Matchbox Monday jangles batch J in front of you

You are going to find me running through batches of the 2024 Matchbox basic range quite quickly now. After a long delay of numerous months, I have only recently been getting batches from the 7th onwards. Batch J is the 9th batch of 12, which means there are still 3 more batches to go here. But, with everything else in 2024 only having one batch at most left, you will see me coming back to basics quite a lot. Plus, if you read my report on the last batch, you will know I was 1 short. It hadn't arrived in time, but is now here, so a final batch H model is included in this report.

Right, let's get started. I begin with a new one. This is the third and final Indiana Jones casting that has been created for the basic range. There were plans for a few more, but sadly, they did not make the cut. I think this is going to be it. It is the MB1436 Ducati. The packaging marks this down as an Indiana Jones themed Ducati Scrambler. For those who know their bikes, it is a 1966 Ducati 250 Scrambler. I have actually noted it down as the MB1436 '66 Ducati 250 Scrambler. I have no idea what it is that makes this Indiana Jones themed one different to a regular 250 Scrambler, so if anyone does know what is unique about it, please let me know, I am curious. It takes the MB6 slot in the 2024 range.

I start with the base shot, as this shows barely any information was given. Thailand and Mattel was written on there. That was it. I have re-watched the final film in the pentalogy. With the 4th being set in the 1950s, and the 5th in the late 1960s, this is the only one that this bike could have been in. I think it was actually a part of the same scene with the Tuk Tuks. Although we never get a good look at the chasing bikes. Only the Jaguar Mark 2 that was also chasing (shame they didn't make this into a model), or the Mercedes-Benz W108 280SE that they were chasing themselves (again, another missed opportunity).

So, let's take a look at the bike itself. We get the occasional bikes added, randomly used, and forgotten about. I wonder if this will be another. As is often the case nowadays, bikes are constructed in this method, with 2 side pieces made of metal that get formed together to make the whole. The front light/handlebar section is different, as is the seat area, where they are attached to the top of the 2 parts. As the 2 sides are put together, they pin the wheels in place. It is not the easiest of construction methods, and the end result does leave the model feeling quite heavy, due to the amount of metal involved. I can sort of see why they don't get used much.

This is the first time that Matchbox has had a Ducati in the basic range. So, that is a first. The Ducati name has been around since 1926, and the Scrambler was a very popular model between 1962 and 1976. The Scrambler has returned in real life as of 2015.

I have tried looking at some real 250 Scramblers from 1966, but I cannot see much that makes this unique. It is also not the easiest of subjects, as they have had to take liberties in miniature to make things solid enough. The front forks are quite thin in real life, but that is too tough to replicate in such a small scale. So, these are solidly formed around the wheels.

Again, at the rear, there is nothing untoward about it. This looks fairly well done. I like that they have added real details, so must have been given some artwork or pictures from the actual bike used in the film.

So, what do I think? I have to admit, I am not a bike fan. Never have been. So, I struggle to go past my personal preference here. Inclusion? Well, I do like that they are getting these licences for films and shows to incorporate into the models. So, for that, I think it is good, and am going to score it an 8. Why? Well, the fact is, the Ducati doesn't really stand out as a significant model. As I said, the Jaguar Mark 2 and Mercedes-Benz W108 280SE were used in close-ups a lot, and are quite recognizable. I think they would have made better choices for inclusion, and as both are pretty standard in their film guise, the castings could have been used further.  Casting? Fairly well done. As I said, making forks in particular is tough, and I am still not a big fan of the current way that they make them. Plus, this is huge when compared to other models in the range. So, again, I am going with an 8. Design. This is where it does shine. I don't think there is much that they could have done to make it better. So, I am giving it a 10.

So, is this it? All the Indy models we will get in the basic range? It started late last year with the MB1354 '36 Auburn Speedster 851 in the 2023 range.

Then, as we saw recently, the MB1429 MBX Tangiers Tuk Tuk appeared recently.

And, with the Ducati now in this batch, I do believe we are done. Of course, they got this license more for the planes. These are much better represented in the Indiana Jones film franchise, but I do think there were lost opportunites. As I said, the Merc and Jaguar from the Tangiers chase were ripe for models. And, as I mentioned with the Tuk Tuk, the 1967 Ford Galaxie Taxi was another missed opportunity. These are all from the final film. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which is where both the Tuk Tuk and Ducati are from. But, with the Auburn being from the second film (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom), there were still other opportunities that were missed. A 1937 Mercedes-Benz 320 Lang was featured in the Raider of the Lost Ark film. That would have been cool. A 1950 Ford Deluxe was in a chase scene in the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull movie. As well as a 1949 Chevrolet Styleline Special 4-door Sedan and 1951 Buick Special Deluxe.  We could have seen some pretty unique models in the Matchbox range. Oh, well. I wonder what their next licence will be? Not including the 2025 Jurassic World Rebirth film, which we know is coming. But, this is a continuation of the license they have had for a while now. I am thinking of a wholly new licence.

