Jurassic Art Attack - Park Gates

Credit: Amblin/Universal

Hi! I made my own set of Park Gates! And I did so to scale with Mattel's line of Jurassic World dinosaurs. Whilst they initially ran with the ball on picking up the Jurassic licence, Mattel have more recently dialled back the variety of toys on offer and are now mostly focusing on just the dinosaurs themselves. This meant that any chance of any more play-sets, such as the RV from The Lost World, are now next to none. That doesn't stop these kinds of things from being on my wish-list though...! But with that in mind, I wanted something that would be a centrepiece for my collection and what better than the Park Gates...Thus came the 'wouldn't it be cool if I could make one' thoughts...

I was considering doing this project from either cardboard or simple plywood...However I lack the necessary wood-working equipment to do this to a level I would be happy with, so cardboard it ended up being. Another main reason I decided cardboard was that when I bought Mattel's HUMONGOUS Brachiosaurus figure, she came packed with one big piece of plain, protective cardboard...Enough cardboard to make something from it...

Colours: Matt 60 (Red), Matt 154 (Yellow), Matt 32 (Grey), Satin 133 (Brown)

First; supplies! If you want to make your own, here's what I used; glue stick, PVA glue, tissue paper and the paints are all Humbrol...I would advise getting all acrylic if you can. That one colour in enamel was the one I used for the doors and...well, it was in hindsight frustrating that I couldn't find a good brown in acrylic. Enamel is oil-based, which makes it incredibly difficult to clean...! (I recommend gloves!) Anyway, everything in that first photo I bought from Hobby Craft...And when I did, the staff there were very interested in seeing what I'd make of the project, which was nice and encouraging! In the following photo were the items I bought much later down the line when I realised I hadn't the brushes to start painting with...! As you can see, I got them from WHSmith and the Glu Dots I bought from PaperChase.

With the brush heads, you can tell I took the photo /after/ painting...!

I began the actual creation by trying to research how big the gates would have been in real life...Which isn't very easy; I couldn't find any info on how tall they were in the film, for instance. Something that clued me in was LEGO's UCS Jurassic Park T. Rex Rampage set which, when I saw built up in person in the LEGO store, I realised that both the Tyrannosaurus and Park Gates were more-or-less in scale with a 3.75 (or 1:18) scale toy line, which Mattel mostly adopted for their Jurassic lines. And it was Pixel Dan's review on the LEGO set that told me how tall the gates were, because Dan always handily measures the stuff he reviews, so thanks, Pixel Dan!

So 1:18 scale gates are roughly 18 inches tall...Which is handy mathematically because the frame pillars are clearly divided into threes! Using the screenshot above, I was able to go from that 1:18 scale to measure out the rest of the details, such as the width of the horizontal section and the outer slopes (which mostly involved slapping a ruler on the computer screen and going from there).

And here is where I ended up with the basic shapes. For the curve, I initially cut a straight piece, but then outlined a curve from the middle to one side and, to get it as even as possible on the other side I traced the cut-off onto the next side and voila! A simple switch from the top to the bottom creates the famous arch.

The only thing I really futzed was that I made the measurement of the horizontal arch from either outer side of the pillars...! It sort of worked out for the structure I was to end up with, but covering two big chunks either side looses a lot of that curve that I was pleased in producing...Oh well; sacrifices!

The next thing to do were the doors. I knew these were going to be the trickiest and most-involved pieces, but it was mostly about getting the look of the layers of beams which wasn't to bad, once I had settled on the right size for my gates (I used a lot of eye judgement to determine it they looked right within the frame).

Next step; words! I had already made my mind up on what to do here; since there are two Jurassic IPs, Park and World, both were just as valid as the other and decided to incorporate 'Jurassic' onto the arch, but have 'Park' and 'World' as separate, modular pieces.

Making it swappable between 'Park' and 'World' means that the nostalgia offers a cool opportunity to see what it would look like had the Jurassic World gates been done in the same style as the Park ones. (Though, to be fair, the upcoming series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous offers that opportunity, too...)

As you can see, I tried to match that peculiar under-slung angle from the 'Park' word block without making it too intrusive...Whilst the 'World' block I made as straight and contoured as possible to evoke the clean, clinical way that the park in Jurassic World was run and presented.

