Corgi 49301 1:72 North American P-51D Mustang USAAF 84th FS WZ-I Big Beautiful Doll John Landers RAF Duxford 1945

A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of North American P-51D Mustang 44-72218 “Big Beautiful Doll”, flown by distinguished American fighter pilot Colonel John D. Landers during the final months of the Second World War. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, model 49301 depicts aircraft WZ-I of the USAAF 84th Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, while operating from RAF Duxford during 1945.

The 78th Fighter Group initially operated the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt from Britain before converting to the P-51 Mustang. From RAF Duxford, its three fighter squadrons undertook bomber escort, fighter sweep, ground-attack and airfield strafing missions over occupied Europe and Germany.

Colonel John D. Landers had previously achieved fighter ace status in the Pacific while flying the Curtiss P-40 before returning to combat in Europe. He later flew both the P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang, commanded several fighter units and completed the war with victories recorded in both major operational theatres.

Landers used the name “Big Beautiful Doll” on several of his combat aircraft. P-51D 44-72218 became the best-known example and was assigned to him after he took command of the 78th Fighter Group at RAF Duxford during February 1945.

The model recreates the aircraft's polished natural-metal finish with a black anti-glare panel and the distinctive black and white chequered nose markings associated with the 78th Fighter Group. The black rudder and WZ squadron code identify the aircraft with the 84th Fighter Squadron, while the individual letter “I”, prominent USAAF insignia and colourful Big Beautiful Doll nose artwork complete the scheme.

Developed as a long-range fighter, the North American P-51 Mustang first flew in 1940. The combination of its aerodynamically efficient airframe and Rolls-Royce Merlin engine gave the later P-51 variants the range, speed and high-altitude performance required to escort Allied bombers deep into German-controlled territory.

The P-51D introduced a large bubble canopy that significantly improved all-round visibility, together with six wing-mounted machine guns and refinements to the aircraft's controls and internal systems. Its combination of range, manoeuvrability and firepower established the Mustang as one of the most successful Allied fighters of the Second World War.

Released around 2000 and limited to 6,500 pieces worldwide, this early Corgi Aviation Archive model is particularly appealing to collectors of USAAF aircraft, RAF Duxford history and famous fighter aces. The model features substantial diecast construction, a detailed cockpit with pilot figure beneath the clear bubble canopy, a rotating four-bladed propeller, removable landing gear, underwing accessories, authentic Big Beautiful Doll markings, the original presentation display stand and a numbered limited-edition certificate.

Fact Sheet

Model Dimensions

Model Condition - Near Mint (9/10)

• Model is in near mint condition overall and comes complete.
• Small paint inconsistency present just above the “Big Beautiful Doll” text, although this is not easily visible.
• A couple of light handling marks are also present.

Box condition - Very Good (7/10)

• Box is in very good condition for its age, with some shelf wear present.
• Yellow plastic inner tray lid has slightly yellowed with age.

Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.

Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.