The Red Hot 2017 Tomica Honda Civic Type R Event Model...

The inner voice of me constantly ring. “Grab the Hot Wheels Datsun Bluebird! “ “Get all the Tomica Civic Type R!” whenever I go diecast hunting. Unlike the Hot Wheels Datsun Bluebird 510 which are pegwarmers in those days, the Tomica Honda Civic Type R are the hotcakes many collectors chase for. Back in 2007 the No. 54 mainline FD2 model was instantly gobbled up with none left behind on retail shortly after it release.

I can’t recall how much I paid for the No. 54 3rd Gen FD2 mainline which now command a high price in the secondary market. And even more expensive for the code 3 custom cars which I will write about in my coming posts. Early this year after the release of the sold out mainline Type R FK2 in 2016. Tomica announce it will release a similar FK2 for their upcoming Osaka Tomica Event Model (TEM) in April. 

Hype and speculation stir up the diecast community and everyone including me hope to get at least just one for their collection which run in very limited numbers for the event. “I can forgo all the models. But I must get the Civic Type R!” which I jokingly tell my friends. 

Similar to the outstanding review of the 1:1 limited run 4th Gen Type R. The toy car version is awesome as well. It sport the similar Milano red body colour as the 2009 Tomica Toy’s Dream Project Mugen RR holy grail with the usual TEM logo on the body. Personally I will dismiss the racing graphic on the tampo and keep it clean, but been a sucker for Type R it sure looks great as a set together with my mainline collection.

Meanwhile I’m looking forward to the Hot Wheels Type R release this year. Given the recent JDM Hype I’m positive they will be gobbled up on pegs by both die hard Tomica collectors who say nay “I don’t fancy Hot Wheels” and hybrid collector like me. And yes I want them all.

Revel Drag Rod with S.H Figuarts 1/12 Harley Quinn

I love them all. 2017 Hot Wheels Fast & Furious series.

Every time I watch the Fast & Furious sneak preview online, I’m looking forward to the Hot Wheels release as well. These F&F series with various movie cars in the assortment is no stranger to every diecast collector. Of course been located in Singapore it’s either I will get it later or never. 

Thankfully my buddies from the north sent me a surprise package with the complete F&F set. So here they are. Usually I will dismiss a couple of casting, but this set is an exception I love them all. We have 4 JDMs in this series which is especially appealing to me as well.

The Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) is everyone favourite. This is the the third repeat variation and will always instantly disappear on the pegs. I still prefer the series 1 with a separate plastic spoiler. In series 2, the spoiler is incorporated to the body which I presume to cut cost. Nevertheless it is still the best seller and a treasure hunt in this series.

Another strong contender is the white Toyota Supra. Unlike the previous Supra. This is the iconic Paul Walker “One last Ride” in F7. It’s also popular among diecast customizer where they can plaster tampo directly on the white body. 

Overall this is by far the best F&F Series in my opinion And the good news is it has drifted to Singapore this week. Happy Hunting!

The key highlights of this year Tomica Event

Tomica Event Model (TEM) is no stranger to every local and serious collector. Every year they will usually have a couple of small scale events around Japan followed by 1 or 2 bigger scale. Unlike past events with the usual repeat castings, they surprise many this year for the Osaka Event held from 27 April to 5 May.

The 3 highlights out of the 8 event models are, The Suzuki Carry Pig Truck, Toyota MR2 and the Honda Civic Type R (FK2). I almost purchase the Nissan Fairlady but for now I will just feature these. 

Some background on getting these TEM. Before the event open, hundreds of passionate local collectors will queue up early in the morning to get their hands on these TEM which starts from 800 yen (USD 7) with a certain purchase limit. I learn from my friend that just after an hour the Honda Civic Type R is limit to now one per visitor. 

There are resellers in the event as well, but in the Japan scene the collectors outshine resellers which I will cover in my later posts. Anyway I’m grateful to get these for a decent price as only very limited numbers will be available on the secondary market.

The made in Japan Suzuki Carry Pig Truck in those days is a highly collectible item for today collectors which no one sees it coming. More are produced over the years as well with variations such as cow trucks and even Snoopy which all now command a high secondary price. Below are just some examples I come across in Japan last year for a near mint casting. 

