Bamboozled

 Huh. I was really hoping Friday's sneak peek would be on the mini Georg, since they said it was a tricky one. Oh well! Check out the latest Breyerfest reveal:

Well, hello! 

I had thought we were done with Trad-size reveals, but clearly not! What a handsome guy. This also does away with the rampant speculation that Georg is the surprise model, so that's a nice bonus (still sticking with Brishen here!). I hope they offer this one in gloss, as well. And he's only available for online orders! Guess I know what I'll be doing in line on Friday morning...But anyways. From the blog:

This stunning light chestnut Rhenish Draft will be included as one of this year’s BreyerFest Limited Edition models, but will only be available for purchase online. He will not be available in person at the event, but will be available for all ticket holders to purchase on BreyerHorses.com during BreyerFest weekend and will be shipped to all buyers, whether you’re joining us in-person or online. 

Though not a portrait horse, this handsome Rhenish German Draft is inspired by the beautiful horses at the North Rhine-Westphalia State Stud in Warendorf, Germany. You can learn more about the work of the State Stud and these beautiful horses here. 

I wish his color was a little bit darker and less mealy - he looks more like a Belgian here than anything else. The horses in this photo are a nice example (bonus: the prancing one looks like a Classic Shire B!). But Breyer's promo photos are notoriously bad, so we'll have to wait and see what he looks like in person. I'm excited for more reveals - show us the Stablemate set already! Inquiring minds want to know! 

Featured Model - 1/29/2022, Glossy Caipirinha

 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...the glossy version of Caipirinha! 

This enviable guy is item #711468G. He was a run of 4 produced on the Carrick mold sculpted by Sue Sifton. He was awarded to the Breyerfest 2016 live show managers, volunteer coordinator and the 2017 BreyerWest show manager. 

Talk about drool! This model is pretty already in matte, but adding gloss on top of that puts him over the top. I always liked his high white stocking and unique face marking - they make him stand out that much more. He's somewhat like a better-executed version of Puttin' on the Ritz without the greenish hue. Definitely one of my top grails, not that I'm likely to ever own one with prices being what they are. I do have the matte version from volunteering at Breyerfest 2016, so I'll have to be satisfied with him. 

Carrick has seen his fair share of releases since his introduction in 2013 (can't believe it's been nine years already!). His most recent appearance was as the web special Baruti last year, and he's had a couple of regular run appearances in recent years, so it's hard to say where we'll see him next. I wouldn't be surprised to see him as an auction model at Breyerfest, or perhaps a dark horse candidate for the Rotating Draft Surprise (seems unlikely though). Maybe the second Collector Club special run for this year? I could get behind that. Just as long as it isn't some micro run I can't get my hands on...

January 2022 Collector Club Newsletter and more sneak peeks!

 Wow, they got the Collector Club newsletter out relatively early this month! How novel. Check your email for a fun story about the cream gene in horses, a giveaway of a glossy dunalino QHG (one of the mysterious new releases that showed up on the website last week), and a fun sneak peek:

Not much of a mystery here - the blurb says it'll be available in early February, so it's clearly a Valentine's Day plush - and there are at least two of them this year! I wonder if the one in the sneak peek is a donkey? That could be cute. 

In other news, there's a new sneak peek on the Breyerfest Blog as well. I was hoping for a full reveal instead, but clearly that hope was misplaced. Here it is:

Our eagle-eyed Internet sleuths have identified this as Georg, but since we've presumably already seen all the Traditional-size items people will be able to order with VIP tickets, it's a mystery as to what this could be. The photo seems to be slightly grainy, as it might look if it were zoomed in quite a bit, so my guess is that this is the Stablemate version of Georg and he's in the Best of Breyerfest set for 2022. Which model he'd be a mini of is a bit of a mystery - his color looks like Muse, but they've already done models from 2011. Maybe Walk Down Memory Lane, but the sneak peek isn't glossy. Yes, the mini Georg is the PC Stablemate for this year, but there's no rule saying it can't appear somewhere else as well, and I don't think they'd start revealing prize or raffle models before they finished showing off Limited Edition stuff. 

I guess we'll have all weekend to think about it, since the reveal is coming on Monday! Ah, the anticipation is killing me...But since I'm working overnights all weekend, maybe I'll get a repeat of last weekend and forget about the whole thing entirely. 

