Sea King rescue sentinel of the Vietnam War
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.
With the hectic excitement of our first range launch week of the year now behind us, it’s time to settle down to some good, honest new model project update news, as we prepare to welcome the first models from the new January to April range into our warehouse. With an impressive range of collectable models now inbound, we’ll be mostly taking a break from models destined for our Pop Culture range this time around, concentrating more of two of our core favourite ranges, Aviation Archive and Vanguards.
As you can see from our latest header image, our lead update this time features the return of an Aviation Archive classic, a 1/72nd scale helicopter model which was initially added to the range over twenty years ago, and will be making its return after an absence of approaching six years, the Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King. We always try to bring you something unusual and interesting when it comes to collection options, and for this latest Sea King, we think we’ve turned up a cracker – we’ll have all the details for you a little later.
In order to ensure Vanguards collectors don’t miss out on the latest DCD update excitement, we also have a project overview and supporting series of exclusive images for your delectation, and some may be excited to hear that it’s actually not a model of a Ford subject. Although Ford cars have always been an incredibly popular feature of the Vanguards range, our subject of choice this time is a classic British sportscar of the 1970s and 80s, one which could be described as being somewhat controversial, and one you either love or loath, the Triumph TR7. Helping to preserve the legacy of a car which really was quite a stylish creation, we will have details of our latest release from this attractive tooling, a model which would great as part of any Vanguards collection.
Also including a selection of recently taken factory visit images, please come with us on this latest update journey around the world of Corgi Diecast model collecting.
A military helicopter of true distinction
The first Sea King release to join the Aviation Archive range for nearly six years, this new model is a representation of a rescue helicopter which flew dangerous missions into enemy territory, during the Vietnam War.
The years which followed the end of the Second World War saw the world of aviation preoccupied with a quest to attain ever greater speeds and whilst the world watched these developments with wonder and fascination, an exciting new breed of aircraft were quietly making huge strides in the background. The quest to produce a truly effective medium lift helicopter was gaining real momentum, and as these rotary craft began to show their true potential, so the endless list of practical applications these incredible aircraft could take on became apparent.
As this technology continued to mature and heavy piston engines gradually gave way to lighter, more powerful turboshaft powerplants, the age of the helicopter was finally upon us, and the eyes of the aviation world followed. Although not the fastest aircraft in the world, these machines were capable of doing things no other aircraft type could even consider, and through this never-ending list of military and civilian applications helicopters could be used for, the flexibility offered by rotary technology quickly elevated the stock of these aircraft, making them irreplaceable in many situations. Arguably the most useful and certainly the most flexible aircraft available to any nation, helicopters are at the forefront of world aviation, be that in military guise, or serving countless commercial enterprises.
Without doubt one of the most successful helicopter designs ever to take to the skies, the Sikorsky SH-3/S-61 Sea King series of aircraft may have been intended for service aboard US Navy warships during the early 1960s, but would go on to see service with several overseas nations, and perform some extremely high-profile, some might say Presidential roles. Despite the fact that the aircraft first entered service with the US Navy in 1961, several of these aircraft were recently sent to assist Ukrainian forces in their struggles to repel invading foreign forces.
This next trio of images all feature this hugely appealing addition to the Aviation Archive range, and a very different Sea King model.
At the very forefront of world helicopter design and development throughout the post war era, the US Sikorsky Company secured an important contract to produce an all-weather, amphibious helicopter for the United States Navy in 1957. Its primary mission profile would be that of an anti-submarine warfare aircraft, protecting the US fleet from possible attack, however, the new helicopter would prove so adaptable that it was able to take on a multitude of secondary roles, ultimately going on to become one of the truly great aircraft of the 20th Century.
The aircraft, which was given the designation SH-3 Sea King, was produced with an amphibious hull, giving it the capability to land on water, in addition to its more usual environment on the decks of numerous US Navy warships. Powered by a twin turboshaft engine arrangement, the Sea King was an impressive machine, capable of carrying significant loads of men, equipment, or general supplies, providing the US Navy with a truly revolutionary new aircraft. On entering service in 1961, the Sea King was the most advanced aircraft of its type in the world and presented the US Navy with one of the most flexible aviation platforms available at that time.