Hence the reissue No.4 TEM is a god send for many who can’t have one. The colour scheme and mould of the diecast is almost identical with the exception of the 4 pigs which now come with black variation. Maybe it’s the adorable piggies that seem to be a bonus along with the truck that drive up the prices. They look cute on camera too! 

Many welcome the No.6 TEM Toyota MR-2 release as a “new” casting and is a hit among collectors. In fact in the early days, it is released as a No.24 MR-2 (Prototype) with different variation. Along the way Tomica release the Special Event Model and a museum exclusive as well.

Overall the MR-2 looks sleek and street race ready. What makes it looks unique among the TEM is the sunroof as well as the spoiler with black hood. It will most probably be released later in the Dream Tomica line as part of the Initial D Legends series.

Now comes the star of the TEM. The highly desirable No.1 TEM Honda Civic Type R (FK2). This is the cult casting for the Tomica community and a must have for many. Just like the 2016 No.76 mainline pair, the TEM Type R comes in Milano red body with the usual TEM logo.

It cause a stir among the community when many saw the event preview photo and a guarantee sold out model. I will cover more of the Type R in my upcoming post. 

Best of the 80s. Hot Wheels 1987 Toyota Pickup Truck.

I still remember how delighted I am when I pick up the last piece of HW Showroom 2013 beige Toyota Pickup on peg when I started my collecting game. I am born in late 70s and fancy anything 80s.

Shortly after I see another black variant stapled card in my local grocery store in Singapore. Just some background on these stapled cards which are mainly imported from China. Our local shop keeper will usually staple around 36 pieces on a board hanging on their store front for kids to pluck. Been a “carded” collector back then I dismissed it and that was the last black pickup I ever seen.

Along the way I get most of them and a couple of Back to the Future Series for Real Riders swap. They look fantastic! And this is no exception with the latest Mail-In series I got.

We all know Mail-In was exclusively for the USA market and collectors worldwide will pay a high price to resellers including me for a free car. This year is an exception. It all started with the Mail-In Datsun 510 Bluebird. On 28 Jan , Toy “R” US (TRU) in Japan announce you can actually redeem one in store with a minimum spent of 3,000 yen (USD27) . This similar TRU promotion goes to more Asia Regions to Malaysia and Hong Kong last month. I really hope Singapore will be next.

Here’s one that I got from Tokyo. The Mail-In always has a “trademark” Zamac finishing and this is a plus point for the Pickup. It looks rugged and I love the Star Real Riders (RR) Wheels on it. It goes along perfectly with the Datsun 510 with killer details. No doubt this 1987 4X4 Pickup is my most favourite Mail-In along with my Corvette Greenwood. 

Tomica Limited Vintage iconic Mazda 787B 1991 Le Mans Winner Car this September

The month of May is always a delight for collectors and fans alike. We have the iconic May 4th be with you day and another important date for many especially diecast collectors is the 5-10 day. On Wednesday collectors worldwide including me shared many posts and feeds on their precious Hot Wheels Datsun 510 collection and customs within the community. It was mind blowing and it’s getting more awesome every year.

While I was looking at the many 510s. I was distracted by the new products launch from Tomica Limited Vintage (TLV) this September which is now available for preorder. One that immediately caught my attention was none other than the Mazda 787B 1991 Le Mans Winners Car! Yes the 787B! It has always been on the want list for many especially Tomica collectors.

There was a total of 3 runs for 787B. The first was the Made in Japan (MIJ) mainline No.34 in 1992. Followed by made in China version and the RacingCar collection series which now command a high price in the resale market. But now here’s our chance to own one who miss out the previous 3. The construct are similar to the Nissan Super Silhouette series with killer interiors and engine details true blue to the TLV brand.

AT RRP of 8640yen (75.50USD) I admit the prices are on the high side but its worth every penny to own a perfect replica along side with your collection. Other September to be released TLV models includes Datsun 510 Mr.K Volume 2, Bluebird SSS 69s Type in red and silver as well as Nissan Gazelle XE in 2 colours as well. Is it September already?

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