Disney Pixar Cars - Where is the Walmart Hauler

If you're like me, you've been searching your local Walmarts for the white Walmart Hauler. Finally, the Gray Hauler, Chick Hicks Hauler and Mack Haulers have been showing up in Orlando and around the country. The question is, "Where is the Walmart Hauler?!" Again, I am endlessly dumbfounded by the lack of product in stores.

Yesterday, a friend went into a Walmart and told me it was well stocked with Haulers and Oversized Cars. I went to that same store today, and the shelves were literally bare! This is the norm for Disney Pixar's Cars. New stock is sold in hours and is lucky to last a day. Who is making the stupid decisions that keep the store shelves empty? You have the "Hottest" toy line in the world and don't come close to meeting consumer/collector demand! I've complained about this to every entity involved with Cars for the last two years. I've told Mattel this, Disney this, Walmart this, Target this, Toys R Us this, and other collectors this.

I've been told that part of keeping the line going strong entails a strategy of keeping the product scarce. I think it is only a useful marketing strategy to a point. If people feel you are artificially keeping supply scarce to create demand, you do nothing but upset collectors, lose credibility and ultimately damage sales. The Haulers and Oversized should have been stocked in abundance during November and December. Instead, even though Walmart advertised the Oversized for $5.00 in their Black Friday circular, most stores never had them! Additionally, the Haulers never showed up until the last week or so. So, again I ask, "Where is the Walmart Hauler?"

I guess the only thing to do is "Fahgettaboudit!" Then like Presto does magic (Pixar reference for you fans), the Walmart Hauler will appear when you least expect it! Tah-Dah!!

Coming to Alternator Valley: Mater the Greater Prototypes will be Previewed this Friday! Subscribe to Alternator Valley so you'll be notified every time I publish another article!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - To Attend Comic-Con, or Not Attend...This is the Question

If you haven't been to the San Diego Comic-Con and you want to see Movie/TV Stars, weirdos, buy the hottest collectibles and enjoy the finest SoCal weather, then you should make a point of attending this year in July!

How do you decide if you want to attend the New York City Comic-Con? That's easy!! Do you want to freeze your butt off? I grew up in Boston and moved to Florida to escape the cold, so heck no! Is there going to be an exclusive Cars die cast being sold? Nope, and I'd probably just buy it on Ebay if there was one. Are there any huge stars making an appearance that you'd just have to see or die? Nope, not a single one! So, the answer is clear and simple...I'm skipping!

Remember, I reported that Mattel's Comic-Con Exclusive for this year will be Fire Engine Mater with Mia and Tia as Dalmatians (Check archives from 1/18/09)! This is the best picture you'll see until I get the real stuff from Mattel. By attending you get to pay retail, and you'll also get to preview all the upcoming releases that will be on display at the Mattel booth! July in San Diego delivers the finest weather you could want! Additionally, if you want to see Movie/TV Stars, you'll get them in abundance at the San Diego Comic-Con! Last year I saw Lucy Lawless, the cast of the Sara Connor Chronicles, Director Mc G and the cast of Terminator 4, and Director of The Shawshank Redemption, Frank Darabont! I missed Kiefer Sutherland, Hugh Jackman, Keanu Reeves and more! These are reasons to attend the San Diego Comic-Con! Believe me, you won't be dissapointed!

Mark Your Calender: Friday, February 5th I'll Preview Mater the Greater Prototypes! If you have yet to Subscribe to Alternator Valley, do so now and you'll be notified every time I publish another article!

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Disney Pixar Cars - The NEW Mack Track Challenge Playset

It is time to see another NEW Cars item way before it comes out! Here's another item direct from the Mattel "Design Center!" It is expected to come out in the Fall and retail for $40.00...Mack Track Challenge will allow you to play with Lightning as if he were Evil Knievel. Maybe he can jump Snake Spring Canyon here in Alternator Valley.

Lightning Does His Best Evil Knievel

Yippee! Looks like fun to me!

So, is all this plastic contributing to the high price of gas? Is Lightning going to jump through Mack during the Global Race? That would be a cool stunt! I can't wait to see what kind of playsets come out once Cars 2 comes out in 2011.

NEW Cryptic Shout Outs! Hi Emeryville, do you have an office at Pixar?!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Second and Third Level Characters are Key to Cars Success

Imagine if you could only collect the original twelve Cars characters and that was it. You would have completed your collection two years ago and would have gone on to something else. But here we are into the third year since Cars was released and collectors are hungrier than ever for the next NEW character!

