Harry Potter and Hagrid take to the air
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.
We can promise you something really special in this latest edition of our Corgi blog, as we bring readers a fascinating look behind the development scenes of a project which has been on the go for quite some time now, but one which will be of interest to millions of fans of a certain boy wizard, not to mention our regular Corgi model collecting audience. Our lead feature for this edition is a comprehensive update from our efforts to immortalise Hagrid’s motorcycle and sidecar as a die-cast collectable model and how this project has not only changed somewhat over time, but how we actually made those changes happen. We can promise you a selection of project images the like of which we have never previously shown and a development story which is unlikely to ever be repeated under the Corgi brand again.
Although our scale representation of this unusual mode of airborne transport will dominate proceedings in this latest blog, we do also have final updates from two hugely appealing new Vanguards model projects, where we will be exclusively revealing images of final production sample models for both, highlighting the fact that it won’t be long before they can take their places in our collections.
Please join us for a truly wizard edition of Die-cast Diaries, our regular blog window into the wonderful world of Corgi model collecting.
A flying motorcycle - whatever next?
Quite an advanced project, we have already shown Die-cast Diaries readers these painted pre-production sample model images of Hagrid’s motorcycle and sidecar, but can you spot anything missing?
Amongst the collection of new model tooling projects announced at range launch back at the beginning of 2020, our spectacular new 1/48th scale Bristol F.2B Fighter was joined by another iconic flying machine, but not one which would be joining it within the Aviation Archive range. A development which you may well have expected to see advertised in ‘The Daily Prophet’, rather than the latest Corgi catalogue, our new range of model projects included confirmation that we would be producing a scale die-cast representation of Hagrid’s motorcycle and sidecar. With a successful range of Harry Potter related products already behind us, we knew that this announcement would be of huge interest to the legions of Potter fans all over the world, but if we are being completely honest, was a project which was the subject of ongoing discussions within the Corgi team from day one - more on that subject a little later.
Since publication of the first Harry Potter book back in 1997, the exploits of this celebrated boy wizard has captivated many millions of people across the world and as a consequence, inspired a merchandising phenomenon which is as active today as it has ever been. The Corgi brand has been proud to be associated with the adventures of Harry and his friends over the years, with various ranges including Harry Potter related model offerings for collectors to consider and therefore, the announcement of our new 2020 range confirmed that this particular collectable story was about the enter an exciting new chapter, with the future addition of a Potter classic (in metal)!
In truth, very few of the various modes of transportation Harry Potter made use of during his many adventures could be described as being ‘normal’, however, despite this, most of us would probably have jumped at the chance to have a ride on one of them. As the best loved half-giant to have ever existed (well, in this fantasy wizarding world at least), would any of us have ever turned down the chance of a little spin in the sidecar of Hagrid’s motorcycle, even before we realised that this magical machine had the ability to fly? Featuring two of the best loved characters in the Harry Potter books/film series, the addition of Hagrid’s motorcycle and sidecar to our successful Harry Potter range of model collectables was big news for fans and one of the undoubted highlights of the 2020 range.
Going back in time, DCD regulars will no doubt remember seeing this CAD design screenshot of the Harry Potter motorcycle from a previous edition back in 2020 and whilst still an appealing and attractive model, where are our heroes?
Although usually doing his level best to disguise the fact, it turns out that Hagrid may have been something of a boy racer in his youth and when Harry Potter needed help from his friends to escape the clutches of dark forces sent to find him in The Deathly Hallows Part 1 movie, should we really have been surprised when Hogwarts’ keeper of keys turned up at Privet Drive on his blue Royal Enfield motorcycle and Watsonian sidecar? What we should have known is that this was never going to be an ordinary motorcycle and sidecar trip for Harry!
With several of his friends taking a potion which made them turn into Potter lookalikes, the diversion race was on to make for a safe location, hopefully avoiding the Dark Lord’s forces who were desperately trying to locate Harry at the same time. With the real Harry entrusted to Hagrid and his unique magical motorcycle, the gathering took to the skies for an exciting race across muggle occupied London, battling against Voldemort’s forces all the way - would Harry and his friends make it to safety?
