Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33201
McDonnell Douglas F-4N Phantom II Diecast Model
USN VF-111 Sundowners, NL200, Pederson, Becker, USS Coral Sea, 1975 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F-4N Phantom II | | 10.5" | | 6.25" |
F-4s have held absolute records in their time, an altitude record of 98,556 ft (30040 m) set on December 1959 and a speed record of 1,606.51 mph (2585.43 km/h) on 22 November 1961. These have since been beaten, but distinguish the Phantom as one of the world's finest all-round military combat aircraft. Veterans of seven ware cruises on Crusaders, the "Sundowners" transitioned from F-8Hs to F-4Bs at NAS Miramar, California, in early 1971, and in November of that year went back to the Gulf of Tonkin aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). Spending 148 days on the line, they claimed the destruction of a MiG-17 and lost an F-4B to a North Vietnamese SAM. After the Vietnam War, VF-111 deployed twice to WestPac aboard Coral Sea (first with F-4Bs, then F-4Ns) and once to the Mediterranean aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42). 151000 was the personal aircraft of the Commander Air Group, Dan Pedersen. It was tradition to identify the Commander's aircraft with a code ending in "00" and personalising the squadron markings with rainbow-striped tail markings.
The Sundowners were originally commissioned as VF-11 at NAS North Island on October 10, 1942. The name Sundowners refers to the squadron's job of shooting down Japanese "Suns", but it also refers to an old nautical term. A Sundowner was also a ship's captain who directed his crew towards hard work until the day was ended. The term originated in the days of sailing ships when grog was customarily served on ships. A strict captain might withhold the ration until dark, but others allowed the grog to be served when the sun dipped below the yardarm.
Designed as a fleet defense fighter for the US Navy, the F-4 Phantom was first flown on May 27, 1958. This twin-engine, long-range all-weather fighter/bomber proved highly adaptable and served in the Marine Corps and the US Air Force as well as in the Navy. During the Vietnam War, it was the principal air superiority fighter for the Navy and the Air Force and was also used for reconnaissance and ground attack. The Phantom continued to serve well into the 1970s and 1980s and even flew missions during the first Gulf War. Finally phased out by the F-14, F-16 and F/A-18, the Phantom was retired in 1996. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Phantom II series captures the lines of what is perhaps the world's best-known modern fighter/bomber aircraft, with distinguishing features such as a raised tailplane, "dog-tooth" wings and accurate raised wing-tips. The canopies are configurable and can be displayed in the open position, allowing for easy viewing of cockpit and crew. Each release spotlights different ordnance and fuel tank configurations, and a detachable crew access ladder is available with most releases. At the rear, the engine exhaust cans feature simulated "turkey feathers" with afterburner details. Simulated stainless-steel shielding the lower tail and the root of the elevator control surface complete the model.
© Copyright 2003-2013 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.
