This 1:72 scale Westland Puma HC-1 die-cast model features a unique livery that will stand out on your collector's shelf! The NATO Tiger Meet livery from RIAT 2005 is roar-some, first displayed at the legendary Tiger Meet at RIAT 20 years ago!

The stripy design is complemented with high-quality detailing, as well as crew figures and sliding doors. A stand is included in the box.

This die-cast model is a limited edition of 936.

History

This versatile medium lift helicopter can trace its origins back to an innovative collaboration between the aviation industries of Britain and France in an attempt to produce a series of three different types for service in both countries, with the other two being the Gazelle and Lynx. Entering Royal Air Force service with No.33 Squadron in 1971, the Westland Puma HC.1 proved to be an exceptional machine, possessing both impressive speed and agility, and was capable of carrying 16 passengers, 12 fully equipped troops, or 2 tonnes of cargo, either carried internally, as an underslung load, or via a combination of the two.

An incredibly versatile and reliable helicopter, the latest variant of this magnificent aircraft remains in service with the RAF today, some 54 years since those first machines arrived at RAF Odiham. Throughout that time, surely no RAF Puma has ever looked as spectacular as XW231 did when No.230 Squadron prepared her for an appearance at the 2005 NATO Tiger Meet event, at Balikesir Air Force Base in Turkey. Resplendent in her new tiger livery, it will come as no surprise to learn that this aircraft came away with the Silver Tiger Trophy award at that prestigious event, later becoming one of the stars of the show at that summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo. 

If you want to make your Puma into an irresistible crowd pleaser, just make it look like a Tiger!

Honouring the life of an incredible American pilot, this 1:72 Hawker Hurricane Mk.I is a wonderful addition to our Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary collection. Presented in a stylish camouflage livery with a blue nose, this highly detailed model features crew figures and rotatable propellers. 

This die-cast model is a limited edition of 1,000.

History

When Britain stood alone and needed the young men of the Royal Air Force to stand against the might of the all-conquering Luftwaffe, many airmen answered that call, not all of them native to these shores. American Pilot Officer William Meade Lindsay ‘Billy’ Fiske III was born in New York in June 1911, and by the time he volunteered to join the Royal Air Force in August 1939, he was already a national hero back in his homeland. 

In 1928, Fiske was the driver of the US five-man Olympic bobsleigh team that took gold at the St. Moritz games, and at the age of just 16 years, also became the youngest ever gold medal-winning Olympian, a record which stood until 1992. Impressively, he repeated the feat four years later at the Lake Placid games. 

On joining the RAF, Fiske believed that he was the first US citizen to join the force after the outbreak of hostilities, something he was extremely proud of. Tragically, Fiske lost his life on 17th August 1940, the day after he and the rest of No.601 Squadron had been sent to challenge a force of Junkers Ju-87 Stukas which had been sent to attack his home airfield at Tangmere. 

With his engine seized, he managed to crash land back at his home airfield, but was still in the cockpit when the Hurricane burst into flames.

As far as distinctively presented Mustangs of the Second World War are concerned, few were as colourful as the machines flown by the 356th Fighter Group of the US Army Air Force. Flying out of RAF Martlesham Heath in Suffolk, just a short flight from Britain’s North Sea coast, the group were colloquially referred to as the ‘Martlesham Playboys’ or, perhaps more understandably, the ‘Blue Diamonds’. 

After completing his flight training in the US, Donald J Strait arrived in England to fly the P-47 Thunderbolt in autumn 1943. A native of Verona, New Jersey, he proudly took the name of his home state into combat with the Luftwaffe in the skies above Europe, naming his aircraft ‘Jersey Jerk’. 

Achieving three aerial victories whilst flying the Thunderbolt, Strait enjoyed his most prolific period of combat success once his unit converted to the North American P-51D Mustang at the end of 1944. 

