The 1990 Collection
The 1990 collections are some of the most sought after and challenging sets to find due a significant decrease in production and sales. However, many of the vehicles are found in '89 and '91 packaging, playsets, and foreign releases making many of these possible to locate loose. Still, some of the vehicles were never released unfortunately, and they are only found as decos or prototypes shown below. (Note: Sets #15, #16, #24, and #27 are custom tributes matching the vehicles depicted in the fall 1990 catalog. Collection #15 includes 2 real decos in the back row.) 1990 collections are readily identified by a full length colored blister insert front matching the upper left-hand corner (excepting for the UK design). See the section below for fall changes to the lineup.
The 1990 collections are some of the most sought after and challenging sets to find due a significant decrease in production and sales. However, many of the vehicles are found in '89 and '91 packaging, playsets, and foreign releases making many of these possible to locate loose. Still, some of the vehicles were never released unfortunately, and they are only found as decos or prototypes shown below. (Note: Sets #15, #16, #24, and #27 are custom tributes matching the vehicles depicted in the fall 1990 catalog. Collection #15 includes 2 real decos in the back row.) 1990 collections are readily identified by a full length colored blister insert front matching the upper left-hand corner (excepting for the UK design). See the section below for fall changes to the lineup.
1990 Fall Only Collections
Collection #'s 5, 20, 32, 33, 34, and 51 were updated for the fall of 1990. Also, collection #57 was added to the series. Collection #5 used all different vehicles compared to spring, the Super 4 x 4 Series were replaced with Tuff Trax Collections, and collection #51 was replaced with the 1989 vehicles oddly. The numbered 1990 Tuff Trax sets below are exceedingly rare in this packaging configuration compared to the 1991 release. Additionally, the Clydesdale II coloring is different for 1990 (light pink) vs 1991 (dark/neon pink), and the sled in collection #57 does not have the hitch as is found in the 1991 release.
Collection #'s 5, 20, 32, 33, 34, and 51 were updated for the fall of 1990. Also, collection #57 was added to the series. Collection #5 used all different vehicles compared to spring, the Super 4 x 4 Series were replaced with Tuff Trax Collections, and collection #51 was replaced with the 1989 vehicles oddly. The numbered 1990 Tuff Trax sets below are exceedingly rare in this packaging configuration compared to the 1991 release. Additionally, the Clydesdale II coloring is different for 1990 (light pink) vs 1991 (dark/neon pink), and the sled in collection #57 does not have the hitch as is found in the 1991 release.
1990 Limited Edition Silver Series
This limited edition promotional release is very popular due to the limited production and dramatic appearance of the vehicles. Unfortunately, nefarious characters have plated vehicles to fool unsuspecting collectors. While sealed sets have the highest confidence of authenticity, plated vehicles are generally detectable by weight, magnification, and luster/coloring. Authentic vehicles will not have any imperfections underneath which are exaggerated after plating. Additionally, light yellowing is present on authentic vehicles which is not observed in plated pieces. The 3 extra packs were randomly selected for this promotion with both 1989 and 1990 vehicles.
This limited edition promotional release is very popular due to the limited production and dramatic appearance of the vehicles. Unfortunately, nefarious characters have plated vehicles to fool unsuspecting collectors. While sealed sets have the highest confidence of authenticity, plated vehicles are generally detectable by weight, magnification, and luster/coloring. Authentic vehicles will not have any imperfections underneath which are exaggerated after plating. Additionally, light yellowing is present on authentic vehicles which is not observed in plated pieces. The 3 extra packs were randomly selected for this promotion with both 1989 and 1990 vehicles.
1990 Super Value Collections
These multi-pack collections include 1989, 1990, and/or 1991 vehicle packs, but the overall card style is 1990 including the back. The collections included appear to be random as a means to sell off excess production as a late 1990/early 1991 promotion.
These multi-pack collections include 1989, 1990, and/or 1991 vehicle packs, but the overall card style is 1990 including the back. The collections included appear to be random as a means to sell off excess production as a late 1990/early 1991 promotion.
1990 Packaging Variations and Foreign Collections (with 1990-Style Packaging and 1990 Vehicles)
Many of the released 1990 collections had variations in coloring and text for the upper left-hand corner. Known foreign releases of correct 1990 vehicles on 1990 packaging include Australia (Kidz Biz), Belgium (Unica), and the UK (additionally, see #1 Battle Armor and #33 Super 4 x 4 III above; Rainbow Toys).
Many of the released 1990 collections had variations in coloring and text for the upper left-hand corner. Known foreign releases of correct 1990 vehicles on 1990 packaging include Australia (Kidz Biz), Belgium (Unica), and the UK (additionally, see #1 Battle Armor and #33 Super 4 x 4 III above; Rainbow Toys).
1990 Vehicles in 1989 Packaging Style
Many of the 1990 vehicles can be found in 1989 packaging including foreign releases. It appears 1990 vehicles with 1989 packaging can be a little easier to locate. However, they are still far more rare than finding the sets with the correct 1989 vehicles. Sets from this transitional group can be found in the UK, Canada, Argentina, and Spain. Spain used a 1988 blister insert style as well which is highly unusual. Argentina releases included a unique 2 or 3-vehicle packaging style.
Many of the 1990 vehicles can be found in 1989 packaging including foreign releases. It appears 1990 vehicles with 1989 packaging can be a little easier to locate. However, they are still far more rare than finding the sets with the correct 1989 vehicles. Sets from this transitional group can be found in the UK, Canada, Argentina, and Spain. Spain used a 1988 blister insert style as well which is highly unusual. Argentina releases included a unique 2 or 3-vehicle packaging style.