A striking 1:48 scale diecast representation of a Royal Flying Corps S.E.5a Home Defence fighter operating over England during the final year of the First World War. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA37701 depicts Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a B658 of RFC No. 61 Squadron, associated with C.A. Lewis during 1918.
No. 61 Squadron was formed as a Home Defence unit and was tasked with protecting Britain against enemy air raids. Its pilots operated during a period when German bombers and airships posed a continuing threat to British towns, industrial centres and military installations. The squadron's S.E.5a fighters were required to intercept hostile aircraft, often under difficult conditions and with limited assistance from the navigation and detection equipment available at the time.
Aircraft B658 is reproduced in an especially distinctive finish, with a complex blue and brown diamond-patterned camouflage scheme covering much of the upper wing, fuselage and tail surfaces. The aircraft also carries prominent RFC roundels, its individual serial number and the red, white and blue rudder markings commonly associated with British military aircraft of the period.
Designed by Henry Folland and John Kenworthy, the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 was developed as a stable and effective single-seat fighter. Following the introduction of the more powerful S.E.5a, the aircraft earned a strong reputation for speed, strength and predictable handling. Unlike some more agile but less stable contemporaries, the S.E.5a provided an effective gun platform and was particularly well suited to diving attacks and high-altitude combat.
Limited to 3,310 pieces worldwide, this substantial 1:48 scale release is particularly appealing to collectors of First World War aviation and Royal Flying Corps aircraft. The model features simulated fabric-covered surfaces, extensive hand-applied rigging and separately rendered exhaust pipes. Further detailing includes a cockpit pilot figure, photo-etched gun sight, telescopic Aldis sight, wing-mounted Lewis gun with Foster mounting, four-bladed propeller, radiator shutters and the original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA37701
Aircraft: Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a
Serial: B658
Pilot: C.A. Lewis
Unit: Royal Flying Corps No. 61 Squadron
Role: Home Defence night fighter
Theatre / Base: England
Date/Period: 1918
Operator / Country: Royal Flying Corps / United Kingdom
Scale: 1:48
Limited Edition Size: 3,310 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited edition release, distinctive blue and brown diamond camouflage, simulated fabric-covered surfaces, extensive hand-applied rigging, detailed cockpit with pilot figure, photo-etched gun sight, telescopic Aldis sight, Lewis gun with Foster mounting, separately rendered exhaust pipes, four-bladed propeller, radiator shutter detailing and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 5.25" or 13.3 cm
Width (Wingspan): 6.75" or 17.1 cm