A New collection of fantastic Corgi models to enjoy!
Welcome to this latest edition of Corgi Diecast Diaries, the first of 2021, and your regular look at all the news, updates and stories from the captivating world of Corgi die-cast model collecting.
Before we get started on another busy year of Corgi blog delights, we would just like to take a moment to apologise for the delay in getting this first blog of the year posted to the website, which for several reasons has taken much longer than expected. The hugely increased web traffic activity following the 2021 range launch, not to mention the additional delights of a completely new website going live, did cause a few issues and prevented us from publishing blogs. That being said, we did maintain our production schedule, so you may find blogs coming thick and fast, until we catch up to where we should be.
This latest edition is definitely one of the blog highlights of the year and is being published in the wake of the launch of the new 2021 Corgi model range. With all these new models now positioned majestically on the brand new Corgi website, if you haven’t already been to see them yet, what on earth are you waiting for? Surely, there can be no finer way to start any year that by bringing you news of an impressive collection of new Corgi models, both exciting new tooling projects being revealed for the first time and the appealing selection of new liveries applied to existing toolings which always make up the majority of every model range. Add to this a couple of modified tooling releases, and you have the recipe for a few moments of enjoyable diecast discovery, as you inspect the new range and decide which of the new models will be destined to join your own model collection.
We think 2021 is already shaping up to be a vintage year for the Corgi diecast collector and we hope you will agree - we certainly hope we have managed to include a couple of new models which will be of interest to you in this review. Even though the world continues to struggle with our response to the unprecedented situation we have all found ourselves in over the past year or so, if we can immerse you in our diecast world for just a few moments, we hope this will be an enjoyable distraction, before we all have to return to more serious matters.
Right then, on the main subject of this first Diecast Diaries blog of the new year - our New Corgi model range review. Deviating somewhat from our usual, slightly more focused look at several of the new model projects which are negotiating their way through the various stages of development, we will be taking a look at some of the highlights of the latest Corgi range, concentrating on the new and modified tooling additions for this edition. Once we return to our regular blog format with the next edition, we will be bringing you more detailed updates from all the many projects collectors will be charting the progress of throughout the coming year. Importantly though, the New 2021 Corgi model range is available for inspection on the Corgi website now, where you will be able to find all the relevant information which will allow you to decide which ones will be taking their place in your collections. Okay, let’s dive straight in!
Defender of the Realm
Early development rendered image featuring the headline new model tooling project for the 2021 Corgi range, the magnificent 1/48th scale Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4
We are fully aware that every collector will have their own particular area of interest when it comes to the subject of the diecast models they collect and with Corgi producing such a diverse range of models over the past 65 years, we really do have quite a variety of subjects to choose from. Clearly, when accepting this fact, we also have to accept that one subject which might appeal to many people will undoubtedly be of little interest to others, even though collectors may still appreciate how attractive and accurately produced such a model may be. This can be a peril when considering which new model tooling to place as our headline subject when looking at any new Corgi model range, but for 2021, that honour will have to go to the latest 1/48th scale addition to our Aviation Archive range, a truly spectacular new model.
Few blog readers would argue that over the past several years, Corgi’s Aviation Archive range has gone from strength to strength and if it is not now our most popular model range, it is very close to being so. Its dominant position was certainly helped at the start of 2017, when we announced a significant deviation in subject matter for our 1/48th scale range, as we broke away from aircraft which had flown and fought during the Great War and introduced one of the most spectacular jet fighters to ever see Royal Air Force service, the stunning English Electric Lightning F.6. Just like the real aircraft, our new model proved to be an overnight sensation and delighted collectors who could now boast a highly accurate representation of this jet fighter as the centrepiece of their displays, a model which possessed real stature and presence. In our new 2021 range, we are delighted to not only be bringing you the third release from our Lightning F.6 tooling, but also the next new tooling addition to this growing range of models - the RAF’s current air defence/multi-role jet, the incomparable Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4.
Bringing our 1/48th scale Classic Jet series right up to date, the significant introduction of our new Eurofighter Typhoon tooling not only allows us to add an aircraft type which is currently protecting Britain’s airspace against hostile incursions into this popular and growing range, but also allows our designers to highlight how this magnificent aircraft has now developed into a true multi-capability platform and one of the most important aircraft in the world today. A direct fighting descendent of the Supermarine Spitfire which protected the nation during the Battle of Britain, the extra detail this larger scale allows us to incorporate into a model of this size will make this particular tooling one of the most important additions to the Aviation Archive range in its 23 year history, as well as one which will hopefully delight many a collector in the process.
More Typhoon development imagery, this time showing some of the weapons configuration options which will be available with the new Typhoon tooling - this baby comes packing a punch!
