Don’t worry Gromit, we’re right behind you!
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.
As Die-cast Diaries readers are committed collectors one and all, we all know that our hobby should be a fun and pleasurable experience and no matter how difficult or frustrating our lives might be, spending time with our models, looking at related enthusiast websites, or just spending time on the Corgi website should provide a few moments respite in what can sometimes be a hectic life. Model collecting can be as much about nostalgia as it is about cutting-edge design and manufacturing, but if the sight of, or discussions about a particular model raises a smile, or brings back a few happy memories, then we should probably be thankful for that. This would also confirm that whether we like it or not, we all have the collecting gene within us. We intend to raise a smile or two in this latest edition of our blog, as we bring you updates from three significant new projects, or should that be five? All will become clear a little later.
Our main feature for this edition focuses on a new tooling project which recreates a scene from one of the best loved animated short films in recent memory and one which is guaranteed to raise a smile. Coming from the minds of Aardman Animations, you know that when Wallace and Gromit are together, stop motion shenanigans are never too far away, something we desperately wanted to recreate with the release of our model tribute to ‘The Wrong Trousers train set chase’. In this major project update, we will not only be bringing you the latest exclusive imagery from this eagerly anticipated model collection, but will also be sharing a series of early development images which show how we set about the task of producing this model.
If you happen to be a connoisseur of classic European motor vehicles, or would class yourself as a Vanguards model collector, our second subject for this edition could also potentially raise a smile, as we include a final project update from not one, but two new Ford Capri models which are both scheduled for either imminent release, or release next month. Bringing you an exclusive first look at advanced production samples of both models, we are delighted to be welcoming the Capri Mk.2 to the Vanguards range.
Now then, where did we put that box of spare track, because I think we’re gonna need it very soon!
The new lodger’s a feathered villain!
Our new Wallace & Gromit – The Wrong Trousers train set chase model consists of three separate models, which all come together to recreate an iconic animated movie scene.
Over the years, the Corgi brand has earned a proud heritage in producing die-cast models linked to, and commemorating TV programmes, major film productions and subjects which fall squarely into a catch-all ‘Pop Culture’ category, models which have unquestionably been some of the most heavily collected models we have ever made. From the Beatles to Harry Potter and James Bond to Paddington Bear, some of the modes of transport used by these iconic figures have been immortalised as die-cast models, with their popularity showing no sign of waning any time soon.
This tradition has continued in spectacular fashion over recent months, with our first range launch video of the year announcing an ambitious new tooling project intended to commemorate one of the most memorable scenes from an animated movie which has gone on to become a holiday classic here in the UK, Wallace & Gromit starring in ‘The Wrong Trousers’. Although not an actual mode of transport, but the recreation of a stop-motion movie classic train set, we wanted to produce a model which would be instantly recognisable to millions of people, whilst at the same time faithfully recreating the lovable characters who starred in the scene. We’ve been working hard to achieve this aim and are absolutely delighted with the results – significantly, we’d like to share those with you now.
As Wallace clearly loves his faithful four-legged companion, on the occasion of his birthday, he had to give him something just that little bit special as a gift. If Gromit was a little disappointed to receive a new collar and lead, his other present proved to be something far more memorable. He would also be the beneficiary of his master’s latest madcap invention, a pair of techno trousers which could take Gromit for a brisk walk whenever he liked – if only it were going to be that simple.
On the case – will Wallace & Gromit manage to spot that villainous Feathers from succeeding in his villainous plan?
On a separate issue, in addition to Gromit’s birthday card arriving in the post that morning, the latest raft of bills pushed Wallace into making a big decision - they needed to raise some money by taking in a lodger. Enter a cute and loveable looking little penguin named Feathers McGraw, only this particular penguin had a dark side …. Cuddle him and you’d never play the guitar again!
After craftily driving Gromit away from his home, Feathers shows his true colours by using the hapless Wallace and his techno trousers to plan and execute an audacious diamond heist, where he stays anonymously behind the safety of a radio control unit which is commanding the trousers and a sleeping Wallace. Thankfully, the ever-vigilant Gromit was on the case and he smells a rat, or to be more precise, a wanted criminal penguin.