What has made this line so successful is that John Lasseter wants us to have the entire cast of characters. How great is it that you can get characters such as Van, Yeti, and even Marco the Jet! To the reader who asked me if Mrs. Van (a.k.a Mini) would be available...I was told absolutely yes! Martin called her Mrs. Van, but what the hell does he know! I was told when all is said and done, that over 400 Cars characters will have been done in the 1:55th die cast "Mainline!" That is incredible and wonderful.

With all this happy stuff, I want to point out some things that make collecting a drag. It is when a company releases too many of the "Main" characters. Haven't we all said, "Not another McQueen!" I know I just can't take it when Disney runs a popular character into the ground. This is very evident with Disney pin trading. They'd release Tinker Bell angry, sitting, pouting, looking pretty, over the shoulder, blah, blah, blah...until you got so sick of Tinker Bell you wanted to vomit pixie dust! Let's hope Mattel doesn't make us want to puke up pistons and distributor caps.

Tell me you can't wait for Elvis?!! How about Sven the Governator?!! Who'd like a die cast Frank?!! Gimme a T! Gimme an O! Gimme a D! Gimme another D! Who does it Speeeeeell?! TODD, TODD, TODD! Who isn't waiting for Mr. Pizza Planet himself? I know a guy in Emeryville who probably has a few prototypes sitting in his office!

Man! Jay Limo is coming! Can't wait for Big Al! You are even gonna get the Spark Plug Aliens!!! Yessirree! This is the reason Cars is going to be hot for another five or six years! Great art, turned into great toys, done in high quality die cast. Martin, you and your team better take your vitamins and do your exercise in that Mattel gym. You got a lot of work to do my friend.

Coming Tomorrow: Photos of more New stuff!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - NEW Folding Piston Cup Starter Set

We always like to see the NEW Cars items way before they come out! Here's the latest direct from the "Design Center!" Expected to come out in the Spring and retail for $30.00...this Piston Cup Starter Set will fold up for easy storage and come with a plastic Lightning McQueen. It will even have a place to park Lightning when you carry him off to his next race! Sounds like an infomercial for the latest ab machine!!

Piston Cup Starter Set (You did what in your cup?!)

Set Folds up and Lightning Can Sleep

Do you get EVERY set that comes out? I've gotten all the play sets and want more of those, but all the race tracks and other miscellaneous stuff I've passed on. I know we all want more of the play sets. We need Sarges' Quonset Hut, Filmore's psychedelic store and Mater's place! Let's hope these come for the 1:55th "Mainline" someday soon. I want to build Radiator Springs in my guest bedroom!

NEW Cryptic Shout Outs! Hey Fall River, got any Linguica for a native Portugee?!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Show Your Pride with Cars Skins

I couldn't resist when I saw these recently. I had to order the one with Lightning for my laptop! You can buy Cars "Skins" for your cell phone, MP3 Player, Laptop and Gaming Device! What are "Skins?!" Here's an Excerpt from Disney Shopping...

Perfect Fit
SkinIt has developed the perfect skin for your favorite device. These skins have been designed to perfectly fit the unique contour of every device.

The Scotchprint® graphics brand from 3M™ used by Skinit assures end consumers will experience durability, exceptional image quality and no residue on their devices on removal.

High-quality print
SkinIt is using state-of-the-art digital printing technology to offer the best colors.

Fights Scratches
Skins provide a thin protective membrane, buffering your device from the occasional scuffs and scrapes of everyday use.

In addition to Lightning, you can choose from Mater, Ramone, Sally, and the Sheriff! I also got a Pirates skin for my Ipod Shuffle! They start at $14.95 for the smaller devices and are $29.95 for laptops. Very cool stuff! Go get one!! You can get your own by visiting this link Cars Skins.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Seasonal Christmas Cars Photos

We've all got that one relative who starts their Christmas shopping a year in advance. Here's a peak at some of the "Seasonal" Cars that are expected to be released for Christmas this year! These are just a few that you can put on your wish list...