Just as the film motorcycle made it into the sky, we are delighted to say that our scale representation of this iconic scene is also ready for take-off, or should that be more correctly referred to as Wingardium Leviosa in this case? In addition to that, as part of this latest update, we also have news of some interesting project developments and how just as everything appeared to be in Harry Potter’s life, not everything connected to this project when exactly to plan.
Where are our heroes?
We are all set for an exciting flying motorcycle ride, but where are our two famous travellers?
When this exciting addition to our Harry Potter product range was first proposed, the model was to proceed as the motorcycle and sidecar alone, just a die-cast representation of how this iconic mode of transport looked as it starred in this particular film. Indeed, as everything initially advanced on this footing, Die-cast Diaries readers will probably recall seeing development images of both design CAD screenshots and the exclusive reveal of the first painted pre-production sample model produced from this tooling in a previous edition. Even though we continued to develop the model, all the time it was progressing, the Corgi team were in deep conversation about the fact that something was definitely missing, something which would make this the perfect Potter collectable, the addition of our two heroes in scale. Although the motorcycle was undoubtedly a really appealing model in its own right, we knew that as soon as it was released, collectors would have been asking where Harry and Hagrid were and as a consequence, we were determined not to have that happen.
The decision to make a significant addition to the project so far into its development clearly presented our manager with a sizeable problem, not to mention the fact it would incur additional development costs and result in a potentially lengthy delay. Nevertheless, he was happy to back the opinion of the wider team and gave the green light for ‘Operation Hagrid and Harry’ to proceed - all we had to do now was to go in search of our magical duo in scale form.
As this project offshoot quickly gathered pace, several significant hurdles would have to be negotiated if we were to make this happen, not least of which was the fact that all this additional work would be taking place at a time of great international uncertainty and within wide-ranging movement restrictions. The two character figures we were looking to create just happened to be two of the most recognisable personalities from the world of popular film and they would need to be ‘sculpted’ around an existing scale model design. How on earth were we ever going to make this happen?
After much searching, our investigations led us to a professional sculptor who was confident he could provide our scale Hagrid and Harry, even if this was a rather unusual project for him to undertake. When we told him what we needed and showed him a sample of the 1/36th scale motorcycle and sidecar model, he immediately told us that it was too small and that he would not be able to work in the required level of detail at that scale. After some deliberation, the issue proved to be quite simple to resolve, if being rather costly and time consuming to arrange. It was decided that our engineers would use the existing CAD data to produce a one-off ‘upscaled’ 1/12th version of the model, thus allowing the sculptor the additional size he needed to work with.
With the upscaled motorcycle prototype model now in hand, our sculptor could start his work in earnest, using his talents to re-create scale versions of these wizarding wonders.
This fascinating insight into how the figures were built up, Hagrid’s boots and legs are looking something like, but everything else is still very much a work in progress.
If you had to make a run for it on a magical flying motorcycle, would you trust anyone more than this man to accompany you on the journey?
The finished sculptures looking mightily impressive, with each component in this image being fantastically unique.
Once the upscaled 1/12th scale motorcycle files had been designed, an SLA prototype model as produced by a professional 3D printing company and delivered to our sculptor. All he had to do now was to make 1/12th scale versions of Hagrid and Harry come to life. Incredibly, every step of this sculpting creation process was going to be done by hand and would require an incredible level of artistic talent and years of experience in the field. In a rather fascinating manner, our two famous figures slowly started to take shape, using a special type of modelling clay known as Kneadatite green stuff, which our sculptor carefully applied in stages over what can only be described as a stick man skeleton.
This modelling medium is an impressive non drip, no mess product which is mixed by hand, simply kneading it together, allowing the artist between 90 minutes and two hours to work with it before it starts to harden. Once happy with what he has done, the clay (we will call it that for want of a better description) can be fully cured by placing it in water for between four and five hours, giving it a much more resin or plasticky (rigid) consistency, by which time the product can be painted or have new sections glued to it. As you can see here, some of the early project picture have a slightly macabre appearance to them, but how the product allowed our sculptor to slowly build up his figure frames to resemble the subjects he was attempting to re-create.
As you might well imagine, for characters as famous as these two, there were quite a few iterations of each design sculpt before everyone was happy and our hard-working sculptor invested many long hours in perfecting his clay masterpieces. Each figure was actually built up in sections and not sculpted from a single solid block of material. The figures were split by legs, torso, arms and head, allowing the sculptor a little much needed latitude, whilst ultimately coming together posed at the correct angle for them to both take their places in or on the magical flying motorcycle. Working in this larger scale allowed him to faithfully replicate the subject figures in clay and to incorporate plenty of impressive detail, just what a project of this magnitude called for.