Wearing the distinctive markings of the 356th Fighter Group, Captain Strait and his ‘Jersey Jerk’ scored a further 10.5 confirmed aerial victories in the final months of the Second World War, including a productive day on 20th February 1945 when he dispatched three Fieseler Storch Luftwaffe observation aircraft in the same mission. 

With a total of 13.5 aerial victories, Donald Strait ended the war as the most successful ace pilot in the 356th Fighter Group

This magnificent 1:72 scale Messerschmitt Me109E-4/B is a perfect replica of the one flown by Oberleutnant Walter Rupp. This bold yellow and green model features detailed crew figures, rotatable propellers and a replica bomb underneath the aircraft. Of course, it also has a stand for display.

This die-cast model is a limited edition of 908.

History

As one of the finest fighting aeroplanes ever, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 became the backbone of Germany’s Air Force throughout the Second World War, and despite its diminutive stature, was also arguably the world’s first operational fighter-bomber, or Jabo. 

Carrying a single under-fuselage-mounted 250kg bomb, they delivered their weapon using the fighter’s Revi gunsight, usually from a shallow dive and often with surprisingly accurate results. However, not all such missions ended with the safe return of the pilot and aircraft. 

Taking off from Le Touquet airfield on 17th October 1940 in the hands of Oberleutnant Walter Rupp, this Jabo joined around 40 other Bf 109s for a patrol over the English Channel, but was later attacked by RAF Spitfires over Gravesend at high altitude. 

The Messerschmitt took a bullet strike to the radiator, and with the engine temperature rising rapidly, the pilot had no option but to look for a suitable field to bring his aircraft down in. 

That field was on the outskirts of RAF Manston, with the pilot managing to perform a textbook emergency landing, with his aircraft only sustaining superficial damage. 

Rupp was immediately taken prisoner, and his aircraft was subsequently recovered and taken to RAE Farnborough for evaluation. It was later placed on public display as a war prize in several locations around Britain.

The popular Bristol Beaufighter is back with this new Aviation Archive 1:72 scale model, featuring eye-catching nose art, a display stand, optional undercarriage, and twin rotating propellers!

We’ve only made 1,100 of these limited-edition die-cast Bristol Beaufighter models.

History

Flying some of the most dangerous strike missions of the Second World War, the Bristol Beaufighters of the Dallachy Strike Wing were charged with a maritime battle that simply had to be won. Denying Germany access to the valuable raw materials she needed to feed her war industries, these aircraft were sent to attack Axis shipping, attempting to sail the length of the Norwegian coast to Germany.

They became so proficient in their work that the ships were unable to sail during daylight hours. Instead, they would fjord hop under the cover of darkness, and seek the protection offered by the steep fjord cliffs, and heavy flak batteries by day. Once detected, however, the Dallachy Beaufighters would immediately attack, using tactics perfected to avoid the potential for collision, or aircraft loss due to friendly fire during these frenzied attacks.

Battling against hostile terrain, murderous anti-aircraft defences and vast expanses of ocean, these missions required the resolve of a special breed of airmen and aircraft tough enough to cope with such demanding conditions.

After providing strike cover in the run-up to and during D-Day, No.404 ‘Buffalo’ Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force returned to Scotland and RAF Dallachy in October 1944. There, they continued their fight against Axis shipping off the Norwegian coast, becoming one of the most effective anti-shipping strike units of the Second World War.

This impressive 1:48 scale Aviation Archive model replicates a night-fighter variant of the Bristol F2B Fighter with an incredible First World War home-front story. It features a rotating propeller and a display stand.

We’ve only made 900 of these limited-edition Bristol F-2B Fighter die-cast models.

History

One of the most important British aircraft of the Great War era, the Bristol F2B Fighter was an exceptional fighting aeroplane. Once pilots realised this large machine was strong enough to be flown like a scout, many Luftstreitkräfte aircraft fell to its guns.

