Classic addition to our Bond range and new Vanguards exclusive

Welcome to the latest edition of Corgi Die-cast Diaries, your regular blog review of all the news, updates and topical stories from the captivating world of Corgi die-cast model collecting.

It’s a new Corgi model project update weekend once more and in this latest edition of our blog, we have something of a new model classic for you. With exclusive features throughout, we have an eclectic mix of motorcycles, classic buses and a new addition to our Vanguards car range, with each update representing a different development stage in each case and with all imagery being shown for the very first time. We begin by looking at a very special new model, one which is the latest addition to our hugely successful James Bond 007 range of models and one which represents an exciting new direction for the Corgi Brand. Bringing readers an exclusive look at the first model produced from this new tooling, we will be discussing the project with Corgi Development Engineer and Bond aficionado Dan, as well as bringing you a first look at marketing computer rendered images which have just been produced in support of this project. 

Although our new Bond Triumph Scrambler motorcycle is the unashamed headline feature of this latest update, there is even more new model news to bring you in this 98th edition of our Die-cast Diaries blog, so settle down for your latest selection of Corgi exclusives. 

Trouble comes on two wheels for James Bond

A computer rendered view of our new 1/12th scale 007 ‘No Time To Die’ Triumph Scrambler 1200, one which has been produced using the CAD files produced during the design phase of the project.

The enduring popularity of the James Bond film phenomenon is something which the Corgi team are only too aware of, particularly as our own die-cast model association with the nation’s most enigmatic fictional secret service agent is a proud one which goes back many years now. Having tooled up to produce scale representations of many of the vehicles either used by various Bond actors, or ones which have appeared in one of the 25 films produced over the years, it really does seem as if anything with a connection to any one of these films is a guaranteed hit with collectors and Bond enthusiasts. One thing which continues to astound the team is that models representing Bond subjects are always amongst the most popular releases in any Corgi model range and there is nothing like a new James Bond film to unleash the latest collecting frenzy.

After a protracted, yet completely understandable release delay caused by the recent worldwide pandemic, Bond finally returned to cinemas for his twenty fifth on screen adventure last year and in the movie ‘No Time To Die’, we found our hero enjoying something of a tranquil existence in Jamaica, having decided to leave active service. As we might all have expected, his peace turned out to be short-lived, when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for his help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than initially expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

More computer rendered delights featuring a model which is set to delight Bond aficionados everywhere.

Several of the exciting action scenes featured in the new movie heralded the franchise debut of an iconic British motorcycle brand into the Bond phenomenon. Driven by both the villainous Primo and 007 himself, after disabling his enemy, Bond uses the distinctive Triumph Scrambler 1200 to race through the ancient streets of the Italian city of Matera, with the bike seemingly spending as much time in the air as it does firmly on two wheels. Making an exciting addition to our ever evolving range of Bond related models, the Triumph Scrambler which appeared in ‘No Time To Die’ attracted the attentions of the Corgi team, which is where this particular project update story begins. It was initially announced as a 1/24th scale model addition to our range at the beginning of 2021, but as things started to progress, the team began to think of something which was altogether more ambitious, but we will let Corgi Development Engineer Dan tell you more about that.

How was this project initially proposed?

Dan told us that during one of the many Corgi development meetings which take place throughout the year, the team discussed the possibility of expending their James Bond range of products and which subjects from films past and present should be up for consideration. Although the latest ‘No Time To Die’ film had not been released at that time, the first film trailers had just started to air and one showed Bond riding a Triumph motorcycle in an exciting clip with him speeding through the streets of Matera, doing things that no self-respecting motorcycle should ever be asked to do. Amongst a list of suggested options, the Triumph Scrambler was seen as being a particularly strong option and the development team were asked to undertake their preliminary project investigations in support. This is actually the way that most new tooling projects start their journeys, even though not all advance too far past this stage, for several different reasons - thankfully, our new Bond motorcycle was one which didn’t fall by the wayside.

