Corgi range launch - Stand by for Action!
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.
Anyone who is a regular on the Corgi, or indeed any of the Hornby Hobbies brand websites will be fully aware that it's been quite a busy few days for us here at Hornby HQ, as we safely negotiated our latest range launch week. Unlike most of the other brands, whilst we do join our colleagues in unveiling our latest collection of models, our range only covers the period from January to April, as our format of having three separate range announcements throughout the year has proved so successful for us. Even so, Corgi fans were eagerly anticipating their first look at our latest range of models and if site visits and order support is anything to go by, range launch 2024 (the first one) was a particularly successful one for us.
As is now something of a time-honoured Die-cast Diaries tradition, we will be taking this first post range launch announcement edition of 2024 opportunity to take a closer look at this latest collection of models, stopping to admire some of the undoubted highlights within and of course, including all the exciting new tooling additions to the range. As there really is no substitute for checking the new range for yourself, we will be providing lots of link access to the Corgi website throughout, in addition to also including the latest range launch video hosted by our Head of Brand David Mather, who will walk you through all the new model additions to the range in person.
Without further ado, let's get started on another year of DCD Corgi updates, but if you have yet to inspect the new January - April 2024 range, please do use this link to go and see what we have coming for you over the next four months and importantly, when we expect them to be available.
'Stand by - We're about to launch Stingray'
Look out all you Aquaphibians, the new Corgi Stingray model's about to be unleashed!
With regard to the attention-grabbing heading above, if we're being factually correct on this matter, we already have! There really could only be one way to start this new range overview and that was with the exciting news that our much anticipated tribute to the classic Stingray science fiction TV series is not only now available to pre-order, it's actually in stock and shipping! A model which has been the cause of much excitement since we first revealed it last year, we are excited to have this stunning addition to the range available in the 60th anniversary year of this iconic series, a model which continues a proud Corgi tradition of releasing die-cast models of some of the most popular vehicle and craft from the world of TV and film.
Those blog readers with more than a few years under our belts will probably remember sleeping much more soundly in our beds at night when we were younger, in the knowledge that the World Aquanaut Security Patrol team and particularly Troy Tempest, were always on guard to ensure our safety from marauding Aquaphibians. A science-fiction series which came from the fertile imagination of Gerry Anderson, this man single-handedly held the youth of Britain in the palm of his hands during the 1960s and 1970s, as we simply couldn't get enough of his thoroughly engaging shows. It's no wonder, everything about Stingray was exciting, from the opening theme which always had us on the edge of our seats, to the ultimate triumph of good over evil - how could this be anything other than a massive hit.
This next selection of images allow us all a fascinating peek into the development and production of the new Stingray model and were taken by a member of the Corgi team during a visit to the production facility in China. They show model components and the engineering sample model, before moving on to production and Stingray parts passing through the always fascinating pad printing process.
The awesome craft we all wanted to own for ourselves back in those days was Stingray, a sleek and deadly underwater craft which had a real turn of speed and torpedoes which rarely missed their villainous targets. Anderson had a knack of knowing just how to keep us all spellbound and even when the latest episode was sadly over, Marina's theme always had us singing this lavishly produced song long after the TV has moved on to much more mundane programming. And then there were his machines, craft which were always futuristic and left us in absolutely no doubt that these were the most capable craft to be found anywhere in the world, even if this world was a Supermarionation one. The fact that this series was filmed in colour only added to our infatuation and I swear that at the time, I really did think those puppets were real people.
Anything could happen in the next half hour! We're about to launch Stingray, but instead of going in search of Titan, Agent X20 and all those pesky Aquaphibians, our Stingray model will be serving as a fitting tribute to this iconic series in this 60th anniversary year.
When it comes to iconic craft which appeared on our TV screens, surely Stingray is right at the head of this list, an underwater craft which was as eye-catching as it was effective at neutralising baddies and to this day, anyone who enjoyed this show as a youngster will still be drawn to any representation of Stingray. Sporting vibrant colours and with its eye-catching shape, Stingray is still a real head-turner and we really do think that our new model is a fine tribute to the enduring legacy of this much-loved craft. Featuring firing sting missiles and spinning propulsion drum, we like to think our new model would easily find a place upon Troy Tempest's own marionette mantlepiece, a fitting die-cast tribute in this 60th anniversary year.
What a great start to a new year of Corgi model collecting.
Pop Culture, Corgi style .. continued
When speaking about Corgi heritage and our links with a successful series of movies, perhaps no association could ever hope to come close to our various model tributes to the exciting exploits of James Bond 007 and some of the many vehicles and craft he has used over the years. This enduring association continues to this day with the announcement of our latest collection of models, which includes a newly tooled model and several others which are available to pre-order for the first time.