The Bristol was a multi-role aircraft of interest to the Home Defence units attempting to stem the nightly tide of German Zeppelin and biplane bomber raiders over southern England. The First World War model aircraft replicated here served with RAF No.39 Squadron during the summer of 1918, and on the night of 19th/20th May, was flown by 19-year-old Lieutenant Anthony Arkell on just his 11th home defence sortie.

Intercepting a mighty Gotha G.V bomber at 10,000ft over the Hainault Forest, Arkell skilfully positioned his aircraft under the bomber, and fired drum after drum of ammunition into its belly. Seemingly having little effect, he remained in position for around fifteen minutes, firing 700 rounds of ammunition into the belly of the beast, which finally burst into flames with the pair now just 1,500ft above the ground.

The aircraft crashed in East Ham, becoming the first and only No.39 Squadron victory over a Gotha night-raider, and earning Lt. Arkell a Military Cross. His aircraft, which was named ‘Devil in the Dusk’, sported muted markings developed specifically for night-fighter operations.

Bristol Beaufort MkIa, EK979 '35', Middle East Check and Conversion Unit, RAF, Egypt 1944.

Following the introduction of the Bristol Beaufighter in a maritime strike role, many Beaufort squadrons were subsequently sent to operate from bases in the Mediterranean and Middle East and after a significant reorganisation in theatre during late 1941 and early 1942, would once again find themselves taking a heavy toll of Axis shipping. Beauforts arrived in Egypt from around August 1941, where they would replace Blenheims and Martin Marylands which had previously been holding the line, with all aircraft in this region looking very different to those operating from Britain, by virtue of their attractive desert camouflage scheme they wore. 

It has been reported that as Axis shipping virtually stopped operating by day, the Mediterranean Beauforts spent more time engaged in training sorties than they did flying offensive strikes and as a consequence, more aircraft would be lost in accidents and to mechanical failures, than as a result of enemy action. Nevertheless, Beauforts did prove ruthlessly effective in mauling Axis shipping in the Mediterranean, preventing the resupply of the Afrika Korps by sea, enabling ground forces to continually have the Germans on the retreat, eventually bringing about the surrender of the Afrika Korps. 

Later in the war, Mediterranean Beauforts were equipped with ASV radar equipment, in an attempt to assist crews in locating the ever more elusive Axis shipping by day and by night, with the war taking a significant turn in favour of the Allies.

For those people who enjoy attending Airshows during the summer months across the UK, without doubt, 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 duration of the season and attracts thousands of youngsters to consider a career in the RAF. 

Over recent years, it has become something of a 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 in which it appears, and unquestionably, 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 WWII Hawker Typhoon of No.257 (Burma) Squadron, one which was flown by Squadron Leader Denzil Jenkins in support of the D-Day landings during the summer of 1944. 

During the Airshow season, at commemorative events in both the UK and France, and completing a successful Canadian tour, the aircraft, which its support team and enthusiasts alike referred to as ‘Moggy’, displayed the legendary agility of the Eurofighter Typhoon and highlighted the professionalism of the modern Royal Air Force in some 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.

Everyone loves a Supermarine Spitfire and there have been plenty in the CORGI range over the years, but this Mk.IXc version features the first USAAF livery on this tooling. This striking design is a historic one, carried today by ‘The Suffolk Spitfire’.

The highly detailed design comes with removable undercarriage and rotating propeller, as well as a stand for display purposes.

This die-cast model has a limited edition run of only 1,100 units

History

When the 309th Fighter Squadron of the USAAF 12th Air Force moved to support Allied operations in North Africa, and subsequently on to Sicily and Italy, they took their Spitfire Mk.V fighters with them. However, they received upgraded Mk.IX variants of the Spitfire from April 1943 onwards. 

These more powerful aircraft was used to provide fighter cover for Allied bombers across the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations, and even to protect earlier variants of the Spitfire which were still operational. 

This beautifully presented Spitfire was the mount of Lt Robert Connor, who playfully embraced the less-than-flattering nickname squadron mates gave him, by having distinctive artwork painted on the starboard side of his Spitfire. 

