Captain Scarlet Celebrates his 50th
We would like to welcome all our readers to this latest edition of Corgi Die-cast Diaries and your regular window into the fascinating world of Corgi model collecting. Many readers will have realised that we are a week late in posting edition 30, however this was a strategic delay and all will become apparent a little later - you will, however, be pleased to hear that we have a feature packed edition for you. We start with some big news from the world of Supermarionation and two significant anniversaries which are to be commemorated, before moving on to an anniversary of our own and the latest instalment in our successful Vanguards 21 series of features. We also take a closer look at an impending release in the Aviation Archive range, which is proving to be extremely popular with collectors and helps to tell the story of Luftwaffe night operations during WWII. There is a lot to get through, so let’s begin by heading back to 1967 and some very strange light circles and an extremely deep voice.
50 years spent fighting the Mysterons
Transport that befits a man of Captain Scarlet’s standing
The publication of this latest edition of die-cast diaries coincides with a significant anniversary for people of a certain age, who remember an exciting new action series from the extremely talented minds of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, which first aired on 29th September 1967. ‘Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons’ followed on from a series of hugely successful programmes created by the Andersons, which included Supercar, Fireball XL5, Stingray and of course Thunderbirds and took their process of Supermarionation puppetry filming to even higher levels.
For many readers, the Captain Scarlet series will be an important and memorable feature of our youth and will conjure up memories of many happy hours spent in front of the television, in the days when you actually had to get up off the chair to turn the channel over – thinking about it, if this had of happened whilst an episode of Captain Scarlet was on, there would probably have been an adolescent mutiny! For anyone new to this series, or wishing to reacquaint themselves with Captain Scarlet and his ongoing battles with the devious Mysterons, there are any number of dedicated websites and social media platforms that will allow us all to become members of the Spectrum Organisation for a short while.
Frame stills from this iconic TV series that proved a little darker than many of the other Anderson inspired programmes
The series was set in 2068 and was based upon hostilities between earth and a race of Martians known as the Mysterons. Following an astronaut attack on a Martian city, the Mysterons vowed to bring death and destruction to earth, as they sought to wreak a terrible vengeance. Standing in their way and protecting our planet was a specialist military force known as the Spectrum Organisation, whose command headquarters was a flying aircraft carrier known as Cloudbase. Spectrum kept the identity of their most effective agents secret by using only their code names, which were simply colours, such as Captain White and of course Captain Scarlet. The series appeared to be slightly more sinister than the earlier Anderson creations, which made it strangely appealing for many young viewers, who were transfixed by the deep voice of the Mysteron telling mankind what hideous fate was awaiting them in the latest episode, as everyone on earth could apparently hear him.
As the most capable of the Spectrum agents, Captain Scarlet was the nemesis of the Mysterons and has miraculously inherited some of their powers, specifically the ability to regenerate himself, which made him indestructible - he could also sense the presence of another Mysteron duplicate, which proved useful in combatting these devious devils. It is quite complicated, but he was actually killed by the Mysterons in the first episode and reconstructed as a Mysteron agent. Sent on a mission to assassinate the world president, he fell from a high building with the fall restoring him to his former Spectrum self. Retaining many of the Mysteron powers he inherited, including the significant ability to regenerate himself, Captain Scarlet became the lead Spectrum agent in this struggle and the one sent to undertake the most dangerous assignments.
CC96307 Captain Scarlet’s classic Spectrum Patrol Car is due to arrive in stores during November
Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the first UK showing of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, which occurred on 29th September 1967 and we are proud to commemorate this occasion with the launch of a new web-page on the Corgi website and look forward to the release of a handsome die-cast representation of the classic Spectrum Patrol Car which was used by Captain Scarlet in his battles with the Mysterons. Only accessible to Spectrum personnel, the car was capable of reaching speeds in excess of 190mph and was powered by a gas turbine engine – using advanced construction techniques and equipped with a host of safety and detection features, the patrol car enabled Spectrum agents to quickly race to the scene of the latest Mysteron incursion.
