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Stock #27497 |
CB's Die Cast Review: November 29, 2000 |
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2000 First Editions #36
Blast Lane
arguably has been the most anticipated new casting for 2000, and by late November had
appeared in most areas of the United States. It is the second First Editions
In spite of what I perceive as shortcomings, Blast Lane is one of the best castings of
the year. I would love to see Mattel introduce a new motorcycle casting more frequently
than once every three years, as there have been a total of only four motorcycles released in
33 years of Hot Wheels.
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motorcycle to be offered by Mattel. The minor design flaws in Scorchin'
Scooter have been corrected on this model. Blast Lane is primarily
die-cast metal, with only the handlebar / headlights section being comprised of plastic.
I'm not a motorcycle connoisseur, but the bike appears to feature a V twin-cylinder engine
and twin exhaust pipes on the right side. The front wheel forks and engine are part
of the same zinc-plated die-cast metal component. The fuel tank, rear fender and
rear forks are die-cast metal and painted the pearl orange that was introduced on the
Dodge Concept Car in 1998. An intricate decoration featuring a stylized Hot
Wheels logo is tamped in maroon, white and black on the fuel tank and fender. The
seat is painted the same color as the body. The
plastic handlebar piece is molded in gray. The front wheel and rear slick are the
same as the pair on the Scooter. The model was manufactured in Malaysia.
I like Blast Lane, yet I have observations that may or may not have presented themselves
if not for the existence of Scorchin' Scooter and the anticipation that developed
for Blast Lane as a result. Although the wheelbase is longer, Blast Lane
is a smaller casting than the Scooter is. It also is a lighter casting, due to
smoothly contoured metal fenders on the Scooter and lack thereof on the newer model.
The newer bike doesn't roll as well, nor is it as balanced, as the older bike, again due to the
lighter weight.
I suppose, due to the name
of the model and my own anticipation, I was expecting Blast Lane to dwarf the
Scooter, or at least be of the same stature, instead of the reverse. But, all
of that doesn't mean I don't like the model. Other than the size, I think it is well
designed, both aesthetically and mechanically. The only thing I don't like is the gray
plastic; either black or chrome-plating would look better, as it has on subsequent releases of
Scorchin' Scooter.