Be Sure to Eat a Balanced Breakfast

 We have our Breyerfest plush reveal - Strudel! Check him out:

And as expected, he's wearing lederhosen. Cute! Nothing I need, but cute nonetheless. The blog post implies something else will be revealed tomorrow, so let's hope it's the Best of Breyerfest Stablemate set! 

In other reveals, the first test run drawing of the year has been unveiled - take a look at the model I'm dubbing Toast: 

...both for the state of our wallets after buying these things, and because it makes a nice contrast to strudel. 

All things considered, Classics test models that end up in the public's hands seem to be few and far between (at least, in the last 15 to 20 years); possibly because Classics just aren't as popular as Traditionals. There used to be a fair number of them in Breyerfest live auctions in the 1990s, but there hasn't been one in a live auction for a number of years now. I think Breyer gave away one of the Man o' War tests from the "Who wore it best?" competition collector club members voted on a few years back, but other than that I don't know of any Classics tests that escaped the Breyer offices in recent years. So this guy is pretty special! 

One might think he'd be a little more modestly priced, considering the Classics line's lack of popularity, but he's priced at $650 - not much less than a typical Trad test run. Nothing I need in my own collection, fortunately, though it'd be nice to own a genuine test model. Maybe someday! 

Cardinal selections have been made!

 Well, if you entered for the Cardinal web special, check your email! Selections have gone out and soon these chestnut beauties will be winging their way to their new owners. It doesn't look like I was drawn, but I'm not too upset about it because he would have been trade fodder anyway. Congratulations! 

It's the plush!

 Well, I foolishly thought we'd get another reveal today, but we'll have to make do with another sneak peek instead:

This is almost certainly a plush horse wearing lederhosen (what else would it be?), but I'd be happy to be surprised! Guess we'll find out (hopefully) tomorrow! 

Toss a coin to your Witcher...

 Somehow I forgot we were even waiting for a sneak peek reveal today - there I was all sad on Friday thinking I'd have to wait three long days to see it...only to forget all about it until this morning when we got the reveal. And what a reveal! Behold:

It probably didn't help that I've had this stuck in my head all weekend, but anyways...I love this guy! I think this is the first Breyerfest model this year that I'm actually excited for. Of course, it's hard to top the hype for Pollock last year, but this guy comes close (for me). I just wish his braids and bobs were painted, because he looks a little unfinished otherwise. Oh, and I kinda feel like they should have used the Shire B for this, although Shire B is the more recently-used mold. But I'd be happy to bring this one home in any case! Hmm, maybe they'll sneak some Shire Bs into the mix? Uh, in an evenly-distributed, easily-attainable way, I mean. 

Well, bring on the reveals! I hope we get the Stablemate set tomorrow! 

Featured Model - 1/22/2022, Jump for Joy

 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...Jump for Joy! 

This handsome guy was item #711464. He was a run of 10 and was issued on the Newsworthy mold sculpted by Sue Sifton. 

Jump for Joy was the reserve grand prize for Breyerfest 2014's open show. One was also auctioned off in the live auction and sold for the grand total of $1,100. You know what, I'm not going to complain about how comparatively low the prices used to be; let's just move on. His roan paint style is the one I like the most because it makes the model look like it's made of candy. Mmm! What a handsome boy. The only way to improve him would be if he had the loose mane and tail, but that combination didn't come into wider usage until later on. Still a model I'd love to have in my collection. 

As for Newsworthy himself, he was used in a really great shade of buckskin for Breyerfest 2020, to great effect (especially in glossy!). One wonders if he could be this year's surprise model, though I personally doubt it. We've seen that they'll use models on stands, but we've yet to see a pony as the surprise, and he really wouldn't make any sense with the hint (not that that's stopped them before). He'd make a decent sparrow in the Birds of a Feather web special series, if they could figure out how to make a brown coat interesting - lots of shading, or gloss, or some belly spots or something? Food for thought. Though if they used this photo for inspiration, maybe a liver chestnut or seal bay with splash white? Seal bay would be more dramatic. Sheesh, now I really want one! 

Birds of a Feather flock together!

 Well well, it looks like the Birds of a Feather web special theme is going to continue this year. I always thought it was a shame they kept stopping after four releases with some of the earlier themes - after the success of America the Beautiful and the second edition of the Berries Ponies, Breyer must have decided there isn't any harm in continuing a theme through multiple years. Anyway, here's the first web special for 2022 - Cardinal! 

