The official Maisto “Daily Doses” blog has announced plans for the creation of a new online fan club geared towards the hardcore Maisto collector. The club will focus on bringing more information and die-cast goodies to fans of the brand via a membership-based club. Both free and low-cost premium membership levels are being created to allow all levels of collectors to become part of the Maisto community.

Los Angeles-based marketing agency, RAINDEO | BEAUTIFUL has been selected to spearhead the fan club project after their success the brought Maisto with last holiday’s Rock Crawler Giveaway. The first order of business in creating the new club will be to select its official name, and collectors will be invited to help make that selection via a voting process that should be opened to collector input within the next week or so.

Its good to see a larger manufacturer like Maisto deciding to put some money behind building a community platform for their collector base. If done properly, this could really give Maisto a boost in attracting the more hardcore collectors to the brand, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this new endeavor changes their brand perception.

Stay tuned for more information as things progress towards the anticipated Fall 2011 launch. Until then, be sure to check out (and “Like”) the Maisto page on Facebook.

These great shots of Maisto’s upcoming Special Edition 1:24 scale Nissan 370Z appeared on their Daily Dose blog this week.

The team over at Maisto recently shared these pre-production shots of the new 1985 Toyota Pickup casting that will be part of their upcoming Fifty5’s line launching this summer. Up until now, only artist renderings had been available via the Fifty5’s product page. A 1985 Pickup in a diecast line called “Fifty5’s” you ask..? Its all about the scale. Each casting in this new line will be 1:55 scale.

Images courtesy of the Maisto Daily Dose Blog

Fans of Maisto’s Elite Transport line are in for a treat with their first release for 2010. The new line has something for everyone by offering a nice variety of themes and castings.

Click any of the images to see a larger version

Having trouble finding these in your local retail store? Head over to Diehard-Diecast to purchase any or all of the 8 pieces from this release.

Maisto is one company that is very hard to find up to date release information on. In this article I will attempt to inform you of all the 1/64th scale car lines they have to offer and show some photos of some of their line. The main two lines are: All-Stars and Pro-Rods, with sub categories to each.

Series 9.2 includes: ’36 & ’37 Ford coupe; ’32 Ford Roadster; ’36 Chevy Pickup; ’29 Ford Model A; ’50 Merc.

SUB-Series include: Tour Buses – Red and Blue colors. Fresh Pair – Two cars released together in a single pack. Transporters – 4 color choices. Elite Transporters – A Flatbed style truck w/car; a Tow Truck w/car; and Pickup w/trailer and car. Limousine – Stretched cars and SUV’s. Rescue Force – Police and other emergency vehicles.

Cars include: ’65 Mustang; ’62 Chevy Biscayne Wagon; ’62 Chevy Bel-Air; ’55 Nomad; ’67 Mustang GT; ’69 Corvette; ’70 Nova. Some cars have exposed engines which are: ’71 Vega; ’93 Mustang Cobra; ’70 GTX; ’64 Galaxie 500; ’68 Camaro Z28. A sub-series in the Pro-Rods line is the Haulerz line which has four styles of cabs to choose from.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The “In the Stores” column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Its been a while since I’ve posted anything Maisto related on the site, but how could I not after seeing these shots posted by collector zamac84 over on JOESDIECASTSHACK.COM. Maisto did a great job on this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible. Zamac84 also reports that the piece was only $8.50 at Walmart. You certainly can’t go wrong for that price! Click either image to see the full size picture.

[via joesdiecastshack.com]

Just a quick reminder that the crew over at DIECASTLIVE.COM has teamed up with Maisto to offer collectors the chance to win some really great Maisto prizes! Two contests are still underway and they are open to all registered forum members. If you still haven’t checked out DIECASTLIVE.COM, then now is a great time to register and check out the site. After signing on, be sure to head straight over to the Contest Forums to join in the fun!

[via diecastlive.com]

Collector chboja shares these shots of the upcoming Outlaws line from Maisto. This series is certainly an old school rodder’s dream come true. Cadillac-addicted Maisto designer Castro even threw in a custom Deville for good measure! Click on any of the thumbs for the full sized pictures.

Look for these to hit your favorite retailer soon or check out eBay or one of the many online diecast retailers to snag the complete set!

[via joesdiecastshack.com]

Long time collectors of Jada Toys and Maisto should be familiar with what artist and designer Castro has done for the hobby. His significant contributions at both companies have helped forge new directions in the types of products available today. Not too long ago we posted about his Outlaws line with Maisto and now we get a look into his brand new baby – Gascaps!

The initial release includes a total of eight vehicles covering a wide variety of styles from a Merc and VW Bus (both shown) to a School Bus and GMC Denali! Each three-inch piece includes lights, sound, and the trademark oversized gas cap. The best news is that Castro and Maisto scored prime real estate at your local Target – so keep your eye out for these coming soon!

As of this posting, Maisto has yet to update their official site with pictures of all the cars from the first release. To check them all out, use the link below to jump over to Castro’s MySpace page where you can see all eight plus much more of his amazing art!

[via Castro on MySpace]

Rat Rod fans rejoice! Castro, the uber-talented designer at Maisto gave collectors a glimpse of the new “Outlaws” line that should be showing up in stores soon. He also indicated that there WILL be chase cars mixed into cases. Infact, the Bare Metal/Black ’29 Ford Model shown in the picture is one of the chase pieces! Click the picture for a close-up.

