Legion Models 14619LE
Vought F4U Corsair Diecast Model
USMC VMF-214 Black Sheep, White 86 / Lulubelle, Pappy Boyington, Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands, November 1943 | Limited Edition
500
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Vought F4U Corsair | | 5.5" | | 6.75" |
In September 1943, Maj. Gregory Boyington took command of VMF 214, the "Black Sheep Squadron." Boyington was a superb leader and fighter with VMF-214, scoring 22 victories with the Marines, plus six from the AVG. Under his command, VMF-214 claimed 94 victories against the Japanese. At thirty-one years old, he was ten years older than most of his pilots, earning him the nickname "Pappy." On 26 November 1943, Boyington posed in the cockpit of Corsair "White 86" for a publicity photo. Japanese flag "kill markings" were applied so hastily that some were accidentally reversed. Some speculation exists as to whether the aircraft was called "Lucybelle" or "Lulubelle", since the name was partially obscured in the final photograph. Boyington was recognized as the leading Ace of the US Armed Forces, and when he was shot down on a mission over Rabaul on 3 January 1944, he was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. But Boyington survived Japanese captivity, and President Truman pinned the Medal of Honor on him on 5 October 1945. Designed to meet a US Navy requirement for a single-seat carrier based fighter, the F4U was first flown on May 29th, 1940. This versatile aircraft saw service with both the Navy and Marine Corps in WW II and in the Korean War. During its lifetime, the Corsair underwent numerous improvements such as a lengthened fuselage, a high visibility bubble-top canopy and folding inverted gull wings that provided clearance for a large propeller. Its performance advantage, 400 mph capability, the ability to withstand punishment and six .50 Browning machine guns made the F4U a devastating weapon against aircraft, ground targets and ships. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Legion Models range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aicraft in 1:72 scale. Legion Models 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.
- Fixed display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Detailed pilots and crew members.
- Spinning propellers.
- Authentic ordnance loads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
