Matchbox

Due to stress from work, I rediscovered one of my childhood favorites - toy cars.

It all started with a Fiat 500 that I purchased one time in Toys R Us, that had just been sitting on the shelf. I had really meant to purchase some Coke trucks from the store, but when I saw the red Fiat 500, I aimlessly put it in the basket also.

Now, I have several new cars, I mostly purchase Matchbox, since this was the brand I grew up with. Back in the late 80s, Hot Wheels featured mostly concept vehicles, and Matchbox would make use of existing and past models for their die cast. I preferred the more realistic vehicle offering of Matchbox, owned by Tyco back then.

Mattel, maker of Hot Wheels, has purchased Matchbox already - and as I'm discovering, Hot Wheels is now starting to build up on realistic vehicles, whereas Matchbox designs are starting to have concept vehicles. I really wish they stuck it out with the old formula. Now, the collection I'm starting to build up is a mixture of both brands, much to the dismay of Kim, who recommended that I choose just one brand.

I also miss the Matchbox Motorcity and Car Wash playset I used to own before. These are considered vintage now, and the new playsets Matchbox, and Hot Wheels, has been coming up with as of late, don't really match the versatility that the Motorcity line of Matchbox had.

I'll post pictures of the Matchbox Adventure Links Service Center playset that I purchased in the Toys R Us sale in Crowne Plaza from last weekend. I had it set up and its on my bed, and I'm starting to realize that one playset for the number of cars that I currently have - it looks like EDSA during rush hour.

Keep you posted for more!