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Showcase: 2012 Matchbox Tractor Shovel
Topic Started: Sep 13 2012, 05:19 PM (1,244 Views)
mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
Posted Image

Well, here it is. My first ever 'Showcase.' All it is is me, a camera, and some Matchboxes. I will try to put up a poll before I do a couple of photo shoots to see which models everyone would like to see first, or rather not see at all. I usually pick up Matchboxes just a week or two after the batch surfaces in most stores. However, this model is a little late, considering how long it's been out. But, because of the availability of Matchboxes these days, I'm sure many of you haven't seen this guy yet.

It's MB029. Yup, that's right. Well, it's Copyright is from 1976. Here is a view from the side:
Posted Image

It has a very simple, yet very realistic and eye-catching design. The caution stripes look great over the wheels arches, and the black stripes where the stairs are help make them pop out. I hope we see more construction liveries like this from now on!
Posted Image

Here, you can see it all up close. As usual with MB, the Unit number is the vehicles man number, which is cool, but has gotten old really fast. But it's not that it matters, because not one vehicle has the same man #.

I really like the hood scoop on this model. It's not all that realistic, but it just somehow works on it, even though it is a digger and not a hot rod. I also like the grille, and the lip over the top of it to help keep the rainwater out.
Posted Image

Here is a front view of the truck, which also helps to show just how large that hood scoop is!
Posted Image

The back end of this model is kept nice and simple. There's the lights, which are surrounded by what would appear to be metal plating if this model where to have tampoes slapped on the back. From this view, you can also see the back of the lights that are on the roof to help the driver see what he's doing at night. Another plus for realism there!
Posted Image

Here is another angle of the rear, which is a little out of focus. (My Bad!)
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Now, here's a snapshot of a great thing about this model - the tow hook! It seems all of the newer Matchboxes have terrible tow hooks. They're too thick for safety reasons, and they're also too close to the model. So, once you finally jam the trailer on the hook, it doesn't turn with the vehicle. Drat. Buy that's not the case with the Tractor Shovel! It has a thin, long tow hook. It also helps that the actual truck is flat in front of the tow hook.
Posted Image

But wait- there's more to this 36 year old Matchbox! A moving part! I'm sure most of you know this, but I'm just glad that the boom actually stays up when you move it, unlike the new RWR Excavator.
Posted Image

The angle of the bucket is great too. If I were 5 years old and playing in the sandbox, the sand appears as if it wouldn't fall out of the bucket. Great play value!
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What a fantastic model. So, I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. This model looks great, is designed properly and realistically, and has a good play value when it comes to the kids. The sad part is, - I wasn't even going to snatch this models off the pegs. Boy, am I sure glad I did!

I hope you enjoyed my first ever 'Showcase,' because there's more to come! My next model will be a RWR. To be exact, it'll be the Freightliner M2 106 Satellite Communictaions Truck. You're not gonna want to miss that one.

If there are any compliments, suggestions, or advice, whether positive or negative, let me know! I want to make sure you guys like what you see. And if there's a picture of the model that would like like to see, or a certain part up close, let me know!

Thanks,

mbx64 :D

Edited by mbx64, Sep 13 2012, 05:26 PM.
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Stampede
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Team Canada
For an old matchbox to be revived, that's really cool. This is a great model nevertheless.
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Cyclone
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Subcompact
Looking forward to your take on the communications truck
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JustDavid
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SUV
Great pics and excellent write-up...thank you. I look forward to many more.
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craftymore
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Support your local demo derby.

Realistic enough color to see it operating in a gravel pit somewhere. Excellent pictures as it shows how nice of a $1 model can be for kids. I think this one has aged quite nicely.
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Swifty
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
I think this is the oldest casting Matchbox still has available. Nice showcase, I look forward to future installments!
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Dean-o-mite
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Muscle Car
The wheels look great on this old timer. Fun showcase.
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
JustDavid
Sep 13 2012, 10:16 PM
Great pics and excellent write-up...thank you. I look forward to many more.

I think this is the oldest casting Matchbox still has available. Nice showcase, I look forward to future installments

The wheels look great on this old timer. Fun showcase.
Wow, thanks for all of the positive feedback guys!

Expect a showcase for the Freightliner either later tonight early tomorrow morning.

Thanks! :D

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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
Matchbox has certainly gotten its moneys worth out of this casting - been around for a long time. I haven't parted out my construction stuff yet (it is coming one of these days) but know I have quite a few variations of this one.
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
Uh Oh. There will not be a showcase tonight. Photobucket is for some reason not working. Whenever I try to upload a pic it always says 'Error Occurred.' Not a good thing.

I even had a sneak peak picture for you guys........ :(

Well, maybe I'll make an image shack account....... :D
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
My Showcases shall go on!

Posted Image

There's the 'sneak peek' even though it's not that sneaky and you all know what I'm posting tomorrow anyways!

Hope your as excited as I am! :D

Oh, and by the way, to make it more interesting, I won't be posting polls before hand, but now I will be providing a sneak peek of what will be posted the next day. This just adds to the fun! :D But remember, nothings permanent yet, everything's subject to change!

*The edits are for the picture widths. Still trying to figure out ImageShack.....
Edited by mbx64, Sep 14 2012, 08:10 PM.
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Matchbox Dave
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Matchbox Collector
I like it mbx64,

I may hire you on to write a few articles for our Newsletter. This is just what I like to see! :thumbup:

Good Job!

Dave...
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
Matchbox Dave
Sep 15 2012, 07:52 AM
I like it mbx64,

I may hire you on to write a few articles for our Newsletter. This is just what I like to see! :thumbup:

Good Job!

Dave...
Wow, this sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity!

You can pm me with more information if you'd like, or I can provide you with my e-mail address.

Thanks! :D


mbx64
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juantoo3
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You did an excellent job with this write up! Keep up the good work!
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
juantoo3
Sep 15 2012, 01:04 PM
You did an excellent job with this write up! Keep up the good work!
Thank you very much!

All of the kind words are really appreciated!
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