From the website:

Perhaps everyone’s favorite winter bird, the cardinal is a welcome splash of color against a snowy landscape. While the cardinal can be found year-round in the eastern United States, its bright coloring makes it stand out in the fall and winter. A cheerful bird with a whistling song, cardinals are thought by many to be a sign from a loved one.

The cardinal may be some people's favorite winter bird, but I'm more partial to Snowbird myself.  Or maybe I've just watched way too much Family Guy in my lifetime...but anyways. They're making a whopping 500 of these guys, but Shannondell is a pretty popular guy, so I'm sure he'll sell well despite his resemblance to Acadia. He's...really almost identical. 

This one isn't something I need in my collection, especially since I already have an Acadia, but I did enter for him to use for trade fodder. When in Rome...I guess.

In other news, we also have...a sneak peek instead of the reveal I hoped we were going to get today. Ugh! Here it is:

Looks like some type of black splash, or maybe a cow? I've...got nothing. Guess we'll have to wait until Monday! 


Coda: Maybe I have watched too much Family Guy. While looking up songs on Youtube for this post I realized I apparently thought Anne Murray and Helen Reddy were the same person - I thought Helen Reddy sang Snowbird but of course it was Anne Murray, and she had a whole episode about Snowbird. Helen Reddy was also on Family Guy (a voice cameo and later sang the theme song for the updated Channel 5 News). D'oh! Wait...maybe this means I need to watch Family Guy more! Hmm, food for thought. 

What a stunner!

 Well, today's Breyerfest 2022 reveal is...a new braided Idocus! 

I need a slightly different angle on him to be sure, but the braided Idocus kind of is my kryptonite, so I'll have to get one of these to keep Beau company, since I still haven't gotten a braided Brunello or Nirvana. From the blog:

At BreyerFest this summer, we are so excited for fans to meet Chablis, a multi-champion Württemberger hunter. He has been immortalized as one of BreyerFest’s Limited Edition Traditional models, available to all BreyerFest: Prost! ticket holders, whether you’re joining us in person or online. Done on Susan Carlton Sifton’s Warmblood Stallion, mold #711, Chablis is a stunning dark bay with dappling and three white socks. 

 

This one is going to look amazing in gloss. I have to get one! Let's hope tomorrow's reveal is just as stunning, since I'm probably going to be rather light on SR-line-acquisitions this year.

Warehouse finds and another reveal!

 Well, first things first...we have some mysterious new web exclusives this morning! 

These models appeared on Breyer's website this morning. Originally the price for each was $34.99, but that must have been a mistake as they are now $44.99. Models like this have shown up on the website before, and the thinking then was that they were made from leftover whiteware in the warehouse - hence the term "warehouse finds." It's probably safe to assume these have the same or similar backstory. Those models all were like plainer reissues of previous releases, though, and most of these colors seem to be new for these (all vintage) molds. So who knows exactly what their story is, but my guess is on leftover whiteware they decided to paint up and sell. Nothing I need, since I don't collect most vintage molds, but that QHG is pretty, as is the Roemer and Man o' War. It doesn't look like any of them have sold out yet - but they do qualify for the Collector Club 10% discount and free shipping over $49, so there is that. 

In other news, yesterday's sneak peek has been revealed - say hello to Rapunzel! 

Ah, so there is an alternate mane option for Astrid after all! Makes sense. The roan color is pretty, though it seems a bit...blah. Maybe she'll be a matte/glossy split? I hope so - she would look amazing in gloss. Finally, something I want! 

From the blog:

Our Rapunzel, a tribute to this timeless fairy tale character, has been done as a stunning strawberry roan, with two white socks, and a braid in her long, flowing mane. Done as a Sport Pony on the Norwegian Fjord Mare, mold #808 sculpted by Maggie Jenner-Bennett, this long mane version of the mold will be released for the first time exclusively at BreyerFest: Prost! 

Uh...I hate to be pedantic about this, but isn't Rapunzel usually portrayed as a blonde? Maybe I just have that Disney movie in my head, I don't know. Well, anyway, it's not really that important, but it's still going to bother me a little bit. Maybe I'll have to rename mine Poison, or Steel Dragon or Def Leppard or something - she'd definitely fit in on stage with an '80s hair band. 

