Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series US35307
North American B-25 Mitchell Diecast Model
USMC VMB-433, "Lassie" , Solomon Islands, 1944, w/5 Figures | Limited Edition
1610
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American B-25 Mitchell | | 8.75" | | 11.25" |
Formed in September 1943, VMB-433 was one of 16 Marine Corps units to be equipped with PBJ-1s in WWII — some 706 were delivered to the USMC by North American. Seven of these units would see action with the aircraft in the Southwest Pacific in the hot and bloody war fought against the Japanese in the Solomon Islands chain. VMB-433 commenced combat operations with MAG-61 on Green Island in July 1944, flying dreaded night bombing missions. The unit remained in action until February 1945, when it returned to the US and was deactivated. This particular aircraft was one of the very few PBJs to be adorned with nose art — an uncommon practice in the Marine Corps in WWII.
Originally designed as an attack bomber for export to France and the UK, the B-25 Mitchell was first flown on August 19, 1940. Rejected by the countries it was designed for in favor of the new Douglas DB-7, the B-25 later entered service with the Army Air Corps as a medium bomber. Early in its service career, the B-25 became famous for its role in the Doolittle Raid. Nearly 10,000 B-25s were built by North American Aviation, and the aircraft's service spanned four decades. Named for aviation pioneer Billy Mitchell, the B-25 is the only US military aircraft to bear the name of an individual person. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale B-25 series includes many variants, with features such as large greenhouse birdcage nose canopies and different engine cowlings. The most notable feature of this series is the variety of defensive and offensive gun emplacements found in each release, such as different tail gunner configurations, top turret positions and waist gunner positions. Additionally, different side-mounted guns on the sides of the fuselage used for strafing runs, waist gunners and a non-extendable ball turret are also featured on some releases. The bomb doors open to reveal two detailed 1,000 lb bombs and a nicely detailed bomb bay.
© Copyright 2003-2017 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.
