New Lightning Exclusive and a Much-Loved Mk.I Escort
Welcome to the 25th edition of Corgi Die-cast Diaries and your latest instalment of news, nostalgia and release updates from the fascinating world of Corgi die-cast model collecting. We think we have something really special for you in this edition of our blog, with a project update many Aviation Archive collectors have been waiting for since the turn of the year – exclusive pictures of the first metal shots from the new 1/48th scale English Electric Lightning F.6 tooling. These are exciting times for us at Corgi HQ and we are delighted to bring these exclusive images to Die-cast Diaries readers before anyone else gets to see them. We also continue our celebration of the Vanguards Classic Motor Vehicles range in its 21st birthday year by launching the first in a major series of features looking at the history of the range, the people behind the models and some of the stories behind significant releases over the past 21 years. We will also be scouring the development desks at Corgi HQ, looking for any interesting pre-production models that may have arrived over the past few weeks, as we end this latest blog in time honoured fashion with our ‘What’s on the desk’ feature. We have exciting news to bring you, so let’s jump straight in.
Take Off for the new Corgi Lightning
Until this point, the profile artwork has been used to illustrate this exciting model
The release of any new Corgi model range is always a time of great excitement amongst die-cast model collectors and the 2017 January to June catalogue was no exception. Launched on 4th January this year, the new range announcement had collectors eagerly checking the Corgi website for details of the latest models and Aviation Archive collectors were delighted to see the inclusion of an exciting new tooling announcement – the English Electric Lightning F.6 in 1/48th scale. The Lightning is without doubt one of the most iconic jet aircraft of the Cold War period, in addition to also being one of the proudest achievements of the British aviation industry and with credentials like these, it is no wonder that the popularity of the aircraft endures to this day. What made this announcement so impactful was the fact that it came as a very pleasant surprise for collectors, who had not been given any prior indication of the project's existence. Indeed, even though the Corgi team had been working on the project for some time, it was a relatively late decision to include the model in the January to June 2017 range – it is proving to be a popular one.
The unmistakable shape of this icon of the Cold War period
The English Electric Lightning has always been a much-loved subject amongst Aviation Archive collectors. The original 1/72nd scale model was released as an F.1A version of the fighter, wearing the colours of an RAF No.56 Squadron ‘Firebirds’ machine back in 2000 and since that date, all subsequent Lightning releases have been amongst the most popular models in their respective catalogue ranges. The original 1/72nd scale tooling was irreversibly modified for the 2009 release of the F.6 variant of the aircraft, meaning that the earlier marks of the Lightning could not be modelled again, unless a decision was taken to re-tool the earlier model, which would be highly unlikely. This also meant that these earlier model releases now took on a new significance, as there were now only a finite number available to die-cast collectors all over the world - those of us lucky enough to have examples in our collections were feeling quite pleased with ourselves.
1/72nd scale Lightning F.6 AA32315 proved to be a sell out release
The success of the Corgi Lightning continued through several F.6 model releases, as it seemed the collector world simply could not get enough of Britain’s most enigmatic supersonic jet fighter. Indeed, the most recent 1/72nd scale Lightning F.6 release (AA32315) which formed part of the January to June 2016 range, was completely sold out at Corgi before it was even released, clearly illustrating the continuing popularity of the aircraft and the affection in which it is held by the model collector. Bearing all this Aviation Archive heritage in mind, it is hardly surprising that the unexpected announcement in January that Corgi intended to release a newly tooled 1/48th scale version of the Lightning F.6 caused something of a stir within the hobby. To this point, we have only been able to bring you profile images and the decoration guide from this exciting project, but we are now in a position to let you see much more – the first metal shots from the new Lightning F.6 tooling.
The first sighting of a future classic
The Corgi development team have been working extremely hard on the new Lightning project, determined to produce the most accurate scale representation of this iconic aircraft yet to appear in die-cast. They will have been extremely eager to see the recent arrival of the first metal shots pre-production sample model from the new tooling, as this will clearly show them how effective their design work has been. We must stress at this point that the exclusive images we are about to show feature the first metal pre-production sample model itself and although it looks absolutely fantastic, there is still much work to be done before the model is ready for release. As we always like to do in Die-cast Diaries, we are bringing you this information much earlier in the development of a new model than was previously the case, so please bear in mind that this is still a working sample.
