Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA36806
Westland Lysander Mk III Diecast Model
RAF No.161 Sqn, "Jiminy Cricket", Hugh Verity, RAF Tempsford, England, 1943 | Limited Edition
1100
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Westland Lysander Mk III | | 5.25" | | 8.25" |
Lysanders of 161 squadron (Special Duties) formed part of the Special Operations Executive (S.O.E) based at Tempsford in Bedfordshire from April 1942. The role most associated with the squadron was that of inserting or retrieving secret agents, resistance fighters or downed aircrew after making a pre-arranged landing in enemy occupied territory. These clandestine operations were usually flown at low level and in full moonlight. Squadron Leader Hugh Verity DFC took command of the Lysander flight in 1943, overseeing one of the busiest periods of airborne undercover operations and completing a personal tally of over 30 missions. His trusty plane, Westland Lysander III, V9673, MA-J, was given the nickname 'Jiminy Cricket' and the cartoon character was painted below the cockpit along with 'V for Victory' markings that were added after each mission. Hugh Verity gave an excellent account of his wartime exploits in his book We landed by Moonlight and The Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambs has on display a Lysander restored in the colours of Verity's Lysander V9673.
Designed to meet an Air Ministry specification for an army co-operation aircraft, the Lysander was first flown on June 15th, 1936. This unconventional looking aircraft had contoured wings that were angled slightly forward so that the pilot was positioned in front of the wing. Its roles included reconnaissance, message pickup, artillery spotting and some limited bombing, but its superb short takeoff and landing capabilities are what set it apart from other aircraft of its time, making it perfect for special night missions such as transportation of agents and supplies to and from mainland Europe. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 Lysander features a beautifully replicated gull wing and a skillfully rendered canopy with a clear view of the pilot and rear gunner. Details of a Lewis machine gun with spare ammo drums below are visible through the rear portion of the canopy. A photo-etched crew ladder is included with most releases, and the landing gear spats have separately installed lights with internal machine gun barrels above. Each release includes radial engine details, engine exhaust pipe, package retrieval hook and transparent windows. Certain releases include stub wings loaded with bombs or a center mounted external fuel tank for clandestine operations.
© 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.