Keen to maximise the commercial success of their impressive new helicopter, Sikorski would go on to develop a civilian derivative of the SH-3 Sea King, a helicopter which carried the designation S-61, and an aircraft which was of interest to many of the world's naval air arms at that time.
At around this time, the Royal Navy had become concerned about the growing threat posed by the ever-expanding Soviet submarine force and were looking to equip their ships with a powerful helicopter capable of detecting and destroying this underwater menace. Looking for an aircraft to initially work alongside, then ultimately to replace their Wessex fleet, a decision was taken to request Sea Kings in the mid 1960s, but Anglicised variants of the original aircraft.
Perhaps the most famous use of Sea King helicopters was during America’s NASA space programme, where the aircraft were on station seconds after the space capsule had splashed back down in the Pacific Ocean, swiftly effecting the recovery of astronauts in the full gaze of a watching world. Sea King units would also see extensive service during the Vietnam War, both in their usual anti-submarine role, but also mounting incredibly dangerous armed search and rescue missions into hostile territory. These were some of the most hazardous missions any military helicopter crew could be asked to undertake, but were crucial in maintaining the morale of US pilots taking part in the savage bombing campaign over North Vietnam.
When the Sea King became operational with the US Navy in June 1961, it was already making quite a name for itself. One of the fastest helicopters ever to take to the skies, it was also the largest amphibious rotorcraft in the world, and the first all-weather helicopter to reach production status for the US Navy. An incredibly capable and adaptable aircraft, it didn’t take long before the Sea King started to take on additional tasks other than the anti-submarine role for which it was intended. During the Vietnam War, several US Navy Sea Kings were adapted to operate as armed search and rescue helicopters in the Gulf of Tonkin during ‘Operation Rolling Thunder’, coming to the aid of downed airman be that at sea, or inland, often in hostile territory.
These were incredibly dangerous missions for Sea King crews, with the work of these helicopters being both clandestine and sensitive, as they could be operating in contested forward combat positions. In addition to their ocean rescues, US Navy HS-2 ‘Golden Falcons’ Sea Kings also performed at least ten overland rescues, five of which took place inside North Vietnam itself during 1967. Desperate to do what they could to secure downed airmen, these selfless missions were not for the feint hearted and as such, Sea King armed search and rescue crews were held in extremely high regard across the US military.
The aircraft modelled here was the subject of an incredibly rare colour picture taken on the landing deck of USS Mahan in the Gulf of Tonkin during May 1967, however, underlining the extremely hazardous nature of these missions, this Sea King would be lost at sea whilst performing another mission just two weeks later, tragically claiming all souls on board. This release not only allows the Aviation Archive collector to pay our respects to that crew, but the mark the clandestine and highly dangerous Sea King rescue missions which took place during the Vietnam War.
Closely inspecting the rare colour photographs which feature this aircraft, we have attempted to replicate all the details exhibited on this aircraft in scale die-cast form and are confident that this will be something very different within any collection of helicopter models.
We’re expecting to have this beautiful model in our warehouse during the early part of March, so look out for it on our website and in model store displays from then.
Calling all fans of the mighty ‘Triumph Wedge’
Which side of the Triumph TR7 fence would you describe yourself as being on – love, or loath?
When thinking about stylish and innovative British designed and built sports cars of the 1970s, its difficult to think of one which could share the same motorway lane as the stunning (at least to some people) Triumph TR7. A vehicle which had an impressive lineage of successful sportscar lines to follow, the TR7 was the great new hope for British Leyland and one which promised significant sales success both at home and specifically, in America, where they just couldn’t get enough of British sports cars.
The TR7 was entering something of a crowded market, with British sportscars selling in great numbers in the US, but with several existing designs competing for the same market. At the same time, other manufacturers were eyeing the success British Leyland were having with their cars in America, and were avariciously eyeing a piece of that lucrative business. As BL looked to develop and introduce a new sports car, would they continue with their successes in the US, or would they miss the turn (metaphorically speaking)?
