Corgi Showcase Noseart Series CS90363
Lockheed P-38J Lightning Diecast Model
USAAF 49th FG, 9th FS, "Marge", Dick Bong |
| 1:147 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed P-38J Lightning | | 3" | | 4.25" |
This aircraft was the first of Dick Bong's P-38 to feature the famous portrait of his new sweetheart, Marge Vattendahl, on its nose. 42-103993 was assigned to Bong following his attachment to V Fighter Command in February 1944.The primary reason for this posting was to ensure that Bong became the first American to pass Eddie Rickenbacker's 26-kill record set in World War 1. Bong claimed at least three victories with 42-103993 between 15 February and 3 March 1944. The fighter was lost when it suffered a mechanical failure whilst being flown by another pilot in bad weather.
Designed to meet a USAAC requirement for a high-performance fighter, the P-38 Lightning was first flown on January 27th, 1939. The easily recognizable P-38 had twin-booms, twin turbo-supercharged engines, a central pod for the pilot, contra-rotating propellers and tricycle landing gear. Its roles included dive bombing, level bombing, ground strafing and photo reconnaissance. When equipped with drop tanks it was also flown as a long-range escort fighter. The Lightning's armament was clustered in the nose of the plane, which gave the pilot a direct line of site to the target and also gave the weapons a "buzz saw" effect that was useful for strafing. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Showcase Collection Noseart Series" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft paired with a scale reproduction noseart panel.
During WW2, young airmen separated from home, family, loved ones and a familiar way of life often sought ways of escaping the harsh reality of war by personalising their aircraft with what has become known as nose art. Humour, slogans, nicknames, cartoons, girls; all were used to bring a touch of light relief to their deadly day-to-day existence. The Corgi Showcase range aims to capture some of the superb works of art that adorned aircraft on all sides of the conflict. Each model is displayed alongside a diecast body panel featuring the art in colourful, large-scale detail.
Corgi "Showcase Collection Noseart Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Diecast metal larger scale noseart panel.
- Realistic panel lines and surface details.
- Pad printed markings that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Poseable stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Moving parts such as propellers, rotors and swing-wings where applicable.
- Descriptive, collectible data card.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
