A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of Lockheed P-38J Lightning 42-103993 “Marge”, associated with America’s highest-scoring fighter ace of the Second World War, Major Richard Bong. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA36601 depicts the aircraft while serving with the USAAF 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, in New Guinea during 1942.
Richard Bong began flying combat missions in the South-West Pacific, where the range, speed and heavy nose-mounted armament of the P-38 Lightning made it particularly well suited to operations across the vast distances of the theatre. Bong quickly established himself as an exceptional fighter pilot and ultimately achieved 40 confirmed aerial victories.
The aircraft carried the name “Marge” in honour of Bong’s future wife, with her portrait prominently displayed on the nose. The model recreates the aircraft in its natural-metal finish with olive-drab anti-glare panels, red recognition markings on the propeller spinners and wingtips, and early USAAF star-and-bar insignia.
Designed to meet a United States Army Air Corps requirement for a high-performance interceptor, the Lockheed P-38 first flew in 1939. Its distinctive twin-boom layout, central cockpit nacelle and twin turbo-supercharged engines gave the aircraft exceptional speed, range and firepower.
The P-38 served as a fighter, fighter-bomber, reconnaissance aircraft and long-range escort. Its concentrated nose armament eliminated the need for gun convergence and gave pilots an accurate and powerful weapons platform, while its long range proved especially valuable in the Pacific theatre.
Limited to 3,990 pieces worldwide, this release is particularly appealing to collectors of Pacific War aircraft, USAAF fighters and historically significant aviation personalities. The model features heavyweight diecast construction, detailed turbocharger and radiator components, a glazed cockpit with pilot figure, rotating propellers, removable landing gear and the original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA36601
Aircraft: Lockheed P-38J Lightning
Serial: 42-103993
Aircraft Name: Marge
Pilot: Major Richard Bong
Unit: USAAF 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group
Campaign / Event: South-West Pacific operations
Theatre / Base: New Guinea
Date/Period: 1942
Operator / Country: United States Army Air Forces / United States
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 3,990 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Authentic Marge nose artwork, natural-metal finish, olive-drab anti-glare panels, red recognition markings, detailed twin engines and turbochargers, glazed cockpit with pilot figure, rotating propellers, removable landing gear and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 6.25" or 15.9 cm
Width (Wingspan): 8.75" or 22.2 cm