MattyCollector "Mattel Hoverboard" discussion

There should also be threads on how to make the time circuits ...

The "how to" is not the problem. I already have an idea: a low-budget cardboard version with vinyl stickers in screen accurate design and transparent films for the "displays". Non-accurate material with an accurate lookout. My only problem is: I don't know the exact dimensions of the time circuits. Can anybody help me out?
 
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The "how to" is not the problem. I already have an idea: a low-budget cardboard version with vinyl stickers in screen accurate design and transparent films for the "displays". Non-accurate material with an accurate lookout. My only problem is: I don't know the exact dimensions of the time circuits. Can anybody help me out?

Well most people, including myself, would need a how to guide. Not everyone knows exactly how to go about the project.
 
Well most people, including myself, would need a how to guide. Not everyone knows exactly how to go about the project.

Then here is the deal: someone gives me the exact dimensions of the original time circuits box and I will create full size and realistic looking decals for the whole surface of the box (without the input device!). Free downloadable, of course, and with a tutorial how to use these decals (I don't think it's very difficult to build this thing). A good looking and non-functional cardboard version is more than sufficient for me (and maybe for the most people), since I don't have a DeLorean and just want this for display at home.
 
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Then here is the deal: someone gives me the exact dimensions of the original time circuits box and I will create full size and realistic looking decals for the whole surface of the box (without the input device!). Free downloadable, of course, and with a tutorial how to use these decals (I don't think it's very difficult to build this thing). A good looking and non-functional cardboard version is more than sufficient for me (and maybe for the most people), since I don't have a DeLorean and just want this for display at home.

That would be awesome of you, thanks. But people who make time circuits and flux capacitors keep dimensions and materials a secret for some reason, so it might be a while until you get some concrete dimensions. Maybe someone else will also take on the project of a cheap, but accurate looking DIY flux capacitor.
 
That would be awesome of you, thanks. But people who make time circuits and flux capacitors keep dimensions and materials a secret for some reason, so it might be a while until you get some concrete dimensions. Maybe someone else will also take on the project of a cheap, but accurate looking DIY flux capacitor.

The main problem with an accurate and cheap Flux capacitor is the enclosure. You can't really have an accurate capacitor without the right Stahlin electrical box. The other components can be made with wood and acrylic, but the box is a bit more complicated. Depending on your budget either get a real Stahlin box, or a shoe box that's close enough, and add hinges and latches. I suggest starting another thread as to not derail the thread any further :)
 
The main problem with an accurate and cheap Flux capacitor is the enclosure. You can't really have an accurate capacitor without the right Stahlin electrical box. The other components can be made with wood and acrylic, but the box is a bit more complicated. Depending on your budget either get a real Stahlin box, or a shoe box that's close enough, and add hinges and latches. I suggest starting another thread as to not derail the thread any further :)

You can make any shape box with foamboard or cardboard. It's not hard to make a rounded rectangle box.
 
Fluorescent paint fades/changes colour a lot quicker than regular paint as it is designed to reflect light in a slightly different way to ordinary paint.
the 'salmon' elements in the originals could just be due to some yellowing of the paint over time.
So originally the paint would have most likely been an off the shelf flourescent pink, but now will be a much harder colour to match, unless you can artificially age the paint, perhaps with harsh uv lights?
 
About the edge detail, that was another difference between the stunt boards and the hero boards.

On the HERO boards with the lenticular top material, the edge striping was narrow strips of the same lenticular material glued around the edge of the board.

On the STUNT boards with the photo top, the edge stripe was metallic silver—possibly tape but with no apparent raised edge it could have just been painted on.

All in all, it looks like I will need 3 hoverboards:

  • The "official" toy-like and highly inaccurate Mattel board
  • The best stunt board available from the hoverboard UK guy (if he ever sells them again)
  • An accurate hero board that I'll have to make for my own damn self ("Screw You Mattel—I'm Going to Make My Own Hero Hoverboard" ala Jedifyfe)
 
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About the edge detail, that was another difference between the stunt boards and the hero boards.

On the HERO boards with the lenticular top material, the edge striping was narrow strips of the same lenticular material glued around the edge of the board.

On the STUNT boards with the photo top, the edge stripe was metallic silver—possibly tape but with no apparent raised edge it could have just been painted on.

All in all, it looks like I will need 3 hoverboards:

  • The "official" toy-like and highly inaccurate Mattel board
  • The best stunt board available from the hoverboard UK guy
  • An accurate hero board that I'll have to make for my own damn self ("Screw You Mattel—I'm Going to Make My Own Hero Hoverboard" ala Jedifyfe)

Someone mentioned that the hoverboard UK guy isn't selling boards anymore. Is that true, and why?

You can get a pretty accurate stunt board on ebay for $185.
 
Matty noted in the Q&A forum they could not delay the board due to legal reasons. Legally, if there is any change in the contract/agreement given the consumer has the right to drop out of the contract. I believe it is this that they are referring to as they thing a time schedule change could change the terms. But given the other promises made on accuracy and materials at the beginning, enough terms have changed to void the original contract as it stands.

I noted such as softly as possible but hit to the point as well without mentioning the repercussions. They keep changing the viewing count down on the post.

