Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA38208
Douglas C-47 Skytrain Diecast Model
RAF BBMF, ZA947 Kwicherbichen, RAF Coningsby, England, 2015 | Limited Edition
1000
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Douglas C-47 Skytrain | | 10.75" | | 15.75" |
Despite performing some of the more mundane aviation tasks of the Second World War, the Douglas C-47 Skytrain (or Dakota in RAF service) has to be considered as one of the most important aircraft of WWII. Described by General Dwight D Eisenhower as one of the most vital pieces of equipment in the eventual Allied victory, the C-47 proved to be a reliable airborne re-supply asset that kept Allied forces advancing on all fronts and delivered paratroopers to take strategically important military targets. The strength of the C-47 design allowed wartime payloads to be carried that doubled the original specification that accompanied the aircrafts service introduction, a feature that was to prove critical during the D-Day landings of June 1944 and the Berlin Airlift of 1948. When production of the Douglas C-47 (and civilian DC-3) finally ceased, an impressive 10,692 aircraft had been constructed, with many going on to see service long after the end of the Second World War - indeed, large numbers of these impressive aircraft can still be seen operating to this day.
As one of the most popular Airshow performers on the UK Airshow circuit, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have operated a Douglas C-47 Dakota since being presented with ZA947 in March 1993. Continually being renovated to as authentic a wartime condition as possible, the Dakota allows the Flight's Lancaster pilots to obtain multi-engined tail wheel conversion and currency training, essential in the continued operation of their much loved aircraft. More than this, the Dakota has become a sought after display aircraft in her own right and is a regular sight at UK Airshows, performing by herself, or with a BBMF Spitfire or Hurricane on each wingtip. The aircraft is currently presented as Dakota FZ692 "KWICHERBICHIN" of RAF No.233 Squadron, which flew numerous flights in support of the D-Day landings, Operation Market Garden and the Rhine crossing. Operating from her base at RAF Blakehill Farm, near Swindon, FZ692 delivered paratroopers and supplies in support of the Allied invasion of Europe, before transferring to forward operating airfields in France as they became available. Once troops and supplies had been delivered, the aircraft would be used to transfer casualties back to the UK to receive the medical attention they could not obtain in the field. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Douglas C-47 Dakota is a fitting tribute to the work of this magnificent aircraft and the unsung heroes of the RAF's transport squadrons.
Designed to meet an American Airlines requirement for an enlarged version of the DC-2, the DC-3 was first flown on December 17th, 1935. Capable of carrying 24 passengers at a cruising speed of 180 mph, the DC-3's speed and long range revolutionized commercial air travel in the 1930s and 40s, when it carried 90 percent of the world's air travelers. Early DC-3s used Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines, but Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Radials were fitted to later versions; these engines had better single engine performance and allowed the DC-3 to fly at higher altitudes. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale DC-3 series pays tribute to one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made, with releases ranging from military transports to iconic passenger airliners. The fuselage includes transparent windows and a large cockpit windscreen for easy viewing of pilot figures, with two metal "L" shape pitot tubes mounted below. Radial engine detail is present inside the engine nacelles with exhaust stack detail on the outboard lower side of each nacelle. The leading edge of each wing features separately applied transparent landing lights with lens detail and de-icing boots. A heavily constructed all metal display-stand is included for in-flight display.
© 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.
