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:
January 2010: Nissan Skyline Racing

February 2010: Mazda Axela Sport

February 2010: Subaru Legacy B4

March 2010: Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Star

March 2010: Nissan Skyline Crossover

April 2010: 40th Anniversary Nissan Fairlady 370Z

April 2010: Mitsubishi i-MIEV

June 2010: Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster

June 2010: Blower Truck

July 2010: Toyota Mark X

July 2010: Honda Step Wagon

August 2010: Nissan Elgrand

September 2010: Nissan Fuga

October 2010: Suzuki Alto

November 2010: Nissan March

December 2010: Snowplough Vehicle