I have talked with my legal professors on this and they agree the situation would fall under the following legal code:
17500. It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association, or any employee thereof with intent directly or indirectly to dispose of real or personal property or to perform services, professional or otherwise, or anything of any nature whatsoever or to induce the public to enter into any obligation relating thereto, to make or disseminate or cause to be made or disseminated before the public in this state, or to make or disseminate or cause to be made or disseminated from this state before the public in any state, in any newspaper or other publication, or any advertising device, or by public outcry or proclamation, or in any other manner or means whatever, including over the Internet, any statement, concerning that real or personal property or those services, professional or otherwise, or concerning any circumstance or matter of fact connected with the proposed performance or disposition thereof, which is untrue or misleading, and which is known, or which by the exercise of reasonable care should be known, to be untrue or misleading, or for any person, firm, or corporation to so make or disseminate or cause to be so made or disseminated any such statement as part of a plan or scheme with the intent not to sell that personal property or those services, professional or otherwise, so advertised at the price stated therein, or as so advertised. Any violation of the provisions of this section is a misdemeanor.

The basic reason/legal I am sure they are worried about is those that want to drop out of advanced paid sales. But there are actually larger issues by not allowing for refunds at this point and there could easily be a consumer complaint or class action lawsuit if someone really wanted to push the point.
 
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Tripp, if you want out, file a complaint with the BBB. If anyone wants out, do this. There is already a complaint on record dealing with the hoverboard and Mattel cancelled the preorder. Forget all the legal BS, anyone who wants out can get out. Look in my posts, I've posted a link a few pages back.
 
where does it say on the matty site that they're just going for a normal graphic now? can't find it on the forum

It's not on the matty site but on this site.
From post #735:
Update:
"Checked test pieces of the foil and it looks bad. These however were old graphics on older boards, pre-SDCC. I have been told that they are dumping the foil and going with a regular label. Much like the NYTF and SDCC boards, but with updated accurate graphics. This is good, since regular is easier to produce and way better looking than the foil."
 
it really kills the re-sellers that didn't sell their Mags by January 2015, the value drops drastically.


I also saw the original Mattel handle bars in person, not only that but I touched 'em, they were screwed to a box at Universal Studios Hollywood, I didn't know it at the time but it was the original, there never was a 2nd pair of pink Mattel handlebars made, other than the alternate yellow/orange colored one for the other girl's hoverboard. So I got to touch it and I tried to take it outa the box, this was in 1991.

1st. I loved this post.

2nd - So the plan is at the stroke of midnight 2014 to Jan 2015, Footlockers everywhere will raise the chain fence and Nike Mags will go on sale!?!?! CAN'T WAIT.

3. There were actually a number of handlebars made to decorate the Back to the Future Ride. As you waited in line there were fenced off showcases with various items and Hooverboards were all over the place - I know from the times I rode that shake, back breaker ride the Mattel hooverboard complete with handlebars was positioned next to a desk with (Docs?) papers on it. There was also a funky 10 speed bike that could fly.
 
Tripp, if you want out, file a complaint with the BBB. If anyone wants out, do this. There is already a complaint on record dealing with the hoverboard and Mattel cancelled the preorder. Forget all the legal BS, anyone who wants out can get out. Look in my posts, I've posted a link a few pages back.

I prefer to keep the pressure up on them to do the right thing and come through with what they promised. I will wait and see what I get before passing final judgement. Given what they have shown and said, its is worth the effort right now to try to get them to do whats right. Frankly, what Toyguru has posted is pretty condemning of their attitude in its own right. I would hope that if they hear enough from the fan base, they might actually listen and correct the flaws presented so far.
Matty has had a great record up to this point, it would be a shame if they screwed it up especially after all the hype they started with as well a potentially bright future with their prop products.
 
1st. I loved this post.

2nd - So the plan is at the stroke of midnight 2014 to Jan 2015, Footlockers everywhere will raise the chain fence and Nike Mags will go on sale!?!?! CAN'T WAIT.

3. There were actually a number of handlebars made to decorate the Back to the Future Ride. As you waited in line there were fenced off showcases with various items and Hooverboards were all over the place - I know from the times I rode that shake, back breaker ride the Mattel hooverboard complete with handlebars was positioned next to a desk with (Docs?) papers on it. There was also a funky 10 speed bike that could fly.


Have I completely missed Nikes announcement for public sold Mags here..???
 
Are there any new videos/pics of this board yet? I really like the idea of the sound and gliding but not quite sure about it now...:wacko
 
I saw this video from SDCC of the sliding feature...

Back to the Future Part 2 Hover Board Mattel Prop Replica Demo at San Diego Comic-Con 2012 - YouTube

What a huge let down!! It looks like a joke.. I mean it doesn't even look like it is gliding, looks like it just moves like any other object you push along a smooth surface. I really don't understand the gliding feature that they are hyping up.


Are there any new videos/pics of this board yet? I really like the idea of the sound and gliding but not quite sure about it now...:wacko
 
I saw this video from SDCC of the sliding feature... it is gliding, looks like it just moves like any other object you push along a smooth surface. I really don't understand the gliding feature that they are hyping up.

The "gliding" feature is the worst joke ever made on a product. A clay brick thrown into a sandpaper floor will "glide" further than the Mattel hoverboard.
It's just stupid, useless, and Mattel sacrificed quality and (worst of all) accuracy, for this ¿feature?

Also, on SDCC there were at least 2 different "gliding hoverboards", the one that the booth girl was using to show the demonstrations. I've seen photos and videos of one of them with the magnets in poor condition. I don't know if they were dirty, or the magnets were peeling up (it looked like they were peeling up according to the places were it was "dark"). Maybe they used the second hoverboard after the first model's magnets were bad-looking enough.

It's the most stupid "feature" I've seen in a product in years. And not for the initial idea, but because the "feature" is awesomely disappointing, cheap, and bad-looking. And they made awful magnets to make this "gliding" feature...
Their "look-a-like" model from Toy Fair from a year ago had much better and almost perfect magnets. But they had to screw them up for this nonsense.
 
you just know any kid that gets this will jump on it and expect to whizz accross the room on it lol

the sliding feature is a joke i really dont know what mattel were thinking
 
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