That's no way to treat an Aston Martin

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.

There are some major new model projects advancing towards their release dates at Corgi HQ at the moment, including the significant advancement of the new 1/72nd scale Martin B-26 Marauder project which was teased via our social media channels earlier this week. Unfortunately, none of these are quite ready to be included in a Diecast Diaries update just yet, which presents us with an opportunity to feature a couple of recent releases which have thus far evaded our attentions on the blog.

In this latest update, we also get a head start on looking at some of the current Corgi models which may be high on the presents list of many a Corgi model collector, even though some of them will be long gone by the time we get to the big day itself. We will also feature a couple of models suggested by our Development Team which would be particularly welcome if one turned up in their stockings this coming Christmas morning - all we can say is they must have some big stocks to hang up! 

We begin by delving into the ever popular world of James Bond and an enduring die-cast association which now goes back almost 60 years, but this time looking at a model which may well feature a famous Bond car, but one that's not quite complete.

As always, welcome to the wonderful world of Corgi

Bond, bring it back in one piece!

A beautiful collectors piece any Bond fan would love to own.

When thinking about some of the most beautiful cars in the world driven by arguably the most famous fictional British secret service agent the world has ever known, the James Bond movie franchise immediately springs to mind and thoughts of how even though he's always told to return his latest car in good order, 'Q' may as well save his breath, because he knows what's probably about to happen. Perhaps its their own fault for giving him access to magnificent Aston Martin's, some of the most desirable sports/prestige cars in the world, only made more desirable by their association with the suave and debonair Bond.

The cars Bond has used during his thrilling adventures over the years have always been popular subjects in the Corgi range and without challenge, are always amongst the most popular releases in any catalogue of models. That even extends to representations of vehicles which are intentionally presented in a less than pristine state, hugely collectable in their replication of famous scenes from some of the most popular films to appear on the silver screen. This diecast collectable phenomenon first appeared with the release of our Aston Martin DB5 from No Time To Die, a model which features extensive damage to its left hand side and more bullet holes than any Aston Martin should ever be forced to endure.

This hugely successful model was followed up with an extension on this same theme, but this time a car with an entire door missing. Currently in the range marking the 15th anniversary of the movie 'Quantum of Solace', this high quality collectors release could be described as incomplete, but if Bond will insist on abusing his Aston Martins, we simply have to replicate them as accurate diecast collectables.

Time is running out for this stunning model, and its highly likely that it won't survive the Christmas gift buying season.

A fantastic gift in this 15th Anniversary year of the Quantum of Solace movie.

Roaring into the opening moments of ‘Quantum of Solace’ and picking up immediately after the close of ‘Casino Royale’, the Aston Martin DBS returns under the control of James Bond as he finds himself under relentless pursuit by agents of the shadowy organisation Quantum. Driving through the tunnelled road running alongside Lake Garda in Italy, the DBS sustains damage in dramatic fashion as 007 collides with a heavy goods vehicle while avoiding oncoming traffic, resulting in the driver’s door being ripped clean away and exposing Bond to the incoming gunfire from his pursuers. Diverting away to a nearby quarry, Bond dispatches the remaining Quantum agents on the steep trackways of the site, and then safely brings his battered Aston Martin DBS to a safe house in Siena with the captive Mr White still in the trunk of the car.

The opening sequence of ‘Quantum of Solace’ was filmed on location in Italy over 16 days in the spring of 2008. The location of Lake Garda produced numerous challenges, not least because of the long and narrow tunnel that that car chase was filmed in. With only two lanes available in the confined space, absolute precision was required by the stunt team. For the conclusion of the chase, filming moved to a quarry in the Tuscan city of Massa, where vehicles drove at speed on dirt tracks with a 700-foot drop next to them. By the end of filming, 14 specially prepared Aston Martin DBS vehicles had been wrecked to create the final 3 minute long sequence - Q should thing himself lucky!

This stunning model may well be a must for all Bond fans, but represents a significant achievement for our development team, a tooling design intentionally modified to include the missing door, but without rendering the tooling unusable in its usual format. Presented in a luxurious collectors box, the model also features a representation of the damage inflicted on Bond's car during that thrilling opening film sequence, with Bond exacting his revenge by systematically dispatching the lot of them. 

