Camaro IROC

Working on some new vehicle plans for 2013 today and planning for some new featured vehicle skus. Hoping to include some new castings from the 80s and 90s and since I was stripping my IROC for paint this week, I thought I would shoot and measure the entire car in hopes to replace casting #484. This casting is planned for JL2.0 R13, which will be a Beat the Heat release. Other castings I am looking to redo are the '70s Challenger, and C4 Corvette. Of course, we'll add new castings to the mix but want to get to a lower price point and some of the olders castings are too expensive. Retooling them gets us a more accurate casting as well as a lower price.

Happy Holidays!
Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Johnny Lightning Jeep Wagoneer

Just received shot samples of the new JL Jeep Wagoneer. Wow, this casting made my jaw drop when I first saw it. I think it turned out amazing and I want to send a big thank you out to Wagonmasters for giving us access to their trucks. The Wagoneer will be released in the JL2.0 and F64 lines but I am going to hold the first release for the JL2.0 line. This casting has an optional roof rack and opening tailgate. Looking for suggestions on color schemes for the first release.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

JL Bruce Larson Dragonsnake

Just received production samples today on Bruce Larson's Cobra. The Costilow/Larson "Dragonsnake" was driven by Hall of Famer Bruce Larson and competed in NHRA's A/SP, AA/SP, B/SP and C/SP classes. It set all new records in the '65 season and won the NHRA Springnationals, Winternationals and US Indy Nationals in '65.
This will be the only car in release 11 that will have a Lightning Strike.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

International D-Series Pickup

Check out the test shots I just received today on the new Johnny Lightning International Pickup! Like the new #951 Ford Lightning SVT casting, this model has a separate cab for future bed configurations and loads. Look for the first release to be in Forever 64 R23 or R24.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Johnny Lightning JL2.0 and The Car

Happy Halloween! I was cleaning up in my toy room at home over the weekend and found a particular "Car" that I have been searching for for almost 2 years now. Back in 2003, I was working on 1:18 scale American Muscle, Racing Champions MINT, Hot Rods line and our licensed 1:64 Entertainment asst, which included the Munsters, Smokey & the Bandit, Dukes, Dazed & Confused, Gone in 60 Seconds, and many others. I began tooling on a movie car that never quite made it into production, the 1:64 Car, from the 1977 flick. I had already completed tooling on the 1:18 scale version and it was natural to do in 1:64, however, the 1:64 scale line was discontinued and the Car never got released. You're looking at the only full die cast version in existence, sitting next to a preproduction sample of the new JL2.0 R11 Phil Bonner Galaxie, for size comparison.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Johnny Lightning International Pickup

The International Pickup is coming along nicely. I made some revisions to the cab area before tooling started. This pickup will see duty in our Forever 64 line, JL2.0 line and our ERTL Ag line. The first release will be in the Forever 64 line and shortly after will see action in the Ertl line where it will feature a diecast body and chassis. All new rims and tires will debuted on the model as well. One unique feature about this casting is that it will have a commercial rear bumper giving it a more rugged look.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

TOMICA and JL update

Here is a little update on JL and TOMICA...working on Forever 64 and JL2.0 calendar for 2012 and planning out TOMICA releases. Last week I got in Forever 64 samples for R20 and JL2.0 samples from R10. This Vista Cruiser is from R10 and I am excited to squeeze it into an assortment because I had so many requests at Lightning Fest to see the Vista Cruiser again. It's coming! The TOMICA line has been fun and challenging at times to dive into. I have started the process of looking into what castings I can release in the U.S. based on licensing rights, U.S. standards and casting condition. Hoping to bring some vintage models to the line!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Summer Smash

Hope you can join me at Summer Smash this weekend. I will be giving out artwork on a couple new releases and showing off a couple new castings. Hope you can stop over! I've been busy working away on plans for an all new relaunch of JL and planning out the new 2012 TOMICA releases so stop over to say hello and I will give you some insight.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

2011 Lightning Fest

Fest is just three days away! Check out the official Lightning Fest VW Delivery included with each meal deal.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Headed to Nashville

Join me in Nashville this weekend for the DCS Collector Experience. Hope you can make the event as DCS puts on the best conventions. Come out and meet the guys who design some of your favorite cars and get your hands on some exclusive conventions cars!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

2011 Lightning Fest

Make your plans for Lightning Fest and come meet Enos from the Dukes of Hazzard on July 16th in Dyersville, IA. Don't miss it! I will be holding two forums over the two days, a Design Forum and a Demolition Derby Forum, where I'll talk about the design process and what it is like designing your favorite JL castings. To register for these forums email us at jllightning@gmail.com

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Polizei VW Transporter

Check out this Polizei VW Transporter from Forever 64 release 16. I really get excited anytime I can squeeze in some police cars but this Transporter may be one of my favorite Forever 64 releases I have done to date. This assortment also includes another VW Transporter that is red with a white side and some could say is movie inspired.
I may have an opportunity to put Tomica castings in the JL line. Let me know your thoughts and what cars you want to see. I appreciate the feedback.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Ford Lightning Pickup

Just got in the first decorated samples of the new Ford Lightning pickup. Overall, I am pretty happy with it. The fit of of the body is the best I have seen on a JL casting. This black Lightning will debut in Forever 64 release 15. Look for white lightnings that have white tires and rims. Good luck on the hunt!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Forever 64 R15

