TLV with Hino HHH transporter & Mazda RX-7

Tomica Limited Vintage (TLV) keep making headlines for 2018 with their awesome releases especially on the Blue Collar Trucks. After the Hino Tractor head they have a wing trailer for May which literally blows me away! That’s not all. In August TLV is coming out with the mind blowing Hino HHH341 Heavy Equipment Transport Trailer!

This is the mother of all trailer for the TLV truck series! The flatbed can even carry the standard Hino tractor head or multiples castings. This is even bigger than the heavyweight Hino transporter and god knows what the packaging size is. Believe me TLV will have the magic to make them quite compact.

Also for August is a pair of Toyota Corolla 1600GT in gray and red which falls into the Nostalgic category with impeccable details and never fail to impress collectors. The highlight of all is the upcoming release of the Subaru 360 and especially the Mazda RX-7 (FD3S). As a RX-7 lover I am super excited about this casting. I know TLV is true to the actual 1/1 cars you see on road but I can’t help but pray that they will release the Initial D Redsuns version or at least the theme in yellow.

Unlike other model car makers who just bet their dollar on the most hyped castings such as Datsun 510 and Skyline to milk our money. Tomica and TLV been in Japan will produce any castings regardless if they are in high demand which earn my respect. TLV is always on the forefront in the mini cars market and never fail to amaze collectors worldwide.

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2018 New Majorette release with Honda Civic TypeR Preview

For Majorette fans rejoiced! If you are not, 2018 is a good year to start collecting Majorette mini cars as they have a whole new range of new releases slated for this year. First big thanks to Majorette for these samples! The one I’m most excited about is the new Honda Civic TypeR casting. I am 100% positive that this will be in every collectors want list.

The 1/58 TypeR comes with the signature pearl white finish body with opening hatch. It comes with a 6 spokes rim with suspension and rolls superb. Needless to say this is definitely the most anticipated casting for 2018 and I believe Majorette will do a few more colour variations of the TypeR. Just be sure to do one in Police version :) Fingers crossed.

For Skyline collectors, Majorette has the MJT Motorsport livery which is a nice addition to their GT-R fleet. The castings is basically the same except for the new racing livery. The next in line is the VW Polo WRC casting which is similar to the No.1 collectors favourite the Redbull Racing Team. This Polo comes with the default VW Motorsport livery and definitely pairs well with the Redbull Team.

The Toyota Hilux Revo is also a new castings for 2018. I received the most query for this when I shared it on IG. It do not have any opening parts but it will definitely go along with majority of Majorette play sets or into your collection if you are a truck lover. Not to mention the full range of Majorette 2018 release will be displayed at our Singapore very first Diecast Expo on 28 - 29 April at National Design Center.

I will share a few more upcoming Majorettes in a bit and remember to stayed tuned to Hot Kustoms YouTube channel or follow me on my IG @hotkustoms. Overall 2018 is looking very bright for Majorette!

Hot Kustoms Walk-Thru: Tomica Limited Vintage Toyota Crown Wagons

Yes we all love the Datsun / Nissan wagons but let’s not forget about Toyota. Tomica Limited Vintage (TLV) has faithfully produced these beautiful crown wagons in 1/64 glory true to its 1/1 counterpart. I’m looking forward to the Osaka Prefectural Crown Van Police which has just released as well.

For now let’s do a short review for the ’73 Crown Van which were released on Jan. As usual they came in a pair with nostalgic lime green similar color to my fridge in the early 80s and light gunmetal gray color in my term. As usual the TLV packaging box is consistent through out with no updates to the packaging design unlike the Tomica Premium series.

For wagons mini cars collectors these pair is a god send. Intricate details, trimmings as well as realistic wheelsets true to the promise by TLV. At a recommended retail price of approx 2500 JPY (23 USD) the price tag is worth every penny. Of course throughout the years TLV has released several of these Toyota Crown wagons castings which I will walk through them in my video except for the latest release. 

The castings featured are:

• Toyota Crown Van Deluxe (1973) Green

• Toyota Crown Van Deluxe (1973) Light Gunmetal Gray

• Toyota Crown Van Deluxe (Taiyo vol. 5) Light Blue.

• Toyota Crown Wagon Pearl Blue

• Toyota Crown Wagon Pearl Blue

• Toyopet Crown Ambulance (5th Year Anniversary Edition)

• Toyopet Crown Osaka Police

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Tomica 2018 Tokyo Auto Salon Exclusive

The annual Tokyo Auto Salon held in Japan attracts not just thousands of car enthusiasts but also a large number of Tomica and diecast collectors as well.

Of course Tomica has a booth every year with a snake queue of buyers way before its open to lay their hands on the Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) exclusives.

