If you didn't realize it, Mattel previously released a Lightning McQueen and Mater in the 1:24th Scale. They were originally released a few years ago at the Disney Store and locations such as The World of Disney at the theme parks. They sold for $19.99 and were only available for a short time. Once again, Alternator Valley reader Tim, has contributed some fine pictures of his Mater in 1:24th Scale from the Disney Store for us to compare.
Mater (Disney Store) looks pretty good for $19.99
Mater (Matty) reveals treaded tires, more detail and deco
Mater's (Disney Store) detail looks well done
This New Mater (Matty) is far more detailed
It is interesting to take a side by side look! The NEW Mater has much more deco and detail. Martin Arriola from Mattel's design team told me this previous Mater can't compare to this new Mater. I hope not, as the NEW Mater will run you $50.00 instead of $19.00! Again, Mater is expected to come with a dust cover made of chipboard with full color printing, and will be shipped in a corrugated shipper. There's no release info. We all know how "reliable" MattyCollector.com has been. Only time will reveal what Matty has in his big ole head!
Subscribe to Alternator Valley and you'll get the best Cars news First!
What better way to end the week, than with another Special Preview! Today, I have both Mater and Ramone in the 1:24th scale and they're terrific! These are "First Looks," and are not the final designs. Here you go...
Mater has far more detail than the previous 1:24th release
Mater will sit on a stand with no acrylic cover due to cost
Ramone in 1:24th Scale, High 'n' Low Ramone unfinished and Purple Ramone both in 1:55th Scale
Ramone in 1:24th is poseable and done in VUM (Vacuumized Metallizing)
These are very cool! Mater has much more deco and detail. I was told the previous Mater done in 1:24th can't compare to this new Mater. You've got to love the fact that you can pose Ramone's hydraulic lifts! They are expected to come with a dust cover made of chipboard with full color printing, and shipped in a corrugate shipper. I don't have any release dates for you yet.
Subscribe to Alternator Valley and you'll get our Special Previews First!
Good things are always turning up here at Alternator Valley. You never know what tomorrow will bring! Today my friends, I have another Special Preview for you! You get to see the First pictures of Barney Stormin' all decked out in Red, White and Blue from "Mater The Greater!" You also get to see the Sidewall Shine Hauler in all his glory! So, let's get to the photos...
Barney looks cool in his Red, White and Blue!
Barney Stormin' to Control Tower, I'm ready for Take Off!
Barney can do Barrel Rolls with the Greatest of Ease!
I previewed a number of superb "Mater The Greater" prototypes a week or so ago. Barney is just the latest in the "Mater The Greater" group, and looks as incredible as the others!He'll be in the 1:55th Scale and likely fly into the stores this fall.
Sidewall Shine parks with his Hauler to meet his fans!
That Big Ole tire sure shines in your eyes!
The Sidewall Shine Hauler is expected to be released on October 1, 2009. As you know, this could change and I will update you if this occurs. For those of you who have superb vision, Sidewall Shine's eyes are the new lenticular design. They were photoshopped to make them look normal for the photo above. Pretty sweet stuff today!
I told you I'd have some great photos for you today, and thanks to Martin, you get to preview the John Lasseter Signature Series Car and Case in the 1:55th scale! This very well may be the final design, but some additional changes may be done before it goes to production. So, here it is for your viewing pleasure...
Lightning sits on raised posts like a beauty on a pedestal!
A view from the top on a sunny day!
Kinda looks like the Sheriff on the lift at Doc's!
The clear bottom is made to look at Lightning's chassis!
Acrylic can make a simple thing look quite elegant!
The Cars logo, Character Name & John Lasseter's signature!
Remember, only the 1:55th Cars will come in this type of case. Here's a unique piece of info for you real collectors...both the body is die cast and the chassis is die cast, terming this a die cast, die cast. So, expect this baby to be heavy!
This is the FIRST time the chassis of a car will be painted in such detail, thus the clear case for you to view the fine workmanship. Hot Wheels has never even done this!
Also, don't forget the cool Soft Shore PVC Real Rubber-Like Tires with Tread Pattern. Pixar wanted Lightning on the treaded pattern for authenticity. Realize that he was only on slicks in two races, which accounted for a very short time on film. The fact is, most of Lightning's time spent on camera was during the time he was in Radiator Springs wearing treaded tires.
Finally, this case is stackable, and you may eventually see this type of case for the 1:24th size. I've been told it will all depend on how well the 1:24th's sell.
This FIRST piece is expected to be released on MattyCollector.com on April 15, 2009. It is expected to retail for $20.00 and be a Limited Edition of 10,000. It will be available to our International Friends/Collectors! It will come to you in a white cardboard shipper and make your day when you open it!
Subscribe to Alternator Valley and you will be an expert collector! http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
I know a lot of you collect pins in addition to Cars die cast toys. I thought I'd let you know about a few Cars pin sets that may interest you. You can supposedly order both sets I'm going to show you. I personally like the Mystery Tin Set.
