Jada Collectors rejoiced when two new lines began popping up on the pegs as we rolled into the 2011 collecting year. The first of those is the new 1:64 scale Bigtime 4Wheelin’ series thats a strong offering and rapidly becoming a hit with collectors of both off-road vehicles and monster trucks alike.

If you haven’t been able to catch a look at these first hand in the stores, then this overdue multi-part pictorial should wet your appetite for Wave 1 of these dirt loving beauties. Be sure to hunt these down at your favorite online or brick and mortar retailer if you like’em. We need to let Jada know that the collectors are still craving all things with that distinctive “Jada style!”

Part 1 of this 3 part series features the 2006 Hummer H1 and the 1957 Chevy Suburban.

Click on any image to see the larger version

There are a growing number of collectors in the diecast community who question the merits of collecting customized pieces or the so-called Code 3 class of diecast.  That question is becoming more relevant as an increasing number of diecast customizers appear on the scene and that the Diecastspace.com KustomKon Conference (the first ever event geared specifically for diecast customizers) just wrapped up this month in Dallas. Here is a short explanation of Code 3 diecast (or Codes 1 and 2 for that matter) for those of you that may be unfamiliar with the term(s).

Code 1

A Code 1 diecast refers to a casting/model built by an established manufacturer that is available to the general public via some form of mass market outlet.  Examples of this are Mattel’s Hot Wheels and Matchbox, Johnny Lightning, Greenlight Collectibles, etc. which are sold thru outlets like Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, and Target, a local independent hobby/toy store, supermarkets, drug stores etc, etc, or thru a hobby specialist website like Milezone.com or 1stopdiecast.com.

There is also a new, smaller group of Code 1 diecast that has also come into play only within the last few years. Three players have emerged bringing forth their own lines of brand new castings and covering them with some pretty wild themes. This new breed of diecast manufacturer includes Dave Chang’s Kustomcity EVO line, Lou Tanahara’s Custom Crew Sledster line, and the recently introduced Dreamliner line by Chris “Nightstalker” Walker’s Alien Projects. All of these independents have conceived fresh castings, produced on a limited basis, by independent manufacturers, and are sold thru venues like conventions and internet websites. All of these brands have a growing fan base of admirers and collectors, as well as escalating prices for their rarer models. These newcomers bring a fresh perspective as to the direction the diecast collecting hobby is going in years to come.

Code 2

A Code 2 diecast car is a casting/model that is built by an established diecast manufacturer again like Mattel, Jada, or M2 Machines etc, etc to be sold exclusively by only a select retail outlet(s) or website like McDonalds kids’ meal promos or only being sold to select people who are part of a members only club like Mattel’s RLC, the older Snap-On dealer exclusives or the Johnny Lightning Collectors Club.  These Code 2 cars are usually sold in a limited quantity run or sold only for a short time or maybe even both.

Another type of Code 2 cars are ones made for specific diecast conventions by various major manufacturers. The cars are generally commissioned by a private party or convention promoter and sold only to people admitted by paid admission to the event. This even applies to the convention’s traditional Sunday toy show where the general public is invited in. Usually the public is either let in shortly after the convention-goers have entered or are charged a fee to enter. Examples of this type of Code 2 cars include pieces offered by the Strauss conventions, The Gathering of Friends, Lightning Fest and other events. If a non-club member or non convention-goer wanted to purchase these cars they would have to go on a secondary market like eBay or a toy show.  These cars are also usually made in limited quantity, and no more are made once the outlet that commissioned the car is sold out. 

Sometimes there are occasions when the Code 1 and Code 2 lines are blurred and things get a little confusing. Examples of cars like this are; Target exclusive tin cars, Wal-mart exclusive paint jobs, K-Mart day exclusive cars and even cars for the K-Mart and Toys R Us mail-away promotions.

I feel that cars exclusive to Target, Wal-Mart, or K-Day but can be bought at the store level are prime examples of cars that fall into the Code 1 category.  Even though the cars are usually more limited in production that most Code 1 cars and there will be people who don’t have access to the stores selling these cars in their area; they are still available to the general public in and they are still made in much higher numbers than most Code 2 cars.

