Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA34803
Vickers Wellington Mk III Diecast Model
RCAF No.419 Sqn | Limited Edition
1600
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Vickers Wellington Mk III | | 10.25" | | 14.25" |
The Wellington was a medium-range bomber designed in the mid-1930s at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey by Vickers-Armstrongs' Chief Designer, R.K.Pierson. It was widely used in the first two years of WWII, before being replaced as a bomber by much larger designs like the Avro Lancaster. The Wellington used a unique geodetic construction designed by the famous Barnes Wallis, which built up the fuselage from a number of steel channels-beams that were formed into a large network. This gave the plane tremendous strength because any one of the stringers could support some of the weight even the opposite side of the plane. Blowing out one side's beams would still leave the plane as a whole intact. Wellingtons with huge holes cut out of them continued to return home when other planes would not have survived. However the construction system also had a distinct disadvantage, in that the construction time was considerably higher than for other designs using monocoque construction techniques. It was particularly effective in North Africa, where it could fly faster than most of the Italian fighters, and carried a heavier bombload than the Italians. Deployed in 1937, the first prototype first flew on 15th June, 1936; some were used as trainers until 1953. Mk1C was crewed by six, a pilot, radio operator, navigator/bomb aimer, observer/nosegunner, tailgunner and waistgunner. Two 1050hp Bristol Pegasus XVIII 235 mph. Ceiling of 19,000ft. Range of 1805 miles. 8 machine guns, 4500lbs bombs. The Mk.X introduced a fuselage structure of light alloy, instead of steel. There were also prototypes and a small production series (about 60) of the MkV and the MkVI, with early cabin pressurized systems which did not enter service. Wellingtons were built with Pegasus, Hercules, Merlin or Twin Wasp engines. Number built totalled 11,461 of all versions including 3,804 Wellington MkX. No.419 Sqn was the third Canadian crewed bomber squadron to be formed in the UK. Z1572 served first with Nos.115 and 75 squadrons and went on to fly for another RCAF squadron, No.427, before being pensioned off for training duties with No.16 OTU. The bomber was finally SOC (Struck Off Charge) on 30 April, 1945.
Corgi's Vickers Wellington series is most notable for its replication of the "geodetic" type construction, similar to the construction method used to build airships. This construction method is replicated on the simulated fabric stretched wings and tail surfaces, and is clearly visible through the windows on the fuselage. Releases with configurable bomb load subassemblies have open bombay doors that expose an internal bomb load. The robust metal landing gear are quick and easy to install for ground display. Each release features a 90 degree rotating gunner's turret, and some include an array of delicate photo etched metal antennas.
Designed to meet a British Air Ministry specification for a two-engine bomber, the Wellington was first flown on June 15th, 1936. Used as a night bomber in the early years of the Second World War, the Wellington defended itself with machine guns: two in the front turret, four in the rear turret and an additional two in beam positions. Later in the war, the Wellington served as maritime patrol, anti-submarine. Equipped with radar and used as an Early Warning and Control aircraft, it operated at an altitude of some 4,000 ft over the North Sea, controlling Mosquito fighters intercepting He 111 bombers. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Wellington series is most notable for its replication of the "geodesic" type construction, similar to the construction method used to build airships. This construction method is replicated on the simulated fabric stretched wings and tail surfaces, and is clearly visible through the windows on the fuselage. Releases with configurable bomb load subassemblies have open bombay doors that expose an internal bomb load. The robust metal landing gear are quick and easy to install for ground display. Each release features a 90 degree rotating gunner's turret, and some include an array of delicate photo etched metal antennas.
© 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.