It featured the cartoon character Porky Pig and his Loony Tunes catchphrase ‘That’s All Folks’ in what resembled a slice of white bread. The aircraft carried the name ‘Porky II’ as the pilot was thought to have named an earlier Spitfire Mk.V ‘Porky’, and he had to distinguish between the two. 

The 309th exchanged their Spitfire Mk.IX fighters for North American P-51B Mustangs in March 1944, but not before writing a particularly interesting chapter in the annals of USAAF chronicles. 

An aircraft wearing these markings is currently one of the star attractions on the UK airshow circuit, operating as ‘The Suffolk Spitfire’. Resplendent in its unusual USAAF markings, it is one of the most distinctive restored Spitfires flying today.

Although the Supermarine Spitfire arguably occupies the position as the world’s most famous aircraft and certainly the most famous fighting aeroplane, a more recent incarnation of this incredible aircraft is helping to preserve its legacy as a none fighting variant of the aircraft, a Spitfire which was made for two. 

Although there were unofficial modifications made to a handful of Spitfires during WWII which allowed two pilots to fly in the same aircraft, it wasn’t until after the war had ended that Supermarine began marketing their famous fighter as an officially produced two-seat training aircraft. 

Every single aircraft produced started life as a single seat fighter variant, mainly the Mk.IX, so it could be said that these rather placid Spitfires all had a darker side, something those fortunate enough to fly in one should remember – they may well be in a Spitfire made for two, but this is the RAF’s famous fighter at heart. 

This Spitfire was originally constructed as an LF Mk.IXc in 1943, entering RAF service with No.441 (RCAF) Squadron in 1944. She actually has a combat victory to her name, having claimed a Messerschmitt Bf 109 over Arnhem just two days after making her combat debut, but would spend much of her service life performing ground attack missions, or escorting bombers. 

Currently part of the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar fleet, how would you like a flight in this incredible Warbird?

Even though the heroes of Fighter Command prevented the Luftwaffe from claiming air superiority over Britain 85 years ago this year, the sound of a Rolls Royce Merlin engine flying in the skies above us still has us all immediately gazing skyward to this day, just to catch a glimpse of the iconic aircraft which might be flying above us. 

Earning an unrivalled reputation during those dark days of war which endures to this day, the Spitfire continues to inspire our nation and preserve the memory of the brave airmen who fought so valiantly to maintain our freedom against overwhelming odds, the ‘Few’ to who we owe so much. 

That being the case, anyone who has a Spitfire story to tell is guaranteed an audience, and if you’ve actually flown in one, you can claim to have done something most of us would give our eye teeth to do. Thankfully, there are companies around the country who have gone to great expense in owning and operating a growing fleet of two-seat Spitfires, magnificent machines which allow members of the public to realise their dream of flying in a Spitfire. 

Of all the Spitfire T.9s currently flying, surely G-ILDA will be one of the busiest in this Battle of Britain anniversary year, as she is presented in the colours of a Mk.I Spitfire flown by Pilot Officer Nigel Rose during the summer of 1940 – she really is a stunner!

For millions of British people, the Supermarine Spitfire is much more than just an aeroplane. A fighter aircraft which was as deadly as it was beautiful to look at, the Spitfire stands as a symbol of the nation’s defiance in the face of tyranny, one which prevailed against seemingly insurmountable odds during the Battle of Britain, effectively removing the threat of invasion. 

Even though the prototype Spitfire flew 89 years ago this March, the aircraft could probably claim to be even more famous now than it was back then, with airworthy examples of this magnificent aircraft gathering ever more admirers with each passing year. For those wishing to fly in a Spitfire, this dream held by so many people is now an achievable reality for those able to afford it, and for those who can, they have the very real possibility of being able to say, “I’ve flown a Spitfire!’ 

