Hotwheels 250GTO and Scorching Scooter

I'm back in Manila and as usual, I went for my rounds. It seems that the recent release of Hotwheels doesn't attract my attention; I was quite disappointed when browsing through the sets. Anyway, I only managed to end up getting these; Black Ferrari 250GTO and Scorching Scooter

Hotwheels gono Biking!

Ok, I have suddenly got attracted to the Hotwheels bikes; I don't know why but once I take them out from the card, they just look so unique. So here they are; from left to right "Pit Cruiser" (I think I have got this a few months back), OCC Splitback, Canyon Carver. Oh BTW, OCC stands for Orange Counter Chopper.

Hotwheels Ferrari 308GTS

As Singapore is preparing for their 2nd F1 Night Race, 7-Eleven taking this opportunity, with Hotwheels, to boost their sales. And of course, it will work with a person like me as I'm personally a Ferrari diecast collector whenever my wallet permits ;). Here's what I have got
I can only say I simply love this model as I think it's very detail for Hotwheels standard. Other than this, another model that was worth taking note is the Yellow Dino 268GTS from Hotwheels; I like single color paint jobs for Ferraris and I think that's because with a single paint job, you can really see the curve and shape of these wonderful Ferrari designs. I'll try to post a pic of it next time. I have the previous release of the Dino 268GTS but it was full of decals and I ended up not admiring it (well, just me).

Master Worx - for display only

Something which I didn't expect myself to look at. It's this unknown brand which I chance upon. I bought three models which I like Lotus Esprit, Diablo, Alpha Romeo Spider. Actually, the Eprit and the Alpha Spider was my interest. As for the Diablo, I have a similar model back last week. I just bought it coz it's really hard to find the car in stores now a days; even the 1/18 version.


After taking them out to have a look. The are actually quite decent models if you are not going to play with it - meaning it's really for display only coz the wheels doesn't roll that well. Secondly, when I looked at the base of the model, these cars were actually from Welly! No wonder they are of decent detail at such low price.

1/18 Mercedes 300SL (finally!)

To be honest, I have been patiently waiting for this model. I have originally inteneded to wait for the Minichamp model to appear in Singapore but it never did happen. So my next option was to wait for the less detail Bburago model. I was again taking a walk in Philippines megamall and I saw the ever so popular "Toy Kingdom" but this time round is its discount store and I decided to pop in to have a look. Luck was on my side, I saw this model and without hesitating, bought it after inspecting for any defects. Here's some picks of the model

I have to take the photo with the box coz I didn't have the tools to unscrew the model from the box.

BBurago 1/18 Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster

I have long wanted to get my hands on a Murciélago (I do have the 1/24 Fujimi kit but just didn't have the time to build it). I was back home over the weekend and decided to go for a quick shopping since there were some sale going on in some shopping mall. I spotted the BBurago 1/18 Lamborghini Murciélago and based on my experience with the Reventón 1/18, I thought it might just be well worth to purchase this model since I can no longer find the AUTOart's Murciélago roadster anymore. Although there are Maisto models, I always have reservation getting the Maisto version; especially the Manual version, the gear stick simply looks unprofessional.

Quite surprisingly, the detailing of the BBurago model is actually quite good for the price I paid for (although we cannot compare it to AUTOart model standards). The next thing which I will always look for, in a Murciélago model, is the vent mesh. My first inspection, it looks metal. I didn't really have the time to closely examine as I was rushing to prepare for my next trip. This metal mesh definitely beats the model from Maisto which I think is basically plastic mesh moldings; that's another turn off for me from the Miasto model. The headlights doesn't have visible joint mark which actually make this model quite well finished. Who knows, if I have the time, I might just try to DIY the floor mat/carpet for this model. This will bring the model's standard closer to AUTOart's.

Other Greenlights join the ranks

I missed my dinner hour today and decided to take a walk to the mall and have a quick bite; thinking of going to the gym for my "hamster run" (I'm actually referring to Threadmill). After my Fillet 'O' Fish meal, I decided to take a walk around the mall to digest my food. Yep, there I go again and this time round, I bought only one model Greenlight's Motor World series: Dodge Viper SRT10 (Open Top!). Hmmm.... I was just wondering why I have missed this over the weekend..

Anyway, here's my Greenlight Motor World collection. From left to right:
Dodge Viper SRT10
Lamborghini Murcielago GT-R
Porsche 365A

Always like the detailing of Greenlight diecast. But of course, the cannot match that from Autoart. Something worthy of note is that there's a Gallardo model in this series which I'm still hesitating to get it as I already have the Autoart model.

Desert Adventure..

Since my last trip to Manila, I have spotted this Matchbox diecast model called Ridge Raider and for some reason, I didn't buy it until last weekend, that model still linger in my mind. So today, I have finally decided to get it coz I kept spotting it during those purchase which I have made for the past few days. Co-incidently, I was also attracted to this new colour scheme of Banja Bandit and here I've got it, the Matchbox Desert Adventure members...

What really impressed me was the Ridge Raider's new color scheme; those which I have seen so far were the simple orange colour scheme. This is the first time I have seen the Ridge Raider in Zebra colour scheme!! And there's the Banja Bandit, it's my second one; the first one I had was from Hotwheels. I'll take a photo of the Bandit twins when I return home.