Selection of images showing the ‘First Shots’ sample model of the new 1/48th scale English Electric Lightning F.6 tooling
This first series of images shows the new 1/48th scale Lightning F.6 as it arrived on the development desk at Corgi HQ and doesn’t she look fantastic. Incorporating some of the additional parts that will form part of this impressive release, the arrival of this model will allow the Corgi development team to assess every aspect of the new model, from the shape and dimensions, to the major component fit and panel detail. Although the team will already have noted some areas that will require further attention, this is clearly an impressive starting point and one which will have anyone who has been sitting on the fence to this point, diving for that pre-order button – it is a beauty.
Aviation Archive collectors will be pleased to hear that the new Lightning is certainly an impressive piece of die-cast. Not only does it beautifully portray the unmistakable lines of the English Electric Lightning F.6, but it can also boast a significant metal content and some highly detailed optional components. We were fortunate to be allowed access to this first sample model so we could take a few pictures for our readers, before it was passed back to the development team. Although they still have a lot of work to do on the Lightning project, we wanted to document the model in this very early incarnation and allow you to share in our excitement.
The following images show the ‘First Shots’ model after it had been sprayed grey to assist with tooling evaluation
The next image selection shows the sample after it had been given a coat of light grey paint, which further assists the development team as they begin the painstaking process of checking every aspect of the new model. This helps to highlight any fit issues that will need to be addressed before the model can advance any further, but also helps to further highlight just how impressive their work has been to this point. By now, they will have compiled an exhaustive report on the model and may require modification to the tooling before they receive any further sample models.
The pictures that most Aviation Archive collectors will have been waiting to see – the new 1/48th scale Lightning compared to the existing 1/72nd scale model
The final selection of images will be of huge interest to Aviation Archive collectors all over the world and show the size of the new model in relation to its earlier 1/72nd scale counterpart. If the original die-cast version of this iconic British aircraft was one of the most popular models in the history of our hobby, then this new, larger example is surely destined to follow suit. Already looking spectacular, the new 1/48th scale Lightning will make a fitting centrepiece to any collection of die-cast model aircraft, whilst at the same time helping to commemorate one of the most significant aircraft ever produced by the British aviation industry. This coming June will mark the fifty-second anniversary of the first flight of the English Electric Lightning F.6 and this magnificent new model will ensure that this Cold War warrior continues to captivate thousands of aviation and modelling enthusiasts.
We look forward to bringing you further updates on this exciting project as it moves towards its highly anticipated release date. The Corgi website will update collectors with the scheduled release date as the latest information becomes available, so this is always a good place to check for updates – it also currently has unallocated models available for pre-order, although this situation may change in the very near future. We hope that you have enjoyed seeing these exclusive Lightning model pictures and remember that Die-cast Diaries readers saw them first!
Vanguards 21 – And they’re off!
Collectors of die-cast model vehicles will be only too aware that 2017 marks the 21st birthday of the Vanguards range of scale classic motor vehicles and some of the most popular models in the hobby. We are extremely proud of this range and the place these beautiful models occupy in the history of die-cast collecting. To celebrate this auspicious occasion, Die-cast Diaries will be running a series of Vanguards related features throughout the remainder of the year. We will be looking at the history behind the Vanguards range, some of the significant model releases from the past 21 years and we will be looking forward to the future of these much loved die-cast vehicles. We will also be looking at some of the experts who have been the driving force behind these models over the years and how their knowledge and passion for classic motor vehicles has certainly benefitted the Vanguards range.
We are pleased to begin this series of features by looking at perhaps the most significant expert in the history of the Vanguards range and how he has helped to shape both the models and their identity over the past 21 years. We have been lucky enough to spend some time with Vanguards researcher and designer Mark Pinnegar recently and he has given us a fascinating insight into the history of these models and his involvement with them. Over the course of the next few editions of Die-cast Diaries, Mark will help to guide us through the history of the Vanguards range, his involvement with the models and his credentials in helping to establish this brand and the models it produces. We will also see how he does not restrict himself to working on scale models alone and his work can be seen on racetracks all over Europe. Of particular interest to die-cast collectors, we will be featuring some of the most significant Vanguards models he has helped to produce over the past 21 years.
