Haul of the week (week 3 sept 2009)

Recent Weekend hauling before the festive holiday and score some very interesting models, sadly the price are also interesting at rm6.50 a pc. The following are the haul i manage to get..

Matchbox - Dodge Monaco Police Car
HW - Dodge XP (Green)
HW - Surfin School Bus (Brown)
HW - WV Thing (Orange) "NEW"
HW - Bye Focal (Blue) "NEW"
HW - Tri & Stop me (Orange) "NEW"
HW - 2010 Ford Mustang GT (Blue) "NEW"
HW - Custom Cadillac (Purple) "NEW"

**NEW (My 1st time see on shelves in local market)

=================================================

Haul of the week (week 2 sept 2009)

My 2nd week of Sept haul is very small only, not much but it feature my favorite casting, a Dairy Delivery. Also a Monster Jam truck that 1 of my friend help me get at C4 (Carrefeur).

Sweet Rides Series Dairy delivery
(Click pics to enlarge)

Debating the questions on "To open or Not to open, That is the questions?"

Monster JAM Series Spike
(Click pics to enlarge)

==================================================

Error, Error - Surfin' School Bus

Surfin School Bus

The Surfin' School Bus appear in 2009 Hot Wheels city works segment series. Spotting a brown body color and black flames with green lining on roof and side of the bus. Green Window with black interior and plastic base, but there more then meets the eye.

Recent finding of the SSB (Surfin School Bus) shown that DEV (Defect/Error/Variation) appear in this casting. A missing chrome engine of the SSB on carded. Really a DEV that should not have happen. What happen to the QC for hot wheels basic cars? Anyway, there are collector out there that collect DEV such as this and is regarded more hard to find then a typical Treasure Hunts on shelves.

More photo reveal that it is not a custom job, no opening of base to remove the engine whatsoever. A 100% DEV from Mattel either its accidental or not it has made it way to the market and how many have made it out?

(Click on photo to enlarge)

======================================================

BBURAGO : NISSAN GT-R (1/43)

BBURAGO (Italy die-cast brand) has recent release some of the newer diecast cars in 1/43 scale in its "Street Fire" series. The Nissan GT-R in pearl white color, also available in maroon is one of it. SRP is RM14.90, fairly reasonable for a simple 1/43 scale diecast.

Box packaging with see-thru window as shown in pics, nothing fancy. The brand, series and scale of the cars are display but not the car name. Car are not tie or hold firmly in box but loosely moving forward and backward.

This GT-R feature pearl white body paint with tinted glass window. No side mirror there, wheels and base are in plastic. The base are not screw or rivet to the car body but rather SNAP on it. Definitely suitable for those wanting to custom this as the base is easily to take out and snap back in.

Paint detail at the rear such as rear light and break light, "Nissan" & "GT-R" logo is shown, even the GT-R logo at front. The wheels design is a disappointment though, but at rm14.90 a piece, no complain here.

Overall, a nice decent piece of 1/43 scale featuring the newest model with a reasonable price in the market. Go for it if you collect this model in all its scale.

=================================================

Hotwheels : Volkswagen - part 2

More Volkswagen from my collections, here are 5 of the Baja Bug Volkswagen from various series. (Click to enlarge pics)







====================================================

Hotwheels : Asphalt Assault - Part 1

(Click to enlarge pics)

The Asphalt Assault (AA) at Hot Wheels was design by Phil Riehlman and was the casting that started me into diecast collecting in mid 2006. My 1st Asphalt Assault (AA) was also my 1st Treasure Hunts series hence my obsession with this casing then.

AA was 1st release in 2004 and is still new with an average of 2 releases per year. The AA also available in Mcdonalds' Happy Meal promotion with a slightly difference and simple mold. The AA spot a sporty look sport cars and also a 3 vertical opening on its engine hood. I will feature some of the individual series featuring the AA in my future post.

================================================================

Hotwheels : Anglia Panel - Part 1

(Click to enlarge pics)

The Anglia Panel Truck at Hot Wheels was design by Phil Riehlman and was 1st release in the year 2000. It has to date appear in over 20 difference series raging from 1st Edition series to Treasure Hunt series, from HW Classic to Rods series as well as in 2pack and in 10 pack.

This Panel Truck feature an openable engine hood and also a wide body for some very interesting design and tempo. I will feature some of the individual series featuring this Panel Truck in my future post.

