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Corgi AA27701 1:72 P-51D Mustang USAAF 357th FG Butch Baby Leiston 1945
Preowned - Mint (10/10)
Limited Edition
883 of 1400
Pieces Worldwide
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Returns
Description
A uniquely camouflaged heavy bomber escort from the legendary 357th Fighter Group. This highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast model by Corgi (AA27701) replicates the North American P-51D Mustang (#44-14798), christened "Butch Baby," which served as the personal mount of Lieutenant Julian H. Bertram. Operating with the 362nd Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group out of RAF Leiston, England, in 1945, this aircraft flew hazardous long-range escort missions for VIII Fighter Command over occupied Europe. Although P-51Ds typically left the factory in a bare aluminum finish, the 357th FG famously painted their fighters in RAF dark green to match the local terrain during low-level operations. "Butch Baby" famously survived the heavy combat of WWII completely unscathed, only to be tragically scrapped following a landing accident at its home base in June 1945.
Ideal for curators of ETO bomber escort history and elite USAAF fighter collections, this Aviation Archive Collector Series release serves as a definitive historical artifact. The 1:72 scale model is engineered with exceptional precision, featuring a large transparent "bubble-top" canopy that provides a clear view of the hand-painted pilot figure and cockpit interior. Key structural highlights include an accurately modeled radiator scoop, under-wing panel details visible inside the wheel wells, and the distinctive red-and-yellow checkered nose pattern characteristic of the 357th Fighter Group. Complete with a sleek presentation stand that cradles the fighter in a realistic in-flight profile, this premium diecast model offers a commanding gallery presence.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA27701
Aircraft: North American P-51D Mustang
Serial: #44-14798
Name/Nose Art: "Butch Baby"
Pilot: Lt. Julian H. Bertram
Unit: USAAF 357th Fighter Group, 362nd Fighter Squadron (357th FG, 362nd FS)
Command: VIII Fighter Command
Location: RAF Leiston, Suffolk, England
Date/Period: 1945
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition: 1,400 pieces worldwide
Material: Diecast
Special Features: Non-standard RAF Dark Green camouflage livery, 357th FG checkered nose markings, bubble-top canopy with pilot figure, custom presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 5.25" or 13.3 cm
Wingspan: 6.25" or 15.9 cm
Condition
Model Condition - Mint (10/10)
Box condition - Mint (10/10)
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.
Grading
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Returns
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original condition.
- Free UK customer returns.
- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.
- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.
For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.
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Corgi AA27701 1:72 P-51D Mustang USAAF 357th FG Butch Baby Leiston 1945
Sale price£42.00 GBP
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Returns
Description
A uniquely camouflaged heavy bomber escort from the legendary 357th Fighter Group. This highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast model by Corgi (AA27701) replicates the North American P-51D Mustang (#44-14798), christened "Butch Baby," which served as the personal mount of Lieutenant Julian H. Bertram. Operating with the 362nd Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group out of RAF Leiston, England, in 1945, this aircraft flew hazardous long-range escort missions for VIII Fighter Command over occupied Europe. Although P-51Ds typically left the factory in a bare aluminum finish, the 357th FG famously painted their fighters in RAF dark green to match the local terrain during low-level operations. "Butch Baby" famously survived the heavy combat of WWII completely unscathed, only to be tragically scrapped following a landing accident at its home base in June 1945.
Ideal for curators of ETO bomber escort history and elite USAAF fighter collections, this Aviation Archive Collector Series release serves as a definitive historical artifact. The 1:72 scale model is engineered with exceptional precision, featuring a large transparent "bubble-top" canopy that provides a clear view of the hand-painted pilot figure and cockpit interior. Key structural highlights include an accurately modeled radiator scoop, under-wing panel details visible inside the wheel wells, and the distinctive red-and-yellow checkered nose pattern characteristic of the 357th Fighter Group. Complete with a sleek presentation stand that cradles the fighter in a realistic in-flight profile, this premium diecast model offers a commanding gallery presence.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA27701
Aircraft: North American P-51D Mustang
Serial: #44-14798
Name/Nose Art: "Butch Baby"
Pilot: Lt. Julian H. Bertram
Unit: USAAF 357th Fighter Group, 362nd Fighter Squadron (357th FG, 362nd FS)
Command: VIII Fighter Command
Location: RAF Leiston, Suffolk, England
Date/Period: 1945
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition: 1,400 pieces worldwide
Material: Diecast
Special Features: Non-standard RAF Dark Green camouflage livery, 357th FG checkered nose markings, bubble-top canopy with pilot figure, custom presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 5.25" or 13.3 cm
Wingspan: 6.25" or 15.9 cm
Condition
Model Condition - Mint (10/10)
Box condition - Mint (10/10)
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.
Grading
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Returns
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original condition.
- Free UK customer returns.
- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.
- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.
For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.
If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.


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