Earlier this week the Matchbox Team sent over a few models to preview for you here on Lamley in the coming days. Most of them are completed and will be hitting the pegs soon, and there are a couple prototypes that will give you an update on their developments.
There are some cool models to be sure, most licensed, but the Tuk Tuk is the model I am most excited to show. I am in love.
There is a lot to say about the model, but what might be most interesting is how it was executed. More on that in a bit.
Where do we start? Let’s talk about the model itself. A Tuk Tuk is a three-wheel taxi in Thailand, its small size conducive to transporting its occupants all over the place. There are similar vehicles all over the world, like the Tricycle in the Philippines, but Matchbox went with the Tuk Tuk for obvious reasons. (Matchbox models are made in Thailand.)
Models like the Tuk Tuk have been on designer’s radars for awhile now, but how to go about creating one has been a challenge. Abe Lugo and the Matchbox Team figured it out. The base and handlebars are diecast, the “exterior” in green and “interior” in pink are plastic, and the roof and front window is one piece of heavily tinted plastic. Start looking at the details and you see how hard this is to pull off for a $1 model.
But they did a great job. Plastic models are not anyone’s favorite, but this is one that makes perfect sense. First off, it is more metal than you realize at first. Second, when you look at the detail of the body it makes sense that the two middle pieces are plastic. They can mold each piece in a different color, which means the Tuk Tuk will always be multicolored, which it really has to be to be a proper Tuk Tuk.
A special wheel was developed just for this casting as well to make the front side work.
It wasn’t an easy task to say the least, but here is maybe the coolest thing about the Tuk Tuk. It came to be by way of a collaboration between the Mattel Designers in El Segundo and Development Team Members at the MBK Factory in Thailand, where Matchbox models are made. Of course the workers in Thailand would know the most about the Tuk Tuk, so they assisted in its design and development.
The names on the side of the vehicle are those who helped in its development, and in a very cool gesture, “Tuk Tuk” in Thai is printed on the bottom, along with the elephant that Mattel puts on every Matchbox as a shout out to the factory workers.
In fact, Abe wanted to pass on that we will see a running change on this model. Look for later versions to have a larger side tampo to make the names on the side a little bigger. We need to know who these good folks are.
I don’t usually get this excited for a Matchbox Original, but the Tuk Tuk is one generic that is headed to my permanent collection. I will look forward to future versions, and a slew of creativity that this unique vehicle merits.
Look for it in 2017 Mix E (alongside the next color of the Skyline).
Cute.
Nice, finally Matchbox managed to create a generic that is nice and interests people.
Now, the task number 2: making it available at the stores. Matchbox sucked in this for the last several years, and sadly I don't see any improvement yet.
I Like this model but the front window shoud be cut off
A very nice model. I'm glad it's not all plastic.
Does anyone know how tuktuk is properly pronounce? Is is like tak tak or took took?
In India, we heard it pronounced “tuck tuck.”
As for the model, way too much plastic. No thanks.
This comment has been removed by the author.
This comment has been removed by the author.
It's Call Tuk Tuk Because In Thailand Hear Engine Sound Be “Tuk Tuk” Or “ตุ๊กตุ๊ก”
My brother cannot wait to get his hands on many of these. All of his office in Florida are wanting one and he has spent time in India as well. I can't wait to see it with many different colors and liveries and of course there will be the customs.
Nechce se mi věřit, že je tohle výrobek Matchbox. Pod touhle značkou jsme kupovali (v Tuzexu:) a obdivovali v Československu nedosažitelné stroje jako Lamborghini Countach LP500S, Ford Sierra XR4i, VW Golf GTI, Porsche 959, Ford Model A, Merryweather Fire Engine, 4×4 Chevy Van, Ferrari 308 GTB… A teď udělali takový ubohý “hadrák”? Ne, tohle mi nesmí do bytu.
uh you might wanna pay attention to pics before conclusion….
The pink and green components are plastic. The roof is plastic. For me, that's way too much plastic.
Well…..it might not be the final form at this time…..in other words if it still the same as this one….well you have your word
yeezy shoes
adidas nmd runner
coach outlet online
lacoste polo shirts
jordans for cheap
salomon shoes
adidas nmd
adidas nmd
longchamp le pliage
michael kors handbags,michael kors handbags clearance,michael kors clearance
where to buy how can i get this?
Tuck tuck