Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA37809
Albatros D.V Diecast Model
Luftstreitkrafte JG 1 Flying Circus, 2059/17, Manfred von Richthofen, Marckebeke, Belgium, Late August 1917 | Limited Edition
1100
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Albatros D.V | | 6" | | 7.5" |
As the most famous fighter pilot in the history of military aviation, the name Manfred von Richthofen is familiar to many people and despite the Great War claiming his life more than 100 years ago, the exploits of the Bloody Red Baron continue to be a source of fascination to this day. Originally joining the Luftstreitkrafte as an aerial observer, his fighting ambitions would lead von Richthofen to be selected for fighter training, where he would later become a legend of the air, being credited with more aerial victories than any other pilot of the Great War. He is inextricably linked with the red Fokker Triplane fighter in which he scored his final victories and indeed met his death, however, it would be the famous Albatros series of fighters which would bring him the majority of his victories. During April 1917, in a period referred to by Allied airmen as "Bloody April", von Richthofen and his fellow Luftstreitkrafte pilots would take a heavy toll of British aircraft, with his personal tally standing at an impressive 21 victories. Von Richthofen sustained a significant head wound which almost cost his life whilst engaged in combat with the RFC on 6th July 1917 and although it is reported he was never quite the same person following recuperation and his return to duty, he would go on to score a further 23 victories. One of the aircraft used after his return to combat and before converting to the Fokker Triplane was Albatros DV 2059/17, which he used to claim his 58th and 59th victories. As his unit were converting to the new Triplane and this Albatros was damaged at around this same time, it is thought that this particular machine was repaired and sent for museum display in Germany, the prized aircraft of the world's greatest fighter pilot.
Designed by Robert Thelen then refined and lightened, the Albatros D.V was the preeminent fighter during the period of German aerial dominance- first flown in 1917. Fundamental version improvements in wing design such as mounting the radiator in the center of the upper wing section, improved pilot visibility- critical in dog fighting tactics. The Albatros could now attain altitudes of over 3,000 feet in only five minutes and with improved stability and firepower and the Albatros system continued to dominate the skies. The Allies responded to the success of the Albatros series with new fighters including the SPAD VII, Sopwith Camel, S.E.5a, Bristol F2B, and others. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:48 scale Albatros D.V series captures the unmistakable lines of the real aircraft with simulated stretched fabric covering and brilliant early cammo patterns. Fine gauge wire is used to represent the structurally significant bracing wires found on the actual aircraft. The water-cooled Mercedes engine is wonderfully replicated, with six cylinder heads, engine exhaust stacks and a liquid cooling system leading to the radiator on the top wing. A detailed pilot figure sits behind the twin LGM 08/15 machine guns. The model rests on rolling rubber tires that accurately simulate the gray color that vulcanized natural rubber takes on after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
© Copyright 2003-2023 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.