The first set is being released on March 24, 2009 at Disney World. It is an Open Edition Starter Set and will retail for $24.95. You get four pins...a Lightning McQueen, a Mater, a Chick Hicks, and a pin with Guido and Luigi. You also get a lanyard and the set comes packed in a plastic pouch. You can check it out at this link Cars Pin Set
The second set will be released on March 27, 2009 at Disneyland. It will be a Limited Edition Set of 2000. This set will contain ten pins...a Sheriff, a Sally, a Ramone, a Luigi, a Guido, a Mack, a Lightning McQueen, a Mater, a Sarge and a Doc. They come packed in a metal tin, and you get four (4) randomly packed pins in each tin. Each tin will cost $32.00. You can check out this set at this link Cars Mystery Tin Set
Hopefully, I'll have some pics of some upcoming releases for you you this week!
Subscribe to Alternator Valley and be Happy! http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
It is Hollywood's Big Day...The Oscars will be awarded this evening! Our perennial favorite Pixar, has been nominated for both Best Animated Feature Film with "Wall•E," and Best Short Film (Animated) with "Presto!"
"Wall•E" goes up against Dreamworks "Kung Fu Panda," and Disney's other nominee "Bolt," for Best Animated Feature Film! "Wall•E" took home the Golden Globe already this year, and LIVE RESULT: "Wall•E" took home the Oscar as well!
"Presto" goes up against four other nominees..."La Maison En Petits Cubes," "Lavatory - Lovestory," the short I think could beat "Presto," called "Oktapodi," and "This Way Up" for Best Short Film (Animated)!LIVE RESULT: "La Maison En Petits Cubes" took home the Oscar. A funny moment as the Japanese creator said, "Domo Origato, Mister Roboto!"
I also thought a look at the Cast and Crew of Disney Pixar's "Cars" would be a fun thing to do today. You may be surprised at who has been nominated and who has won an Oscar!
John Lasseter has been nominated for an Oscar five times. His only win was for "Tin Toy" as Best Short Film, Animated. He was also awarded a Special Achievement Oscar for the groundbreaking "Toy Story" in 1996! I think he should have won for "Cars" in 2007, instead of those stupid Penguins from "Happy Feet!"
for:Toy Story (1995) For the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film.
We were all sad to hear of Paul Newman's passing. He was nominated for an Oscar ten times! He only won once for his role in "The Color of Money," in 1987! We all wonder if Doc will be featured in "Cars 2, The Global Race."
Best Actor in a Leading Role for:The Color of Money (1986) Paul Newman was not present at the awards ceremony. Robert Wise accepted the award on his behalf.
In recognition of his many and memorable and compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft. Paul Newman was not present at the awards ceremony. He gave his acceptance speech via satellite from Chicago.
Bet you didn't know our favorite rusty car Fred, was voiced by "Wall•E" director Andrew Stanton! Tonight, Andrew was nominated for his fifth Oscar. Andrew previously won once for directing "Finding Nemo!"LIVE RESULT: Congrats Andrew on your second Oscar for the Best Animated Feature Film with "Wall•E!"
Cameos can bring in "Big" names like Tom Hanks, who's been nominated for an Oscar five times. He struck Oscar gold back to back for his performances in "Philadelphia" in 1994, and "Forrest Gump" in 1995! Tom will be reprising his role as Woody, in "Toy Story 3" coming out in 2010!
I hope you enjoyed this look at the Cast and Crew of "Cars," and their connections to Oscar! I certainly learned a bit more about them I didn't know. You can click on the many film titles to read and explore more. Maybe "Cars 2" will be nominated, and win Best Animated Feature Film of 2013!
Take home the gold by Subscribing to Alternator Valley! http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
Here are the latest Pictures of Frank in a Progression from Raw to Painted. In addition to these great pics, I'm going to discuss the "Drop Test" that toys must go through, and how it applies to Frank.
Frank Painted and Nearly Ready for Production
A Look at Frank from the Top
Even Frank Has a Rear End
Take a Look at Frank's Under Carriage
Frank Has Dirt in His Eyes in This Prototype
Prototypes are done to arrive at the best execution of the product. Paint schemes, color variations, scale, and materials are some of the details designers consider when using prototypes.
I was talking to Martin from Mattel about the plastic parts on Frank. I mentioned it would be cool if Frank had aluminum smoke stacks. He brought up the fact that all toys have to pass a "Drop Test." The "Drop Test" is done by dropping a standard toy from a height of 36 inches to see how it holds up. Thirty six inches is the average height of a table a child would play on. To pass the test, a toy's parts must be able to stay on, or be put back on, and not suffer damage where jagged edges or sharp points result from the drop. With toys that fly or simulate flight, the height of the drop is 96 inches. If Frank had aluminum smoke stacks, they may look cool, but they'd get bent up and damaged in the "Drop Test." Therefore, they have to be done in a hard plastic.
NEW Cryptic Shout Outs! Good evening to my readers in London, England! Say Hello when you have a chance.
Remember the Story Tellers die cast Cars? They were Target Exclusives that came out a number of months ago. The stories came from the "World of Cars" book. The first story in the book is called "Hoodwinked." It's about a mean ole tow truck named Bubba, who taunts Mater and challenges him to a race. Jeez, everyone wants to pick on poor old Mater! I'm sure many of you thought the series was over. Well, here are pictures from the book, along with the Public's First look at Bubba!!