Lightning McQueen with a Peppermint Bolt

Doc Hudson as Santa

Red Ribbon Ramone

The Sheriff with Ornaments

Which one is your favorite? I really like Doc as Santa! Martin at Mattel told me he wanted to do Ramone in a Rangsburg finish, but couldn't get the ok on it. That would have rocked! These aren't their "Official" names, I just dubbed them with these names because of their elements. I'll post more as I get them.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Red Line Club Renewals & New Members

Ever have a date in your mind that you had to do something and realize it was a week earlier? That just happened to me. I had it in my mind that I needed to renew my Red Line Club membership on January 27th, when in fact, I should have done it on January 20th. As Homer Simpson says, "Doh!"

I renewed tonight and ended up with the Military Bus from the third tier. The fourth and final tier is the Taxi Bus. The cost of membership is $24.99 plus $6.95 Shipping and Processing.

I figured I'd remind those of you who are current Red Line Club members that your priority window ends tomorrow. All of you who want to join this year in case a Disney Pixar Cars release happens will have your opportunity starting on Tuesday the 27th. From what I can tell, if you care to sign up you better not wait. There are a limited number of memberships and they are already into the third tier of four. Visit this link Hot Wheels Collectors to learn more and sign up.

Will there be a Disney Pixar Cars exclusive Red Line Club release? We don't know at this time. Anything is possible. The expectation is that MattyCollector.com will be the venue for Disney Pixar Cars exclusive releases. We have seen Matty simply gather dust since the site debuted at Comic-Con last year. I'd rather have my Red Line Club membership in case a Cars release materializes, instead of missing out.

Coming Tomorrow: Photos of...well, you'll have to wait to see!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Collecting Past and Present, and the Ebay Effect

I've been a "Collector" since I was a young kid. I collected Disney comic books, American coins, Snoopy "World's Greatest" statuettes, Star Wars figures, and Garfield stuff! I took a long hiatus while in college. I got back into collecting about 15 years ago when I started buying original animation cels. I have quite an incredible collection of Ren & Stimpy, Pinky and the Brain, and I even have an original Grinch! I got into Disney pin collecting about seven years ago, added some Disney Classics Collection pieces, a few Radko ornaments and Disney resin sculpts. Since Cars was released in 2006, I've been a fervent Cars die cast toys collector.

Up until 1998 collectors relied heavily on primary markets to add to their collections...They'd subscribe to their favorite comic books, order directly from the U.S. Mint for their coins, buy their Stars Wars figures, He-Man figures, Transformers etc. from retailers such as Toys R Us. Collectors bought from secondary markets such as mom and pop comic stores, coins shops, flea markets and collector/comic conventions, but these could often be over priced. Collectors of all ages have always traded to add to their collections. Be it kids trading baseball cards, or big kids trading Disney pins, there will always be trading.

In 1998 Ebay was formed and the world of collecting changed forever! Ebay became both a primary and secondary market for collectors. I've often joked that during the first few years Ebay existed, you could put dog poop on it and sell it for $100.00! People went nuts and selling stuff became easier than shootin' fish in a barrel! People were also nuts by over paying for stuff and acting like gold rush loons! Over the last few years Ebay has become so saturated with people selling, that in many cases things have become undervalued. Yet, we still see looney bidding when it comes to the latest and greatest!

The reality of markets is that speculation often rules when things are first offered to the public, or they are perceived as "Hot" and ripe for huge profits! We see this with the stock market when IPO's (Initial Public Offering) are often over bid, to the mental runaway prices (prices rose by 25% annually in some regions) paid for houses during the recent real estate insanity. The collecting of Cars is no different. As we are all aware, some may have thought paying $300.00 for the Motor Speedway of the South set in May of last year was a lot of money, but as we have all seen, the set has risen to a price of $1500.00 on the secondary market! A 500% increase!

The key to collecting is using a rational and sane approach. I look at a number of factors when determining what I'm willing to pay for something on Ebay or elsewhere.

1. I always look at the rarity of something. Is it a limited edition or an open edition? The lower the edition size, and the higher the demand, the higher the likelihood an item will become sought after and more valuable.
2. Is the item going to be hard to get? For instance, is it a Red Line Club exclusive that requires a membership? How about it being a Comic-Con exclusive that requires you to attend the convention and stand in line for hours?
3. Finally, is it an item that was pulled from circulation due to a manufacturing mistake, error, or problem? For example, Sarge and his lead paint issue.

These are the things I do. You may have other criteria that help you decide, but whatever approach you take, you have to use common sense.