"This is an Art Attack..."

Some hinges for the doors and a set of flames to glue on and 'phase 1' is complete!

"Now, here comes the messy part!"

Some context for the quotes (and title of this post); when I was little, I used to watch a programme called Art Attack, a creative and crafty kids show from CITV, presented by Neil Buchanan. There was something about the show that made me watch it religiously...And one of Neil's often-used techniques for making solid structures was to coat it in a mixture of "PVA Glue with equal parts water" and pasting it with tissue paper (sometimes newspaper) all over the creation, with a couple of layers, and leaving it to dry overnight. It's this technique that I've had stored in my memory for over 20 years and now I've finally got to use it!

The idea of this technique is to make the structure more solid and robust, whilst giving a 'primer' for the painting...In my case it looks like it's been abandoned and covered in spider-webbing for the past couple of decades, but it did the job!

"And it should look something like this..."

But the best part is definitely 'phase 3' - painting!

"THIS is an Art Attack...!"

Now, it the film, the gate lettering are clearly individually crafted and coloured before being placed on the arch and, whilst that could have been a way for me to do it, I opted for painting them as 'blocks'. For screen-accuracy, individually would be recommended, but as mine has this modular thing going on, I decided to run with the idea to make it look as if the letters were carved out of the same stone they are sat on (a decision based on the glue-tissue paper mix coating, too).

The letters were simple to pick out with the base yellow, but I had to free-hand the red innards! There was a lot of adjustments and touching up after the initial coats, but worth it to get a good balance of clean red lines and yellow outlines! As for the flames, I did the initial body in yellow, then went over in red, then roughly and lightly swirled on some yellow again, inverting the colour scheme of the letters, but also trying to get an effect of motion with the fire...In any-case, they look orange, which is something I was aiming for!

As for the doors...The messy enamel paint sort-of worked out in the end for the final result, because it gave a satin gloss that made them appear as if they were made from treated/varnished wood...Sort of. They look different from the frame anyway, which was good for me, because I feel that it's a good indicator of the (implied) different materials.

"THIS IS...ART ATTACK!"

The final touch was the detailing on the doors, too; outlining the gaps between planks of wood. I did a bit too much on one side, though...Where the planks suddenly shrink in size. I would have painted over that and started again if not for the oily enamel...! Oh, and I made the detail outlines with a ball-point pen. I also lined in the divisions of the pillars again, where they are divided into thirds!

Here you can see how a classically-styled 'Jurassic World' gate would look. And it's also a good indicator of how I used the Glu Dots; stick a couple of the back of each modular word and then lightly stick one beneath 'Jurassic' and the other one I 'store away' by sticking on the back!

But all this was to compliment my Mattel Jurassic World collection and I think it looks okay, especially with the Legacy products!

"What've they got in there; King Kong?"

So to reiterate, all the cardboard used in this build was from the one piece of protective cardboard that was packed in with Mattel's Brachiosaurus...The kind of packaging that would have otherwise been discarded. I have quite a few left-overs, too...plenty of off-cuts...Maybe I can do something with them to emulate some destruction from angry carnivores? We shall see! I definitely know one thing; this won't be the last 'Art Attack' I'll be doing!

Thank you for reading! And as Neil would say; "Try it yourself!"


AM

Jurassic World Matchbox Die-Cast Vehicle Collection (2018)

If you're anything like me, then you're not a Mike Channell-level petrol-head, but you can appreciate a good car when you see one...If you're also anything like me, then most of your car knowledge is due to related appearances in media. As such, my favourite Aston Martin is the V8 Vantage Volante from The Living Daylights.

But we're not here to talk about Bond...There are many iconic elements to the Jurassic Park/World films that don't have teeth, claws or chase you into a toilet...or kitchen. And several of these iconic elements are the vehicles. The toy world was shaken like a T. Rex impact tremor when Mattel obtained the Jurassic licence from Hasbro, and it was well and truly something the new guardians sunk their teeth into. And I feel that many of the ranges they have released into the wild are very well known and documented...except one.

