Matchbox Monday finishes hitching and hauling

Hitch & Haul. This was a slight tweak from an earlier Hitch 'n Haul name that was in use in the previous incarnation in the 2000s/2010s. It was based on one of the older names that was used for the old twin packs from the 1970s and 1980s. However, after 2024, the Hitch & Haul name will be no more. From 2025, they are going to be going by a different name. Matchbox Adventure Packs. So, let us go through the final H&H batch.

The first set is one of the repeat ones, or carry forwards as they are officially referred to as. The MBX Rodeo pack was originally sold in 2022. It came in a slightly different package, but....

I am seeing nothing of interest with the new run. The package is the only thing that is different. The MB1082 Jeep Wagoneer came in shades of brown in the original run, and this appears to match that well.

Plus, the MB743 Pony Trailer has, since the update to the casting, seen 2 variations. However, you do have to peer in through the window on the roof to see what is on the floor inside. Bales of hay? Saddle? So, as I had both last time, there was no worry in trying to get 2 of these, as that was also a very good match. So, let's have a bit of fun. As I had the Pony Trailer out, let's do a dive.

The Pony Trailer can trace its origins back to 1968. This makes it the second-oldest trace. The MB342 '65 Ford Mustang GT traces it roots back to the original Lesney casting from 1967! When the Pony Trailer debuted, it was in yellow with a brown base. This was switched to a green base in 1969 shortly before the casting was switched to a Superfast one in 1970. This lemon yellow look ran in the Superfast range until 1971, before being dropped for a Dragon Wheels in 1972. The shade of lemon yellow is pretty consistent. But the green base? The difference between the lighter and darker shades are very noticeable.

In 1976, Lesney launched the twin pack series, and TP-3 brought the Pony Trailer back. As a general rule, it was normally being towed by an AMX Javelin, but this was Lesney. If it had a tow hook, there could be a chance of it being found in there. At first, the box was in orange. Shades of orange exist, and also shades of ramp. Lighter and darker brown ramps are shown here. Orange boxes ran until 1978, and usually most would sport a little horse head label on the side.

But not always. This was Lesney. If they ran out of labels, that didn't stop production. Just leave them blank until somebody brings more labels over. Again, shades of body and ramp exist.

In 1979, the box was changed to beige. Again, the majority saw horse head labels. It ran until 1982, and final stocks were sold in early 1983 during the transition to Universal. In 1984, it was the first one that came back. Except it was now listed as TP-101, as they renumbered everything starting at 101. This was towed by the Matra Rancho, and was soon switched to TP-111 being towed by a Ford Cortina. However, all TP-101s came with this simple look, and the very first run of the TP-111 still used this. The main difference is that the wheels were changed to dot-dash from the original centre cut wheels for the 1984 run.

Which were also much wider wheels.

However, late on, the ramp was changed to green. Labels were still optional, however, I have never heard of a lime ramp on a trailer with a label.

As TP-111 continued, the trailer changed to sport a Silver Shoes side tampo. This ran through 1986, and another number change. When production moved to Macau, the Ford Cortina didn't go, so they switched to a VW Golf, and renumbered it as TP-114. Here's a daft fact (or 2). It was only when they shipped the casting to Macau, that the factory had no reference to what it was. S0, the MB743 MAN number was created upon Macau arrival. Daft fact 2. Earlier runs had Macau on the base, but during 1986, for some bizarre reason, they blanked it off. During numerous factory switches, it never had an origin put back on. So, all other twin pack outings are officially with blank country bases.

After 1986, they changed the vehicle towing it again, and with it, the number again. It was now TP-117, being towed by a Mercedes-Benz 280GE. It was in white with a Polizei design. It ran for 2 years.

In 1988, a second model was included in twin packs. The TP-130 saw a Land Rover Ninety towing a white trailer with a running horse design. This set ran until 1994. It was also parts of larger MC-7 and FM-130 sets (both farming themed).

This does mean that officially, the model did switch countries. It moved from Macau to Thailand in 1990, which resulted in the ramp being a much darker green.

However, as I said, the base has no country of origin. So, the ramp is the only tell-tale sign of a change of country.

TP-130 might have had a long run unchanged (apart from where it was made), but TP-117 did not. After 2 years, it was refreshed with a new look. This ran from 1989 through 1991.

1991 also saw a rather hard to find extra model. ROW markets saw some MP-805 triple packs. These were often marketed as "Hobby" packs, and basically featured a twin pack, but also a third, trailer unit. The TP-121 Land Rover Ninety and Seafire set saw a Pony Trailer added to make a trio in this set.

As I said, this particular look ran until 1994. At this time, the model (and twin packs) were dropped. This was the last time that we saw the horses this large.

