A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of Supermarine Spitfire Mk IA R6835, flown by New Zealand fighter pilot Brian Carbury during the Battle of Britain. Released as part of the early Corgi Aviation Archive range, model 49004 depicts aircraft XT-W of RAF No. 603 Squadron while operating from RAF Hornchurch during 1940.
No. 603 “City of Edinburgh” Squadron was originally an Auxiliary Air Force unit and became heavily involved in the defence of southern England during the Battle of Britain. The squadron moved south from Scotland to join the major aerial fighting over London and the surrounding counties.
Brian Carbury became one of the most successful New Zealand fighter pilots of the Battle of Britain. Flying with No. 603 Squadron, he achieved a number of aerial victories during the intense fighting of August and September 1940.
The model recreates R6835 in the dark earth and dark green camouflage carried by RAF fighters during the campaign. The XT-W squadron codes, RAF roundels and contrasting underside markings reproduce the operational appearance of Carbury's Spitfire.
Designed by R.J. Mitchell, the Supermarine Spitfire combined an elegant elliptical wing with the powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Its speed, manoeuvrability and excellent handling made it one of the defining British fighter aircraft of the Second World War.
This early Corgi Aviation Archive release features substantial diecast construction, simulated fabric-textured control surfaces, a detailed cockpit beneath a clear canopy and a rotating three-bladed propeller. It is supplied with removable landing gear and the original curved presentation display stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: 49004
Aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IA
Serial: R6835
Tactical Markings: XT-W
Pilot: Flying Officer Brian John George Carbury
Unit: Royal Air Force No. 603 “City of Edinburgh” Squadron
Campaign / Event: Battle of Britain
Theatre / Base: RAF Hornchurch, England
Date/Period: August 1940
Operator / Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Scale: 1:72
Release Period: Circa 2000
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Authentic R6835 and XT-W markings, Battle of Britain camouflage, detailed cockpit with clear canopy, simulated fabric-textured control surfaces, rotating three-bladed propeller, removable landing gear and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: Approximately 5" or 12.7 cm
Width (Wingspan): Approximately 6.25" or 15.9 cm