Corgi die-cast models have been around since the 1950s but nowadays they have a wide range of models based on popular British licensed properties, including JK Rowling’s Wizarding World, James Bond, Paddington, and even The Beatles. We were sent one of the models and also took a look through the other licensed IP model ranges, as well as the Apollo 11 range which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.
Wizarding World
The model we were sent was the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Shuttle Bus, technically a Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bus. My family has visited the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour several times and seeing these buses parked outside are just as big a part of the experience as spotting the Disney buses driving around Walt Disney World. The model is a perfect 1:76 replica of the shuttle bus, inside and out, and features the distinctive all-over wrap, and a display board at the front reading Warner Bros. Studio.
The rest of the Wizarding World range includes a 1:43 scale model of the Flying Ford Anglia, a 1:76 scale model of the Knight Bus, and a stunning 1:100 scale model of the Hogwarts Express—all of which are scheduled for release this summer. Given that Corgi’s partner company Hornby is producing a new working Hogwarts Express model railway set this year, these models would look amazing added to a full display setup. I wonder if I can convert my attic to make enough space…?
Jerry Anderson
Another popular line of Corgi models is based on Jerry Anderson properties. These include Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. I grew up watching Captain Scarlet and my husband, father-in-law, and son are all Thunderbirds fans, so I’m really hoping we’ll see this range expand even further in the future.
For now, you can pick up a Thunderbird 1 and 3 double-pack, FAB 1, and a Spectrum Saloon Car. I’d hope to see the rest of the Thunderbird fleet available one day (and possibly some models from the new Thunderbirds Are Go TV show) as well as an Angel Interceptor from Captain Scarlet. Of course, it would also be great to see new models from some other Jerry Anderson properties as well. The list of possibilities there is near endless.
James Bond
The James Bond range is, perhaps inevitably, one of the largest Corgi licensed IP model ranges and includes cars and even a gyrocopter from films in both the classic and modern eras of the Bond franchise.
The vast majority of the models in this range are (also inevitably) Aston Martins. One of the sets I really love is the Aston Martin Twin Pack which includes both a DB5 and a DB10 as seen in Spectre. This double set really showcases the way Aston Martin’s style has changed over the decades. Some of the other Aston Martins available in the James Bond range include the DBS from Casino Royale (the car involved in the spectacular—and somewhat heartbreaking—stunt) and the V8 Vantage Volante from The Living Daylights which is no longer available.
There are currently three other James Bond models: an AMC Hornet from The Man with the Golden Gun, a Rolls Royce Phantom III from Goldfinger, and the “Little Nellie” Gyrocopter from You Only Live Twice, which is sold out on the website.
Also by Ian Fleming, a 1:45 scale model of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the movie of the same name with moving wings is coming out this summer and includes figures of Caractacus Potts, Jeremy Potts, Jemima Potts, and Truly Scrumptious.
Apollo 11
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Corgi has re-introduced two Apollo 11 models to their 2019 range. The Apollo Command Module and Lunar Module are both a limited edition release of 1500 models each and come in special, 50th-anniversary packaging.
I would have loved to see a Saturn V in this collection and also future additions to the space exploration range. There are so many opportunities for amazing space exploration models, I would particularly love to see a model of Voyager one day as well as a Space Shuttle.
Other Licensed IP Model Ranges
There are several other Corgi products from film and TV and even some from music. Beatles fans can pick up the Magical Mystery Tour bus or the Yellow Submarine, while fans of the recent Paddington Bear movies can buy a special red London Routemaster bus with Paddington printed on its side or an iconic black taxi cab covered in yellow pawprints that comes with a Paddington figurine, and Mr. Bean fans can own a 1:36 scale model of his famous yellow Mini.
Other Models
Corgi’s licensed IP model ranges account for only a small fraction of their overall range which includes hundreds of cars, planes, buses, trucks, and trains. Nearly all British children have owned Corgi toys during their childhood and their models are of such outstanding quality and detail that adults love them too. Any time I look at the Corgi displays in my local model shop, I come away with a cost-prohibitive list of all the ones I want!
The Warner Bros. Studios Tour model we were sent for this review is a really stunning model that we will be keeping out on display in our home and will make an excellent reminder of our trips to the Studios. I hope to keep adding to our Corgi collection and look forward to seeing what new products—both licensed IP model ranges and not—they bring out in the future.
GeekMom received a model Warner Bros. Studio Shuttle Bus for review purposes.
