Firstly...NICE BRISTOL! Is that a 410? I hope to see that in 1/43 one day...albeit not in this partwork. As for your Merc, the door handle is a seperate piece and I think you should be able to get it into the correct position with tweezers. Make sure you've got a rubber coating over the tips so as not to damage the part itself, and I think you'll be fine. By the way, awesome closeup. I really, really like the job they did not only on the tires, but I'm impressed that they added the Italian-market-only side repeater lights. That definitely helps lend an air of believeability to this particular car. Can you do a closeup like that for the Savoy? You're a good photographer and I'm not just saying that!
I'll be ordering two of them as well! I can hardly wait for this one to arrive! A masterpiece of a car! Thanks for the pics Dokk, both those that you've posted and those forthcoming! {[]
I got Issue 100 today (CR Crown Victoria) - amusingly it still had the notice to British subscribers inside re. switching to 4-week deliveries and how that Issue 101 would be available from 1st December ... I wonder how many calls the local distributor will get from those not in the know asking why 4 months to next issue and not 4 weeks!
I am pleased to hear that Issue 124 is going to be the "rennacar" ... this would be modelled as before it hits the Ford van, no doubt )
Going back a month or so the new Corgi 1/36 Aston Martin DB5 for Skyfall was discussed here. This was originally noted as "New Tooling" when the July-December catalogue was announced by Corgi. I received the July copy of Corgi Collector this weekend (which was probably available in the UK about 4 weeks ago) and it has a section on this model. The model is now noted as "Modified Tooling" and a write-up explains how it has been adapted from the no-gadgets CR version released some years back ... which (basically) amounts to a new dashboard for RHD and a new bumper for the GB/Euro-style licence plate. It's a bit disappointing, given that it's the 50th anniversary of the EON films this year. One wonders whether it's a case of Corgi no longer seeing Bond models as the money spinner they once were, or do they not have the resources to invest in new tooling to exploit this market?
Going back a month or so the new Corgi 1/36 Aston Martin DB5 for Skyfall was discussed here. This was originally noted as "New Tooling" when the July-December catalogue was announced by Corgi. I received the July copy of Corgi Collector this weekend (which was probably available in the UK about 4 weeks ago) and it has a section on this model. The model is now noted as "Modified Tooling" and a write-up explains how it has been adapted from the no-gadgets CR version released some years back ... which (basically) amounts to a new dashboard for RHD and a new bumper for the GB/Euro-style licence plate. It's a bit disappointing, given that it's the 50th anniversary of the EON films this year. One wonders whether it's a case of Corgi no longer seeing Bond models as the money spinner they once were, or do they not have the resources to invest in new tooling to exploit this market?
I don't understand Corgi's thinking on this one. When you consider the terrific quality of the Corgi Vanguards range, it's obvious they could easily produce a superb range of 1.43 Bond vehicles on a par with Minichamps, if not better, if they wanted to. And, it appears that they could add Daniel Craig figures, since their SF DB5 has a figure. So why tidy up the 1.36 JB cars which are essentially toys rather than models? My guess is that they have been so obsessed with creating merchandise related to a certain sports event happening in London, that Skyfall/50 years of Bond didn't get much of a look-in. The silly thing is that there will be tons of unsold O*****cs stuff left over for months to come, but I bet a well presented 'Vanguards' style Corgi 1.43 Skyfall DB5 would have been a sell-out.
I too was disappointed and could not believe that the Skyfall DB5 would be the only offering from Corgi for the 50th anniversary. But take a look at Corgi's website: They have the Daniel Craig Era set on sale for £9.99, reduced from already low £17.49 (they were about £35 when released in 2009). This was a limited edition of 3,000 pieces, and after three years they could not sell 3,000 of these sets to Corgi/James Bond/movie car collectors worldwide ... Yes, the cars are 1/36 and have also been available separately, but still: 3,000 of these quite attractive sets just did not sell. Not for £35, not for £17.49.
Even more alarming for Corgi: not even the 300 pieces of the CR First Shot DB5/DBS set are completely gone from the market. You can still pick them up for far less then the 2006 MSRP (which was a hefty £350). But there are not even 300 Corgi collectors out there who have bought one of these sets?