Hagrid and Harry are definitely ‘one-offs’
A prototype exclusive, this image of the Harry and Hagrid motorcycle and sidecar model in 1/12th scale is a Corgi one-off and a fascinating piece of collectable memorabilia.
Once everyone was happy with the new figures, they, along with the 1/12th scale resin motorcycle were carefully packed up and sent to our manufacturing plant in the Far East for scanning, as this unique model grouping would all now have to be reduced back down to the original 1/36th scale. This was definitely a time of some model development trepidation, because so much investment in both time and money had already been lavished on this project that if anything untoward had happened to the sculpts of resin model during transit, we would have had to start the entire process again from scratch.
In addition to this, before we could make a start of the crucial next phase of this new model’s development, we had to ensure that everything we had done so far met with the approval of the licencing company and as we happened to be talking about two incredibly famous and instantly recognisable characters who they are rightly rather protective of, this was most definitely not going to be a foregone conclusion.
This final selection of image exclusives serve as a fascinating insight into what is a unique addition to the Corgi product line-up and will be of huge interest to Harry Potter fans. This first image shows the original 1/12th figure sculptures with their resized model counterparts.
A Harry Potter model antecedence - a really interesting look at all the different stages of this new model’s development and how the original concept has changed for the better.
A painted pre-production sample of the full model release, a much more faithful representation of this iconic film scene.
From a slightly different angle, this appealing new model will be of huge interest to Harry Potter fans of all ages.
Our current and future Harry Potter product line up, showing that this latest model will benefit from the same distinctive packaging presentation.
Thankfully though, Harry and Hagrid’s Far Eastern trip went without a hitch and the master models duly arrived back at our offices in one piece, having played their invaluable part in allowing this exciting project to move to the final stages of development. They also now serve as unique items of Corgi model memorabilia, that is unless someone inadvertently does what a trip to the Far East and back during covid restrictions could not and break them - something tells us they would not be replaced should that fate befall them.
The product images we have included throughout this update feature the actual ‘one-off’ 1/12th scale Hagrid and Harry Potter sculpted figures, along with the resin prototype motorcycle and sidecar combination, in addition to the latest development shots from the original tooling. Thanks to all the concerted effort detailed above, the scaled down Harry and Hagrid can now finally take their rightful places on this hugely appealing new model.
With most of this new model’s design and development taking place during a particularly challenging time for all, we are delighted to confirm that it is now very much on track for an intended summer release and how this exclusive update will give our readers some indication of the work which has been going on in the background of a new tooling project which has both challenged and rewarded the Corgi team in equal measure. Now proudly taking their places in this handsome and accurate scale model representation, we hope that Harry Potter fans everywhere will be impressed with our new Hagrid and Harry motorcycle and sidecar collectable combination.
British motoring royalty
As far as classic cars go, is it possible to get any more classic than this? The Triumph Stag was beautifully styled and remains a motoring head-turner to this day.
Our Vanguards range of models has built up a proud reputation over the years of recreating some of the world’s most famous and instantly recognisable motor vehicles as 1/43rd scale die-cast collectables and even though we will all have our own particular favourites, there are one or two vehicles which have to be thought of as undoubted classics. For many, one such car has to be the beautiful Triumph Stag, a visually stunning 2 plus 2 touring luxury sports car which really did seem to have everything. Boasting Italian styling by Giovanni Michelotti, the Stag also featured a powerful engine, a beautifully appointed cabin, the option of hard or soft tops and could even boast a starring role in a James Bond film - what more could you possibly want from a sports car?
When the Stag was released in late 1970, it really was a car to be desired, a British luxury sports car which was intended to attack the market dominated by the Mercedes-Benz SL class and one anyone who was anyone would want to be seen in - if it was good enough for Sean Connery, it was good enough for anyone. Unfortunately, its good looks had to mask several internal design and quality issues which definitely undermined the market impact of a car which had the potential to be a modern motoring classic of the day. Despite its issues, when you see a Stag, you can’t help but be seduced by its good looks and even to this day, a restored Triumph Stag displayed at a motor show will always be guaranteed to have a crowd of admirers filling their senses with this beautiful car.
