This article helps our Volunteer Squad keep the database clean and consistent! It pertains to members who have Creator access and above. If you're interested in getting involved, read more about joining the Squad here. We'd love to have you aboard!
M2 Machines model vehicles have their own unique identifying characteristics and we document as many of those details as possible here on hobbyDB.
This page lists the standards and guidelines we've developed to help keep our M2 Database Items uniform and accurate.
If you have any questions or suggestions for these standards, feel free to contact us via the green "Contact hobbyDB" button at the top of this page!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Adding Models to the Database
With the exception of new castings, nearly every M2 database entry will be a Variants and some will also be Subvariants.
Note: Customs are considered Variants, but they should have the customizer's name set as the brand instead of M2 Machines. Please read our help page about customized items to learn more.
Before adding a new M2 Database Item it's important to always search for the model to make sure it isn't already in the database.
If a new Database Item does need to be created, find a previous release of the casting and use New Item -> Add Variant to create a new entry. If the item you're adding is only a different packaging style for the same model, or similar to another model with only minor differences (such as different trim color on a Chase mode), it should be added as a Subvariant using New Item -> Add Subvariant
If there aren't any existing Database Items for the casting, find a similar model and use New Item -> Clone to add the new model.
Whether adding a Subvariant or a Variant, or adding a new casting by cloning, always be sure to review every field to make sure it's correct for the new item.
For a general introduction to adding items to the database, please read "Adding new Database Items, incl. Variants and Subvariants".
Photos
M2 Machines Database Items should have at least two photos: a photo of the packaging, set as the Main Photo, and a photo of the model out of its packaging (ideally with the model on its display base) set as the Show on Search Photo. M2 generally provides clear photos of the models both in and out of packaging on their website and in other marketing materials. Those stock photos may be downloaded from the source and uploaded to hobbyDB—in fact, they're ideal!
There is no limit to how many photos a Database Item can have, though. Photos showing other angles of the model, closeups of details, and Artistry Photos are all great to have. Photos should ideally show the item on a clean white background.
If the Database Item is a Subvariant, it should also have a Subvariant Photo. The Subvariant Photo should be a closely-cropped image focusing on details that make the item unique compared to its other Subvariants. For example, the type of packaging or details that are different between standard and chase models.
Please read "Database Item Photos" to learn the general guidelines and standards for item names.
Database Item Names
The name of the Database Item must always be exactly what is printed on the model's display base. Please do not add any other information about the model to the Name field.
For example, the Auto-Thentics R64 1985 Camaro's base plate says “1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z.” Enter the full display base name exactly as it reads and nothing additional.
If there is another name commonly used for the model it can be added to the Alternate Name field. For example, a 1987-1993 Ford Mustang is often referred to as a “Fox Body Mustang” and a 1973-1987 light duty Chevy pickup is often referenced as a “Square Body.” Those would both me appropriate Alternative Names for models of those vehicles.
Please read "Names & Alternative Names" to learn the general guidelines and standards for item names.
Other Attributes
We have some specific conventions for the contents and formatting of other data fields on the Database Item form. Please follow the guidelines listed below when adding M2 models to hobbyDB.
Accuracy is extremely important, so if you are unsure about what to enter in any field just leave it blank. It's better to have a few empty fields than to have incorrect information on a Database Item.
- Brand: This should always be M2 Machines (unless the model has been customized—please follow the guidelines for brands on the help page for customized items).
- Series:Enter the main series the model is part of, for example Ground Pounders or Auto-Thentics, plus any the sub-series or release the model is part of, for example Ground Pounders 15 or Auto-Thentics 13.
- Note: The release number can be determined by the R## number on the model's display base or packaging.
- Note: The release number can be determined by the R## number on the model's display base or packaging.
- Related Subjects: This field is for associating the item with any other applicable subjects. These subjects are shown on search results and can be used to filter searches. Some common Related Subjects are the make of the real-life car, casting designer (Sean Taylor for all M2 castings), and livery/sponsors, and if applicable the retailer that the model was exclusive to.
- Model: Enter the model name of the real-life car. The contents of this field are used as search keywords.
- Body Type: Sedan, convertible, SUV, etc., as appropriate
- Production Status: This provides a number of classifications from which you can select; for example,
- All under 10,000 produced pieces (all base vehicles) should be entered as Standard
- All under 999 produced pieces should be labeled as a Chase
- All under 250 produced pieces should be labeled as a Super Chase
- Released: This is the year the model was released. The first two digits of the reference number on the model's display base are the last two digits of the release year. For example the 1953 VW Beetle Deluxe U.S.A. Model numbered 20-84 was produced in 2020.
- Discontinued: This field can be left blank since M2 releases are always limited runs which don’t span multiple years. No need to but the same year in both Released and Discontinued.
# Produced: Enter the number of items that were produced, if known. Most M2 releases have the production numbers on the packaging.
Made in: This is always China for M2 Machines.
Scale: Enter the scale. Most M2 models are 1/64 but they also make models in 1/24 scale and have made 1/18 scale models in the past.
Material: Select "Diecast Metal/Mazak".
Color: List the paint color(s) and whether the paint is metallic, flat, etc.
List only the main colors. For example, if a car is two-tone red and white, list both of those colors, but if a car is blue with red flames, enter only blue in the Color field. Note the color of the flames in the Decoration field instead.
Decoration: Add a description of any decoration on the model such as a “Fire Dept” decal or “Orange & blue stripes on sides and hood”.
Features: Select any additional features in the list. Multiple features can be selected by holding down the Control (Windows/Linux) or Command (Mac) key while selecting the list items. Common features on M2 models are rubber tires, opening parts, and display bases. To deselect an item in the list, hold Control (Windows/Linux) or Command (Mac) while clicking on the feature to deselect it.
Packaging Details: List what type of packaging the model came in, for example "display case in window box" or "blister card with display case". If the model is available in more than one type of packaging, create separate Database Items for each type of packaging and connect them as Subvariants.
UPC code: Enter the 12 digit barcode number (without spaces) as found on the package, including the leading and trailing digits. Learn more about Adding UPCs and Other Barcodes.
Reference #: The reference number is the code on the model's display base in the format R## ##-##. Enter the entire number, including the R## (release number). There should be a space between the release number and the rest of the reference number.
Manufacturer ID: This is a five-digit number, usually labeled as an "ITEM #" above the UPC. If you have the packaging available and can find this number, enter it in the Manufacturer ID field. Only enter the number, not the "ITEM #" text.
Description: Enter any other details about the car that aren’t covered above, and/or highlight what makes the car different from a typical release. Use complete sentences and keep a neutral point of view. Example: “This version has a roll cage and smaller bumpers than other variations.” Details already specified in other data fields should not be repeated in the Description.