For the die-cast vehicle collection Mattel, via their Matchbox branch, have released an extensive collection of vehicles (some of which I hope become action figure-scale), with some tied into the 'Battle Damage' and 'Legacy Collection' sub-lines. And I've really been enjoying this little range of motors, but as much as I think I end up completing the collection, more seem to emerge...

Oddly enough, I struggled to find any comprehensive list of all available die-cast Jurassic vehicles, save for the Matchbox Wiki for raw data...which, of course, is fine, but in an attempt to serve a hot plate of information a little bit more cooked with some trimmings, here's mine:

PRIME LINE

Based on vehicles for both Jurassic World films, the main line contains 18 individual vehicles in total, with a couple of repaints which are exclusive to the three five-packs (labelled 'Island Transport Team', 'All-Terrain Fleet' & 'Land Rescue Convoy'...the last of which has not been seen in the UK thus far). For the UK, Various groups of these vehicles must have been delivered in waves and to different locations with each one. For instance, some were only found in The Entertainer and I found later ones in Home Bargains and then Smyths only really seemed to carry the first wave before solely stocking the Legacy vehicles.

13/18 - Armoured 6X6 Transporter

- A nice, solid tri-axle vehicle with a sturdy plastic cage mounted on the back. This is supposed to be the same base vehicle as the Armoured Truck featured below, however they unfortunately do not scale with each other; probably due to the cage on the back of this one, creating the size difference. Still a good amount of toy for your money, though!

02/18 - Armoured 6X6 Truck

- This is the truck that transported Claire, Zia et all on Nublar in Fallen Kingdom and this representation is one of my personal favourite vehicles in this line; the slightly larger scale (than the previously mentioned transporter) allows this version of the armoured truck to have a decent amount of body with some seriously chunky wheels. The tyres remind me of Super Swampers and the sheer heft of the wheels alone allow this truck to roll around like no other.

10/18 - Deep-Dive Submarine

- This model is a representation of the two-person submersible featured at the beginning of Fallen Kingdom. Whilst the main yellow structure is die-cast, it features a lot of plastic, which is understandable given the unusual shapes and appendages that the model has to recreate. As for detail, the outside is minimal-but-passable but the detail on the inside is...well...you can see for yourself. Put it this way; I THINK those are supposed to be seats in there...!

15/18 - Ford Explorer #4

- The iconic Ford Explorer from the first Jurassic Park makes its way into the new Fallen Kingdom line. As this is branded '#4', it's a representation of the one Lex and Tim ride in...I'll talk about the main deco in the Legacy Explorer, but this one differentiates in that it has extra dirtied paint apps that's supposed to represent the T. Rex attack, but just being a straight-up repaint, it only gives the effect of a 4X4 being used as a 4X4. Of course, this being the Explorer that it is; it's the same car that has a cameo in Fallen Kingdom; jumped on by Blue, then melted by lava...Not nearly as harrowing an end as the Brachiosaurus, though...

16/18 - Gyrosphere

- Whilst the Gyrosphere has a role in Fallen Kingdom, it most prominently features in the 2015 Jurassic World, being a functional attraction and later a test of the Indominus Rex's strength. The simple, yet elegant, representation in miniature form here has the die-cast metal enclosed within plastic housings, using simple freedom of rotation and centre of gravity to keep the seating hub orientated correctly. Like the LEGO version, it only rotates on an internal axis, so whilst it can't roll around completely freely, it's certainly something that can entertain cats who like a kick-around! The major downside is that it's smaller than most other vehicles in the line, so paying £3/£4 for the single-carded edition does feel VERY steep...Best stick to a sale or the five-pack for the best value.

06/18 - Humvee - InGen

- If Arnold Schwarzenegger wrangled dinosaurs, you know darned well this would be his ride. Briefly featured in Jurassic World, InGen's Humvee is the ultimate symbol of the former genetics company that became a security detail under the direction of the Masrani Corporation. Represented here in Matchbox form, the only thing that indicates this as a Jurassic vehicle is the InGen print but other than that, it is exactly how you would expect a Humvee to look, with it's iconic angular profile and extra wide width. That last point does however mean that buyers should beware; it seems easier than other vehicles to be caught and damaged within the blister...The rear axle of mine was bent as a result. With some effort I've managed to straighten it out, though, but best check packaging before you buy!

