September 2003 Archive

9/30/03 - Code 3 Millennium Falcon
Apparently, Code 3's new $300 Millennium Falcon has begun shipping.  You can read all about it by clicking on the following link:

http://www.rebelscum.com/article.asp?i=44743

9/25/03 - New Finds Today
On my way into work, I stopped into Target this morning where I found two new pieces for my collection.  First, I was ecstatic to find the new 1:18 scale Herbie from Johnny Lightning.  This piece is even MORE impressive in person.  The details are fantastic.  This car instantly becomes one of my favorite pieces in my collection.

After finding Herbie, I turned around and started looking at the Hot Wheels.  There, right in front of me, was the Hot Wheels First Edition Batmobile.  Apparently, it's not based on anything seen in the movies or on TV, but there is a similar larger-scale version that is part of the new Batman action figure line.  According to an auction I saw on eBay, this 1st Edition Batmobile can be found with and without the Bat-Logo in the top left corner.  I don't know which one is more scarce.  It's a nice addition to my Batmobile collection.

9/25/03 - New Offerings from Diamond
Picked up the latest edition of Diamond Distributors' Previews catalog.  A few new 1:18 scale cars are being solicited. 

- Ghostbusters Ecto-1 (the prototype is shown above) comes with a bonus Slimer figure.  Scheduled to ship in April 2004 at a cost of $40 from ERTL.

- The Munsters Drag-U-La was unveiled in the film Munsters Go Home! and was later featured on the TV show.  Scheduled to ship in April at a cost of $40 from ERTL.

- Scooby Doo Mystery Machine comes from Johnny Lightning's new 1:18 scale line.  Shipping in January at a cost of $24.

9/23/03 - The Simpsons Cars Found at Toys R Us
Yesterday, I popped into Toys R Us and saw the Springfield Elementary School Bus.  Today, I went into another Toys R Us and saw the OTHER three cars (but no bus).  I picked up Homer's car for my display.  I really like these.  I think they're going to be hot, hot, hot.  Jeff Koch of Johnny Lightning hinted on the Hobby Talk Bulletin Board that this may be the FIRST series of cars.  He said we'll be seeing re-decos of these same 4 cars before seeing new cars.

9/23/03 - Supercar Variants Arrive
The Misc. Mayhem exclusive variants of the Supercar arrived in the mail this past weekend.  They are pretty cool.  I especially like the "black & white" version of the car.  Each variant is on a unique cardback that sports the Misc. Mayhem logo.  The package also included a Supercar #0 comic book, an ORIGINAL pencil sketch (number 20 of 50) and a certificate of authenticity.

9/17/03 - 1:18 Herbie the Love Bug in Stores Now
According to sources, Johnny Lightning's 1:18 scale version of Herbie the Love Bug is in stores now, plus there are several auctions taking place on eBay.   I haven't seen one in stores yet, but I'll pick it up when I do.  I've only been collecting 1:18 scale TV and movie cars for a short time, but this is a must-have.

9/15/03 - Supercar Ready to Ship
Sorry for the lack of updates lately.  There's not a lot of news out there to report.  I did recently get an e-mail from Misc. Mayhem Productions saying that their exclusive Supercar promos are ready to ship.  http://www.miscmayhemprods.com/supercar/platinum/

And this BARELY counts as TV and movie car news, but Johnny Lightning's '48 Tucker Torpedo is apparently hitting stores, judging by the auctions popping up on eBay this month.  The Tucker was the subject of the 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream starring Jeff Bridges.

9/3/03 - ERTL Updates Website with New 1:18 Offerings
Visiting ERTL's website, I noticed they updated it for the first time in months.  There is no 1:64 scale news, but there are some interesting 1:18 scale tidbits.  Upon entering the site, there is information about new Austin Powers 1:18 scale cars offered under their new Joyride Studios division.  The cars will include Austin Powers' Shaguar, Felicity Shagwell's Corvette and the Mini Cooper featured in Goldmember (pictured top left).  Click on the following link for more information:

http://www.rcertl.com/brand/company_info/press_releases/2003/081803_austin_powers.shtml

The site has also posted a photo of the upcoming 1:18 scale car from the film The Car (shown top right) and has also officially announced a 1:18 scale version of Drag-U-La from The Munsters.  The Car will be available this month and the Drag-U-La will ship in December.

9/3/03 - September Q&A
I've selected 5 e-mails to feature in this month's Q&A.  Topics include:  Space 1999,  Herbie the Love Bug, Convoy,  Hollywood on Wheels 5 and models from The Dukes of Hazzard.