Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA37908
SPAD S.XIII Diecast Model
French AF Escadrille 103, S7000, Rene Fonck, Autumn 1918

1:48 Scale		Length		Width
SPAD S.XIII		5.25"		6.75"

Although history has dictated that the aerial combat prowess of Manfred von Richthofen ensured he became one of the world's most famous aviation personalities, the same cannot be said of the leading Allied "Ace of Aces" from the Great War, who has remained largely anonymous to all but the most committed of enthusiasts. Rene Fonck originally shunned the opportunity to become a pilot, preferring instead to share the trenches with his countrymen, as they fought against the Germans. The horrors of war soon changed his mind and led him to the cockpit of an aeroplane, where he was to display a real aptitude for flying and would eventually see him posted to a French Air Force reconnaissance squadron. His impressive airmanship and determination to fight brought about a transfer to the elite Escadrille 103 and the beginning of a long association with the SPAD fighter, an aircraft in which he would quickly begin to score victories. The consummate tactician, Fonck would study the actions of his enemy during combat, watching from a safe distance before decisively launching his attack. Using as little ammunition as possible and perfecting the art of deflection shooting, Fonck would boast that he could direct his bullets so precisely into an enemy aircraft that it was as if he had placed them there by hand. By the end of the war, Fonck had been credited with 75 aerial victories, although his actual total is thought to have been much higher, possibly as many as 100 and even eclipsing the great Red Baron. As it was, his official score made him second only to von Richthofen, the Allied "ace of aces" and the highest scoring fighter ace to survive the war.

SPAD S.XIII

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi's 1:48 scale S.XIII models are beautifully made, with simulated fabric surfaces and fine gauge wire used to represent the bracing wires passing through the banded wooden wing struts. Radiator detail is easily seen inside the engine cowling, with simulated vents and separately applied exhaust pipes on each side of the fuselage. A photo-etched metal gun sight sits between two Vickers machine guns, which are mounted in front of a detailed pilot figure and transparent windscreen. 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 2003-2022 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

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.