Now, let's get on with the regular stuff. The MB1260 '95 Nisan Hardbody (D21) is up next. Taking the MB15 slot in the 2024, it comes in grey this time.

As we often see with this, the model sports a simple side flash design on the grey. This is a white striped effect, I believe the body colour is supposed to be the medium pewter that Nissan used around that time.

This is a return to the standard looks we have been getting on this model after last year's matching scheme to a trailer in the range. It is also a new side flash, as they keep coming up with different designs for it. I like it. I am giving this a 9. Why? Well, with such little tampo colours used on the side, I am sure they could have squeezed in a little rear tampo detail as well. It actually looks a little plain, being basically just grey and white. Nice, but it could have been nicer.

A quick recap of what has been seen to date. Starting with the 2020 basic range debut in red.

The 2021 basic saw a teal model, with a slightly different side flash.

With the Walmart Trucks series seeing blue and charcoal releases using the same side flash as the debut, but with Nissan added to the print.

2022 saw a white basic, with the last time we saw that side flash.

As 2023 gave us something a little different. This white model matched the Motorbike Trailer in the range, so they could be placed together. The bike on the trailer could be found in 2 styles, but I did find a shade of red hood print to ensure I had 2 Nissans to pull them.

With this release, we have actually seen 5 years of basic range outings. I wonder if it will see a year 6? It has not been used in a multipack yet.

From there, we move to the other new casting in the batch. Batch H had 5 of them, but J only has the 2. This is the MB1423 '21 VW Golf GTE. It debuts in purple in the MB25 slot.

Purple? As far as I can tell, the GTE is not available in purple, but the Mk7 Golf R was given the "Violet Touch Pearl" option late in the day before the Mk8 took over. Matchbox has gone with the GTE variant, which is a sporty one with a hybrid engine.

The GTE, GTD and GTi version of the new Golf feature a honeycomb front low grille, which is clearly represented here. But, I wanted to point out what appears to be a small issue with the front end. The picture looks like a dent in the casting above the VW badge, However, it is more of a bubble, but is still an issue. Such a shame.

The rear end has been perfectly formed and looks just like the real vehicle here.

This appears to be another of Garry Gopinath's creations. I have loved everything he has made recently, but this front end blip is the first thing I have not been happy about. The rest of the casting has been so well created, and the shape is brilliant. I am so happy to see we have finally moved on from the mk5. Of course, skipping the Mk6 and Mk7 are not great, but we are up-to-date again. So, this is definitely worth adding.

And I have to admit, although purple is not a standard GTE option, I love seeing this debuting in a random colour it does not appear in. Why do they have to stick to factory colours all the time? I love that VW allows them a little freedom with things. So, scoring. Inclusion. A definite yes! 10 out of 10 for finally giving us a new Golf again. Casting? That front end blip ruins it. Not badly. But, it was enough to stop this getting top marks. 9 out of 10. Design. Loving the random purple. Front and rear tampo perfectly formed, and clear windows/simple 6-spoke wheels means I am giving this a 10 as well. I wonder if VW will actually do a purple GTE in the future? That would be cool. 29 out of 30 means this scores better than the other new casting, which got a 26.

Not being a full electric does mean the base sees a few additional details. We have seen electric vehicles with flat bases and only the writing included. Although, even though it is not 100% electric, we don't appear to have the exhaust pipes. Although they may be hidden. I have not looked under a Mk8 GTE to see how it is constructed. But, the tips are still shown on the edges of the base section sticking out of the back, so all I can say is that this may be realistic.

I forgot a photo of the MB1279 '21 Citroën Ami in the blister. Is that important? I think you can guess what it looked like. It takes the MB30 slot in the range, and comes in silver for 2024. This is a bit of a tough model, as in real life, they only tend to come in Arthurian Blue or Night Sepia, which is a blueish grey or grey. You can customize the model a little by adding a few touches with some side graphics. But, if Matchbox were to do that, we would likely not see any front or rear tampo. So, what do they do? Go with colours that are not actually made. And, I have to say, I think this looks nicer in a shiny silver colour. Plus, the front end is better detailed here by adding the black strip across it.

And I do think a lighter smoke roof section makes an improvement as well. Even though the darker roof is closer in reality to the real one. Orange wheels are an actual option for the real one. So, they are represented well in this case. I honestly think this is the nicest look for this model to date. I am struggling to find a bad word about the design. I can't.  10!

The 2022 debut is actually closer to reality. I am not overly keen on it. It never had the black strip across the front. It should really have had one.