Making for an ideal present for the sophisticated Bond fan in your life, this beautiful model is now only available in limited quantities and may well have been returned to Q Branch by Christmas.

Rockin' all over the World

Although we will all have our own individual musical tastes, there are some times when the only course of action is to turn up the volume and rock out to some real heavy metal, with pounding drums and electric guitars reaching senses that other forms of music can't hope to reach. If you class yourself as a fully paid up 'Metal Head', you probably don't listen to anything else, but can count yourselves amongst an army of fans who are arguably more loyal and more passionate than any other within the world of music.

Accompanying an impressive back catalogue of iconic riffs and melodious tunes we can't help but sing along with (in addition to adding just a touch of enthusiastic air guitar solo work), some of the most successful rock bands also made clever use of visuals and graphics as a way to gather their devoted throngs together, almost like a uniform of the damned, but in a good way. In an attempt to combine the power of metal with the collectability of diecast models, we released a pair of truck models which at this time of year at least, appear to be the Grinch twins when compared to the Santa and his association with the Coca Cola truck. 

Both featuring artwork associated with two of the world's most famous rock bands, the first models in this series were born to raise hell on our display shelves, forcing other models to consider running to the hills. Let's take a closer look at these two diecast rock legends:-

CC55702 Heavy Metal Trucks - Iron Maiden

Attention Iron Maiden fans! Get ready to rock out with the ultimate addition to your collection. Introducing the officially licensed 1:50 scale Iron Maiden die-cast truck from CORGI®. This iconic truck cab and decorated trailer will take your love for the band to the next level. With its incredible attention to detail, this collectible model showcases Iron Maiden's iconic Eddie the Head artwork, paying homage to the band's legendary status in the music world. 

The model features high-quality construction and is built to last, just like the band's timeless music. Whether you're a hardcore fan or a collector, this special edition Iron Maiden die-cast truck is a must-have. It's the perfect way to show your devotion to one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. So crank up the volume and grab your air guitar with this epic piece in your collection - Up the Irons!

CC55701 Heavy Metal Trucks - Motorhead

Alright, gearheads and rock 'n' rollers! Get ready to add some serious horsepower to your collection with the officially licensed Motörhead die-cast truck from Corgi. This 1:50 scale beauty features a truck cab and decorated trailer, complete with the iconic Motörhead logo and artwork that'll have you singing "Ace of Spades" all night long.

Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this limited edition collectible is a must-have for any true Motörhead fan. The rugged design and metal construction ensure that it can handle anything you throw at it, just like Lemmy and the boys.

So whether you're a die-hard fan or just love some badass heavy metal and killer trucks, the Motörhead die-cast truck is the ultimate addition to your collection. Don't wait – get yours today and let the thunder roll!

So there you have it - if you're looking for the perfect diecast gift for your Hellraiser or if you know a Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, Corgi might just have the answer for you this year.

Gifts built to last

Built to withstand the rigours of play, our Chunkies range are idea stocking filler gifts for the most demanding Corgi enthusiasts amongst our numbers.

As we find ourselves at that point in the year when he have to start thinking about the presents we're going to need for a special day which is now less than six weeks’ away, we thought it might be a nice idea to ask a couple of the Corgi team to nominate which models they would love to see waiting for them under the tree this year, just in case we decide to go down the Secret Santa route.

One of the first suggestions offered was a range of models which rarely receive much attention here on Diecast Diaries, but could hardly be more perfect for this time of year. This one was more in relation to an appropriate gift for us to give to younger members of our family, but models which are most definitely designed to stand the test of time. We all know that we wouldn't let inquisitive young minds loose with the latest limited edition model addition to our collections, but we would love to see them playing for hours on end with a range of models designed specifically for them.

Visually appealing and as tough as old boots, our Chunkies range was developed specifically to appeal to the demanding play requirements of the youngest members of the Corgi collecting community, presenting a series of rugged models which will never shy away from a serious playtime session. Featuring diggers, road rollers and a collection of emergency vehicles, these are the subjects of fascination for youngsters and as each model is incredibly well priced for the quality of model available, these make for ideal stocking filler gifts and guarantee hours of fun for the recipient.

With quite a range still to choose from, our Chunkies might even be the beginning of a collector journey for a new generation of Corgi devotees.

