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Code |
Make |
Description |
Price |
AA29101 |
Corgi |
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX MK329 of 127 (Canadian) Wing, RAF |
£ 0.00 |
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Out of stock |
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Corgi Aviation 1/72 scale AA29101: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX MK329 of 127 (Canadian) Wing, RAF, Johnnie Johnson, St.Croix-sue-Mer, France, Beer Runs, 1944
Limited Edition of 2,100 models.
Length 5.25 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches
Wearing full D-Day identification markings, Spitfire MK329 JE-J "Junior" was the personal mount of RAF ace pilot James Edgar "Johnnie" Johnson, one of the RAF's top scoring fighter aces of WWII and one who's impressive tally of 34 confirmed aerial victories was scored exclusively against Luftwaffe single engined fighters. Flying extensively in support of the D-Day landings, Johnson and the squadrons under his command would be employed in aggressively clearing the skies of northern France of Luftwaffe fighter opposition, something they proved rather effective at doing. In fact, by D-Day, Johnson was one of the most successful Allied air aces still flying operationally, with his victories showing no sign of abating. Johnson and his No.127 (RCAF) Wing were one of the first fighter units to be sent to operate from forward landing bases in France following the successful Normandy landings, which is where the unusual story of this particular aircraft comes from. It appears that Spitfire Mk.IX MK329 was something of a hybrid machine and not the one Johnson actually flew in combat, but more of a hack airframe.
It is reputed that once his unit had been sent to operate in France, he used this Spitfire to fly back to the UK on unofficial "Beer Runs", returning to their temporary home with two beer kegs attached under the wing of his aircraft. This practice was frowned upon by the RAF top brass, so units came up with ingenious ways around the restrictions, using standard external fuel tanks which had been thoroughly washed out for the purpose of transporting their beer, however, despite their very best endeavours, the beer still had a nasty aftertaste of fuel. It is thought that as Johnson was particularly highly regarded by both his men and his superiors, a blind eye may have been turned on his unofficial Spitfire sorties and the refreshing ordnance they ferried. There are few details regarding the actual production and service career of Spitfire MK329 in existence, which Johnson described in his memoirs as being a collection of components from various different Spitfires, something of a mix and match airframe. This is borne out by the fact that its serial MK329 is very similar to that of his usual and favoured combat mount around that time, Spitfire MK392 - is this the reason why he referred to this aircraft as "Junior"? Whatever the true story, this beautiful Spitfire and its unusual underslung load makes for a fitting first release for our Corgi's new Spitfire Mk.IX tooling.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX
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. |
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Picture of model:- |
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Corgi aviation archive general
information |
(note not all this information
will apply to the above model) |
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The Corgi Aviation Archive features a vast selection
of diecast model airplanes in 1:144, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:32 scales
and has become the standard by which all other 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 material. Subject
aircraft in the Aviation Archive appeal to all aviation enthusiasts
and every diecast model airplane includes such features as:
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface
details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel
like decals.
- Interchangeable landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in
flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed pilots and crew members (1:72/1:32).
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards
(1:72/1:32).
- Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened
canopies and access panels (1:72/1:32).
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces
and swing-wings (1:72/1:32).
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