Matchbox Monday sees a trucking good Walmart batch

As I have often stated, particularly when I do my recap of each year's Matchbox line preview, things are always subject to change. This batch of the Walmart series was due to see a new casting in the number 1 slot. The Kevin Cao creation of the MB1554 '93 Ford Ranger PreRunner was supposed to have been arriving here, but sadly, the casting was not going to be ready in time, so they switched it with another Ford, and the PreRunner took that model's place in the basic range. These things happen. There is nothing they can really do about it. Everything is pre-planned to arrive at certain times. They couldn't just switch in a later Walmart series into the 4th batch of the year, as they were not ready yet. So, this was the simplest thing to do. It does mean, for the first time in many years, Walmart does not get an exclusive new casting for the year. I am not overly fussed. They are nice to see, but I will not lose any sleep over it. So, I guess I should make a start on the 4th batch of the year. Trucks!

I do like the fact that each batch of models sports an exclusively designed package. The artwork on these truck blisters is really cool. They have an "aged" look to them, as the edges are a faded card look. The artwork also looks a little pastel-like. So, as number 1 was changed, we now see the MB1432 '70 Ford Bronco in this series in a lovely burgundy look.

The theme running through this set of models is that of various people who work at Mattel, taking a position of somebody in a different profession. The first look features a gentleman by the name of Nikhil Gandhi. He used to work within the wheels division of the company, although he has recently transitioned into the action figures side of the company. Here, he is shown on the side of the Bronco dressed up as a landscaper, with hose and rake. I love this particular colour on the Bronco, and I am enjoying this theme. I like that they come up with a theme for these sets, and roll them through each model. The Rally set earlier this year had a similar pattern. The Bronco also comes with blue tinted windows. I don't think they look out of place here. Sometimes they stand out too much, but I think they work this time.

The model also comes with a lovely chrome base, and the front is very well detailed, just as both the previous basic range models were. It almost feels like they took the front and rear basic planned look, and then added a side design on top. 

Because the rear of the vehicle also sports a little detailing, which looks much like previous basics that just had front and rear printing. I think this one looks fantastic. I am giving it a 10 out of 10.

If you remember, this model debuted in 2024, and came in a pastel blue look.

And then in 2025, it appeared in olive. 

And now we get this lovely burgundy issue, still with front and rear printing, still with a chrome base, and now a side design on top. It is a fantastic model. Sure, we could have had a PreRunner debut here, but I am more than happy with this Bronco. I look forward to seeing what they come up with next for it. 

Next up, taking the number 2 slot is the return of the MB300 '56 Ford Pickup. 

This model comes in a beautiful metallic deep orange look, and features TK Construction. TK represents Tyler Kenney, who has been with Mattel since the early 2000s. So, he definitely deserves a cool spot in the series. I honestly don't know it Tyler has a dog in real life, that looks like the one accompanying him on the design. I would imagine it does exist, and has been added because of it. If anybody knows for sure, please let me know. You may also notice another small theme running through these. CSL #MBX1953. The last part is obviously a nod to when the brand was formed, although I don't know what CSL stands for? Can't Stop Laughing?

The Pickup truck has a chrome base, just like the Bronco. But, we notice there is no tampo printing on the front. Oh! Maybe the rear?

Hmm! Nothing there either. That's weird. Now, usually, in years gone by, I would have still marked this down as a 10, as I would have expected a lack of tampo, and limiting to 2 passes is the norm. But, with 3 different Walmart series (European Cars, Rally and Super Cars) already out, and all models in all these ranges sporting more than just the usual 2 passes, I am sort of expecting it now in this series. So, by not having it, and reverting to the old routine, I sort of feel a little disappointed. Poor Tyler. He got short tampoed! Ha ha! So, even though I think this looks fantastic, I am giving it a 9 due to not getting the mildly enhanced tampo we have been expecting from these mini sets. Now, being MB300, this is an old casting. So, breathe in, this is a deep dive....

So, where to start? 1997! Yes, this was created under the old Tyco regime, debuting just after Mattel took over the brand. The first 5,000 off the production line were left unpainted (I forgot to include that in the picture), with the next 5,000 premium detailed in black and white, and the pair debuted in the Inaugural Collection in 1997. 