Unlike the Tokyo Motor Show the TAS series always have the hottest car. This year line up include:

• TAS Honda Civic Type-R

• TAS AE86

• TAS Mercedes AMG GT-R

• Lexus 10th Anniversary Lexus RC F

These TAS set is strictly limited to 3 sets per visitor so if you want another 3 sets you will have to rejoin the queue which you will practically spent half a day for the queue.  Or you may opt to return the next day. I heard the set was sold out on the 2nd day.

As much as I appreciate these. These cars are actually just another mainline reissue with special paint with the TAS logo slap on it. Nothing really extraordinary about it except it attracts many resellers who want to lay their hands on it for resale as the run is limited to just one run. The box design as always are top notch with TAS branding. Except the Lexus which is beautifully designed with carbon fibre texture print on the box flap just like Nismo editions.

Overall I must thank my friend who help me and a few others secure a set after hours of queuing to make this review possible and into my collection.

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Found 36 pieces of Majorette 4X4 Toyota FJ Cruiser at TRU

Stoked to find more than 36 pieces of Majorette first to market Toyota FJ Cruiser at Toy R Us yesterday. The finishing is well done consider that it's at a more economical price at close up.

It's a huge casting  at 1/53 scale. Nevertheless it's a great addition to add to your Majorette Vintage collection.

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My favourite Hot Wheels wheelswap with real ri...

A walk through of 32 castings in my Hot Wheels collection which I have wheelswap and updates

those wheelsets from time to time. I always have fun with Hot Wheels, not to mention wheelswap 

are addictive. 

1. 2017 Honda Civic Type-R

2. Datsun 240Z (Zamac)

3. Datsun 510 Bluebird

4. Nissan 350Z (F&F series)

5. Nissan Skyline R34 Road (Trippin series)

6. Nissan Skyline R34 

7. Nissan Skyline R34 (F&F series)

8. Nissan Skyline R34  (Zamac)

9. Honda Civic EF (Zamac)

10. Nissan Skyline R32 (Gran Turismo series)

11. Nissan Skyline R32 (5 Pack series)

12. Subaru WRX STi (Thunt)

13. Datsun 510 Wagon (Japan Historics Car Culture series)

14. Datsun 510 Wagon (Kmart)

15. Datsun 510 Wagon 

16. Datsun 510 Wagon (Zamac)

17. Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-X Hako (Road Trippin series)

18. Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-X Hako (Redline series)

19. Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-X Hako

20. Subaru Brat (Cool Classics series)

21.Subaru Brat (Trucks Car Culture series)

22.Range Rover

23.Ford F-150

24.Lamborghini Super Trofeo

25.Honda S2000 (Cool Classics series)

26.Ferrari Berlinetta (Zamac)

27.1987 Toyota Pick Up

28.1987 Toyota Pick Up (Cool Classics series)

29.Nissan 180SX

30.Datsun 510 Wagon (STH)

31.Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R Kenmeri 

(Japan Historics Car Culture series)

32.Porsche 993 GT2 (STH)

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Hot Kustoms Unboxing: Tomica Tokyo Motor Show 2017 Favourite

Sharing my latest Tomica Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) 2017 purchase. The models featured are:

• Tomica Netz Hyogo Toyota 86 Pair

• TMS 2017 Nissan GT-R

• TMS 2017 Honda NSX

• TMS 2017 Lotus Europa SP (Circuit Wolf)

• Dream Tomica No.148 Lotus Europa Circuit Wolf)

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Hot Kustoms Review: Hot Wheels Mail In 76 Ford Gran Torino & 56 Chevy

Happy that Mattel extend these Kmart Mail in cars to other Asian region such as Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and finally Singapore! They include: • Datsun Bluebird 510 • '87 Toyota Pickup Truck • Long Gone • '76 Ford Gran Torino • '57 Chevy Convertible

Hot Kustoms Review: Dydo, MBX Customs, M2, Hot Wheels, Nissan/Toyota Ral...

A walk through on all my JDM minicars in Safari/Rally Type deco including Dydo recent purchase.

• Dydo - No.11 Nissan Bluebird 1600SSS

• Dydo - No.12 Nissan Bluebird Rally Type

• Dydo - No.14 Toyota 1600GT

• Dydo - No.17 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R

• Dydo - No.18 Nissan Skyline Racing

• Dydo - No.20 Nissan Fairlady Rally Type 

• Hot Wheels 2016 Car Culture Track Day Datsun Bluebird 510

• Hot Wheels 2015 Heritage Redline Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R

• Hot Wheels 2014 Mainline Toyota Celica

• Matchbox 2016 '71 Nissan Skyline 2000GTX Custom

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 Toyota86 TRD Griffon 1 of 6000