Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA29104
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX Diecast Model
USAAF 31st FG, 309th FS, Porky II, Robert Connor, Tunisia, 1943 | Limited Edition
1100
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item is not currently in stock and has a planned arrival date of January 2026.- Orders may not ship until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders.
- Arrival dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them.
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When the 309th Fighter Squadron of the USAAF 12th Air Force moved to support Allied operations in North Africa, and subsequently on to Sicily and Italy, they took their Spitfire Mk.V fighters with them. However, they received upgraded Mk.IX variants of the Spitfire from April 1943 onwards. These more powerful aircraft was used to provide fighter cover for Allied bombers across the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations, and even to protect earlier variants of the Spitfire which were still operational.
This beautifully presented Spitfire was the mount of Lt Robert Connor, who playfully embraced the less-than-flattering nickname squadron mates gave him, by having distinctive artwork painted on the starboard side of his Spitfire. It featured the cartoon character Porky Pig and his Loony Tunes catchphrase "That's All Folks" in what resembled a slice of white bread. The aircraft carried the name "Porky II" as the pilot was thought to have named an earlier Spitfire Mk.V "Porky", and he had to distinguish between the two.
The 309th exchanged their Spitfire Mk.IX fighters for North American P-51B Mustangs in March 1944, but not before writing a particularly interesting chapter in the annals of USAAF chronicles. An aircraft wearing these markings is currently one of the star attractions on the UK airshow circuit, operating as "The Suffolk Spitfire". Resplendent in its unusual USAAF markings, it is one of the most distinctive restored Spitfires flying today.
Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Supermarine Spitfire first flown on March 5th, 1936. With its combination of beautiful fighter design, the excellent performance of its Rolls-Royce Merlin powerplant and firepower provided by twin cannons and four machine guns, the Spitfire became an unrivaled symbol of victory. The Spitfire had 40 major variants and was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the time. It flew operationally on every front between 1939 and 1945 and was engaged in every one of the Royal Air Force's major actions. © Copyright 2003-2025 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
