You won't see this '65 Chevelle till release 8 of the JL40th line but its probably one of the most detailed castings in the JL line to date. It has full detailing on the underside of the hood, a highly detailed 396 V8, separate interior shifter and fully detailed chassis. I was not short of reference when working on this casting as I saved most of it from when I developed the American Muscle 1:18 scale Authentics '65 Chevelle. Can't wait for you to see it in person. The headlights have separate lens too and are not part of the grille. They almost look like they could light up.





If you live near the Volo Auto Museum, swing by on the 4th as I will be hanging out with George Barris over there. Johnny Lightning will be handing out cars to the first couple hundred folks that come through.

Have a happy and safe 4th holiday!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Tomorrow you will see the complete assortment of release 5 but I could not help showing you my favorite, this '70 Challenger T/A custom. I decided to use casting #216 as I think the body is a little more accurate. This is one casting I have on my list to redo at some point. The Challenger does have two wheel variations with the White Lightnings having red molded rims and white tires. Two new castings make their debut as I mentioned before but the one that is sure to steal the show is the Viper SRT10. Now that I think about it, this entire assortment might be my favorite so far.





Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

The '50 Chevy Delivery has delivered many things, even people. Look for this delivery in release 5 along with Spoilers release 8 and 9, a Black with Flames Mustang and the new Viper SRT 10 casting in red.





Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

This Bright Blue '51 Hudson Hornet is one of the stars of the fourth assortment. It does have some good competition though with Spoilers 6 and 7 making their debut. There is also a Black with Flames '65 Impala, Metallic Pink Pearl GTX and a Lightning Patrol GSX. I can't wait for you to see the paint finish on the GTX because I think it is one of the best paint jobs I have ever seen on a JL casting!





Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Make sure you take a look at the updated events schedule for Lightning Fest. We will continue to add to events so check back often.





http://www.collector.johnnylightning.com/lightningfest.asp

If you plan planning to attend the Hotlanta show this weekend make sure you check out the JL Experience. I will be there talking about some new things coming from JL and give you a little peek at Lightning Fest 2009. Hope to see you there!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

We're in the Army now.
We're not behind a plow.
We'll never get rich diggin' a ditch.
We're in the Army now.

Thank you to those who have served our country or are currently serving our country. Look for this Jeep in the 4th release of the JL40th line.





Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Next week, when the May BOLT gets posted, you will see the upcoming release of Spoilers #5 but I couldn't wait any longer on showing you the release of Spoilers #6 which is a '69 AMC AMX coated in lime metallic paint and is the first JL40th release without a hood. It also has double black racing stripes that run from the windshield to the rear bumper and a black gumball and white number 6 on the doors. Look for this Spoiler in release 4.





Have a safe Memorial Day holiday!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Check out this deal on LearningCurveShop.com. The JLX Overdrive is on sale!






http://shop.learningcurve.com/product/detail/37575A1

Please note the free Johnny Lightning car giveaway does not apply.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

The JL40th C assortment will be jam packed with some great releases that I will show you in the upcoming May BOLT. The long awaited Spoiler #5 will make its debut, then there is a 1966 GTO in Candlelite Cream and a White Lightning tribute '50 Chevy Delivery with a 2-tone pearl white and red paint scheme and a White Lightning Original logo on the sides. Since its a tribute truck, I made the tires and rims white so when you see it you might immediately think that you have yourself a White Lightning but the White Lightning actually has a white chassis and white interior. Just look for the one engulfed in white. Can't wait to show you the complete assortment. Have fun!





Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Take a look at the great deals on Learning Curve products and some Johnny Lightning products like this Road Trip Box set for only $9.99. Don't miss some great buys!







Visit:
http://shop.learningcurve.com/category/Great+Deals/p-1?xcid=478

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

The JLX Overdrive all terrain radio control vehicle has hit Toys R Us in Ohio and Kentucky! Guys, don't miss a great opportunity to own one of the most rugged RC stunt cars ever. With the JLX overdrive, you can perform awesome stunts on land, in water and in the snow. Its amazing!
If you post a JLX video on YouTube before May 31st, I will send you out a FREE Johnny Lightning car. You won't want to miss this one! Post your video and then email us at jllightning@gmail.com






http://www.jlxoverdrive.com/

Available at these locations:

Store #8929
6251 GLENWAY AVENUE
CINCINNATI, OH 45238

Store #8930
7800 MONTGOMERY ROAD
CINCINNATI, OH 45236

Store #8905
9959 COLERAIN AVENUE
CINCINNATI, OH 45251

Store #8908
4585 EASTGATE BOULEVARD
CINCINNATI, OH 45245

Store #8903
7960 CONNECTOR DRIVE
FLORENCE, KY 41042


Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Here is a wheel variation on the '68 Shelby Mustang GT 500 in the B assortment of the JL40th Anniversary line. They may be a little hard to notice right away but this version has the white rim inserts and the second version has the same 5-spoke rim but solid chrome. Look for wheel variations on the '70 Challenger R/T and '65 Mustang Fastback as well.





Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

I know, its not a Johnny Lightning RC car but this John Deere XUV Gator is just too cool! I am a pretty big RC enthusiast and have 15 RC cars in my collection and this Ertl John Deere Gator is definitely worth picking up. This full function radio controlled Gator has awesome speed and is a true off-road RC car. It includes a 9.6V rechargeable battery, all terrain tires and is available in two frequencies for racing your friends. Check out the video and get more information on where to buy one.





http://ertl.com/gator/?icid=homepagehighlight

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

The JLX Overdrive all terrain radio control vehicle has hit Toys R Us in Ohio and Kentucky. Check it out!

http://www.jlxoverdrive.com/

Store #8929
6251 GLENWAY AVENUE
CINCINNATI, OH 45238

Store #8930
7800 MONTGOMERY ROAD
CINCINNATI, OH 45236

Store #8905
9959 COLERAIN AVENUE
CINCINNATI, OH 45251

Store #8908
4585 EASTGATE BOULEVARD
CINCINNATI, OH 45245

Store #8903
7960 CONNECTOR DRIVE
FLORENCE, KY 41042

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Don't forget to make your plans for Lightning Fest and book your rooms in Dyersville. Upon checking in, you will get an official goody bag so don't miss out. We have a couple exclusive cars planned and 40 of these limited edition 40th cars that will only be available at the Fest. Of course, don't forget about the Lightning Fest '69 GTO event car!






I am heading out of the county for a week but when I return I will be announcing a special guest who will be joining us for the festivities. Stay tuned!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Just wanted to let everyone know that Russ invited me out to his 10th Anniversary sale on August 15th. I will be there from 10am-12pm with a couple Johnny Lightning suprises to help Russ celebrate. Don't miss it and don't forget to register!

http://milezone.com/bigsale.html

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Over the next few days, Publix will be stocking clip strips loaded with JL 40th product in their stores. These will be hung and not pegged. If you need assistance in locating the product don't be afraid to talk to a store manager and give them the UPC code and item number 50298ACS, for clip strip. For a store locator, visit: http://store.publix.com/publix/
We are also shipping the JL40th product to Wal Mart this week and it will also be showing up any day now. If you need assistance, please ask for the manager of the toy department. Since it is a new item it may not show up in their system right away so be patient and check back.





Happy Easter!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

The Street Freaks International Scout seems to be the big hit of R25. This convertible needs a home in a future assortment. The convertible can be released with or without the interior roll bar but if I use the roll bar I think I just have to use the off-road wheels. What do you think? You can guarantee that the next release will have the factory Rallye stripes.

By the way, get ready for shipments of the JL40th to hit Walmart and Publix next week. More to come!





Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

In the Checklist section of the JL site, we have added a 1:24 scale Musclecars checklist. It starts from the first release, which included a '69 Camaro Z/28, '68 GTO and a '65 GTO, and continues through release 36. The 1:24 scale line is still going strong after 5 years and we hope to be adding additional new models in the near future.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Ok, here it is...the 1980 Chevy Monza. This casting has been in the works for awhile. I started working on it back in August of '07 and I had already decided back then that the first release would be a "Z29" Spyder package. For the first time, Chevy combined the equipment packages and appearances packages together for the 1980 model year. There were five decal choices on the Spyder and some of the options included black headlight frames, black window moldings, black brakelight frames and painted body sills. With a little help from the 40th Anniversary line I might be able to squeeze in 4 releases of the Monza in 2009.





Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning