The Shelbys are here!

 Greetings, readers! Well, it's the moment you've all been waiting for (well, at least the moment I've been waiting for)! My Shelby models are here! First off, here's a pic of the boxes (and the hands of a very excited 4-year-old):

Next, the three models, carefully stacked and photographed without looking at them:

And the results! 

Score! All three colors! My luck was in today! 

The very handsome Appaloosa, who apparently had the same stencil as the 70th Anniversary Indian Pony from a few years back. He had a few smears on his spot edges but nothing major otherwise.

Here's the pinto, with the unfortunate masking mistake on his mane (not sure what happened there, but it seems to be present on all of them). I didn't spot any flaws on him other than the masking error.

Lastly, the glossy bay! What a handsome guy. I'd like to have gotten a picture of him with Bolero, but my Bolero is already packed away in the storage unit, so that's going to have to wait a while. I didn't see many flaws on this one other than the typical little bits of lint, and the gloss under his mane on the off side is a bit lighter than I'd like, but hard to avoid with that mane in the way. Also, shame on me as a former Mustang owner for not immediately recognizing the Shelby - Mustang connection. D'oh! 

All in all, a great mail day for me! So glad I got all three colors and don't have to bother with trading to get the ones I want. It looks like a lot of other people have gotten good varieties of colors too, so maybe the warehouse didn't take the "gambler's choice" thing too literally this time. I'm excited to see what we get from Breyer next! 

The feeding frenzy begins...and then continues!

 Well, readers, if you haven't picked up a Shelby yet, you may still be able to get one! I ordered three as soon as they went live on the website, and as of a few minutes ago, she has not sold out yet, apparently. So get your orders in, and don't buy the ones that are being listed for resale for double or more the original price! You can still get one for the original cost! 

I'm a little surprised that they haven't sold out yet, honestly. Breyer must have made an absolute TON of them - but that's a good thing, really. Nokota is a popular mold and many people (myself included) will want all three of them, so the more the merrier! Hopefully my three all arrive on the same day so I can do a grand unboxing in the usual fashion (opening each box, taking out the three models without looking at them, then opening all three and seeing what I get). Sounds like fun! I hope they don't take long to get here. Uh, and while we're at it, maybe we could buy the next Stablemates Club horse too? Or get an update on the status? Pretty please? 

Also, I do wonder if this means we aren't getting a Classics gambler's choice this year. They seem to sell pretty well, so...I'd be a little confused as to why. Hopefully we find out more about that later.

April Fool! And the plot thickens...

Greetings, readers! Well, ! I hope nobody got fooled too badly, although Breyer had another zinger this year, as usual. Check this out! 

This is a reference to the roached-mane Nokota auction model, which had a pretty lukewarm reaction among collectors. He just looks so weird without his mane! 

Fortunately (or unfortunately), this was confirmed to indeed be an April Fool's joke...by way of this reveal! Meet Shelby! 

Whoa, another Collector Club special run so early in the year? I wonder if we're getting another one in the fall, then? Anyway, these colors are all pretty nice. The glossy bay makes a nice opponent for Bolero! I hope to be able to get them all - let's hope Breyer lets us know the release date/time in advance, but they've been good about that lately. I've still only bought two models so far this year, so it's about time I bought something! 

Featured Model - 8/14/2021, Spindletop

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured Model, the weekly blog event where I pick a model I don't own but would like to, give some stats on it and provide commentary about it. This week's model is...Spindletop! 

This handsome guy was a special run for the Lone Star Experience collector club event back in 2009. He was a run of 12 on the Nokota mold sculpted by Kathleen Moody.

As usual, this is another model I would love to have in my collection - that dark color is just scrumptious. What a beauty! Unfortunately, in October of 2009 I wasn't participating in the model horse hobby at all - I was working for the college newspaper and trying to finish college (and probably playing way too much World of Warcraft). I wouldn't have had the money for a Collector Club event anyway, so this is another model I'll have to admire from afar. Fortunately, he does have a somewhat similar and more attainable release in Sundance, but that one may still set you back a couple of Benjamins. Let's hope the hobby price bubble pops soon, eh? 

As for the Nokota, he hasn't been used since he was the Phantom Face event model for the Scottsdale Stampede in 2018, and Illumination earlier that year. I'd say he's about overdue for a new release - perhaps a new web special? He was part of the Big Cats series in 2017, so he may not be used in the Animals series this year, but maybe sometime next year? Or maybe he'll get some kind of holiday web special release. He's only been a web special twice in the last 10 years, so it's possible. I guess we'll see! 

