Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA36810
Westland Lysander Mk III Diecast Model
RAF No.161 Sqn, Lucky Newhouse, February 1942 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Westland Lysander Mk III | | 5.25" | | 8.25" |
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In the months leading up to and just after D-Day, the Westland Lysanders of RAF No.161 Squadron made a significant, yet largely unheralded contribution towards the success of this massive Allied operation. Flying incredibly perilous clandestine "Spy Shuttle" operations, unarmed Lysanders were flown on nights where they could rely on the light of the moon, carrying up to 3 agents or "operatives", into enemy occupied France and often bringing others back on the return flight. These operations were vital in providing the Allies with intelligence information and disrupting German activities right across Europe but were incredibly perilous for those involved particularly as they were taking place right under the noses of the Germans.
One of the most unusual Lysanders to ever take part in these famous clandestine operations, this aircraft was flown by pilot "Lucky" Newhouse and sported D-Day identification markings around its rear fuselage, but significantly, not on its wings. A rather unique aircraft, squadron records show that Newhouse flew this Lysander for the first time on the night of 4/5th August 1944 during "Operation Scimitar", where he landed in France delivering three agents, bringing back another three on the return flight back to England. Even with the addition of D-Day markings, these nocturnal Lysanders were unusual in that they often came under fire from both enemy and friendly forces, so secretive were their important missions.
Designed to meet an Air Ministry specification for an army co-operation aircraft, the Lysander was first flown on June 15th, 1936. This unconventional looking aircraft had contoured wings that were angled slightly forward so that the pilot was positioned in front of the wing. Its roles included reconnaissance, message pickup, artillery spotting and some limited bombing, but its superb short takeoff and landing capabilities are what set it apart from other aircraft of its time, making it perfect for special night missions such as transportation of agents and supplies to and from mainland Europe. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Lysander features a beautifully replicated gull wing and a skillfully rendered canopy with a clear view of the pilot and rear gunner. Details of a Lewis machine gun with spare ammo drums below are visible through the rear portion of the canopy. A photo-etched crew ladder is included with most releases, and the landing gear spats have separately installed lights with internal machine gun barrels above. Each release includes radial engine details, engine exhaust pipe, package retrieval hook and transparent windows. Certain releases include stub wings loaded with bombs or a center mounted external fuel tank for clandestine operations.
© Copyright 2003-2024 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 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