With Feathers looking to make good his escape with diamond in hand (or in his swag bag), leaving poor Wallace to take the rap, the scene is set for a madcap finale, all centred around a high-speed chase around a toy train set track, with a box of spare track in hand. As always, if anything could go wrong, it undoubtedly will, but to hilarious effect. With Feathers riding on the locomotive and Gromit clinging on for dear life on a carriage behind, there are point switches, obstacles and of course the best intentions of Wallace which as ever, always manage to backfire.
With Feathers uncoupling the carriages and switching the points yet again, it seems as if the fiend might get away, but he didn’t bank on Gromit being a dab hand at quickly laying additional pieces of track and intercepting the bad bird before he could make his getaway. With a final calamitous collision, Feathers is collected by Gromit in an empty milk bottle in one hand, whilst grabbing the diamond in the other and even though Gromit has saved the day yet again completely unaided by his loveable, yet hapless master, Wallace still proclaims, ‘We did it!’
The other two sections of this hugely impressive new model, both of which feature our animated (or in this case, PVC) heroes.
Feathers McGraw is carried off to incarceration by the techno trousers and our heroes can get back to normal life, with the reward money putting them back on the straight and narrow, the end of another enjoyable adventure for Wallace & Gromit.
In attempting to produce a model which replicates the memorable train set chase scene from the film, we knew we were going to have to come up with something very special and much work has been going on behind the scenes to ensure we were more Gromit than Feathers McGraw in our efforts. Significantly, as we were producing this model in close association with our friends at Aardman Animations, not only were we recreating these much-loved characters for the army of Wallace & Gromit fans out there, but also to gain the approval of their actual creators.
This significant tooling project undertaking has proved rather demanding and saw our in-house design team taking on the design of the locomotive, carriages and flatbed rolling stock, with the figures being individually sculpted by a specialist external company, one which used digital technology to design the figures. This is all rounded off with three lengths of Hornby model railway TT track, to create a model which recreates this most memorable of Wallace & Gromit scenes.
The new model has been produced as three separate models, each with their own character figure, part of the train and length of track. At the front, we have that naughty Feathers McGraw and locomotive, with our hero Gromit clinging to three coaches just behind. Bringing up the rear, we have Wallace sitting ungraciously on the flatbed wagon which brings up the rear, having only recently lost the techno trousers which brought us to this adventure climax.
An exclusive first development look at the various stages our team have taken in producing this impressive new model and bringing this famous animated movie scene to life. This first one shows the 3D printed prototype model produced from the Wallace & Gromit tooling.
Moving on to take a look at the engineering sample of the new model.
It’s all coming together Gromit – Receiving the pre-production sample model in the Corgi offices was an exciting development in allowing this model to take its place in the 2024 Corgi range.
What we can all to start looking forward to adding to our display cabinets, this impressive new model is a real triumph for the Corgi development team.
As you may well imagine for a project of this magnitude and one which is linked so closely to these much loved characters, there have been quite a number of iterations of this new model to press, as everything has to be absolutely spot on before the film’s creators were happy for the model to proceed, but we’re delighted to say that we are now at the latter stages of the project and everyone can look forward to having their own example of this famous movie scene on display in their homes in the very near future.
Clearly, our Wallace & Gromit – The Wrong Trousers train set chase model has been produced to replicate a very specific moment in that hugely popular film, but as you can see from the images we’ve included here, it does so in spectacular fashion and we’re delighted with the finished model.
In addition to including the latest production sample images of the new model in this update, we are also including a development treat for all Corgi and Wallace & Gromit fans. Amongst the image selection included here, we’re exclusively showing the original 3D printed models produced from the original design files, followed by a look at the first metal and PVC engineering sample produced from the tooling. Finally, we have the first pre-production sample models to be received in the Corgi offices, as we allow readers to see the significant development moments in a new model tooling which is as unique as it is appealing.
All three of these models will be available at the same time, but a little later this summer and we can’t wait for you to inspect them for yourselves. We are delighted with how they’ve turned out and if the sight of them doesn’t make you want to spend an enjoyable half-hour rewatching The Wrong Trousers, then we’re definitely going to be sending Feathers round to sort you out, and we all know he’s a whole heap of trouble!
New Mk.2 completes Vanguards Capri model trilogy
We’re so excited to be adding the new Ford Capri Mk2 tooling to the Vanguards range that we’re making two new models available within a few days of each other.
