Two of the 4 releases from the new CARS Take Flight series are “repeats” in one sense and not in another sense – you can decide if you want to add these variants to your collection.

(We’ll cover the two totally new ones tomorrow).

The Toon “Rescue Squad Chopper” has been released as “Rescue Chopper” from Moon Mater.

The character is on screen for a micro second so I’m sure Mattel thought it was simply a repeat character so the only difference between the two releases is the black nose and black “cheeks.”

The reality is that the “Rescue Chopper” from Moon Mater should also have the red medical insignia that is on the Toon release “Rescue Squad Ambulance.” I would not hold your breath for a fix.

For the diecast, they are essentially identical except for the black nose and front (on left).

So, technically, this is a “new release.” This is also manufacturered in Thailand which I believe is where Mattel’s Hot Wheels plants are – so as with any shift in production, there are some other subtle color/paint difference but other than the nose and engine cover, it’s essentially the same … and the production info is stamped onto the bottom metal piece versus the China plants which is an ink imprint.

Strangely enough, if you bought the Disney Store Rescue Squad Chopper (The DS store is only a tiny skoosh bigger and longer – maybe 2% – tiny differnce).

So, if you have the Disney Store Chopper and you want to save a few bucks, it’s essentially an early “Rescue Chopper” release.

The Disney Store one has slightly different tampo/decals-graphics.

From the graphic, it’s clear that the Mattel “Rescue Squad Chopper” is mostly correct. Disney Stores were not with the black nose and front. The new Mattel “Rescue Chopper” does get the black nose & front right but missed the medical insignia. The Disney Store can now serve as a “Rescue Chopper.”

The other “re-release,” Stu Bop was not released in the US so if you missed out on getting him, I’m presuming it’s cheaper than importing him from Europe.

Again, as with any production move, there are subtle differences – enough to call it a variant but again, you can decide if you want to add him if you already have the EU release.

The Take Flight release is on your left, your left … as you can see, the helmet design is slightly different. The squiggly lines are thicker (in military parlance) … or Stu Bop really tied one on, was passed out and Corporal Kim drove up on him.

The Air Force star tampo decals are also a skoosh sharper as well as the mold lines.

Other than the helmet differences, the rest you would normally just excuse to production variances such as more yellow in the tail and turbine areas and the very slight differences in gray.

Again production info is stamped onto the mold versus the white stamping on the China Stu Bop.

Why the production change? Presumably it’s cost. With the increase in labor costs in China, while Mattel does not legally own the Thailand plants, they control the production schedule versus the China plants where Mattel is just a customer. Or for you econ majors, Mattel controls the means of production. 🙂

In the case of Stu Bop, the semi proletariat’s are beating plowshares into tiny plastic of consumerism mass destruction for our fat cat pleasure. Bwhahahahaha. Or maybe that’s just me.

Of course, Hot Wheels collectors are probably mad the Hot Wheels plant is cranking out CARS and not making Hot Wheels. Shhh. Don’t say anything.

So, are these actually out at Target or Walmart – has anyone seen them there?

If you can’t find any on the shelves, be sure and check with Take5 advertisers – Rob’s Palace of Disney CARS or ChildrensToyCloset.