A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of the Gloster Gladiator Mk I flown by renowned Royal Air Force fighter ace Marmaduke “Pat” Pattle during the early stages of the Second World War. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA36209 depicts Gladiator L8011, coded “YK-O”, of RAF No. 80 Squadron while operating in Egypt during the spring of 1940.
Born in South Africa, Pat Pattle joined the Royal Air Force during the 1930s and was posted to No. 80 Squadron, which had recently been equipped with the Gloster Gladiator. He went on to become one of the most successful Allied fighter pilots of the early war period, achieving numerous victories during operations across North Africa and Greece.
Gladiator L8011 was regularly flown by Pattle during the pre-war period and throughout much of the spring and early summer of 1940. On one occasion, the aircraft suffered an engine failure shortly after take-off and was forced down in the Egyptian desert. Pattle successfully restarted the engine during the landing run and returned the aircraft to the airfield without further damage.
The model recreates the aircraft's distinctive desert appearance, combining brown and green upper-surface camouflage with contrasting undersides, prominent RAF roundels and the white “YK-O” squadron codes displayed along the fuselage. The open cockpit, exposed radial engine and extensive biplane rigging capture the characteristic appearance of this final generation of RAF biplane fighter.
Developed as an improvement over the earlier Gloster Gauntlet, the Gladiator first flew in 1934 and entered RAF service shortly before the widespread introduction of modern monoplane fighters. Despite its comparatively traditional biplane layout, the Gladiator remained agile and effective, serving with the RAF, Royal Navy and numerous overseas air forces during the opening years of the Second World War.
Limited to only 1,200 pieces worldwide, this release is particularly appealing to collectors of early-war RAF aircraft, North African campaign subjects and historically significant fighter aces. The model features heavyweight diecast construction, simulated fabric-covered surfaces, fine structural bracing wires, a detailed open cockpit with pilot figure and twin machine-gun pods beneath the lower wings. Further detailing includes a visible radial engine, rotating propeller, fixed undercarriage and the original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA36209
Aircraft: Gloster Gladiator Mk I
Serial: L8011
Tactical Markings: YK-O
Pilot: Marmaduke “Pat” Pattle
Unit: Royal Air Force No. 80 Squadron
Campaign / Event: Early Second World War operations
Theatre / Base: Egypt
Date/Period: Spring 1940
Operator / Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 1,200 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Low-run limited edition release, authentic RAF No. 80 Squadron YK-O markings, desert camouflage scheme, simulated fabric-covered surfaces, fine structural bracing wires, detailed open cockpit with pilot figure, twin underwing machine-gun pods, visible radial engine, rotating propeller, fixed undercarriage and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 4.5" or 11.4 cm
Width (Wingspan): 5.25" or 13.3 cm