Matchbox Working Rigs: 2023 Collection, 05/16 - GM Brightdrop Zevo 800 (FedEx)

GM Brightdrop Zevo 800

I don't often look at the Working Rigs hanging on the pegs at my local stores, but the other night I had to run into Walmart to grab something so of course I make my obligatory run down the toy aisles. Hanging right on the front of the peg, catching my attention was this new FedEx delivery truck. I think I remember hearing some guy on YouTube talk about this release, but this was my first time seeing it in person. One of the reasons I gravitate to the Matchbox brand is because of the models and realistic decos many of them sport. I figured this would blend into the collection quite well.

Upon freeing it from it's cardboard and plastic prison, I was impressed. I could tell the vehicle had some heft to it in the packaging alone. The whole body is diecast metal with a plastic base. The windows are tinted black so unfortunately you can't see into the cab. The FedEx paint apps are fantastically applied to all 4 sides of the vehicle. The rear cargo door even advertises that this delivery truck is eco friendly.

The rear cargo door is also diecast, something I wasn't expecting seeing how it's a functional piece on the vehicle. Not only does the door lift up, but it can be pushed into the cargo bay to keep the door open. From what I've seen most of the Working Rigs vehicles do have moving parts so this isn't anything special on this release, but still a nice touch.

This is a really impressive vehicle and one that I'm happy to add to the collection. I believe Matchbox also released a FedEx themed Action Drivers set...guess I'll have to track that down now.

Auto World: 1971 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 Special - Release 2, Version B

 

Vintage Muscle series

1971 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 Special

Release 2, Version B

Limited Edition

Premium Facts...

* Only 83 units of the Dodge Dart Swinger

Special were built in 1971. All of them

were in Canada as a special order.

* 63 units sold from Crosstown Motors in

Edmonton, Alberta, 18 were sold at

Crestview Dodge in Regina, Saskatchewan,

and 2 throughout unknown sales.

2210

Plum Crazy

Final Faction: Synthoid (Kharn)

I'm not sure what function the Synthoid plays in the Kharn army, but it's nearly on the same level as the Brute in terms of strength. I think it has a marine look with the swept back head and arched mouth. It has 8 small red eyes and a purple circle underneath the mouth. I'm not sure what purpose this serves, maybe it's another mouth or maybe it's a weapon of some type? The back features a pair of 5mm ports for additional weapons sold separately.

The Synthoid's unique feature is that it's limbs are interchangeable. While it only comes packaged with one set of limbs, additional limbs can be purchased and even mixed match for several different looks. The default limbs include a large blade appendage and a more traditional arm limb. The Synthoid has long, squat legs that look pretty muscular, giving me the idea he's fleet of foot. It almost seems as if parts of the limbs and even the legs have a sculpted hair texture.

I can't say the base Synthoid figure is one of my favorite Kharn aliens, but once you start to add some of the additional limbs and weapons it does give the creature an even more unique look. If you're building a Kharn army you'll need a few of these and side by side w/ the Brute they make a menacing looking duo.

Final Faction: Drone (Kharn)

 

Every good alien army needs their grunts to send into battle and for the Kharn that would be the Drone. Their bio mentions being used for both battle and labor operations. They aren't the brains or the muscle, but fall somewhere in between.

The figures are cast in a gray plastic with a teal paint wash application, but only on the front. They have a very eerie looking head with small red eyes, kind of reminds me of the cave dweller monsters from the movie The Descent. From the front the arms and legs look spindly, but from the side view you can see they are larger than they appear. The back of the shoulders and elbows have some sharper edges while the legs are posed in a grasshopper like position. Their feet have two claws if you will on the back which helps give the figure good balance.

There is also a single 5mm peg hole in the upper portion of the back that would later be used with additional weapon packs that were sold separately.

Unlike the other Kharn troopers, the Drone does come packaged with their own weapon. I don't believe the packaging gives this weapon a particular name, but it reminds me a bit of the Needler gun from the Halo games. It's cast in a light blue/teal plastic and feels really sturdy. The Drone figure can wield the weapon rather nicely in either hand.

I ended up buying way too many of these figures, but they are really great. After opening all of the figures this one by far is one of my favorites. The additional weapons packs really helps change the look of these figures so multiples are recommended. There is also a black/green Venom repaint that equally looks great. Even if you don't care for the human Alpha Team 1 figures, these would make some great interstellar cannon fodder for your GI Joe figures to go up against. Think of them as a cousin to the Lunartix Empire!

Final Faction: Brute (Kharn)

If the Drone is the grunt of Kharn army, then the Brute are definitely the muscle. These hulking figures are pretty awesome. The fact that this figure only costs a buck twenty five is pretty awesome. While it stands the same height as the rest of the Final Faction line, there aren't many figures that have the size/girth that the Brute has.

Brute figures have a very intimidating head, with large horns that protrude forward. The red eyes are sunken into the head as is the flat nose. The front of the figure features a silver paint wash over top of the dark purple/gray base. It's bio mentions the skin being so tough it can withstand firepower from a tank. The upper body is pretty large, as are the arms. The legs have the same squat pose as most of the other Kharn do. Like the Drone, the back of the feet have two heels that help stabilize this giant figure. There are two 5mm peg holes in the back that can be used with additional weapons that are sold separately.

The Brute come packaged with their own unique weapon, however the packaging doesn't specifically mention it by name. The weapon is very alien looking, though I'm not sure I've seen anything like it before in other media. It's molded in a dark gray plastic and I noticed some of them that I opened had a rough, 3-D printer type feel. The gun is kind of heavy, but he's able to wield it well in either hand.

The Brute are really cool, chunky figures that are worth the cheap entry price point. Like the Drone and Synthoid figures, how can you not buy multiples. The Venom repaint looks equally great so you can't really go wrong with either version. Highly recommended.

Matchbox Moving Parts: 2022 Collection, #12 - 1994 Mitsubishi Evolution IV

1994 Mitsubishi Evolution IV

I've been buying up all the Moving Parts vehicles that I could for the last few years, but have never taken the time to photograph any of them. Recently I've decided to remedy that and we're starting off w/ this Mitsubishi Evolution IV from the 2022 series.

This casting features an opening hood, a metallic silver paint job, gold wheels and a gray plastic spoiler. The higher price point of the Moving Parts series affords painted details on both the front and rear of the vehicle.

The detailing of the engine underneath the hood is quite impressive. The level of detail rivals even that I've seen on Auto World or Johnny Lightning releases.

I'm really impressed with what Mattel was able to do with this particular model. If all of them are as nice as this one then I'm in for a real treat as I begin to rip open more Moving Parts vehicles!