The latest new tooling addition to the range presents one of the amazing craft designed and developed by Q Branch and used by 007 used during his adventures in the film No Time to Die. Designed for air-launched infiltration missions, the distinctive two-seat folding wing glider developed by Q-Branch was used by Agent Nomi and James Bond to storm The Poisoned Garden, the island base of the villainous Safin.
A Q Glider image taken straight from the new Corgi January - April catalogue, which shows how despite its impressive wingspan, this spectacular new model folds down to fit in our James Bond 007 range presentation box.
Located in the Sea of Japan, the island required a rapid yet stealthy approach which only the glider was capable of achieving. Dropped from a Royal Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster in a compact form, the glider immediately springs open into a deployed flight configuration that, upon reaching surface level, transforms again into a submersible for the final arrival at Safin’s base.
While not a real aircraft, the Q Glider was created as a full-size physical prop with an opening canopy by the No Time To Die production team for use on set. The glider prop was used onboard a real Royal Air Force C-17A Globemaster at RAF Brize Norton and in a water tank set built at Pinewood Studios to create the interior submarine pen at The Poisoned Garden. Visuals of the glider deploying from the Globemaster were created using Computer Generated Imagery (CGI).
From a Corgi design and development perspective, the new Q Glider is a significant achievement and whilst the model fits within our existing 007 series high quality presentation packaging, it's actually the largest model we have ever released into our James Bond model range. When the model is displayed in flight configuration mode, the wings snap into position, where this impressive model sports a wingspan which is only slightly shorter than our 1/72nd scale Avro Lancaster model. When required for underwater action, the wings reposition to hug the body of the craft, therefore allowing it to slip through the water much more efficiently, and conveniently fit in our Bond box.
A stunning addition to our James Bond range, the Q Glider is joined the third release from our 1/12th scale Triumph Scrambler tooling and a new variant of the most famous Corgi model of all time, however, as these will be covered in forthcoming editions of our development blog, we're going to leave you to discover these for yourselves at this time.
Our model interpretation of a slightly different mode of transport, but from another film series with which we are proud to have a long standing association, our Wallace & Gromit series of collectables has grown with the addition of a significant new model, or should that be a series of three new models which combine to recreate a memorable scene from the movie The Wrong Trousers. A new model exclusive addition to the latest range, this one might have caught collectors a little off guard, particularly as we have only just announced other new Wallace & Gromit models.
Our dynamic duo attempt to clip Feathers McGraw's wings and grab his swag bag during this slapstick toy train ride.
A spectacular model which recreates one of the most memorable scenes from any Wallace & Gromit adventure, this newly tooled model has been produced in three sections, each one featuring a beautifully sculpted figure. At the front, we have Feathers McGraw and locomotive, with Gromit clinging to three coaches behind. Bringing up the rear, Wallace sits on a flatbed wagon having only recently lost his wrong trousers. Each model comes with its own piece of track and can be assembled together to recreate this memorable scene and whilst we still have work to do before it's released, it's already looking like being a particularly attractive display piece.
We can't wait to bring you more information regarding this and all the other new models announced in the new January - April 2024 range, however, as this latest edition of our blog is only intended to provide a range overview, please head for the Corgi website to discover all the model delights included in our latest collection of models, where you will also be able to download a copy of our latest catalogue.
Let's take a little break now and spend a moment or two in the company of our Head of Brand David Mather, as he guides us through all the new models in the Corgi January - April 2024 range.
Moving on to our Aviation Archive range, this latest collection of models includes new scale aircraft models featuring interesting new livery presentations of existing toolings, in addition to the inclusion of two magnificent new tooling projects advancing to a point where they are available for pre-order for the very first time. Before we get on to that, we begin by looking at the latest addition to our popular 1/48th scale Aircraft of the Great War series, and an aircraft flown by an American volunteer pilot in the Lafayette Escadrille.
A French born American citizen, Robert Soubiran felt it was his duty to go and fight for the country of his birth following the start of the First World War, travelling to France at his own expense, with the intention of joining the French Foreign Legion on his arrival. He joined with fellow future Lafayette Escadrille pilots James Bach, Bert Hall, Kiffin Rockwell, Paul Rockwell and William Thaw and would serve with the 2nd Foreign Regiment in the Battle of Champagne, with the 170th Line Infantry Regiment. Injured during the fighting in October 1915, he would spend four months recuperating, during which time he applied for and was accepted into the French Service Aeronautique, graduating on 20th October 1916 and joining Escadrille Américaine two days later.
Around one year of combat flying later, Soubiran would be awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm for actions covering an attack against German Drachen balloons, where he would be credited with his only aerial victory of the war. He would transfer to the 103rd Pursuit Squadron US Army Air Service following America's entry into the war, where he would continue to fly combat missions, eventually rising to the position of Commanding Officer. One of the first American nationals to arrive in France in 1914, Soubiran was also one of the last to leave in 1919 following the end of the war, having accumulated over 400 hours of combat flying in his 23 months with Lafayette Escadrille and later in ten months of operations with the US Air Service. He would receive a second Palm to his Croix de Guerre and also be made a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur during his time fighting in France.
