Corgi Me 410A-1/U3, Hpt. Eduard Tratt, II./ZG26 1943 (1:72)

Me 410A-1/U3, Hauptmann Eduard Tratt, II./ZG26 1943 (1:72) Product Info: This impressive CORGI Aviation Archive 1:72 scale diecast model brings the formidable Messerschmitt Me 410A-1/U3 Hornisse to life for passionate collectors and aviation enthusiasts.  Ready to display straight from the box, this meticulously crafted model captures the powerful twin-engine heavy fighter in authentic markings commemorating Hauptmann Eduard Tratt, the most successful Zerstörer Ace of the Second World War.  Finished in accurate grey livery with rotating propellers, this detailed replica represents one of the Luftwaffe's most heavily armed interceptors from 1943. Key Features: Ready to display straight from the box - no assembly required Authentic 1:72 scale diecast construction Rotating propellers for added realism Accurate grey paint scheme and period markings Includes display stand History: Despite a troubled development that delayed its entry into service, the Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse emerged as an exceptional combat aircraft, combining considerable power with impressive operational range and devastating firepower.  The Hornisse could mount an extraordinary array of weaponry, its configurable under-nose weapons bay supplemented by external armaments made it particularly lethal against the massive Allied bomber streams that penetrated deep into German

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

Oxford Diecast DH Mosquito NF MkII P.G.Wykeham-Barnes. RAF No.23 Sqn. (1:72)

This 1:72 scale Oxford aircraft represents a No. 23 Squadron Mosquito which was deployed to RAF Luqa in Malta. The squadron was the first to use the Mosquito in the Mediterranean, having transferred there in December 1942. Its key role was to perform intruder and bomber escort missions attacking enemy  infrastructure in North Africa and Southern Italy, often flying low and fast. The Mosquito’s versatility played a vital part, with great success. Wing Commander Peter Wykeham-Barnes was the commanding officer at Luqa and was to become one of WWII’s famous Bomber Aces, surviving the conflict and highly decorated too. Born on 13 September 1915 in Sandhurst, Surrey, Peter Wykeham-Barnes joined the RAF as an aircraft apprentice in 1932. Later he became a cadet at RAF College, Cranwell and was commissioned in 1937. After a series of deployments at home and abroad, he took over 23 Squadron on Mosquito II night intruders, leading the unit out to Malta. Whilst with 23 Squadron his navigator was 116970 Flying Officer Geoffrey Ernest Palmer, DFC. Together, they were a formidable team with great successes against the Luftwaffe. Wykeham-Barnes ended the war with 3 and 1 shared biplane victories and a total of 14 and 3 shared destroyed. Post-war, he took an Air Ministry post followed by secondment to the USAF in Korea, where he flew night intruder sorties in B-26 Invaders of the 90th Bomber Group, USAF, and was awarded the US Air Medal.  He ended his career in UK defence  as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and retired as Air Marshal Sir Peter Wykeham, KCB, DSO and Bar, OBE, DFC and Bar, AFC.  He died on 23 February 1995. With so much history behind it, our heroic model appears decorated in the night fighter garb of dark grey and dark green upper side and matt black underside with matt black nose, dorsal patch, guns and rear tyres. On the upper side, the No Step warning signs in red indicate the fragility of the structure in the area between the two engines which would not support any weight.  Also in red are the aircraft identity markings DZ230 and YP-A along the length of the fuselage. The RAF roundel also features a yellow outer circle to make it more easily visible to other friendly aircraft. The island of Malta was awarded the George Cross for its bitter battles against the enemy during WWII and without doubt the DH Mosquito played a great part in its success. - 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

Corgi English Electric Lightning F.6 RAF No. 5 Sqn Leconfield (1:48)

English Electric Lightning F.6 - RAF No. 5 Sqn - RAF Leconfield One of the most exciting RAF aeroplanes in aviation history, the English Electric Lightning F.6 makes a wonderful 1:48 scale die-cast model. This modern masterpiece is replicated in high detail, with removable engine and intake covers and even a crew ladder. The undercarriage is also removable and the box includes a stand so you can proudly display your model at the centre of your aviation collection. This die-cast model has a limited-edition run of only 1,200 units. - 1:48 Scale

Oxford Diecast Spitfire X4590 (609 Sqn) Hendon (1:72)