I really doubt that a 1/43 Skyfall DB5 "collector's model" from Corgi Vanguards would be a better seller than a Skyfall DB5 "toy" from Corgi. Just look at Minichamps: They have cancelled the Living Daylights Vantage coupe (planned for years) and have not announced a Skyfall DB5. Seems that the Bond cars aren't the huge sellers we would like them to be. The other Minichamps Bond cars are all sold out from the factory but most are still available from dealers.
Maybe we won't see any new Bond model cars at all for some time as the cheap JBCC models will be easily available (Ebay, toy shows, swapmeets) in the next couple of years.
I think there are quite a few reasons why Corgi and Minichamps are having trouble selling Bond cars. First of all, JBCC just flooded the market with very cheap models, some of which are of quite a high quality. So, as a result, many collectors decided to buy those rather than the ridiculously overpriced Minichamps or the far less detailed Corgi (not to mention the dioramas, which both Corgi and Minichamps lack). If you make your models in China, you should not price them as if they were still made in Europe. Secondly, cars in the Craig era play a much less important role than previously. While it used to be about the gadgets, chase scenes and visual appeal, now it is all about product placement. I don’t mind paying for a nice DB5 model, but with the Craig era cars I feel like I should be given models for free. Finally, the economic situation in Europe, USA, and many other parts of the world means that we all think twice before we buy something, and even then we look for a bargain before we pay.
below is a copy of an email sent to jbcc
i have just received two broken cars nos 122 and 123 the post box is undamaged so it looks like the car where packed like this.
Also cars nos 117/118/121/122 & 123 have all got the diorama inside background card that is too big for inside of the box and so the card is wrapt and do not sit flush with the inside.
I hope this make sense
eeerr... maybe ive missed something... forgive me if i have, but why is the issue 123 mag designed around the FYEO Merc and then inside is completley about the motorcycles? Been here since day one and i cant recall seeing ths happen before with any other issues. Also my Savoy arrived with the windows/roof section detatched from the car. First time in 123 deliveries ive had a problem. Managed to recover it though.
With regard to Corgi, I'm betting they're very unlikely to switch from 1/36 scale because it would put them into competition with Minichamps and the JBCC. Remember, 1/43 scale is basically by its nature the scale that attracts "small" model car collectors (with 1/18 being "big" and 1/24 being "medium", plus I guess you could get 1/87 in there as "tiny"). In other words, Corgi, I think, is trying to play to an exclusively Bond market, both Car-Centrics AND Bond-Centrics who like their cars in 1/43 be darned. The problem is that with ZERO cross-over appeal and limited upgrades, as RW and Jag pointed out, you're not going to sell anything.
I really doubt that a 1/43 Skyfall DB5 "collector's model" from Corgi Vanguards would be a better seller than a Skyfall DB5 "toy" from Corgi.
I'm inclined to quibble slightly, albeit not disagree with your central point. I think it would sell better in 1/43, but 1) still nowhere near well enough to prompt a switch and 2) Corgi has no motive to switch to 1/43 due to the already-flagging Minichamps competition plus the several JBCC DB5's.
On the other hand, you hit the nail dead center on the head with this statement...
Maybe we won't see any new Bond model cars at all for some time as the cheap JBCC models will be easily available (Ebay, toy shows, swapmeets) in the next couple of years.
Not only am inclined to agree (and Jag restates this and I agree with him, as well), but the far-reaching scope of the collection (i.e. doing practically every car that appeared in a Bond film) essentially kills off PMA/Minichamps competition, as well. Assuming the collection actually does end at 135 (I know it may not, but bear with me for a moment) if you wanted a car, then the only really significant one that was a likely candidate to be made at any time in 1/43 scale was the OHMSS Rolls-Royce, which for all we know, Ixo could simply release in the film colors even if Eaglemoss says "enough" at 135. Would we have seen Corgi (and probably Minichamps) making some of the Skyfall cars...including a DB5...had the collection ended at 110? I think we would have, given that there would have been no chance for SF models to have been made. But, since Eaglemoss confirmed a SF DB5, I think that basically settles that.
Secondly, cars in the Craig era play a much less important role than previously. While it used to be about the gadgets, chase scenes and visual appeal, now it is all about product placement. I don’t mind paying for a nice DB5 model, but with the Craig era cars I feel like I should be given models for free. Finally, the economic situation in Europe, USA, and many other parts of the world means that we all think twice before we buy something, and even then we look for a bargain before we pay.