What information did you need to get the project underway?

As this motorcycle would undoubtedly become familiar to millions of people following the release of the new James Bond film, Dan and the team knew that they would have to liaise closely with Triumph Motorcycles themselves on this project, not only to ensure they could make an accurate representation of the scrambler used in the forthcoming Bond movie, but also to be aware of any peculiarities which existed on the movie motorcycles. Dan was fortunate enough to spend a day with Triumph Motorcycles at Hinkley, where they had the opportunity to discuss the project with officials and to capture as much information about the scrambler as they could.

A first look at the metal engineering sample model produced from our new James Bond Triumph Scrambler tooling, something the entire team is excited to share with our readers.

At this early stage, they were looking to obtain enough information to allow a tooling quote for the project to be requested, because even at this stage, the project was at risk of advancing no further if certain essential business criteria could not be satisfied and project proposals agreed. With that in mind, Dan used his visit to obtain a large number of detailed photographs of the bike from every conceivable angle and to take various subject measurements to help him in his work, the kind of detail only a Development Engineer can get excited about!

What was the reason behind the change of scale for this new Bond Motorcycle?

Dan told us that this was quite an interesting story and had a number of different factors behind it. Although his initial Triumph visit was to obtain enough information to allow a tooling quote to be requested, his professional eye had already started to consider the production of such a model and how it could be replicated as a highly detailed die-cast collectors piece. The team had tentatively discussed the proposed scale the new model should be produced in and indeed at that stage, it was intended that it would be in the smaller 1/24th scale, the scale in which the initial tooling quotes were requested. Having said that, during his visit, Dan had already started to think a little differently and intended to have discussions with the team once he returned to Corgi HQ. Looking at the motorcycle and having a good knowledge of the die-cast model design and manufacturing processes, he could see features which he wanted to replicate in some detail, in addition to spotting detail which could be incorporated into tooling on a larger scale model, but may not replicate so well on a smaller model. He made his notes and made sure his pictures concentrated on his areas of concern.

During Dan's visit, as well as being able to see the spectacular selection of Triumph road bikes on show in their visitor experience display, it was also possible to see the differences between the Scrambler 1200 road bikes and the ones which were used in the latest Bond movie. As we were intending to produce a scale representation of the motorcycle Bond fans will have seen ridden first by Primo as he attempts to deal with Bond in the movie sequence and then by Bond himself, after he has disarmed his attacker and knocked his false eye out, it was essential that all these differences were accurately replicated on our model, because even at that stage, the whole team were confident that this would be a hugely popular addition to the range.

Having elected to proceed with this new model in 1/12th scale, the team were able to accurately replicate much more of the detail featured on the real machine, whilst at the same time making this a faithful representation of the motorcycle which made such an impact in the latest Bond film.

There are a number of crucial details which had to be incorporated into our new model, even down to the modifications made to make the stunt riders/actors lives a little more bearable during filming. As they were on location and filming in hot conditions, the film producers had to make sure that riders did not get too close to the hot exhaust pipes of the bikes and made a few modifications which clearly show up on the machine used in the film. Details such as this had to make it through to the new model tooling, with the development team challenged to replicate this as accurately as possible in scale.

Did you have access to scan data?

During Dan's initial visit, it quickly became apparent that the project could definitely support an increase in scale and how from an engineering perspective, they could incorporate lots of additional detail into a larger tooling design and that crucially, this could be replicated in the model itself. With every new model entering the Corgi range, the team endeavour to make it as true a representation as it could possibly be, a faithful scale representation of the subject being covered and something collectors will be proud to add to their collections. Clearly, this same methodology is applied to the new tooling projects team members are involved with and with the latest advancements in computer design technology and the continual 'finessing' of the die-cast manufacturing process, it is possible to incorporate ever finer subject detail into these tooling designs, however, there are still limitations. Something which might look incredibly appealing in design might not replicate as intended when metal is injected through the mold and with experience, a designer's eye will be drawn to details which may pose them such a problem.

