a 10 as well.

This casting debuted in the 2022 range in "Raven Black", as Ford called it, with the same tampo and wheels.

Which was followed in 2023 by "Flame Red", which I did find a shade to.

Aside from the basic range outing, we also saw the Albuquerque Dinner model as this Custom 300. Of course, this is a premium level model, so has a unique colour, and full tampo printing. It also has real riders, but Matchbox have recently added a classic dish style hub there as well, which I think looks great.

I am impressed with this casting, and I am thoroughly enjoying the outings. I hope to see many more over coming years. This appears to be one of the more popular models in their portfolio. There is a nice minty(ish) green colour that I think would look great as a Matchbox.

Okay, who loves construction vehicles? Yes, I know, this is not a popular segment of the range. I do see these as a slower seller, but I know that Matchbox keep trying to push them. But, one thing I do love is a recurring theme, so when we see the latest Mb856 Load Lifter in the MB69, I have mixed feelings. This has never been a popular model, but it has a cool scheme.

I am really enjoying this MBX Construction look on many models, so getting another one is not a bad thing, right? But, it is on the Load Lifter. Some of the construction items sell better than others, and this was always one of the slowest. Every time we have had one in the basic range, it has always warmed pegs. Even when it had a cool recurring theme. I am worried that this will suffer the same fate. It is still early days to find out.

And the model does have play value. You press down at the rear of the boom and the prongs raise. Of course, back when we had the Lansing Bagnell and Sambron Jacklift in the Lesney era, these were helped by having a range of vehicles with loads that could be lifted off and moved by the lifts. The MB988 Power Lift might have been a better option to bring back for the basic range, while making this one of the models in a 5-pack in this scheme. This is a tough one to score. The look itself is brilliant. I love recurring themes, and this new MBX Construction theme has literally exploded this last year. But, I know from past observations that this is a slow seller. Regardless of what livery they put on it. So, I can't give it a good score. Which is a shame. I would score it a 4, and that is brought up by the brilliant livery.

Now, I am one of those people who collect everything, so I do have all the previous releases. It debuted in 2012 in green and orange.

Then, in 2013, we had the first of 4 times that this yellow look appeared. It returned for another basic outing in 2018, then was added to a Convoy set in 2020, which repeated in 2023. Phew! That is a lot of runs, and there were only small shade variations between runs.

For 2014's basic range, we saw the first of the recurring themes. Ranec! I loved this.

After this, the model was moved to 5-packs. This is where the 2015 INC look appeared. It was in the Construction Zone set. It was also found in Power Grab packs (remember when they started, and they were baggies with random models and a couple of exclusives)?

2016 also saw a Construction Zone 5-pack, but this was a design just for that set.

In 2017, it was now a part of the City Service 5-pack, and came in a very similar colour to the new one, but obviously a completely different design.

As I said, in 2018, the 2013 model returned for another basic outing. After that, 2019 saw another basic, this time in a new red look.

This was the model's last new look. It was in the 2020 basic range. This blue model was not the only 2020 release, as I mentioned that the 2013 model returned in a Convoy set. It then saw another run in 2023 as that whole Convoy set returned. It is a shame they didn't come up with a Ranec scheme for the Convoy itself and added in the Ranec version for another outing.

These are all the different looks that this model has received. Newbie is its 9th outing. The 3rd to be in a recurring theme. Those are my favourites out of the 9, but I do worry this may be another slow seller. Just because of what the casting is.

Rats! I forgot to take a blister photo. I was just so eager to release this one. Can't you tell?  It is the MB1203 Polaris RZR. For 2024, the model takes the MB80 slot in the basic range, and comes in black. Wow! Black! It's not like we haven't had a black one before. I do think this must be a Polaris request. They are taking a leaf out of Henry Ford's play book. Sure, you can have it in any colour, as long as it is black! I have to admit, this is the biggest change for the model in its 5 years as a basic range model. This is metallic black! Ooh! Okay, yeah, it does give it a slight different look. You can almost feel me rolling my eyes as I do that. I do like that they have detailed the shock absorbers here. That's a first as well.