Jag makes one very good point here about the changing nature of the roles of cars in Bond films, but that could always swing back and some of the Car-Centrics (myself not included, believe it or not) would like come back with "well, a reduced automotive role in SF means you just make more cars with less significant roles in the film".
On the other hand Jag, your point about the economic situation is basically irrefutable. Other companies with unrelated lines are cutting models and/or model development to stay in business and are also basically making what they think will sell (especially models starting to show up to fill niches or "off the beaten path). I was a bit surprised to see that for PremiumX Diecast, instead of the expected mixture of recycled Bond moulds (that literally already have "PRDXXX" numbers assigned to them like the Ford Country Squire), we're seeing things like a 1954 Pontiac Chieftain (being a mid-1950's sedan with four doors, that's going to fly off the shelves), the firm's second Brazilian model with the introduction of the 1976 Chevrolet Opala SS, and indeed the firm's first explicitly South African vehicle (you paying attention, FACT?) with the Mercedes-Benz 180D Bakkie with Binz truckbed (the grey one with 1950's Durban plates, the white one with current day Gingindlovu plates, so you've got your choice of original vs. restored). Face it: do you really think Ixo would go THIS far out of its way to introduce new models/bump them up in a far better economy?
If you make your models in China, you should not price them as if they were still made in Europe.
This is the only thing I'm going to disagree with you on, Jag. Almost every model car in every scale that isn't a custom build or made by a comparatively-small firm is made in China (Brooklin being a notable exception since I do consider them a large mkanufacturer in spite of their products, but then, Corgi isn't asking THAT much). The way I might put it "since Corgi is now making its models in China, it has to make the prices competitive as opposed to what they got away with charging several years ago by saying their prices were justified because their cars were still made in the UK". PMA/Minichamps has actually almost always made its models in China (the reorganization of Danhausen into PMA/Minichamps was basically done for that purpose) and still gotten away with its high pricing, for better or worse. Also, while it nearly sunk Schuco regarding a move from Germany to China, that has much more to do with the actual quality control on the models, which has been sinking the past two or three years, than where they're made. Corgi is keeping good quality control, so I would say at least for now that they're unlikely to turn into Schuco. However, I do agree that they are at least out of touch with current market pricing.
Also cars nos 117/118/121/122 & 123 have all got the diorama inside background card that is too big for inside of the box and so the card is wrapt and do not sit flush with the inside.
Unfortunately, they're all like that, I think, if you mean ill-fitting cardboard inserts.
why is the issue 123 mag designed around the FYEO Merc and then inside is completley about the motorcycles?
Probably because they did what amounted to the exact same model with RHD and a regular gasoline engine vs. a diesel engine when they did the TMWTGG Mercedes-Benz 220 (W115) just ten issues earlier.
why is the issue 123 mag designed around the FYEO Merc and then inside is completley about the motorcycles?
Probably because they did what amounted to the exact same model with RHD and a regular gasoline engine vs. a diesel engine when they did the TMWTGG Mercedes-Benz 220 (W115) just ten issues earlier.
Exactly. Anyone remembers the 2 Silver Shadows?
Anyway I for one am very excited to see the Bel Air coming, a car that I've been asking for cince the collection starter, purely because of it's looks.
I really doubt that a 1/43 Skyfall DB5 "collector's model" from Corgi Vanguards would be a better seller than a Skyfall DB5 "toy" from Corgi.
I'm afraid I have to disagree there. The problem with Corgi's 1.36 offerings is that they don't know what they want to be - toys or models. When they were first introduced they were clearly toys and marketed as such, especially the DB5 - a chunky durable version of the smaller original with fewer small parts. I bought one for my own young son at the time, as a toy to knock hell out of. Then Corgi started tidying them up with a few extra cosmetic details and passing them off as collectors pieces until they re-introduced the second 1.43 1968 type again as an additional offering. Then they brought in some 1.43 'toy' like CR models too. The whole 'Bond' marketing strategy was, and is, a mess and I believe that's why they have disappointing sales. Collectors like to see consistency in what they collect, not dual scales, random levels of finish and all sorts of different packaging all from the same company. And they certainly don't like feeling they've been fobbed off - there's been many complaints about Corgi's classic Mini range, where they have dressed up a toy based on a late model Mini with detailed liveries (often applicable to an earlier vehicle) Is it meant to be a toy or a model? - because it doesn't seem to be one or the other. Obviously the Minichamps Bond range were far more coherent in how they were conceived and marketed - clearly collectors' models, same scale, same design criteria, same packaging, no messing. But too expensive for many people. And that's where the JBCC scored, by making the series a clear, consistent overall concept for not a lot of money at £8 each.