Featured Model - 9/5/2020, Muse

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured Model, the weekly blog event where I pick a model, give some stats on it and provide commentary about it. I'm still on my "featuring rare or hard-to-find models that I don't own," kick, so this week I'll be covering Muse! 

Muse is item #711410 and was a run of 26 on the Nokota mold sculpted by Kathleen Moody. She was the Saturday raffle model from Breyerfest 2011. 

It's hard for Breyer to put any color on the Nokota that I don't like, but Muse is just gorgeous. I like her shading and how soft here color is, plus the way her tail almost turns red at the ends. And the wings! She's beautiful. Definitely one of those models you don't see for sale very often, and it's not hard to understand why. 

When will we get a new Nokota? Last time he got a new release was as the event model for the Scottsdale Stampede. Maybe another Breyerfest special run next year? I've seen speculation online that he doesn't get regular run appearances very often due to his wide stance, but who knows. He's only been a web special once, so he might pop up again there - or maybe he'll be a holiday model? Some type of color-shift filigree - or dare I speculate on a return of the silver filigree? Mmm, I hope so! 

Featured Model - 7/6/2019, Glossy Palomino Pinto Pop the Cork

Hello and welcome to yet another edition of Featured Model, the weekly blog event where I pick a model from my collection, give some stats on it and provide commentary about it. In honor of Breyerfest being a week away, this week's model is...the Glossy Palomino Pinto Pop the Cork!



This shiny fellow was a run of 155 and was item #711181 on the Nokota mold sculpted by Kathleen Moody. He was one of the possible colors that could be obtained as part of that year's Pop the Cork surprise run.

Although I like palominos, I'll admit there are some shades of that color I don't like. Fortunately, this guy isn't one of those shades. He looks like caramel! Mmm. And his blue eye is so striking! If I'm going to be nitpicky, I'd like to see a little bit of darker shading on the mane and tail (to set them off from the white markings a little more), but it's no biggie. He almost looks good enough to eat!

The Nokota himself has been used in many ways, but we haven't seen him at Breyerfest since his 2014 appearance as the surprise model. He was the big cat Java in 2017, as well as the limited edition Illumination, and was the event model at the 2018 Scottsdale Stampede, so I wonder if Breyer's giving the mold a bit of a rest? Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing a new regular run on him, despite his odd shape negating a wider-than-usual box. More regular run Moody molds is never a bad thing!

Anyway, I hope we see a new Nokota soon - as long as it's one I can get my hands on!

Featured Model - 9/29/2018, Sundance

Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured Model, the weekly blog event where I pick a model from my collection, give some stats on it and provide commentary about it. This week's model is...Sundance!



I picked Sundance for this week because he looks like a budget version of Phantom Face and I'm still feeling sorry for myself for not being drawn to attend Scottsdale Stampede. Woe is me, etc.

Definitely drop me a line if you know where I can get a Phantom Face for a not-ridiculous price, though!

Anyway, this model was produced in 2007 in his one and only appearance in the Breyerfest special run line (though he's been a raffle model twice). He's item #711057 on the Nokota mold sculpted by Kathleen Moody.

Despite his overabundance of hair, the Nokota is one of my favorite molds, and this color looks pretty good on him. I wonder if Scottsdale Stampede attendees will get a new Nokota? He's been used at a couple of other collector events already, but I can't see Breyer passing up the chance to use one of their most popular mustang molds at a Western-themed event.

As for other upcoming Nokota appearances, he was a web special last year and appeared as this year's patriotic special run model. I wouldn't be surprised to see him at next year's Breyerfest - it seems like he's due to appear there in some fashion, and there's been a surprising lack of Moody molds at the last few Breyerfests. Hopefully he shows up in an attainable fashion, if he does make an appearance!

If you missed out on Illumination...

...he's now available on the Breyer website, in "extremely limited quantities!"



If you still need one, order him here.

Also, on a slightly related note, Breyer is doing a 10% off sale on all their Breyerfest portrait horses (what a savings...). Check them out here!

Last Call for Scottsdale Stampede Entries!

Greetings, readers! Just a quick reminder that today is the last day of the Scottsdale Stampede entry period. After all the entries are in, names will be drawn for the opportunity to buy tickets to the event!

The entry period ends tonight at 11:59pm Eastern - don't miss out! My hubby and I are both crossing our fingers that we get drawn - I'd love to be able to attend! The Phantom Face model is to die for, and I'm excited to see what other special runs they have!