The rear is the same tampo-wise, except for the licence plate writing. I really do think this "not a real look" is a nicer look than the real one.

I do like the red as well, which appeared last year. But, this is the nicest one I have seen.

With this quadricyle now appearing for 3 years in the basic range, I wonder if we will get a 4th? Or maybe it will move to multipacks, as there is another, very similar, car coming in the last batch. If this is the final basic, it went out in style.

Next up is the MB1239 '18 Toyota Hilux. Taking the MB35 slot in the range, for 2024 it comes in dark blue.

As has been the case with every release to date, this model sports the same front and rear detailing that we expect. I believe this colour option is known as Saturn Blue. An official Toyota colour option.

I really can't say anything bad about this look. As with all releases to date, the tampo is a realistic front and rear representation. Although, I am curious on the addition of REVO on the rear. This appears to be a name used in some Asian markets, which funnily enough includes Thailand, where they make the model. Do you think that was a little nod to the factory workers? A small, but subtle addition (a bit like adding the elephant to most bases, the Ducati had too little room for things).I think this is a nice look, and this blue, considering it is quite a dark blue, does pop well. So, I am giving it a 10. Excellent work.

It's funny. This model debuted the year before the '18 Toyota 4Runner, but that is not in the 2024 range, and this one is still going. Year 4 and counting. It debuted in 2021 in red.

Which was also the only one that I never found a shade on. After that, the 2022 green had one of the biggest shade variations seen in recent years.

The 2023 cream saw a smaller shade variation.

And, yes, I have a shade on this one too. I can't help it. I wonder if I will find a shade on the next one? Will that be a basic range again?

Next up, a recurring theme. Yes, the MB821 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor continues plodding along year after year. But, I am not going to complain when we get it in a recurring theme. It takes the MB62 slot in the range in a dark olive Forest Ranger scheme.

A lot of people confuse the Forest Ranger scheme with the National Parks scheme. Olive is not that far from mint, and they often get mixed up. However, lately, they have darkened the olive a little more, and often include these little flames on the model to really make it stand out from the National Parks stuff.

Considering this model has been with us since 2011, it is still showing no signs of slowing down. And I love a recurring theme, so I am not at all fussed about it appearing yet again. I am giving this a 10, purely because I am so into these recurring themes.

I am not going to dive back this, as it is quite a large batch, and I didn't want to overdo it. But, I do have to say, I found a shade on this one too. Not a big shade, but it is noticeable to my eyes, so they are both in the collection.

I am also not going to go nuts with this one. We all know by now, that the MB1240 '84 Toyota MR2 comes in 4 variations. Lights up or down, plus LHD or RHD. 4 combinations exist. I am just going to look at the one.Taking the MB67 slot in the series, we see it in champagne for this release.

As with all releases, this model is also sporting simple front and rear tampo printing. You cannot go wrong with that.

The detailing stands out well on the metallic champagne body, or metallic light beige as Toyota calls this (it is a real colour). With 6-spokes and clear windows, there is nothing I can see that could be changed. This is just about perfect in miniature. So, obviously this will get another 10. I have loved every release to date. Which are....

The 2021 debut in white.

The 2022 in red.

Plus, 2022 was the year that this saw a side adventure by appearing in the Target Retro series in teal.

And then 2023 gave us a dark blue issue.

So, this means that in 4 years of basic range outings (the same as the '18 Toyota Hilux), we have actually seen 5 releases. The good news is, all have been single model releases. I am waiting for them to throw it in a multipack and give us massive headaches. It had better not appear in an 8-pack!

As we near the end of the batch, we do get the debut of another model in the basic range. However, I have already previewed this model, as it was also a Leipzig Show model, so the MB1437 '63 Mercedes-Benz 230SL, taking the MB86 slot in the basic range, is being treated as a recurring model. This is why I mentioned the Golf was the other newbie in the batch.

Now we see a core range outing for it, I love it still. Such a cute little casting, and the bright white debut is a lovely start for it in the range. I have seen numerous "classics" being given a light blue window. I do not mind it. I know some would prefer classics not to get blue windows, but that does not bother me, as long as it is this light blue tint. If it was a dark blue, almost solid, I would not be happy.

It features a red interior, reminiscent of a classic 230SL that Lesney had in the 1960s, and with front and rear tampos, plus a chrome base, I think the end result is gorgeous! I love the little "MY 230" licence plate as well. This gets another perfect 10 from me.

Of course, I couldn't move on without bringing the Pagoda in. This was the Leipzig special, as previewed a few weeks back. The majority (200) were in red, and sported a pop on red roof.

Whereas an additional 25 came with a pink roof.

Then, there was the tiny run in pink, that came with a white roof.

