Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]

Announcements (Updated: July 11, 2018)

Welcome to Swifty's Garage!


Thanks to all of you for making this board what it is today!


Attention new members: We would like to welcome you personally, so please introduce yourself. Click here: INTRODUCTIONS


For all the latest news and announcements, please click here: PA System



Thank you - The Swifty's Garage Team




This board is best viewed at 1024 x 768 Resolution

Car of the Week:


Matchbox 1968 Ford F-100


Click Here: Matchbox '68 Ford F-100
Welcome to Swifty's Garage. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.

Thank You,
The Swifty's Garage Team


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features.

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
2017 Jeep Gladiator; Casting Overview
Topic Started: Aug 27 2017, 02:42 PM (479 Views)
Stampede
Member Avatar
Team Canada
Posted Image
DSCN5080 by Terence, on Flickr

Matchbox and Jeep? An unstoppable combination

Well, it certainly has been a while since I've done one of these. With the past little while being quite hectic in terms of work and school, I haven't had the time to share my models as much. Plus, the stores that I usually frequent have been quite devoid of new models (with the newest restock at my local Walmart being 2017 Batch B/C).

The procurement of this model would not have been possible without the help of our very own Clem24, who just happened to be in the right place at the right time. He picked up a bunch of models for me, satisfying my Matchbox craving for now. Thanks again, good sir!
Posted Image
DSCN5081 by Terence, on Flickr

Posted Image
DSCN5082 by Terence, on Flickr

When this model was first announced, the general consensus (at least on Instagram) was quite positive. I have no problem with Matchbox making more off-road vehicles, as long as they are realistic (of course, licensed is a bonus).
This model satisfies both of my criterion.

For reference, the real vehicle:
Posted Image
Image source: https://carreleasedates2017.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2016-Jeep-Gladiator-Review.jpg

I really don't have any gripes with this model casting-wise. It is well proportioned, the paint is not too thick, and those details that one expects from Matchbox (door handles, mirrors and even door/hood hinges) are there. Add in tampoing for such parts (as well as the 'Gladiator' badging), and you certainly have a winner.

Posted Image
DSCN5083 by Terence, on Flickr

Posted Image
DSCN5084 by Terence, on Flickr

This model features three-sided tampo hits - the sides (mentioned above) as well as the rear which will be covered later). This means that the front is devoid of any detail, which is a shame. Although I do wish that the signature 'Jeep' logo on the grille had been present, I can understand why it was omitted. However, the lights and grille can be easily painted because they are nicely casted into the body - so even without detailing, it is clear that this model is a Jeep.

Posted Image
DSCN5085 by Terence, on Flickr

Moving onto the rear. Note the tampoed brake lights and the handle to the bed:

Posted Image
DSCN5086 by Terence, on Flickr

(Look at that logo!)

Posted Image
DSCN5087 by Terence, on Flickr

Posted Image
DSCN5088 by Terence, on Flickr

An overhead view, featuring the massive sunroof - although that showcases the interior detail very well.

Posted ImageDSCN5091 by Terence, on Flickr

This model is also significant in that it debuts an entirely new set of off-road wheels. They appear to be a derivative of the Open Dot Dash variant, but with a beefier tread. And for all intensive purposes, they work really well on this model - the perfect way to welcome this new part into the Matchbox lineup.

Posted Image
DSCN5095 by Terence, on Flickr

Here is the Gladiator with some of the other Jeep models in my collection:

No doubt, the Gladiator takes some cues from the classic Willys 4x4 :

Posted Image
DSCN5096 by Terence, on Flickr

Posted Image
DSCN5101 by Terence, on Flickr

Then there's the classic Wrangler:
Posted Image
DSCN5098 by Terence, on Flickr

And who could forget the Jeep that started it all, the Willys MB?

Posted Image
DSCN5100 by Terence, on Flickr

Although I do wish that this model featured front and side tampoes instead of the sides and rear that is found in this release, it is fantastic in every other way. From the colour to the wheels, it is models like this that continue to restore my faith in the brand. Keep up the great work, Matchbox!

That's it for this one, thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed! :wave:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Douglas
Member Avatar
SUV
Good to see your showcases back Terence, I have always enjoyed them along with the excellent photos accompanying the review. :thumbup:

The model looks great, so hope to find one soon, it certainly would have been nice to have it come with front tampos, the extra hit at the rear is a nice extra, but with the Jeep name cast in, it does already help the rear stand out, so maybe they could have skipped that and did the front.

I like the new wheel too!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
juantoo3
Member Avatar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I found a couple of these last week and grabbed them up pretty quick. Nice looking new model, but I relate the Gladiator name and styling to the old red regular wheel Matchbox (which I then associate with the old TV show Daktari and Clarence the cross-eyed lion).

Nice write up!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
b2young
Member Avatar
Sad firefighter
I concur with the other replies... very good photos and a model I'm very happy to have in my collection as well. Thanks for the review!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Dean-o-mite
Member Avatar
Muscle Car
Your posts are great entertainment, with nice pictures.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Mark F.
Member Avatar
Minivan
Thanks for another great write-up! :)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
66alfa_gtv
Fullsize
Why did they not cast the base in black???
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
MrFutura
Member Avatar
Station Wagon
66alfa_gtv
Aug 27 2017, 05:59 PM
Why did they not cast the base in black???
Black would have been nice for the spare tire's sake, but it's nice to see the interior details. Instead of the gray spare tire, how about casting that part with a tire cover on it? You could engrave a Jeep logo on it.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
avalanche man
Member Avatar
avalanches rule
looks nice, probably gonna be hard to track down, please excuse me while I mop the :drool: :drool: :drool: off my keyboard
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Deckard71
Compact
Nice report, thanks.

Love this model but donīt like the big sunroof.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Stampede
Member Avatar
Team Canada
Thanks for the comments, everyone! They are very much appreciated.
Interesting point about having the base in black, as that is totally doable. Hopefully we will see that happen down the road in future releases!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
JeepXJLover
Member Avatar
Minivan
Fantastic photos! The wheels are awesome. But way too much plastic showing in this one for me to be interested.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · Bay 3: Matchbox · Next Topic »
Add Reply



March's Picture of The Month Contest



Congratulations DinoMom for winning March's contest!



April's Picture of The Month Contest



Congratulations carsdownunder for winning April's contest!






Powered By

This board is best viewed at 1024 x 768 Resolution


eXTReMe Tracker