Something of a hybrid machine, the CAD data supplied by Triumph was undoubtedly a huge help to the project, but our designers still had much work to do if they were to accurately represent the film bike. 

As our new Bond motorcycle received the development green light and we had decided to proceed as a larger 1/12th scale project, the team were fortunate enough to receive CAD data from Triumph Motorcycles, something which hugely benefited the project right from the outset. Whilst this was the start the project needed, the motorcycle which appeared in the Bond film was something of a hybrid, so despite having access to these CAD files, the design team still had much work to do in ensuring the files sent for tooling assessment and production incorporated all the many differences found on the film bike. This really is a fascinating and highly demanding process, something we collectors often overlook when admiring the latest addition to our model collections.

The eventual change to the larger 1/12th scale offered several significant benefits, including allowing the design and development team to replicate more accurately much of the fine detail featured on this iconic motorcycle, in addition to bringing the project inline with a traditional scale for the production of motorcycle models, both in plastic and in die-cast metal.

What has impressed you most about the new model?

In line with what he told us earlier, Dan is all about the detail and he has been particularly impressed with the amount of detail the new model features. Some of the concerns he had during his initial research visit are concerns no more and whilst the model is still in its development phase, he couldn't be happier with how the project is progressing. When he was inspecting the real motorcycle, he was assessing how some of the fine detail might be replicated in tooling and if some of the recessed detail which is such a striking feature of the bike might prove problematic during model manufacture. Several areas of the motorcycle feature recessed detail which gives the machine a real luxury appeal, but during its migration to representation as a scale die-cast model, would he be able to incorporate this detail?

In these cases of fine detail replication, the die-cast manufacturing process often requires a designer to accept that compromises have to be made. Areas of the real subject which feature recessed detail sometimes have to be replicated using the tampo printing process, usually because this detail is just too fine to be replicated in scale and in most cases, producing a finished representation which is still perfectly acceptable. In the case of our new Triumph Scrambler 1200, the increase in scale has allowed much of this detail to be replicated as Dan and the team had hoped, with this recessed detail actually being a feature of the new tooling.

Other details of the new model which Dan is particularly pleased with are the working rear suspension, something which is still being perfected, but will be a much loved feature of the new model. This latest Bond tooling addition also features photo-etched disk brakes and headlight guards, whilst also including wheel and tyre tread details which will definitely appeal to anyone inspecting the new model. In short, he feels that any Bond fan is going to be delighted with the new ‘No Time To Die’ Triumph Scrambler 1200 and that this will be a stunning addition to the Bond model range.

Dan did want us to stress however, that even though the images we are featuring here do look hugely impressive, they still represent a model which is in development and as such, is subject to further change before it can be released for production.

What do you think collectors will be most pleased with?

With the work already completed, Dan feels that all Bond fans, plus those who wouldn't necessarily describe themselves as Bond fans, but just like quality die-cast models will be delighted with this model, not just with the level of detail it features, but also the quality of finish. The team still have work to do on this project, including perfecting the high quality presentation packaging the model will be supplied in, something which will continue the appeal of this exciting new model. Details Dan feels will undoubtedly impress collectors on receipt of this new model, but in no particular order are:

•    Overall detail representation

•    The robust, working rear suspension

•    Use of photo-etched parts for disc brake and headlight detail

•    Wheel and tyre tread detail

•    The moving handlebars

•    The impressive display stand

•    Working axles

•    General fit and finish of the model

This new model is one which will be a fitting centrepiece to any 007 model collection and an impressive die-cast addition to the Corgi model range.

The working rear suspension is just one of a host of impressive features our designers have managed to incorporate into this model, which is an exciting new development for the Corgi range.

To end, as Dan has now had the opportunity to thoroughly inspect this first metal sample model, we just had to ask him how the scrambler feels in the hand?

