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
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: 49301
Aircraft: North American P-51D-20-NA Mustang
Serial: 44-72218
Tactical Markings: WZ-I
Aircraft Name: Big Beautiful Doll
Pilot: Colonel John D. Landers
Unit: USAAF 84th Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group
Air Force: United States Eighth Air Force
Campaign / Event: Final European operations of the Second World War
Theatre / Base: RAF Duxford, England
Date/Period: 1945
Operator / Country: United States Army Air Forces / United States
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 6,500 pieces worldwide
Release Period: Circa 2000
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited edition release, authentic Big Beautiful Doll nose artwork, 44-72218 serial, WZ-I tactical markings, black and white 78th Fighter Group chequered nose, polished natural-metal finish, detailed bubble-canopy cockpit with pilot figure, rotating four-bladed propeller, removable landing gear, underwing accessories, original presentation display stand and numbered certificate
Model Dimensions
Length: Approximately 5.25" or 13.3 cm
Width (Wingspan): Approximately 6.25" or 15.9 cm