Corgi P-38J Lightning "Virginia Marie" 475th FG (1:72)

P-38J Lightning "Virginia Marie" 475th FG 'Satan's Angels', New Guinea (1:72) This exceptional CORGI Aviation Archive 1:72 scale diecast model brings to life the flamboyantly marked Lockheed P-38J Lightning "Virginia Marie", a prized collectible for aviation enthusiasts and military history aficionados.  Ready to display straight from the box, this meticulously crafted model captures the distinctive markings of one of the 475th Fighter Group's most striking aircraft, a deadly twin-engine fighter that earned Japanese respect as part of the 'Bloody Butchers of Rabaul'.  Premium diecast construction and authentic paint scheme reproduction make this a standout addition to any collection.   Key Features: Ready to display - no assembly required Authentic 1:72 scale diecast construction Features the distinctive progressive paint scheme of "Virginia Marie" Rotatable propellers for realistic presentation Includes display stand for immediate showcase History: The Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighters flown by the USAAF 5th Air Force's 475th Fighter Group 'Satan's Angels' were among the most visually striking aircraft of the Pacific Theatre, but their bold appearance masked a lethal combat effectiveness.  With twin engines providing added security and concentrated nose-mounted firepower, the Lightning became a formidable adversary that Japanese pilots learnt to fear and respect. The 475th Fighter Group's success earned them the ominous nickname 'Bloody Butchers of Rabaul' from their adversaries. "Virginia Marie" was delivered to the 433rd Fighter Squadron at Hollandia Airfield in early 1944, where she received her remarkable markings in an unconventional manner.  According to pilot Carroll R. Anderson, the aircraft's striking scheme evolved progressively over several weeks, making liberal use of the squadron's medium blue identification colour. The final artistic touches were completed during the Group Commander's absence from base, allowing the dedicated ground crew to fully express their talents.  Notably, "Virginia Marie" became the only Lightning in the 433rd Fighter Squadron to receive its complete intended paint scheme, making this aircraft a unique and celebrated example of wartime nose art and unit pride.  

Corgi Fokker E.III Eindecker, E339/16, Lt. Josef Jacobs, 1916 (1:48)

This exceptional CORGI Aviation Archive 1:48 scale diecast model honours one of the Great War's most dedicated fighter pilots, Josef Jacobs, and his distinctive Fokker E.III Eindecker.  Ready to display straight from the box, this meticulously crafted collectible captures the essence of early aerial combat with authentic detailing and premium construction.  Perfect for collectors of WWI aviation history and enthusiasts of pioneering fighter aircraft.   Key Features: Ready to display - no assembly required Authentic 1:48 scale diecast construction Rotatable propeller for dynamic presentation Historically accurate markings of Lt. Josef Jacobs' E339/16 Includes display stand Premium tan finish with precise detail work History: Josef Jacobs' journey from teenage aviation enthusiast to legendary fighter ace represents one of the most remarkable careers of the Great War. Learning to fly at just eighteen in 1912, he began the conflict as a motorcycle dispatch rider before his natural aptitude saw him transition to aerial reconnaissance.    His studious nature and exceptional skill caught the attention of senior pilots, earning him a coveted position at the newly formed Fokkerstaffel West, where he became one of the world's first dedicated fighter pilots flying the revolutionary Fokker Eindecker series.   Jacobs spent longer in operational flying over the Western Front trenches than any other German pilot, facing every major Allied ace of the period. His distinguished career saw him eventually command Jagdstaffel 22, where he mastered the iconic Fokker Dr.1 triplane, achieving an unprecedented 30 victories in this aircraft alone, more than any other pilot.    This Eindecker release perfectly complements the earlier Aviation Archive Fokker Dr.1 featuring Jacobs' distinctive black triplane.By war's end, Jacobs had secured 48 confirmed victories, placing him joint quarter among German aces alongside Werner Voss, and earning him the prestigious Pour le Mérite, the legendary 'Blue Max'. His legacy endures as a testament to skill, dedication and the dawn of aerial warfare.  

Oxford Diecast Grumann Avenger White 83 USS Petrof Bay 1945 (1:72)

Grumann Avenger White 83 USS Petrof Bay 1945 The Grumman Avenger was the British version of the American TBF-1 Avenger and the RAF used these under a lend-lease agreement.  However, our latest release is an Avenger that served with the US forces towards the end of WWII in combat with the Japanese in the Pacific. It was classed as a naval aircraft torpedo bomber and our 1:72 scale Grumman is a replica of the bomber flying with 76 Squadron from the aircraft carrier USS Petrof Bay. It comprised a single engine monoplane with capacity for up to a four-man crew. The livery on this model is quite striking with its midnight blue and dark sea grey two-tone upper side and white underbody.  Graphics are in white, including a four leaf clover on the tail fin. The nose art features a provocative and colourful ‘Blopsy’. The Grumman’s offensive armament comprised two forward facing Browning machine guns and a further rear-facing defensive Browning machine gun in the turret.  These are faithfully reproduced on our model painted black.  Finite details also include the black propellers with their yellow tips, the rust finished exhaust pipes and the silver propeller hub/spinner. - 1:72 Scale