And again, my apologies for the lousy quality photo

Lamborghini fest (2.5" diecast)

I was doing my usually scouting around and I guess I was a little lucky with Lamborghini's this time round. Here's what I've got:
[left] Diablo (Welly diecast)
[center] Murcielago GT-R (GreenLight diecast)
[right] Murcielago (Welly diecast)
I must say the details from Welly diecast is quite good considering the price I paid for (I'm comparing this to a similar Hotwheels Murcielago which cost slightly more than the Welly). Oh, one thing about Welly cars, they come with rubber tires; just like Siku diecast.

I got the Wellys from Toy Kingdon in Podium (Ortigas) and the Greenlight from Toys 'R' Us in Robinsons Galleria (Ortigas). Oh, Ortigas is one of the district in Metro Manila; probably a google search will tell you more about this district.

Road Signature 1/18 1940 BMW 328

And here's the photo of my new 1/18 scale diecast member Road Signature's 1:18 1940 BMW 328 (my apologies for the poor photo quality, it was taken with my mobile phone)




The manufacturer is actually Yat Ming . It seems that they are trying to carve out into other missing segment of the 1:18 diecast market. I'm passing this judgement based on their product profile; it appears that they are not really targetting the mass market but a very niche segment; passion driven?...

Speaking of Road Signatures' models, there were actually quite a few models being sold in Toys 'R' Us Manila; examples: 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona, 1964 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, Datsun 240Z and some of the Presidential Series

Journey to Harrison Plaza (Manila)

I got this plastic modelling itch back again and I have decided to do some research and find out if there are any good hobby kit shops in Manila. I chance upon this website IPMS Manila and the website has indicated to shops Lil's Hobby Store and JMN's Hobby Square . As I have been to one of the Lil's Hobby Store before, I have decided, this time round, to venture to this unknown place called Harrison Plaza where JMN's Hobby Square is located (you can find the travel direction from the JMN's link above). I was kind of disappointed with the shop when I reach there but for others but I guess that's because I couldn't find what I want though I must say, the shop might still interest you. You can find Gundams, Dragon kits, Revell (Germany), Monogram, Tamiya, Hotwheels and some rare 1:18 diecast automotive models.

I decided to walkaround and have a look. This Harrison Plaza looks like a place for locals and it's a 2-storey building with a large area coverage; you can find DVD movies, PSP games, mobile phones and there's also the SM Mega mall beside it. I happen to notice quite a big toy store called "Ultimate Toys" and decided to take a look. It's not that all ultimate actually but I'm still able to find some interesting stuffs. They have quite a good collection of High Speed 1:43 Porsche models. As I'm not into 1:43s, my attentions were on the 1:18. There's nothing much except some Maisto and Welly models and the Welly 1:18 racing blue Diablo SV caught my attention. I request to have a detail check on the model before making a purchase it apparently, there were some blemishes on the models paint job which is in contact with the plastic supports. I guess they were not aware themselves and probably didn't expect customers to be fussy about such things ;)

I decided not to take the model; second dissapointment. I decided to drop by National Bookstore and look around. To my surprise, I spotted a toy section in the bookstore. When I examine the glass cabinet, to my surprise, I notice something worth taking note from the four models on display: a 1:18 scale 1940 BMW 328.... Without hesitating, I request to take a look at the model and at last, no dissapointment, I decided to take this model.

It was about 6:30pm when I'm done with my recce and decided to head back. It's actually quite a challenge. Challenge 1: there are "Helpful" Philippinos who will help to get you a cab (young boys and man). Downside is, they will not close the door until you tip them. Challenge 2: When I got into the Taxi, the cab driver tries to negotiate with you although I have indicated to our "unofficial conciege" that I will only take a metered Taxi. Well, I didn't really want to bargain or become nasty and decided to tell the driver that he can just send me to the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) station and requested him to turn his meter on. Fortunately, he was nice enough to give in... phew....

Oh, I forgot to mention that I actually took the MRT, then LRT and walk to Harrison Plaza. When I'm done with my shopping, it was a little dark and I decided to take a Taxi.

First day arrival in Manila with Grimlock

Well, this is probably my n-th time in this place, not just Manila but the area called Ortigas and the same hotel. When I arrived I went for my usual recce. In case you are not familiar with the place, the usually place I would visit are and . is located at SM Mega mall (BTW, there are lots of "SM Mega Mall" in Manila) and is located in , so I proceed to Toy 'R' Us. Apparently, they are having agressive sales in August 2009. The Transformers, not the current ones, were at 50% so I decided to browse for one of those animated series and here's what I've bought...
Quite a steal actually - 700 pesos

And my hobby dairy begins....

I have always wanted to do this; to share some of my hobby collection experiences. With the internet and convenience of travel, it is very possible when one will be traveling from one part of the globe to the other end and especially for collectors, they will usually have this question: "Can I get something related to my hobby from this part of the world? And where?". This is not really the main part of the content as I might at times, log some of the interesting stuffs related to my hobby, something which may not appeal to you but only to me. In such entries, please pardon my "garbage" ;)