Corgi AA27201 1/72 Vulcan XH558 is a huge disappointment for collectors.

Photos of the final production models of XH558 have been appearing on the web and are creating an outcry amongst keen collectors.

Apart from a very visible joint on the nose, out of scale splitter plates and wide gap between the nose gear wheels, the biggest issues are the models' light weight due the large percentage of plastic content and particularly the exceptionally poor colours that bear no resemblance to that of XH558. Colours that on their own resin prototype looked much like the real thing.

Corgi has done itself no favours by ignoring rumerous requests by their collectorate to correct the colours after seeing the pre-production model. Many have been using their own Facebook page to comment. Corgi's response however is regarded by many as being without substance attempting to shift the blame and excuse the poor colours when potentially priming the model before painting could have resolved the issue.

Corgi Die-Cast: Hi everyone and thanks for your comments. All development stages and the final detail of the Vulcan model was approved by the Vulcan Trust; the outcome was decided upon for a number of important factors. The choice of paint colour on the Vulcan has obviously been a talking point, the way the paint reacted to the combination of plastic and die cast parts was interesting; one paint was glossy on one and matt on the other; one didn’t give enough definition between the two colours, resulting in colour bleed. We’re very pleased with the final outcome which meets Corgi’s high standards.

There are many good things about the model, its size, fine detailing like etched wipers and crew access ladder, leaving those who have seen the model or have received it, with the impression of an impressive model let down by its colours. 

This model was heralded as Corgi's flagship model, highly anticipated by many. There is absolutely no excuse for getting the colours of one of the most photographed aircraft in the world wrong, particularly after a gestation period of nearly 18 months, and a hefty price tag.

Like many diecast military aviation collectors I was eager to secure myself one of the XH558 models but have cancelled my pre-orders.  Corgi has let itself and many XH558 enthusiasts down. We can only hope that upcoming Vulcan models receive the attention to detail they deserve.