Unboxing: CCA Number 1

My first CCA order arrived!

It doesn't always work out, but one benefit of living near the warehouse is that my boxes come quickly.

My first addition was Kansas and Ethel, the Welsh Pony set. I originally purchased this set in early 2022 when the first came out and at the time I was only collecting the foal so I sold the mare solo that year at Breyerfest. I still had my Rhian and Snickerdoodle though I and I realized how much I liked them. I lucked in to a trade for the raffle set and then later acquired a Brighid so... well, I need the mare again after all!

They are both "just black" but because they are chalky and have a nice satin matte finish they are still very beautiful and really show off the sculptures well. Now I guess I have twin foals! Interestingly the new one appears to have much more mold detail. You can really see all the fur texture and he looks great! You can see how much more it catches the light.

'24 on the left and '22 on the right

I think maybe he wasn't cleaned as much as a blank because on the downside he has some very visible seams particularly on his face compared to my original one. As a vintage lover that barely even registers with me so I think I probably like the new one a little better.

It almost makes him look chalkier, but this run (from what I've seen) have always been fully chalky both mare and foal. Another reason that I just love them! I think my first set was just overly smoothed. Now I'm going to have to look closely at all my foals and see how detailed each one is!

The next model was also a keeper - it's Battlefield Angel (Ezra)! Despite my better judgement I am conga-ing this mold (and I only say that because I am truly running out of room for more congas!) I have always been a huge Fraley fan and to have her work in OF plastic is so special for me. The expressiveness she is able to capture is just unbelievable and the fact that is actually translated to plastic so well is remarkable.

I hadn't yet picked up one of these yet and figured he was another good one to order. This particular one is absolutely flawless and the masking is impeccable and crisp all around. Definitely one to join the herd - I could easily have handpicked this one and I was excited to get one that is so nice! You are always holding your breath to see the other side, but luckily he was just as nice on the box side!

I also got the 75th anniversary lapel pin since I also collect those (although with how many they release nowadays I'm seriously considering cutting back there) and I hadn't picked that one up yet. That one I would have gotten anyway though because I love all the anniversary and commemorative ones. That left me with another $30 to spend so I also got a Pink Magnum

These days it is very unusual for a regular run to stay in production for more than a few years and Pink Magnum has been in the lineup since 2012 - that's an astonishing thirteen years! Bouncer is so cute and this pony must be a great seller. I also love that they've popped the 75th anniversary sticker on all the boxes - we have the "VINs" now to date models but it still feels special to know you have an anniversary year one. I'm keeping him in the box for now.

But on to the surprise - which glossy did I get?! Well, it seems we all have this luck from time to time but I received my last choice - glossy Spinabbey! Luckily this year there really is no bad choice and all four models that I've seen in hand look amazing in gloss.

On paper this should be my number one pick (or maybe number two - glossy bay is usually my fav, as Atlanta is this year). I do casually conga Latigo/Harley and I generally prefer the darker and solid colors in gloss because it really shows off the finish. He's also staying in box for now until I see what else I get and if I need to do any trades! My second box should be coming later today if UPS is on schedule. I've noticed sometimes the weekend deliveries get pushed back to Monday.