Corgi AA27403 1:72 Gloster Meteor F.Mk 1 RAF No.616 Sqn Dixie Dean 1944

A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast dual-aircraft set commemorating a daring milestone in early jet combat history. This release by Corgi (AA27403) replicates the Gloster Meteor F.Mk 1 (EE216 / YD-E) flown by Flying Officer T.D. "Dixie" Dean of RAF No.616 Squadron, accompanied by a V-1 "Doodlebug" flying bomb. On August 4, 1944, Flying Officer Dean spotted a V-1 flying indiscriminately in the direction of southern Britain toward Tunbridge Wells. Placing his Meteor into a shallow dive to build up speed, he lined up the V-1 in his gunsight and fired—but after a short burst, all four guns jammed. Determined not to let the Doodlebug get away, Dean maneuvered his Meteor directly alongside the flying bomb, wing tip to wing tip. When positioned as close as safely possible, he flicked the control column of his Meteor and banked sharply away; the sudden airflow disruption caused the V-1 to go out of control and crash on open ground without causing injury. This actions secured the first Meteor victory over a V-1 and marked Dean as the first pilot to use the risky "tip and run" tactic against these feared flying bombs.

Featured within Corgi's Aviation Archive Collector Series, this limited-edition 1:72 scale set pays tribute to the first British jet fighter and the only Allied jet aircraft to see service during World War II. Designed as a turbojet-powered fighter in a time when piston-engined aircraft still dominated the skies, the Gloster Meteor first flew on March 5, 1943. It debuted around the same time as the German Me 262 but was not used for dogfighting; instead, Meteors were specifically charged with destroying incoming V-1 flying bombs. Though its wartime service was limited, the Meteor went on to see extensive combat during the Korean War and was operated by the Royal Australian Air Force and the air forces of more than a dozen other nations until its ultimate retirement in the 1970s. This exceptional diecast set includes both the historic Meteor fighter and its V-1 target, complete with custom presentation display stands.

Fact Sheet

Model Dimensions

Model Condition - Near Mint (9/10)

• Model is in near mint condition overall.
• Some wear is present around the wing pitot attachment area; this appears structurally sound but may have been repaired at some point.
• Some glue residue is present around the front undercarriage area, possibly used for support in the past, but this does not affect the accessories which still fit in place.
  

Box condition - Near Mint (9/10)

• Box is in near mint condition overall with light wear present.

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.