Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA34706
B-57 Canberra Diecast Model
RAE, 1984
Limited Edition | 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| English Electric/Martin B-57 Canberra | | 11" | | 11.25" |
Canberra WT309 was built as a B (I) 6 variant by the English Electric Co at Preston, Lancs., and flew in April 1955. The aircraft was used by the RAF Handling Squadron and arrived at Farnborough an 11th July 1957, via Marshalls Flying School, Cambridge. The official transfer from the RAF to the RAE (Royal Aircraft Establishment) was on 28th February 1958 and was allocated to the Armament Flight, which later became the Weapons Flight in 1963. It was painted in an overall white and orange Day-Glo scheme until it was repainted in the smart ‘raspberry ripple’ scheme, as depicted on the model, in the early 1980s. WT309 operated from both Farnborough and West Freugh on various weapons trials, including bombing trials and fusing trials until the mid-‘80s, when it was retired by the RAE. It was then transferred to the A&AEE at Boscombe Down for a further period of trials until finally being withdrawn from use in 1990 and used for ground instruction by the Apprentice training Dept. until it was struck off charge on 26th January 1998, although it was actually scrapped between 7-10th January 1998. The nose was rescued by a Group of enthusiasts and purchased from the scrap dealer for display at the FAST Museum at Farnborough, where it went on display on 14th June 2002 and can be seen there today.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" 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.
- Optional 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 pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
Designed to meet an Air Ministry requirement for for a jet bomber, the Canberra/B57 was first flown on May 13th, 1949. |
