Hello and welcome back to another riveting edition of my weekly Quick Hits! This special showcase is going to break the norm as we take the feature off of model trains and give a special spotlight to the crazy mix of characters that calls Trainz their home. We’ve got everybody from Scooby Doo to the Beatles hanging out on our shelves, and I think it’s a perfect time to give them their own feature. With the holidays fast approaching, why not find the perfect gift early? So grab the keys to the Mystery Machine as we get ready to uncover all of the great characters we have running around Trainz.com!

Jada Toys 31751 1:24 1963 Volkswagen Bus Truck with Cookie Monster Figure

Well, I don’t see any better way than to start things off with….cookies! Ok, maybe we won’t get any because Sesame Street’s very own beloved Cookie Monster is handing them out. That’s alright, we’ll get 'em next time! In the meantime let’s take a look at this awesome VW Bus that comes covered in cookies and of course has its own Cookie Monster figure. Cookie Monster and the groovy VW Bus you see pictured above are made by Jada Toys, who have been at it making some of the coolest die-cast collectibles since 1999. They’ve got a great reputation, and a solid portfolio of some of pop culture’s most beloved characters in all sorts of unique designs. 

I loved Cookie Monster growing up – and always looked forward to catching up with Sesame Street after I got home from school. Sesame Street has been educating and entertaining children ever since its debut way back in 1969, and continues to live on through younger generations eager to meet Elmo, Cookie Monster, and the rest of Sesame Street’s cast of lovable characters. If you’ve got your own Cookie Monster in your life, this is the perfect gift to satisfy that mighty sweet tooth! I’m getting such a nostalgia rush looking at this thing! 

I’ve got a set of fresh baked cookies along with the listing for this Cookie Monster VW Bus here. And with the Holidays fast approaching – you never know what might show up with our products department so be sure to come back for more Sesame Street products in the future. 

Product Info:

Manufacturer: Jada Toys

Model Number: 31751

Category 1: 1:24 Scale

Jada Toys 31720 1:24 The Mystery Machine with Scooby Doo and Shaggy Figures

You may remember I mentioned Jada Toys has a ton of great characters from all realms of pop culture during the Cookie Monster feature, and they’re at it again! That’s right, Scoobert Doobert Doo and his best friend Shaggy are here, and do a great job solving mysteries all over Trainz from finding Scott’s missing BatMobile to catching the crazy person who put salt in the break room sugar dispenser. 

This is another big nostalgia kick for myself, and I can still remember all of the words to the original song way back from the 60s cartoon. Scooby Doo at Trainz is no surprise as this icon has been licensed and featured on a variety of toys for more than half a century. Still ever popular, younger generations are shouting “Scooby Doo, where are you?” just like so many of us did as kids growing up with the crime solving tennagers and their beloved pup. 

I’ve got the listing from Jada Toys here if you’re interested in taking a closer look at Scooby and the Mystery Machine. Scooby also got some love from Lionel with a couple of O Gauge releases, the first being a Scooby Doo Boxcar (model # 6-85323) that was accompanied by the Scooby Doo Aquarium car (model # 1928360). I’ve got some more great potential Scooby Doo gifts available on display at our products department if you’re looking for even more mystery solving fun!

Product Info:

Manufacturer: Jada Toys

Model Number: 31720

Category 1: 1:24 Scale

Jada Toys 99731 1:24 Hollywood Rides Ghostbusters ECTO-1 Diecast Vehicle

“Who you gonna call?” Ghostbusters! Wow, I hope I’m allowed to use that. Jada Toys goes Hollywood too because the big screen is in no way too big for this manufacturer! The Ectomobile is the ultimate utility vehicle when it comes to fighting restless spirits and pesky specters. Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, and the rest of the gang taught us that ‘we ain’t scared of no ghost” during the 80s riding around in the converted 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor that was actually an ambulance turned into a ghost fighting mobile!

All of us who had the pleasure of growing up with this film still have memories of a giant Stay-Puft marshmallow man trudging through Manhattan with that big goofy smile drawn across its face. I didn’t know whether to be scared or to laugh – most of us went with the latter. 

This is a great piece that’ll make anybody collecting die-cast cars excited to add a unique car to their collection, and also serves as a great Ghostbusters gift for your favorite Ghostbuster! You can check out the listing here, and if you want more TV/Film collectibles I’ve got plenty more on our website. 

Product Info:

Manufacturer: Jada Toys

Model Number: 99731

Category 1: 1:24 Scale

Corgi CC05401 1:36 The Beatles Yellow Submarine

Na na na naaa nanana naaaaa!! Hey Juuude… Yeah Beatle-mania runs rampant here at Trainz.com too! Looks like Jada Toys is getting a break as we shift our attention to Corgi and this beautiful replica of the Yellow Submarine from the famous 1968 film of the same name. This Yellow Submarine was actually released back in 2018 to commemorate 50 years of the Yellow Submarine film, and even features all 4 of the Beatles when you press a little button on the submarine. 

They’re one of those bands that’s so famous you have at least one favorite song out of their catalog even if you’re not a huge fan of the band. I love “Hey Jude” myself, and am the first to belt out a couple of notes when we reach that chorus. Run in advance if you’re near me – I’m not a very good singer. In addition to this neat little Yellow Submarine, The Beatles have even gotten their own train sets and great cars. Fortunately we have both here at Trainz. The first is a Beatles trains set from Hornby (model # R1253) and looks absolutely phenomenal. Lionel also showed up with the release of their own Beatles Aquarium Car (model 6-29328). If you want more Beatles trains I have those, and tons more awesome candidates for Beatles gifts on our website!

Product Info:

Manufacturer: Corgi

Model Number: CC05401

Category 1: 1:48 Scale

Lionel 2128230 O Looney Tunes Road Runner Aquarium Car

Nearing the end, I’ve had to go back to our model train roots, and couldn’t resist featuring something for your layout here. What better than with some Looney Tunes rolling stock? The final entry in the showcase is another giant we grew up alongside, and that’s the Looney Tunes empire. Looney Tunes will soon be nearing the century mark for its anniversary. The Looney Tunes gang has been everywhere from playing basketball with Michael Jordan to kids’ lunch boxes. So it was only a matter of time before they made their debut in the world of model trains.

Lionel sure loves to give these cartoon icons their own Aquarium car, and that’s what we got here. Though, I’m not complaining, as this fun little freight car features Wylie Coyote and his nemesis the always elusive Roadrunner! Running this piece on a desert layout would literally be one of the greatest uses of model trains, and I’d love to see the two on their chase as they round layouts. It’s awesome to see Warner Bros signing off on the idea of Looney Tunes trains, and look forward to even more collaboration in the future. 

I’ve got the listing for this car here, and a slew of awesome products that would make for the perfect Looney Tunes gift!

Product Info:

Manufacturer: Lionel

Model Number: 2128230

Scale/Era: O Modern

Model Type: Operating Cars