[via joesdiecastshack.com]

As posted on DIECASTMAX.COM:

“It’s undeniable that the diecast car market is trending away from where it has been since around 2000 when new diecast companies like Maisto, MotorMax, Welly, and others couldn’t seem to release enough new models in a zillion colors with an unlimited production. Many serious collectors bemoaned this overabundance of mediocre releases of boring street cars. Now their seems to be little choice in the matter as the well has dried up and 2007 will see the lowest number of new releases in a decade with some companies choosing to either delay or scrap new releases or exit the market entirely. Maisto will reportedly not release any new 1/18 Premier Edition models, instead choosing to revamp existing molds. Ertl RC2 will only release a handful of their limited edition Authentics models. Highway 61 will have some fresh cars but no word from Lane Exact Detail on their high-end, superb quality 1/18 scale American muscle car offerings. Even Jada Toys has slowed somewhat and will throttle back their stock despite feeling the pinch less than other developers due to foresight in purchasing metal contracts in advance. Their wholesale costs have risen only slightly from last year. Our advice to the diecast model car collector? Choose your purchases wisely and look for high-quality limited edition pieces for the next few years. Like it or not, this downturn is likely to last.”

[via diecastmax.com]

Maisto’s presence at the 2007 DCX Expo was certainly nothing to sneeze at, and we caught a glimpse of what they brought through Roy Nakamura’s pictures last week. MAISTO.COM has also put up a selection of photos over on their own gallery for your viewing pleasure so be sure to check them out. Use the link below to make the jump!

[via maisto.com]

Over on HOBBYTALK.COM, Fred Bloods from 1STOPDIECAST.COM let collectors know the line-up for the new 1/64th Scale All Stars Release 7.1 due in stores this May. VW fans will certainly be thrilled!

1967 VW Notchback – Red / Black Roof
1967 VW Notchback – Lt Blue / White Roof
1967 VW Squareback – Primer Black with Graphics
1967 VW Squareback – Primer Black DE Surf
VW Beetle – Charcoal / White (Wahoo)
VW Beetle – Purple / White
VW Samba – Orange / White
VW Samba – Flat Gray with Graphics
VW Karmann Ghia – Black / Charcoal
VW Karmann Ghia – Blue
VW Fastback – Black / Charcoal
VW Fastback – Purple / Flat Black

[via hobbytalk.com]

Joe Falco from JOESDIECASTSHACK.COM shares some information (via fellow collector Romero39) about a new series from Maisto that is showing up at Shell gas stations. The series contains the following 1/64th scale castings selling at $4.99 each:

’70 Challenger
’87 Chevy 1500
’62 Chevy Bel-Air
’06 Ford Mustang GT

A 1/24th scale 68 Shelby GT-500 is also available for $19.99. At this time, the only picture available to share is this fairly blurry one showing the ’87 Chevy 1500 and the ’70 Challenger. We’ll share more as they come about!

UPDATE: Poster Randy1501 has added great photos of all 5 Maisto/Shell vehicles – click below to check them out!

[via joesdiecastshack.com]

VWVORTEX.COM forum poster gtidude2000 gets the “Prankster of the Week” award for this little mock-up of a MK2 GTI that never was. He was able to fool a few fellow forum members until one called his bluff. Now only if Maisto would produce a real one!!

Head on over to the Vortex forums with the link below to see the original post.

[via vwvortex.com]

Poster Randy1501 over on JOESDIECASTSHACK.COM hits readers with a barrage of posts showing samples of the new lines Maisto will be bringing to market this year. Each post gives features a variety of pictures of cars in the lines creating a nice preview!

Maisto’s new lines (with links to each post) will include:

Outlaws – old skool, “rat rod” style castings

T-Lugz – Cartoon-style castings with collectible figurines

Lifterz – Customized pickups with realistic lift-kits

Pro-Street – Big Block Muscle Drag Cars

Stay tuned for more information as these lines get closer to hitting retailers!

[via joesdiecastshack.com]

Over in the Diecast & Model Car forum on vwvortex.com poster sbvwfanatic shares a interesting discovery found in the latest issue of Diecast Magazine. The first page ad of the latest issue reveals that Maisto will be offering the VW R32 (MKIV) in 1/24th scale. Photos on the page show four different color variations including black, yellow, blue and red.

This is definitely exciting news for R32 and MKIV owners (like me!) who happen to collect!

[via vwvortex.com]

Interesting quote from Maisto management…

�We had a very good year internationally, and we see that continuing for 2007. But our category is not exactly on the upswing. So we have moved beyond die-cast into other areas of vehicle play, such as R/C, juvenile die-cast, etc, as well as moving out of the vehicle aisle with other products such as our Drama Queens BabyBoos and Cinnicats.�
�Rick Berman, director of marketing, licensing and design, Maisto, Fontana, Calif.

Looks like the increasing costs of materials is making it hard to pay the bills as a diecast-only company. First Chub City from Jada, and now this. We’ve seen the Drama Queens, but BabyBoos and Cinnicats? What could these be?

[via playthings.com]

JDS poster Sixty8hotwheels gives us a glimpse of the new flatbed hauler from Maisto. This piece features a metal body with a plastic base, as well as a flat bed that slides and tilts to form a ramp. Poster wilcoxg has spotted them in his local Target at a price point of $7.

[via joesdiecastshack.com]