I feel cars like the ones that are part of K-Mart and Toys R Us mail-away promotions tend to fall into the Code 2 category. These pieces typically require the collector to gather receipts and proofs of purchase in order to receive them. If you don’t go to those particular stores and collect the necessary requirements needed to obtain the car, you would have to buy or trade for them elsewhere. Other examples of Code 2 cars include those made exclusively as a corporate promotion. Examples of these would include pieces from the likes of Snap-On tools or cars for a diecast hobby specialist website. These cars are also usually made in a limited number, are available for a limited time, and may only be available as a mail-in, in-store offer, or through the a specific website. It often helps to join the mailing lists for these locations so you’ll get advance notice of their impending sales.

Code 3

Code 3 diecast cars are simpler to explain, but are often categorized into different sub-categories.  This type of diecast is typically created from an established manufacturer’s casting, stripped of their original paint, tampos and packaging; then re-painted and re-packaged by someone else.  There has been a surge in the sales of custom diecast pieces during the last 4 years. Most custom diecast pieces, but not all (I would say 85%), are created from Hot Wheels castings. Some “diecast customizers” come up with pretty amazing designs that are quite different from what is typically found on Code 1 and 2 cars. Some Code 2 cars do rise above the sometimes humdrum norm of diecast design and are very distinctive; but most never capture the uniqueness of Code 3 customs.  

One of the largest and most well-known Code 3 customizers is Liberty Promotions [LP].  They produce models with custom themes in quantities that tend to average around 2500 cars per run.  LP’s models are collected by a broad array of collectors, and the secondary market prices for some of their rarer “Rebel Run” issues can become very expensive. I would even believe that some newbie collectors are unaware that LP’s cars are actually customs. I usually joke with my friends that LP has become so well known their cars should be classified as a Code 2 ½!

The current crop of top customizers who sell their work include a diverse spectrum of people like Jimmy “The Boxman” Chavez who is known for both his wild packaging (and indoor sunglasses!) to others like Diecastspace.com Diecast Hall of Fame inductees Bryan Pope of Pope Designs, Chris “Nightstalker” Walker of Alien Projects, Vince “V-Man” Mosley, Jay Holt of Execution Customs and Sherry Abbey. These customizers have built a large following of adoring fans who try to gobble up their customs as soon as they become available. They have been honored over and over again with custom contest awards for their creations.

Popular “up and comers” in the customizing arena are folks like Dino LaSpada (LB Customz),  Tony Monzon (SDChopShop) and “Crazy” Kazy Kishi and Chojiro of Japan- who are crafting wild and far out pieces that win the admiration of their peers and dazzle people like me who can barely draw stick figures! There are also many, many more great customizers out there just producing for the love of customizing. I can’t even begin to list all of their names, but I have been fascinated with their work for a long time.

The next type of code 3 cars has really exploded over the last few years; the RAOK!  What’s a RAOK you ask?  It’s a gift of a car given from one person to another as a sign of friendship without expectation of a return gift.  It’s a [R]andom [A]ct [O]f [K]indness gift!  Custom RAOKs are passed out between friends/acquaintances at a convention or a local club party/meeting.  Most Custom ROAKs are usually created/commissioned by the giver and are in a baggie with a custom printed header card. I love receiving RAOKs and am very appreciative of all the cars I have been given over the years from so many different people; especially since there is no way I can reciprocate for reasons previously mentioned in the last paragraph.

Code 3 cars also figure prominently at diecast conventions. For many years the Strauss series of conventions have used Code 3 cars as prizes for their Button Bingo, Poker, and Dinner giveaways as well as their Newsletter member appreciation car. Most Code 3 cars given away by Strauss come in a vast array of colors with some very low production numbers that add to their collectability. Other conventions venues like Diecastspace.com and the RIHWC Summer Smash conventions utilize code 3 cars as their convention and souvenir pieces. These are usually made by a wide selection of admired customizers who add an air of distinction to the piece. Many of these pieces are also becoming very collectible and sought after.

And even after all of the examples I have brought up about various Code 3 diecast cars; many people still don’t think they are worth collecting.  So here are my answers to the many questions/concerns still out there about collecting Code 3 cars:

Q/C) Some people think that since Code 3 cars aren’t built by a major manufacturer, their collectability and future value suffer.
A) Untrue.  As cited above many Liberty Promotions Rebel Runs go up in value.  This is also the case for many Strauss, Pope Designs, Nightstalker, and Dave Chang EVO customs as well. 