In order to do so, you need to speak to specialists like Duxford based Aerial Collective, and if you’re going to fly in a Spitfire, why not do so from the airfield which took delivery of the first service Spitfire back in the summer of 1938. 

This beautiful Spitfire is one of their aircraft and is currently presented in the colours of Spitfire Mk.IX ML365, the personal aircraft of ace pilot Group Captain Peter Russell ‘Johnnie’ Walker CBE, DFC and DSO. Anyone fancy the flight of a lifetime?

The first-ever release of our 1:48 scale AV-8B Harrier II in die-cast, this incredible Aviation Archive model features a display stand, removable undercarriage, and multiple moving parts including a sliding canopy, rotating Pegasus Engine exhausts and even a spinning fan blade inside the aircraft. The livery pays tribute to a legendary US Marines Squadron.

We’ve only made 1,500 of these limited-edition McDonnell Douglas AV-8B+ Harrier II die-cast models.

History

Serving members of US Marine Attack Squadron 214 have always been proud to uphold the traditions of a unit which was originally formed at Ewa Field in Hawaii on the 1st July 1942, and claimed celebrated ace pilot Major ‘PAPPY’ Boyington amongst their number.

Boyington was significant for becoming the first fighter ace to eclipse the victory total of the famous Great War ‘Ace’ Eddie Rickenbacker. He also received the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military decoration.

They were known as the ‘Black Sheep’ Squadron, because this new unit was made up of individual airmen seconded from other units right across the Pacific Theatre, with little support or resources, leaving members feeling like outcasts – a disparate group. What they lacked in support, they made up for in fighting prowess.

The later history of this unit was marked by their long association with the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B plus Harrier II, an aircraft type they operated for 33 years. They only relinquished their aircraft when they exchanged them for the Fifth Generation Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth jet in 2022.

For the 75th anniversary of the formation of the ‘Black Sheep’, VMA-214 presented AV-8B Harrier II Plus 165001 ‘01’ in this striking special scheme, with the aircraft proudly carrying the name Maj. Gregory “PAPPY” Boyington on its starboard cockpit canopy framing.

This newly tooled Messerschmitt Me 410A=1/U4 is the perfect addition to your Axis collection of Second World War aircraft. The first release of this die-cast model features the Bk-5 auto-cannon armament on the nose.

The undercarriage is removable, and the propellers rotate on this 1:72 scale model. There are also detailed crew figures and a display stand in the box.

This die-cast model has a limited-edition run of only 1,500 units

History

The culmination of Germany’s vaunted ‘Destroyer’ concept, the Messerschmitt Me 410 was the intended successor of the Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter. Despite entering service almost two years late, it was arguably the Luftwaffe aircraft which most closely matched Britain’s magnificent de Havilland Mosquito in terms of role and performance. 

Unquestionably one of the most interesting aircraft of the Second World War in appearance, the Me 410 was a true multi-role aircraft and could be adapted to perform a number of offensive roles, including that of heavy bomber killer. 

Equipped with the mighty Rheinmetall manufactured BK-5 autocannon which protruded from the nose of the fighter, this weapon was a development of the 50mm Kampfwagenkanone anti-tank gun found in Panzer III tanks. 

With 21 shells housed in a magazine in the weapons bay of the fighter and a shell already loaded in the breach ready to fire, the pilot could usually only rely on one round being fired, before this temperamental system jammed, leaving just reduced standard armament to be used during the sortie. 

A single, well-aimed shell did possess the destructive power to easily bring down an Allied bomber and could be fired at ranges where the attacking Luftwaffe aircraft were effectively impervious to the wall of return fire put up by the bomber stream. However, the additional weight and drag caused by using this powerful gun made the Me 410 incredibly vulnerable to marauding Allied fighters.

This fitting tribute die-cast model to the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Junkers Ju87B-1 Stuka makes an impressive addition to your Aviation Archive collection. This highly detailed 1:72 scale design features crew figures, rotatable propellers and a display stand, and includes the famous howling fan blades under the wing.