Good luck to everyone who enters!

Illumination is here!

Good news, everyone! My Illumination model arrived shockingly quickly after they popped up online, but due to our move, I just haven't had the time to write about him until now. Fortunately, I managed to scrape up a few minutes to take him out of his box and admire him, and boy am I glad I did! Behold!



As an aside - while I love the Nokota mold, I don't love how his head is closer to the camera than the rest of his body, which almost always makes his head look huge in photos. Maybe I'm just doing it wrong.

Anyway, look at how pretty he is! He's all shiny and blue, and I love it!

I've seen a lot of posts on Facebook wondering about that square seam-looking thing around his shoulders. So far, it seems like they all have it - I'm guessing the non-clearware models have it too, but this is the first time we've been able to see it.



Quality-wise, he's pretty nice, but there really wasn't much to screw up on this model, except maybe the fireworks (and I didn't see anything wrong with those). I feel like his eyes could have been painted less sloppily, though. And I love the transition to clear on the ends of his mane and tail.



It's always interesting to get a new mold in clearware and see its "inner workings" for the first time. That's a peg inside the model! They snap together to help hold the two halves of the model together. It's supposed to help prevent seam splits, but the jury's still out on that one, I think. The pegs are also notorious for being creaky, so if you have an especially chatty Nokota (or Esprit, or numerous other molds with pegs), blame the pegs.

Since this is the first time we've seen the Nokota in clearware, and the run was only 3000 (or 3500, there seems to be some disagreement) models, I wonder if we'll see other clearware Nokotas in the future? Only time will tell, I suppose.

That's all I have for today. Enjoy what's left of April - hopefully we get some exciting Breyerfest news tomorrow!

Lots of exciting things to post about today!

We've got quite the news roundup today, folks! First off...there's a new model hint on the Breyerfest Blog!

When it's all swirled like that, it looks like an ostrich - but word on the street is that it's a Lonesome Glory! Some type of blue roan sabino, perhaps? There's no word on whether this is a special run or a raffle model, so I'm wondering if this is the Sunday raffle model? Oddly enough, if IDYB is correct, Lonesome Glory has somehow never been a raffle model! Perhaps this is the year! But I'd be cool with a Lonesome Glory special run line item - at least he would mostly fit the theme. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Hopefully we won't have to wait until Friday!

Next up - there's a new test model for collector club members to enter for on the website!



According to the writeup, he's from 2000 or so. From the website:

This lovely test is vintage 2000, and features blue and silver bobs in his mane and a bow in his tail. He has four freehand socks on his feathered legs, and a freehand blaze face. He does have some black marks and signs of age, but overall he's a wonderful test run! 

 I'm debating whether to enter for this guy or not. I'd be reselling him if I won, but he looks like he'd resell for a pretty good price. Decisions, decisions. Good luck to those who do enter!

And lastly, there's a new limited edition clearware model coming out - Illumination!



A new Nokota? And he's clearware? I gotta have him! They're definitely making the most of that patriotic paintjob, huh? He does have some differences from Patriot and Allegiance, though - I like the fireworks! I wonder if this paintjob will become a yearly thing? Time will tell. Hope I can get mine soon!

That's all I have for today - hopefully we get more exciting Breyerfest reveals soon!

At least they gave us plenty of time to plan!

This year's highly-anticipated Collector Club special event, the Scottsdale Stampede, has been revealed!



And check out the event model, Phantom Face!




Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my face...

Okay, there we go. So the next collector event is in Arizona! It's happening Nov. 9-11. Unfortunately. we have to be drawn for tickets to this one again. But at least if you get drawn and have a significant other to come with you, you can buy 2 tickets. Ticket entry period is May 21 through June 3.

Taking some time to speculate about what type of models we'll see at this event, here's a quick look at the planned itinerary:

Friday, November 9th
Private cocktail reception at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

Saturday, November 10th
Tour of Schmersal Reining Horses 

Tour of Rae Dawn Arabians
Lunch
Saturday Night Party at host hotel - Wild West Steampunk Costume Party!

With that itinerary, I'd expect a smattering of stock horses and Arabians - Bobby Jo, Geronimo, Weather Girl, Yasmin, etc. Of course, this is Breyer we're talking about, so it'll probably be drafts and ponies again. 

I'd definitely love to attend this event and cover it for the blog - that model is gorgeous! We'd have to fly again, which isn't necessarily a deal-breaker. Things look tentatively good for us right now - it'll depend on whether either of us can get drawn for a ticket. We'll be crossing our fingers for sure!