Q/C) Some people feel they can’t justify the purchase price of some customs for sale.
A)  Many people only have a limited amount of funds these days and need to spend their money wisely.   This is all the more reason to buy only the diecast you really like.  If you factor in the time, materials, and limited production numbers of many diecast for sale vehicles; you can see why they cost what they do.  Most people buy customs because they enjoy the individuality of the cars vs. the commonality of mainline diecast or relate to the theme and appreciate the time it took build the car.

Q/C) I never seem to know when the customs for sale cars are available and miss out.
A)  This is where the buyer has to do their due diligence and invest a little time.  There are a few things you can do to insure you are in the loop or know when you can buy a customizer’s next offering.

1. Join a customizer’s website email announcement list.  Most customizers have one and you will always know when one of their cars is up for sale either online or at a convention.  You’ll have to have fast fingers to buy most customs online so set your alarm for five minutes before sale time to make sure you’re on the net and ready to buy.
2. If you have the time or can afford to do so, go to a diecast convention at least once in your collecting career.  Conventions will open your eyes up to a whole new side of collecting.  Here is where you can make friends and connections and learn about custom collecting first hand.
3. Scan auction sites like eBay, Scoomer, and The Toy Peddler or go to your local hobby show.  Even though you may possibly have to pay higher secondary market prices for a custom, you can pick and choose the designs you like best.  There will always be folks who buy a custom piece to try and flip it for a profit.  This may take it away from someone interested who won’t flip it but capitalism is what makes the world go around.  Only the collector has the power and final say whether the price of admission is too high or not.

So, should diecast collectors consider collecting custom pieces?  It boils down to so many factors and tastes that some say there isn’t just a yes or no answer but I say yes; collect the customs you like and can afford. They will bring a fresh perspective and centerpiece to your collection as well as a hot topic amongst your friends both enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. 

As the title of this article says, the beauty of a custom is truly in the eye of the collector and if you pursue the beauty of custom diecast, I’m sure you will find it to be a great new place to explore. As always, I welcome everyone’s opinion and thoughts about this article.  Let me know what you think in the comments section below!

“Papa” John Schnatter’s famous 1971 Z28 Camaro has virtually become synonymous with the brand by its appearance on commercials throughout the past year as well as in 1:64 scale diecast form. Collectors of larger scale pieces will want to check out this new 1:24 scale version of John’s pride and joy done up using the Camaro casting from Jada Toys. You’ll need to get it while its hot though, as this will only be available for a limited time for $29.99.

Click here to jump over and order up a nice hot slice of diecast!

Diecast designer and artist, Luis Tanahara has worked in many places over the course of his career. His designs can be found on a variety of Hot Wheels and he virtually built Jada Toy’s diecast line from the ground up. Of course, these days he’s the creative force behind The Sledster and The Custom Crew brand.

While The Custom Crew is his main focus, he still finds time to work on special projects – the most recent of which is a cool team-up with Johnny Lightning. The result is this sweet looking 1959 Chevy Impala that will be part of the Black with Flames series.

(Pictures courtesy of JohnnyLightning.com)

Long time Jada collectors will notice that the familiar black with green flames design pays homage to two different pieces Lou did a few years ago. Johnny Lightning’s “Black with Flames” series has always been popular, but I have a feeling this piece in particular will be in extra high demand.

The word on the street is that is won’t be the only collaborative effort between JL and Tanahara. Stay tuned for more!

Here’s a look at some of the latest Jada products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Jada, a company I find very hard to get new information on, has released Wave 12 of their Big Time Muscle line of cars. Do out in February and March. This line consists of a variety of Camaros, Corvettes and Mustangs. See the picture to the right for some examples.

Also, watch for some new Battle Machines coming soon to stores. Take a look at this new Bel-Air Taxi.

* – 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.

This time around we sit down with diecast and toy designer, Eric Tscherne. We’ll learn about about how Eric got into the business and has built a diverse career that has spanned Mattel, Jada Toys, RC2, and Upper Deck. We’ll also find out about his current and upcoming projects now that he’s freelancing as ET Designs.

Listen to the recorded show from the audio widget on this page or check out the catalog of previous shows on the Saturday Nitro page.