14/18 - Jeep Wrangler #29

- The Jeep Wrangler is a car so iconic with the Jurassic franchise that this is the first of FOUR appearances in this post. This roll-cage version represents #29, which is not only the Jeep that Hammond declared 48 hours until he accepts Gennaro's apologies, but is also the same vehicle that Zach and Gray Mitchell used to escape the Indominus Rex 22 years later. It's this latter appearance that this model clearly represents, with a paint scheme that adds a generous helping of weathering to make it appear rusted and dirtied. It's a similar effect used on the aforementioned Ford Explorer, however with this Jeep still intact and active in 2015, the weathering effect works much better for this example.

17/18 - Jeep Wrangler #9

- The second of our beloved Jeep Wranglers features a unique take; this is one of the few (if not only) Jurassic Matchbox models that is purely inspired by the themes of the line and does not actually feature in any film. A classic vehicle with a modern paint scheme, as if it were in operation during Jurassic World. An inspired, creative choice that does not look out of place with the other blue-and-silver staff cars. (Also, for another take on this kind of idea, check out this custom repaint of a figure-scale Jeep done by Victoria's Cantina!)

12/18 - Kawasaki Brute Force 750

- This Kawasaki Quad-Bike is supposed to reflect the one driven by Barry in Jurassic World (really hope Barry returns for JW3...He's cool. Anyway...) and this is another vehicle on the very small side of physical bang-for-your-buck, but the play-ability can make up for it! Like the Armoured Truck, the wheels have a decent amount of chunk to them so that it rolls exceedingly well...And the effect of four large wheels in close proximity give the quad a certain 'bounciness' that is only exaggerated if you press down on the back, over the rear axle (easily done)...just get ready to catch it before your pets do!

07/18 - Kawasaki Teryx4 LE

- Honestly cannot remember if/when this vehicle showed up during Jurassic World (maybe carting Hoskins at one point...? Iunno), but like Jeep #9 it's very believable as a staff transport. As a toy, it's a nice unique model to have with your other motors if you want your dinos to chase something a bit different, but like the other officially licenced Kawasaki, the teeny printing of the logos and lettering is impressive!

08/18 - Mercedes-Benz AMG 6X6

- THIS GUY...I love this vehicle in general; I remember the time leading up to the release of Jurassic World in 2015 and within a short space of time this AMG being both reviewed on Top Gear and being announced to feature in JW. Unfortunately it did not make much of an appearance in the final film (only shot I remember is being part of a convoy), but it was a big part of the promotion and tie-ins...One of which was LEGO Jurassic World, where you can unlocked this vehicle to drive around in and it was my absolute favourite in the game (both it and Raptor Handler Jenny made an amazing combo). Whilst other scale models of this bruiser were made for the 2015 film, I don't remember seeing it on shelves anywhere. Thankfully this has been rectified for 2018! As a couple of minor criticisms, to me it feels like the vehicle's die-cast body is a bit small for the toy class size in general and that there's a distinct lack of paint apps (i.e. no JW blue colour scheme). Despite that I'm happy to have an AMG in my collection!

03/18 - Mercedes-Benz G550

- One of the more straight-forward vehicles in the line, the G550 is prominently featured in Jurassic World more than most, being a reliable mode of transport for Claire and Owen as they search for the Mitchell brothers. The toy here is a very solid representation with the printing necessary to label it as a staff vehicle, although if you're concerned about accurate placement of paint, then vehicles like this should be given a good once over before you buy...mine may look okay here, but the rear silver Mercedez-Benz logo has a specially-moulded area that it's supposed to cover; on mine it skewed the alignment to a comical degree on par with missing the bin when you're standing directly over it!

09/18 - Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

- The GLE is one of those rarer things in this Jurassic line; it's a clear-cut car. In 2015 it was so new that the crew felt they had to be more careful of leaking anything of the car than any of the actual dinosaurs. And as a result this vehicle, Claire's personal transport, has the most commercial-friendly shots...an expansion on JW's themes of how modern sequels are treated by big corporations and thus product placements. The model here is a solid recreation with the head and tail lights being clean points of detail that help to break up the mass of silver. As with many toys in this line, the grill is unpainted, but passable. For a scale this size, it does what it needs to do.