The casting has seen a retool since that time, and you can see how the current model is a little thinner than it originally looked. 

The retool also altered the rear bed to be a part of the interior, where it was originally a part of the body. 

After the first 10,000 ran off the line, we then saw the debut in the basic range. It was purple with flames on it. However, I did find one where they forgot to tampo print it. 

In the USA, a special run of 10,000 in the basic range were given a gold makeover, as part of a Gold Challenge series. I have 2 of the 10,000, as I noticed it comes in lighter or darker shades. 

For 1998, it turned plain red in the basic range. It came be found with white or light grey interiors, although I am still actually hunting a white interiored one. 

But, 1998 was a very busy year for the model. It was given 2 outings in the Premiere Collection. Red was in series 17 and light blue was in series 20. 

And when they got a license for releasing models with Coca-Cola on them (I wish they would do that again), the Pickup was a part of the first series later in 1998. 

In the early years of the Collectibles series, they released a few train sets, which included a few premium basics on top. The model came in pumpkin with a red roof and Matchbox Rail Road initials on the door. They made a few too many bodies, and the rest were dumped off in China, Canada, The Netherlands or the UK in various guises with standard wheels and whatever parts to make a whole. 2 variations are known, as it had a detailed interior or a tan one. Weirdly, it didn't have the MBRR door logo on it. 

It was also given a promotional release for the 1998 Toy Show, and the Stars of Cars series saw a maroon one with Happy Days logo on it. 

After a very busy 1998, this is all we saw in 1999. A US exclusive basic range release in green. Yes, that was it. 

2000 saw things picking up again. The US market was again the only one with a basic range release. This time it was red with a Texaco themed side design. And being a US model, the first 10,000 sported a Matchbox 2000 logo on the hood. 

But it was not the only market to see an exclusive this time. The Australian market saw a black "Great White Adventures" model in the basic range. 

The world saw a Car Wash 5-pack that had this in yellow, with a muddy spray all over it, and finger marks squiggled into the sides. It is still one of my favourite looks on this one. Then Avon had an exclusive Coca-Cola themed twin pack. The 2000 year saw them theming the sets as "Father & Son" with a classic and modern vehicle from the same manufacturer, with this being paired with a modern Expedition. There was another. Collectibles sold a Texas Chainsaw Massacre model in grey with a huge figure on the roof, which I don't own. 

2001 was a bit of an unusual year for the model. During the year, they decided to upgrade it with a metal base. As it was technically different, they decided to give it a new MAN number. MB437. It happened during the production run of the basic range release in red with Mr Timmerman's livery, which again was exclusive to the US range. The one on the left here is MB300 with a chrome plastic base. On the right is the MB437 with silver metal base. I should point out that the first run of the plastic base saw concave 5-spoke wheels, although I am yet to find one.

After it transferred to the new metal base, we did find that the older concave 5-spoke wheels popped up, in place of the new flower wheels. Which means there are a total of 4 to find. I am up to 3 of the 4 so far.

There were 2 premium outings in 2001. The first was a green Texaco release with a plastic base (MB300). Unfortunately, I still have not managed to obtain that one. But, a later Toys R Us exclusive twin pack issue on the then and now theme in pastel lemon, which is on a metal base (MB437), I do own. 

For 2002, the model (MB437 with metal base), was part of the Across America series, featuring Maine on the sides. 

It was given 2 5-pack outings in 2002. A Roadside Rescue set in white with a monkey holding a wrench (monkey wrench), was a fairly late release, and at this time, they decided to revert to the older base, so it was a plastic MB300 model. However, the decision to revert was taken just after production of the General Mills licensed 5-pack for the US market in green with a Lucky Charms design. Early runs had the metal base, and later ones switched to plastic. 

From this point, everything is plastic based MB300. 2003 was another quiet year. Only a blue Ford 100th Anniversary Collectibles model appeared. 

2004 saw the model appear in the Superfast range in blue.

It was also a part of the final Collectibles series of Barrett Jackson model in red with a white roof. We also saw another licensed 5-pack outing, as a purple Hanna-Barbera release featuring Huckleberry Hound appeared.