Ebay and the Internet have made collecting easier by making items more accessible, cheaper and comparable. Ebay and e-commerce have been a very good thing for collectors. Think about it...you can buy something exclusive to the United States, Europe, Japan or anywhere in the world because of Ebay and the net! You simply do a search, click buy, pay, and in a week or two it is in your hands!! You couldn't do this until just 10 years ago. Pretty cool don't you think!

Coming Monday: Photos of...well, you'll have to wait to see!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Over Sized, Mega Sized, What's, What?

What's bigger...Super Sized? Mega Sized? Over Sized? Value Sized? Up Sized? Holey Cow, stop, stop, my head hurts! If you haven't noticed, Mattel has released the "Mainline" die cast Cars, then Over sized Cars, and now Mega Sized Cars. What is the difference between an Over Sized and a Mega Sized Car? Which is larger?

I naturally think a Mega Sized Car is bigger than an Over Sized Car. Mega connotes very huge! In fact, it is 10 to the power of 6, which means one million. Over Sized means...being of more than standard or ordinary size. My logic is correct, but in the world of toys and packaging, my assumption is wrong. The Over Sized is larger than the Mega Sized. Does this make sense?!

I had a little talk with Mr Cars himself, Martin Arriola. Martin told me that Marketing makes the calls that Packaging's copywriter follows for package design and copy. He also mentioned that Design is responsible for the product and giving Marketing an accurate description asap. Then, Packaging can start their process. In this case, maybe they never saw the prototypes. Maybe they don't know the difference between Mega and Over Sized! Maybe they missed the memo.

When you compare, you see that Al Oft the Lightyear Blimp (Over Sized), is pretty close in size to Dustin Mellows (Mega Sized). Before seeing the two in person, I expected Dustin Mellows to be much larger in size. So, you'd think that Dustin would be Over Sized and Al would be Mega Sized. Guess it is better to just say they are BIG! It worked for Tom Hanks!! ;-) I think I'll go to Mc Donalds and get a Super Sized fry. Wait, they did away with that. Instead, I'll go to Chick Fil A and get an Up Sized Sweet Iced Tea!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Mack Welcomes You to Alternator Valley

Mack wants to WELCOME all of you from around the world who have recently discovered Alternator Valley! To ALL of our readers...Thank You! We continue to break traffic records and build our community every week! We work extremely hard to bring you the most reliable, accurate, and breaking news about collecting Disney Pixar's Cars on the web. We hope you enjoy the site and all it has to offer!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - New Mack Transporter Gets A Face Lift

In case you haven't seen these yet, here are two New versions of the Mack Transporter! The first has a New black molded trailer with logos and comes with Radiator Springs McQueen and Sally. The second comes with a vinyl cover and a printed graphic! Lightning McQueen and Doc Hudson come with this cool transporter!


http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Matty Collector Display Case Could Debut at Comic-Con

I was told today, that this Cars Display Case may possibly debut at Comic-Con in July! It may have some mock-ups/prototypes of the three (3) Exclusive Cars with it. Nothing is written in stone, but I was told from the top, it may be on display for those attending to see in person. And believe me, it will certainly be much more impressive when you see it in the flesh!

I'd post a larger picture if I could, but Blogger doesn't technically allow me to. Scroll down the page a bit to read the Exclusive story about this Display Case! Also, Vote in my Poll if you haven't already done so.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - You Never Know When You'll Strike Gold

One of my readers shares his story on finding "Treasure" at a Target in Tennessee! You never know what lurks in those caves we call stockrooms!

"I read your stuff all the time! I'm a huge fan of the Disney Cars and thought I would pass along this little story today. I went to a small town, Collerville, Tennessee, and visited the Target store. I thought just maybe they had gotten in some new stuff. I looked, and of course all the new Cars had been picked over. As I was turning away an employee asked if I needed any help. I told her I was too late and that all the new Cars were gone already. She told me to hold on for a minute. She was the warehouse supervisor and they were cleaning out the stockroom. She came back rolling a basket with some Cars stuff. I got all excited that I was going to find some new Cars! None! As she left, I opened a box with a few Cars that were left in it. I thought I was in another world...I found 12 original Desert Back cards in mint condition! Filmore with one L, Sarge, DJ, Doc Hudson, Chick Hick, Leakless etc. Wow what a find...and a Bonus 1 Chick Hick Hauler! I just thought I would share this as you never know what is out there. Thanks for your time, and thanks for the great articles!" David S.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - SDCC 2009 Mattel Exclusive