04/18 - Mercedes-Benz Unimog

- The Unimog appeared in both Jurassic World (as the Mobile Veterinary Unit) and in Fallen Kingdom in the more traditional wagon-style as seen above. (Also...Claire drove both versions! She'll be getting her own in JW3 next, I imagine!) Whilst I would also like to see the MVU Unimog in these ranges as well, I'm satisfied with this version for the time being. If you'd like to add some spice to your dino play, the trailer cover is a separate plastic piece that is only clipped in place, so can be fairly easily removed...However there are two seats moulded into the die-cast, so a regular trailer look won't really be that achievable. Oh by the way, this is also one of two colour variants for the line, the other being exclusive to its five-pack, which we'll get to later down the list.

01/18 - Off-Road Rescue Rig

- The Off-Road Rescue Rig is a healthy mix of varying die-cast and plastic components and is one of the few vehicles in the line to have a 3.75 figure scale counterpart...This is due to the fact that it's based on a vehicle in Fallen Kingdom by Oshkosh (the same company that loaned a truck for Hound's alternate form in Transformers: Age of Extinction). Like the Unimog toys, the plastic section over the trailer is removable with some effort, lending itself to potential 'dino-damage' when paired with your 'Mini-Action Dino' figures. The vehicular detailing, such as grill and headlights, are sparse but the printing on the sides are sharp, especially on my copy.

05/18 - Textron Tiger (All-Terrain Fleet)

- The Textron Tiger made an entrance for itself in Jurassic World where, like the Humvee, it is used as a transport for InGen's security personnel. Whilst the colouration of this particular model wasn't in the film, this particular paint job is an impressive representation of what it would look like if it had a more military-style look. I also feel like the detailing such as the rivets and hinges are really complimented by the darker paint scheme. The only major critique I would give is that the single front plastic piece does seem out of place being green and would more acceptable it it were black, like the one for the white version of the Tiger, as you can see below.

18/18 - Textron Tiger (Island Transport Team)

- This Textron Tiger is an off-white version with a black bumper section that looks more true to its appearance in Jurassic World. Like many of the vehicles in 2015, there were more representations in related media than the film itself (for example, it's a playable vehicle in LEGO Jurassic World, where it is presented as a HUMONGOUS vehicle...like...bus-size). On my copy, the printing turned out mostly clean except for the indicator light which, like many paint jobs, is always something to bear in mind if those kinds of details are important to you (I say that in afterthought in this case...until that photo was taken, I didn't notice this misalignment as it's so small).

11/18 - Triumph Scrambler

- The Triumph Scrambler became an iconic vehicle for the Jurassic franchise by being Owen's ride in the 2015 film, exemplified by the scene where it's ridden through the jungle with the Raptor Squad. And the detail translated onto this little model is nothing short of exquisite, with the die-cast portion of the main body positively bursting with sculpt and the impressively intricate tiny logo that proudly boasts the company name. And why not, as it's not that often you see a Triumph of this scale (yes, I just did that). The only downside is that it lacks any kind of kickstand...as such I used a K'Nex piece to get this little beauty to stand upright in the above photo!


Five-Pack Exclusives

Each five-pack collection comes with one vehicle that's a repaint of the single-card release; so far only two of these convenient assortments have reached the UK. The collection known as 'Land Rescue Convoy' has so far yet to be seen over here and the exclusive repaint is of the Mercedes-Benz G550 as if it were commissioned by Bruce Wayne, so in this case it DOES comes in black...but sadly this is not a car I feel is worth buying (importing especially) the LRC pack for if you already have the other vehicles that come with it...As a completionist, I can only find that quite frustrating, but if I do come across it, I may get it if the price is right.
   Thankfully we do have the other two five-packs (thus the other two exclusives) to entertain us:

Armoured 6X6 Truck (Island Transport Team)

- A darker repaint of the other truck, this 6X6 is just as fun. Honestly you feel like you'd be getting your moneys worth whichever version you go with. However it's the single-carded version that more closely resembles the 'Gyrosphere Blast Vehicle' that was released for the action figures whilst this repaint more closely resembles the colour palette of the transport in the film, the BAE Systems Caiman. But whilst these toys are only based on the Caimans and not officially licenced, flexibility with the paint jobs are arguably more acceptable.

