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