With an updated anticipated release date now in November, our attractive new Captain Scarlet Spectrum Patrol Car (CC96307) is a great way to commemorate this anniversary and mark a series that will bring back memories for a great many people. In the meantime, please check our Captain Scarlet webpage and try to find some of the original programmes on social media, reminding yourself just how dark this series was compared to the other Anderson creations. Of course, for more details of this and the other action series created and produced by the Andersons, you could always spend some time on the official Gerry Anderson website where you will also find details of a special release of Captain Scarlet audio books to mark the 50th Anniversary.
Happy Thunderbirds Day!
In what has turned out to be a significant week for fans of Gerry Anderson inspired futuristic TV series, tomorrow (Saturday 30th September) marks the launch of the first ‘Thunderbirds Day’, a date that has been chosen specifically to coincide with the first British TV airing of the much-loved show in 1965. The idea behind Thunderbirds day is to provide Thunderbird fans all over the world with a date to mark their affection for the original TV series, as well as its new generation revival Thunderbirds Are Go. The iconic British TV series first aired in the UK on 30th September 1965 and has remained a family favourite for over 50 years – International Thunderbirds Day celebrates the date that Gerry Anderson’s creation first appeared in homes across the UK.
This significant development for Thunderbirds fans includes the opportunity to see three brand new episodes of the series on the big screen - Vue Entertainment will be helping fans across the UK celebrate with a programme of exciting exclusive Thunderbirds Day screenings. This unique event, held at 2.00pm on Saturday 30th September, in 52 venues nationwide (in honour of 52 years of Thunderbirds), will include a never-before nationally screened episode of Thunderbirds (The Abominable Snowman, from the Thunderbirds 1965 project) in the style of the classic series, filmed in Supermarionation and using audio recordings starring the original cast, followed by two brand new episodes of the hotly anticipated Season 2, Part 2 of Thunderbirds Are Go coming to CITV this Autumn.
Members of the Corgi team were fortunate enough to enjoy afternoon tea with Lady Penelope
Suitable for the whole family, fans old and new, or those looking for an introduction to the world of International Rescue, this is a one-off event that is not to be missed. Fans are encouraged to go dressed as their favourite character (which could be Virgil Tracy, Brains, Parker or Lady Penelope) and post their photos using the hashtag #FAB@Vue with the opportunity to win exclusive prizes. For ticket information, please head on over to the Vue website (see local Vue Cinemas for details).
This one time only theatrical presentation is something every Thunderbirds fan will want to be a part of and is a fantastic way to celebrate 52 years of International Rescue action. Vue cinemas will be bringing the original Supermarionation and CGI versions of the show together for the first time, in this inaugural celebration of Thunderbirds Day – Thunderbirds Are FAB will be 90 minutes of action-packed entertainment for the whole family.
You can find out all the latest Thunderbirds related information by spending an enthralling few minutes on the official Gerry Anderson website.
Stand by for action!
We could not let this auspicious occasion pass without offering Die-cast Diaries readers the opportunity to win some unique and spectacular Thunderbirds model prizes, which will include examples of all the Thunderbirds models we have in our range. We are excited to offer the complete set you see above to our lucky winner, but with a very special addition – each box will be signed by Dee Anderson, daughter of Thunderbirds creators Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. We are extremely grateful to Dee for her kind assistance in helping us to offer this fantastic prize, which we know will be much sought after amongst Thunderbirds fans.
To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, please head for our Corgi Competitions page, where you will find a Thunderbirds Day related question to answer. Good luck to one and all.
International Rescue – Humberside Detachment
Thunderbird 3 ready for action at Humberside Airport recently
You never know when you are going to need the help of International Rescue and one of their amazing Thunderbirds and whilst these are usually rather elusive machines, a recent discovery seems to prove that they may be deploying their assets in some unusual locations. Whilst covering the recent Scampton Airshow, our overnight accommodation may have been shared by a rather illustrious TV personality, in the form of International Rescue astronaut Alan Tracy. Although the Corgi team did not manage to make his acquaintance, we did spot his impressive rocket standing ready to answer the latest emergence call.
Standing majestically outside Humberside Airport, this impressive Thunderbird 3 is difficult to miss and acts to reassure anyone that sees it that International Rescue are on the case and there to help us in our hour of need – Happy Thunderbirds Day!
