Hi Woodsie,
I have some pics for your ongoing Hot Wheels thread.
I'm intrigued how the marketers at Mattel have managed to keep the line "relevant" for 50 years now.
One assumed it's was all about kiddies getting toys to roll down tracks, but I'm surprised how they've been keeping a nostalgia thread for the kids who grew up with the brand too.
Marvel Comics, Star Trek (the original series) and obviously Star Wars get a look in, but who would have thought of a "Grateful Dead" line of toys?
I've collected a few of these sets and put them in custom designed display units which take full advantage of the appealing packaging.
This is my "Yellow Submarine" set from 2016.
But there's also a Beatles ALBUMS series from 2016. Here's that set, in their display case under construction...
The choice of vehicles as "canvases" for the art is often fairly random, but as George Harrison actually had a mini (as featured in the Yellow Submarine series) it's nice to see a mini van for Sgt Pepper. (although John Lennon's psychedelic Rolls Royce has yet to be featured!)
The White Album truck with white rubber tyres is amusing too!
I've since discovered there is a 2019 Beatles ALBUMS series as well, although the "Yellow Submarine Album" is the only one I really fancy.
There is also a "University of Whales" version of the Submarine - which is pretty esoteric!
There are TOO MANY Star Wars Hot Wheels to even discuss, but I was impressed when they decided to release a 2018 series based on Ralph McQuarrie's concept art!
I had to make a custom frame for that one! It features a laser etched portrait of the artist on a metallic copper disc, but it looked a little flat, so I covered it with a custom moulded bubble -EVERYTHING looks more spacey inside a bubble!
Anyway, time to do something useful with my life!
Best wishes and stay safe,
Lewis
Oz
No pictures?
ReplyDeleteThere are pictures on my screen.
ReplyDeleteNone on mine.
ReplyDeleteNor mine Woodsy.
ReplyDeleteMish.
Just blank grey rectangles.
ReplyDeleteThe same goes for here. Could it have something to do with Gmail access - opening the blank in a new window takes to Gmail start page.
ReplyDeleteSnowed under at mo. Work. Wife. Post Office. Dog. Bins. Tea. Will sort pictures later. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteQuiche on the oven. Pics hopefully sorted now.
ReplyDeleteDefiantly better with photos viewable. Interestingly just this weekend I bought the HELP Album model van as a future gift for my daughter.
ReplyDeleteIn recent years HOT WHEELS have gone over to more expensive, Limited series of models rather than just the mass market 99¢ versions. They are definately aiming for 'collectors' rather than just kids toys.
As regards what seem random choices of vehicles for the Limited series it harks back to Dublo Dinkys when they chose a German VW van to be imprinted HORNBY DUBLO. Years later Corgi Toys had a two van set for EAGLE Comic and Dan Dare was on a German VW Van?
It was great to see the photos. The display cases are very nice, with their header titles.
ReplyDeleteHot Wheels have many models aimed at adult collectors, mainly in their premium lines such as Replica Entertainment and Pop Culture. These are in addition to the normal toy line, and not in place of them. Apart from the Grateful Dead series, there is also a Led Zeppelin set - which includes another Austin Mini Van. There have also been some mixed sets with The Who, AC/DC, Kiss. Mostly 1960s to 1980s bands. Apart from music, there have also been sets devoted to breakfast cereals, chocolate bars, 'vintage' video games, and Walt Disney. The things the boys of the 1960s and 1970s grew up with.
Most of the models carrying graphics for various bands, comic book characters, and other subjects are based on Hot Wheels fantasy designs rather than real vehicles. I assume this is so they do not have to pay a second set of licence fees to the makers of the real vehicle. All seem to be existing Hot Wheels models, rather than new models related to the subject of the set. Some lines, such as The Beatles Yellow Submarine set are standard metal and plastic models with extensive tampo printing, at a slightly higher price than the Mainline toys. The premium models usually have metal baseplates as well as metal bodies, and more realistic Real Rider wheels, and are considerably more expensive. This includes the various Album sets for The Beatles. I am not sure if these are Limited Editions, as this is not mentioned on any of the models I have, although they are probably produced in smaller numbers than the mass market Mainline toys.
The Corgi set for The Eagle comic did have Dan Dare on a German Volkswagen van, and the evil Mekon on a British Bedford CA van. Logically, it should have been the other way around.
They look great Looey. You are so talented! Wish I lived next door!
ReplyDelete