Moving on to appealing Aviation Archive models currently in stock, we have one which has a claim to being the most impressive model in the entire range and one which heralds from the dawn of aerial warfare and the introduction of the first dedicated dominator of the sky.

AA27206 Avro Vulcan B2, XM597 'Black Buck 6'

If you were to ask any group of Aviation Archive collectors to nominate the model tooling they felt was the most impressive in the 25 year history of the range, chances are the 1/72nd scale Avro Vulcan would be high amongst their list of suggestions. A model which pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the world of die-cast collectables when it was first released, the sixth release in this series was arguably the one that most collectors had been waiting for, the aircraft which took part in the Black Buck raids of the Falklands War, almost creating an international incident in the process.

With the ‘Black Buck 1’ bombing raid against Port Stanley Airport on the night of 30th April/1st May 1982 showing a watching world that Britain had both the capability and the resolve to mount such an audacious strike attack, Argentinean forces occupying the Falkland Islands knew they about to face a committed enemy and could come under attack at any moment. The ‘Black Buck’ raids required the use of a complex airborne refuelling plan, involving as many as eleven Victor tankers to get a single Vulcan over its intended target and seven such operations would ultimately be planned. 

‘Black Buck 6’ was mounted in an attempt to take out Argentinean anti-aircraft radar installations on the Falkland Islands and would see Avro Vulcan B.2 XM597 equipped with four AGM-45 ‘Shrike’ missiles for the task. Loitering over Stanley Airfield for 40 minutes in an attempt to try and get radar operators to turn on their equipment, two missiles were eventually fired and a Skyguard fire control radar unit destroyed, but with lack of fuel now a major concern, the Vulcan headed back to rendezvous with a waiting Victor tanker over the ocean.

AA28703 Fokker E.III Eindecker, Vfw. Ernst Udet, Germany, March 1916

When we consider the high-tech air superiority fighters which patrol the world's skies so effectively today, it's often hard to believe that the first aircraft in this series of aerial dominators first took to the skies almost 110 years ago, one which whilst still primitive in design was intended to prey on other aircraft.

Having obtained his civilian pilot's licence, future ace Ernst Udet was accepted in the Imperial German Air Service and initially posted to a reconnaissance unit, however, his flying skills were quickly noted by his superiors, who recommended he transfer to a fighter squadron. This transition to fighter pilot would not be without it's incidents and during his first combat engagement whilst flying the Fokker Eindecker, he chose to ignore combat instructions and attack a French aircraft head on. As the two aircraft closed at speed, Udet inexplicably froze, allowing the French airman to seize the opportunity and fire his machine gun at the approaching German aircraft, with a bullet grazing Udet's cheek and shattering his flying goggles. 

Thankfully Udet escaped this frightening encounter relatively unscathed, but resolved to never give his opponent such a chance again and to always fly decisively and aggressively when in combat. It is thought that Udet may have scored his first aerial victory whilst flying Fokker Eindecker E.III 105/15 in March 1916, the aircraft we have modelled here and on landing, was immediately promoted to the rank of Vizefeldwebel. Ernst Udet would quickly demonstrate his flying prowess and made good on the promise he made to himself. With his victory tally standing at 20, he was visited by Manfred von Richthofen who recruited him as the latest member of his celebrated Flying Circus.

Our Great War fighter series is one of the most popular in the entire Aviation Archive range, with the Eindecker being a particular triumph for the Corgi design team. This model is significant for the fabulous way they have managed to replicate the jeweling process applied to the engine cowling, something which gave it a distinctive 'squiggling' appearance.

I for one would love to have another example of this model waiting for me on Christmas morning. 

Return of 'The Cooler King'

When talking about famous movie modes of transport, there can be few that come close to our next subject, one of the most famous motorcycles from one of the most exciting movie sequences ever filmed. No doubt the classic war film 'The Great Escape' will be having another festive airing over the next few weeks and no matter how many times you may have seen it before, the sequence where Hilts, better known as 'The Cooler King', attempts to escape over two tall barbed wire fences using a motorcycle will still have you on the edge of your seat.

Our beautifully crafted 1/12th scale Triumph Trophy motorcycle is a fitting tribute to this iconic movie scene and has been a roaring success following its release earlier in the year. Just in time to make the movie fan in your life extremely happy, we're delighted to confirm that a limited supply of this truly spectacular model has just arrived back in our warehouse and is available once more.

