SPITFIRE MK V USAAF 4TH FG 334TH FS DEBDEN ENGLAND 1942 - CORGI US31923 1/72

Originally delivered new to the RAF's No. 610 Sq. in late May 1942, this aircraft was passed on to the USAAF's newly formed 31st FG in mid July. In early September, it was transferred to No. 71 "Eagle" Sq., which duly became the 334th FS as part of the newly formed 4th FG at month-end. Deemed surplus to requirements by the Eighth Air Force in March 1943 following the arrival of P-47Cs in-theater, the fighter returned to RAF service with No. 66 and 340 Sqs. Damaged in combat on December 7, 1943, the fighter was relegated to training duties following its repair and was finally written off in a forced landing following engine failure on May 2, 1945, while serving with No. 57 Operational Training Unit.

Supermarine Spitfire Mk V
Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Supermarine Spitfire first flown on March 5th, 1936. With its combination of beautiful fighter design, the excellent performance of its Rolls-Royce Merlin powerplant and firepower provided by twin cannons and four machine guns, the Spitfire became an unrivaled symbol of victory. The Spitfire had 40 major variants and was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the time. It flew operationally on every front between 1939 and 1945 and was engaged in every one of the Royal Air Force's major actions.

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

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 honoured.

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 presentation 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.
• Limited edition only 1990