2013 SRT Viper leaked via Hot Wheels blog

While auto enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the arrival of the new SRT Viper a Hot Wheels fan blog T-Hunted has a grainy image of the upcoming Hot Wheels version.  Dodge has been tight about not releasing images of the real car so this is a big deal in Viper country.

Mattel getting advanced car designs dates back to the Custom Corvette release in 1968 before the real car came out with its awesome all-new design.

Hot Wheels Troy Soldier a nod to USC Trojans

2012 Hot Wheels Troy Soldier

If I was a USC Trojan I'd be all over this one.  As it is I'll have to pass.

Interesting concept and execution inspired by Greek soldier uniform.  I like the realistic color influences, the gleaming gold chrome body and the detailed roof/helmet.

I'm a longtime fan of fantasy concept cars but this looks like it belongs in the Rose Bowl parade.  Reminds me of Fleetwood Mac's fabulous song Tusk.  Eventually, this one may sneak up on me.

 

 In the meantime I'm moving on. 

PS

In 1971 AMT released this plastic model kit likely an inspiration for the Troy Soldier.

 

Hot Wheels 2012 Mustang Boss® 302 Laguna Seca Package

Today I opened a  Hot Wheels 2012 Mustang Boss® 302 Laguna Seca Package.  Finally got mine at the Kday event.  Mattel's goofy colored wheels make sense now.  



Kind of interesting that the Hot Wheels has side view mirrors usually found on Matchbox.  Sweeter if they were red like the 1:1.  Also missing is the red grille accent.  Still looks great for a dollar toy.  And the chassis even resembles that of the real car.  Black plastic front air splitter is there, too.*

*Front air splitter included in Laguna Seca Package is intended for race track use only and is not legal for on-street driving. May degrade crash performance and void vehicle warranty. Must be installed by customer.

Fire and Rain : the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, CSNY, and the lost story of 1970

This fabulous book by David Browne is the story of four landmark albums of 1970, "tracing the musical, political, and cultural changes of the time"*.  I've read numerous books about The Beatles yet enjoyed many new details here.  And at least one each about Simon & Garfunkel and James Taylor. Yet I never knew Paul Simon taught music classes. 

Each of the subject artists released iconic albums in 1970:  Let It Be (as well as McCartney's self-titled solo album), Bridge Over Troubled Water, Sweet Baby James and Deja Vu.  Browne alternates between chapters about the artists then talks about the turmoils of the times such as campus riots (Kent State...).  By the time Let It Be was released The Beatles no longer existed.  I remember getting McCartney as a birthday gift that year.  CSN&Y barely existed long enough to release their first album before falling apart due to creative and personal conflicts.

If you like 70s classic rock you'll like this book.  Buy it or check it out from your local library.


-*Library Journal Review

LEGO 6856 Catwoman Catcycle City Chase REVIEW

Although my blog focuses on Hot Wheels last year I posted about the then upcoming LEGO Superheroes series and the return of Batman in particular.  Having missed the previous series released for a short time around 2005 I was anxious to get the Batman minifig as originals command a premium on the aftermarket.

Holiday shopping December 2011 brought me to the mall and to my surprise there was a new LEGO store.  I was happy to see the colorful boxes from the new Super Heroes series on the shelves because they were slated for a January 2012 release.

I bought the Catwoman Catcycle City Chase set for the reasonable price of $12.99.  I had not bought a LEGO set for myself since the Technic's Speedway Bandit car in the early 90s.

Opening a box of LEGOs is not unlike opening a new box of Crayola Crayons.  The distinctive smell and feel of plastic LEGO pieces brings back fond childhood memories.

The first thing I did was open the two clear plastic parts bags and build the minifigs Batman first.  He looks great in 60s retro blue/gray coloring and is available in more contemporary black in other new kits.  The wings look great and are unique to this set but I wish they also included a cape.  Cool batarang weapon, too.

Catwoman looks purr-fectly sexy for a minifig.  Her whip would be more accurate in black but maybe they thought that was too intense for kids.

The Catcyle goes together nicely and exudes quality.  Rolls well on rubber tires and balances nicely by itself to stand without support.  I just realized from the photo that I forgot to install the gray kickstand.  Love the purple fairing.

Now that I've built the set I need to find a place to display it.  My desk is already overflowing with paperwork and Hot Wheels.  In the meantime it's back in the box.

My return to LEGO was lots of fun and this kit is highly recommended.  If I was eight years old again the play value would be exponentially greater.


For more information check out ZoomZoom's review at the wonderful Eurobricks website.