Greenlight HD Trucks Series 7

Hi Readers,

My name is Adam, and I am a great friend of Martin. This is my first review, so bear with me. Any complaints can be directed to Martin, since he asked me to help.

Today I am going to be reviewing three new additions from Greenlight’s HD Trucks Series 7.

For those of you who are fans of the TV show “The Walking Dead”, now is your chance to have your very own replica of Dale’s Winnebago. This is a brand new 1:64 model of the 1973 Winnebago Chieftain. I look forward to seeing this model, as it looks really nice in the drawing. Greenlight always focuses on detail, and they have done that again with this model. 

Also part of this new release is a 1:64 2013 International Durastar 4400 box truck. I am a big fan of International (not as much as Martin though), so I am always glad to see new releases of International trucks. This is just a basic Gulf Oil box truck, so there is nothing overly fancy about it, but I still think it’s going to be a really nice model.

The third new release in this series is the 2013 International Durastar Ambulance from the FDNY. This is Greenlight’s first 1:64 FDNY ambulance. For those who are International fans, or FDNY fans, you will know that FDNY never had Durastar ambulances, so I am not sure why they didn’t make a Terrastar model. Nonetheless, it still looks really nice. They adapted the decals that are on the real FDNY Terrastars to fit the Durastar, so it looks very realistic. I am excited to see this model in stores.

Thank you for reading and have fun collecting!

Hot Wheels Car Culture RedLiners

Welcome,

   These new 2017 Car Culture Redliners hit stores late November of 2016. As you know Collectors have been going crazy for the Gasser. I don't blame them, but I blame the scalpers trying to make a few extra dollars. They've made it difficult for collectors to get their hands on these.

Here's a look at this set!

As I've said, this Gasser is really popular. It's one of my favorite castings in this series. Shame that they aren't that easy to find. Seen a scalper grab a case and throw it in his cart. How do I know he is one? I see him selling at swap meets.

Copo Camaro looks so original in this release. I'm really liking it!

Odd looking Corvette but I dig it. I'm very interested in future releases of this casting.

The Mercury Cougar looks amazing in this series. Probably the best release to date!

I've mentioned that RaceGrooves would love this one. I know I sure do! Awesome looking Charger!

Overall, this series is super amazing. No generic or crazy looking cars. Each of the models in unique in its own way! Hot Wheels has done a great job and I hope the rest of the 2017 line is as amazing.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ3ta21U_CI

Thank you,

Martin.

Greenlight Muscle Series 16

Hello,

   Greenlight has released another Muscle series. Series 16 looks amazing. I picked it up mainly for the Camaro SS, but I am liking the other models.

The Gulf Mustang looks Amazing. Along with the other releases this year, this completes a nice set! Cannot wait to see the other Gulf cars and trucks expected in the coming months!

I started to fall in love with this Hell Cat. It's such a great looking model with the red with black rims. I would like to see a black with red Hell Cat. In my video, I mentioned that Greenlight should get together with Motor Trend and do Roadkill cars. General Maintenance would be an awesome hobby exclusive!

Here is a photo of General Maintenance from Hotrod.com

The moment we've all been waiting for.... the 2016 Camaro SS. Seriously who doesn't like this color combo? It has classic Camaro yellow with black and might remind you of the Transformers movie. As a Ford Guy, I do like my GM cars. All hate aside people, let this Camaro shine!

Accidently called this next one a Charger. Oops. Sorry to all the Mopar guys out there. This Challenger is just as classic as they get. Perfect color combo. Greenlight does their classics really well!

Okay Ford guys, another Mustang for you. The Shelby GT500 is not like your average Mustang. Trust me, this car is awesome. If you've driven one, you know how fun it is and how easy it's to go sideways. *It was a one time mistake of too much power after taking off from a stop sign...saved it, didn't hit a crowd or the curb.* Anyway. I would like to see a classic red with white if they haven't already released it. If they did, I must hit the web to find one.

Lastly, another for the Mopar guys. The Roadrunner is just classic by nature. Such a lovely car with a lovely color. You can't go wrong by adding this one to your collection.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM25LqLyufo

Thank you for reading and watching. More to come soon!

Questions Answered and up coming Videos and Reviews

Hello Readers,

I've been asked about the name change so here is an answer..

   Roughly one year ago or more, I've decided on a new YouTube Channel then blog called Martinsdiecastreview. The reason for the change was mainly to sound more professional. After all, this hobby is for my enjoyment, but it is more than that to me. I live for die cast and reviews. I've been collecting nearly my whole life. I still have cars in their package from the 90's! Reviews came around 2009/2010. That year, my first die cast related video was uploaded. It was about showing people that Matchbox made a mistake with call a model by the wrong name plus showing off new castings and releases. For those from the beginning know it bugs me that the International Workstar brush truck was mislabeled. The truck itself was an International 7600 which was made by International from 2003 to 2007. In 2008, International redesigned the truck and dropped the numbers for names. The 7600 became the Workstar. The video took off! I mean it had more views than my other videos at that time. That's when I decided to do reviews. After all that, I started showing off my Matchbox Fire and police Department. I will post the original videos below.


   New videos will be coming out shortly. Tonight, I'll upload a new video to Martinsdiecastreview. With that in mind, I will also post a written review on the blog. Other videos will be coming in the next few days. Greenlight, Matchbox, First Gear, Hot Wheels and so on related. As for my other channels, I will post there too. 

   Since it's becoming harder and harder to keep up with my busy schedule, I've enlisted a good friend of mine whom is a better writer. His name is Adam and he will try his best at it. Please be kind as he is new to this hobby.

Please enjoy these "throw back" videos!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqYvjWYKObc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se2rpFQXq5I

Any questions you might have, please ask. They can be asked at youtube, Instagram: Martintheman16 or here in the comments.