Since stories of the air battles of the First World War began to captivate the British public, fighter pilots and the nation’s latest front line fighter aircraft have been a source of constant fascination and the main reason why so many young people dreamt and continue to aim for a career serving in the Royal Air Force. Over the past century, aircraft types such as the Sopwith Camel, Supermarine Spitfire and English Electric Lightning have not only protected the nation from potentially hostile air incursions, but also represented the most exciting machines produced by the British aviation industry, aircraft which anybody would love to have the opportunity fly.
As the latest incarnation of these classic air defence fighters, the Eurofighter Typhoon is an incredibly capable fourth generation combat aircraft and one which is the product of a collaborative programme between the UK, Germany Italy and Spain, with the Royal Air Force currently having around 150 examples of the aircraft in service. An aircraft which is continually upgrading its list of impressive capabilities, the Typhoon has matured into a true multi-role combat aircraft and one which is likely to be in service for at least another 20 years, by which time it will have been wearing the roundel of the Royal Air Force for almost 40 years. An extremely agile aircraft, the Typhoon is the country’s current ‘Spitfire’ and as such, is probably the aircraft type most familiar to the majority of the British public.
Could we have chosen a more iconic scheme as are first release from this spectacular new tooling? Marking the RAF’s unique tribute to the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Typhoon ZK349 became one of the best loved RAF aircraft of the post war years and a firm favourite with aviation enthusiasts
The first scheme we have selected to present our new 1/48th scale Eurofighter Typhoon in marks an attractive example of the aircraft which became something of an RAF phenomenon during the summer of 2015, as it was intended as a unique aviation tribute to the men and women who served during the Battle of Britain. GINA, as she was colloquially referred to by many, is still regarded as the most attractive RAF aircraft of the modern era and there really could be no finer scheme in which to finish the first release from our exciting new Eurofighter Typhoon tooling project. As you can tell, we can’t wait to bring you more details from this magnificent model in forthcoming editions of the blog.
You ask, we deliver
A subject which has long been requested by Aviation Archive collectors, the Bristol Beaufort in 1/72nd scale will allow us all to display this distinctive aircraft with our Blenheim and Beaufighter models, a diecast tribute to three of the most important twin engined British aircraft of the Second World War
Not content with bringing Aviation Archive collectors one spectacular new tooling project for the coming year, we have another ‘big hitter’ to tell you about and it’s one many of you have been requesting we consider adding to the range for many a year now. Further enhancing our well established 1/72nd scale model range, the Bristol Beaufort has been regarded as a logical Aviation Archive addition for quite some time now, an aircraft type which is thought of as being very much Corgi territory. Indeed, just a few weeks before the Christmas holidays, when in discussions with a diecast aviation enthusiasts group, they were making such a strong case for a Corgi Beaufort that it was really hard not to put them out of their misery and confirm its inclusion in the soon to be announced range. Fortunately, the fear of severe reprimand ensured lips remained tightly sealed and in any case, we knew they wouldn’t have to wait long for the good news.
Corgi’s 1/72nd scale aviation ‘twins’ are definitely amongst the most popular subjects in the 23 year history of the range, with such classics as the Mosquito, Wellington, Heinkel He-111, B-25 Mitchell and most recently Bristol Beaufighter amongst its ranks and there is no doubting that the Beaufort will be a welcome addition to this exalted group. The second in a successful trio of twin engined aircraft designed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company during the 1930s, the Beaufort is significant by the fact that it was the only monoplane produced for the Royal Air Force designed from the outset as a torpedo bomber and reconnaissance platform. An aircraft which can trace its development lineage back to the Blenheim light bomber, which is undoubtedly one of the most important aircraft in British aviation history, the Beaufort was rather unusual in that it was ordered by the Air Ministry whilst the project was still ‘on the drawing board’, a move which showed they had great faith in the Bristol Company, if also highlighting the RAF’s urgent need for the new aircraft.
Although it was originally intended that the new aircraft would be an evolutionary development of the existing Blenheim bomber design, it quickly became apparent to designers that the new aircraft would have a very different appearance to that of its predecessor, possessing a much deeper front fuselage section to accommodate its crew of four and the requirement to carry a torpedo in a semi-recessed position under the fuselage. These modifications also resulted in a gross weight increase of around 25 percent over the Blenheim light bomber and required the adoption of more powerful engines, so this extra weight would not inhibit the performance of the new aircraft.
The evocative catalogue image which has been used to announce the existence of this much-requested new model, we are certain that the Beaufort is a future Aviation Archive classic in waiting and a fabulous addition to the range
With some particularly challenging specification requirements to be fulfilled by the new aircraft and the necessity to develop powerful new engines to cope with its ever increasing weight, these factors, combined with Bristol’s existing Blenheim production commitments, would result in some quite lengthy delays during the Beaufort’s early development. For an initial Air Ministry contract which was placed with the Bristol Aeroplane Company in August 1936, it would be more than two years before the prototype Beaufort took to the air, despite the RAF having an urgent need for this important new aircraft.
