My Snuffbox

I have always wanted to write a post about the differences between an STH and its regular version car. I was lucky enough to find the 2008 Lancer Evolution STH from the 2015 K case of Hot Wheels. STHs are Super/Secret Treasure Hunts. They are a much premium version of a regular diecast model with special Spectraflame paintjob, a high level of detailing, extra tampos and real rider rubber tyres. They are produced in very low quantities compared to the regular diecast versions. Let us look at some of the differences between an STH and its regular diecast First, is the difference in the card graphics art. The STH usually has some additional graphical detailing or liveries on the hood.  Then, the same differences are also seen in the actual diecast model. This STH has the MAXIMUM ATTACK livery on the hood along with the legendary TH symbol that marks this as a Super/Secret Treasure Hunt.  Then, come the paintjob and detailing. The paintjob is a unique spectraflam...

Got my hands on the Speed Machines, a Ferrari and a Lamborghini each. Speed Machines were introduced in the year 2010 and special features included a high level of detailing and co-molded wheels. However the batch of Speed Machines that were released in 2011, do not specify these on the card and also have the usual FTE wheels instead of the co molded wheels on the 2010 releases. Lamborghini Reventon Roadster Ferrari FXX An example of the co molded wheels and the special features listed on the card can be seen from the pic of the '67 Ford Shelby GT500 belonging to the 2010 batch of Hot Wheels Speed Machines. Special features listed on the pack are Hot cars, Special Wheels and Deluxe Detailing.

Recently, I finally came to own the super exclusive 2014 Collector Edition Walmart Mailin Exclusive 69 Camaro. And to begin with, its mindblowing. Other insignia include, Zamac Edition 2014, a Hot Wheels Collectors.com logoand the words, '2014 Collector Edition', with some beautiful multiple angle illustrations of the car on the backside. All in all, this is a collector's treat! Other features include, Gloss Black Hand Spray for the Roof and Hood bulge, Matt Black Handspray for the rear panel and headlights Silver hand spray for the body and Red Hand Spray for the taillights, all of which are detailed on the back card in dot matrix pixels, makes the reading a bit tough though! The card in the blister pack Close up Card Graphic and Zamac Edition 2014 Hot Wheels Collectors.com and Mattel logos The paint job details on the back of the card

There's been a lot of talk in collector town that the Bluebird 510 Wagon has grill variations. I was lucky enough to find all three on the same day when I was out shopping one evening. Here's the pictures. Coarse Grill  Smooth Grill No Grill

2013 was an awesome year for Ferrari fans.. cos Shell was giving away LEGO models of legendary ferrari models at a discounted price. All the models are pull back, LEGO has created a revolutionary pull back assembly, which is no thicker than 3mm. Building the cars from the blocks was sheer joy. Released in sets of two every time, the 1st set had the Ferrari 150 Italia and Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta. 2nd set had F40 and 458 Italia. 3rd set had Scuderia Ferrari Truck and FXX. Ferrari 150 Italia 250 GT Berlinetta Ferrari F40 458 Italia Scuderia Ferrari Truck Ferrari FXX

Rudraksha - the word instills in me reverence, bewilderment and a longing to see the tree. Very popular among spiritual seekers, the rudraksha creates a unique cocoon of vibrations and has some inter magnetic vibrations too. As widely known, the rudraksha, meaning the tears of Shiva or the eyes of Shiva, comes in many varieties depending on the number of faces. With every variation, the rudraksha is believed to bless the seeker with special benefits. The Dwimukhi or the two faces Rudraksha is believed to increase happiness in a married life. I recently got two of them from the Isha Yoga Center. And when they arrived, I was totally bewildered by the beautiful bead and kept looking at them and observe them for a long while. Rudrakshas can be purchased at the Isha yoga center shoppe .

The King of the Jungle has truly inspired the symbol of strength of many monarchies around the world. Here are some old coins of italy and great britain, in which the lion is beautifully portrayed as a symbol of the empire though the coins.  Italy Cyprus 1 Shilling Great Britain Half Crowns  Great Britain 1 Shilling variants  Finland 1 Markka