Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA36112
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina Diecast Model
USN VP-14, 14-P-5, Pearl Harbor, HI, December 7th 1941 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina | | 10.75" | | 17.25" |
As the Japanese naval Task Force prepared to launch its devastating surprise attack against multiple US military targets around the massive naval base at Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, their main targets may have been the huge warships moored in Battleship Row, but they were acutely aware of the threat posed by another American machine. The Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boats based on the Island of Oahu possessed the range to detect the Japanese ships and could alert American forces to their presence, not only undermining the effectiveness of the strike, but also placing the ships in danger of attack themselves.
With a strong force of Mitsubishi Zero fighters retained to protect the task force from air attack, pilots performing this role knew that if a Catalina strayed too close, they would only have seconds to destroy the aircraft, before it could relay details of its discovery to naval headquarters, where a coordinated attack could immediately be launched. As it was, a US Navy Catalina did detect the Japanese raid prior to the first bomb falling, but that of a midget submarine approaching the entrance of the harbour. Immediately launching an attack on the vessel and reporting their discovery to headquarters via coded message, the main attack had already started before military officials had time to plan their response.
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 2003-2024 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.