First Gear Ram Trucks

Welcome,

    Are First Gear trucks low end or high end? This is a question that is asked often and I always have this to say.

"First Gear is a brand that is beyond high end and the details are above high expectations."

   With this in mind, I would like to add the fact that the models are more for the older collectors. I got my first, First Gear truck when I was either going to 6th grade or already in that grade. The funny thing about my first truck was the fact that it is a truck I find so ugly and don't even like. For those who know me well, know that I do not like the Mack R model. Ever since I was a kid, I just found it to be ugly. Anyway, that truck started my First Gear collection. The other thing I would like to mention is that you have to be very careful with these trucks. Some of them have small parts which could in fact be broken off.


   Now lets get into this new model! For all you First Gear fans, I cannot wait to get my hands on the new Dodge Ram 5500. I'm sure some of you will feel the same way. Take a look at this beauty!

Best part is, another release of it!

Overall, I am excited and will most likely go crazy and get them. The trucks are scaled at 1/34. Yes, there are moving parts. The boom moves up and down plus turns 360 degrees. The boom extends which is a plus if you're setting up a display to showcase these lovely trucks! For those who do customs, the chassis is perfect!

Incase you were wondering, these models are $85 a piece and well worth it!

Thank you for reading and I hope you will find these models to your liking. Info and pictures are from First gears website.

Greenlight All Terrain Series 4

      They are back and so am I! This time we can't be too disappointed, can we? I mean look at the selection!
How about I put them in order of my favorite to least favorite?

1. 2017 Dodge Ram 2500. This will be the second release of this new casting. First one being in red with black. I picked this one as my favorite because it looks amazing. This actually could be a Sema style truck. It looks perfect for off road. The previous Dodge Ram trucks got nothing on this new one!

2. 2015 Chevy Silverado. This beauty is back and look great in this color! Don't get me wrong, but the colors beforehand weren't as beautiful as this one. although, I would love to see this casting in black bandit series.

3. 1941 Military 1/2 ton 4x4. We all know why this one came 3rd. Look at those flames! The truck overall has an amazing appearance to it.

4. 1977 Ford Bronco. This casting would have been #3 if it wasn't for the beefy tires on the 41. This Bronco is probably the best one released by Greenlight to date.

5 and 6 of course are the two keeps. Don't get me wrong, they aren't that bad looking. They aren't models I'm excited about. I think lately there have been on Jeep over kills with Greenlight and Matchbox. Maybe something new next time around to go with the 2017 Dodge Ram? Overall, this series isn't bad. I might as well get a case for myself and pick up an extra Ram! Can't wait to see this hit the stores!  

K-Day Hot Wheels Collectors Day Event

It's that time of the year again!


Have you placed your order for your cases? I know I have! The reason I buy cases are for review and/or if I cannot make it to the event. Another reason, Kmart has been closing stores left and right. A lot of collectors and scalpers then go to other stores where there might not be enough cases to go around. 

*Update* New list of closing Kmart stores shows my local Kmart near my new house will be closing!

That sucks, oh well.

Excuse me Mattel, can Target hold these events? Before you know it, there won't be any Kmarts. Might as well give it to Target. Why Target? Well lets look at Toys R Us first. They put the stuff out on the pegs. How is that a fair shot at something interesting? Walmart, employees are always hiding stuff for the "collectors." Target on the other hand seems to be more fair when it comes to hot wheels.

Photos from Hot Wheels Collector.com

K-Day exclusive colors -

First to Market -

Not bad at all! If you can make it to the events, good luck! If not, go to kmart.com and order yourself a case or few.  The event is Sept. 24, 2016.

Have fun collecting!

GreenLight Hitch and Tow Series 7

Welcome Back,

Greenlight Hitch and Tow Series 7 is out! This is an amazing series! Mainly because the castings aren't bad at all.

I ordered two cases! Both cases were different. One case will be posted below and the other was posted on my YouTube Channel; Martinsdiecastreview.

 Here we go!

The Dodge Ram looks great! Black and blue go great together! I'd love to see the 2016 Dodge Charger in black with blue stripes.

Ford Explorer came out looking great. It would be nice to see this model return in NYPD colors!

Probably the best model in this case! Glad there were two so I can open one up!

Gulf cars from Greenlight. Keep them coming!

Chevy Silverado looks better than it did in the series before. Eye candy!

I'll open one of these for sure!

I was lucky enough to get a Green Machine in my other case! Below is a picture of the Ram Green Machine I found a few days before.

Have fun collecting!

Not so Popular Castings

Welcome Back!


       We all know those castings that no one likes. They are usually the ones that sit on the pegs for the longest time. It seems like every toy maker has them. Below pictured are some of the ones I've seen.


Most recently, I've found this casting and decided to have a little fun. Look how many I've found! 9 but I'll correct myself. I actually found 10. I missed one on the bottom.

 

Here are some other examples I've taken from my Instagram!


This release of the redlines sat on the pegs for a while. I don't think any of the models from the case were popular. It seemed that the Blazer was the least favorite.



Retro Entertainment models that don't sell. A lot of these are still sitting on pegs. It's a shame.

Even Matchbox has some castings that don't sell. Lucky for us, these are gone. Maybe some crazy collector bought them?





The first release of Jeeps....Those didn't move. Why? They weren't exclusive models. The second releases were. All my stores are out of them. Overall, generic models don't sell. Don't get me started on Jurassic World. Those models didn't even want to move...

Few others;
GreenLight -US Army International Box Truck.

Racing Champs - Everything but chase pieces.

M2 - VW buses from Fathers day 2015.



* Tell us below what sits on your pegs! *



Thank you for reading!
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