A blank was also created for use in code 2 models, which was purple with real riders. 

In 2005, it was only a part of the Superfast range. However, as the range split in 2 for a year, the US market saw a dark red one, and ROW markets saw a green one. 

In 2006, it popped back up in the basic range. This was in a silver blue look, and although it started with the old disk wheels, they later switched it to lace.

It was also included in a Superman Returns licensed 5-pack with Kent Dairy Farm on the side. 

Now back as a USA exclusive, the 2006 Superfast series saw another release, now in purple.

2007 would be the final year for the casting for a while. They semi-retired it (altering it into a 1955 Panel Delivery Truck), but it was given one last outing in the basic range, in green with a Farm Fresh Produce side design. 

And a final Superfast America release, which was now a Walmart exclusive. After this, we were treated to the Panel Delivery Van for a while in place of the Pickup.

However, in 2018, they decided to re-introduce the pickup variant alongside the Panel Delivery Truck. Before it returned, that was when it was retooled, to freshen it up. It debuted in the Coffee Cruisers 5-pack in yellow, and also returned in the Walmart Ford Truck series in 2019. Shades of yellow can be found on this Mooneyes release.

Considering they went through all the effort to retool it, is has barely seen action since. After the 2018/19 outing, the next one was as a 9-pack exclusive in 2021 in black. 

And in 2022, it saw its last outing before the current release, when it was again in a Walmart exclusive series. This time, it was Local Cruisers, in red, with an Edelbrock theme. 

Which means, since the retool for 2018, we have seen a grand total of 4 releases over 9 calendar years. That is very sparse. I hope they pickup (pun intended) the pace on this pickup. 

The third model in the series is the return of the MB1275 '86 Ford F-150. It comes in a lovely yellow look on only its third outing. 

This time, many people will instantly know who the person on the side is. Tyler Charest has been the main person at the last 2 Matchbox Gatherings in Albuquerque, taking charge of the last 2 line previews. Here, he takes the role of a handyman for T Charest Handyman Co. Again, as with other models, we get a caricature of him on the side wearing overalls. I can see a resemblance to him in this look, so I am guessing that the last 2 also look like their real counterparts. I also see that both this and the last used "T" for a first name, as both are called Tyler. It sort of makes sense, as the other models (spoiler alert) all go by their first names. I like this side design. Everything fits nicely on the white banner going down the side, aside from Tyler's head popping out of the top. I think it looks great. 

However, while we again see a chrome base, anybody who remembers the previous 2 releases of this model may remember that they both had sides detailed and also front detailing. Yes, 2 releases with 3 sides of printing, and when we sort of expect a little extra, this time we get less! What the...? 

Because, we also see that the rear is plain as well. I was hoping that this would have seen something extra. It feels like we are going backwards again. I was actually a little disappointed in this one. From the side, it is great. But, seeing it less detailed than previous issues, after seeing these sets get extra printing, I am actually going to reduce the score even more. While the last one had a 9 due to just having the sides done, because this one reduces to just having sides done, I am giving it an 8. Yes, I am being cruel. I am loving the theme running through these models, but the final products are feeling a little deflated after being hyped up by the last 3 Walmart batches. 

For those who cannot remember the previous ones, let's recap. It debuted in 2022 as part of the Jurassic World Dominion series. It came in a single or 5-pack that year, and was good for a little shading. Plus, you might notice lights and a Ford badge depicted on the front. Was it due to a little leeway on Jurassic?

Nope! As it turned up in the basic range the following year in a pale blue look. And there are the front details again, as well as the side depiction. Plus, again, I did spot a little shading on the blue. 

Funnily, we have a sort of primary colour spread on models, but after not seeing it since 2023 (I have no idea why they left it gathering dust a few years), I am sad to see the new one didn't get that same front end treatment. If it had seen it, I would have actually scored it a 10. I do love it. I just honestly think it could have been better. The last 2 proved it. 