Well, Martin spilled the beans about this year's San Diego Comic-Con Mattel Exclusive! It is going to be Fire Engine Mater with Mia and Tia as Dalmations! They will be done in the 1:55th scale. Mater is going to be totally "Plussed" with a red Rangsberg finish, a working telescoping ladder, and rubber tires! Mia and Tia will be dolled up in a white Rangsberg finish and be equally "Plussed" up! They'll come as a set and are expected to retail for $30.00. The edition discussed has 5000 as Comic-Con Exclusives, with another 5000 as MattyCollector.com Exclusives! Photos and the latest News will be posted as I get it!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - High 'n' Low Ramone Gets Resized

If you've been lucky enough to get the 2009 Collector Guide with Night Vision Lightning McQueen, you'll see a picture of High n Low Ramone listed as a Mega Size release. I was just told yesterday, that High n Low Ramone was too small to be part of the Mega Size line, and will actually be released as part of the "Mainline."

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - MattyCollector.com Exclusive Display Case Special Sneak Peak

When I went to Comic-con last year, the first thing I discussed with the people at Mattel was how they needed to produce an "Official" Cars Display Case. We talked about it at length, and the reality of one being made and available is drawing ever nearer! Here, as an Exclusive Alternator Valley "Special Sneak Peak," is a Preview of the Cars Display Case that would be a MattyCollector.com Exclusive!


Let me tell you about it in detail...

1. There will hopefully be three (3) Exclusive Chase/Special Character Cars that will come with this case. I've suggested they be numbered and truly EXCLUSIVE.
   
2. It will be made to accommodate the Cars 1:55th scale die cast toys.
   
3. It measures 32 inches wide, by 24 inches tall, by 3 inches deep. It will hold approximately 54 full sized Cars, or two small Cars characters in one compartment. The capacity may be increased to approximately 75 to 80 Cars by paring up your pittys and Movie Moments characters such as Flick & Flea.
   
4. Each compartment measures 5 inches wide by 3 inches tall. I measured Red to be sure he'd fit, and he has plenty of room. Even small Al Oft will fit! The only character that won't fit will be Barney Stormin'. You'll just have to sit him on top with some Velcro.
   
5. The Cars Logo may be frosted, silk-screened or a clear label on the back wall of the case. Frosting seems to be out from what I've been told, I suggested silk-screening at the minimum, I don't feel a label is classy enough.
   
6. The Full Color Graphic at the top will actually be above the compartments and be attached to the top of the case. The cool thing is it will be printed on a rigid material and will be able to be interchanged.
7. The case will be made of plexi, it will have a hanging wire and come with the hardware to hang it, it will be hinged at the top and open upward, and can also be displayed by simply standing it up.
   
8. The Edition Size has not been determined, but the number of 750 has been discussed. I have urged them to increase the Edition Size to 2000.
9. A price of $300 to $400 has been discussed. I told them that the three (3) Exclusive Cars would be well worth $300 alone!
10. It will be available in the United States and INTERNATIONALLY!
    

So, if you have yet to vote in one of my polls, I urge you to do so this time! The poll is a two (2) part question and needs your two (2) answers. First, indicate the Maximum you'd pay for an "Official" Cars Display Case as presented, and Second, indicate how many you'd like to purchase if allowed.

Also, I encourage you to add your Comments to this article. Your input may very well determine how the final product turns out!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Stitch is a Cars Fan too!

I'm a fan of Disney Pixar Cars and equally a huge fan of Stitch! So, like a Reese's Cup, we have two great things that go great together...Cars and Stitch! Here's a great picture of Stitch wearing his Cars racing gear, along with Lightning McQueen. This is a unique photo taken by my friend Julie Flores who writes a blog you should checkout called Stitch's Adventure Club! Stitch and Julie collect Cars die cast toys and are loyal readers of Alternator Valley.

Julie and Stitch travel and meet all kinds of famous people like Jamie Lee Curtis, Barbara Walters, to Michael Phelps. Then, Julie take photos of Stitch dressed in his finest adoring fan's garb. So, you'll see Stitch dressed to mirror his famous counterpart and read about his adventures.

