A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a North American F-51D Mustang flown by James Glessner during the Korean War. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA32209 depicts an aircraft of the United States Air Force 12th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group, during November 1950.
Although the Mustang had been designed during the Second World War, it returned to frontline combat service following the outbreak of war in Korea. The limited availability of suitable jet aircraft and the urgent need for battlefield support led to large numbers of reserve Mustangs being returned to operational use.
Redesignated F-51D under the newly independent United States Air Force, the Mustang proved especially effective in the fighter-bomber role. Its range, weapons capacity and ability to operate from comparatively basic airfields made it well suited to supporting United Nations forces across the Korean peninsula.
The model recreates the aircraft in a polished natural-metal finish with a black anti-glare panel, black nose and dramatic red and white shark-mouth artwork. Large USAF lettering, national insignia and the individual serial markings are accurately reproduced across the airframe.
The North American P-51D Mustang first entered service as a long-range escort fighter during the Second World War. Its Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, laminar-flow wing, bubble canopy and six machine guns provided an effective balance of performance, visibility and firepower.
During the Korean War, Mustangs flew reconnaissance, close-support and ground-attack missions, frequently carrying bombs, rockets and external fuel tanks. Their vulnerability to ground fire was offset by their ability to remain over the battlefield for longer periods than many early jet fighters.
Limited to 3,400 pieces worldwide, this Corgi release features diecast construction, a detailed cockpit beneath a clear bubble canopy and a rotating four-bladed propeller. Additional features include removable landing gear, underwing stores, distinctive shark-mouth artwork and the original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA32209
Aircraft: North American F-51D Mustang
Serial: 511736
Pilot: James Glessner
Unit: United States Air Force 12th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group
Campaign / Event: Korean War
Theatre / Base: Korea
Date/Period: November 1950
Operator / Country: United States Air Force / United States
Role: Fighter-bomber and close-support aircraft
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 3,400 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Authentic Korean War USAF markings, natural-metal finish, black anti-glare panel and nose, red and white shark-mouth artwork, detailed bubble-canopy cockpit, rotating four-bladed propeller, removable landing gear, underwing stores and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 5.25" or 13.3 cm
Width (Wingspan): 6.25" or 15.9 cm