I believe if Corgi drew a line under their mish-mash of Bond vehicles and handed the whole thing over to their 'Vanguards' dept it would probably do very well in the same way that's been mentioned in terms of IXO. We might see a highly detailed Bond DB5 presented like the current 'Ashes to Ashes' Quattro, alongside non-Bond DB5s in other colours introduced into their regular model car range. Equally Corgi could do the same thing with many other Bond vehicles - a highly detailed Bond Mach One in red plus several other colours in the regular range for instance.
I'm not saying they should try to compete with, or emulate the JBCC, that would be pointless, but they could produce some very nice 'Bond versions' based on cars introduced into their regular range. In other words introduce the high profiles (DB5, Lotuses, Mustangs etc) into the Vanguards/Corgi 1.43 cars range then do supplementary Bond versions of them.
IMHO a 'Skyfall' 1.43 model DB5 presented like this would have been superb:
I guess, for perhaps the first time, I represent the "center" here. On the one hand, MCF makes great points about how well a 1/43 DB5 would do in the hands of Corgi Vanguards, design-wise, and that it would definitely be an improvement in terms of sales over the 1/36 scale model. As a matter of fact, those advocating for 1/72 scale airplanes and I know we had people advocating 1/500 scale ships a while back, would be wise to read this part right here...
The whole 'Bond' marketing strategy was, and is, a mess and I believe that's why they have disappointing sales. Collectors like to see consistency in what they collect, not dual scales, random levels of finish and all sorts of different packaging all from the same company.
...and that's exactly what you'd get, btw, if you started radically changing around scales with the JBCC (and for that matter, we did get it with the Bondola).
On the other hand, I also think RW and Jag make some terrific points on why I don't see a switch being particularly profitable at this time (Jag's points about the economy) or for that matter all that likely due to the poor sales of PMA/Minichamps and the flood of JBCC DB5's that we've gotten, including a confirmed Skyfall model.
Right now, I'm leaning toward RW and Jag's arguments for the simple reason that Corgi is undoubtedly watching PMA/Minichamps. Yes, I know, Corgi obviously wouldn't charge as much as PMA/Minichamps, but the one car that you WOULD expect to sell well, the Minichamps GF DB5 with working gadgets, isn't even selling that great (and it's one of my favorite 1/43 scale cars that I'm not going to rake over the coals any time soon). I'm not sure what you blame that on, other than perhaps PMA/Minichamps' pricing policies or, alternately, the economy, something which Jag raises a heck of a point about. It's a great "toy for model car collectors" and one of the very few model cars I actually play around with (I'll rotate the number plates each day, for example). But if something as good and frankly as action-packed as that isn't selling and you can get a dirt-cheap JBCC DB5 (especially Issue 1) to do everything from keep intact to Code 3 to just take off the diorama base, then basically, why bother retooling?
Yes I do (strongly) agree with you, MCF, that it would sell better in 1/43 scale. Your point about uniformity alone, I think, trumps the "it wouldn't sell better" argument; likewise, 1/36 scale kills crossover appeal (something I addressed above, but now I'll get back to it as it applies to Corgi). If anyone doesn't believe this, just look at some of Corgi's other film releases in 1/36 scale that have lost huge amounts of value (the Bullitt Mustang comes immediately to mind), yet others in 1/43 that have actually gained quite a bit of value (the 1974 Dodge Monaco former Mt. Prospect, IL police car from The Blues Brothers is an example; the figures are 1/36, but the car is 1/43).
But the real question, which Jag basically raises when he talks about the economy, is "do the ends justify the means?" In this case: "will a 1/43 scale Corgi DB5 be profitable enough to actually create new moulds?" And unfortunately, I think the answer is no. As long as Corgi keeps its MSR as over double that of the JBCC model and quite frankly just below that of used as new or opened but not worn at all PMA/Minichamps CR DB5's you can buy off eBay, they're not going to sell enough, I don't think. It's feasible IF they totally overhaul their marketing strategy with regards to MSR, create new moulds, and add more interior detail, but I just don't see them doing that for a myriad of reasons: start-up costs for the new moulds and PMA/Minichamps' lack of generating significant profits EVEN on the secondary market with a nearly identical model being the two biggies.