Of course, these roof elements do not clip in place. They literally just sit on top of the car. So, you can have a lot of fun switching them around. This means I can turn the new one into a Pagoda, with the white roof. Yes, every roof shuffled down a slot because of it in this picture. This model is already proving to be a lot of fun.

Which brings us to the last model in the batch, and another Merc. The MB1231 '20 Mercedes-Bnz CLA Shooting Brake finally returns to the basic range after a false start in 2021. It takes the MB99 slot for 2024 and comes in a lovely red design.

So why did it take 3 years to return? The wheels. Yes, Mercedes-Benz put in a request to have wheels on the modern Mercs that are more like the wheels they have in real life. To do this, the modern Mercs had to go on a small hiatus. Well, they took 2022 off. We saw the first release with this wheel last year, and with the MB1343 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL63 debuting them last year, now we are starting to see the others return. Unimogs, G-Classes etc are still okay with the regular wheels in the Matchbox pool, but the modern cars are going to be seeing this wheel for future core issues. Hopefully that means the MB1201 '19 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63S will also return at some point soon, as that debuted in 2020, and has not been seen since 2021. This did get a feature release in between.

Although no longer a colour option on a brand new CLA, the Jupiter Red colour was one of the options when this first debuted. As they are making the debut version, it fits that they choose debut colours as well. And, I have to say, this red looks fantastic on the model. Along with the simple front and rear tampos, and the clear windows/black interior, there is again nothing I can argue that could have been improved. I love this. It is my favourite release of the model to date. So, it gets another perfect 10 from me.

If you are trying to remember, this is how the model debuted in 2021. Black with double 10-spokes. The first, and last, time it sports those wheels.

After taking 2022 off, the model did return last year as a Super Chase. Of course, sporting real riders, there is a design that Mercedes-Benz are happy with. The new wheel hub is fairly similar to this, so they were happy to sign off on that one. At least we know that Mercedes-Benz are happy with wheel choices on modern Merc cars, whether they be on a core release or a premium one.

And I am definitely looking forward to seeing more CLA Shooting Brakes in the future. This is a fantastic car. And, I do believe that is the batch complete.9 models in total. However, I am going to tag in a 10th.

As I had mentioned when I was running through batch H, I had not received my Target Red yet. I got it in finally, so can add it in now. Better late than never. This is the MB1227 '20 Honda E. It is number 4 out of the 6 coming for 2024, although again has been marked up incorrectly on the package to say 4/4. Not 4/6. It is 4 of 6, and there are 2 more. In fact, I have the 5th one already, and photographed for batch K. Yes, I have already done the pictures for batch K, and they are coming very soon. They just made a small blip (or a number of them) for the Target Red models.

This model looks really cool, with this little stripe going over the front. I am a sucker for stripes. Aside from the stripe, this model looks much like the other Honda E releases. Front and rear tampo printing, including the back end of the roof painted black and the charging point on the hood also painted black.

As you can see, the stripe only goes as far as the hood. It does not appear at the back end. Not that it is an issue. I love the little sporty stripe on the model, and think it makes it even more fun than the other regular issues. I am definitely giving this a 10. I am definitely throwing out a lot of 10s in this batch. Has anything scored less? Well, on the design front, has anything scored less? I don't think so. This just shows the level of work being put in at Mattel to make these models look as realistic and interesting as possible.

So, for one last time, let's do a dive back. It debuted in the 2021 basic range in white, and was also chosen to be the 2022 Toy Fair model.

2022 saw the basic range issue turn blue. And, me being me, I got a nice shade to it.

2023 was a big year for the model. It saw a red basic range release. This was also good for a shade, as I saw a more orangey red hue on some.

And, if you were wondering if this red was the same, no. It is even more orangey looking, compared to the 2x 2023s.

It was also chosen to be a part of the MBX Electric Drivers 5-pack last year in black, and was a grey exclusive in one of the first batch of 9-packs. That is 3 releases in one year.

However, this is the only release for 2024. I think it may be coming in yellow in a 5-pack next year, but as the real vehicle is no longer in production, I wonder how long they will keep making models of it? Honda replaced the E with the E:Ny1 (also known as E:NS1, E:N1, E:NP1). It is an electric version of the HR-V. I wonder if Matchbox will end up making a model of that one? Or, does the fact it has many names make it too confusing?

Phew! 10 models. That was a lot. If I get a batch with more than 10, I think I am going to split it up to make it easier. I am going to use 10 as a limit. I hope you enjoyed my latest ramblings about the 9 batch J models, and final batch H. 3 new castings debuted this year, with the Merc already seeing me looking at a promotional.

And 7 further models seeing new looks for 2024. All 10 are so realistic, and I am big fan of that.

So, as these all head off to join my collection, attention turns to next week, and a little side line that we have got used to. Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.