Because, during the mid-1990s, Tyco (and then Mattel) started transferring all production to China. So, when they decided to bring the casting back in 1999, as part of a Dude Ranch 5-pack, the Chinese factory were unaware of larger horse (for the Pony Trailer) and smaller ones (for the Bedford Horsebox). The larger horse was not seen again, and the smaller horse was now included in the trailer.

It was only used a few times. After the Dude Ranch pack stopped production, it was next seen in the 2002 Across America series for Kentucky. This was the first time that the horses were not either black or white in the trailer.

It was also the last time we saw the horses. This is because there was 1 more outing in its original guise. It was in the 2005 Hitch 'n Haul Cowboy Trail set. However, the set featured a rider on a horse as an accessory, and so no horses were put in the trailer. After this, the casting was sent off for some cosmetic surgery.

It returned in 2017 as part of the Police 5-pack. Aside from the interior variations, you can find 2 different wheel types. Some were made with 6-spoke wheels instead of the normal disk ones.

Then, in 2018, it was given a National Parks outing in the Ranger Rescue 5-pack.

And now we have this one, which has been used twice in Hitch & Haul (2022 and again in 2024) in the same look. I hope we see some new looks for it. Being a pony trailer, this could theoretically go on forever. They don't change too much.

The other carry forward set in the batch is the MBX Surfing II pack. Again, this was originally sold in the 2022 series.

Again, just as with the other carry forward, the only difference is the package. I could not see anything of note with the models. As I have both out, I am doing more dives. Who? Me? Padding the report out? What gives you that idea?

Let's start with the MB1194 '61 Ford Falcon Ranchero. It debuted in the 2018 basic range in lavender. As you can see, this is good for a shade or 2.

It then came back in the 2020 range. This time it was in white, and again found some decent shading. Well, I think this is more down to the thickness of the paint. It also sported a wheel variation. Again, disk wheels are the main ones, but some were found with 6-spokes. Enough to still find shades.

2021 saw the model's last basic range outing in blue.

As well as the Hitch & Haul outing, the model was also a 9-pack exclusive in 2022. That orange had the original base, as the H&H one saw a modified base with a tow hook.

The other casting, the MB1271 Travel Trailer II has only seen one other outing. It debuted in the 2021 Hitch & Haul series in the MBX Wave Rider set.

Hmm! It appears that neither of these castings have seen a lot of action. And nothing new since 2022. Just the last of them repeated. Fingers are being crossed for the future.

So, now we get to the good stuff. New stuff. And when I say new, in this case it is very new. This is all new stuff in the Harry Potter set. I think stuff like this is the reason why they are trying to move the range away from being simple "hitch" and "haul". The new idea will see them being able to expand more logically.

Now, when you open the package up, you will discover that the harness is not in the moulded insert. It is loose inside. Hopefully, people won't accidentally miss it.

So, what are we getting in this pack? 1 vehicle? This may be part of the reason behind changing it to Matchbox Adventure Packs. Yes, there is a hitch in here, and it is sort of hauling. But, perhaps the Matchbox Adventure Packs just works better as a title.

In lieu of a second vehicle, what we find in its place are 3 Abraxans. These are large winged horse-like animals, although actually much larger. They pulled the carriage from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in France over to Hogwarts for the annual Triwizard Cup in the 4th film (or book), The Goblet of Fire. Provided are 2 Abraxans in 1 pose, with a third in a slightly different pose.

Each of the Abraxans has a notch on the back. As seen on the underside of the harness, 2 holes are in the middle of 2 straps, with the last hole at the front of the lead strap.

So, it is quite easy to understand how to affix the Abraxans in place. However, I have to admit, only 1 of the 2 regular Abraxans slots in perfectly. The other 2 are very loose, and the harness keeps popping off.

The rear of the harness affixes to the front of the carriage. It is quite a loose fit, and slides off sideways quite easily, as well as popping off altogether.

As well as the Abraxans and harness, we do get some additional figures. Professor Rubeus Hagrid, Madame Olympe Maxime (the head of the Beauxbatons School) and 2 of the dancing pupils wearing their traditional silk blue uniform. The level of authenticity in the set is indredible. They have put of effort into making this as realistic as possible. I applaud them for their skill in the detailing, but am a little sad over how well the Abraxans and harness clip together, and on to the carriage.

Talking of the carriage, this is a new casting with an official manufacturing number. It is the MB1450 Harry Potter Beauxbaton Carriage. The main carriage is made of metal, with the rest made up of gold coloured plastic.

From what I can see from pictures and stills from the film, they have replicated this extremely well. I cannot fault it. And the detailing to the side of the carriage in tampo print is spotless.

The detailing is right up there with what we would expect from Matchbox. I don't think there is a lot they can do with the gold plastic. But, I do not think they could have really added more metal without making this extremely heavy.

