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Corgi US51902 1:48 Bell H-13 Sioux US Army Medical Service Corps MASH Korean War

Sale price£65.00 GBP
Duties & Taxes Prepaid Where Available
30-Day Returns

Limited edition 2059 of 15000 worldwide

Condition summary

Model condition
Mint (10/10)
Box condition
Good (6/10)
Completeness
Comes complete.
  • Comes complete.
Full condition notes

Model condition

  • Comes complete.

Box condition

  • The box has some shelf wear to the corners/edges.
  • One side has a rip on the corner as shown in the images.

Estimated delivery to United Kingdom

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Estimate for this model. Combined postage is calculated in your cart.

International orders: Duties and import taxes are collected at checkout where available. If not collected, you may need to pay them, plus carrier handling fees, on delivery.

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Description

A highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of the Bell H-13 Sioux, one of the defining medical evacuation helicopters of the Korean War. Released as part of Corgi's Aviation Archive Forgotten Heroes range, US51902 represents a United States Army Medical Service Corps aircraft operating in support of a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.

The H-13 became closely associated with battlefield medical evacuation during the Korean War. Its compact size allowed crews to reach casualties in difficult terrain before transporting them rapidly to nearby surgical hospitals, considerably reducing the time between injury and specialist medical treatment.

This release is associated with Second Lieutenant Byron Howlett Jr., who flew H-13 helicopters while stationed with the 46th Surgical Hospital MASH near the Punchbowl. Pilots frequently operated in poor visibility, freezing temperatures and seasonal monsoon conditions while carrying wounded personnel from frontline areas.

The model recreates the unmistakable appearance of the Bell H-13 with its large transparent bubble canopy, exposed tubular tail structure and two-bladed main rotor. Twin external stretcher litters are fitted alongside the cabin, while US Army medical markings and the restrained olive-drab finish reflect its battlefield role.

Developed from the civilian Bell Model 47, the H-13 was used for observation, liaison, training and medical evacuation. Its simple construction, skid landing gear and excellent low-speed handling made it particularly well suited to operating from small improvised landing areas close to frontline positions.

Limited to 15,000 pieces worldwide, this substantial Corgi release features extensive diecast construction, a detailed transparent cockpit, exposed engine and tail-boom components, twin medical stretchers and a large rotating main rotor. The open structure and fine external detailing make it an especially distinctive Korean War display model.


Fact Sheet

Brand: Corgi

Series: Aviation Archive Forgotten Heroes

Model code: US51902

Aircraft: Bell H-13 Sioux

Pilot: Second Lieutenant Byron Howlett Jr.

Unit: United States Army Medical Service Corps

Associated Hospital: 46th Surgical Hospital MASH

Campaign / Event: Korean War

Role: Medical evacuation, observation and liaison helicopter

Operator / Country: United States Army / United States

Scale: 1:48

Limited Edition Size: 15,000 pieces worldwide

Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components

Special Features: Authentic US Army Medical Service Corps markings, olive-drab finish, large transparent bubble canopy, detailed cockpit, exposed tubular tail boom, visible engine components, twin external medical stretchers, skid landing gear and rotating main rotor


Model Dimensions

Length: 10.75" or 27.3 cm

Width (Rotor Span): 9.25" or 23.5 cm

Condition

Model Condition - Mint (10/10)

  • Comes complete.

Box condition - Good (6/10)

  • The box has some shelf wear to the corners/edges.
  • One side has a rip on the corner as shown in the images.

Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.

Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Grading

Grading Criteria

Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.


Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.


Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.


Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.


Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.


Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.


Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.


Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.


If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.

For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.

Shipping

Dispatch & Tracking

Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.

If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.

Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.


UK Delivery

  • Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.

  • Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.

  • Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.


International Delivery

We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.

  • Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.

  • Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.

 

Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.

If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.


Import Duties & Taxes

For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.

Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.

If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.


We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.

Returns

Returns

You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.

Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.

We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.

To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.

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Description

A highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of the Bell H-13 Sioux, one of the defining medical evacuation helicopters of the Korean War. Released as part of Corgi's Aviation Archive Forgotten Heroes range, US51902 represents a United States Army Medical Service Corps aircraft operating in support of a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.

The H-13 became closely associated with battlefield medical evacuation during the Korean War. Its compact size allowed crews to reach casualties in difficult terrain before transporting them rapidly to nearby surgical hospitals, considerably reducing the time between injury and specialist medical treatment.

This release is associated with Second Lieutenant Byron Howlett Jr., who flew H-13 helicopters while stationed with the 46th Surgical Hospital MASH near the Punchbowl. Pilots frequently operated in poor visibility, freezing temperatures and seasonal monsoon conditions while carrying wounded personnel from frontline areas.

The model recreates the unmistakable appearance of the Bell H-13 with its large transparent bubble canopy, exposed tubular tail structure and two-bladed main rotor. Twin external stretcher litters are fitted alongside the cabin, while US Army medical markings and the restrained olive-drab finish reflect its battlefield role.

Developed from the civilian Bell Model 47, the H-13 was used for observation, liaison, training and medical evacuation. Its simple construction, skid landing gear and excellent low-speed handling made it particularly well suited to operating from small improvised landing areas close to frontline positions.

Limited to 15,000 pieces worldwide, this substantial Corgi release features extensive diecast construction, a detailed transparent cockpit, exposed engine and tail-boom components, twin medical stretchers and a large rotating main rotor. The open structure and fine external detailing make it an especially distinctive Korean War display model.


Fact Sheet

Brand: Corgi

Series: Aviation Archive Forgotten Heroes

Model code: US51902

Aircraft: Bell H-13 Sioux

Pilot: Second Lieutenant Byron Howlett Jr.

Unit: United States Army Medical Service Corps

Associated Hospital: 46th Surgical Hospital MASH

Campaign / Event: Korean War

Role: Medical evacuation, observation and liaison helicopter

Operator / Country: United States Army / United States

Scale: 1:48

Limited Edition Size: 15,000 pieces worldwide

Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components

Special Features: Authentic US Army Medical Service Corps markings, olive-drab finish, large transparent bubble canopy, detailed cockpit, exposed tubular tail boom, visible engine components, twin external medical stretchers, skid landing gear and rotating main rotor


Model Dimensions

Length: 10.75" or 27.3 cm

Width (Rotor Span): 9.25" or 23.5 cm

Condition

Model Condition - Mint (10/10)

  • Comes complete.

Box condition - Good (6/10)

  • The box has some shelf wear to the corners/edges.
  • One side has a rip on the corner as shown in the images.

Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.

Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Grading

Grading Criteria

Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.


Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.


Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.


Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.


Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.


Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.


Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.


Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.


If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.

For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.

Shipping

Dispatch & Tracking

Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.

If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.

Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.


UK Delivery

  • Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.

  • Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.

  • Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.


International Delivery

We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.

  • Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.

  • Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.

 

Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.

If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.


Import Duties & Taxes

For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.

Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.

If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.


We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.

Returns

Returns

You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.

Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.

We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.

To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.