Corgi Gloster Meteor F.Mk.8, WH480 'M', RAF Biggin Hill, 1953 (1:72)

Gloster Meteor F.Mk.8, WH480 'M', RAF Biggin Hill, 1953 A man destined to achieve great things as a member of the Royal Air Force, Yorkshireman John ‘Dusty’ Miller trained as a military pilot in America under the UK-US ‘Arnold’ Scheme, showing himself to be so proficient that he was retained as a flight instructor. He eventually joined an operational RAF squadron flying Beaufighters in an anti-shipping strike role, but advanced his career significantly during the early years of jet aviation.  Given command of No.41 Squadron at Biggin Hill, flying the Meteor jet from Summer 1951, his personal aircraft was one of the most colourful of that era, defending British airspace in style. Miller was one of the first RAF pilots forced to eject from his Meteor when a turbine blade failure caused an in-flight fire above Essex in April 1952. Once back flying, he continued his rise through the ranks.  With his potential for senior rank, Miller was forced to turn his back on ten years of flying jet fighters to take command of a Vickers Valiant nuclear bomber squadron, as his seniors wanted to take him away from what he was expert in to broaden his service experience.  During his time with the V-Bomber force, he was the officer responsible for introducing the Blue Steel air-launched nuclear stand-off missile into RAF service. When he left the RAF in 1969, he had achieved the rank of Air Commodore. This Gloster Meteor F.Mk.8 is a wonderful tribute to John 'Dusty' Miller, replicating the aircraft in excellent die-cast model form. - 1:72 Scale

Corgi Sopwith Camel F.1 - B7190/C - ‘Donner Wetter!’ (1:48)

Sopwith Camel F.1 - B7190/C - ‘Donner Wetter!’ This 1:48 scale die-cast model release of the World War One Sopwith Camel plane replicates the beautiful livery of an early aviation ace. This Aviation Archive model features a rotating propeller and display stand. We’ve only made 900 of these limited-edition Walter Hinchcliff Sopwith Camel F.1 die-cast models. History Liverpudlian Walter ‘Hinch’ Hinchliffe began his military career with a British Army artillery unit, but in 1916, joined the Royal Naval Air Service. After training, he was posted to Cranwell as an instructor, where he clocked up an impressive 1,250 flight hours in 13 months of flying. In January 1918, he joined No.10 Squadron. RNAS at Téteghem near Dunkirk, and scored his first victory in a Sopwith Camel on 3rd February 1918. As the commander of ‘C’ Flight, Hinchliffe’s Sopwith Camel B7190 was one of the most distinctively presented aircraft of the squadron, with its blue and white detailing making it an attractive sight for Allied and Luftstreitkräfte pilots alike. He used this aircraft to score his second and third victories in France, ending the war with six confirmed victories, confirming him as an ace pilot. The spine of his aircraft carried a representation of the Liverpool coat of arms, and the wheel covers had little devils painted on them. The wording ‘Donner Wetter’ painted on either side of the fuselage is German for ‘thunderstorm’ – fitting for a pilot who enjoyed such a meteoric rise through service. After the war, ‘Hinch’ was persuaded to fly a wealthy heiress across the Atlantic, as she wanted to become the first woman to do so. Tragically, both aircraft and passengers were lost without trace during the attempt. - 1:48 scale

Oxford Diecast Gloster Gladiator RAF 72 Sqn Church Fenton 1937 (1:72)

Gloster Gladiator RAF 72 Sqn Church Fenton 1937 The Gloster Gladiator was a British built single seater biplane fighter manufactured by the Gloucestershire Aircraft Company.  It was used by the RAF and was also exported to a number of other air forces during the late 1930s.   Although a biplane, the Gladiator was very different from the older types.  It was powered by the 840hp British Mercury VIIIA 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine; it had a top speed of 257 mph and accommodating four Browning 303 machine guns.  RAF Church Fenton in Yorkshire was opened in April 1937 as a result of the RAF’s massive expansion programme and in response to the escalating military activity in Germany under Adolf Hitler. The station was intended as a fighter base to protect the North’s industrial cities and was home to both offensive and defensive squadrons as part of No. 13 Group, including No. 72 Squadron, who had been allocated the Gloster Gladiators. Despite being one of the remaining survivors of a previous aviation era, the Gladiator was also one of the last Allied bi-planes to see service in WWII and its career in the conflict came to an end in May 1940, when it was superseded by the superior and more up to date Hurricane.  However, the Gladiator played an ongoing role in home based reconnaissance duties rather than active combat. Our 1:72 scale replica of K6130 Gladiator Mk I is decorated in all over silver with red and blue markings. The RAF roundel features on the upper and lower wings as well as along the fuselage. Intricate detail includes rust brown exhaust pipe and lighter brown cowling edge. The tyres, guns and engine are black and the wheel hubs are finished in bright red. K6130 was subsequently transferred overseas and on 18th July 1940 while flying over Egypt in cloud, the plane crashed into a hill, killing the RAF pilot and it was totally destroyed. - 1:72 Scale