New Transit Custom update and a Special Delivery for Wallace & Gromit fans
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.
Our latest new model development update appears to have been hijacked by hard working, yet iconic delivery vehicles wearing striking liveries, or at least by our soon to be released newly tooled scale representations of them all. In an update which will be of real interest to Vanguards collectors, we will be bringing you the latest exclusive pictures from our Ford Transit Custom tooling and a first look at an advanced production sample model of this impressive new addition to the range. We follow this by featuring a trio of vehicles which highlight some of the many innovative business ideas coming from the fertile, if cheese infused mind of Wallace and his inimitable four-legged sidekick Gromit, and how these beautifully presented models form the basis of a new collector's set which is truly smashing! With one of the models also appearing as a single release, we will have all the details of this exciting partnership with Wallace & Gromit creators Aardman and how our bespoke packaging is definitely a case of 'Brilliant teamwork, lads!'
We will be ending this latest update by bringing you the current availability position of a model which may have only featured in our previous blog, but is already proving to be something of an endangered die-cast species, before putting the die-cast collector world on notice of the impending announcement of our final September to December model range for 2023. As you can see, we have a feature packed edition for you this time, so let's get cracking!
Transit Custom Sport - not your average load lugger
A significant new tooling project update, these images actually feature an advanced production sample model from the new Ford Transit Custom Sport tooling.
Having enjoyed a period of significant investment over the past few years, our Vanguards model range has welcomed several exciting new tooling additions during that time and is about to welcome yet another. First unveiled to collectors with the announcement of our May to August 2022 range, and then only as a project the team were working on in the background, our new Ford Transit Custom tooling addition may have come as something of a surprise to some, however, has since gone on to be a highly anticipated range addition, attracting plenty of pre-ordering activity in the process.
When you consider that the Ford Transit range has traditionally been one of the most popular and versatile vehicles of its kind to ever appear on Britain's roads since its introduction in 1965, it really shouldn't come as too much of a surprise inclusion in the range, particularly as the latest incarnation of the Transit is less tradesman like and much more lifestyle vehicle like. A range of vehicles which possess seemingly endless options around body styling, powerplant, fitting layout, comfort and application, not only are these an extremely common sight on Britain's roads, but they're also really quite appealing from an aesthetic perspective and definitely not your average van.
It seems a long time ago now that we first shared this computer rendered design image from the new Ford Transit Custom project.
That's more like it, a new die-cast model in the metal.
Initially just shown as a series of computer rendered design files to show Die-cast Diaries readers one of the new tooling projects which were just around the corner, we have since gone on to show prototype stereo model images of the new model, however, this is the first time that a painted metal production sample of the model will have been shown, serving as confirmation that this latest addition to the range is fast approaching its initial release. We can also confirm that this is a BIG model, one which struggles to fit inside one of our traditional Vanguards presentation boxes and vies for the title of largest model in the series with our new Ford Ranger Raptor models.
The Ford Transit story began back with the release of the first series 1 vehicles in 1965, when the Ford Company decided they were going to produce a new range of light commercial vehicles to support everyday trade and business activities, whilst at the same time, challenging the market dominance of rival manufacturers in this potentially lucrative field. Those first tentative steps marked the beginning of a period of market domination for Ford, with the Transit going on to be the vehicle of choice for thousands of tradespeople and business owners, going on to become the best-selling vehicle of its type for many years to come.
Ford were extremely clever in maximising the potential of the Transit, taking it away from the feeling that it was just a workman's mode of transport and aligning it much more closely with a large and robust family car, something akin to a modern MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle). This feature was actually born out of necessity, as Ford's design teams were instructed to use as many components from their existing car ranges as possible, making both development and manufacture more cost effective, whilst at the same time giving this commercial load lugger a very different feel.
In addition to this, all this stylish load carrying capacity was mainly pulled along utilising Ford's existing range of car engines, with these cost savings ensuring that Transit pricing always remained extremely competitive.
Another trio of images featuring an advanced production sample of this latest impending addition to the Vanguards range.