Vanguards 21 – Bazooka Van
In this latest instalment of our Vanguards 21 series of features, we thought we would take a little diversion from the continuing history of the range and adopt a slightly different view on collecting these popular little models. We know that collecting 1/43rd scale Vanguards models can be a serious business and over the course of compiling our Vanguards 21 series throughout 2017, we have been lucky enough to speak to a great many Die-cast Diaries readers who have been only too happy to tell us about their collections. It has been interesting to note some of the many reasons why people started their collections, which range from having an interest in Police vehicles, or Film and TV related models, to buying models of the cars that they have owned over the years. It may also be as simple as seeing a model that really catches your eye, whether that be a model in striking motor racing livery, or one that just makes you smile. In this latest instalment, we are going to feature a model that very much falls into the ‘making you smile’ category, but is one which has cropped up time and again when discussing memorable models from the Vanguards back catalogue.
Model specification guide produced by Mark to help with the production of this unusual Transit
Once again coming from the seemingly limitless motoring knowledge of Vanguards research expert Mark Pinnigar, VA06623 combined the familiarity of the hugely successful Ford Transit Mk.1 van with a rather unusual livery adopted by the manufacturers of Bazooka bubble gum. As one of the most popular light commercial vehicles of all time, the Ford Transit has been in production since 1965 and has been used by countless businesses and individuals to help them transport stock, tools and materials. With well over 8 Million vehicles produced, there should be no end of Transit subject matter available, with Vanguard model representations bringing back some happy memories for thousands of people.
The story behind this particular release began with Mark trawling through his extensive archive of official manufacturers catalogues and whilst looking through a Ford commercials brochure, he came across this unusual and rather interesting vehicle. Feeling this would be a good model to introduce into the Vanguards range, he thoroughly researched the project, including obtaining the exact paint references used during the production of the vehicle and added this to a collection of suggestions to be considered by the Corgi Vanguards design team. Once the project was accepted for future inclusion in the range, Mark would then produce a model specification file, which would be used throughout the production of the new model. Including various alternate views of the vehicle, the specification file would also have colour references, all detailing and any component information that would be needed during production – these files are essential in providing guidance for the manufacturing plant in the Far East.
The pre-production sample model of VA06623 was unearthed in Mark’s office
Not the end of Mark's involvement, he will also produce a hand decorated sample of the future model release, which can be used both to check all the details associated with it and for promotional/catalogue purposes.
The story behind this particular Vanguards release is an interesting one regarding the history of the brand. VA06623 Ford Transit – Bazooka Gum was produced at a time of great uncertainty at Corgi and was a delayed release due to the acquisition of Corgi by Hornby. The release information that accompanied this model described it as:
Such is the success of the Ford Transit that its name has almost become the British word used to describe all light commercial vehicles. As a model name, or even perhaps as a sub brand within the Ford range, it has outlived its contemporaries such as the Escort, Cortina of Granada. Often sold as ‘Transit, the backbone of Britain’, (at one point, Ford even produced T-shirts with that slogan printed vertically down the wearers spine), it shows no sign of dying yet.
Two views of the production model itself, a colourful and unusual addition to the Vanguards range.
As you can see from this picture, the driver’s side window has been modelled with it wound down
Bazooka Gum was launched just after the Second World War and is best known for the character ‘Bazooka Joe’, who appeared in waxed comic strips included in the gum packets. Produced by A&BC Chewing Gum Ltd of Romford Essex, the company produced their products for over 25 years from 1949 and went on to include trading cards with the gum packets, which became incredibly popular and are now highly prized amongst collectors. Including a card series featuring footballers, film stars, popular TV programmes and even the Beatles, these trading cards helped to make Bazooka Gum incredibly popular through the 50s and 60s. This unusual Vanguards release marks the interesting history of this sweet company and will certainly attract attention as part of any model collection. As part of our Vanguards 21 celebrations, if there is a particular model that started you on the road to model collecting, or if you have a favourite release amongst your collection, please drop us a line at diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk and let us know.