It's funny. We had a Truck series last year as a Walmart exclusive. That time, the first 3 models were in exclusive new looks, but the last 2 were carry forwards. I am so happy to see no carry forwards in this year's sets. I am hoping that it will continue, and they give Matchbox more love in 2027. But, last year we saw 3 smaller wheels models in the first 3 slots, then the last 2 slots were dedicated to larger 4x4 trucks. Plus, they were the same 2 trucks that we have this year. Which means number 4 in the series is again the MB1183 '68 Dodge D-200. However, this time, it is in a new look.

And again, we know exactly who this is. Gaurav Gopinath has also been a fixture in recent Matchbox Gatherings, and has really made a name for himself in his castings. After working on Moving Parts recently, he has now transitioned to creating the new premium castings. So, I am very happy to see a lovely look honouring him with his own picture. Ha ha! Gaurav goes by Garry, and so we have Garry's Plumbing Service on the side, with lots of water leaks across the side banner. The Dodge comes in a dark green shade, with the orange and blue side design really popping. Again, I am liking this look. 

And is that some headlights on the chrome front end? Yes, I do believe it is. Woohoo! We got the detailing on this one. I am easily pleased. A third pass through the tampo machine. I feel like it is not all lost with this batch. The Bronco had 4 passes, this one gets three, and the 2 Tylers get a 2-pass model. 

Sure, we could still argue about the lack of detailing to the rear. Could it have been better to highlight the rear and not the front? Would lights and the banner continuing around the rear have looked cooler than a set of lights on chrome? Perhaps. But, I am still going to give this one a 10. I like it. 

The D-200 debuted in 2019 in tan, and the olive side panel is what shades the best. Especially when it returned in a Dodge series at Walmart in 2022. 

The second basic range release in 2020 in black was also carried forward to a 2022 Walmart series. This time it was Local Cruisers. However, a Skyjacker themed Superfast release from the same year has never carried forward. Mind you, it is premium. I can't see them carrying forward premiums. 

The last time it was in the basic range was in 2021, when it came in a light blue look. This was also carried forward, but this time it was in a Target Retro series in 2022. Yes, 2022 was a lot about carrying forward the previous basics. 

Daft fact, aside from the premium that I mentioned has not carried forward, this is the only core release that has not been carried forward. It was in the 2021 Off Road Rally 5-pack in orange, which didn't need to be carried forward to find shades. It varied a lot during its run.

While 2022 saw lots of carry forwards for this casting, there was a new one as well. It was in the Coffee Cruisers III 5-pack in white. However, this one itself ended up carrying forward to last year's Walmart Truck series. 

And while we never saw any new looks in 2023 or 2024, 2025 did see a new 8-pack exclusive look in red. This one has not had a chance to carry forward yet. Ha ha!

It does mean that we have only had 8 looks for this model, even though it feels like a lot more. As I said, it has been carried forward a bunch. I am happy to see a new one again. Only the second with a chrome base (alongside the premium) and only the second with front detailing (again, alongside the premium). This one does feel special. hence me giving it top marks. I am sure Garry must be happy with it himself. 

Which brings us to the last model in the batch. As it was last year, in the 2025 Truck series, number 5 is the MB981 Chevy Silverado 4x4. However, unlike last year, this is a cool new look in blue.

This last one is dedicated to Scott Cody, who we have seen creating some of the newest castings in the basic range, like the '24 GMC Sierra 3500 Wrecker I reviewed recently. The side design is for Scotty's Power and Wires. Huh? That sounds a little unusual. With Scotty holding a light bulb, and various electrical strikes on the side, I would have thought it would be Scotty's Electricals, or Scotty, The Electrician. Something about electrics on the name. Power and Wires is a very unusual way of saying it. It just sounds wrong. At least to me. Maybe I am a minority here, but I am sure they could have come up with a better way of giving him his job. A landscaper, construction, handyman and plumbing. All logical. Power and Wires? Nope! I like the caricature, and the rest of the design is cool. 

And while we do get another chrome base (yes, all 5 have chrome bases), the front is left blank.

