Corgi Showcase Noseart Series CS90365
Lockheed P-38J Lightning Diecast Model
USAAF 8th FG, 80th FS, "Sweet Sue", Paul Murphey, March 1944 |
| 1:147 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed P-38J Lightning | | 3" | | 4.25" |
Six-kill ace Paul Murphey, from Waco, Texas, flew this early build P-38J from the autumn of 1943 through to the spring of 1944 - an awfully long time for a frontline fighter type in the Pacific theatre. Although there is no record of him claiming any victories with the aircraft, Murphey's log book does contain an entry for a kill--a Ki-61 'Tony' fighter--in a P-38J-5 over Wewak on 22 December 1 944. SWEET SUE was neither damaged or lost in frontline service with the 8th FG, being reduced to scrap by mid 1944.
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.