Eventually entering Royal Air Force service with No.22 Squadron Coastal Command in January 1940, the Bristol Beaufort proved to be a rugged and highly manoeuvrable attack aircraft, even though the development of the new engines continued to be something of a problem during its early years. Initially employed on missions laying mines in enemy waters, Beauforts would later mount attacks against the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, however, in the European theatre, it would operate predominantly as a medium bomber.
A stunning addition to the Aviation Archive range, many blog readers will no doubt be delighted to see the inclusion of the Beaufort and we look forward to bringing you development details and project updates in forthcoming editions of the blog. This one is going to look great displayed between our Blenheims and Beaufighters.
Important modifications for second Phantom release
Could two Phantoms look any more different? The second release from our 1/48th scale McDonnell Douglas Phantom tooling presents an aircraft wearing the camouflage of RAF No.111 Squadron during the late 1970s and illustrates just why the British Phantom continues to be a source of enthusiast fascination
A further significant development for the Aviation Archive range concerns the second release from our beautiful 1/48th scale McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 tooling. With this second release presenting the mighty British variant of the Phantom in a stunning RAF camouflage presentation and looking completely different from the first, Fleet Air Arm release, this new model also incorporates some additional development work around the cockpit and canopy area of the model. With our designers once again listening to our loyal collectors and acting on some of their concerns, the Phantom tooling files spent a little additional time with our designers and can now boast increased cockpit detail and the option to have the cockpit canopies displayed in either the open or closed position. Essentially, these modifications will make the initial release unique within the range and a fascinating talking point when discussing your collection with fellow enthusiasts and interested onlookers. It also just looks so good in this RAF camouflage scheme.
An exclusive first look at CAD development screenshots taken during the design phase of the Phantom’s cockpit and canopy modification work. We will bring you much more information on these important modifications in a forthcoming edition of the blog
With the first release from our impressive new Bristol F.2B Fighter scheduled to arrive soon and a host of existing toolings benefitting from appealing new livery options, 2021 will certainly be a good year for the Aviation Archive collector.
Another new tooling ‘Triple’ for Vanguards
Used for illustrative purposes only, this rendered image of the new Ford Escort Mk.2 RS2000 X-Pack is confirmation that the Vanguards range has once again benefited from significant new tooling investment in 2021
For those amongst us who would describe ourselves as full or part-time Vanguards model collectors, the past couple of years have been rather spectacular for us. After several years where new tooling investment in the range could be described as being a little thin on the ground, successive range launches have definitely had us pinching ourselves in disbelief, as a host of new tooling projects have joined this popular range of late. With many collectors feeling that last year’s inclusion of three new toolings, plus any number of variation options they all offered represented something of an investment high point for the range, we are delighted to confirm that this is not the case and the 2021 Vanguards range includes a further three new tooling additions. On this occasion, a trio of feisty Fords come in for our scale attentions, as we bring you a new series of models featuring sporty versions of the classic Ford Escort, model releases which we know will be of huge interest to our collectors.
The three new tooling projects feature the Ford Escort RS Cosworth, the Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 and the Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 X-pack, all vehicles which whilst possessing undeniable Ford motorsport heritage, were not beyond the means of large sections of the population. As a consequence, in British motoring terms, all three could be described as iconic in their own right.
As you would expect, we will be bringing our readers full development reviews from all of our new tooling projects, right from the initial research, through to eventual release, as these new models advance towards our display cabinets
The Mk1 Escort RS2000 had proven to be a huge hit, especially in the UK, and showed the potential of the idea, so Ford took the Mk2 RS2000 up market, positioning it as the performance car every young professional needed. A new deformable polyurethane nose transformed its look and gave it a distinctive, more glamorous, identity but it was practical as well, reducing drag from a CD of 0.444 to 0.386. Announced at the 1975 Geneva Motor Show the RS2000 became the best-selling RS Escort ever made with over 23,000 being produced at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany before production ceased in July 1980.
Ford’s AVO plant, which had been created to build short runs of limited-edition cars, was mothballed in 1975 but the company still wanted to offer enthusiasts the option to build the RS Escort of their dreams. Thus the customer or dealer-fit Series X modifications were developed. The Series X tuning parts catalogue addressed every area of the car, engine, brakes, suspension and body styling, leaving customers to pick up the components they wanted, or perhaps more significantly, could afford. Six X-pack RS2000s were built by Ford’s engineers at Aveley using the full body kit, which was made for the company by Fibresports of Essex.
After Group B was abandoned and Ford’s bespoke RS200 rally machine was no longer eligible Ford rallied the 4WD Sierra Sapphire Cosworth, but it was too large to win regularly. Boss, Stuart Turner, who was not an engineer, suggested what they really needed was a Sapphire Cosworth 4x4 chassis under the new, smaller, 2-door Mk5 Escort body. The engineers laughed openly at this naive idea, then went away and did it anyway, grafting an Escort body on to a shortened Sierra Cosworth floorpan. The resultant 1992 Escort Cosworth won ten WRC events and was one of the fastest road cars of its era.
