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Code: CG-AA39404    Add to wishlist
Status: Sold out - Discontinued
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Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA39404
Vickers Valiant B(PR).Mk 1 Diecast Model
RAF No.543 Sqn, WZ399, Offutt AFB, NE, Operation Snowdrop, January 1957

Limited Edition
1000
Pieces Worldwide

1:144 Scale   Length   Width
Vickers Valiant B(PR).Mk 1   9"   9.5"

Delivered to 543 Squadron in October 1956, WZ399 had a short life with the squadron. Deployed on exercise 'Snowdrop' in January of 1957, it was then that the aircraft received its distinctive red tail and wingtip markings, applied for operating over the Arctic Circle. The Valiants were based at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where, in November 1961, the aircraft suffered technical problems during take-off. The take-off was aborted and the aircraft overshot the end of the runway, went down a steep slope and crossed a road only coming to a halt when it hit a railway embankment. The aircraft was totally destroyed by fire, the crew only surviving because the forward fuselage was separated from the rest of the wreckage. WZ399 was a PR variant of the Valiant, fitted with a number of powerful cameras in its bomb bay giving it a useful photo reconnaissance capability. However, the advent of powerful surface to air missiles made this role more and more hazardous, eventually causing the Valiant to be phased out in favour of the higher flying Canberra.

Vickers Valiant B(PR).Mk 1

Designed for use as a high-level strategic bomber, the Vickers Valiant was first flown on May 18, 1951. This four-jet bomber was used in the RAF's V bomber force, first as a bomber and later as a tanker. A Valiant B.1 was the first RAF aircraft to drop an operational British atomic bomb (a test bomb dropped in October 1956). Valiants were originally used for high-level bombing, but increasing SAM threats forced the V bombers to train for low-level bombing-a role that the Valiant could not adjust to. The aluminum alloy used in its construction caused premature fatigue at low altitudes, and the Valiant fleet was grounded in early 1965.

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi 1:144 scale Valiant is constructed almost entirely of diecast metal with only the smallest amount of plastic components used, a quality common to most of Corgi's 1:144 series aircraft. The fuselage features pad-printed cockpit and upper and lower cockpit windows that do not interrupt the lines of the aircraft. The all metal shoulder mounted wing features four “spectacle” shaped engine intakes and separately applied exhaust fairings at the rear in addition to integrated wing fences and delicate metal pilot tubes on each wing tip. The landing gear and doors are reproduced as robust sub-assemblies for easy ground display. Additional features include wing mounted fuel tanks.

© Copyright 2003-2020 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.

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

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