I wish I knew why the Matchbox model only comes in black. I think that it is about the most boring choice for it. You Google pictures of the real one, and we get oranges, blues, greys, reds, some with multi colours. Very bright and vibrant. All they can do with the Matchbox is add a little colour to the sides with tampo. As I said, this may be specified by Polaris (for some reason), and Matchbox sort of have their hands tied. But, if that is the case, cut the losses. Take it out of the basic range, and throw it in a 5-pack. If you really need to do another. I have now got bored of this. I am scoring it a big fat 0! Yes, a zero score. They have done their best to jazz it up by making it metallic, but it is a little too late. It we can't get multiple colours in general, just forget about it.

If you need a reminder, I will go through them again. The 2020 debut. Black with red and grey tampo on the side. The new one is black with red and grey tampo on the side. But, flat black vs metallic. A grey roof vs black. The wheels plain rather than grey hubbed. Yes, it is different, but you do need to put them side by side to really see it.

The 2021 black model had a little bit of blue on the side, including wheel rims. I think that was about the most vibrant the model has ever been. And that is not exactly vibrant.

The 2022 matte black had a little green and white in the tampo. Black roof, grey wheels? Much like the new one.

And 2023, shiny. Grey and red. Yawn!

Zzzzzzzzzzz!

Huh? What? Another black model? Well, this one has never been done in black before. I think black can look really nice on occasion. It is a cool colour, and this MB1282 '22 Renault Mégane looks really good like this.

I like this one in black. I have never seen a black one in previous outings, and black is a colour option on the real Mégane. That gold trim on the front is something that Renault does do on the real model as well. It looks great here. Yes, I know this is a model that was created in a way I am not too keen on (roof being a part of the window, meaning the window is always dark), but with the silver trim going over the side breaking that up, and the front and rear detailing, it does not look bad.

You can see that the "E" at the end of the model's name on the back is also gold. This is because it is the E-Tech version of the Mégane, noticeable as there is no exhaust at the back, and it is a thing that Renault does with the E-Tech version. I like that Matchbox has replicated that so well. They have dressed this up very well, and I am going to give it a 9. I still don't like the fact that the window has to be so dark to accommodate the production method.

The model debuted in the 2022 basic range (as well as Best of France) in silver. Something I did spot a shade on. It also had the gold on the front.

The red 2023 version did see a darker red used for the rear lights. That is attention to detail.

The red didn't get the gold at the front, but it is not standard on E-Tech versions, so technically, this is perfectly fine. All 3 have been extremely realistic looks, which I am very happy about. And all 3 are completely different colours!

Oh wow! We are on the final regular model. There were only 6 models in this batch (unless you were in a Target store in the USA). The last one is the MB1200 '76 VW Golf Mk1 GTi. It takes the MB95 slot in the basic range, and for 2024, it is now in blue.

This is a really nice blue shade. I am not sure which exact one it was. It appears that VW had a number of blue options at the time. Reef Blue? Miami Blue?  I am not sure. But, it looks good. As we have seen in previous issues, the front end is highly detailed, making sure to get that GTi badge noted.

And, as we have seen on every model released so far, the sides get detailed as well. In this case, this is a repeated look with a simple black stripe, black wheel arches, as well as the door handle. Plus, they have gone with the US variant, but adding Rabbit to the side as well.

And, as we know, you do need 2. This is one of those models with an Easter Egg.

As this is a casting with an interior variation. It comes with, or without, items on the rear parcel shelf. And being a tan interior, this is really easy to see. This is the first time the interior is not in black. That one is a bit harder to see inside. So, what do I score for this? A perfect 10? I am going to say yes, with an asterisk. One day I would love to see one with the rear detailed. But I am not going to score it down for it, as they have made this a 3-sided print, and they are quite tough to do. I mean, that Renault has 4 sides in total, as they request the window edging. By adding these extra passes, it does add costs. And we know they are paper thin on their profits for these models.

This model has also been with us since 2020. 5 years of basic range outings, and some side issues. I think it is popular. The 2020 debut was in orange with a stripey side design.

2021 proved to be a very hectic year for the model. The basic range saw a white Polizei model, and the Best of Germany set gave us a red one.

Plus, we saw our first rabbit themed side design. The Target Retro series gave us this cool yellow model, with a white stripe and the rabbit zipping through, with a Rompin' Racing Team note. Although, did anybody notice that the apostrophe was at the start, not end of Rompin'?

2022 gave us a simple silver model in the basic range. It was a very similar look, except no mention of Rabbit, and the front grille had a red outline.