A thought that occured to me as I took a picture of it this morning: Back in the 200's I think corgi made the "James bond collection 007" series, 6 vehicles re-done with a scale figure. out the top of my head being:
Moonbuggy and Connery white tux
BELL 206b helicopter and Naomi
Lotus Esprit and Jaws
Toyota 2000 GT and Blofeld
Citroën 2CV6 and Moore black tux
Aston Martin DB5 and Oddjob, Corgi Ref.Nr.04201
The last one being 1/43, and very mutch the same as the classic Corgi 261 model. Re-releasing that one could sell really well, as it's a great model for the people who had the original back in the Goldfinger days and for "new" collectors who missed out the oddjob-packaged one. I don't know if they still have the mould, but if they have, it might just be the little gold-mine the original has proven to be, with mint-boxed ones going well over €150,-
I was really thinking of the whole thing from the other way round. Corgi might think "Let's have four Ford Mustang Mach Ones in our 1.43 cars range - yellow, white, blue, and oh, a red one that can be packaged up as a James Bond 'Diamonds' version". Equally, "Let's have some plain DB5s in red, blue, black, racing versions and a silver one that can double up as a Bond version" The same thinking as the Quattro - it's an ordinary car that Corgi is going to produce in various stock colours/racing liveries but a red one has been packaged up as an 'Ashes to Ashes' version. This is putting the ordinary cars range first, then merely packaging one of them up as a movie related car. In terms of the DB5, it depends how well a range of non-Bond versions would sell obviously, but it would be a much safer way of producing movie specials that are just ordinary cars. If the Bond version doesn't do so well saleswise, the other colour/racing versions might make up for it.
A new detailed James Bond range could be supplemented very easily too, Corgi have a very good Vanguards Triumph Stag - what's to stop them releasing it as the Diamonds version in amongst all the other colour variants? There would be no retooling necessary, just Bond packaging. And if they got into releasing a Bond range this way, there's the OHMSS Escort too, that we haven't seen. Minimal work to the model, mostly just a bit of special packaging. Then there's the Alpine, the Velox, the Hillman, the Anglia....
Since Corgi/Hornby have something very special in the Vanguards side of the company, it seems crazy not to let them have a go at producing some very special Bond cars.
I was really thinking of the whole thing from the other way round. Corgi might think "Let's have four Ford Mustang Mach Ones in our 1.43 cars range - yellow, white, blue, and oh, a red one that can be packaged up as a James Bond 'Diamonds' version". Equally, "Let's have some plain DB5s in red, blue, black, racing versions and a silver one that can double up as a Bond version" The same thinking as the Quattro - it's an ordinary car that Corgi is going to produce in various stock colours/racing liveries but a red one has been packaged up as an 'Ashes to Ashes' version. This is putting the ordinary cars range first, then merely packaging one of them up as a movie related car. In terms of the DB5, it depends how well a range of non-Bond versions would sell obviously, but it would be a much safer way of producing movie specials that are just ordinary cars. If the Bond version doesn't do so well saleswise, the other colour/racing versions might make up for it.
A new detailed James Bond range could be supplemented very easily too, Corgi have a very good Vanguards Triumph Stag - what's to stop them releasing it as the Diamonds version in amongst all the other colour variants? There would be no retooling necessary, just Bond packaging. And if they got into releasing a Bond range this way, there's the OHMSS Escort too, that we haven't seen. Minimal work to the model, mostly just a bit of special packaging. Then there's the Alpine, the Velox, the Hillman, the Anglia....
Since Corgi/Hornby have something very special in the Vanguards side of the company, it seems crazy not to let them have a go at producing some very special Bond cars.
Cararama had a few different colours on either a DB5 or DB4 model in blue, grey and black a few years ago.
Just to add to my last post, and taking things a little further, I wonder how well Corgi's 1.43 car range would be doing right now with some different coloured '58 Plymouths in the fold - especially with a 'Christine' two door version in red and white?