Their existing range included the cultured and muscular Triumph Stag at one end, with the cute and affordable Midget at the other, but in the middle lay such classics as the Spitfire, the MGB and the hugely desirable TR6, all very different designs and all with their own charm. The problem was that the new car would essentially be replacing them all, which really put the project up against it to start, so as there was no margin for error, a crack team from British Leyland was sent Stateside on a fact finding mission – what was the American market looking for and how could the company deliver.
The results of this exercise were quite startling, as it transpired that America wanted a stylish and relatively affordable sporty car, but one which placed reliability very high on its list of priorities. Significantly, it was still cool to own a British car and as the various brands were concerned, Triumph was definitely seen as the most trusted brand. The team had their research, now all they needed to do was deliver.
With such a difficult brief to follow as this, and with several classic existing cars all being in its crosshairs, the new British Leyland sports car was always going to be somewhat controversial and in that regard, it most definitely didn’t disappoint. Although taking inspiration from the cars which had cone before it, the styling of the new car was pretty radical and to say it was following in the footsteps of the stunning TR6, it could hardly have looked more different from it. With its distinctive wedge shape, the new car was more concept than conservative and has since been described in some quarters as the most controversially styled car in the history of popular motoring.
Following its release in America in early 1975, the new TR7 appeared to be a revelation, and the Americans simply couldn’t get enough of it. The entire production run would be directed stateside, and it would be May the following year before customers could drive one from a BL showroom in the UK. Unfortunately, despite that early success, some of the manufacturing decisions made at the time of development, and the continued impact of competitor competition dictated that the legacy of the Triumph TR7 would be one controversy rather than acclaim, and a car which should be remembered with much more affection than it usually is, is often the butt of unkind and often misguided comment.
A beautiful addition to the Vanguards range, the history behind the TR7 really is quite fascinating – should this really be regarded as a motoring classic?
For those of us who remember seeing the TR7 on Britain’s roads, it will probably split those people right down the middle as to those who love it and those who don’t. I always remember it as a really attractive car and one I would have loved the opportunity to get behind the wheel of, but never had the chance. With its eye-catching styling and iconic pop-up headlights, the TR7 was never understated, but if you were asking me to choose between a TR7 and a TR6, then I’m afraid there would only be one winner, and it will be its predecessor.
That being said, can you think of a British car the sight of which represents the 1970s more effectively than the Triumph TR7, I suggest probably not.
Our latest 1/43rd scale die-cast tribute to the somewhat chequered legacy of the TR7 is currently speeding its way headlong towards our collections, and really does show why this little sports coupé is remembered so fondly by so many people. Still a car that would turn heads if you saw one driving around today, does this suggest that the British Leyland stylists got it right back in the 1970s, and but for a full sail and a fair wind, the Triumph TR7 would be regarded as a true motoring classic and a restoration project coveted by many enthusiasts to this day?
VA10510 - Triumph TR7 2.0 FHC finished in Persian Aqua
The TR7 modelled here was built on February 13th, 1981, at Rover’s Solihull plant, the third factory in which the Harris Mann-designed wedge was manufactured, as earlier cars were produced first at Speke, near Liverpool, then at Triumph’s historic home in Canley, Coventry. The car had always been well looked after, and is a rare original survivor, as opposed to a restored example, although a small amount of rust in the near-side door had to be dealt with in 2018. The car’s first owner purchased it directly from BL Cars at Longbridge and registered it on November 16th, 1981, nine months after it was produced. He kept it until early July 1984, by which time it had only completed a modest 16,217 miles.
The second, third and fourth owners would also only use it sparingly, as when it was photographed in a studio by well-known automotive photographer, Tom Wood, for a TR7 buyers guide in the May 2014 issue of Classic Cars Magazine, it had still only covered 64,000 miles. The car’s current owner, Yorkshire-based Rover and Triumph enthusiast Guy Gilfillan, purchased it in May 2023, when he became its fifth custodian. The previous owner, Herefordshire-based enthusiast Dick Tudhope, in his own words, ‘cosseted’ the car after being gifted it in 2010 by a good friend who had lost their storage facility.
Whilst in his care, it was also exhibited on the TR Register’s stand at the 2018 NEC Classic Car Show and won numerous trophies at TR Register events.
Thunderbirds are definitely GO!