Although we conducted this interview as a Teams audio call, we could almost imagine the smile coming across Dan's face, as he is rightly proud of this impressive new model. He started by saying that it has some nice weight to it, something which gives the model real presence and impact. With all that glorious detail to admire, he said that as is the case with most Corgi models, this is an extremely tactile product and when you get close to it, you just want to touch it. Thankfully, the rugged nature of what is essentially a movie stunt motorcycle has been replicated through the design of this scale replica and just as it cries out to be handled, it certainly won't suffer for the attention - this is a model with real stature about it and one which possesses impressive inherent strength. It is a collectors model at heart, but if you want to let admirers handle it, you can do so with some confidence.

The display stand itself is also made of metal and is a scale representation of the stand which allows the motorcycles in the Triumph Factory Visitor Experience to be displayed in all their glory. Again, another robust feature of the new model, this rigid stand provides a great deal of confidence when displaying the scrambler in this manner, although the team are still working on an innovative way in which to display the model with it still in its presentation packaging. As we say, this is still under development at present, but we will bring you an update in a future edition of our blog.

We hope you will be left with the impression that we are rather proud of our new James Bond Triumph Scrambler 1200 from ‘No Time To Die’, because that is most certainly the case - we are also delighted to be sharing this exclusive update with our loyal blog readership before the wider die-cast world gets to see it, the correct order of things as far as we are concerned.

Two final looks at the computer rendered 007 ‘No Time To Die’ Triumph Scrambler 1200 views, images which were produced using a powerful computer, no little graphic design skill and the design files produced in support of this project.

By the time we see the next pre-production sample model, it will hopefully be looking much closer to this representation, with just a few modifications.

Just to reiterate, the images we have used to illustrate this update show the first metal sample model produced from this impressive new tooling and by its nature, is still subject to further modification, however impressive it might already look. The other motorcycle images which appear painted and almost complete are in actual fact rendered images using our CAD design software, but are intended to give an interpretation of how the production model might eventually look. Whilst these are just a representation and are again subject to further alteration, we thought you might like to see them in any case.

As one much-loved Bond actor slips into the movie history books and we await the announcement of another, could there possibly be a better die-cast way to mark the legacy of this exciting latest adventure for Britain's most famous fictional secret agent than by displaying this stunning new model?

Already doing brisk business amongst 007 enthusiasts and Corgi collectors alike, our new James Bond Triumph Scrambler 1200 (Matera) - 'No Time to Die' is currently still available to pre-order on the Corgi website. 

New Routemaster buses at the double

The two latest Original Omnibus Routemaster bus models about to join this popular range, one in traditional London Transport livery and the other in a much more distinctive livery.

As far as modes of transport which are generally regarded as being quintessentially British are concerned, James Bond and his various Q Branch cars definitely have a rival for such an accolade, particularly on the streets of London. Without any doubt whatsoever, the classic red Routemaster buses operated by London Transport became some of the most instantly recognisable vehicles in the world and even to this day, the iconic reputation of this instantly recognisable public transport classic can always to relied upon to cause a wave of nostalgia to wash over anyone fortunate enough to clap eye on one. 

Designed by London Transport and built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) and Park Royal Vehicles, the Routemaster is primarily a front-engined, open rear platform bus, a vehicle which is now considered something of a British cultural icon and one which is closely associated with the history of post war London. Initially entering service back in 1956, the classic Routemaster would go on to see continuous service in London until 2005, after which time, a limited number remained on London's streets as they serviced two heritage routes. Approximately 2,876 Routemaster buses were constructed and it is thought that around 1,000 of these beautiful machines are still in existence to this day, some in museums and some still providing a working link to a past era of public transport.

