By Maz Woolley
We are approaching the final quarter of 2019 and manufacturers will be keen to have product available as we enter the present buying season. Looking around there is a wide variety of models listed for release in September onward. This article looks at two toy ranges: Jada, and SIKU.
Jada Toys Inc.
Jada is based in California USA and has all its models made in China. The company targets the general market for toys and models rather than aiming just at collectors and like Greenlight it is keen to produce Movie and TV tie-in models from ‘hot franchises like ‘Fast and Furious‘ and has a ‘Hollywood Rides‘ series to cover other film related subjects. In many cases the Jada models have opening parts and are toy like in some respects but for theme collectors they will have an appeal. The models shown below are all diecast in China for the US to 1:24 scale.
31127 Ford Anglia 1959 with Harry Potter Figure
Collectors of Harry Potter themed models are able to buy models from a large scale plastic one from Mattel which is 15 inches long, through other scales like the 1:43 Corgi model with two figures, down to the 1:76 scale Oxford Diecast which is in the correct colours but is not a Warner Brothers licensed product. The model shown above comes with a Harry Potter figurine and lots of opening parts. Though it is a little crude it has lots of play value and for collectors with other versions it would be a worthy addition.
31007 Elvis Presley 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood with Figure
Another well known car which is also available in Greenlight’s range, in this case to 1:64 and 1:43 scale. The Jada model sits above them in size but it is smaller than the Greenlight Elvis Blue Cadillac which is to 1:18 scale. Again a model Elvis theme collectors may wish to add to their collection.
30540 Taco Truck and X Force Deadpool Figure
X Force Deadpool is a multi superhero Marvel film franchise. This model will have an appeal to colectors of Deadpool models and memorabilia. If the evidence of toy fairs is accurate, film related models seem to appeal to a younger set of buyers, many youngsters pestering their Dads for the toys.
31115 Knight Rider K.A.R.R with Working Lights
Knight Rider was a US produced TV series from 1982 to 1986 starring David Hasselhoff. In the 1990s films were made, and more recently another TV series was made. The new Film and later TV cars are very different and can morph into many shapes.
The original car, based upon the contemporary Pontiac Firebird, portrayed a futuristic device with all sorts of electrical gizmos made by Knight Industries to help Michael Knight to fight crime. It was a very popular TV series and many models were produced by Ertl in the 1980s some in 1:18 scale. Mattel have also made 1:18 scale versions of the car too.
Here the car is in 1:24 scale and although it looks at first sight like a pretty standard Pontiac Transam it has an impressive dashboard seen through the opening doors and working lights too, to give it play value. Again something someone with other K.A.R.R models may wish to add to their collection.
SIKU Toys
SIKU are part of the Sieper Group which also owns WIking Models. the SIKU brand is aimed at a younger market and is made to fit a number of standard box sizes each of which has a standard retail price. Whilst their models are simpler and designed to sell to younger children many are convincing models of the original car, especially when they get the colours right. As they are aimed at children there are usually opening or working parts. They do make a a wide range of interesting subjects, and are often well worth owning, especially if the model fits into a collectors theme.
September’s releases have a strong British theme.
1520 Jaguar F-Type R
A neat model, larger than Oxford‘s 1:76. Despite having opening doors the model captures the original shape well. Nice wheels and well painted matt areas make this an excellent effort for a toy.
1521 Range Rover SVR
Like the F Type above this Range Rover model has captured the original well and the opening doors do not mar its lines. It comes with a tow hook to attach to other long running SIKU products like the horsebox, or boat trailer, which are separately available. The wheels and lights are good for product intended as a toy.
1531 Lotus Elise
The final British model amongst this months announcements. No opening doors this time but a really well captured body shape and details printed well. Wheels and tyres are good for a toy with no sign of generic speed wheels as fitted to many of SIKU‘s competitors . Another that a theme collector may well want to add to their collection.
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