This die-cast model is a limited edition of 912.

History

During the late afternoon of 8th August 1940, more than 80 Ju87 Stukas and their fighter protection left their bases in Northern France to make one final attack of the day against the British Convoy CW9 ‘Peewit’ off the south coast of the Isle of Wight. The area had been attacked mercilessly by German naval and air forces since the early hours. 

Each Luftwaffe raid was met by strong opposition from the Royal Air Force, and this third raid was no exception. As Ju87 Stuka S2+LM was about to launch its diving attack, it suffered engine failure, causing the aircraft to immediately lose height. 

At the same time, a Hawker Hurricane from No.145 Squadron attacked the aircraft, with a short, well-aimed burst from the fighter, killing the rear gunner and severing fuel lines, ensuring the pilot had to immediately look for a suitable place to set the stricken aircraft down. Landing in a field at St Lawrence, just inland from the sea, the aircraft came to rest in a wooded area, but remained relatively intact, incredibly, with its full complement of bombs still in place. 

Significant as one of the Stukas which took part in the devastating raids against Convoy CW9 ‘Peewit’ in the English Channel, this particular aircraft was also the first intact Stuka to fall into British hands, and was immediately prepared for transportation to the mainland for evaluation.

Applying to join the Fleet Air Arm at just 18 years old, Canadian pilot Donald Sheppard made his first operational sorties in support of Britain’s attempts to destroy the German battleship Tirpitz at the end of March 1944. He was aboard his home carrier HMS Victorious as she later traded the icy waters of the North Sea for a new assignment in the Far East, where the Indian Ocean saw Sheppard develop from a talented novice pilot into an air ace, one of only two Canadian Navy aces and the Fleet Air Arm’s only Corsair ace of the Second World War.

During a hectic period of combat flying in the Indian Ocean, Sheppard was credited with at least four aerial victories, plus a couple more claimed as damaged, shared or probable. One of these victories saw him engaged in a lengthy combat with a Japanese fighter, which saw him giving chase to the enemy aircraft for over 20 miles at 20,000 feet. Once in shooting range, he fired on the enemy aircraft which almost immediately exploded in a ball of flame. However, Sheppard was flying so fast that he didn’t have time to take evasive action and his Corsair flew through the flaming debris, burning his aircraft’s tail and elevators. Thankfully, he managed to nurse his fighter back to HMS Victorious without further incident.

A tribute to the men of the 100th Bomb Group who made it home against the odds, this attractive 1:72 scale B-17F Flying Fortress die-cast model is a must-have for Aviation Archive enthusiasts. With a handy display stand in the box, this model features rotatable propellers and detailed crew figures.

This die-cast model is a limited edition of 1,141.

History

Although the men of the 100th Bomb Group had already suffered losses since arriving in England at the end of May 1943, the mission which defined this unit and created the legend of the ‘Bloody Hundredth’ took place on 10th October that same year. Sent to target the homes of railway workers at Munster, 13 of the 100th Bomb Group’s Fortresses were committed to the raid. 

On the way into the target, the formation was repeatedly attacked by a huge force of enemy fighters, only abating when the intense and deadly flak barrage took over. On the way home, the fighters returned, and American bombers continued to fall from the skies, as it seemed the Luftwaffe were determined to make a statement defence that day. 

As the Commanders waited at Thorpe Abbotts for the return of their aircraft, they must have been horrified to see just a single B-17 aircraft approaching the airfield. Piloting Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress 42-6087 ‘Royal Flush’, Lt Robert ‘Rosie’ Rosenthal had only managed to nurse his aircraft home after flying such aggressive defensive manoeuvres over Europe that the attacking fighters couldn’t get his aircraft in their sights. 

She had two engines out, a huge hole in her wing and several injured crew members, but Royal Flush was the only one of the 13 100th Bomb Group B-17s to make it home from that disastrous mission.

