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Showcase: Chevy Suburban
Topic Started: Sep 26 2012, 08:00 PM (855 Views)
mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
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What a surprise it was to hear that the Chevy Suburban would once again be reintroduced to the Matchbox mainline. I honestly have never liked this casting, not one bit really. It's way too small, almost like the Ford F-550. It's also a drab and boring vehicle, and has always been lackluster with its designs. Luckily, that's all changed.

You see, I actually like this new change Matchbox is going through. Now, before anyone holds me to this statement, I want to make it clear I do not like this whole 'Let's make everything generic and off-road,' phase, and nor do I like that barely any of the sports cars that we've seen haven't had tail lights or headlights. However, I like that Mattel has made everything look so bright and modern while trying to make the models more appealing to kids. There have been a lot of old, boring castings that have come back and are now receiving interesting, colorful, modern designs that are better than any other versions. I know this is definitely not the case for a most of vehicles, but let's talk about the Honda Civic Type R. The last time it was in the line, it was silver with 10 spoke rims, which did not help with the overall look of the car. The new 2012 version, however, is a bright and sporty lime green, and it has also received the brilliant looking 5 spoke rims. It's by far the best the Civic has ever looked. That's the point that I'm trying to make with this version of the Suburban. It's so different and modern, it makes all of the older versions look boring. And, to top it all off, it even received a well though-out, realistic design.

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In the pictures it's not easy to see, but the Chevy isn't really entirely blue. It's more of a purpley blue, but the camera was not able to capture that. The distinctive color used here is one of the reasons why I enjoy this Suburban.

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This huge American SUV is one of the trio of the 'Channel 6 News' Series. I think it's a really neat series, as the design is so bright and modern. Blue and yellow have never looked so great together. It's neat to see a sub-series develop in the mainline, such as the 'INC Construction' series. That one's blue and yellow too. Not that I'm complaining, as blue is my favorite color. Speaking of INC Construction, it reminds me of the DAF XF95 Space Cab that was brought back this year after a 3-year absence. The design on the DAF is so modern and bright, it looks so much better than the older versions. This is exactly what I'm talking about.

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This is a great shot to show all of the details the Suburban has to offer. The casting is done perfectly (other than it's size) as nearly all other Matchboxes. It has the lines on the roof for aerodynamic efficiency, and even the bulges in the rear lights, just like the real thing.

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The tow hook on the Suburban is a little too small. I don't believe it can actually turn with the trailer, like too many other Matchboxes that can't.

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Even though this casting is 13 years old (Copyright 1999) it doesn't look all too bad. I think it may need a touch-up in the near future, but the bumper, lights, and Chevy symbol are all clear as day. However, I wish that the plastic molds they used would stop creating those annoying dark lines, as it distracts from the look of the model.

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Here is a close-up of the livery on the Suburban. I would tell you what number is on the side, and what writing is in that big white box, but I think it's clearly visible. (Insert sarcasm here)

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Most of this is easy to read as well, but I'll tell it to you anyway. Above the wheel, on the arch, it says 'MNN,' probably the broadcast channel. Then it says 'Channel' in the yellow box and underneath it says 'Matchbox News Network.' Underneath that, it states that the broadcasting is 'Direct Feed.'

Here's a couple of pics that Showcase the Suburban.
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Here's the big 'ol happy American family together.
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Funny story. I didn't even know I had the red Fire Chief one and the Police model either. I only knew I had the lime green Construction version from 2010. However, that was the only one I couldn't find. I found the other two before I found the one I actually knew I had. I had a mini heart attack, as I usually do when one of my models goes 'missing.' The reason I didn't find it was because of how the front end is chrome. When I was looking in the case, I was looking for a gray, plastic front end, not a chrome one. The models sit in the slots facing straight up in the cases I have, so it's not easy to identify each model. Ah well. Probably doesn't help I have over 600 Matchboxes, and counting!

Well, as usual with my Showcases, I started out not caring for a model, then loving it. That's why I love doing this.

Oh, and thanks for sticking around. This sure was a long one!

mbx64 :D


Edited by mbx64, Sep 26 2012, 08:08 PM.
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Stampede
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Team Canada
I'm sure going to have to get this one. Too bad I didn't see the K-9 one, that would have been a great addition to my police series.

Thanks again for making these showcases!
Edited by Stampede, Sep 26 2012, 11:16 PM.
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craftymore
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Support your local demo derby.

It's a nice sub-series for the company to do - TV news production vehicles. Some simple use of paint markers can add in a few details to make this look really nice. Excellent photos and descriptions. Appreciate the time and effort it takes for you compose these. :thumbup:
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JustDavid
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SUV
I really like the construction version. Thanks for the grey write-up.
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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
Stampede
Sep 26 2012, 10:40 PM
I'm sure going to have to get this one. Too bad I didn't see the K-9 one, that would have been a great addition to my police series.

Thanks again for making these showcases!
If I recall the Police K-9 version is from a five pack.
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Swifty
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
Yes, the MNN is for the channel: Matchbox News Network.

Looks great! I too enjoy the hidden themes like Blue Horse Trainers. :thumbup: Makes it a lot easier to get a group of cars together for a photo-op!
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MustangJerry
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Happy Member
That news team will be pulled over by the Police. No headlights or taillights.
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
JustDavid
Sep 26 2012, 11:24 PM
I really like the construction version. Thanks for the grey write-up.
Thanks! I guess....this will sound dumb, but what's a 'grey' write-up? I've never heard that where I live.
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
Will be posting a Showcase within the hour.

Apologies for saying I would have one two days ago, but things came up.

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JustDavid
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SUV
mbx64
Sep 29 2012, 10:42 AM
JustDavid
Sep 26 2012, 11:24 PM
I really like the construction version. Thanks for the grey write-up.
Thanks! I guess....this will sound dumb, but what's a 'grey' write-up? I've never heard that where I live.
*great* write-up is what that's supposed to say...sorry for typo :wacko:
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