Matchbox Ground Grinder

Hi Woodsy

In recent years Matchbox have released a number of models in an unusual, and rather nice, light green. The markings are for the National Parks service or Forest Ranger.

Models carrying these colours have been included in the regular Matchbox line, Moving Parts series, Working Rigs (trucks), Hitch and Haul (vehicle and trailer), various multi-vehicle sets, Color Changers, and Sky-Busters (aircraft). I have not even attempted to collect everything.

Ground Grinder is a grader, and first appeared in 2013 (copyright date on the underside 2012). This 2025 version has National Parks – Maintenance Road Crew on the sides.

Only the green parts are metal. The cab and engine deck in black; and the underside, including the fixed grader blade, in grey are plastic.

The grader blade is fixed. The models come either on a card, inside a clear plastic bubble; or in a small cardboard box, with glued-down end flaps.

Do you like it?

Paul Adams from New Zealand

Kings of the Road

I picked up this vintage green Matchbox Battle Kings Army transporter in Germany in April as part of a car boot lot. In great nick, I gave it Junior yesterday.

It fits really well with his own Super Kings red transporter. Such cool designs. Very Gerry Anderson. Are they fictitious?

But what to carry?

Space Shuttle and Magnetron, no problem!

There's not much the Army green can't handle: even an SPV!

Have you got any transporters readers? Pictures welcomed.

How Very Porsche!

 I cleaned up my recent car boot purchase, this nice Super Kings Formula 1 Porsche trailer. It came up well.

I've added a cab you may recognise!

I just need some racing cars now! 

My First Breyer Horse

 I was so excited when I found this plastic Breyer Horse in the Diakonie. My first as an adult! Just 2.50 Euro! 

I did have some as a kid I'm sure.

I love the pose it has on its stand. The brown beast recalls my Action Man horse too and maybe the Aurora Black Fury kit.

Along with my Pferde I bagged a few plastic Matchbox-style German advertising trailer canopies and a trailer. 70 Cents the lot.

Alongside was a mint 1974 Rolamatics Weasel tank for 30 Cents.

Anything here you like?

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For a bit of fun, here's the Aurora Black Fury box art circa 1969 courtesy of eBay images. It's a lot like my new Breyer! Are they connected in some way?

Brian's Matchbox Catalogue 1975, the Final Pages

 The last part courtesy of Brian B, NYC.

Brian's 1975 Matchbox Catalogue 4

 Last but one, courtesy of Brian Burke,

NYC, USA

Brian's 1975 Matchbox Catalogue Continued

Courtesy of Brian Burke, NYC, USA.

More to come!

Brian's 1975 Matchbox Catalogue 2

Courtesy of Brian B, NYC. Anything here you had or have?

 More to come! 

Brian's 1975 Matchbox Catalogue

At the weekend I found this 1975 catalogue which has the full Matchbox range, including many I was unaware of.

Enjoy

Brian B

NYC

More to follow

SPEED KING RISES

Here's a larger Matchbox Speed King I picked up a while back. It needed a touch up.

Before

After

Pictures of your car or toy restorations welcomed readers!