A striking and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI HR118, operated by RAF No. 235 Squadron during the D-Day period. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA32809 depicts aircraft 3-W in full black and white Allied invasion markings during June 1944.
No. 235 Squadron served within RAF Coastal Command and operated the Mosquito on maritime strike, reconnaissance and escort duties. The aircraft's combination of speed, range and concentrated forward-firing armament made it highly effective against enemy shipping and coastal targets.
During March 1944, a revised Coastal Command camouflage scheme was introduced for strike aircraft. The finish combined Extra Dark Sea Grey upper surfaces with lighter Sky undersides, providing an effective scheme for aircraft operating over the sea and around northern European coastlines.
Immediately before Operation Overlord, broad black and white identification stripes were applied to Allied aircraft taking part in the invasion. These highly visible markings were intended to reduce the risk of friendly fire from Allied ground and naval forces during the enormous concentration of aircraft operating over Normandy.
HR118 is reproduced with stripes across the wings and rear fuselage, RAF roundels, the individual aircraft number 3 and the squadron marking W. Red propeller spinners and finely rendered cockpit framing provide contrasting detail against the restrained Coastal Command finish.
Constructed primarily from moulded wood, the de Havilland Mosquito combined the performance of a fighter with the range and payload capacity of a light bomber. Its adaptable airframe was developed for bombing, night fighting, reconnaissance, maritime strike and low-level ground-attack operations.
The FB.VI became the principal fighter-bomber version of the Mosquito. It carried four machine guns in the nose and four 20 mm cannon beneath the forward fuselage, while bombs, rockets or external fuel tanks could be carried beneath the wings.
Limited to 3,000 pieces worldwide, this release is particularly appealing to collectors of D-Day aircraft and RAF Coastal Command subjects. The model features substantial diecast construction, a detailed cockpit beneath a clear canopy, twin rotating propellers, authentic invasion stripes, removable landing gear and the original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA32809
Aircraft: de Havilland Mosquito FB.Mk VI
Serial: HR118
Tactical Markings: 3-W
Unit: Royal Air Force No. 235 Squadron
Command: RAF Coastal Command
Campaign / Event: Operation Overlord / D-Day
Theatre / Base: England / Normandy operations
Date/Period: 6th June 1944
Operator / Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Role: Fighter-bomber and maritime strike aircraft
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 3,000 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited-edition release, authentic HR118 and 3-W markings, Extra Dark Sea Grey Coastal Command finish, full black and white D-Day invasion stripes, detailed cockpit with clear canopy, red propeller spinners, twin rotating propellers, removable landing gear and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 6.75" or 17.1 cm
Width (Wingspan): 9" or 22.9 cm