That aside, I'm excited to see what else is revealed! Presumably we get something else good tomorrow! 

The hills are alive with the sound of music...

 Well, yesterday's sneak peek has been revealed, and the Facebook guesser(s) were right - it's Big Ben! Meet Brahms: 

This one is stunning, and an amazing example of what Breyer can mass-produce these days. Not so long ago this would have only been something you could only find at the live auction. 

From the blog: 

Born in 1833, German composer Johannes Brahms is often grouped with other famous composers Beethoven and Bach as one of the fathers of classical music. Premiering many of his own compositions, this virtuoso wrote for musicians from soloists to symphonies. Considered one of the masters of classical music, Brahms symphonies are known the world over.  

In celebration of BreyerFest: Prost!, our Brahms has been done on the Big Ben mold, #483, sculpted by Kathleen Moody in a flashy black leopard appaloosa finished with a shiny coat of gloss. Brahms' right front leg and shoulder feature a "mismark," which is a unique genetic anomaly that sometimes occurs in horses with appaloosa coloring. 

Anyway, despite how pretty he is, I don't need to buy one. But here's our sneak peek for tomorrow:

 

Yet another model that could be pretty much anything, though I'll note that we haven't seen a regular run or Breyerfest appearance for Astrid yet. I guess we'll find out what it is tomorrow! 

Blue Moon...

 Well, the blue Breyerfest special run has been revealed- it's on Spirit and his name is Franz! 

(I wanted to title this post Blue Monday, but Breyer beat me to the punch, so...) Anyway, here's a tidbit from the blog post:

Painted by German artist Franz Marc in 1911, the Blue Horse is one of Marc’s most iconic works both for its simplicity and composition, as well as its unique use of colors. Inspired by this work of art, our Franz model has been done in a stunning shade of light blue on the Spirit mold, #577, with a navy mane, tail, and four navy socks.  We love the way this model has brought Marc’s work to life! 

There have been some comparisons to the Corpse Bride online, but I like this guy. Too bad I sold off my Spirits ages ago, though. Sheesh, only two SR reveals left to go and I still only want two of them. But here's the next hint...

Someone on Facebook guessed Big Ben, and his right shoulder and muscling around that area do seem to match up pretty well. I doubt this is a store special, since it's glossy (lately the store specials debut in matte and the glossy comes later), so it's probably another special run line item - perhaps our vintage mold? Big Ben isn't really "vintage" in the true sense of the word, but he does turn 25 years old this year, so that's probably close enough. But I sold off all my Big Bens a few years ago as well, so that only leaves one more special run line item for me to like! This is so bizarre - I think the last time I liked so few SR items was 2012, for pete's sake. I suppose it had to happen eventually, but it's still odd. 

Featured Model - 1/15/2022, Glossy Bay Auction Alborozo

 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...the glossy bay Breyerfest 2012 Auction Alborozo! 

This stunningly handsome guy was, as previously mentioned, an auction model at Breyerfest 2012. Issued on the popular Alborozo mold sculpted by Brigitte Eberl, he was the sale topper at a (then) eye-popping amount of $8,000. This model has a little extra significance for me, as 2012 was the first Breyerfest we attended and this was the first auction Alborozo that Breyer had released since 2008. What a beauty! I believe this piece was painted by Sommer Prosser as well. 

The Stablemate version of Alborozo (mirrored so as to be not an exact replica of the original) has seen heavy use since its introduction in 2018 (sheesh), but his Traditional counterpart has seen very little use due to the destruction of his mold. He was the early-bird model for Breyerfest 2014, a run of three, and has been an auction model three times, but appearance as the early bird model makes me wonder if he might get a micro-run release for a Breyer collector event - or perhaps as an extremely desirable Coal for a Christmas release! They'd have to name him something like Black Diamond in that case, I suspect. Not that it's likely, but it's sort of fun to think about. I mean, until you think about the extremely small likelihood of getting one...But anyway. It's probably safe to assume we'll get more Alborozo auction models over the years, but I hope he gets some kind of slightly-larger release eventually - the mold deserves it! 

Come on, at least give us a chance here

 Well, we have a reveal and a sneak peek today! I'll start with the reveal - meet Chardonnay! 