Bubba Towers over Good Hearted Mater!
Bubba Taunts Mater and Won't Give Back His Hood!
Mater and Bubba Face Off Before the Race!
Mater is Going to Show This Big Hunka Junk!
Bubba Has a Cocky Look on His Grill!
Bubba Can't Handle the Turns and Loses the Race!
Direct from the Mattel Design Studio! Here for the First time...is Bubba!
Anyone Called Bubba, is Usually BIG!
Bubba the Big Boy, is Even Bigger than Red!
How Big is Bubba's Gas Tank?!
Bubba is Expected to be released as part of the Story Tellers series on September 1, 2009. I would expect the series to continue to be Exclusive to Target.I asked whether Bubba would be packaged the same as the previous Story Tellers releases, and was told the packaging may very well change. We'll have to see how Bubba looks once he gets his paint job.
Be a Piston Cup Champion and Subscribe to Alternator Valley! http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
See as a new day dawns, who knows what surprises today will bring! Today, I have the Scheduled Release dates for "Mater's Tall Tales" 1:55th die cast toys. As goes with Mattel, remember that this schedule could easily change!
Tokyo Mater and Kabuto who challenges him to a Drift Race!
1/1/10 - Dragon Lightning McQueen with Oil (Tokyo Mater)
1/1/10 - Kabuto (Tokyo Mater)
Dragon McQueen looking Fierce!
2/1/10 - Sedan Sensei with Mustache (Tokyo Mater)
2/1/10 - Godzilla Tuner (Tokyo Mater)
I haven't seen "Tokyo Mater," and am curious to see more of the characters from that great short! If the prototypes for the "Mater The Greater" samples I've already shown you are any indication, we've got some superb die casts toys coming! As an interesting tidbit for you to ponder..."Tokyo Mater" will introduce you to the most new characters of any "Interstitial!" Thus, my continued speculation that all these characters will lead us roaring into the..."THE GLOBAL RACE!" You can be assured I'll bring you the latest news and photos as I get them.
Don't Come in Last Place! Subscribe to Alternator Valley and Finish in First! http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
I e-mailed and talked to my main man Martin from Mattel today. We concluded there was nothing for me to write about from his end. Although the Toy Fair started, he told me there was nothing new we haven't already seen. We are in a real slow period at the moment. Well, at least I reported a lot of exciting news to you a couple of weeks ago! Right now, I'm not allowed to discuss future releases. So, today I'll just say there is nothing newsworthy to tell you. I'll have to see what tomorrow brings! You know if there is something to report, I'll be here to tell you all about it!
Can you tell which is die cast metal and which is plastic?
Alternator Valley reader Tim, sent me these pictures of these two Mack Haulers to compare for you. It is tough to tell which is die cast metal and which is plastic. The top is the Target Exclusive, which is made of die cast metal and manufactured by Mattel. The bottom is the Disney Store Exclusive, which is made of plastic and manufactured by Disney Consumer Products.
This plastic version has a beautiful paint finish!
I touched upon the Disney Store Exclusive a number of weeks ago. You can see the plastic version is a longer and more accurate Mack in scale to Lightning McQueen. The Target Exclusive is a true die cast metal, and is shorter due to bringing it to retail at a reasonable price. I own both versions, but I prefer the good ole die cast metal!
Subscribe to Alternator Valley and Get All the News!
Everyone likes to save money. Today I saw that DisneyShopping.com started a Presidents' Day Sale and they have Disney Pixar Cars stuff! Here are a couple of things you may want to add to your stash...
Cars Mack Truck Carrier
Cars Tire Shaped Carrying Case for 1:55th Die Cast Toys
I haven't seen the Lightyear Tire Carrying Case before. I've seen a similar Hot Wheels Case. About two years ago, I spoke with a Manager at Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney in Orlando, he claimed a huge Cars Carrying Case was coming that would hold 35 Cars. That never materialized! This case looks like a DisneyShopping.com exclusive. Happy Shopping!
Don't Be Left Out! Subscribe to Alternator Valley and Stay in the Know!
The original host of this blog is temporarily offline. I am turning over the blog to 2 of his friends who are going to continue his blog until he has recovered from a serious incident with his health. Thank all of you for your continued support and best wishes for his healthy and speedy return to wellness.
Welcome to Alternator Valley
Alternator Valley is down the road from Radiator Springs. Our little town is here to help you enjoy Disney PixarCarsDie Cast Toys! If you're from the Media, have a Newsworthy Story, or need to contact me, please address your e-mail to AlternatorValley@cfl.rr.com
Be Sure to BOOKMARK US!
All images and copyrights belong to their respective owners, and this blog and writer have no "Official" affiliation with Disney/Pixar or Mattel.
Mater (Disney Store) looks pretty good for $19.99
Mater (Matty) reveals treaded tires, more detail and deco
Mater's (Disney Store) detail looks well done
This New Mater (Matty) is far more detailed 
Posts