The latest release from our Stag tooling is this striking red soft top and the image selection we are showing here feature an advanced production sample of this new model, indicating that it is on track for imminent release. The individual model details for this release are as follows:
VA10113 - Triumph Stag Mk1 Signal Red - (LD10) 10th Pre-Production Car
The Triumph Stag was announced in 1970 and was, in both looks and ambience, a genuine British-built rival for the Mercedes-Benz SL. Its mellifluous V8 engine promised effortless performance and the glamorous styling by Italian legend Michelotti meant it looked at home in Monte Carlo or Chelsea. Parent company British Leyland were troubled though, and the Stag acquired a reputation for overheating in both the UK and the lucrative US market. Consequently only 25,939 were produced before production ceased in 1977. It has, however, come of age as a classic, and has both a very high survival rate and a thriving owners club.
The epitome of motoring style
This must be the blog edition for new Vanguards models representing particularly desirable and stylish motor vehicles. If you had the choice between owning a Triumph Stag and a VW Camper, which one would you plumb for?
Even though the Volkswagen Type 2 (T.1) Split Screen or ‘Splitty’ was produced during the 1950s, these accessible and hard working vehicles have enjoyed a dramatic renaissance over recent years, to the point where people looking for a particularly stylish way in which to be seen getting about will lavish huge sums of money on a restoration project, spending much more than the original vehicles would have ever cost. Originally a development of the famous VW Beetle car, this ubiquitous vehicle was produced as a cost effective way to get Europe moving, with the same basic chassis, engine and transmission used as the framework for a series of vehicles which could be produced as a microbus, pickup, transporter, van and general delivery vehicle.
Allowing thousands of business owners access to a cheap, effective and reliable commercial and passenger vehicle, this was no frills motoring for the masses – how its reputation has changed over the years. From a Corgi perspective, the VW Camper tooling has been in the range for many years and as such, was very much in need of updating. With these stylish vehicles now becoming incredibly popular and much sought after, something had to be done about this situation and an ambitious new tooling project to welcome the Volkswagen into the Vanguards range was announced at the beginning of 2020. We are delighted to announce that the next release from this relatively new tooling is now scheduled for imminent release.
VA14502 - Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi Palm Green and Sand Green
The story of the Volkswagen Type 2 starts with Dutch car dealer Ben Pons, the first agent outside Germany to sell VWs who, in 1947, drew a sketch of a forward-control Leifenwagen (light delivery van) that he saw a market for. Volkswagen's engineers worked on the concept and production commenced in February 1950. A pick-up body was made available in 1952 and by 1954 around eighty examples a day were being produced, partly because the range had grown to include thirty different versions. The Type 2 was gradually refined over an 18-year production life during which over 1.8 million examples were produced.
The 1957 Type 2 modelled here was imported from a dry climate in the US in 2010 and, because of this, was virtually rust free making it a fantastic prospect for the high-standard UK restoration it received. It was later upgraded by Type 2 Detectives who fitted a rebuilt 1600 Twin Port engine, running on twin Weber carburettors, a dual circuit braking system utilising front discs, a Gene Berg quick shifter and Fuchs alloy wheels. A bespoke new interior was then built by well-known Kent-based VW Type 2 specialist UK Sports Cars, who sold the vehicle to the current owner. He is a lifelong VW enthusiast who achieved a life’s ambition by buying it and maintains it himself. He uses it regularly for touring and attending model flying events in both the UK and Europe.
This stunning pair of impending Vanguards model range additions should be in our warehouse and heading out to those who pre-ordered it by the beginning of next month, two model classics which will look great in our display cabinets.
That’s all we have for you in this wand swishing, spell delivering edition of Die-cast Diaries, but we will be back again in two weeks’ time with more Corgi model exclusives and would be delighted if you could join us then.
In the meantime, we are always interested to hear your Corgi related views, so if you would like to drop us a line to comment on anything blog related or to suggest a topic you would like to see covered in a future edition of the blog, could we ask if you would use our diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk email 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 to which can be obtained by clicking on the respective links at the foot of the Corgi website homepage.
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Our next edition is scheduled for publication on Friday 25th March.