Ooh, he's pretty. Like a discount Midas, almost? Nothing I need to buy, but he'll be stunning in gloss (if they gloss the Limited Editions again). He's a Limited Edition, so anyone will be able to buy him. Nice! Uh, although I am hoping they'll come out with something I want eventually, because...I only want 4 things (of, like 11) that they've shown so far, and usually the number is far higher than that, so...maybe this blue sneak peek will end up being something I want? Pretty please?

Also...I mean, it's probably pretty tiring for them to give us sneak peeks that are solved almost instantly by the community, but this is just mean. Good luck divining anything from that...although some sleuths on Facebook think it may be Salinero? Which would be another model I don't need, so I hope it's something else! We'll find out on Monday! 

My wallet is happy so far

 Another day, another Breyerfest 2022 reveal...behold! 

Two food-inspired releases in a row? Well, at least they weren't themed after soft pretzels with mustard, or sauerkraut or something. Today we get Marzipan! Wyatt was last used in the special run line in 2016 as Bozeman, so it's good to see him get another release, even if it's one I don't have any interest in. I saw a post by Sommer Prosser on Facebook that she designed this one, so that's nice. I wonder if this one will get a glossy/matte split? He'd look good glossy. 

Let's hope we get another exciting release tomorrow! Hopefully something I want...because Breyer is batting about 50/50 with releases I want so far. 

Mmm, gummy bears

 The reveal is out: it's gummy bears! I was sufficiently surprised at that, because I didn't put much thought into it yesterday after the Misty conclusion on the Internets yesterday. So, behold: gummy bear cubs! 

From the blog:

Done on the Bear Cub, mold #308 sculpted by Chris Hess, our Breyer Bears are deliciously-colored clearware bears. They are being sold as a set of three and will come in red, yellow, and green – and be sweetly-scented, to boot!  As an added bonus, unlike the other Special Run models, this set will come in stunning custom packaging that is themed to this summer’s celebration of Prost! 

Despite the fact that I'm not an animal collector, I'm curious to see what these will look (and smell) like in person. Custom packaging? Interesting. I'm waffling on whether I want to get a set of these, because I do love me some Haribo gummy bears...but I don't collect the animals, so...bleh! Don't know what to do. But  I'm also happy that it's not another gambler's choice! Yay! Hmm...I'm not actually sure what the name of this set is, though. Maybe they'll add that later.

Breyerfest 2022 Surprise Hints and Speculation

 All right, folks, it looks like we have a reveal...of the name of this year's Breyerfest surprise model! It's...the Rotating Draft Surprise! Okay then...

There are a lot of possibilities for what this could be, but first, here's a list of previous Breyerfest surprise molds:

2009: Quarter Horse Gelding
2010: none
2011: Ethereal
2012: Flash
2013: Roxy
2014: Nokota
2015: Lonesome Glory
2016: Esprit
2017: Latigo
2018: Smarty Jones
2019: Moody Andalusian
2020: Giselle
2021: Dundee

So for sculptors, we have Kathleen Moody with four, Sue Sifton with three, Kitty Cantrell with two, and Brigitte Eberl, Sommer Prosser and Chris Hess tied at one. 

Now, up until 2019, the surprise mold had more-or-less followed a pattern of having appeared as an auction model the previous year, but the Moody Andalusian that year had not been a prior year's auction model. The pattern returned in 2020 (Giselle was an auction model in 2019) but broke again last year as Dundee wasn't an auction model in 2020. So it's anyone's guess as to whether they'll revisit this "tradition" again in 2022. That said, I have been thinking it would be Brishen for quite some time now, so that's the guess I'm going to stick with for now, until I see something that indicates otherwise. Using the word Draft in the name is naturally going to make people think of draft horses, and they have used draft models in reference to beers before (the 2012 single-day Stablemates), so I'm sticking with Brishen for now. Goffert, Othello and Georg were all used as auction models last year though, so any of them could show up as well (but probably not Georg as he's this year's first Collector Club release and has had several other releases lately - he'll probably be a raffle model instead). 

We also have a sneak peek to be revealed tomorrow:

The conclusion on the Internets is that this a rotated photo of Misty's tail/butt area, and that she's a German flag decorator. Interesting...and not something I'd need to buy, if that ends up being the case. I guess we'll find out tomorrow! 