When the Sea King became operational with the US Navy in June 1961, it was the largest amphibious rotorcraft in the world, and the first all-weather helicopter to reach production status for the US Navy. A capable and adaptable aircraft, it didn’t take long before the Sea King started to take on tasks other than the anti-submarine role it was intended for. 

During the Vietnam War, several US Navy Sea Kings were adapted to operate as armed search and rescue helicopters in the Gulf of Tonkin during ‘Operation Rolling Thunder’, coming to the aid of downed airmen either at sea or land. 

These were dangerous, secretive missions because they were operating in forward combat positions. US Navy HS-2 ‘Golden Falcons’ Sea Kings performed at least ten overland and five rescues of downed US airmen in North Vietnam during 1967, actions which were both intrepid and selfless. 

The aircraft modelled here was the subject of a rare colour picture taken on the landing pad of USS Mahan in the Gulf of Tonkin in May 1967. Underlining the hazardous nature of these missions, the aircraft was lost at sea, claiming all souls, just two weeks later. 

This release allows us to pay tribute to these clandestine and dangerous Sea King rescue missions during the Vietnam War.

This impressive Aviation Archive 1:72 scale model of the P-47D Thunderbolt is presented in a high-back configuration, and features a rotating propeller, optional undercarriage, and a display stand. The livery represents an aircraft flown by a legendary future American ace.

We’ve only made 1,100 of these limited-edition Republic P-47D Thunderbolt die-cast models.

History

Although remembered as the top-scoring Mustang ace in the European Theatre of Operations (ETO), George E. Preddy Jr. actually made his ETO combat debut flying the P-47 Thunderbolt. Whilst he did score his first three victories flying this massive fighter, things weren’t always without incident.

After downing his third Luftwaffe fighter, Preddy and his wingman, Lt. William Whisner, were heading back to Bodney when Preddy’s Thunderbolt was hit by flak crossing the French coast. Whisner later reported seeing smoke billowing from the cockpit of Preddy’s fighter, and his leader taking to his parachute.

Despite being low on fuel, Whisner remained circling above his leader until controllers confirmed a position fix, and that a rescue aircraft was on the way. When the Walrus did arrive, the sea was so rough that it ripped a float off the aircraft during landing. Although it was able to rescue Preddy, it had to be towed back to shore by an RAF rescue launch.

All of George Preddy’s fighters in the ETO were named ‘Cripes A’ MIGHTY’, a term he heard people using for luck whilst playing the dice game craps. It appealed to him so much that he painted it on the fuselage of his Thunderbolt and all his future Mustangs.

The 352nd began converting from P-47s to P-51B Mustangs in March 1944, and the rest is the stuff of USAAF ace pilot history.

The son of a farmer, Otto Kittel didn’t conform to most people’s opinion of a successful Luftwaffe fighter ace, being more reserved and modest than brash and boastful, going about his duties in a ruthlessly effective manner. Initially posted as wingman to a more experienced pilot, Kittel eventually took part in the opening exchanges of Operation Barbarossa with his unit JG54, where it became one of the most successful on the Eastern Front. Otto Kittel was credited with 267 aerial victories during the Second World War, with his final victory being his 94th against an Il-2 Sturmovik attack aircraft on 16th February 1945, his 583rd combat sortie of the war.

Unfortunately, moments after dispatching his latest victim, the hunter became the hunted, as another Sturmovik attacked Kittel’s Focke Wulf from below, scoring hits on the German fighter which almost immediately crashed into a forest below. The unassuming and well-liked Otto Kittel stands as the fourth most successful air ace of all time, achieved in less than four years of operational flying over the Eastern Front. He was also the most successful Focke Wulf FW190 ace, and, with 94 victories against the excellent Il-2 Sturmovik, the most successful ‘Sturmovik Hunter’. 

Scoring all his victories over the Eastern Front, Kittel was the most successful fighter ace to be lost during combat.