======================================================

Hot Wheels - Treasure Hunts (pre 2007)

(click to enlarged pics)

Some of my other pre-2007 Treasure Hunts series cars. Take note that casting for Treasure Hunts series before 2007 are all with Real Riders Wheels with the exceptional few with Plastic wheels for bike or CO-MO wheels for others. So there is no such thing as Super or Regular for them. Some so-called collector always treat these old hunts as $uper Hunts as it got real rider wheels ~sigh~

================================================================

MAISTO - NFS :UNDERCOVER

Maisto have acquired the right to the game NEED FOR SPEED : UNDERCOVER to produce a series of 1/64 as well as 1/24 scale diecast cars based on the game whose platform include PS3, XBOX 360 and PC console. Each of the cars in this series feature stunning artwork and also a free hidden code to unlocked item in the game.

There are 8 model to choose from in this series which is show below. Cars are in rubber wheels and some with special body paint. The mustang feature openable door and the rest are not. The setback with this series is that the SRP is MYR$ 26.90 each, they are available at all major departmental store as well as hypermarket and specialty store.

NISSAN GTR

DODGE VIPER

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO X

PORSCHE

PORSCHE

LAMBORGHINI

MUSTANG

CHEVY CAMARO

Overall its a nice set to collect, if only the price is not so pricey.

================================================================

Haul of the week (week 1 sept 2009)

(click to enlarge pics)

Some of the stuff i got over the weekend. Not much but am glad cause trying to save up for future releases. Stuff i got include :

Volkswagen 5-Pack
HW Drag Racers 5-pack
Ferrari Racers : Ferrari FXX (black)
Asphalt Assault - 1st edition (loose)
Enzo Ferrari - Ferrari Racers (loose)
Ferrari 308 GTS - Ferrari Racers (loose)

=================================================================

Hotwheels : Custom Cougar - Part 1

(Click to enlarge pics)

The 2002 1st Editions release of Custom Cougar at Hot Wheels is design by Mark Jones and is not to be mistaken with the one by Harry Bradley that was release in 1968 (both designer uses the same casting name). To date the Customs Cougar has appear in series that associates with some of the big names like Batman, Yu-gi-oh and also SEGA.

The Custom Cougar feature a transparent engine hood and a slick sport body design equip with some of the best graphic tempo. I will feature some of the individual series featuring the Custom Cougar in my future post.

============================================================

G-MACHINE 1:50

For those who like die-cast a little bigger size then the basic 1/64 scale, maybe the 1/50 scale of G-MACHINE be of interests. The Series mainly focusing on Muscle Cars models and is divided into 3 sub-series which is the "New additions, "Street Legal" and "Classical Gassers".

(click to enlarged pics)

These G-machine rides on rubber wheels with tons of amazing tempo and sponsors name on it. Great detail on both external and interior. Have a closer look of some of them G-machines below as seeing is believing.

(click to enlarged pics)

==========================================================

Hot Wheels 2008 - Treasure Hunts (Carded)

(Click to enlarge pics)

At long last, i've completed my 2008 Treasure Hunts series in carded but only the regular/normal version. The loose $uper version has been completed sometimes back last year. Read about it here .

Only 2 from the set are the US card, hoping to get international card for replacement so my set would be fully complete. Until then this would be suffice for now.

=====================================================

Hot Wheels 2007 - Treasure Hunts

(Click to enlarge pics)

The year 2007 Treasure Hunts (T-Hunts) series bring a whole new meaning to the word "$UPER", as Mattel decided from that year onwards there will be 2 version to the T-Hunts Series. As decided the usual limited produce T-Hunts featuring Real Rider (rubber) wheels and special body paint would be the $uper T-Hunts whereas a "normal" or "regular" version of the T-Hunts would be with normal body paint and plastic wheels and will be produce more but still limited. Hence the regular T-Hunts would be easier to find then the $uper.

List of the casting for 2007 T-Hunts Series :

1. ´69 Pontiac GTO
2. Nissan Skyline
3. ´69 Camaro Z28
4. Corvette C6R
5. Mega Thrust
6. Hammer Sled
7. Brutalistic
8. Jaded
9. Enzo Ferrari
10. Custom ´69 Chevy
11. Cadillac V-16 Concept
12. Evil Twin

Photo for 2007 $uper T-Hunts

(Click to enlarge pics)

=====================================================

News : Health - H1N1 (Prevention Tips)

(Taken from an Email i received from a Dr Friend of mine)

Thanks to media hype about H1N1, several people who trust me have either approached or called me to advise. The hype in media about the utility of face masks and N95 respirators as a tool for general protection against H1N1 can't be deplored enough. Yesterday, a friend who listened wanted me to write down briefly what I advised so that he could tell others in similar words. Hence this short email to friends whom I have advised recently (and others whom I haven't yet). Please realize that this is not an official advice, especially the one about face masks or N95.

Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ, while the size of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net.

Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps - not fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications) .

2. "Hands-off-the- face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc/bioflavonoids to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public hospitals.