When working on a feature about Vanguards die-cast model vehicles with the man who is inextricably linked with this range, there really is only one place to start – to ask him if he has a favourite model. Mark Pinnegar has been involved in helping to produce hundreds of model releases, so we expected this to be quite a difficult question to answer, but without too much hesitation, a smile quickly spread across his face and he searched for a file on his computer. He went on to explain that collectors and enthusiasts can be guilty of changing their current favourite model like they change their socks and even though he has worked on many Vanguards releases that have been important to him, there really can only be one favourite for him – his own car!
Deco guide for Mark’s Ford Escort Mk.I in Le Mans Green
The release of the Ford Escort Mk.I tooling in around 2002 introduced this classic car to the Vanguards range and offered Mark an opportunity that was just too good to miss. Around three years earlier, one of his friends who knew he was into cars told him of an old Ford Escort that a chap he knew was looking to get rid of. It had fallen into disrepair and despite intending to bring the car back to roadworthy condition at some point, the owner had left it sitting in his garage for ten years and just wanted rid of it. Further discussions revealed that the car was finished in Le Mans green and Mark was desperate to get hold of it. A deal was quickly done and the following week, the car was transported to a friend’s garage, where Mark stripped it down to a bare shell and prepared it for respray.
The Escort looked fantastic in its new Le Mans green paint finish and Mark planned to restore the car to roadworthy condition and travel the streets of North London in style. Unfortunately, work, life and three house moves forced him to shelve his ambitions for the project and it has remained in storage for the past few years, with jobs being done on a much more ad-hoc basis. This did not prevent Mark from suggesting his Escort for possible die-cast immortality and inclusion in the Vanguards model range – perhaps this was intended to spur him on with the daunting task of undertaking the restoration. Taking its place in the July-December 2005 Vanguards range, VA09505 was a limited edition release of Mark’s handsome Ford Escort Mk.I and proved to be extremely popular with collectors. Thankfully, Mark managed to secure a couple of examples, as this model, like so many Vanguards releases, sold out in no time and is now incredibly difficult to get hold of.
Fantastic picture showing some of Mark’s research material with both the pre-production and production Ford Escort Mk.1
Boxed production model of Mark’s pride and joy
It was fascinating to discuss this particular model project with Mark, especially as it has such special meaning for him. As you can see from the images above, Mark kindly allowed us to have access to the decoration guide for this release and showed us some of the research materials he used whilst conducting his research. These included original examples of a Ford paint reference guide from the late 1960s / early 70s and a Ford Escort model brochure from the same period. We were also allowed access to Mark’s extensive model collection, to take some fantastic pictures of these genuine Ford research materials with both the hand painted pre-production sample and the final release model of Mark’s Escort Mk.I in Le Mans Green. Although this release is particularly interesting, it would be fair to say that there will be some fascinating stories behind many of the Vanguards model releases and we hope to discover some more in future editions of Die-cast Diaries.
We can’t leave this story with Mark’s Escort languishing in a lock-up unit somewhere, having seen the beautiful 1/43rd scale model that took its inspiration from it, can we? When Mark had the opportunity to professionally inspect the condition of the car, he saw the real size of the task and over the past few years, he has been doing some of the dirty and less rewarding work needed to bring the car back to its former glory. This involved dealing with lots of rust, shaping and fitting new sheet metal panels and welding areas that needed attention. Major components such as the engine, gearbox and interior fittings were removed and are in the process of, or have already been rebuilt or restored. Mark has also been searching for as many genuine components as he can, so even though he has not been in a position to devote much time to the restoration, he does think he is close to owning all the many parts he is going to need to complete the job.
It was interesting to see all this Vanguards history laid out before us
The production release of Mark’s Ford Escort Mk.1 VA09505
Importantly, he already knows which specialist companies will be helping him to return this car to its former glory and it is now just a matter of finding the time and significant financial outlay to make his dream a reality. With just 27,000 miles on the clock (although he thinks it may have already gone around once), he has absolutely no intention of selling his pride and joy. When the restoration work is eventually completed (which he thinks may take between two and three years), he will simply enjoy driving this beautiful car around the streets of north London, accepting the admiring glances of people as he goes. He will also consider exhibiting the vehicle at shows and events within a sensible distance from his home and when that day comes, Die-cast Diaries will hopefully be there to mark the next chapter in this interesting story.
