Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA37304
de Havilland Vampire T.Mk 11 Diecast Model
RAF No.5 FTS, WZ590, 1962 | Limited Edition
1100
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| de Havilland Vampire T.Mk 11 | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
The subject of a lengthy and thorough restoration, Vampire T11 WZ590 was unveiled to the public in its completed form on the 20th March 2012. Today the Vampire is displayed at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, where its colour scheme ensures it is one of the most striking and visible exhibits on display. Vampire WZ590 was manufactured at Hawarden in Wales and was delivered to No. 228 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Leeming in December 1953. In 1959 the aircraft moved south to Oakington and No. 5 Flying Training School. By 1963 it had been removed from active RAF service as the more advanced Jet Provost began to take over. It remained in storage until 1971 when it was transferred to the then new Imperial War Museum at Duxford where it remained in an only partly completed state with an inaccurate paint scheme until the restoration began in 2008.
Designed for the RAF as an experimental jet fighter, the de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was first flown on September 20, 1943. The Vampire was the second jet fighter to serve in the RAF, but it was introduced too late to see combat during WWII. It did, however, serve in front line squadrons until 1955, and it was used as a trainer for more than a decade afterwards. This important aircraft is notable for its many achievements; it was the first RAF fighter to exceed 500 mph, the first jet aircraft to cross the Atlantic, and the first jet to take off from and land on an aircraft carrier. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Vampires feature panel line detail that is exceptionally fine for a diecast metal model. Turbojet intakes are veined and individually painted with separately applied exhaust nozzle detailing at the rear. Four cannon and shell-casing ejection ports are located beneath the nose. The tail booms and elevators of this model are plastic, a feature designed to correct the model's center of gravity for proper ground display. The series includes a single-seat fighter-bomber and a two-seat trainer, with larger nose and canopy as well as redesigned twin rudders and larger elevators.
© Copyright 2003-2016 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.