The many impressive qualities the Transit possessed were not lost on some of the less salubrious members of British society, as the load carrying capability, speed and car-like handling of these vehicles made this a popular choice for many with villainous intentions. Indeed during 1972, it was estimated that over 90% of the bank raids which took place in the country used a Transit as their getaway vehicle of choice.
Clearly, this posed quite a problem for the country's Police Forces, however, they did come up with an ingenious solution to this issue, they bought lots of Transits themselves! Using uprated vehicles with powerful engines, Police Transits were even more capable than the standard machines (the ones they were chasing), with speed, great handling and that legendary load carrying capability making them an arresting proposition. A less celebrated Transit claim to fame would be that it became one of the most stolen and broken into vehicles in British history, although it is not known if this is because criminals either wanted to use them for a job (or knew someone who did), or if they were just an easy target for the opportunist thief. Either way, warning labels stating that 'No tools or equipment are left in this van overnight' also became associated with Transit ownership.
Bringing the story of this magnificent vehicle right up to date, the latest incarnation of the Transit has now attracted the attention of the Corgi team and is soon destined to be joining the Vanguards range in 1/43rd scale die-cast model form. The Transit Custom was unveiled at the 2012 Commercial Vehicle show in Birmingham and has continually benefitted from soft upgrades and trim level improvements over the years. The culmination of many years of commercial vehicle design and manufacturing expertise, these latest vehicles are the perfect combination of quality, functionality and style, with the now legendary choice of range options facing any Transit customer making one of these vehicles suitable for any conceivable business or recreational application.
VA15101 - Ford Transit Custom Sport - Orange Glow
The Transit Custom modelled here was used by Ford’s UK Press Office for the van’s launch in April 2018 and was specified to make a visual impact, with bumper skirts, flared wheel arches, 17-inch alloy wheels and a bright colour. It was then loaned to newspapers, magazines, TV shows and websites to conduct their own road tests and appeared in The Sun, Auto Express, Van Fleet World and many others. At the end of 2018 it was loaned to Dan Powel at the Honest John website for a three-month long-term test and earned a favourable report. In April 2019 the Globe Theatre received it for a six-month loan as part of Ford’s support of the arts sector.
Ford launched the first-generation Transit in 1965 and it was so successful that the name ‘Transit’ has almost become an eponym for ‘medium sized van’, understood by traders and hire companies alike. The Transit Custom has been a successful addition to that family and in 2021 was the market leader in the UK one-tonne van market, with close to 54,000 being delivered. That impressive total was enough to make it the bestselling vehicle in the UK including passenger cars; the first time a commercial has ever achieved that accolade. Fords accounted for one-third of all commercials sold in the UK during 2021 and their Dunton-based Liive Centre, which monitors data feeds from vans then alerts drivers and provides assistance has proven popular with customers.
As mentioned previously in this update, the model images being exclusively shown here feature an advanced production sample of the new model and reflect the current status of this new tooling release. We are currently expecting the model to be in our warehouse being prepared for dispatch during the first week in October. It is certainly destined to make for an impressive addition to the Vanguards range.
More cheese needed Gromit, and step on it!
The only way to travel if you're a famous clay animated figure and your trusty pet dog.
Throughout the 67 year history of the Corgi brand, respective model ranges have always possessed a particular flair for capturing the public's affection for film, TV and popular culture subjects in die-cast model form, with some of these models going on to earn an almost iconic status within the collector community. Model representations of vehicles which appeared in such classic productions as Batman, Thunderbirds and the Harry Potter films have all attracted the attentions of the Corgi development team over the years and are now prized possessions on shelves, mantlepieces and in display cabinets all over the world.
Clearly, such a successful formula has to continue evolving and we are delighted to confirm that a recent partnership with Aardman has done just that, with a new series of Wallace & Gromit inspired vehicles just about to be unleashed on the collector world and we are delighted to be in a position to share a major update with blog readers now.
