Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX Diecast Model
RAF No.611 Sqn, Jack Charles, RAF Biggin Hill, England, Biggin Hill's 1000th Kill
Limited Edition
Item # CG-AA31932
| 1:72 Scale |
|
Length |
|
Width |
| Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX |
|
5.25" |
|
6.25" |
The Spitfire Mk.IX was a throughbred development of the classic Mitchell design and was a direct result of the need to combat the threat posed by the awesome Focke Wulf 190. The improved design helped to wrestle air superiorityback from the Luftwaffe. As the air war moved to the offensive for the RAF, successful fighter pilots became household names and were afforded celebrity status. In May 1943, the Biggin Hill Fighter Wing was close to their landmark 1000th victory, and an eager media descended on the Kent station in order to record the event. By this time, however, the Luftwaffe were reluctant to lose pilots unnecessarily and engagements were becoming quite rare, so the 1000th kill proved elusive. On May 15th, the Squadron Leader 'Jack' Charles of 611 Squadron led a fighter sweep over Caen, and on this day, the Luftwaffe did come up and fight. Charles was credited with two Fw190's, and thus claimed the 1000th victory. In a famous photograph of the day, Charles is seen chalking a 1000 score on the propeller blade of his Spitfire Mk.IX, surrounded by his fellow pilots!
Corgi’s 1:72 scale Spitfire series includes many versions of this famous aircraft, from Mk I to the Griffon-engined variants with five bladed propellers. The characteristic under-wing mounted pitot tube and offset radiator and oil cooler ducts are mounted below the solid metal wings with a variety of machine guns and cannons. The all metal horizontal stabilizers and rudder feature simulated fabric stretched control surfaces. On some releases, the top engine cowing is removable to reveal engine detail engine and exhaust detail. The model is constructed almost entirely of solid diecast metal and feels surprisingly heavy in this scale.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Optional extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