Spitfire X4590 (609 Sqn) Hendon Our 1:72 scale model of the Spitfire Mk I is a replica of the X4590 registered aircraft built in 1940, deployed to 609 Squadron which operated out of RAF Middle Wallop, from where it took part in the Battle of Britain. X4590 was badly damaged in 1941 but was repaired and put into service as a training aircraft before being retired in 1944. Post war, it was preserved and put on display at the RAF Museum in 1978 where it proudly stands today. The model is decorated in the brown and green camouflage scheme with pale green underside. The characteristic RAF roundels and its RAF PR-F X4590 identity are all faithfully replicated as they appear in real life. - 1:72 Scale

Corgi Handley Page Halifax MkV 'London's Revenge / L for Lana' (1:72)

Handley Page Halifax MkV 'London's Revenge / L for Lana' - RCAF No.427 Sqn - RAF Leeming Recognise the lion on the nose of this 1:72 scale Handley Page Halifax MkV? There's a fascinating story behind this artwork (see below), and the model looks incredible on its stand. It's been a while since we last made a Handley Page Halifax, but we've never done one in this unique configuration. With rotatable propellers and detailed crew figures, this is a must-have for film fans and aviation enthusiasts. This die-cast model is a limited edition of 900 - 1:72 Scale

Corgi Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 Moggy RAF No.29 Sqn 2024 D-Day (1:48)

Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 ‘Moggy' - RAF No.29 Sqn - 2024 D-Day Anniversary Display Scheme This attractive Eurofighter Typhoon model is a 1:48 scale replica of the ever-popular 'Moggy'. Wearing its attractive D-Day commemoration markings, this die-cast delight features detailed crew figures and comes with a convenient display stand. This die-cast model has a limited edition run of 1,000 units. Those who enjoy attending UK airshows in the summer will agree that the highest profile individual aircraft in current Royal Air Force service is their display Typhoon, an aircraft which makes a celebrity of its pilot for the season and attracts thousands of youngsters to consider a career in the RAF.  Over recent years, it has become tradition for the RAF Display Team’s Typhoon display jet to wear attractive special markings, making the aircraft a highlight display act on any airshow programme, and one of the most appealing subjects for enthusiast photographers.  To mark last year’s 80th anniversary of D-Day commemorations, the RAF presented Eurofighter Typhoon ZJ913 in the markings of a Second World War Hawker Typhoon of No.257 (Burma) Squadron. The livery represents a plane flown by Squadron Leader Denzil Jenkins in support of the D-Day landings in summer 1944.  During the airshow season, at commemorative events in both the UK and France and a successful Canadian tour, the aircraft, which its support team and enthusiasts referred to as ‘Moggy’, displayed the legendary agility of the Eurofighter Typhoon and highlighted the professionalism of the modern Royal Air Force in style.  Although now retired to perform duties as an instructional airframe, ‘Moggy’ will be remembered as one of the most popular RAF aircraft of the post-war era. - Diecast Model - 1:48 Scale

Aviation 72 Fairey Swordfish 'The Navy Wings Heritage Flight' (1:72)

Fairey Swordfish 'The Navy Wings Heritage Flight' W5856/4A The Swordfish is a biplane torpedo bomber, designed by the Fairey Aviation Company and principally operated by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. The design first flew in 1934 and was retired from frontline duties towards the end of World War II. W5856 is the oldest surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish in the world and is now part of the Navy Wings historic naval aircraft collection. W5856 first flew in 1941 and served with the Royal Navys Mediterranean Fleet for a year, then returned to Fairey's Stockport factory for refurbishment over the winter of 1942/43. Transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1944 and used in a training role, this aircraft was then stored in reserve after the end of the war. Sold off and passing into civilian ownership, W5856 was eventually purchased by Sir William Roberts and brought to Scotland to join his Strathallan Collection. In 1990, the aircraft was bought by British Aerospace and completely restored to flying condition. Following a successful test flight at Brough in May 1993, she was gifted to the Royal Navy Historic Flight. Three years later, the aircraft was adopted by the City of Leeds, in tribute to the local companies that built Swordfish components during World War II, and W5856 now wears the citys coat of arms and name on her port side just forward of the pilot's cockpit. W5856 was grounded with corrosion in her wing spars in 2003, but BAE Systems generously stepped in and constructed a new set of wings, which were delivered in 2012. W5856 was saved by a major grant from the Peter Harrison Heritage Foundation. The aircraft re-joined the display circuit in 2015, carrying a new paint scheme which depicts Swordfish of 820 Naval Air Squadron during the attack of the Bismarck in 1941. Released as part of the lower-priced Inceptor series, this second Swordfish in the series (after AV72-FB-001, the other Swordfish in the Navy Wings collection) makes for another excellent value model. It comes complete with a display stand in a window presentation box. - 1:72 Scale

Oxford Diecast Junkers Ju-87 Stuka Stab III/StG 77 (1:72)