Yes Please

 Hark, readers - there's another reveal on the Breyerfest blog! Meet Stein! 

I'm not sure why this mold didn't appeal to me when I first saw it, because once I saw this picture I'm pretty sure I want it just as much as anything else I've ever wanted in my life. WAAAAANT! Even though they keep using that unflattering camera angle! MUST HAVE!! I love his stripey tail! 

From the blog:

“Stein” is the German word for stone, and in Germany, these earthenware mugs are commonplace! As a part of our tribute to Germany this summer, our Stein for BreyerFest: Prost! has been done on the Mustang Stallion, mold #801 sculpted by Rayvin Maddock, as an eye-catching grullo.  This mold, with his wildly flowing mane and tail, was most recently released as the handsome Fireheart model as a part of the Premier Club in 2021.

Another special run I'll be dying to get my hands on! That's two so far...what's coming up next? I'll definitely be tuning in tomorrow!  

Featured Model - 1/8/2022, Poseidon

 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...Poseidon! 

This model was item #712096 and was a run of 230 on the Esprit mold sculpted by Kathleen Moody. He was second in the Greek Gods web special series from 2013. 

I badly wanted to be drawn for this web special, but had pretty bad luck with the Greek Gods that year - Dionysus was the only one I was drawn for and he seems to be the least popular of the four. Still have him, though. Anyway, basecoated blue roan pinto looks amazing on Esprit, especially with that blue eye. Still kicking myself for passing one up at Breyerfest because $400 was too rich for my blood - they're going for two or three times that nowadays. But anyway...

Esprit has been a pretty popular model over the years, and he's had a lot of low-run-number releases - though they seemed to have backed off that in recent years. Most of his more recent releases have been a lot easier to acquire over the years, so let's hope that continues in the future. Hard to say where we'll see him next - we're getting the glossy Apollo models in now, but he could really show up anywhere (except maybe at Breyerfest). He hasn't been a web special since Poseidon, so he could easily get another one of those, but he's already been a Holiday Horse, the patriotic mid-year release and wouldn't really fit in that well at TSC (at least, in my opinion). Maybe he'll be part of this collector event Breyer is planning for this year? Gulp, I hope not. I guess we'll find out soon enough - he's too popular to sit unused for long! 

It's a twofer!

Good news, readers! As I'd hoped, we got another Breyerfest 2022 special run reveal today! Behold:

Aren't they cute? Their names are Elbe and Spree. From the blog:

The Elbe River, which actually begins in the Czech Republic, ends its journey in the North Sea on the northwestern coast of Germany, near Hamburg. It is the 12th largest river basin in Europe and is 680 miles long. The Spree River, while significantly shorter at only 250 miles long, is the main river flowing through some larger German cities, including Berlin and Brandenburg.   

While they still aren't anything I'm interested in, I think they look a bit better in bay pinto than they did strawberry roan pinto. That's just my opinion, though. They're making 2,200 of these, so there should (theoretically) be enough to go around! 

Well, now I'm excited to see what gets revealed on Monday! 

 

It's a Gloss Extravaganza!

 Sheesh, with all the glossy models I've been getting lately, you'd think I was a Team Glossy person! Well...no further comment there. But my glossy Limited Editions from Breyerfest 2021 are finally here, plus I was able to trade my glossy CCA Smarty for a glossy Moody Andalusian, so adding that to my glossy Astrid and the SMC foals makes for a shiny party! Behold: 

I wish the Andalusian had been chalky, but at least I got one. They all look so good! 

I think the glossy Rheverence is my favorite of the bunch, though. He already looked good in that buckskin color, so adding a coat of gloss on top made him stunning! I like the way his mane is masked, too, even if it doesn't exactly match the actual sculpted mane. He's a beauty! 

Josie's paint job was already luscious in matte, and in glossy she just pops. This isn't even the greatest picture - her bay color has so much depth and the gloss just adds to it. 

The only problem with Apollo is that his gloss is hard to see in photos, similar to the amber champagne Hero's Welcome. Mine also has a rather nastily warped left front leg, which is a shame.

While he isn't basecoated, the glossy CCA Andalusian is still a stunning guy! I've always really liked the "young" grays that still have a lot of black in their color, and this guy is no exception. 