Mercedes-Benz Unimog (All-Terrain Fleet)

- Another exclusive repaint, this version of the Unimog is more film accurate to the one depicted in Fallen Kingdom that Claire commandeers and catches the leaving ship just before THAT scene. As both multi-pack exclusives shown here look more faithful to their onscreen counterparts, it stands to reason that getting both multi-packs is not just a value incentive, but an accuracy one, too.

BATTLE DAMAGE

These vehicles are essentially re-releases of the primary line vehicles with extra decoration to make them appear battered and dirtied. In the UK these are only available in ASDA (as a residual trickle-down of the Battle Damage lines being exclusive to Wal-Mart, ASDA's American owner). It appears that only the first five of these vehicles have made it to our shores. And wouldn't you know it; the first five also has a five-pack collection (I didn't know it...only until doing more research for this post did I know...never seen the pack in person). Apparently one of the vehicles in the pack is supposed to be a repaint, but after comparing images online I cannot see any difference (if there is any) and would say that due to the rarity of these Battle Damage vehicles in the UK to begin with, it doesn't look like we're missing out on much...Except, you know, half of this sub-line to begin with...

04/10 - Armoured 6X6 Truck

- As a fan of green, it won't surprise anyone to hear that this is my favourite repaint of my favourite vehicle in these ranges. When I first got this, I first thought that the main cab body was a remoulded plastic piece, as there are sculpted scratches in the side, but it turns out it is just a repaint, like the other two, except that the metal is painted with more of a matte colour than a glossy one...And those sculpted scratches? Didn't realise they were present on the previous versions, but on this one are perhaps more accentuated by the extra (painted on) Battle Damage, which is a series of minimal black scratches on either side...Not a great deal of extra deco, but with it being a repaint altogether, I can let that slide.

01/10 - Deep-Dive Submarine

- With this version of the submarine, you're essentially getting exactly the same toy as the mainline sub, bar the huge crack on the front. Whilst this is ideal for a post-Mosasaur attack, the limited play value in its own right means it's a question of how much you like the submarine (or if you want multiple) before you decide on one, the other or both.

05/10 - Gyrosphere

- I found myself more impressed with this version of the Gyrosphere than I thought I would be; whilst it would have been very easy to print a few damage effects onto the orb, the 'dirt' in particular was done in such a way that there's a tactile thickness to the dirt, making it feel like it's sculpted onto the rest of the plastic. Also it would have been so easy to make a 'shattered glass' version (from the Ankylosaur/Indominus scene in 2015) AND a 'muddy' version (from Fallen Kingdom), so props to whoever decided to add both kinds of Battle Damage effects onto this one release!

03/10 - Mercedes-Benz G550

- The Battle Damage on the G550 is curious, as the scratches and dirt marks are only on the sides and below the windows...I can understand the dirt, but the scratches look oddly specific, as if Velociraptors were just aiming for the side panels and nothing else! On the plus side, the logo on the rear is on straight, so hurray!

02/10 - Textron Tiger

- Like the G550, we have more Battled Damage only on the sides, below the windows. Although on this model, the BD apps look more realistic with the relatively larger surface area and the fact that this Textron is significantly larger than the Mercedes in real life! My favourite touch of detail is that the scratches here are grey, rather than black, to reflect how the Tiger is a heavily-armoured beast of a machine.


So that's the first five in the Battle Damage assortment...If by any chance the other half of them DOES make it to the UK, then I'll most likely get images of them up here if I remember.


LEGACY LINE

Based on classic vehicles featured in the Jurassic films prior to Fallen Kingdom, this Legacy line has 6 vehicles in total with one repaint exclusive to the five-pack bundle. In the UK this, along with other Legacy products, are exclusive to Smyths Toys Superstores.

4/6 - Fleetwood RV (TLW)

- Ah, the Fleetwood RV...A major vehicle featured in The Lost World, helping Malcolm's team establish a base on Isla Sorna. The paint scheme is a tan-based camouflage, brighter than the dark green-based scheme in the film itself. The RV is one of the vehicles I really want Mattel to produce for their action figure-scale ranges...And whilst I'm happy to have this model, I have to ask; WHERE IS THE REAR HALF?! (I know there'll be budget/sculpt/scale reasons, but you gotta ask!)