Interestingly, Robert Soubiran was a talented photographer and used his trusty Kodak camera to document all aspects of his military flying time in France during the Great War, with some historians believing his incredible work did much to bring the inspirational exploits of the Lafayette Escadrille to a worldwide audience. It is certainly this famous squadron's only complete photographic record and serves as a fascinating insight into the birth of aerial warfare and the men who fought it.
This beautiful new model and the inspirational story which ensured its range inclusion, is in our warehouse and available for immediate dispatch and clearly, this is model we don't want missing from our collections.
Moving on to new models which are available for pre-order for the first time, we have two models which will serve as our Aviation Archive tribute to this summer's D-Day 80th Anniversary commemorations, including the Spitfire which claimed the first enemy aircraft destroyed in aerial combat following the D-Day landings, an aircraft which still flies to this day and arguably the most famous airworthy Spitfire in the world today. These are joined by the latest release from our highly regarded 1/72nd scale Luftwaffe Junkers Ju88, this time presenting the aircraft as a nightfighter and one which plied its nocturnal trade in the skies of Sicily.
Great news for Aviation Archive fans, both the newly tooled Martin B-26 Marauder and 1/48th scale Panavia Tornado are now available to pre-order for the first time.
Of even greater interest to avid Aviation Archive fans, two spectacular new tooling projects we have been following the progress off within Die-cast Diaries over the past few months have now advanced to range inclusion and are both now available for pre order for the first time, our 1/72nd scale Martin B-26 Marauder and 1/48th scale Panavia/BAe Tornado. Both of these now models represent significant additions to the Aviation Archive range and as both are expected to be available in pre-production standard form in the very near future, we're going to leave our full project updates to future editions of the Corgi blog.
Vanguards - Corgi model heritage on four wheels
Another incredibly popular range in the world of scale die-cast collectables, there's also been quite significant movement in the world of Vanguards in this latest range announcement, with a new model tooling advancing to pre-order stage for the first time and another finally taking its place in a Corgi range following something of an unusual delay. New models added to the range include two different Ford Escort Mk.2 RS2000 speedsters, the second release from our beautiful Ford Mustang Mk.6 tooling, a Jaguar XJ6, a crime scene investigation Transit Custom Leader and a Ford Escort Mk.I Twin-Cam.
Again, there are some interesting new additions to the Vanguards range, but as we will be covering them all in some detail within the Corgi blog over the coming year, we're going to leave everyone to go and discover these details for themselves for this particular edition, using this New Corgi Range link to be taken straight there. What we are going to do is single out two of the new model inclusions to place under the blog spotlight, for no other reason than they have particularly interesting stories to tell.
Effectively shoring up a rather significant classic British motoring sized hole which has existed in the Vanguards range for some time now, last year's announcement that we were working on a new tooling project to introduce the Ford Capri Mk2 to the range will have no doubt come as a pleasant surprise to many collectors, particularly as its arrival will complete the classic Capri family for Vanguard collectors. We are delighted to confirm that this much anticipated model is now part of the 2024 range and available for pre-order for the very first time.
The Mk1 Capri, advertised as ‘The Car You Always Promised Yourself’, was an enormous success for Ford with over 1.1 million produced. It was a fashionable halo car that generated showroom traffic and added motorsport glamour but was also profitable because it shared components with high-volume saloon cars. A Capri II development programme, known as Project Diana, was thus inevitable and when the new car emerged in February 1974, it retained the general coupé profile, the distinctive oval rear side window and the long-bonnet sports car feel, but was a less compromised machine.
A hatchback tailgate replaced the boot lid and with folding rear seats, this intercontinental GT was as practical as it was stylish. The Capri modelled here was purchased on May 24th ,1974, from Ford dealers Cowies of Sunderland by Mr B. Wake, who had it serviced meticulously and retained it until October 22nd, 1990, covering 53,000 miles. He ordered the most expensive Ghia model, which featured black and silver alloy wheels, but saved £42 by deleting the power steering and £7.90 by not specifying wing mirrors. So he paid £3,109, including tax.
In 2002, it was purchased by Essex-based Capri enthusiast Dave Eady who totally restored it in time to win best car at the Capri II Register’s National Day in 2007, an award it has won six times. Since late 2021, it’s been owned by long-standing Capri enthusiast, Shropshire-based Gordon Millington.