For a vehicle which possesses such a rich heritage in both public transport and London history, it will come as no surprise to learn that the AEC Routemaster has always been a popular subject with modellers and in particular, die-cast model collectors. Our own Original Omnibus range has many hugely popular previous Routemaster model releases to its name and it is about to welcome two more attractive new models to this list, one in classic red livery adopted by London Transport, with the other being in an altogether more 'ambitious' scheme.

OM46317 - AEC Routemaster, Blackpool Transport, Pontin's Holiday Club livery.

Former London Transport Routemaster RM 848 (WLT848) serviced routes in the capital from 1961, initially working out of the Edmonton garage, but later moving to Wood Green. This bus was withdrawn from service by London Transport in 1985 and sold to Blackpool Transport the following year, one of the thirteen Routemasters bought by Blackpool Transport. In service up north, she renumbered 522 and originally finished in the Travel Card 3 Tram livery, before being allocated Route 12 which ran from Squires Gate Airport to the borough boundary of neighbouring St, Annes. 

It was later moved to work route 55, the promenade service, until 1989. In that year, the 55 route was changed to route 40, one which started at Blackpool Tower and was  extended to serve the local Pontin's Holiday Camp. Between 1991 and 1993, this bus was given a striking new scheme, one which reflected its current service role and one which made it one of the most distinctive buses in the country - if you were in holiday mood, this Pontin's livery would have been just the ticket!

After years spent transporting holidaymakers too and from Blackpool Tower, 552 was withdrawn from service in 1994 and later sold on to Reading Mainline. This hard-working and rather resilient bus found itself back with London Transport in 2000, where she was refurbished ahead of another stint working heritage routes in the capital, but in 2005 was re-registered and sold into private ownership.

OM46318 - AEC Routemaster - The 1000th Routemaster built.

RM1000 (the 1000th Routemaster built) was delivered to London Transport’s Southall Works in October 1961 and was given the unusual BXL 100 registration as befitted a vehicle of this significance, along with her own special commemorative livery. Production of the Routemaster as we know it, began with numbers assigned from RM8 to RML2760 (which included RM, RML, RMC and RCL types), with RM1000 definitely being a production landmark bus worthy of note. Initially working out of the West Ham depot, this bus served London faithfully until 1981, when she was handed over to the care of mechanics at the South Croydon garage, where she would be maintained for use in various exhibition events and the occasional route services.

The bus was formally withdrawn from service in 1985 and in May of 1987, sold into private ownership for preservation for future generations to enjoy. With her original commemorative livery faithfully reproduced, RM1000 has taken pride of place at many bus events since that time and survives to this day in the care of the RM1000 Preservation Group.

Both of the beautiful models shown here are final signed samples, highlighting the fact that these striking additions to the Original Omnibus range are due in our warehouse any day now. With very few models remaining unallocated, a quick visit to the Corgi website to reserve your example might not be a bad way to spend a few minutes this weekend, especially if you were planning to add either of these models to your collection.

Feisty new Ford our latest blog exclusive

Hot of the development press, we are delighted to be in a position to share images of this 3D printed stereo sample model from our new Ford Focus ST tooling project. 

There is nothing quite like ending a Corgi update blog with a big new model exclusive and the one we have for you here is BIG in every sense of the word. This particular model is so hot off the press that it isn't even featured on the Corgi website yet, even though we did let this particular new product development cat out of the bag at the beginning of the year. Corgi collectors who watched our range launch video at the start of the year would have seen our Brand Executive David Mather not only introduce all the new models featured in our January to April range, but in keeping with our desire to keep our followers informed, include details of several new tooling projects which are currently ongoing, but not yet in a position to be made available for pre-order. The reasoning behind this decision was to prevent situations where models are announced so early that collectors become a little frustrated by the length of time between announcement and delivery of their pre-order. This way, collectors might not be able to visit a product web-page or place their pre-order, but can still be kept informed on the several quite significant new tooling projects the development team are currently working on.

