A colourful and highly distinctive 1:72 scale diecast representation of Canadian-Vickers-built Catalina 44-33939, operated by the United States Air Force's 4th Air Rescue Squadron from Hamilton Air Force Base, California, during 1949. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA36105 features the highly visible rescue markings applied to an aircraft dedicated to locating and assisting aircrews in distress.
Aircraft 44-33939 was manufactured in Canada by Canadian Vickers as a PBV-1A, the Canadian-built equivalent of the amphibious Catalina. It was delivered to the United States Army Air Forces under the OA-10A designation and subsequently continued serving after the creation of the independent United States Air Force.
In 1948, USAF designation changes resulted in surviving OA-10A aircraft becoming SA-10As, with the S prefix identifying their search-and-rescue role. Corgi marketed AA36105 as an OA-10A Catalina, but for its represented 1949 period the aircraft was technically an SA-10A.
The aircraft is reproduced in one of the most colourful Catalina schemes represented within the Aviation Archive range. Its predominantly blue-grey finish is contrasted by large yellow and red recognition areas, prominent RESCUE titles and United States Air Force national markings designed to make the aircraft highly visible during emergency operations.
The 4th Air Rescue Squadron was based at Hamilton Air Force Base in California during this period and operated specialised aircraft tasked with locating and assisting distressed aircrews. Amphibious Catalinas were particularly useful because they combined long endurance with the ability to operate from either conventional airfields or suitable stretches of water.
Originally developed before the Second World War, the Catalina became one of the most versatile flying boats ever produced. Its exceptional range allowed it to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, transport and air-sea rescue missions across enormous areas.
The amphibious version incorporated retractable landing gear while retaining the Catalina's boat-shaped hull and retractable wingtip floats. This flexibility made the aircraft particularly valuable for rescue work where a crew might need to search over long distances and subsequently land close to survivors.
Limited to 1,210 pieces worldwide, this substantial Corgi model features the Catalina's enormous parasol wing, detailed observation blisters, articulating outrigger floats, clear landing-light lenses and extensive surface detailing. The amphibious undercarriage can be configured for ground or in-flight presentation.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Scale: 1:72
Model Code/MPN: AA36105
Aircraft: Canadian-Vickers Catalina
Corgi Catalogue Designation: OA-10A Catalina
1949 USAF Designation: SA-10A Catalina
Military Serial: 44-33939
Original Manufacturer Type: Canadian-Vickers PBV-1A
Unit/Markings: USAF 4th Air Rescue Squadron
Base: Hamilton Air Force Base, California
Year/Date: 1949
Operator/Country: United States Air Force / United States
Role: Air-Sea Rescue / Search and Rescue
Limited Edition: 1,210 pieces worldwide
Material: Diecast metal with detailed plastic sub-components
Special Features: Distinctive rescue colour scheme, RESCUE titles, detailed cockpit and observation blisters, articulating wingtip floats, clear landing-light lenses, configurable amphibious landing gear and presentation display stand
Dimensions
Length: 10.75" or 27.3 cm
Width (Wingspan): 17.25" or 43.8 cm