As famous within the stop-motion animation world as Laurel and Hardy were to silent comedy, the loveable Wallace & Gromit have found themselves in so many comedic scrapes that you would assume they have an incredibly adventurous lifestyle, however, nothing could be further from the truth. Wallace loves nothing more than a nice cup of tea and perhaps the odd plate of cheese and biscuits (or two), with his faithful companion doing his level best to make sure that his master's day is as uneventful as possible.
An exclusive first look at the prototype models produced from the new Wallace & Gromit Austin A35 van tooling.
Unfortunately, that rarely proves to be the case, with his master's love of inventing weird and wonderful gadgets always being a source of trouble for the two of them, with one glitch or another, or the intervention of a third party, creating trouble for them and another hilarious adventure for us to follow. Thankfully, Wallace can always rely on his faithful pet to save the day, which he usually does in his quiet, unassuming way.
This delightful pairing have become something of a British institution since 'A Grand Day Out' was released by Aardman Animations and its creator Nick Park back in 1989, delighting audiences the world over with their unique brand of slapstick animation, with us always having the confidence that good will triumph over evil in the end, even if things do get a little dicey along the way. With their old fashioned Northern charm, it has been said that this animated double act have gone on to become some of the best loved stars to come out of the UK and more than that, have actually done more to show Britain in a good light internationally than anyone, or anything else. Not bad for a pair of clay animated figures.
Yet another image exclusive, this time showing the Aardman produced Cheese Please van artwork which started this project on in the right trousers!
In an exciting new partnership with Aardman, the new models which have been included in the current Corgi range are our latest tribute to Wallace & Gromit and a new die-cast model direction for our affection for the duo. All the models featured here have benefited from new tooling design work, with the body of the Austin A35 van being a completely new design to accommodate new features, with the decoration applied to each model having a unique story of its own to tell.
At the outset of this project, our friends at Aardman suggested the possibility of supplying us with a model scheme which whilst using all their current style guidelines, had never previously been seen in a Wallace & Gromit production. A new, exclusive product for the Corgi range, you can just imagine how we jumped at this 'Cracking' opportunity, with the result being our Cheese Please Delivery Van. Reflecting Wallace’s love of the yellow stuff, this van was born out of one of his latest business ideas, his desire to keep his local animated community supplied with this vital food commodity, always with his faithful pet Gromit by his side.
An exclusive new model produced in association with our friends at Aardman, we are so excited to be bringing this exclusive model to the Wallace & Gromit collector world.
New packaging artwork for the single Cheese Please delivery van release.
This exclusive new scheme will actually be available in two forms, both as a standalone single model and as part of our three model high quality collector's set we are going to be taking a look at next.
Despite being of an introverted, homely nature, Wallace could never be described as a man who is short of ideas and when not thinking of his latest world-changing invention, he will be dreaming up a fool proof business idea which will make him rich, and his community all the richer. As we all know, any self-respecting business needs a suitably sign written van to get you to and from appointments, which is were our next model comes in.
Produced for the very first time as a die-cast model collectable, at least when Wallace was driving his Top Bun delivery van, he knew he wasn’t 'brown bread' at the hands of a rogue cereal killer!
The second Austin A35 van featured in this set is a representation of the vehicle which appeared in the animated film 'A Matter of Loaf and Death', where our dynamic duo decided to open a bakery in their Wigan home, Wallace & Gromit's Top Bun traditional bakery. Initially, everything appeared to be going swimmingly, until the local newspaper printed a report claiming that local bakers are being targeted by an evil 'Cereal Killer', leaving Gromit worried for the safety of his master. As always, his powers of deduction and protective instinct prevent his master from ending up being 'brown bread', in what turns out to be a classic tale of 'who-doughnut'!
The third and final van livery in the set brings the Wallace & Gromit story right up to date, with a thoroughly modern way to tell the continuing story of this very traditional couple. In an augmented and mixed reality interactive experience, participants in this on-line community game can help our heroes embark on their next business initiative, as they set about fixing up the city of Bristol. With so many job requests coming through, they really could do with our help.
A very odd job, this Spick & Spanners van stars in the latest Wallace & Gromit enterprise, their intention to clean up Bristol, in an on-line fashion.