In the next instalment of our Vanguards 21 feature, Mark will be guiding us through the History of the Vanguards model range and helping to tell the story of how these impressive little models were unleashed on the die-cast collector market.
What’s on the desk? – Doolittle style
Profile artwork of the forthcoming Doolittle B-25B Mitchell AA35313
We cannot end this latest edition of Die-cast Diaries without a quick look for pre-production sample models on the desk of the Corgi development team and although pickings are a little slim at the moment, we do have a little beauty to show you. 18th April 2017 marked the 75th Anniversary of one of the most daring raids of the Second World War and one that demonstrated America’s resolve to avenge the callous Japanese attack against the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. Known as the ‘Doolittle Raid’, the plan called for sixteen modified USAAF B-25B Mitchell bombers and their crews to fly a perilous one-way mission to bomb targets on mainland Japan and despite the ultimate safety of the crews being in some jeopardy, there was no shortage of volunteers. Crammed together on the relatively small deck of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet, these large aircraft were not designed to be operated at sea and all the crews would be taking off from a carrier for the first time when embarking on their mission. Just as the UK reveres the pilots of the Battle of Britain, America are in awe of the heroic actions of the men who took part in the famous Doolittle Raid and see this as one of their finest hours.
Pre-production Doolittle Raider on the desk at Corgi HQ
This latest Aviation Archive Mitchell release (AA35313) marks one of the sixteen North American B-25B Mitchells that took part in the heroic raid of 18th April 1942, which proved to be a huge morale boost for the American people, but saw all but one of the machines destroyed in the process. The crew of 40-2249 ‘Hari Kari-er’ were assigned to bomb targets in Yokohama, but on reaching the Japanese mainland, the bomber inadvertently flew over an active Japanese air base and almost immediately came under attack. Whilst pilot Capt. C. Ross Greening prepared for his bombing run, his gunner shot down one enemy fighter and damaged a second, before firing on any targets of opportunity he could see. With the bombs dropped on a large oil refinery and storage area, the aircraft set course for China, fearful of further enemy attack. Unable to locate their assigned airfield, the crew bailed out of their aircraft some 200 miles inland of the coast and despite sustaining a few minor injuries, all managed to land safely. Their B-25 ‘Hari Kari-er’ flew on unmanned for a while, before crashing in to mountains near Chuchow, China.
World of die-cast delights. Pre-production sample models on the development desks at Corgi
The North American B-25 Mitchell has long been considered by many Aviation Archive collectors as one of the most accomplished toolings in the range and this is not the first time that a ‘Doolittle Raider’ has appeared in a Corgi catalogue range. Previous release AA35302 presented die-cast collectors with the lead aircraft from the raid (40-2344) which was flown by Jimmy Doolittle himself and was the first aircraft to lift off the deck of USS Hornet. Released back in 2005, this was followed by a second Doolittle Raider in 2013, when 40-2261 ‘Ruptured Duck’ was introduced to the range and again proved to be an extremely popular release with the collector. Although we will soon have three Corgi 1/72nd scale B-25B Doolittle Mitchells to collect, it may be a little while yet before we can hope to display them on a 1/72nd scale representation of USS Hornet! North American B-25B Mitchell ‘Hari Kari-er’ (AA35313) is scheduled for a June release, so we will not have too long to wait to get our hands on this latest Doolittle Raider – please keep checking the Corgi website for all the very latest release information.
That’s all we have for you in this latest edition of Die-cast Diaries, but we sincerely hope we managed to include something that was of interest to you. In support of our major Vanguards 21 feature, if you have any model or vehicle related information you would like to share with fellow Die-cast Diaries readers, please don’t hesitate to send it to us. Please do drop us a line at diecastdiaries@hornby.com with your pictures and collector stories and you may just find yourself (and your model collection) featured in a future edition of Die-cast Diaries.
By now, you will know that we are always keen to hear your views on our Die-cast Diaries blog and any ideas you may have for future model related content. There are a number of ways you can get a message to us - as well as our dedicated Diecastdiaries@hornby.com e-mail address, we also have our Die-Cast Diaries Forum and our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter using #CorgiDiecastDiaries. Please do join in with all the discussions, better still why not start your own Corgi related thread?
Until the next edition of Die-cast Diaries, thank you very much for reading our latest blog and for continuing to collect Corgi die-cast models.
The Corgi Team
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