JAMES BOND
FACT FILES

CORGI did not issue the next James Bond related toys until September 1978, over a year since the release of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). Advertisements for the new toy appeared in children's comics and CORGI's own product catalogue in late 1978. Although advertised and packaged as ‘Stromberg Helicopter’, the model was actually a Jet Ranger and the basic casing was recycled by CORGI and issued as Daily Planet Helicopter (E929) from Superman: The Movie (1978), FOX FM Helicopter (E931), and with a fitted winch for the version tied in with the Australian TV series Chopper Squad (E927). For the Stromberg version, CORGI added firing rockets as seen on the model flown by Naomi (Caroline Munro) in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). The same model was then reissued once again in 1979 by CORGI as ‘Drax Jet Ranger’, now with a different colour scheme but retaining the firing rockets – a feature that was absent from the version actually seen in the film Moonraker.

In addition to the Stromberg Helicopter, CORGI also reissued the Aston Martin DB5 and included it in the advertising alongside The Spy Who Loved Me models. Although the 1977 catalogue listed the car as #270 (which had been in production since 1968), the photograph shown appears to be the later #271 edition that did not have the revolving number plates or tyre-slashers. The revised 1978 edition was slightly larger in scale at 1:36, and once again has been repackaged many times since its original release.

The rear of the packaging for CORGI's Stromberg Helicopter (as did the Lotus Esprit #269) showcased the worldwide locations for The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). Similar artwork was repurposed for a 1977 competition for Seiko Watches (also featured in the film) with whom EON Productions also had a licensing agreement.

A smaller ‘Junior’ version of the Stromberg Helicopter was also issued as an individual blister-packed model, and also as part of the ‘James Bond 'Spy Who Loved Me' Gift Set’ in 1978 (E3030), and as part of the special 1979 twin-pack (E2529) packaged with the ‘Junior’ Lotus Esprit. The model did not have the firing rockets of its larger counterpart, although it retained the revolving rotor blades. The main rotor blade folded in half presumably making it easier to fit into the standard sized packaging.

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FACT FILES The James Bond Films