Die Cast Company Promotes Railroad Graffiti

[x635 4,066]

In December's issue of my new favorite railroad magazine, RailPace, there was a very interesting editorial. Apparently, Wal-Mart is the major retailer of this new die cast toy train set, which is intentionally covered in graffiti. It promotes vandalism of railroad property as an "art", and included in the package is many starter resources for the budding graffitti vandal. This toy is aimed at children.

It's quite good ethics for Maisto and Wal-Mart to promote vandalism and trespassing with a toy, also it's great to know how the graffiti vandals are getting access to sensitive areas of a train yard.

Anything to make a buck. Read the press release below.

[attachmentid=1853]

MAISTO TAGS ENAMELIZED AS THE NEXT MAJOR COLLECTION

Maisto’s relentless release of new introductions for 2006 continues with the announcement of the launch of Enamelized – Graffiti Diecast Train Collection. The Collection is slated for to be on the shelves prior to Summer 2006.

The train collection is unique in that it features graffiti art from actual artists. Along with the approximately 1:131 scale replica will be a trading card – one side depicting the train art, and on the other some information, if available, about the artist. Up to 12 different graffiti artists will be utilized in the line.

Maisto is working with Enamelized brand and Roger Gastman, who’s unique understanding of the graffiti art movement gives him unprecedented access to the artists whose work will be utilized by Maisto. “I am excited to bring my network of graffiti artists to Maisto for such an exciting project. ” says Gastman, who has written nearly a dozen books, produced two films, and launched two different magazines, including Swindle, which was launched with pal Shepard Fairey of Obey Giant fame. “Graffiti keeps becoming more and more mass and diluted. To be able to use authentic graffiti and tell the stories of the artists in this train collection is a step foreword in broadening the culture.”

“Deep in most inner cities, there is an artist with a collection of spray cans and a vision of getting up on trains that go across the country.” says Ralph Benitez, the influential Art Director who has launched Playerz, Pro-Rodz, and G-Rides lines of die-cast collectibles for Maisto. "This collection pays tribute to those artists that did”

The Maisto brand name was registered in 1990 by May Cheong, a vertically integrated manufacturer based in Hong Kong. The company has been manufacturing die cast for over 30 years, have over 11,000 employees worldwide and manufacturing facilities covering over 2,000,000 square feet.

www.graffsupply.com

Edited January 8, 2007 by x635

[grumpyff 1,159]

I saw this product while Christmas shopping for my kids, and thought it was disgusting. I wrote an e-mail to Maisto, which was never answered, that basically said your company is promoting the crimes of criminal mischief and tresspass. They don't care as long as they make their money. Maybe I'll send a another e-mail, in light of the LIRR incident, to WalMart this time.

[IzzyEng4 427]

You got to be kidding me! What next, a "slapped up Barbie????"

[x635 4,066]

By the way, if anyone wants to send an email, the magazine mentioned that Wal-Mart, yes, Wal-Mart has an "Ethics Department"

Their email is ethics@walmart.com

As many of you know, Wal-Mart's power can make or break a toy line.