With a huge selection of new models to choose from and a rather spectacular collection of Fords, head for the new Vanguards range now and see which ones take your collecting fancy.
All aboard for the latest Corgi buses
Some of the most aesthetically appealing models in any Corgi range, our Original Omnibus models are scale representations of vehicles which are always certain to collect plenty of admiring glances and always make for stunning model display pieces
Few Corgi fans would argue that some of the most aesthetically appealing models we currently produce and certainly some of the most colourful are our range of 1/76th scale buses, models which are lovingly produced to the most exacting standards. From the classic open platform Routemasters of the early post war years, right through to the colourful mobile billboards which currently transport passengers around London’s busy streets, our Original Omnibus Company range is now a reassuring collector constant in the Corgi model range, benefitting from its own, extremely loyal fan base. The 2021 range is perhaps one of our most colourful to date and includes buses which boast special liveries commemorating everything from the 50th anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, to a machine resplendent in a livery created by a rather talented primary school child.
Every Original Omnibus die-cast metal model forms part of a strictly limited production run of high quality collectables, with most releases coming with individually numbered limited edition certificates and all presented on a removable presentation plinth and finished with a high quality perspex display case. The vast majority of our releases come with a choice of one of two route numbers, each one meticulously researched to ensure the most accurate representation of some of our most distinctive passenger transport vehicles is produced. This range includes some of the most intricate designs we have ever attempted to apply to one of our models and whilst they pose plenty of challenges for our development team, there is always a huge amount of pride when the latest release hits the model stores and is immediately snapped up by delighted collectors.
Modern buses now act as rather effective mobile advertising hoardings and ways in which to commemorate important anniversaries and local events. As a consequence, distinctively presented buses can now enjoy nationwide recognition and not just amongst enthusiasts, as operators strive to create the most distinctive designs and to stand out from the passenger transport crowd
The current range of Original Omnibus models is available for your inspection now and over the course of the coming year, our Diecast Diaries blog will be looking to engage with bus collectors, so we can share the passion for this fantastic range of models. If you would like to talk to us about producing a collaborative feature for the benefit of fellow collectors and showcasing your own model bus collection to our huge worldwide audience, please do drop us a line at diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk
The fabulous 2021 world of Corgi
The 2021 Corgi model range is now live and awaiting your inspection - are you ready to take your diecast voyage of model discovery?
With so many appealing new models featuring in the 2021 Corgi range, across the many collector and toy product areas we currently have available, any complete overview could take a good few hours to get through, so it is probably better if you head for the ALL NEW Corgi website now and take a closer look at the sections which interest you most. With the website having to cope with significantly increased traffic since the start of the year, we hope that you have managed to see everything you wanted to following range launch and that you weren’t frustrated too much by the slowdown caused by all this additional activity. Thankfully, everything should be running as normal by now, so if you haven’t discovered all the new models in the range as yet, now might be a good time. From a blog perspective, you can rest assured that your Diecast Diaries team are desperate to get started on bringing you all the juicy development details from the most interesting new model projects as we head through the coming year.
With the next standard edition of our blog only two weeks away, perhaps the best thing you could do now is to go and view the new 2021 Corgi range in all its glory for yourself and then maybe drop us a quick line to tell us what you would like to see featured in the blog over the coming few months. Whether you are interested in our new ‘Let’s Celebrate’ range, or if you will be looking to add a couple of our Luftwaffe Operation Barbarossa/Strike East models to your collection, you can be sure we will be covering all the relevant details in a forthcoming edition of Diecast Diaries.
We are afraid that’s all we have for you in this Range Launch edition of Diecast Diaries, however, you can be sure we will be back with our usual selection of interesting model updates and exclusive Corgi content in just two weeks’ time. Until then, we are always interested to hear from our readers, especially those of you who would like to suggest a subject for future inclusion in our blog.
Better still, if you would like to send us pictures of your own model collection, or details of a Corgi model release which is special to you, you may even find yourself featuring in a future edition of Diecast Diaries. As always, we would be grateful if you would address all correspondence to our usual diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk email address.
If you can’t wait for the next edition of our blog, there is always plenty of Corgi model related news, views and conversation taking place on our official Facebook and Twitter social media pages, which welcome your contribution. We look forward to reading about all the latest Corgi collecting discussions and pictures of your favourite models over the coming few weeks.
Finally, we would like to thank you all for your continued support. We very much look forward to bringing you much more Corgi related news, features and updates in future editions of our blog.
Our next blog is scheduled to be published on Friday 12th February.
The Corgi Die-cast Diaries Team