Java is here!

Exciting news today - my Java has arrived! Behold:

I love this guy, in all his bronzed goodness! Definitely one of the better entries in the Big Cats series.

And the only thing he has wrong with him is his right eye color goes down onto his lower eyelid slightly. Certainly not anywhere close to being a dealbreaker!



He's definitely a keeper! I wonder, have we ever heard who designed the models for this series? Whoever it is deserves a medal for this guy - he's gorgeous! All in all, I'm glad I was able to purchase this guy (even if I wasn't drawn for him), and I hope any future entries in the Big Cats series are this nice!

Java selections are out!

So check your inboxes! Nothing here, sadly. I suppose I should have expected it - we got incredibly lucky and managed to get drawn for 3/4 of the America the Beautiful releases (didn't enter for Wailua). I hope everyone who wanted one got drawn! Fortunately, I found one for not too much of a markup from a kind Blabber, so hopefully he gets here soon!

The Big Cat Series Returns with Java!

Wow, I thought the Big Cat series was over with, but evidently not! Meet Java.



Gah! It's a Nokota. I have to have him! Is it bad that I'm angry at Breyer for only making it a run of 255? Bleh. I shouldn't be surprised, since none of the Big Cats web specials have had quantities of more than 280 yet, but still...grrr.

Oh well. This guy will be in high demand, I can tell. Hopefully at least one of my accounts gets drawn - my 14 other Nokotas need their big cat buddy! I think his color is really interesting, too - love the bronze in it. At least it's only a four-day entry period instead of a whole week. Looking forward to the 18th!

Also, since the Big Cat series now has a fifth entry, dare I hope that the America the Beautiful series continues next year? Crossing my fingers!

Live Auction Lot 24 - Nokota My Heart

We're in the homestretch, people! Only 4 more days until the main event, and some vendors are already at the Clarion selling! And we actually got to see an auction model today, what luck! (Can you tell I'm salty about the hidden lots? Grr.) Today's auction lot is...a Nokota!

 

Glossy goodness abounds! I love him. If I had the money, I'd try for him, but something tells me a certain Blabber will be bidding on him too! He's a beauty. Well, we already knew the Nokota wouldn't be the surprise, but this at least alleviates any fears about him being the volunteer model. I'm still predicting Croi for the volunteer! I hope tomorrow brings something just as exciting! We're getting on the road for Kentucky today and my husband is bringing his laptop, so hopefully blogging the rest of the week won't be as hair-pullingly annoying as it has been in the past. I'm hoping to be able to blog each day of Breyerfest as it happens, so stay tuned for exciting updates! 

Featured Model - 6/10/2017, Bats in the Belfry

Hello, readers! Welcome to another edition of Featured Model, the weekly blog event where I pick a model from my collection, give some stats on it and provide commentary about it. This week's model is...Bats in the Belfry!



This dramatic model was produced in 2010 as a limited run of 2,500. He was the first Traditional-sized Halloween model since 2007, and was the last until 2014, when the Halloween Horse series returned. He was produced on the popular Nokota mold sculpted by Kathleen Moody.

There was a long gap of years prior to and post-release of this model - the reason given by Breyer was that they had "run out of ideas." I can accept that, since ol' Bats here is pretty much just Breyer taking another stab at Nosferatu's pattern. Since then, though, the Halloween Horses have been pretty unique. As for Bats himself, I really like the combination of colors used here, especially his head color. And the improvements in masking technology from 2002-2010 mean none of his bats are fuzzy! At least I think so - I'm not going to go climb up a stepstool to the top shelf to check.

The Nokota is another one of those controversial molds that seems to have been sculpted with more hair than sense. Don't get me wrong - I like him, or I wouldn't have 13 of them on my shelves - but the big strands of hair on his neck do seem like overkill. All the same, he's very animated and dramatic - this photo gets pretty close to my favorite angle of his.

Since his introduction in 2007, the Nokota has been a special run twice (three times if you count the half-year Collector's Choice model Cheveyo), and has been a Breyerfest special run twice  (three times if you count Honky Tonk). He's been a web special, he's been used at multiple Breyer collector events, he's been a raffle model twice, and most recently he was last year's flagship store special. Where will he pop up next? I bet he'll be an auction model - which reminds me: if my calculations are correct, we should start seeing auction models on the 16th - holy crap, that's next Friday! Hopefully they have some good ones this year! I can't wait to see them.