1/6 - Ford Explorer #5 (JP)

- With Explorer #5, we get a good look at the car that transported Grant, Malcolm and Sattler around the park in a 'clean' paint scheme. Most of the detailing is as clean and accurate as the other Explorer, but for some curious reason, the top section (on both models) that was completely red in the film is mostly green...Maybe that's due to the die-cast body being green, but the red they have there looks great, so...cost saving measure...?

5/6 - Jeep Wrangler #12 (JP)

- Jeep #12 had perhaps one of the most infamous of drivers in the form of Dennis Nedry...Which also means that I have the car in which he died. ANYWAY, essentially another painted version of the Jurassic World-inspired Jeep #9, this model is a fine example of sharp details within the paint apps and printing. Very clear, very legible...very in need of a Dilophosaurus encounter...

2/6 - Jeep Wrangler #18 (JP)

- Just as #9 & #12 share the same mould, as is the case with #23 & this, #18; the Jeep that also got an action figure-scale release for Mattel's Legacy line. As with #23, this particular Wrangler appeared in both the original Jurassic Park, transporting Grant, Sattler and Malcolm to the Brachiosaurus, and Jurassic World, in which it got a few nudges by the Indominus. As with the other Wranglers on offer in this range, the Jeep boasts a wonderfully accurate colour scheme with sharp, detailed printing. Simply a must-buy for any Jurassic fan.

6/6 - Maintenance Tanker (JW)

- Apparently this Maintenance Truck is supposed to be based on the Chevrolet truck outside the Indominus Rex paddock in Jurassic World, however when I first saw this model, I thought it was supposed to represent Eric Kirby's hideout truck in Jurassic Park III, which made sense as this is part of the Legacy brand, which is supposed to focus on the first three films. But whichever reason you get this, you'll notice that the detail in the model is half-and-half, presenting a fully fleshed out design for the tanker section, offset by a rather bland cab section. Honestly not a vehicle to go out of your way for, but then again it's more fodder for your dinos than it is for iconography-based collecting.

3/6 - Mercedes-Benz ML320 (TLW)

- To me the Mercedes M-class is just as iconic in Jurassic lore as the Wrangler or Explorer. Based on one of the three M-class customs designed for The Lost World, this model is a fine representation, with well-sculpted detailing in both the die-cast and plastic components. A curious choice for this single-card edition was to make the windows blue and the wheel hubs shiny green...Certainly doesn't adhere to being camouflaged in the jungle as well as well as the rest of it! Regardless this vehicle tops my list of those I want Mattel to make for the action figure-scale range.

Five-Pack Exclusive

Mercedes-Benz ML320 (TLW)

- That might be the sound of John Williams' jungle-drum beat of The Lost World score you're hearing...! Another great representation of the M-class, continuing the trend of multi-pack exclusive redecos being more screen-accurate than their single-carded counterparts...However whilst the main colour of the M-class on screen is green, this model is more brown, so if the wheels and windows of this version were on the single version, you'd have the most accurate version yet! Despite that, both versions have very clean paint apps, which is essential for the camouflage detailing and the Mercedes logo to show off the officially-licenced branding (and I say that as a playful jab...Mercedes have been wonderful partners and suppliers for the Jurassic movies).


And there you have it; my list (and mini-reviews) of the Matchbox Jurassic World vehicles. And I'm aware of the Dino Transporter sub-line (I have a few), but I've only been sticking to the vehicle lines only, as they are more representative of what we have in the films. Oh; remember how I said more seem to emerge? Well during bashing this list together, I discovered that another version of the M-class (not just a repaint, but a remould) from The Lost World is being released with the 'Dino Rivals' packaging design for 2019...Typical!

Anyway this blog post took way longer than necessary to create (and is probably longer than it needs to be), so I'm grateful if you've gotten through this far! In the meantime, have some more photos! I have comparisons and recreations!


AM

Island Transport Team

All-Terrain Fleet

Legacy Collection

"Keep absolutely still; it's vision is based on movement."

"Mommy's very angry."