David announced continued significant new tooling investment in the Vanguards model car range, including the future addition of the Ford Focus in third generation guise, including the sporty RS and ST models which are such desirable additions to Ford's line-up. Although we did show a couple of CAD screenshots from this project at the time, we are now in possession of the latest significant update and thought you might like to see how the project is progressing.

Only arriving at Corgi HQ over the past few days, we weren't really expecting to receive this particular sample so soon, but what you are looking at here is the one-off 3D printed stereo sample model produced by our manufacturing facility, using the CAD files produced for this model. Despite the prototype nature of this model, it is already clear to see how impressive the tooling is looking and even though there are areas which will require further development work to be carried out, we are rather pleased with what we are seeing here.

Although there are still some details which require further work, we think you will agree that everything new Vanguards Ford Focus is looking rather positive.

The Ford Focus is a compact family car which was first released in Europe back in 1998 and was a project which had some pretty significant motoring shoes to fill (or should that be tyres), as it was the intended replacement for the hugely popular Escort model. The third generation of this car which has now become arguably as popular as its predecessor had its coordinated worldwide release in early 2011 and benefitted from a further facelift into this particular configuration in 2014, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Cosmetically, this upgrade featured a redesigned front grille, redesigned slimline headlights and various internal facelifts.

The sporty RS and ST models continued Ford's incredibly popular road car links with success in motorsport, something which continues to ensure the sales success of their popular cars, a continuation of a legacy which stretches back to the early 1970s. The ST might be a car people see regularly on Britain's roads, however, it features technology which has been taken straight from the world of motorsport and all designed to enhance the driving experience of its owner. This cultured vehicle has larger brakes intended to bring the car to a halt more effectively and the steering wheel has the most efficient turn cycle found on any current Ford model. 

Further enhancing the sporting nature of this desirable car, the ST also benefits from a shorter gear throw for a more rally feel to the car, with stiffer suspension and reactive damping all adding to the car's driver experience. The ST features a high performance 2.3 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine and includes new technology which significantly reduces acceleration lag following driver input, for almost instantaneous power output, another piece of technology taken straight from the world of motorsport.

A final look at this impressive stereo sample model, including a close up of the new wheel detail innovation.

The prototype model images shown here feature the ST variant of our new Ford Focus Mk.III tooling and whilst there is still work to be done the team are really impressed with what they have received. Even at this early stage, they can see the results of some new tooling innovation which will enhance the Vanguards range from this point forward, including a more robust representation of the car's suspension and a development which will allow the wheels to move independently of the brake disk.

Vanguards collectors will be pleased to see this project development update and will no doubt be looking forward to welcoming the new Ford Focus Mk.III into their collections following its eventual release. The next stage for us will be to review this model, send back our alteration requirements and look forward to receiving the first metal engineering sample model produced from this tooling - exciting times indeed.

New Corgi model alert

All ready for the big day, who wants to see some new Corgi models?

We would like to end this latest update with a reminder that the new Corgi May to August model range will be revealed on the Corgi website this coming Monday morning at 10am. Following the unveiling, a downloadable pdf version of the catalogue will be available and as was the case with the current catalogue, David will be on the official Corgi YouTube channel to talk collectors through some of the highlights of this second range announcement of the year. From a blog perspective, we will be back in two weeks’ time to bring you further development details behind some of the most eagerly anticipated new model projects.

That's all we have for you this time, but as usual, we will be back in two weeks with another selection of exclusive project updates. In the meantime, we are always interested to hear your views on all things Corgi, so if you would like to drop us a line to comment on anything blog or model related, or indeed to suggest a topic you would like to see covered in a future edition, please use this diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk link for all correspondence.

If you can’t wait for the next blog, you will find plenty of Corgi model collecting discussions taking place on our official social media channels, access links to which can be found at the bottom of this page. 

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Thank you for continuing to support our Die-cast Diaries blog.

Our next edition is scheduled for publication on Friday 20th May. 

The Corgi Team