2023 gave us a green basic with the same tampo as the new one. The Walmart exclusive VW set gave us another yellow rabbit themed model. This one had a different Ruff Rabbit II design, paying homage to the original Ruff Rabbit of the 1980s.

This brings us to our 8th different look for the model in the 5 years it has been with us. As I said, it has been a popular vehicle. But I did also note how every one has seen front and sides detailed. That rear is still getting no love. One day....

Now, more often than not, this would be the end of a report. The ones shown previously were the models that were sent to me by Wheel Collectors (still no sign of the UK getting a new batch). But, as is the current scenario, every second batch at Target stores in the USA will see a Target Red. An exclusive model just found there. However, there appears to have been a little mix-up. I have spoken with the guys at Matchbox, and they are just as confused as to what happened as we are. The first model of 6 scheduled for the year (they also missed that 1/6, 2/6, 3/6 and 4/6 accidentally had 1/4, 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 on the package) was the MB1180 '59 Dodge Coronet Police. It was 1/6 (or as the package says, 1/4). However, there was a small delay with it. Luckily, 6/6 the Holden SSV Ute was already approved and sorted, so they switched that to the first production run. This should simply shuffle everything back 1 place. Right? Wrong! The factory accidentally started running the 2/6 Mazda MX-5 Miata in the 4th batch, as that was originally scheduled. By the time they realized the error, and switched it to the Dodge, Target had basically finished ordering batch D. Somehow, these Dodges have started appearing at discount stores in Australia! Everybody makes mistakes. From what I am hearing, as batch F arrived, the factory had forgotten their mistake, and as the Mazda was now scheduled (using the updated production schedule), it appears that more Mazdas are appearing in Target in the USA. These Dodge Coronets are proving to be quite elusive. Target has not finished rolling out batch F, so we may see more Dodges appear correctly at Target. I have no idea. Neither does Mattel. Yes, this one is proving to be a real headache. But, the Coronet was made, and it is out there. Just not where we would be expecting it.

It is numbered 1 of 6, regardless of what the packaging says. The Mazda was 2 of 6 (not 2 of 4), and the next 2 due will also show their number out of 4, before the final model gets the total corrected. I am marking this down as 1 of 6. I am still marking it as a Target Red, and we may actually see some at Targets still. They are only just rolling out batch Fs. It is just a bit confusing. But, hey, if everything ran smooth, what would be the fun in the hunt? I just found it funny, and obtained one from Australia. I am very happy that I did. I love the look.  Red, obviously. Red wheels and white/grey tampo are basically what you would expect from a Target Red model. I think this one looks great. We get another Pace Car look from it. Awesome!

We also see front end detailing, akin to the Ford Custom 300 I previewed earlier in this blog. I think this is a great look, and I love that they went with another Pace Car scheme. We don't get enough pace cars. I am giving this a 10 for the look. It is my favourite of the group I am showcasing here. Favourite of the batch? Err! I will get back to you on that. Ha ha!

I am very happy to see this again, as it has been with us since 2019, yet not exactly used that much. The debut was a black model with white doors in a simple police theme.

I loved the look of the 2020 white and pale blue Matchbox County Patrol basic.

The model was also chosen to be Everett Marshall's Charity Golf model for 2020. As is the case, half the models were red (a very similar shade of red to this one) for the Burns Foundation, and the other half pink for Cancer Research.

2021 was the final time in the basic range. This was in the recurring National Parks scheme, and I noted a shade between production runs.

Since then, we saw 2 different 2022 outings. It was a 9-pack exclusive in white with a red Pace Car scheme. I love this contrasting scheme. And we also saw a Dodge series, exclusive to Walmart giving us a black Police look, that is a recurring Police theme.

This model has also seen the same amount of colours as the Golf I just showed, although one is a double (the Golf charity models), and this has been around longer. I do hope we get more. It remains to be seen if this Target one does get found at more Targets. This could be fun. Or not, depending on your take.

And on that bombshell, I believe I am finished with another report. I mean, I could go on until I am black....

... and blue, but I will leave my ramblings for s future report. This week we had 2x black and 2x blue models.

As well as red, white and orange. It was not a massive colour spread, but we also had batch E mixed in with this as well for further colour choices. I am surprised there was only the 1 new casting. We tend to get 2 in a batch. Oh well, next batch? Hmm! Batch after? I know new castings are coming. We have seen them in some countries. It will be fun seeing them.

As these head off, I make plans to "move" on to next week. Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.