Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA36207
Gloster Gladiator Diecast Model
RAF No.73 Sqn, RAF Debden, England, September 1937
Limited Edition
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Gloster Gladiator | | 4.5" | | 5.25" |
This Gloster Gladiator is depicted in the markings of No.73 Squadron, RAF, which operated Gladiatiors from June 1937 to July 1938 initially at Debden, then at Mildenhall. The Shuttleworth Collection's Gladiator first flew in these markings with the serial number 'K7985' on 17th April 2007. The aircraft is really L8032 and has the civilian registration letters G-AMRK (which are not worn). The aircraft was built by the Gloster Aircraft Co. at Hucclecote, Gloucester in 1944, but was too late to see wartime RAF service and was stored until November 1950. In 1951 it was made airworthy and was registered G-AMRK on 13th June 1952. It was operated by Gloster until 1960 beilng painted as 'K8032' in 72 Squadron markings, then was presented to the Shuttleworth Collection in November 1960. During a major overhaul in the early 1970s, the serial 'L8032; was discovered in several places internally, so the serial and markings were corrected. It was then repainted in RAF camouflage, followed by Norwegian colors until its restoration back to the RAF scheme it wears today depicting an aircraft of 'A' Flight, No.73 Squadron. L8032 is currently the sole airworthy Gladiator in the world.
Corgi’s 1:72 scale Gladiator series includes the early two bladed propeller Mk I, the three bladed propeller Mk II and a Sea Gladiator (an Mk II fitted with an arrester hook). The models in this series faithfully recreate this aircraft, the last RAF biplane fighter. Features include fine gauge wire to simulate the structural bracing wires found between the wings the rear control surfaces, two machine gun pods under the lower wing and two almost hidden synchronized guns mounted on the sides of the fuselage. The radial engine is nicely detailed and clearly visible through the cowling.
Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Optional extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
Gloster Gladiator
Designed as an improvement over the Gauntlet, the Gladiator was first flown on September 12th, 1934. The Gloster Gladiator was a British-built biplane fighter, used by the Royal Air Force and Navy and exported to a number of other air forces. Though often pitted against more advanced modern aircraft, it achieved wartime fame in the hands of skilled pilots, fighting some of the most dramatic battles of the early war years. Sea Gladiators were successful as carrier-based aircraft because their slower speed made them suitable for carrier operations, and because they were less likely to be facing modern fighter opposition.
Pictures courtesy of www.tricatus.co.uk
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