Operating from its home base at US Station 365 Halesworth in Suffolk in 1945, Consolidated OA-10A Catalina 44-33915, named ‘Miss Pick Up’, was scrambled to assist another Catalina which had been sent to rescue the crew of a downed B-24 Liberator in the North Sea. The aircraft had found itself in difficulties having landed on extremely rough seas. 

Managing to locate the other Catalina, ‘Miss Pick Up’ flew over it several times, sending back location coordinates to other units, before being relieved by other aircraft. 

She was then directed to try and locate the position of a P-51D Mustang pilot who had been reported as ditching in the sea off the coast of the Dutch Island of Schiermonnikoog. 

Unfortunately, when landing to attempt the rescue, one of the Catalina’s engines failed and it was unable to take off again or move further away from the enemy coast, so she dropped her anchor to avoid drifting further. 

The following day, the stricken Catalina came under attack by a pair of Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighters from Jagdgeschwader 7, with the German jets making two devastating strafing passes against the mighty amphibian. 

Thankfully, a flight of USAAF Mustangs chased the Luftwaffe fighters away, but whilst this saved the lives of the crew, ‘Miss Pick Up’ herself was mortally wounded and soon sank to the bottom of the North Sea.

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

History

With Bomber Command operations intensifying considerably towards the latter end of the Second World War, attempts were made to both boost the morale of aircrews engaged in this dangerous work and raise the profile of the herculean effort they were contributing towards eventual Allied victory. 

One such attempt involved the men and machines of No.427 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force, who christened the unit ‘The Lion Squadron’, and invited the film company Metro Goldwyn Mayer to adopt them – their famous lion was shown at the beginning of their movies. 

In a high profile event, which was covered by a national film unit, the managing director of MGM (UK) Mr Samuel Eckman Jr. accepted the invitation and presented the squadron with an impressive bronze lion for luck, also giving smaller versions of the lion to all members of the unit’s air and ground staff, along with the offer of free entry into MGM studios. 

For the crews, the most interesting aspect of the day was a draw to see which MGM star individual crews would draw, with their name to be carried on the side of their bomber. Handley Page Halifax Mk.V DK186 / ZL-L was already named ‘London’s Revenge’, but was further embellished with distinctive flying lion artwork (based on the MGM logo), and subsequently drew the most sought after star, Lana Turner – ‘L for Lana’, whose name they proudly took to war.

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.

The aircraft of one of the most inspiring pilots of the Second World War, this Supermarine Spitfire MkI is a must-have for your Aviation Archive collection. With rotatable propellers, detailed crew figures and a display stand, this 1:72 die-cast model, with its unique white, black and silver underside, is a replica of an aircraft with an amazing story.

This die-cast model is a limited edition of 1,016.

History

Unquestionably one of the most famous military pilots to have ever lived, the story of Douglas Bader’s life is extraordinary, and could even be likened to reading about some mythical heroic figure from the pages of a ‘Boys’ Own’ magazine. Losing both his legs in a pre-war flying accident, the Second World War allowed Bader to rejoin the Royal Air Force, with his drive and determination later becoming the inspiration for an entire nation. 

After successfully completing a refresher course, Bader was initially posted to No.19 Squadron at Duxford, then on to No.222 Squadron at Hornchurch as a Flight Leader, both to fly the Spitfire Mk.I. Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I P9443 was the 606th Spitfire built and was subsequently delivered to the Royal Air Force on 1st April 1940. She was initially flown to No.6 Maintenance Unit at Brize Norton, then on to No.222 Squadron at Hornchurch on 4th June. 

She was a standard mid-production Mk.I Spitfire, presented in the standard markings of an Operation Dynamo fighter, with Night/White and Aluminium undersides. Bader used this aircraft to score his first aerial victory over a Luftwaffe Messerschmitt Bf 109 on 1st June 1940 as he took part in Operation Dynamo, when what he thought must have been a novice pilot flew straight in front of his Spitfire, taking no evasive action when he opened fire on it.