As you can see, with not a lot of space on the base, they did not add a lot of details. Just the legal stuff. And that includes the WB legalities. So, at least we didn't have to get that tampo printed on the side (and spoil the lovely tampo printing).

So, how do I score this? Well, inclusion? I think it is great. I love that they have got this Harry Potter theme, and created these models. I am giving it a 10. Even with just a single model and many accessories. Casting? I cannot fault the carriage. I don't think there was a better option for production than what they did. However, the way the harness affixes to both the carriage and Abraxans is a sore point. As I said, the way it clips to the carriage is loose, and can either pop off or slide off. Then, the rear Abraxan and front Abraxan don't like staying within the harness. They keep coming loose. Middle Abraxan clips in beautifully. So, I think there is a little flaw in the harness. I am dropping it a point for each end. Abraxans (as a pair) and carriage. So and 8 here. Final looks are flawless. This looks amazing when you are able to get a perfect picture. Believe me, this took a while to get right. So, again, I am scoring it a 10 for design. I am very happy to see this set, and my niece (who is a big Harry Potter fan) is also loving it. It is proving to be highly popular, so I think the team are playing this very well. There are not exactly many wheeled vehicles to pull from. We know there is the flying Ford Anglia, but did you know there is a second Anglia? In Fred and George's shop in Diagon Alley, they sold the Aviatomobile. This was a burgundy Ford Anglia with a white roof that could fly. Plus, you could go with the Vauxhall Vectra Estate that the Dursley's have in the films.

The last set in the batch is also new. MBX Off Road contains the MB1082 Jeep Wagoneer (again), this time towing the MB1076 Trailer Trawler.

And, these appear to be National Parks themed. Being the Fire Watch vehicle, it is red, not mint. We have seen that before.

With the trailer seeing the usual rear print only.

There are 4 further accessories in the set, all of which have been seen before. We have a well detailed hiker, and a sign with a map displayed on it. Then, there is a bear and a wolf as well. Both are plain. However, what can you really add to them anyway (apart from perhaps detailing eyes). I love the map. That will be a fun accessory to use later on.

I think this is a great set. Plus, being a National Parks themed set is an added bonus. I cannot help but give this a perfect 10. I want more stuff like this.

I did mention having fire themed National Parks models before. The MB666 Hummer H3 was in the Mountain Heroes 5-pack in red in 2007.

And Fire Watch itself was the livery on the MB324 Chevy Tahoe in the 2015 Outdoor Sights 5-pack.

First one with a trailer though. I like that they don't just do National Parks in mint. There is a little variety to the models, but still all fit in very well together.

As I am here, let's finish off with a pair of dive backs. The Jeep Wagoneer first. It debuted in the 2018 basic range in a dark red, featuring wood panel sides.

For 2019, we saw a charcoal basic range model, again sporting the wood panel side design.

That was it for the basic range. After this, it moved to multipack status. 2020 saw a blue with wood panels in the MBX Countryside 5-pack (and repeated as a Target Retro model in 2021, and carried forward to a later MBX Countryside pack).  

In 2021, the Off Road Rally 5-pack saw the first issue of this model without the wood panel. It had a D.E.R. themed side design instead.

And, as I pointed out earlier in this blog, it was then in the 2022 MBX Rodeo Hitch & Haul set, which was repeated here. That was cool for a good shade.

And the wood panel returned as this was given a black outing in the Jurassic World Dominion series.

And then we flipped to white with wood panels for the 2023 MBX Wagons II 5-pack.

And what of the trailers? Trailer Trawler debuted in the 2018 basic range as well. Hence, the very similar MAN numbers (MB1082 and MB1076). It's almost like they were destined to match up at some point.

However, this was not following the same route to get here, as 2019 saw it move to 5-packs in the MBX Wild pack. With the really cool CAMPY AF license plate.

It then returned to basic range action, and this time the 2020 issue was a regular mint National Parks model.

Then, in 2021, a similar red, yellow and white release was in the basic range. However, that was a Red Valley Camp model.

Before 2022 gave us another National Parks outing in the MBX Off Road Hitch & Haul set there.

Which means that this casting has given us 3 entirely different National Parks releases. Mint, grey and red. All part of the same theme. I think that is a great recurring scenario.

Which, I believe, is me about done. From what I am hearing, the new Matchbox Adventure Pack series, which replaces Hitch & Haul, is not scheduled to see anything new in 2025. Just a number of sets being carried forward. However, you never know if a variation may appear. I will be keeping an eye on them. In the meantime, these look like being the last 2 new release for a short while.

Plus, as we often see, there will be carry forwards galore.

I hope you enjoyed my latest report. I do need to get back to basics, although the last few batches of 2024 are so loaded, I am splitting each batch in half. So, next week, I will begin batch L of the basic range. Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.