Fighting by moonlight
Profile artwork used in the development of Messerschmitt Bf 110E-2 AA38507
As we head towards the significant Centenary commemorations of the Royal Air Force in 2018, we can look forward to the ever popular Aviation Archive range supporting this anniversary with some fantastic RAF model releases. The range has a proud heritage of producing models of famous aircraft that saw service with the RAF throughout their history and whilst these have always been incredibly popular with collectors, some of the aircraft they were fighting against have proved equally popular. The current June – December model range includes a number of impressive Luftwaffe model releases which are proving to be a real hit with collectors, including one which marks an aircraft flown by one of the most successful nightfighter aces of the Second World War. AA38507 is a sinister looking black Messerschmitt Bf 110E-2, which was flown by Oblt. Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer of 5./NJG.1 during June 1942.
Although the Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter proved to be something of a disappointment during the dogfights of the Battle of Britain, it did continue to serve successfully in a number of roles throughout WWII and developed into a particularly formidable Nightfighter. With many of the world’s most successful Nightfighter aces flying the Bf 110 during their operational careers, this night hunter took a heavy toll of Bomber Command aircraft, as they patrolled the skies of Northern Europe. As the most successful Nightfighter ace of WWII Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer flew the Messerschmitt Bf 110 exclusively and claimed an incredible 121 aerial victories from just 164 combat missions flown. The 21st February 1945 proved to be Schnaufer’s most formidable day, when he managed to bring down no fewer than nine RAF four-engined bombers in one day – two in the early hours of the morning and a further seven in just nineteen minutes that same evening. Messerschmitt Bf 110 G9+LN was the aircraft in which this supreme nocturnal predator claimed his first victory in June 1942.
An evocative representation of the catalogue artwork, produced by our talented graphic designers
The Luftwaffe’s twin engined Messerschmitt Bf 110 ‘Destroyers’ were undoubtedly some of the most interesting aircraft of the Second World War, but whilst they never actually lived up to their much-vaunted pre-war reputation, it is difficult to argue with the concept behind their design. In very basic terms, the Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter was a Bf 109 times two, benefitting from similar (at least that is what was originally intended) levels of manoeuvrability, greater range capability and much increased firepower. These mighty aircraft were given the name ‘Destroyers’ as it was thought that no aircraft would be able to compete with its speed and devastating offensive armament, with enemy fighters simply blasted from the sky if they dared challenge them. Championed by Hermann Goering, he referred to the Messerschmitt Bf 110 as his ‘Ironsides’ and expected the aircraft to play a significant role in the air battles to come. Although proving something of a disappointment against opposing single engined fighters, the Bf 110 developed into a devastatingly effective Nightfighter and was the mount of many of the world’s most successful nocturnal aces.
This beautiful nocturnal Messerschmitt Bf 110E-2 (AA38507) has proved to be particularly popular since it was announced and seems destined to follow several recent Luftwaffe related releases that have sold not long after arriving in model stores. With a scheduled release for November, this could be a good opportunity to ensure this future classic will take its place in your collection.
That’s it for this latest edition of Die-cast Diaries, which has been proud to mark significant anniversaries for both Captain Scarlet and Thunderbirds. In the next edition, we will bring you all the usual news and updates, along with the overview of the entries already received in our search for one lucky blog reader to have their car included in a future Vanguards model range. We did previously promise the update for this current edition, but we all came down with a severe case of Supermarionation.
Thank you to everyone who has sent in details so far and please keep them coming – send your pictures and restoration stories to us at diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk and stake your claim for Vanguards range immortality. If you would like further details on this exciting opportunity and the vehicle criteria for the successful respondent, please check Edition 27 of Die-cast Diaries.
As usual, we are always keen to hear your views on our Corgi blog and any ideas you may have for future model related content. There are a number of ways you can get a message to us - as well as our dedicated diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk e-mail address, we also have our Die-Cast Diaries forum and our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter using #CorgiDiecastDiaries. Please do join in with all the discussions, better still why not start your own Corgi related thread?
Thank you for your continued support and happy collecting.
The Corgi Team
© Hornby Hobbies Ltd. All rights reserved.
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