With some very odd jobs on the cards, those immersed in this clever on-line world can help direct the pair through some of these many challenges they face, directing the Spick and Span mobile van towards the city and its next appointment. There's one thing for certain, in its distinctive cream and orange scheme, you'll certainly know if Wallace & Gromit are on the job in your street.
This magnificent three model set is a must for Wallace & Gromit fans and includes a combination of vehicle representations which have never previously been available in any form, let alone as die-cast model collectables. A truly unique set, the collectability of the offering is enhanced further by the bespoke packaging artwork, artwork which features sketches of Gromit created by Nick Park himself - A cracking good job Gromit!
High class quality packaging for this collector set of distinction - just look at that fantastic sketch artwork.
The set has a premium collector product feel about it throughout and is a fantastic addition to our legacy Wallace & Gromit range of products, hopefully appealing to the army of fans out there who are absolutely crackers about cheese. For those of you still sitting on the fence, give up now, and we won't have Gromit attack you!
A fantastic model set which is scheduled for an early November release and perfectly positioned for that big day in December, you really would be a bit crackers to miss out on this one.
Lightning strike warning
Even though it was only released earlier this month and featured in the previous edition of our Corgi update, it appears as if the appeal of our Lockheed P-38 Lightning tooling is still as popular as ever, because this latest model is already close to being withdrawn from die-cast service. An unusually colourful release, this particular aircraft was the mount of celebrated Pacific Theatre ace pilot Charles Henry 'Mac' MacDonald, one of the most influential personalities in the Pacific.
Colonel 'Mac' Macdonald ended the war with an impressive 27 aerial victories, with several other enemy aircraft claimed as either damaged or probably destroyed, figures which made him the third most successful fighter ace in the Pacific Theatre. All victories were scored using the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and whilst he would use several different machines during his time in theatre, they were all named 'PUTT... PUTT... MARU'. It's not known for sure what this name referred to, but it is thought that it might be a reference to the Japanese supply barges the unit were often sent to destroy, vessels which were referred to as Marus, with their rather agricultural engines making a putt putt chugging sound as they went. As they were often thought to be ferrying supplies to Japanese forces in the area, they had to be stopped at all cost, but if one found itself in the sights of a 475th Fighter Group P-38 Lightning, it was most definitely on borrowed time.
This beautiful model is now down to just double figure availability in our warehouse, despite the fact that it's less than a month since its release, so if you were thinking of adding PUTT PUTT MARU to your Aviation Archive collection, this could be the pay day treat for you. Don't forget to use all those accumulated Hobby Reward points in the process.
Make a date - New Corgi models are coming!
As we head into the final four months of the year, what better way to console ourselves about the thought of shorter days and colder nights to come than with the announcement of a new collection of Corgi models to inspect. As we all acknowledge the first day in September next Friday, we also have the latest Corgi September - December model range to look forward to, our third and final range announcement of the year. With new models taking us right through Christmas and into the New Year, we have some stunning new models to tell you about, with the next edition of Die-cast Diaries featuring a full rundown of all the latest range highlights.
Even though we only have a week to wait now, we're afraid we can't give away any secrets, however we are happy to show readers the new catalogue front image, which features the stunning Great Escape Triumph Trophy TR6 motorcycle, the perfect model collectable way in which to commemorate this 60th anniversary year of the film's UK release.
For now though, it's time to synchronise watches, make a diary entry and ring that square on the calendar, because on Friday 1st September at 10am BST, the only place to be is on the Corgi website. As always, our Head of Brand will be on hand to talk you through the range highlights on our official YouTube channel, so we have quite a week ahead for Corgi model collectors and we sincerely hope we have at least one or two models which may be of interest to you.
We're afraid that's all we have for you this time, however, we will be back as ever in two weeks' time, with a further selection of model project updates to inform you about. 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.
Link access to Corgi social media sites.
Thank you for continuing to support our Die-cast Diaries blog. Our next edition is scheduled for publication on Friday 8th September.