Quality-wise, they have some issues with lint/debris in the gloss, but that's just how it goes sometimes. Nothing too terrible other than Apollo's warped leg, so I'm pretty happy with them overall. Now I just have to fit them onto my shelves....

Edit: I forgot to add that we saw our first Breyerfest 2022 Limited Edition (formerly known as a store special) release today! Say hello to Montanara! 

Not a mold I collect, but I'm always glad to be able to save some money. The old Friesian does look good in that color, I must say. More importantly, does this mean we'll get another reveal tomorrow? I hope so! 

Just Dance!

 Wow, only 5 days into the new year and we get a Breyerfest special run reveal! Say hello to Landler:

From the blog:

If you’ve ever seen The Sound of Music then you’re already familiar with the inspiration behind the name for this next model. The Ländler is a traditional folk dance done in ¾ time that was popular in southern Germany in the 18th century and is still popular during celebrations of German culture today. This partner dance involves lots of hopping and stomping and may have been a precursor to the more refined Waltz. 

What a beauty! He definitely needs to join my herd. Could this be next year's matte/glossy split? He'd look stunning in gloss. And, wonder of wonders, he more-or-less matches the Germany theme! Watch, the next model they unveil will be a Fjord on Astrid. Haha!  

The other Breyerfest special run models were revealed in rather quick succession last year, so dare I hope they do the same thing this year? I wouldn't mind seeing more models this week! I almost think they'll have to do another quick reveal if they want to sell VIP tickets in the same time frame as last year. I can't wait to see what else they have for us! 

The Breyerwest Special Run returns!

 Good news, readers- Breyerwest is coming in February, and this year there'll be a special run you can buy! It's been a few years since we've had one of those. 

That's right - he's a glossy version of Lionel, the flagship horse for 2020. Nothing I need, but he sure is pretty! There are 250 of him and they'll be sold for $150 each. From the website:

 This model is limited to 250 pieces and is only available for participants who will be joining us at BreyerWest, taking place as a part of the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in Denver. 

You have to purchase a Breyerwest ticket first before you can reserve one, and then have to pick it up in person once you get there. Seems a little convoluted, but I guess they don't want to end up having to bring any unsold models back with them afterward. They are a bit spendy ($150) so they may end up having some leftovers anyway...but I digress. 

In other news, the glossy Limited Edition models from last year's Breyerfest are starting to show up! My glossy Rheverence, Josie and Apollo shipped out today, so I should see them in about a week. I'm excited to see all of them, especially Rheverence! I'm not so excited to try to fit them onto my shelves, though...

Featured Model: 1/1/2022, It's Showtime, Folks!

 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. Happy New Year, everyone! This week's model is...Showtime! 

This handsome fellow was a run of 12. He was item #712016 and was produced on the Ethereal mold sculpted by Kathleen Moody. 

Showtime was one of the special runs produced for the Velvet Rope Event held at Breyer headquarters back in 2008. It was the second special collector event Breyer held, after the Premier Event in 2002. I seem to recall seeing some verbiage around that time indicating that Breyer would hold an event at their headquarters every 6 years, which held up through 2014 with the Big Easy Bash. So there should have been an event at Breyer headquarters back in 2020, but the Seattle Soiree was held (planned to be in-person, but ending up being virtual due to Covid). After the VRE, collector events started happening approximately every other year, but there was an event in 2020, then again in 2021, and Breyer has indicated another happening this year, so it looks like yearly collector events may be happening. Maybe this year we'll go back to Breyer headquarters! Who knows.

In any event, Showtime is a very rare model indeed - I can't remember if I've ever seen one come up for sale since rejoining the hobby in 2010. He's definitely handsome - and the only photo I have to work with is one of Breyer's notoriously-bad promo photos, so I can only imagine how amazing he looks in person. Maybe someday I'll find one for sale for a good price...but in the meantime I'll just have to admire him from afar. 

As for Ethereal himself, the mold was just used as the TSC special run Wilder. Prior to that he had been used as the 2017 Halloween Horse. I hope we get another release on him soon, because he's been used rather sporadically since his 2011 Breyerfest Spun Gold appearance. He's not everyone's favorite mold, probably because of his slightly-ponyish appearance, but I love him all the same. Maybe we'll get a web special? I probably shouldn't hope for that since the web specials have gotten rather hard to acquire in recent years, but maybe he'll get a mid-year release or something.