Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA34804
Vickers Wellington Mk VIII Diecast Model
RAF No.221 Sqn Special Duties Flight | Limited Edition
1790
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Vickers Wellington Mk VIII | | 10.25" | | 14.25" |
The reason Malta was so critical to Allied fortunes in the Middle East was because of its strategic location. Lying midway along the Mediterranean and halfway between Italy and the North Africa, it was the perfect place from which to attack Axis shipping heading to Libya. It is no coincidence that whenever Axis attacks on the island intensified, Axis fortunes in North Africa improved. Working with the Royal Navy, steadily increasing numbers of RAF bombers - Wellingtons, Blenheims, Beauforts and attack aircraft like the Beaufighterplayed a crucial role in attacking enemy shipping. HX604:X flew with No.221 Sqn, Special Duties Flight from late 1941 and was painted in the scheme of Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey upper surfaces and Night underside specifically for this theatre of operations.
Designed to meet a British Air Ministry specification for a two-engine bomber, the Wellington was first flown on June 15th, 1936. Used as a night bomber in the early years of the Second World War, the Wellington defended itself with machine guns: two in the front turret, four in the rear turret and an additional two in beam positions. Later in the war, the Wellington served as maritime patrol, anti-submarine. Equipped with radar and used as an Early Warning and Control aircraft, it operated at an altitude of some 4,000 ft over the North Sea, controlling Mosquito fighters intercepting He 111 bombers. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Wellington series is most notable for its replication of the "geodesic" type construction, similar to the construction method used to build airships. This construction method is replicated on the simulated fabric stretched wings and tail surfaces, and is clearly visible through the windows on the fuselage. Releases with configurable bomb load subassemblies have open bombay doors that expose an internal bomb load. The robust metal landing gear are quick and easy to install for ground display. Each release features a 90 degree rotating gunner's turret, and some include an array of delicate photo etched metal antennas.
© Copyright 2003-2014 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.