Forever 64 release 15 has a little something for everyone, including these two police cars, a Demo Derby Caprice, Scout convertible and the long awaited Ford Lightning pickup, in black. I am also excited about the metallic orange '65 Mustang in this assortment that matches the metallic green '65 Mustang from R9. Check out my latest tweet for a pic.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

2011 Lightning Fest

Start making your plans for the 2011 Lightning Fest which will be held July 15-16, 2011 in Dyersville, IA. We got a few new events planned this year and I just finished designing this years exclusive event car. Or Delivery I should say! We'll post the full Fest itinerary on our website in about 2 weeks. Don't forget to sign up for the Forums in advance by emailing us at jllightning@gmail.com.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Dodge Aspen

Received the first shot samples in late last week of the new Dodge Aspen. Can't wait to do the R/T! Let me know what you guys think.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Jim Reed Impala stocker R14

In 1959, Jim Reed's '59 Impala stocker pulled out an upset victory over many better known Grand National drivers to win the Southern 500. His bat-winged '59 was powered by a 348 V8 and was one of the first stock cars to race with Goodyear tires. His average speed was over 111mph! It was a pleasure to work with the Reed family on this upcoming F64 release 14 Impala.
Release 14 has some other great additions like the next Fireball Tim release- Lethal Bad Mood GTX, Jake Neal's dirt modified, Spoilers GTO and a special Boss Mustang collaboration with automotive artist, Danny Whitfield. I am really excited for the Boss 429 release because Danny Whitfield will be offering exclusive JL automotive prints of the artwork that appears on the blister card. More details will be released in the next few weeks.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

JL Boogie Vans

Been thinking its about time to bring back Boogie Vans. Our last van release was Vantastic and designed by our buddy Dirty Donny. Its been a huge hit and am thinking about asking him to help me design a new Boogie Van series. I'm still tossing around the idea of doing back to back releases in the JL2.0 line or maybe doing 2-3 a month in Forever 64. Let me know what you guys think.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

JL '77 Dodge Monaco

Release 13 is just hitting stores now. It seems like a few retailers are catching up on ordering some older assortments so good luck with the hunt. Release 13 includes a Highway Patrol Monaco with rubber tires and dog dish hub caps, Diecastspace sprint car and a Beat the Heat Chevy Malibu. See you in Vegas next week!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Dirt Modified

I showed you some test shot pics awhile back of our new dirt modified that we'll be rolling out in the Forever 64 line. Our first release will be in F64 R14 and will be Jake Neal's race car. This modified will have rubber tires and we have the option to do plastic tires and even a diecast chassis. It's been a pleasure to work with Jake and his team on this upcoming release. We'll keep you posted on Jake's new car design too, which will have a JL sponsor logo. If you're interested in having JL do your dirt modified or sprint car send us an email @ jllightning@gmail.com.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Johnny Lightning 1968 IH 1200

Started on a new 1:64 casting today, the '68 International 1200 Pickup. This pickup will see duty in our Forever 64 line, JL2.0 line and our ERTL Ag line, where we will package with a tractor and offer some dealer exclusives. This casting with strengthen out truck line up and give our International Scout some company. I might just have shot samples in time for Lightning Fest!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Jeep Wagoneer

The Jeep Wagoneer will be joining our 1:64 Cherokee later this year. Right now, I am only planning for the stock version but it will have a full die cast body and chassis, opening hood and fold down tailgate. We'll debut in the JL2.0 line and shortly after introduce into Forever 64. A big thanks goes out to Wagonmaster for helping us on the reference photos.
Make sure you make plans for Lightning Fest 2011 as the tool model will be on display.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Forever 64 R13

Release 13 of Forever 64 is just around the corner and this assortment has something for everyone. John Harris' Malibu has to be my favorite!
Thanks again to Joe Allen for the derby release. You'll be seeing demo derby releases in the next few assortments.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Diecastspace Sprint Car

Check out this outlaw! Johnny Lightning will be in Vegas at the Super Convention next month to show off this special release of the Diecastspace sprint car. I thought it would be a cool way to thank CJ and his staff for helping to bring collectors together and for their continued support. These will be part of our Forever 64 line release 13. I had some questions already on why the car number is 51. I have to be honest about this one. I'm a big football fan and being from Chicago you automatically grow up loving the Bears. A few months back I had the opportunity to meet one of the toughest guys to ever play the game, Dick Butkus. I had him sign a JL car for me and thought the number 51 fit for Diecastspace. Tough, cool guys!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Beat the Heat Olds

The first samples of Jim Luckett's Oldsmobile came in over the holidays and I am finally getting around to reviewing them. The samples looks amazing and Jim is pretty happy with the car too. Jim was nice enough to bring his car out to our office last year to photograph and when I first heard it start up I think my heart skipped a beat. What a sweet sound!
The JL car rolls on racers edge wheels and has a full die cast body and chassis. Come out to Lightning Fest this year and see Jim's car in person. Mark your calendars now, July 15-16 in Dyersville, IA.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Bobby Allison Daytona

Johnny Lightning has some great vintage racing releases planned for 2011 but the most popular by far might be this Bobby Allison Dodge Daytona. Bobby is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame and in '98 was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers. It's been an honor to work with him and his family on this release and you will see more Allison releases later in the year.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning