Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33713
Heinkel He 111H-5 Diecast Model
Luftwaffe 1./KG 53 Condorlegion, Italy, 1942, w/1000kg "Herman" Bomb | Limited Edition
1200
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Heinkel He 111H-5 | | 9" | | 12.25" |
Kampfgeschwader 53 “Legion Condor” was a German bomber group named in honour of the German forces that had fought alongside Franco’s Nationalists in Spain and assisted him in his victory over the Republican forces. The unit flew all of the main German bomber types, the Dornier Do17, Junkers Ju88 and the Heinkel He111. It was while flying the He111 that KG53 carried the large and devastating 1000kg bomb, nicknamed the ‘Herman’ bomb. It carried this nickname due to its rotund shape and large size, reminding squadron personnel of the leader of the Luftwaffe, Herman Goering. KG53 used the weapon in support of the sixth army around Stalingrad in the winter of 1942-3, repainting their machines with washable white winter paint in order to make them less conspicuous against the snowy backdrop below them. However, losses were still heavy and despite the use of heavy munitions such as the ‘Herman’, bomber groups such as KG53 were unable to help the beleaguered sixth army. They surrendered on February 2nd 1943, with over 100,000 men being captured. Only 6,000 would ever see Germany again.
Designed in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles, the Heinkel He 111 first flew on February 24, 1935. Masquerading as a transport aircraft, the He 111 was actually a fast medium bomber that went on to become the most prolific Luftwaffe bomber used during the early part of WWII. During its early service career, the He 111 had the distinction of being one of the fastest aircraft in the world, with speeds exceeding 250 mph. It was also versatile, serving as a medium bomber, strategic bomber and as a torpedo bomber. By late 1944 the Luftwaffe halted bomber production, and the He 111 became a transport aircraft. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale He 111 series replicates this famous symbol of the WWII German bomber forces (Kampfwaffe). This model is constructed using only the smallest amount of plastic, with its fuselage and distinctive massive elliptical wing and tail in diecast metal. The large offset "greenhouse" nose canopy allows for easy viewing of the pilot and forward gunner/bombardier lying prone over the bomb site. The model features many defensive machine gun positions, such as a rotating dorsal mounted gunner, waist gunners and an intricate ventral birdcage gondola. Additional features include opening hinged bomb doors to reveal bomb details, an intricate ventral antenna and subassembly landing gear.
© Copyright 2003-2015 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.