Comments
Has a 1.43 scale car thief been having a go at it? 8-)
Ditto. Thanks for posting the great photos Dokk {[]
No Probs ..will do as I get each car. -{ :007)
I am pleased to hear that Issue 124 is going to be the "rennacar" ... this would be modelled as before it hits the Ford van, no doubt
Going back a month or so the new Corgi 1/36 Aston Martin DB5 for Skyfall was discussed here. This was originally noted as "New Tooling" when the July-December catalogue was announced by Corgi. I received the July copy of Corgi Collector this weekend (which was probably available in the UK about 4 weeks ago) and it has a section on this model. The model is now noted as "Modified Tooling" and a write-up explains how it has been adapted from the no-gadgets CR version released some years back ... which (basically) amounts to a new dashboard for RHD and a new bumper for the GB/Euro-style licence plate. It's a bit disappointing, given that it's the 50th anniversary of the EON films this year. One wonders whether it's a case of Corgi no longer seeing Bond models as the money spinner they once were, or do they not have the resources to invest in new tooling to exploit this market?
I don't understand Corgi's thinking on this one. When you consider the terrific quality of the Corgi Vanguards range, it's obvious they could easily produce a superb range of 1.43 Bond vehicles on a par with Minichamps, if not better, if they wanted to. And, it appears that they could add Daniel Craig figures, since their SF DB5 has a figure. So why tidy up the 1.36 JB cars which are essentially toys rather than models? My guess is that they have been so obsessed with creating merchandise related to a certain sports event happening in London, that Skyfall/50 years of Bond didn't get much of a look-in. The silly thing is that there will be tons of unsold O*****cs stuff left over for months to come, but I bet a well presented 'Vanguards' style Corgi 1.43 Skyfall DB5 would have been a sell-out.
Even more alarming for Corgi: not even the 300 pieces of the CR First Shot DB5/DBS set are completely gone from the market. You can still pick them up for far less then the 2006 MSRP (which was a hefty £350). But there are not even 300 Corgi collectors out there who have bought one of these sets?
I really doubt that a 1/43 Skyfall DB5 "collector's model" from Corgi Vanguards would be a better seller than a Skyfall DB5 "toy" from Corgi. Just look at Minichamps: They have cancelled the Living Daylights Vantage coupe (planned for years) and have not announced a Skyfall DB5. Seems that the Bond cars aren't the huge sellers we would like them to be. The other Minichamps Bond cars are all sold out from the factory but most are still available from dealers.
Maybe we won't see any new Bond model cars at all for some time as the cheap JBCC models will be easily available (Ebay, toy shows, swapmeets) in the next couple of years.
i have just received two broken cars nos 122 and 123 the post box is undamaged so it looks like the car where packed like this.
Also cars nos 117/118/121/122 & 123 have all got the diorama inside background card that is too big for inside of the box and so the card is wrapt and do not sit flush with the inside.
I hope this make sense
Really not that bothered, but just wondered.
I'm inclined to quibble slightly, albeit not disagree with your central point. I think it would sell better in 1/43, but 1) still nowhere near well enough to prompt a switch and 2) Corgi has no motive to switch to 1/43 due to the already-flagging Minichamps competition plus the several JBCC DB5's.
On the other hand, you hit the nail dead center on the head with this statement...
Not only am inclined to agree (and Jag restates this and I agree with him, as well), but the far-reaching scope of the collection (i.e. doing practically every car that appeared in a Bond film) essentially kills off PMA/Minichamps competition, as well. Assuming the collection actually does end at 135 (I know it may not, but bear with me for a moment) if you wanted a car, then the only really significant one that was a likely candidate to be made at any time in 1/43 scale was the OHMSS Rolls-Royce, which for all we know, Ixo could simply release in the film colors even if Eaglemoss says "enough" at 135. Would we have seen Corgi (and probably Minichamps) making some of the Skyfall cars...including a DB5...had the collection ended at 110? I think we would have, given that there would have been no chance for SF models to have been made. But, since Eaglemoss confirmed a SF DB5, I think that basically settles that.
Jag makes one very good point here about the changing nature of the roles of cars in Bond films, but that could always swing back and some of the Car-Centrics (myself not included, believe it or not) would like come back with "well, a reduced automotive role in SF means you just make more cars with less significant roles in the film".
