Let's start the week off with a bang! Here's a look at two New Launchers that will be coming out some day! I've got Re-Volting and N2O for you today...
Re-Volting Rebuilt Alternators are sold in finer Alternator Valley auto parts stores
N2O Cola's fizz gives any car a turbo punch!
If you're like me, you haven't been collecting the launchers. Did you know however, that the idea of the launchers is to be able to reproduce all of pit row? So, even though you may have most of the Cars, you may want to start getting the launchers so you can have a complete set.
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Did you ever see this bigger version of the Tractor? The Tractors are muy popular! For a second day, Alternator Valley fan Tim, provided these great pics for all to see...
Well son, remember to run fast when Frank is mad
The Tractor looks like he's die cast! Dadgum, I'd say so too!
This Tractor is definitely a 1:24th Scale. He was available at the Disney Store and is die cast. We know they tip over when someone scares them while they're asleep. What else can these darn critters do?!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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
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All images and copyrights belong to their respective owners, and this blog and writer have no "Official" affiliation with Disney/Pixar or Mattel.
Re-Volting Rebuilt Alternators are sold in
N2O Cola's fizz gives any car a turbo punch!
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