Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA35306
North American B-25 Mitchell Diecast Model
USMC VMB-433, "Black 310", South West Pacific, 1944 | Limited Edition
2020
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American B-25 Mitchell | | 8.75" | | 11.25" |
In response to the Marine Corps need or a medium bomber for night heckling, close air support, and low level bombing and strafing, they started receiving B-25 Mitchell bombers from the Army. They were immediately designated as PBJ's, using the Navy aircraft designation system. VMB-413 was the first commissioned squadron of Marine Air Group 61 to use these and was quickly followed by the remaining "400" squadrons (VMB 423, 433, 443) and the "600" squadrons (VMB 611,612,613, 614). The 400 squadrons operated first from Sterling Island and later from Green and Emirau. The main assignment of these squadrons were daily bombing and strafing missions against bypassed, but heavily fortified Japanese bases such as Kaveing on New Ireland and Rabaul on New Britain. They also operated against Japanese shipping with low level bombing and carried out nightly heckling missions against these and other installations. This was one among many US Marine Mitchells in Marine Air Group 61 where the crew recorded their missions as small bomb silhouettes adjacent to the pilot's cockpit. This time-honored bomb log was very rarely backed by any further personalization, although the decorated propeller hubs (in red, white and blue) represent a modest identification marking duplicated on several squadron aircraft. Originally designed as an attack bomber for export to France and the UK, the B-25 Mitchell was first flown on August 19, 1940. Rejected by the countries it was designed for in favor of the new Douglas DB-7, the B-25 later entered service with the Army Air Corps as a medium bomber. Early in its service career, the B-25 became famous for its role in the Doolittle Raid. Nearly 10,000 B-25s were built by North American Aviation, and the aircraft's service spanned four decades. Named for aviation pioneer Billy Mitchell, the B-25 is the only US military aircraft to bear the name of an individual person. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. Corgi's 1:72 scale B-25 series includes many variants, with features such as large greenhouse birdcage nose canopies and different engine cowlings. The most notable feature of this series is the variety of defensive and offensive gun emplacements found in each release, such as different tail gunner configurations, top turret positions and waist gunner positions. Additionally, different side-mounted guns on the sides of the fuselage used for strafing runs, waist gunners and a non-extendable ball turret are also featured on some releases. The bomb doors open to reveal two detailed 1,000 lb bombs and a nicely detailed bomb bay. © 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. |