But, look at the rear. Lots of fun. Hmm! Garry's could have been like this. Is it too late to change my mind on his score? Ha ha! I love this rear end. Even the funky rear lights stand out. And, yet, no wires are depicted in the design. Hmm! Again, wires!!!! I really can't get over that in the naming of this one. Which is why I am scoring this a 9.5. It is just too jarring for me. Who advertises that they do wires? What do they do with wires? Take them ballroom dancing? Yes, it sounds weird, so I am giving it a weird response. Had it said Scotty, and then something using the basis of the word electrics, I would have given this a perfect 10 as well. The only one that missed top marks, unless your name was Tyler and you had reduced tampo printing. If I was a Tyler, I would be questioning why I was short-changed compared to everybody else. 

This is another casting that debuted back in the 1990s. It was first created back in Mount Laurel in New Jersey, as Matchbox was originally based there are Mattel bought Tyco. They only closed the R&D HQ in Mt Laurel in 2004, moving everything in-house at El Segundo. Bruce Baur was the person behind the casting at the time, and it was created as both a standard road going vehicle (MB398) with regular wheels, and utilizing an alternate base that featured large 4x4 wheels (MB399). I have often wondered why they don't do that more often. Both castings debuted in 1999, and while the regular model has not been seen since 2013, the 4x4 variant has continued on, albeit with a casting modification into the current MB981. The debut release was in the 1999 basic range for this one, and I still argue that the basic range that year was one of the best ever. Mattel had not long taken over, and decided that the US and ROW split between the basic range needed a little enhancement. The US range was mainly sold in countries that spoke English as a first language, and models in the basic range saw a lot of wording. However, other markets in the Rest Of the World (ROW) would see many, MANY languages spoken. So, what to do? Just use less words and more pictures. However, some did see words used anyway. The ROW variant of the debut had Canyon Mission in the door logo. The US variant had Game Warden in the logo, and then added Protect Wildlife over the rear wheels. 

In 2000, it was only sold in the US market in the basic range. But, as with the '56 Ford Pickup, the first 10,000 saw a Matchbox 2000 logo, albeit on the window this time. 

However, it was found worldwide in a Mount Discovery 5-pack.

In 2001, it was back to being a worldwide basic range release, and sported some new wheels that had debuted that year. 

Then, as it was busy yo-yoing, it was back to being only sold in the US range in 2002. Again, a logo year, this time with a large 50 on the hood of the first 10,000 made.

Since 2002, the Silverado 4x4 has not been seen in the basic range. But, it has been used elsewhere. In 2003, it was part of a Launcher set known as 5 Alarm.

Then, in 2004, it was a part of the Around the World series, featuring Komodo Island. 

And in 2005, it was included in a Pirate 5-pack. After this, the model took some time off. 

After 7 years off, it popped up briefly in 2012, as a 10-pack exclusive in National Parks livery. This set was not easy to find, with most of the ones made found in Canada. After this, the model went under the knife.

In 2015, MB399 became MB981, and the model now had an interior forming the rear bed instead of the body. It appeared in a Jurassic World 5-pack known as Construction. Out of the original Jurassic World models from when Mattel first got the licence in 2015, I always thought this was one of the nicest. 

Five years later, it popped up in a carry forward Mission Force Construction Crew set. The daft thing was, this technically wasn't a carry forward. The MB398 Silverado had been the model used, but as that particular one had had the casting updated (it hadn't been used since 2013), they decided to just use this one instead. 

It then appeared in a 2021 5-pack known as MBX City Drivers. The same look carried forward into a Skyjacker Suspensions 5-pack in 2024, and then again into last year's Trucks series at Walmart. 

The last new outing for the model was in 2023, when it was a part of the MBX Construction IV 5-pack. 

Considering how long this one has been around, it has not been overly used. It had 9 outings in its original form, and since it was retooled for 2015, we have only seen 5 different looks. I do wonder why they never updated the original Silverado as well as the 4x4. I think both can still exist. 

Which brings me to the end of another report. Phew! We had 3 models that are still relatively new castings from the modern El Segundo team. 

And there are 2 older castings from the 1990s that are still plugging away. Sure, both have been modified from their original releases, but both are still happily rolling along. 

So, as these head off to join the collection, my attention turns to next week. I think I should continue to plug the upcoming movie. It is just over a month away now. Time is getting close. Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.