Go! Go! Tomica: January 2011

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Shopping with Pooh - Sungei Road

Someone will think that I am crazy to feature Sungei Road Flea Market as a hunting ground because it look more of a rubbish dump than a flea market (to me). Moreover, I think Sungei Road is 2 degree C higher than the rest of Singapore anytime. Poof, I always melt under the sun, not to mention the old folks there. We have Pooh today showing me the way to Sungei Road flea market. I been there a few times but having a guru with me will be easier.

On the mark, get set.... POOH

According to Pooh, you can find treasures in the dump.

You will need to scrutinise every corner in order to find an old vintage Tomica or Matchbox. I found none that day except for some 80s or 90s pull back cars made in Hong Kong or China.

In the end, we found Pooh. He sitting there all alone in one of the stalls.

I know I do have many followers from different countries. Do visit Sungei Road if you don't mind the heat when you are in Singapore.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Best Tomica of 2010

Apologies for being missing in action. I wanted to have this little award at the end of 2010 but due to my heavy workload, I had to delay this posting. In 2010, there are quite a number of interesting models being made and I can see that Tomica is trying to improve their quality. Here are the awards given by "Go! Go! Tomica", you are welcome to express your views too as this is my opinion only.

GOLD AWARD: TOYOTA GENEO HYBRID FORKLIFT
(SEPT 2010 RELEASE)
Everything is nicely put together, save for that ugly steering. It doesn't look like a usual Tomica until I saw the front wheels. It can pass off as a promo model specially custom made by Toyota.

SILVER AWARD: HONDA CR-Z
(OCTOBER 2010 RELEASE)
I am suspecting if TakaraTomy read my blog too. It's a nice car and some good effort shown especially the rear window. It's not paint over work, Tomica finally use an extra material for the rear window when I expect it to be painted black. The suspension is bouncy too like the old Tomica but can be a lot more better.

BRONZE AWARD: YANMAR TRACTOR
(AUGUST 2010 RELEASE)
I know the maker Yanmar as I am working in the marine industry as they are making engines for marine use. Through Tomica, I started to learn that they make machines for agriculture usuage too. This is not the first time Tomica made a tractor, this can be trace back to the days of the foreign series. This tractor reminds me of Siku tractors which is not a bad thing as Siku make nice tractors too. No major flaws and nicely built. Not everyone is a fan of tractors though (I am not one too).

SPECIAL AWARDS

BEST IMPORT CAR: BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT
(JANUARY 2010 RELEASE)
Only import (foreign) car from Tomica. This is first time Tomica made a Bentley and it is also one of the best passenger cars made in 2010.

BEST MPV: NISSAN SERENA
(NOVEMBER 2010 RELEASE)
Not only it is the best among all the MPV made in 2010 and it is also the prettiest of the MPVs made. If you do a closer inspection, all MPVs does "equipped" with suspension unlike previous Tomica MPVs. Again, save for that paint over hatch.

MOST INTERESTING MODEL: NISSAN JUKE
(DECEMBER 2010 RELEASE)
One of the most look forward model of the year. Nissan must be Tomica favourite maker to work with. Just look at the non-regular Atlas and Tiida, Tomica also made many Nissans in 2010.

MOST DISAPPOINTING MODEL: MITSUBISHI TRITON
(MAY 2010 RELEASE)
I thought this is supposed to be my favourite because Tomica seldom made any pick-up. This is also the first twin cab made by Tomica. It looks a little out of proportion which might be due to the undersized wheels. Perhaps they should do a single cab instead.

WORST TOMICA OF 2010: YAMAHA YFZ450R
(MAY 2010 RELEASE)
A good example of a Tomica built at a budget. Just look at how the engine is "painted" on the body. The bike was not really nicely put together. The 4 wheelers does not roll smoothly as it wobbles when pushed across the table. I bet not many people really like this Tomica because the Triton outsell it when these 2 models are released together. I was in Japan then and I saw more Yahama than Triton on the shelves of almost any stores that sell Tomica.

THE OTHERS: