This time around we sit down with diecast and toy designer, Eric Tscherne. We’ll learn about about how Eric got into the business and has built a diverse career that has spanned Mattel, Jada Toys, RC2, and Upper Deck. We’ll also find out about his current and upcoming projects now that he’s freelancing as ET Designs.

Listen to the recorded show from the audio widget on this page or check out the catalog of previous shows on the Saturday Nitro page.

“The new dates for Lightning Fest 2009 are August 7-8 in Dyersville, IA. Mark your calendars because you will not want to miss it! We are planning more events this year and will have a few exclusive cars that will only be available at the show. We also have a couple guest appearances planned that will be announced in the coming months!”

The word on the street is that this year’s Fest is shaping up to be bigger and better than years past with great events like:

• - Exclusive diecast cars
• - 1:1 car show
• - Charity auction
• - Vendor tables
• - Johnny Lightning dinner

Tom’s mention of appearances by celebrity guests is definitely exciting news! As always, I’ll let you know as soon as additional details become available. Stay tuned!

Last Saturday night’s show with Tom Zahorsky was another monster clocking in at just under 2 hours! Tom and I had a lot to talk about and we certainly covered a wide variety of topics. Listener will get the inside track on the progression of Tom’s career, as well as his life at RC2 before and after the merger with Playing Mantis. We also dive into a discussion of the myths and realities of White Lightnings, Lightningfest (past and future) as well as what Johnny Lightning has in store for 2009 with their upcoming 40th Anniversary!

Special thanks to American Collector’s Insurance for sponsoring the show!

As a reminder, these shows are done LIVE on Saturday nights which means that you can participate by calling in and asking questions directly to our special guests! Be sure to check the official schedule on the Saturday Nitro site for a list of upcoming shows.

Listen to the recorded show from the audio widget on this page of check out the catalog of previous shows on the Saturday Nitro page.

Along with the new location, is a great line-up of all new activities for collectors to take part in. The new activities include:

• - The Johnny Lightning car show
• - Buy, Sell and Trade at the exhibitor show
• - Special sales the RC2 Outlet Store
• - The RC2 Johnny Lightning showroom featuring new product offerings and themes on display
• - Preview of the new 2009 product line-up and the new 40th Anniversary program
• - Meet and Greet with Tom Zahorsky and the JL team
• - Previews of other RC2 lines (ERTL, John Deere, The First Years and Learning Curve)
• - The JL stunt exhibit featuring the JLX radio-controlled car
• - Daily raffles for JL product, T-shirts and a few extremely rare collectibles
• - Great music, food and fun at Dyersville’s Downtown Friday Night
      featuring live music by The Easy Street Band from 6-9 p.m. (weather permitting)

Of course, no Lightning Fest would be complete without an official limited edition car to take home. This year’s Lightning Fest car is a brilliant red 2000 Dodge Viper GTS, complete with Lightning Fest logos! The piece features a black interior, black rims with chrome trim rings, and includes a certificate of authenticity that the car is 1 of just 200.

Best of all, admission to the entire show is FREE! Be sure to visit www.johnnylightning.com for more info and the latest details. To register a car for the car show or reserve a table in the exhibition hall, please email clreiter@rc2corp.com

[via johnnylightning.com]