On the other hand Jag, your point about the economic situation is basically irrefutable. Other companies with unrelated lines are cutting models and/or model development to stay in business and are also basically making what they think will sell (especially models starting to show up to fill niches or "off the beaten path). I was a bit surprised to see that for PremiumX Diecast, instead of the expected mixture of recycled Bond moulds (that literally already have "PRDXXX" numbers assigned to them like the Ford Country Squire), we're seeing things like a 1954 Pontiac Chieftain (being a mid-1950's sedan with four doors, that's going to fly off the shelves), the firm's second Brazilian model with the introduction of the 1976 Chevrolet Opala SS, and indeed the firm's first explicitly South African vehicle (you paying attention, FACT?) with the Mercedes-Benz 180D Bakkie with Binz truckbed (the grey one with 1950's Durban plates, the white one with current day Gingindlovu plates, so you've got your choice of original vs. restored). Face it: do you really think Ixo would go THIS far out of its way to introduce new models/bump them up in a far better economy?
This is the only thing I'm going to disagree with you on, Jag. Almost every model car in every scale that isn't a custom build or made by a comparatively-small firm is made in China (Brooklin being a notable exception since I do consider them a large mkanufacturer in spite of their products, but then, Corgi isn't asking THAT much). The way I might put it "since Corgi is now making its models in China, it has to make the prices competitive as opposed to what they got away with charging several years ago by saying their prices were justified because their cars were still made in the UK". PMA/Minichamps has actually almost always made its models in China (the reorganization of Danhausen into PMA/Minichamps was basically done for that purpose) and still gotten away with its high pricing, for better or worse. Also, while it nearly sunk Schuco regarding a move from Germany to China, that has much more to do with the actual quality control on the models, which has been sinking the past two or three years, than where they're made. Corgi is keeping good quality control, so I would say at least for now that they're unlikely to turn into Schuco. However, I do agree that they are at least out of touch with current market pricing.
Unfortunately, they're all like that, I think, if you mean ill-fitting cardboard inserts.
Probably because they did what amounted to the exact same model with RHD and a regular gasoline engine vs. a diesel engine when they did the TMWTGG Mercedes-Benz 220 (W115) just ten issues earlier.
Exactly. Anyone remembers the 2 Silver Shadows?
Anyway I for one am very excited to see the Bel Air coming, a car that I've been asking for cince the collection starter, purely because of it's looks.
I'm afraid I have to disagree there. The problem with Corgi's 1.36 offerings is that they don't know what they want to be - toys or models. When they were first introduced they were clearly toys and marketed as such, especially the DB5 - a chunky durable version of the smaller original with fewer small parts. I bought one for my own young son at the time, as a toy to knock hell out of. Then Corgi started tidying them up with a few extra cosmetic details and passing them off as collectors pieces until they re-introduced the second 1.43 1968 type again as an additional offering. Then they brought in some 1.43 'toy' like CR models too. The whole 'Bond' marketing strategy was, and is, a mess and I believe that's why they have disappointing sales. Collectors like to see consistency in what they collect, not dual scales, random levels of finish and all sorts of different packaging all from the same company. And they certainly don't like feeling they've been fobbed off - there's been many complaints about Corgi's classic Mini range, where they have dressed up a toy based on a late model Mini with detailed liveries (often applicable to an earlier vehicle) Is it meant to be a toy or a model? - because it doesn't seem to be one or the other. Obviously the Minichamps Bond range were far more coherent in how they were conceived and marketed - clearly collectors' models, same scale, same design criteria, same packaging, no messing. But too expensive for many people. And that's where the JBCC scored, by making the series a clear, consistent overall concept for not a lot of money at £8 each.
I believe if Corgi drew a line under their mish-mash of Bond vehicles and handed the whole thing over to their 'Vanguards' dept it would probably do very well in the same way that's been mentioned in terms of IXO. We might see a highly detailed Bond DB5 presented like the current 'Ashes to Ashes' Quattro, alongside non-Bond DB5s in other colours introduced into their regular model car range. Equally Corgi could do the same thing with many other Bond vehicles - a highly detailed Bond Mach One in red plus several other colours in the regular range for instance.
I'm not saying they should try to compete with, or emulate the JBCC, that would be pointless, but they could produce some very nice 'Bond versions' based on cars introduced into their regular range. In other words introduce the high profiles (DB5, Lotuses, Mustangs etc) into the Vanguards/Corgi 1.43 cars range then do supplementary Bond versions of them.
IMHO a 'Skyfall' 1.43 model DB5 presented like this would have been superb:
...and that's exactly what you'd get, btw, if you started radically changing around scales with the JBCC (and for that matter, we did get it with the Bondola).
On the other hand, I also think RW and Jag make some terrific points on why I don't see a switch being particularly profitable at this time (Jag's points about the economy) or for that matter all that likely due to the poor sales of PMA/Minichamps and the flood of JBCC DB5's that we've gotten, including a confirmed Skyfall model.
Right now, I'm leaning toward RW and Jag's arguments for the simple reason that Corgi is undoubtedly watching PMA/Minichamps. Yes, I know, Corgi obviously wouldn't charge as much as PMA/Minichamps, but the one car that you WOULD expect to sell well, the Minichamps GF DB5 with working gadgets, isn't even selling that great (and it's one of my favorite 1/43 scale cars that I'm not going to rake over the coals any time soon). I'm not sure what you blame that on, other than perhaps PMA/Minichamps' pricing policies or, alternately, the economy, something which Jag raises a heck of a point about. It's a great "toy for model car collectors" and one of the very few model cars I actually play around with (I'll rotate the number plates each day, for example). But if something as good and frankly as action-packed as that isn't selling and you can get a dirt-cheap JBCC DB5 (especially Issue 1) to do everything from keep intact to Code 3 to just take off the diorama base, then basically, why bother retooling?
Yes I do (strongly) agree with you, MCF, that it would sell better in 1/43 scale. Your point about uniformity alone, I think, trumps the "it wouldn't sell better" argument; likewise, 1/36 scale kills crossover appeal (something I addressed above, but now I'll get back to it as it applies to Corgi). If anyone doesn't believe this, just look at some of Corgi's other film releases in 1/36 scale that have lost huge amounts of value (the Bullitt Mustang comes immediately to mind), yet others in 1/43 that have actually gained quite a bit of value (the 1974 Dodge Monaco former Mt. Prospect, IL police car from The Blues Brothers is an example; the figures are 1/36, but the car is 1/43).
But the real question, which Jag basically raises when he talks about the economy, is "do the ends justify the means?" In this case: "will a 1/43 scale Corgi DB5 be profitable enough to actually create new moulds?" And unfortunately, I think the answer is no. As long as Corgi keeps its MSR as over double that of the JBCC model and quite frankly just below that of used as new or opened but not worn at all PMA/Minichamps CR DB5's you can buy off eBay, they're not going to sell enough, I don't think. It's feasible IF they totally overhaul their marketing strategy with regards to MSR, create new moulds, and add more interior detail, but I just don't see them doing that for a myriad of reasons: start-up costs for the new moulds and PMA/Minichamps' lack of generating significant profits EVEN on the secondary market with a nearly identical model being the two biggies.
Moonbuggy and Connery white tux
BELL 206b helicopter and Naomi
Lotus Esprit and Jaws
Toyota 2000 GT and Blofeld
Citroën 2CV6 and Moore black tux
Aston Martin DB5 and Oddjob, Corgi Ref.Nr.04201
The last one being 1/43, and very mutch the same as the classic Corgi 261 model. Re-releasing that one could sell really well, as it's a great model for the people who had the original back in the Goldfinger days and for "new" collectors who missed out the oddjob-packaged one. I don't know if they still have the mould, but if they have, it might just be the little gold-mine the original has proven to be, with mint-boxed ones going well over €150,-
A new detailed James Bond range could be supplemented very easily too, Corgi have a very good Vanguards Triumph Stag - what's to stop them releasing it as the Diamonds version in amongst all the other colour variants? There would be no retooling necessary, just Bond packaging. And if they got into releasing a Bond range this way, there's the OHMSS Escort too, that we haven't seen. Minimal work to the model, mostly just a bit of special packaging. Then there's the Alpine, the Velox, the Hillman, the Anglia....
Since Corgi/Hornby have something very special in the Vanguards side of the company, it seems crazy not to let them have a go at producing some very special Bond cars.
Cararama had a few different colours on either a DB5 or DB4 model in blue, grey and black a few years ago.
Bleuville.