Junkers JU-87 Stuka Includes: - Diecast model - Canopy detailing - Printed detail - Prop and engine exhausts - Display stand - 1:72 Scale Aircraft information and history: Although usually associated with the Wehrmachts feared Lightning War attacks at the beginning of WWII, the Ju87B Stuka was also a highly effective maritime strike bomber. Capable of performing precision dive bombing attacks against any Allied vessel, the Stuka took a heavy toll of shipping in the English Channel, North Africa and in the Mediterranean. The Stuka also saw service with the air forces of Italy, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, as well as remaining in Luftwaffe service throughout WWII. The attack dive of the Stuka was so severe, that quite a number of automatic features had to be incorporated into the manoeuvre. At an altitude of approximately 15,000 ft., the pilot would locate his target through a bombsight window, which was located in the floor of the cockpit. His engine and propeller had automatic controls, to optimise the aircraft when in a dive, and an automatic trimmer would make the aircraft tail heavy, as the pilot initiated the dive. He would move the dive lever to the rear, which would limit the kick of the control column and quickly begin a defined sequence of actions, which if done correctly, would see his ordnance detonate on his intended target. He quickly set the trim tabs, reduced the throttle and closed the engine coolant flaps. The aircraft would automatically become tail heavy and pitch over in a 180-degree roll, placing the aircraft in a steep nose-down dive at the same time, dive breaks were automatically deployed, to reduce the speed of the dive, to a constant 360 mph. This was the point of no return as the attack sequence had begun. As the strain on the body of the pilot increased, he still had much work to do. The angle of his dive could be checked by looking at a series of red lines on the side of his cockpit window and lining them up against the horizon 60, 75, or 80 degree angle of attack. He would then look forward through the fixed gun sight, to line up his attack, before releasing his heavy main bomb - the optimum release height was indicated to the pilot, by a light flicking on in his altimeter. The bomb was carried on a large U-shaped cradle, which would swing down on release, throwing the bomb safely clear of the large propeller and on to the target. As all this action was taking place, the pilot would have certainly had at least a couple of reassuring glances at the red pins protruding up from the top of the wings, which informed him that the automatic dive recovery system was engaged, should he fall victim to a g-induced black-out. All this would have been taking place in just a matter of a few, frantic seconds! Once the bombs had left the aircraft, it automatically began its dive recovery sequence. This was the point at which the maximum g loading on the crew would be felt and forces in excess of six times the force of gravity were regularly experienced, which could result in vision impairment at the very least. Once recovered and the nose of the aircraft was above the horizon, the dive breaks were automatically retracted, the throttle was opened and the propeller was set to climb the pilot then quickly had to manually open the coolant flaps, to prevent the engine from overheating and then resume flying the aircraft. This was the point that the Stuka was at its most vulnerable, flying at low level, at relatively slow speed and in hostile territory. His rear gunner may still be blacked out and indeed the pilot might still be feeling a little light headed, but every anti-aircraft gun, rifle and enemy fighter in the vicinity would be taking pot-shots at them, from every angle.

Oxford Diecast DH Mosquito FB MKVI 23 Squadron RAF 1943 (1:72)

DH Mosquito FB MKVI 23 Squadron RAF 1943 Includes - Diecast model - Canopy detailing - Prop and engine exhaust detailing - Fine printed detail - Display stand - 1:72 scale Aircraft information and history: The latest World War II aircraft to land on your Oxford airfield is that of the valiant little De Havilland Mosquito, making another appearance this time as a Night Fighter (NF). Originally conceived as an unarmed fast bomber, the Mosquito was a British twin-engined shoulder winged multi-role combat aircraft which took its first flight in November 1940. By 1941 it was the fastest operational aircraft in the world. The effectiveness of the Mosquito saw its use extended as a high altitude night bomber, as modelled here, where you will notice the authentic lack of gun turrets. At the beginning of World War II, 23 Squadron RAF was equipped with Blenheims as a night fighter squadron before they moved to the highly effective DH Mosquito in July 1942. By 1943 the Squadron and its Mosquito aircraft were based in Luqa in Malta from where they were able to attack enemy airfields and railway targets throughout Sicily, Italy and Tunisia. The model is decorated in a matt black body colour scheme with dark red markings. Note 23 Squadron's YP Squadron code which was used between September 1939 and May 1945, printed on each side of the fuselage with the RAF roundel in between. The roundels also appear on the upper wings, together with an interesting rectangular notice on each side of the cockpit canopy indicating No Step! Heaps of history here for aviation enthusiasts concentrating on World War II.