It takes more than just the talent of concept and design to bring Hot Wheels® cars to life. In between design and actual engineering is a key step in transforming the two-dimensional to the three dimensional. Hot Wheels® sculptor Manson Cheung stopped in to the Chat Room at HWC™ recently to dialogue with collectors.
Following is the Q&A transcript for those of you who may have missed the session.
HWC Manson: Good afternoon, everyone!!!
ryoni: Hello, Manson... How about them Flames!
HWC Manson: D’oh!
dustinmu88: So what exactly is your job at Mattel?
HWC Manson: I am a Senior Sculptor. Basically "make" the HW cars that you have in your collection.
dustinmu88: What's the last car you made?
HWC Manson: I am working on the 2010 line.
dustinmu88: Any hints on some of the cars in that line?
HWC Manson: As Alec said, there will be a Nissan.
BismrkBear: Is there a certain car you've worked on in the last few years that you are particularly proud of? And why?
HWC Manson: I am actually putting finishing touches on a car that I am the "designer" on.
BismrkBear: Ooh, give us a bit of a hint about the car you "designed."
HWC Manson: I have two cars in the line for 2010. Both are considered "famous cars." I am really excited about them -- hope you guys are, too.
dustinmu88: Ever do any work on the car Gov'ner?
HWC Manson: That was designed by Fraser Campbell.
dustinmu88: What's the deal with Impavido 1? Is it based a Lamborghini?
HWC Manson: According to Phil... Yes, it was inspired by a Lambo design. That one was fun to work on.
jeffmortland: What castings do you like to collect? Are you an opener or a card collector?
HWC Manson: I usually collect the ones I worked on... if I can find them. And I collect the ones I think are "cool."
dustinmu88: Any way to re-sculpt the ‘69 Ford Torino Talladega? Really don’t like the “lowrider” look to it.
HWC Manson: That would be Alec's call. I worked on that with him. I guess he did not like that it was sitting so low.
BismrkBear: Lots of Canadian collectors, especially in chat... ever thought about doing a Zamboni for all the hockey fans?
HWC Manson: Oh, if only I had the power to make the calls. That is one vehicle that I have been trying to get in the line. GO FLAMES!!!
dustinmu88: Do you have any idea when we will see the Carbonator again? Really like that casting -- good job on it.
HWC Manson: Thanks. Alton designed that. Fun to work on. I believe it was in the St Patrick's Day line, in green.
JOESHERE0042: Did you have anything to do with the design of the Buick Grand National and, if so, why did you make the nose of it removable? Should have made it one solid casting.
HWC Manson: I think that was designed by Jun. Not sure.
HWC Manson: Since today is "Bike To Work Day," did anyone bike in?
ryoni: No.
HWC Manson: Neither did I. This Saturday is the Annual Hot Wheels Century Ride from Santa Ana to San Diego. I will be there, along with other Designers.
BismrkBear: So has there been anything that you worked on that you wish you could do over?
HWC Manson: Yes, for sure. But the designer has the last call. Most are just minor changes. Once I am done with a car (which usually takes about 7-10 days), I want something fresh and new.
HWC Manson: Someone in here just asked me what my favorite car is. Well, for the 2009 line, it would be the Pedal de Metal. You can see a drawing on the 2009 poster.
ryoni: What’s your 1:1 car?
HWC Manson: You would think it was a high powered luxury car... but I drive a Honda Civic.
birdmandan: Are there any more light bars in the future?
HWC Manson: Yes! Actually, one of the cars I am doing will have multiple light bars.
gunslinger2000: Who on a design team has the final say on materials and finishes?
HWC Manson: Good question, Gary. Usually, Phil and Alec make the call. But sometimes, due to cost and production process, the engineer and our counterparts in Asia will make that call. Oh, and sometimes marketing will chime in. The goal is to keep the Mainline cars at $1 for the consumer.
gunslinger2000: Thanks. Can you talk about a possible new Spectraflame process? Are we going to see it soon?
HWC Manson: Funny, I rarely see what the color or deco of a car looks like until I see it on the shelf. I am unsure of when it will appear again, it is usually reserved for the higher priced items.
JOESHERE0042: Is there a way you can bring back more Redline era castings like the Rolls Royce?
HWC Manson: I think HWC Ryan can help you with that. There is a "Questions for HWC Ryan" in the forum; that is a good place to start.
ryoni: So what secrets can you let us in on for some upcoming castings?
HWC Manson: There will be a really fun car... think in terms of the Carbonator.
HWC Manson: Any of you planning on going to the Convention here in Southern California?
BismrkBear: Planning on being there.
HWC Manson: Yeah, me too. I will be the one HWC Chris is yelling at.
birdmandan: If I sent a jersey with the name LIGHTBAR on the back to CA, would you wear it?
HWC Manson: What kind of jersey? And will it actually light up?
JOESHERE0042: Are there any other panels being designed besides the ‘55 Chevy and ‘56 Ford?
HWC Manson: Not sure, but I think Phil and Larry may be working (or just thinking) about it. I could be totally wrong.
BismrkBear: With the Real Riders Purple Passion Woodie coming to HWC, are there any Classics HW castings that you'd like to redo like that?
HWC Manson: I always liked the Red Baron; would like to redo that. But with a goalie mask.
JOESHERE0042: Are there any more plans for different motorcycles from the OCC line?
HWC Manson: That (as they say) is "a marketing question." Also, OCC needs to give it the thumbs-up.
HWC Manson: Thanks everyone. I will try to stop by in the rooms some time.
Keep an eye out for more special guest appearances in the Chat Room! Just check in here at HWC™ for updates on who to look for, and when. Until then, see ya in chat!