CC08501 The Great Escape - Triumph TR6 Trophy (Weathered)

Based upon true events during the Second World War, ‘The Great Escape’ tells the incredible story of the inmates of the German Prisoner of War camp Stalag Luft III, a maximum-security prison built to contain captured Allied Air Force personnel who had consistently escaped other less secure facilities. Intent on escaping while simultaneously diverting critical German resources away from the frontlines, the POWs audaciously tunnel beneath the fences of the camp towards the forest beyond, and then flee for freedom.

Among the 76 POWs to make it out is Captain Virgil Hilts, otherwise known as ‘The Cooler King’, a frequent escapee who is consistently recaptured and placed in solitary confinement. During the escape, Hilts steals a German army motorcycle and heads for the German-Swiss border, with German soldiers in pursuit. 

He uses the bike to jump one of the barbed wire fences at the border, but is intercepted by the soldiers before he can make his final escape. 73 of the 76 escapees are recaptured, with 50 of them executed on the personal orders of Adolf Hitler. Meanwhile, Hilts is returned to the cooler where he begins to plan another escape.

Among the most iconic motorcycles to ever grace the silver screen, the bike seen in The Great Escape is a modified Triumph Trophy TR6, chosen for its impressive performance and dressed to resemble a period German motorcycle. Production for the film took place on location in Germany, with the motorcycle chase sequences filmed in meadows around the town of Füssen in Bavaria. The famous moment when the motorcycle leaps the barbed wire border fences was performed by stuntman and professional off-road racer Bud Ekins.
 
After filming, the motorcycle was sold to a local farmer who used it to herd livestock, but it later languished in a barn for decades. It was rediscovered by Triumph collector Dick Shepherd, who painstakingly restored the unique bike to its 1962 filming specification with 95% of the original parts retained. In 2017, this legendary Triumph motorcycle was placed on display at the Triumph Factory Visitor Experience in Hinckley, UK.

Please don't delay with this one, as they'll go faster than a Triumph Trophy TR6 with a clear road ahead!

The most famous tank in the world

Our final model selection is a real classic and our scale diecast tribute to unquestionably the most famous tank the world has ever known, The Tank Museum's awesome 'Tiger 131'. As the only genuine running Tiger I tank in the world, this German heavy tank from the Second World War actually has a worldwide following of devoted fans, with many thousands of people making the annual pilgrimage to the Tank Museum just to renew their acquaintance with this spectacular machine. They even have two dedicated shows each year where their 'Tiger Day' allows this armoured behemoth to stretch her legs in public, ensuring a packed public arena on every occasion.

CC60517 Tiger 131, restored and operated by The Tank Museum, Bovington

For a tank which is historically one of the most feared enemy weapons of the Second World War, it can seem a little strange to learn how the world's only running example is now a UK museum exhibit which is held in such affection by huge numbers of people all over the world, that it is simply known by the red identification numbers painted on its turret, ‘Tiger 131’. The Tank Museum’s famous Tiger I, or to give it it's correct title, former Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 504 Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger I, turret number 131, has the distinction of being the first Tiger tank to be captured intact by the Allies during WWII and since it fell into British hands 80 years ago, has become something of an armoured vehicle celebrity, if there could ever be such a thing. 

Once a famous battlefield war prize, this mighty tank has captivated the British public since its arrival in the UK and following its restoration to running order, can always be relied upon to attract huge numbers of people to its Dorset home every time it graces the Tank Museum's impressive display arena. Once Tiger 131 has completed her latest starring role at a Museum event, the arena where it had been standing room only just seconds earlier, becomes strangely deserted, as the crowds accompany this famous Tiger tank back to her Museum display position. 

Corgi diecast models were simply invented to immortalise historic machines like this and Tiger 131 is quite simply a stunning collectors piece. Again, we have just received more stock of this model and it's available on the Corgi website once more, just in time for a certain BIG day and we don't mean Tiger Day!

We know this latest blog was a little different to our usual format, but we hope you enjoyed the change and we hope we managed to include something you would love to find under your own Christmas tree this year.

That's all we have for you this time around, however, we will be back as usual in two weeks' time, with a further selection of model project updates to bring you. 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. 

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Thank you for continuing to support our Die-cast Diaries blog. Our next edition is scheduled for publication on Friday 1st December.

The Corgi Team