Ready to receive its models. Thunderbirds are almost GO for launch.
We end this latest edition of our Corgi blog with a rather topical little feature, one which is connected to some of the appealing models we have been featuring over the past few editions. Corgi fans who like to keep informed by checking our official social media channels will have no doubt noticed a post this week which had a Thunderbirds leaning, serving to increase our excitement levels still further. It featured a selection of short video clips which were all taken during a recent trip to one of our manufacturing plants and showed two of the new Thunderbirds models making their way down the production lines, in addition to a pile of the appealing boxes waiting to receive them prior to shipping to the UK.
This futuristic science fiction series featured ‘Supermarionation’ puppetry, as a way of bringing these beloved characters to life, and although they probably wouldn’t stand up in in today’s CGI world, back then, they were a much loved and distinctive feature of this iconic show. Indeed, attempts made in recent years to update the Thunderbirds phenomenon using contemporary animation techniques met with a somewhat indifferent reception, as it fell way short in terms of the appeal of the original – you know what they say, class is permanent!
The first episodes of Thunderbirds to be aired here in the UK did so on ITV back in 1965, however, they proved so popular that they were repeated many times over the years, much to the delight of viewers young and old. With each episode beginning with opening credits which included music to really get the heart pounding and on-screen explosions which only left us wanting more, is it any wonder that the youngsters of the house booked both the tv and the sofa for the duration of this televisual feast.
Such an impressive process, our models rely on the skills of some extremely talented people.
Interestingly, even though Thunderbirds was such a big part of our youth and many of us will have extremely fond memories of the series, probably thinking that it went on for many years, there were actually only ever 32 episodes produced. Thankfully, each and every one hit the spot, with the original Thunderbirds unquestionably managing to stand the test of time – they still bring back many happy memories for lots of us to this day.
As this year marks the significant 60th anniversary of that first UK TV airing for Thunderbirds, we wanted to do something special in commemoration, and created a stunning collection of expertly produced and beautifully presented models, all intended to appeal to Thunderbirds fans everywhere, even those who may have forgotten how much they used to love them.
During a recent visit to the Far East, our Development Manager Dan may have had a busy schedule of meetings and appointments to get through, but he was also fortunate enough to get the chance to see our new Thunderbirds models making their way down the production lines. He informed us that the whole process was absolutely fascinating and such a treat to witness first hand, affording him a real appreciation for the dexterity and ingenuity of the teams involved in this work. He managed to take a few videos and lots of photographs during his visit, with the images included here all being still images taken from a phone video clip.
They feature Thunderbird 1 models being hand decorated, trays of semi-completed Thunderbird 3 models and a pair of pictures showing Thunderbird 3 models receiving paint hits via a tampo printing process – just look at the ingenuity of that hand produced foam bed to securely hold the models in place. The final image shows hundreds of Thunderbird 2 and 4 boxes awaiting the models they will be protecting, images which highlight the fact that these eagerly anticipated new models will soon be amongst our collections. In this 60th Anniversary year, could there be a more appealing collection of die-cast models?
No Thunderbird can be considered for International Rescue action, unless it’s wearing the correct markings.
Dan did promise to talk us through his trip and supply us with a further selection of pictures, so we very much look forward to sharing these with you in a forthcoming edition.
I’m afraid that's all we have for you this time around, however, we’ll be back as usual in two weeks’ time with a further exclusive selection of the latest Corgi model updates. As ever, you could always drop us a line if you felt moved to do so, to comment on anything blog, collecting or Corgi model related, or even perhaps to suggest a topic you might like to see the team cover in a future edition. As always, our diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk address is the one to use.
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 your Corgi Die-cast Diaries blog. Our next edition is scheduled to be published on Friday 21st February - we look forward to seeing you all back here then.
Related Products
Triumph TR7 2.0 FHC, Persian Aqua
VA10510 |
1:43 Scale
Further Reading
Related Products
Triumph TR7 2.0 FHC, Persian Aqua
VA10510 |
1:43 Scale
Further Reading
Ford’s Raptor is all muscle and the Fleet Air Arm’s Taranto Raider
Star Trek exclusives, sporty British Vanguards duo and a Vulcan anniversary
