Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I collect superfast Matchbox from 1969-present. This book only lists 1-75 (1/64th scale) Matchbox cars which is fine for my use. It is good becasue it lists all models in alphabetical order so you can cross-reference the number (1-75) of the model - most model numbers are not imprinted on late model cars so it is helpful in that respect. However, I found it lacking in the number of variations it listed. There is no consistent differentiation between wheel type (other than RW and SF), interior color, stickers/decals or other minor variations. This guide does not use the same numbering system as Charlie Mack's Encyclopedia (e.g. 14 A 3) making it difficult to have the references compliment each other. This guide does list more recent models where as Charlie Mack's guide is typically long overdue when a new edition comes out. But again, this one is not as complete regarding model variation so you may not know if you are collecting all the variations of a particular model you want in your collection. Another positive point of this book though is that not all pictures are of perfect cars -- the cars in the photos have a little play wear and is more reflective a practical collectors cars rather than some ideal collection most of us will never have. Lastly, in comparison to Charlie Mack's guide, I find it nice becasue most of this book does dedicate it's picture space to the 1-75 models. One of the dissappointments I have found with Mr. Mack's guide is that it lists a lot of subtle variation (i.e. light blue, mid blue and dark blue Soopa Coopa) but does not show pictures on how to tell the difference (neither does this one -- it doesn't even try to differentiate). Also, much of the picture space in Mr. Mack's guide is with models that no one I know really collects (i.e. NOT 1-75 series, super kings and models of yesteryear). I'm still not sure where 1/2 of the pics in Charlie Macks book come from (I've been collecting MB superfast for 20 years) -- perhaps thats why it is called an encyclopedia. Dana Johnson's book simplifies things but does not take it to the next level by any means.
Basically, I use Dana Johnson's book as a supplement to find model numbers so I can look up varaitions in late model cars in Charlie Mack's guide. I do think Mr. Macks guide can be too complete, in that it lists more model variations than most people can possibly collect. However, Dana Johnson's guide is too incomplete. I prefer Mr. Macks guide becasue it lists all known variations and allows me to decide which variations I think are significant to collect.
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Matchbox Toys 1947 to 2003: Identification & Value Guide (Matchbox Toys: Identification & Value Guide)Our fourth edition promises to be the most user-friendly Matchbox collector's guide ever produced. While most publications on this subject are organized by model number or year of introduction, this book is arranged alphabetically by model name and description. Well over a thousand photographs are included in this latest edition, with multiple variations pictured of selected models, all incorporated into a cohesive guide to early Lesney models, the Matchbox basic (1 - 75) series, Two-Packs, Matchbox Collectibles, 2004 values. AUTHORBIO: Dana Johnson is an authority on collectible toy cars, including Matchbox, Hot Wheels, and many diecast models. His extensive personal collection includes mostly diecast models from all over the world. He has written several books: Matchbox Toys, 1947 to 2003, Toy Car Collector's Guide, and Collector's Guide to Diecast Toys & Scale Models. REVIEW: This book will have collectors racing to the bookstores. It is an all-new revised edition, this time organized alphabetically by model name and description for ease in identification. Well over 1,000 photographs are included.
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