Its been a while (unfortunately) since I’ve posted anything about Jada. However, on a recent swing by their official website I was pleasantly surprised to see the announcement of a new line called “Battle Machines.” The first wave will consist of 12 1/64 scale cars made from 6 brand new castings (two unique designs per casting). In addition, five of those six castings are licensed vehicles.

Jada says “Big guns, big engines, massive body armor and crazy styling make this collection unique.”, and I have to agree. The images posted so far give off a “Mad Max Meets The Fast and the Furious” feel. I have to give props to Jada for this pretty slick new direction that will hopefully attract both collectors and a younger audience.

Jada’s Battle Machines should be hitting brick and mortar retailers in the next few weeks. Until then, here are some images which are also available from jadatoys.com as downloadable wallpaper for your computer desktop.

Click any image to see the larger version

[via jadaclub.com]

Why pay secondary market prices when you can get a limited edition 2009 Super Convention commemorative piece straight from the source?! DieHard-DieCast created a limited run of just 100 of these 1947 Ford COE Box Trucks that were available at the show. A small quantity still remain and are being made available directly from the DieHard-DieCast website for just $32.

Click any image to see them up close

[via diehard-diecast.com]

This week Greg Rogue from DieHard-Diecast.com announce the release of a new Limited Edition run of Jada ’47 Ford COEs that are sure to gain some attention. This is the first of what he hopes to be many pieces in their new exclusive DieHard DieCast brand. There are also quite a few other “firsts” associated with this release:

• - First time Jada has made a line with exclusive packaging
• - First time Luis Tanahara has designed a package for DieHard-DieCast.com
• - First time for a Jada Toys limited edition this small of a run
• - First time the 47 Ford COE is in this special Liquid Purple
• - First time a Jada LE will be available at only one website

There are only 3000 pieces in this first release. Each piece is available for $5.99 (plus S&H), and combined shipping is available for orders of more than two. Use the link below to jump straight to the order page where you’ll also get a preview of a few other Code 3 designs that are currently in the works!

[via diehard-diecast.com]

Last night marked the launch of DiecastSpace.com’s Saturday Nitro, the web’s first LIVE radio show focused on collecting die cast. The inaugural show was host by “yours-truly” and featured the amazing and uber-talented “Big Lou” Tanahara!

After a few technical problems were solved the show got off to a blazing start and continued on for almost a full hour and a half. Lou and I talked about how he got his start in design and the die cast industry, touched upon his years with Jada and his more recent projects at Tanahara Design and the new Custom Crew brand. Of course, we saved the best for last and revealed (almost) all the additional details about his highly anticipated Sledster. I believe one of the only details left to be discovered is what lie inside that gorgeous trailer!

The fun part of using BlogTalkRadio for the live show platform is that the listeners actually get to be a part of the show. Several collectors called into the guest line and were able to ask their questions directly to Lou himself. Collectors also gathered in the chat room and were able to ask from there that I would then pass on to Lou. Once the live show ends, listeners can continue to submit their questions through the Saturday Nitro group on DiecastSpace.com.

Each an every episode of Saturday Nitro will be recorded and made available for everyone to listen to if they can’t be part of the live show. I’ve made the show available here in this post and will also be providing access to this and all future shows via a special Saturday Nitro page here on diecastAUDIO. Of course, you can always find the shows on DiecastSpace.com and their BlogTalkRadio profile pages as well.

Future episodes of Saturday Nitro have already been scheduled and will feature special guests such as Tom Zahorsky from Johnny Lightning, Hot Wheels author Mike Zarnock, Tom Long, owner of GMP Diecast and Lee Pearlman, owner of Liberty Promotions. The hosting duties will be split up between myself and Alan Paradise from DiecastX Magazine.

We hope you enjoy(ed) the first show and we look forward to providing more excellent die cast oriented entertainment in the future!

As car enthusiasts, we’ve been able to enjoy drawings and photographs of it. As diecast collectors, we’ve been able get our hands on it from manufacturers like Jada Toys and GreenLight Collectibles. Now, AUTOBLOG.COM lets us know what its really like to experience one first hand!

Last week the folks at Autoblog got to spend time with the Hugger Orange hued Camaro Convertible Concept that GM brought out to California. The result is a great article with plenty of juicy “tid-bits” about what will present in the final production run of the car as well as an amazing photo gallery containing 52 shots of the beauty! Click the link below to make the jump over to their site for the full story.

[via autoblog.com]