Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA32617
Avro Lancaster B.Mk III Diecast Model
RAF No.617 (Dambusters) Sqn, DV380, Leonard Cheshire, RAF Scampton, England, 1943 | Limited Edition
1300
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Avro Lancaster B.Mk III | | 11.75" | | 17" |
Leonard Cheshire took command of 617 Sqn in December 1943 and so keen was he to do this that he agreed to drop a rank to Wing Commander. Operational since June 1940 he had already completed three tours on Whitleys and Halifaxes earning the DSO and DFC. By the end of January 1944 though Cheshire was unhappy with the accuracy of the target making being provided to the Squadron and along with Sqn Ldr Mick Martin devised a plan to dive onto the target, in a four engined heavy bomber no less and accurately mark it from almost zero feet. Permission was given to test this method against the Aero Engine factory at Limoges, France on the 8th February 1944. Initially he buzzed the factory three times to warn the French workers of the raid and on his fourth run he released his markers from just 50ft right at the centre of the target.
Cheshire's highly dangerous target marking technique demanded a lightly-loaded aircraft to enable a high-speed get-away from the target area. To enhance the realism of this release, Corgi has provided the collector with the flexibility to display their Lancaster with the bomb-load configuation of their choice. The model arrives with an empty bomb bay and several separate bombs that can be inserted by hand. The bombs are designed to be a "push-fit" into their location holes, but for a more permanent fixing, Corgi recommends using a very small amount of super glue in each fixing peg.
Designed to meet a specification for a new generation of "worldwide use" medium bombers, the Avro Lancaster was first flown on January 8, 1941. The design of the Lancaster evolved from an unsuccessful two-engine aircraft called the Manchester. The heavier Lancaster had four engines and an extensive bomb bay, with later versions capable of carrying 22,000 lb bombs. Used primarily as a night bomber, the Lancaster was a versatile aircraft that became most famous for its role in the 1943 "Dam Buster" raids on Germany's Ruhr Valley dams. Between 1942 and 1945, Lancasters flew 156,000 sorties, dropping 608,612 tons of bombs on enemy targets. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Lancaster series includes many variants, all of which are constructed using a large number of diecast metal components. All crew positions are occupied—there is a pilot and navigator in the cockpit, a bombardier lying prone behind the perspex nose cupola and gunners occupying the rotating turrets. The overall presentation of this model has led to its popularity, from the accurate recreation of the Lancaster's distinctive airframe to the simulated fabric control surfaces with photo-etched metal aileron trim linkages and twin oval rudders. A heavily constructed all-metal display stand is included to support this massive aircraft for in-flight display.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range 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.
- Interchangeable 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, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
