A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a Griffon-powered Supermarine Spitfire Mk XIV used to defend Britain against the V-1 flying bomb threat during 1944. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA38703 depicts Spitfire RB159, coded “DW-D”, of RAF No. 610 “County of Chester” Squadron, associated with Squadron Leader Richard Newbery at RAF West Malling.
No. 610 Squadron became one of the first RAF units to re-equip with the powerful Spitfire Mk XIV in early 1944. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, the new variant offered the speed and climbing performance required to intercept the fast-moving V-1 flying bombs that began falling on southern England during June 1944.
Squadron Leader Richard Newbery commanded No. 610 Squadron during this demanding period. Flying Spitfire RB159, he contributed to the squadron's campaign against the V-1 threat, which required pilots to locate, pursue and destroy the small pilotless weapons before they reached heavily populated areas. The model is accompanied by a separate V-1 flying bomb, allowing the distinctive interception pairing to be displayed together.
The Spitfire Mk XIV represented a major development of R.J. Mitchell's celebrated fighter design. Its powerful Griffon engine, five-bladed propeller and revised airframe gave it significantly improved high-speed and high-altitude performance. These qualities made the Mk XIV particularly effective against the V-1, which was fast enough to challenge many earlier Allied fighter variants.
Limited to 1,800 pieces worldwide, this release is particularly appealing to collectors of RAF fighters, Spitfire variants and Home Front aviation. The model features heavyweight diecast construction, a detailed cockpit beneath a clear canopy, authentic DW-D squadron codes, five-bladed propeller, finely reproduced camouflage and national markings, separate V-1 flying bomb and two original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stands.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA38703
Aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire Mk XIV
Serial: RB159
Tactical Markings: DW-D
Pilot: Squadron Leader Richard Newbery
Unit: Royal Air Force No. 610 “County of Chester” Squadron
Campaign / Event: Defence of Britain against the V-1 flying bomb
Theatre / Base: RAF West Malling, England
Date/Period: 1944
Operator / Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 1,800 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited edition release, separate V-1 flying bomb model, authentic RAF No. 610 Squadron DW-D markings, five-bladed propeller, detailed cockpit with clear canopy, period camouflage, finely reproduced panel detailing and two original presentation display stands
Model Dimensions
Length: 5.5" or 14 cm
Width (Wingspan): 6.25" or 15.9 cm