Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA36102
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina Diecast Model
USAAF 2nd ERS, Snafu Snatchers, New Guinea, 1945 | Limited Edition
3990
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina | | 10.75" | | 17.25" |
The secondary Emergency Rescue Squadron was credited with rescuing over 700 downed fliers during their tenure in the South Pacific from the time they arrived in July 1944 until the end of the war in August 1945. Known as the "Snafu Snatchers", this squadron was the first Army Air Force unit of its kind in the Pacific. In July 1944, it was assigned to the 5th Air Force from which it was transferred to the 13th Air Force in September 1944. Using OA-10A's (equivalent to Navy PBY's) the Second Emergency Rescue Squadron retrieved over 300 airmen from death or capture during the first six months of its activity. His close up shows the "Snafu Snatchers" nose art painted on the right side of their OA-10A's. "SNAFU" stood for "Situation Normal, All Fouled Up", although another word was usually used for the "F". Rafts with numbers were painted on the opposite side of the fuselage to indicate the crewmen rescued by the aircraft.
Designed to replace the Martin P3M, the PBY Catalina was first flown on March 28th, 1935. This aircraft is a long range patrol flying boat, one of the most rugged and versatile aircraft in U.S. history. Its long range assisted in the location and attack of enemy transport ships. A great advantage of flying boats is that they need no runway, however later PBY variants incorporated retractable landing gear, allowing for amphibious operation from land or water. Even today-more than seventy years after its first flight-the PBY continues to fly as an air tanker in firefighting operations throughout the world. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale PBYs feature massive observation blister-windows located aft, with a variety of crew and machine gun configurations in each release. These windows provide a clear view of the bulkhead leading to the main cabin, walkway and hull construction ribs. There are articulating outrigger pontoons and a massive wing, with details such as simulated fabric-covered control surfaces. Transparent lens covers are separately applied to the large landing lights on each wing's leading edge. The series includes a flying boat variant, with detachable "beaching gear," as well as an amphibious variant which can be configured with extended or retracted landing gear.
© Copyright 2003-2019 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.