Julie, don't forget to tell Stitch's cousins about Alternator Valley ! ;-)

Coming Soon: A Very Special Sneak Peak!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Alternator Valley's New Logo Is Nearly Done

Does this ROCK or what!! It is nearly finished, and I wanted to let you all see how cool it is! Almost looks like Neon doesn't it? It will look super cool on a Black T-Shirt! This is what happens when talent the likes of Martin Arriola and Mark Mc Intyre work their magic. I'm honored that they are my friends, and have done such great work for Alternator Valley!

Coming In The Next Few Days: A Very Special Sneak Peak!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - There's a New Sheriff in Town

In the last week I've seen Walmart shelves filled with the Talking, Squawking, Light-up Sheriff! I believe he is selling for $21.99. He is very cool and I almost bought him today. It is amazing what those Chinese can do with plastic, lights and sound chips!!

Still no sign of the Haulers, hardly a single Oversized anywhere, no Dustin Mellows or Case C's here in Orlando! I guess nobody wants my money or yours.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Release Schedule of Oversized Cars for 2010

This list is kick a#$! Too bad we have to wait until 2010, but you never know, we may see some of these sooner and some later. As goes with Mattel, who knows what the heck they'll do! The great news is that many of the characters we've all wanted to see, will finally be released!!

• 1/1/10 - Chick Hicks Crew Chief
• 2/1/10 - Big Al the RV
  
• 3/1/10 - Richard Kensington
• 4/1/10 - Sarge with Howitzer
• 5/1/10 - Larry the RV
• 6/1/10 - Sparkplug

• 7/1/10 - Brian the Souvenir Truck
• 8/1/10 - Doug RM the RV
• 9/1/10 - Chuck Choke Cables (RSN Camera Operator)
• 10/1/10 - Barry Diesel the RV
• 11/1/10 - Diecast Bessie
• 12/1/10 - Clayton Gentlebreeze the RV

What a hot list! Sarge with a Howitzer!! Diecast Bessie!! Big Al!! These will be super. Can't wait to get some pictures. I'm sure I'll get plenty of photos of them at Comic-Con in July.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Release Schedule of the Haulers

Today is about the Release Schedule of the Disney Pixar Cars Haulers. I haven't seen a single one yet, but we know they're out there!

• Released - Mack the Hauler
• Released - King Hauler
• Released - Chick Hicks Hauler
• Released - Walmart Hauler

• 1/1/09 - Vinyl Toupee Hauler
• 2/1/09 - Tank Coat Hauler
• 3/1/09 - Tow Cap Hauler
• 4/1/09 - Shifty Drug Hauler
• 5/1/09 - Easy Idle Hauler
• 6/1/09 - Vitoline Hauler
• 7/1/09 - Bumper Save Hauler
• 8/1/09 - Retred Hauler
• 9/1/09 - Fiber Fuel Hauler
  
• 10/1/09 - Sidewall Shine Hauler
• 11/1/09 - Mood Springs Hauler
• 12/1/09 - Juan (?) or is it Pete Valdez
  

There's plenty more to come! Can't wait to see them on the store shelves.

Coming Next: Release Dates of the "Oversized!" They'll bowl you over!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Release Schedule of Three Packs

Well, I talked, chatted, and chewed the fat with my contact at Mattel. I was told of the expected release dates of the New Race O Rama character three packs. As you will see, the dates are already to be taken with many grains of salt! The release of a New character will be highlighted in Red in this entry. Sets are released in case assortments of three and repeat, thus New Characters will jump every other month.

• Released - Guido, Luigi and Tar Lightning McQueen
• Released - Dinoco Mia and Tia and Dinoco Lightning McQueen
• Released - The King, Finish Line Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks

• Released - Dexter Hoover, Damaged King and Lightning McQueen
• Released - Antonio, Michael Schumacher Ferrari and Costanza
• Released - Lightning McQueen, Pit Crew Mater and Pit Crew Doc Hudson

• 2/1/09 - Gasprin, Side Stepping Lightning McQueen and Tow Cap
• 4/1/09 - Flo with Tray, Waitress Mia and Tia
• 6/1/09 - Damaged No Stall, Jumping Lightning McQueen and Damaged Leakless

• 8/1/09 - Richard Kensington, Fred and Marco Axelbender
• 10/1/09 - Photographer 1, Posing Lightning McQueen and Photographer 2

As we are horribly aware and annoyingly getting use to...these dates are Mattel's, and who really knows when you'll see these Cars in stores!

Coming Next: Release Dates of the Haulers!

