Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33901
Supermarine Spitfire Mk I Diecast Model
RAF No.609 Sqn |
| 1:32 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Supermarine Spitfire Mk I | | 11.25" | | 14" |
This Spitfire was one of a batch of 500 ordered from Vickers-Supermarine and was built at Southampton. It was taken on charge on 22nd September 1940 and was initially delivered to No.609 Squadron at Warmwell on 8th October 1940. While being flown by P/O S.J.Hill of that unit, it had a half share in shooting down a Ju.88 on 21st October, the aircraft being mainly used for interceptor patrols at that time. With this squadron, it was allocated the code letters 'PR-F', which it wears today. On 24th February 1941, it was transferred to No.66 Squadron based at Exeter, from where it carried out interception and convoy patrols before being allocated to No.57 O.T.U. on 7th April, followed by No.303 Squadron at Speke on 18th July. It was then stored, followed by a series of minor accidents, which were duly repaired. On 20th March 1944, its useful life was considered over and X4590 was transferred from one Maintenance Unit to another, ending up in Cardiff where it was packed for museum purposes. It was then used as a travelling exhibit at recruiting exhibitions by the RAF Exhibition Flight at Bicester, until it was finally transferred into the care of the Colerne collection in 1970 and was also displayed at Finningly and Cosford for a while prior to being installed in the Battle of Britain Museum at Hendon in 1978. The ground instructional serial 8384M is allocated to this aircraft, but is not carried on the airframe.
Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Supermarine Spitfire first flown on March 5th, 1936. With its combination of beautiful fighter design, the excellent performance of its Rolls-Royce Merlin powerplant and firepower provided by twin cannons and four machine guns, the Spitfire became an unrivaled symbol of victory. The Spitfire had 40 major variants and was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the time. It flew operationally on every front between 1939 and 1945 and was engaged in every one of the Royal Air Force's major actions. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:32 scale Mk I and Mk II Spitfires are large scale models loaded with features. Moveable parts characterize this mold—the control surfaces, speed brakes, radiator vent and landing gear are all moveable with metal hinges. The canopy slides open, the side entry hatch folds down and the radio compartment hatch also opens. Fine details are hidden beneath these movable surfaces—the cockpit interior, pilot figure and radio equipment are beautifully rendered, as are the machine guns located beneath removable covers on each wing. The three-piece engine cowling is also removable, and beneath it is a finely detailed V-12 Merlin engine.
© 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.