Even though the Ford Capri has been one of the most popular model subjects in the Vanguards range over the years and collectors have been able to add examples of both the Mk.I and Mk.3 versions of this iconic car, there has been a significant gap in the Capri story to this point, however, we’re delighted to say that this situation is about to be put right. We are about to show you images which feature advanced production sample examples of the first two models from our new Ford Capri Mk.2 tooling, which when they arrive next month, will allow us to complete our die-cast Capri family.
As the Capri has been attracting rather a lot of attention within the Die-cast Diaries blog over the past few months, we will all now be fully aware that the real, full size Ford Capri project actually started life as an intended European equivalent of the hugely successful Mustang Mk.I introduced by the American parent company and was first unveiled at the end of the 1960s. The spectacular success of the Mustang took Ford officials by surprise and clearly highlighted an appetite for mass-market cars which offered something more than just functional motoring. At that time in the UK, Ford could only claim the Lotus Cortina as anything resembling a sporty model, with the rest of the range being manufactured for the masses, dare we even suggest lacking in excitement.
Designed for success, our new Ford Capri Mk2 tooling has plenty of options when it comes to replicating this popular car in model form.
The new US inspired model was intended to change all that, a racy looking car with a sporty image, but one which was within the reach of large sections of the population. Just like the Mustang did in the US, the Capri utilised many existing components used in the production of other cars in the Ford range, but cleverly wrapped them all up in a beautifully stylish coupe bodyshell. You could say that by adopting this production ethos, the Capri was almost guaranteed to be a motoring success.
With a clever combination of stunning good looks, clever marketing and keen pricing, the Capri became an instant motoring success, however, by February 1974, this modern classic was ready for its first major upgrade. The styling upgrade of the Capri arguably made it an even more suitable car for everyday motoring, as it featured changes such as a slightly shorter bonnet, a larger cabin and a more modern dashboard layout presentation.
Significantly, the Capri Mk.II also featured the adoption of a hatchback, the first Ford model to do so. The Mk.II only served to continue the success of the Capri model range, further helping to establish the reputation of a car which is still seen as being sporty, refined and desirable to this day. For these reasons, we know the impending release of the first two models from this new tooling project will find favour with a great many Vanguards collectors – let’s take a closer look at them both now.
VA15401 - Ford Capri Mk2 3-litre Ghia Automatic in Sebring Red
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, all told, he paid a total of £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.
VA15402 – Ford Capri Mk2 3.0S X-Pack in Signal Orange
The Capri modelled here is well-known on the old-school Ford scene and has been featured in Classic Ford magazine. Originally a Black 3.0S, by 2004 it was offered for sale in Bradford in poor condition. Glasgow-based enthusiast Steve de la Rosa initially viewed it because he was looking for a spare engine but being impressed by the spare panels and its rare undamaged yellow Cadiz interior, purchased it for £300. Having owned many Capris, he’d always wanted to build a black 3.0S Mk2 X-Pack like the one he’d admired daily, displayed on a turntable at Ford dealers Crouches of Ashford, Kent, while passing on his way home from school in 1975.
The plan to turn the new car into his dream X-Pack didn’t start well as the company he employed had done poor-quality work. Steve was able to recover the car eventually, after taking legal action, but was disenchanted. He then got talking to Adam Langley of Capri Restorations, Weston-Super-Mare, about JPS Capris, they hit it off and the car was transported to Adam’s workshop. Five weeks of frantic activity followed during which the pair decided to paint it orange rather than black. The finished car garnered much praise when it made its debut on the Classic Ford stand at Santa Pod in 2008. Circumstances forced Steve to sell it, reluctantly, in 2010. Since 2019 it’s been owned by Suffolk-based enthusiasts Paul and Sarah Fryatt.
We’re delighted that collectors will now have the opportunity to complete the Capri family in Vanguards form and from the number of you placing pre-orders for these models, we already know you’re looking forward to them too. Both these models are due to be available during July, with the 3.0S X-Pack preceding the Ghia by a week or so. As talk of the new model has only rekindled our affection for this beautiful car, we seem to be heading for something of a Capri summer, even if only in scale die-cast form.
A final look at a Corgi development exclusive. Here we have the 3D printed prototype of our impressive new Wallace & Gromit model release.
That's all we have for you in this latest edition, however, please join us again in two weeks’ time for another exclusive insight into the wonderful world of Corgi model collecting. 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 perhaps to suggest a topic you might like to see us cover in a future edition, please do get in touch 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 12th July.