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Disney Pixar Cars - The Dinoco Showgirls

You've asked for them. Now, you'll get them. I present to you the Dinoco Showgirls!! Wearing full plumage, they will be showcased in a three pack with Dinoco Mc Queen. Soon to be out...whenever the heck we see them! You know how this goes!

I asked my contact at Mattel if we'd see them as singles, and was told he wasn't sure. He said probably not due to packaging. As a single, the plumage would likely be a problem by being too tall. As an "Oversized," they would be too small for the packaging. Therefore, they may ONLY be released in the three pack.

Coming Next: I've got the lowdown on releases through 2010!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Finish Line Lightning McQueen

Things have continued to be slow on the new release front. Here's something new for you to start looking for in stores, especially Target. Finish Line Lightning McQueen with Chick Hicks and the King in a three pack. The detail is super! Notice the expression on Lightning, how about the way his tires are bent inward? Great design all the way down to his bare metal rims! Will he be released as a single? Don't know at this point. All I know is he is cooool!!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Alternator Valley Welcomes Panama

Disney Magic at The Gatun Locks in 2005

Today was the primera tiempo that a visitor from Panama visited Alternator Valley! Now, even this pertains to Cars collecting. I sailed on the Disney Magic for the second time through the Panama Canal back in May last year! Disney as we know owns Pixar, which we also know produced Cars! Ironically, while on my cruise through the Panama Canal, I stopped at a store in Puerto Vallarta and found a Flea and Flick Movie Moments en Espanol!! I've never found one anywhere in the United States.


The trip was fantastic! I met a number of fantastic people! Going through the Canal was fantastic! And, I hope those of you from Panama have a fantastic time visiting Alternator Valley!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Disney Store Exclusive Mack Hauler

Another day, another discovery to share with you, my loyal reader! You thought the Haulers were to be released as one hauler in a clear plastic package. Oh, were we wrong! Not only are we seeing special Target packaged Haulers, now take a look at this Disney Store Exclusive Mack Hauler! Interestingly, Mack's paint appears to be done the same as the darker Cruisin' Lightning McQueen, which is included along with a normal Lightning McQueen. From what I've been told, Mack appears to be die cast metal! The set retails for $29.50 and is ONLY available at the Disney Store and DisneyShopping.com. It is currently on Sale at DisneyShopping.com for $22.99!

So, all you crazy completists can pull your last strand of hair out, as you now have a third variation of Mack alone to collect!! Ay, yai, yai!! It is a cool color though, isn't it?! Can't wait to see a "Plussed Up" Mack from MattyCollector some day!

Again, a special thanks to mi amiga Ivette from Austin, Texas!! She brought this set to my attention and sent along the pic for you to see.

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Disney Pixar Cars - Disney Store Exclusive Cars Nanos

Remember the old Penny Racers? They were the little pullback cars that did wheelies when you put a penny in their back end. The Disney Store has what are called Nano Racers which are pretty much the same. They are Disney Store exclusives and are slightly larger than the Disney Pixar Cars Minis. You can get Cars characters such as Mater and Lightning McQueen. The individual Cars are $2.50, while triple packs are three times the cost at $7.50.

So, another toy to play with on your desk if you need a Disney Pixar Cars fix! They look cute, but I am really partial to die cast metal, rather than plastic.

I still like my Disney Pixar Cars Zip Zaps the best! I'd love to see Radio Shack release more Zip Zaps for Cars 2 The Global Race.

A special thanks to Ivette in Austin, Tehaaas for bringing this to my attention, and sending along photos for all to see!

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Disney Pixar's UP Preview Picture & Synopsis

Synopsis from Official Site: From Disney•Pixar comes Up, a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. From the Academy Award®-nominated director Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc.), Disney•Pixar’s Up invites you on a hilarious journey into a lost world, with the least likely duo on Earth. Up will be presented in Disney Digital 3-D in select theaters. UP opens on May 29, 2009.

I write about Up because as I've mentioned in a previous article, Todd the Pizza Planet Truck will once again be making his usual cameo. I asked all of you where you think we'll see him. Now, I know this is kind of a kooky question when we hardly know anything about the film, but we can assume that most of the film will be set up in the air. Sooooo, I'm guessing Todd will appear in the beginning of the film as Carl's house floats off over the city. I don't think Todd will be in the wilds of South America. Where do you think Todd will show up?

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