Finally for Vanguards, a model which has endured a more protracted development period than most has finally been added to the latest range and is now available for pre-order, our Rover 75 V6 Contemporary SE in Ski Blue. A model which was first announced way back in 2007, it was subsequently cut from the range and whilst quite a lot has happened to the Corgi brand over subsequent years, 17 years is still rather a long time for a previously advertised model to make it to pre-order stage.
Having first revealed itself back in 2007, this Rover 75 V6 Contemporary SE in Ski Blue is finally scheduled to be taking its place in the 2024 Vanguards range.
When the development of project R40, as the Rover 75 was known internally, began in earnest at Longbridge, the mood was optimistic because, to joint-venture partner Honda’s surprise, BMW had purchased the company in February 1994. They injected the development cash the business had hitherto lacked. The resulting car was launched at the Birmingham Motor Show on October 20th, 1998 and was praised for its elegant exterior design by stylist Richard Woolley and very British interior ambience.
Production commenced at Cowley, Oxfordshire, but when BMW sold the company in May 2000 it was moved to Longbridge. The 75 remained in production until 2005 by which time 211,175 had been produced. The automatic 2.5-litre V6 Rover 75 modelled was sold new by MG-Rover dealers Vantage-Preston and was first registered in July 2005, just three months after the Longbridge-based company went into administration.
It features the later-revised bumpers, grille and single-light facelifted nose treatment launched in 2004, which gave the 75 a more modern look, although it cleverly used the same lamp base units with a new single lens on top. Since November 2022, it has been owned by Greater Manchester-based Rover 75 enthusiast Tim Hubbard, who bought it because it showed a genuine 87,000 miles and was in very good overall condition. The 75 and its MG-badged ZT cousin have now acquired a strong following in the classic car world and values are increasing.
The Future - Current new tooling projects
We end this latest new range overview by looking ahead to the future and exclusive advanced notification of some of the exciting new tooling projects the Corgi team are currently working on. Clearly, bringing a new Corgi model tooling to the range can be a long and complex process, and it can often take us a little longer that initially anticipated to allow a model to take its place within a current range. David unveiled a couple of projects in this latest range launch which up until this point, details of which had remained steadfastly within the Corgi team.
If you watch the current range launch video to the end, you will discover that he felt able to inform Corgi collectors of no fewer than four new tooling projects which are currently on the go, whilst exercising his right to keep the identity of several more secret for the time being.
Included for no other reason than for illustrative purposes, we're delighted to announce that the Aviation Archive range will soon benefit from the addition of a Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse tooling in 1/72nd scale.
For Aviation Archive fans, they will be delighted to hear that our 1/72nd scale series of aircraft models will soon benefit from the addition of an exciting new tooling, in the stunning shape of the Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse, a sinister, yet strangely attractive looking heavy fighter which entered service in 1943. Those who follow our friends at Airfix would have seen their high profile new tooling announcement back in November last year and probably hoped that we would be following suit, well, we can confirm that we are and that the Hornisse is an aircraft which has long been on our Aviation Archive radar.
Although we have included a profile of an Me 410 here, this has been borrowed from our friends at Airfix and is simply used for illustrative purposes. Other than the fact that it's an Me 410 profile, it's completely unrelated to our project, so please don't read anything into the scheme in which it's finished, or the configuration of the aircraft.
In the Vanguards range, we are currently working on two new tooling projects which are again intended to address some significant omissions in the existing range and as such, we are delighted to be in a position to tell collectors that we're working on both a new Ford Fiesta Mk2 tooling and a Range Rover Classic. We know that both models will be extremely well received, so we're happy to share this information with you now.
Finally for this range overview edition, even though Star Trek fans will be looking forward to getting their hands on the first two models in our die-cast Starfleet, there are more iconic models to come. We are please to announce that we're working on a newly tooled movie refit version of the Constitution II Class USS Enterprise NCC 1701, a model we know all Star Trek fans will be excited to see joining the range.
All in all, it's been quite a start to the year as far as new Corgi model announcements are concerned and from a Die-cast Diaries blog perspective, we're very much looking froward to bringing you all the latest details from these projects as they advance towards release. One thing you can be sure of is that our readers will be the first to hear about and see evidence of all those development updates.
If you haven’t had chance to discover all the new models in the new January - April range for yourself yet, please use this Range Launch link to be taken straight to that section of the Corgi website and don't forget to download your pdf copy of the latest catalogue whilst you're there.
That's all we have for you this time, however, please join us again in two weeks’ time for another exclusive insight into the wonderful world of Corgi. Between editions, we are always interested to hear your views on all things Corgi, so if you feel like dropping us a line to comment on anything blog, collecting or Corgi model related, or even to suggest a topic you might like to see us cover in a future edition, please do drop us a line at diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk.
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 to which can be obtained by clicking on the respective links at the foot of the Corgi website homepage.
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Thank you for continuing to support your Die-cast Diaries blog. Our next edition is scheduled for publication on Friday 26th January.
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